Valve showed a map in a trailer for Counter-Strike 2 about 20 months ago, which could soon finally come to the game.
Which map is it? In Counter-Strike 2, the release of the map “Train” could be imminent.
The map, whose defining features are the eponymous trains, has already appeared in older Counter-Strike installments, such as CS:GO. You could also play Train in Counter-Strike and Counter-Strike: Source.
An updated version of the map was already shown about 20 months ago in one of the first trailers for Counter-Strike 2 on YouTube. In the video titled “Leveling Up The World,” Valve announced the overhaul of CS:GO maps for CS2 and explained what they would change about the maps. They also showed some images of various maps, including Train.
Start video
Counter-Strike 2: Valve once again impresses with the launch trailer
Data miners say Train is coming to CS2
Why could Train soon come to CS? On October 3, 2024, a well-known data miner disseminated information on social networks like X.com (formerly Twitter) that Valve is supposedly working on an updated version of Train.
Now Valve has also changed the profile banner of the official CS2 account on X.com. They often do this when an announcement is imminent. However, the banner only shows a paved area.
This mysterious banner, which only shows asphalt, is according to a data miner an indication of the map’s appearance (via X.com). However, since this is not confirmed information, you should regard the statements of the data miner with skepticism.
Some users do not necessarily see a hint towards Train in the asphalt on the banner. Generally, it is difficult to make a well-founded guess based on the image. Nonetheless, some users believe this could also be a hint towards the map “Cache,” which was also playable in CS:GO.
If Train is really added to Counter-Strike 2 soon, we will probably only find out in the respective patch notes – Valve is not known for having a lively exchange with the community. A Valve developer is regularly pressured on X.com by players, as he occasionally succumbs to a post: One Valve developer speaks publicly about Counter-Strike 2 – players rush to him
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
The characters from One Piece are so popular that they even have a small cameo appearance in other series. Even in The Walking Dead, a Straw Hat pirate appears for a few seconds.
What kind of appearance is that? At first glance, One Piece and The Walking Dead don’t have much in common. One is an anime from Japan where pirates chase their dreams. The other is set in a post-apocalyptic scenario where humans must protect themselves from zombies.
Nevertheless, a viewer of The Walking Dead has now discovered a scene where one of the Straw Hat pirates from Luffy’s crew can be seen. He shares the scene on Reddit where Daryl and Carol ride past a building on a motorcycle:
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If you look closely, you can spot an image of Usopp as graffiti on the wall. Usopp is only visible for a few seconds, but many users in the comments are excited to see one of the Straw Hat pirates in The Walking Dead.
Unfortunately, our own research could not determine from which episode the clip is exactly taken. It is possible that Usopp’s appearance does not happen in the main series but in the spin-off The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon.
Here you can find a trailer for The Walking Dead:
Start video
The Walking Dead – English Trailer for Season 11
Usopp’s appearance in The Walking Dead fits with an arc from One Piece
What do fans say about this? There are several comments connecting One Piece and The Walking Dead. The outbreak of the zombie virus in the series is said to have occurred in 2010. At the same time, there was a time jump in the One Piece manga. Thus, the graffiti would have been created shortly before the apocalypse.
Additionally, many commenters joke that the Thriller Bark arc and The Walking Dead are also related. This arc is the only section in One Piece where zombies appear.
User ConsistentSearch7995 even suggests that the Thriller Bark arc is actually the basis for the story of The Walking Dead. We can be glad that Luffy and his crew made it off the island safely and not like many characters from The Walking Dead who fall victim to the virus.
Pokémon TCG Pocket (in English: Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket) is just under a week old and there’s already a theory on how players can get better cards. Supposedly, one must pay attention to the appearance of the booster packs to draw rare cards.
What is Pokémon TCG Pocket? Pokémon TCG Pocket is a mobile game where players can collect digital Pokémon trading cards. It is similar to Pokémon TCG Live but represents a lighter version and focuses on the collecting aspect.
The game itself is free; two booster packs containing five cards each can be opened per day. Trainers can also spend real money for more openings.
With our video, you will gain deeper insight into the new mobile game:
Start video
Pokémon TCG Pocket scores with pure nostalgia
A crease in the booster packs may be the key
How can players identify better booster packs? When players open booster packs, they have the choice between several packs arranged in a circle. The packs all have the same design (Pikachu, Mewtwo, or Charizard) but all show slightly different creases and folds.
It is supposedly these creases and folds that provide hints about what cards are inside. A crease or fold is said to imply that there is at least one rare card in the pack.
This theory is supported at least by the Japanese player Jedis_tm on X. However, he himself was cautious, as the method does not work every time.
How are players reacting? Players of Pokémon TCG Pocket are divided. Some claim that it has increased their chances of rare cards, while others say exactly the opposite.
Even the X user SoulSurVGC initially mocked the theory and dismissed it as a “playground rumor.” However, shortly after, he posted that the theory would hold true, at least for him:
Furthermore, players are arguing about what exactly to pay attention to. According to one group, it should be the creases at the top edge, while others suggest that the packs that look slightly thicker are the better ones.
Is the theory correct? It is difficult to say whether user Jedis_tm is right. There is at least no verifiable evidence for the trick. For some players, it works, while others experience no success.
In EA FC 25, it is time for the new TOTW 8 (Team of the Week). You can find out what the team looks like here.
Update, November 6 at 7:00 PM: The new Team of the Week 8 is now live in EA FC 25 Ultimate Team. You can see the new cards here:
Here continues with the original post.
What is the Team of the Week? Every week, EA puts together a new TOTW. This team consists of 23 players who stood out with strong performances during the past football weekend.
For this, they receive a place in the Team of the Week and improved Inform cards that can be found in packs for one week.
These are TOTW Predictions: In the TOTW Predictions, we present forecasts for the new TOTW from the FUT community. The performances of the players are closely examined and predictions are made.
However, it is important to note that the predictions are not a guarantee for the final Team of the Week 8. They provide a good overview and can also be used to earn some coins in Ultimate Team.
Start video
Tips for a Perfect Start in EA FC 25 – Ultimate Team
When will TOTW 8 be released? The Team of the Week 8 will be released on Wednesday, November 6 at 7:00 PM in EA FC 25 Ultimate Team.
The prediction for Team of the Week 8 in EA FC 25 Ultimate Team
The predictions for the next Team of the Week come from the FUT site futbin.
In a livestream, the father of US Twitch streamer Zack “Asmongold” Hoyt complained that his son never cleaned his car, a Mustang. Due to Asmongold’s careless handling of the vehicles, engine damage had apparently occurred.
What was the stream about? On November 4, 2024, Asmongold was asked during a livestream on Twitch why he no longer had his old car, a Mustang.
The fans knew the Mustang from Asmongold’s stories, where he liked to mention the Mustang as proof that, even though the streamer is a multi-millionaire, he doesn’t care for luxury and still lives just like before.
Asmongold explained that the dealership had classified the car as a total loss because one of the mirrors was broken. That was enough for the car to no longer be sellable and could only be used for salvageable parts. The broken mirror was also the reason why the premium for his car insurance increased.
He had driven the car for a total of 20 years. Additionally, engine problems had occurred; repairing them would have cost as much as buying a new car. Therefore, Asmongold ultimately gave up the beloved Mustang.
Asmongold is not the cleanest in terms of cars either: his house suffers the same fate. Now the streamer wants to clean up his house, as you can see in the video:
Start video
Twitch streamer and multimillionaire wants to clean his dirty house because visitors get sick and it ‘debuffs’ him
“It’s damn time for you to grow up”
What does his father say about it? Asmongold’s father apparently watched the livestream and did not want to leave his son’s false statements unchallenged. He quickly called him to correct the story, which was captured in a clip on Twitch.
His father reported that the Mustang was driven by Asmongold for only six years and was handed over to his son in very good condition. It had previously belonged to his father himself.
According to his father, Asmongold left out a few things in his story:
The vehicle was always full of cups and trash, and it smelled “like a damn dump.”
Furthermore, the engine damage reportedly occurred because Asmongold did not change the oil regularly.
How does Asmongold react? The Twitch streamer is visibly embarrassed. His attempts to steer the conversation in another direction did not prevent his father from publicly embarrassing him.
So the Twitch streamer asked if there were any drinks or trash in his current car, but his father only replied: “It’s damn time for you to grow up and keep your damn car clean. I used to take care of that for you.”
How does the community react? The live chat is making fun of the Twitch streamer parallel to his humiliation. Things like “Caught”, “Destroyed,” or “You just got roasted!” are being written in the live chat.
One of the founders of Rockstar, Dan Houser, made a statement in an interview in 2018 that takes on a new light as of today, November 6, 2024. The now 50-year-old said: He is grateful that GTA 6 will not be released during Donald Trump’s presidency. However, GTA 6 will now be released during such a presidency and times are even crazier than Houser feared.
What exactly did he say back then? In an interview with GQ, Dan Houser spoke in 2018 about the Western epic Red Dead Redemption 2. Back then, when Trump was president, Houser was glad that the release date of GTA 6 would not fall during Donald Trump’s term.
He was elected in 2016, but even if he had served two consecutive terms, he surely would have left office, if GTA 6 would be released.
Therefore, Dan Houser says:
It is really unclear what we would do with it, not to mention how much people would be upset about whatever we do. Both the intense liberal development and the intense conservatism are both very militant and very angry. It is frightening, but also strange, and yet both seem to occasionally tip into the absurd. For these reasons, it is difficult to parody them. Some of what you see is simply beyond satire. It would be outdated within two minutes because everything changes so quickly.
Rockstar Games shows GTA 6 for the first time in the trailer
GTA 6 as a satire on a time that is already a satire
What it’s about: GTA 6 has always been a wild satire on the current times. Red Dead Redemption 2, on the other hand, was a game about a past time period that has little to do with the present.
After Trump won the US election today, GTA 6 will be released in exactly such a world that Houser feared back then. It is a world that itself appears to be a caricatured satire:
Both the conservative and the liberal camps are at least in the USA even more militant than in 2018 and angrier
Trump tips into the absurd even more often than before (via youtube)
And much of what would have seemed exaggerated satire in 2018 has already actually happened
Who is Dan Houser? Dan Houser (50) co-founded Rockstar Games with his brother Sam Houser. He was involved in 5 GTA games; his last game was Red Dead Redemption 2 in 2018.
In update 44, the MMORPG The Elder Scrolls Online received a non-binary companion: Tanlorin. This leads to a discussion in the community, which is now being addressed.
What kind of character is this? Tanlorin is a new companion in The Elder Scrolls Online who is non-binary. Zenimax uses the neutral pronoun “They” for him in English. In German, Zenimax uses male pronouns.
Tanlorin came with update 44 on October 28, 2024, to the PC version. The update will appear on PlayStation and Xbox on November 13, 2024.
Already 2 months ago, when Tanlorin was introduced, the presentation sparked a discussion – and the character is still being discussed now.
Start video
Elder Scrolls Online: Conquer the Battlegrounds – Trailer introduces the highlight of Update 44
Criticism of 28lazy design3 began 2 months ago
This was the criticism during the presentation: During the presentation 2 months ago, Tanlorin’s design was criticized on Reddit for adhering too closely to many clichés that exist about non-binary characters. This is considered lazy design. The character has short colored hair and a physical appearance that is right in the middle. According to the cliché, a non-binary character should not look male or female. Tanlorin corresponds exactly to these ideas.
Others say: If you introduce such a character, you should put in some effort. It looks like you are just pandering to one part of the community.
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Criticism: The character is discriminated against, but for a different reason
What is the criticism of how the character appears in the game? In the ESO forum, a thread was created on November 3, 2024, criticizing the quest for Tanlorin. The “Summer Isles” were portrayed as very progressive, with many LGBTQ+ characters. Therefore, there should be no reason for Tanlorin to be treated so harshly.
In the quest for Tanlorin, an artificial conflict is created where Tanlorin is discriminated against, but not really for being non-binary, rather for being “different”.
The thread creator criticizes: ESO wants to address a “hot” topic from the real world, but would cheat in the storytelling. The Elder Scrolls Online explains Tanlorin as a member of an undesirable caste of “broken children” rejected by society for being different:
It took a long time, but I finally understood it. Actually, the text is bad. Very, very bad. It uses language that evokes the feeling of “society excluded me for being LGBTQIA+”, but actually… Tanlorin is a Hulkynd. The author made no effort to use this term anywhere, as it might dilute the intentional mixing of fantasy and modern politics, but yes… nothing in this whole quest line has ANYTHING to do with Gender Studies or identities or any of the hot topics of our time, except that Tanlorin is made into a They.
Criticism: The character feels like a modern college student in a fantasy world
As others add, the conflict feels foreign and as if it doesn’t belong to the world of Tamriel. Instead, it would depict a real-world issue in Tamriel, but in fantasy form. There has been a desperate attempt to cram gender oppression into the game and it has completely destroyed the character.
Another says: He really wanted to like Tanlorin, but the character feels like a college student from the real world planted into a fantasy world. All other LGBTQ+ representations in ESO are much better executed. This one is not.
What is a Hulkynd? The High Elves in the world of Tamriel strive for perfection. A “Hulkynd” is a child who does not meet these standards and is therefore cast out.
Zenimax emphasizes that they worked closely with non-binary people
What do the developers say? In a statement to The Gamer, narrative director Bill Slavicsek addresses the criticism that Tanlorin doesn’t fit into the world:
We have mixed marriages and gay and lesbian characters in abundance in the game. It just makes sense to us that all possibilities exist in Tamriel. We treat it as a real and living world. You might just not notice it because we don’t shout it from the rooftops or put up signs everywhere proclaiming it. And do you know why? Because the world in Tamriel simply is the way it is.
No character in the world bats an eye or finds it unusual to encounter the baker and his husband, the maid and her wife, or to let Naryu and Jakarn flirt with you, regardless of your character’s gender. Not to mention the alchemy, the three living gods of the Tribunal, or the Daedric princes that can appear as any gender! That is part of the world and therefore not a big deal.
They made sure to hire a non-binary actor to voice the role in order to create the character with great care. They have a group of queer community voices working with the team, and the content’s author identifies as non-binary as well.
The Elder Scrolls Online has been praised in the past for its successful handling of LGBTQ+ characters, but with the new character, it seems that, despite collaboration with members of the queer community, it hasn’t been fully successful: ESO handles LGBTQ+ like the real world should
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Nintendo shut down an online network for old consoles. Yet one player bravely held the line. But now the last player had to go offline as well because his console crashed.
What was that network? On April 9, 2024, Nintendo shut down the Nintendo Network. This was an online service that started in 2012. Thanks to the network, players could use an online mode in certain games on the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U.
With the shutdown, all games on the old consoles lost their online functionality. However, one player was still online until recently until a crash spoiled his plans.
Start video
All known features of the PS5 in the official trailer from Sony
Player stays online for another 200 days thanks to patch until his console crashes
The English site TomsHardware.com reports that a player was still online until recently despite the shutdown. After all, it was more than 200 days after the official shutdown of the servers by Nintendo.
What was the trick behind it? The trick was an unofficial patch that the user Fishguy6564 implemented on his device. This patch prevented the game lobby from closing automatically. By using bots that endlessly raced against each other, continuous activity in the lobby was simulated. This technical solution allowed the server connection to be maintained well beyond the official end.
In an interview with GamesRadar, he said at the beginning of his testing that he never believed it would even work. He stated:
I didn’t think we would survive the official shutdown at all. From that moment on it was just a test to see how long we could hold out.
What caused the end? The user’s Nintendo 3DS crashed because the device apparently could no longer handle continuous operation. And thus ended the online match of the lonely user.
The T1 team dominated the international scene of League of Legends for the last 3 years with exactly the same lineup of 5 players: Faker, Zeus, Oner, Gumayusi and Keria. The CEO, Joe Marsh, raves: This is the best lineup in LoL history. But in 12 days, 4 of the contracts expire. Fans wonder: Will the team stay together?
This is the situation: Since 2022, the current lineup of T1 has been playing together in this form:
Faker (28) is the only experienced player on the team. The midlaner had already won 3 world championship titles for T1 at an early age.
Keria, the supporter, was already regarded as a star at 17 and made his debut in 2020 for the Korean team DRX. He was so strong that T1 brought him on board in 2021 to replace the then-struggling supporter Effort.
Oner, Zeus, and Gumayusi all came from T1’s own youth program. ADC Gumayusi was already promoted to the main team in 2021, with Teddy making way for him. Top-laner Zeus and jungler Oner were promoted in 2022. None of the three have ever played for any other team than T1.
Start video
LoL – Hall of Legends: Faker Trailer
In 3 years, the team became world champions twice and reached 3 World Championship finals
This is how strong the team is: Since the 5 players have been playing together in this form, they have primarily impressed internationally. Over the last three years, they have reached the finals of the World Championship each year and won two World titles.
Such success is an exception in LoL. Most teams fail to deliver such consistent performances. The world champion from the previous year often faces problems in the next year.
World champion teams from years like FunPlusPhoenix (2019), Edward Gaming (2021), or DRX (2022) no longer played any significant role in 2024. Even DAMWON Gaming, who looked like the team for the next five years in 2020, have since fallen apart and didn’t even make it to the quarter-finals of Worlds in 2024.
What do the players say? After winning the World Championship, the players were asked if they would stay together (via x).
Keria hesitated with his answer and then said: He doesn’t know if he would even be able to play in 2025. But if he plays, then … – He was evidently overwhelmed by his emotions and stepped back at that moment.
ADC Gumayusi took over and stated that contracts are too sensitive a topic to discuss here. He did, however, imply that he definitely wants to stay on the roster and sees a possibility that the team stays together. But ultimately, each player must decide for themselves.
Will Oner or Zeus receive an offer they can’t refuse?
What speaks against them staying together? In the discussion among fans, two main possibilities are mentioned as reasons a player might leave:
It is anticipated that a lot of salary is tied up with Faker. And it could be that an extremely strong financial offer, an offer “that you can’t refuse,” comes in for one of the other players.
Or it could be that a player leaves the team because the pressure to perform in year 4 is so great.
T1 says: They are well prepared to retain the players
What speaks for the team staying together? The owner Joe Marsh speaks highly of the players, stating that this is the best roster of all time (via x). He wants to keep the players, especially since there are no upgrades for any of the 5.
There is also a statement from T1’s COO, Josh, that there will not be an “exodus” and that they are well prepared to retain the players (via youtube). Fans shouldn’t be nervous.
Also, the statements from Keria and Gumayusi are seen as confirmation that the team could stay together.
Furthermore, T1 as a team has the possibility to pay the players more than other teams because they are calculated more favorably against the salary cap.
Empire of the Ants will be released on November 7, 2024, on Steam. In this strategy game, you control the fate of an ant colony in large battles.
What kind of game is it? Empire of the Ants is a real-time strategy game for PC and consoles. In it, you command an army of ants of different classes and fight in large battles against other small forest dwellers to expand your empire.
Empire of the Ants will be available on November 7, 2024, on the following platforms:
PC: Steam, GOG.com, and Epic Games Store
Consoles: PS5 and Xbox Series X|S
The launch trailer showcases the game in its best light:
Start video
Empire of the Ants: The launch trailer for the unusual strategy game on Steam
What does the trailer show? Empire of the Ants runs on Unreal Engine 5 and visually impresses accordingly. Detailed animations bring the various forest dwellers to life, which include not only ants but also animals like snails, various insects, and more.
Solo Campaign and Multiplayer Battles
What does the game offer? The centerpiece of Empire of the Ants is the solo campaign: According to the developers, it lasts around 20 hours on Steam and is based on the novel of the same name by French author Bernard Werber.
During the campaign, you will engage in large battles, conquer enemy territory, and thereby expand your empire. Alternatively, you can befriend other species. They will then aid you in battle, functioning as a sort of mobile support. For example, you might fly into battle on the backs of large insects.
In addition to the campaign, there is a multiplayer mode. There, you face off in battles against other players. If the ranked mode feels too stressful, you can also play against friends or the AI in a private lobby.
How is the game being received so far? Buyers of the digital deluxe edition get 3 days of early access to the game. Therefore, the first reviews are already available on Steam, even though there are only 70 of them (as of November 6, 14:23).
The reviews so far are 77% positive. The graphics and the exciting concept are particularly praised. However, opinions on the gameplay are divided, as a look at the reviews shows:
Raffneck(GER) writes on Steam: “A beautiful and unhurried game that is almost meditative. It has a fresh and great setting where you experience adventures as an ant. As far as I can tell, it’s ‘bug-free’… insane wordplay^^”
Trippy Crawl expected an RTS with more depth. His conclusion on Steam: “Pricing a glorified tech demo about ants at €40 is ridiculous. If it had been €20, I would have been less critical, but you get a lot more depth in a 10-year-old RTS game for €20 than in this game. This game just looks pretty.”
Steam user Commander is excited about the game but also criticizes somewhat repetitive gameplay. He writes on Steam: “I like something different for a change. This game really has the potential to stand out. There are many changes that can be made and areas to explore to make the game more attractive. The game runs well and without issues. My only problem is that the game becomes a bit repetitive if you play for an extended time.”
Other players have had less luck with the game’s performance. To get a better impression of the game, you might want to wait for the official release. In the following days, there should also be more reviews on the game that you can refer to.
The former professional player “Scump” is a legend in Call of Duty. However, the world champion of 2017 regrets that he did not switch to another shooter.
Who is it about? Seth “Scump” Abner (29) is a former “Call of Duty” professional. To this day, he is considered one of the best CoD players in the world and is extremely well-known among fans of the shooter.
On Twitch, Scump has 1.7 million followers and regularly streams to over 14,000 viewers.
With Call of Duty, Scump has won over 1.19 million US dollars in prize money.
In 2016, Scump received the award for “Esports Console Player of the Year”.
In 2017, Scump became world champion in CoD: Infinite Warfare with OpTic Gaming.
In January 2023, Scump ended his career as a professional CoD player. He last played for Team Envy. Today, he works as a content creator for OpTic Gaming and plays various shooters in live streams on Twitch – but still primarily Call of Duty.
On October 30, Scump was a guest on the podcast “Around The Bar” by Davis “Hitch” Edwards, who is also a content creator for OpTic Gaming (via YouTube).
Start video
In CoD: Black Ops 6, there is a mission that gives players chills
Retirement after the world championship title to play another game
What does Scump regret? Scump shares in the podcast that he regrets some decisions he made in the past. For instance, he is annoyed that he did not retire from his CoD pro career years ago and instead played and streamed Fortnite.
Scump’s conversation partner, Hitch, then asked whether he would tell his former self to retire after winning the world championship title and play Fortnite. Scump confirmed the thought: “Yes. I love competitive gaming more than anything, obviously, it was my whole life, but that is one thing I regret.”
During the great rise of Fortnite, Scump continued to play Call of Duty professionally – however, he was not able to win another world championship title.
Scump would have liked to benefit from the Fortnite hype
Why does he regret it? This regret primarily relates to Scump’s view of the hype that Fortnite had. Many streamers who made Fortnite their main game in 2017 and 2018 did financially very well.
The developers of Throne and Liberty actually wanted to clear up many uncertainties for players with an article about the rules for loot distribution. However, the details published have raised new questions.
The simple rule: The greater a player’s contribution to a raid boss kill, the greater the chance of receiving an epic item from the so-called contribution loot. For PvP world bosses, however, the contribution of all guild members is decisive.
Therefore, find an active community. More on this in this video:
Start video
Throne and Liberty: Deshalb ist eine große und aktive Gilde so wichtig
Does Throne and Liberty favor all damage dealers?
What remains unclear? After the post, various discussions started within the community, as the new information did not clear up all uncertainties – for example in this thread on Reddit or under this post on Reddit. What is unclear:
What exactly does “individual contribution” mean?
Does this mean damage caused AND healing caused?
What about tanks who deal less damage than pure DPS specialists – is their generated threat also measured to balance that out?
As for healers: Does only effective healing count, or also overhealing?
Many players fear that the loot distribution system – based on current knowledge – clearly favors damage dealers. And this is increasingly the case, as bosses die faster due to the average increasing item level of participants, making it harder for healers to make an “individual contribution”.
MayonnaiseOW expected more (via Reddit): “This is not clear enough. For example, when it comes to healing, are green numbers enough? Or do group members actually need to take damage for it to count? What about threat? Is pressing those buttons against peaceful bosses completely useless? This article is not what I expected.”
Anxnymxus writes on Reddit: “Now it makes sense why I always see mages and archers from top guilds grabbing the majority of the loot.”
Emperor_Ratorma compares on Reddit: “Those with good gear have a higher chance of getting more… Sounds like capitalism.”
NintendoJesus points out on Reddit: “I agree that this system is nonsense. But I also want to point out that they haven’t really explained anything.”
LongjumpingRip1471 has a suggestion (via Reddit): “World bosses die so quickly, and you don’t even have to do the mechanics. Just give everyone the same chance if they deal a minimum amount of damage. It’s not that hard.”
In a new game like the Pokémon TCG Pocket, there is usually something new that players can discover, especially at the beginning. A player has reported a discovery on Reddit.
Recently, the new Pokémon TCG Pocket was released for Android and iOS devices. The game, which in a way can also be seen as a Pokémon GO alternative for lazy players, once again brings the Pokémon trading card game to mobile devices.
One of the core elements is undoubtedly collecting cards that you primarily receive by opening booster packs. The fact that the selection of the booster is not as random as you might think has now been proven by a trainer on Reddit.
Start video
Pokémon TCG Pocket scores with pure nostalgia
Selecting the booster is a waste of time
What did the player find out? Currently, there is only the booster series “Unbeatable Genes” in the game, where you can choose between the versions Mewtwo, Pikachu, and Charizard. Depending on your choice of version, you can receive different cards in the booster.
Once you have chosen a version and pressed the “Open 1 Pack” button, you can choose and open various boosters from that version.
And this selection has no impact on the cards you draw from the booster. As the player stated in his post on Reddit, he was already able to see the cards his friend would draw when his friend was still in the process of selecting the booster.
In the wonder selection, you can draw one of the cards that a friend of yours received in the last booster. And if you are quick enough, you can even find out which cards your friend will draw before he knows it himself.
Thus, it is completely irrelevant how often you go through all possible boosters during the selection and which one you choose: The cards you receive are already predetermined by the game.
Therefore, it doesn’t matter if the boosters are depicted as slightly thicker, thinner, or with a slight crease at the top end of the booster. All of that has no influence on the cards you receive.
In Throne and Liberty, Tevent, the spirit of the courtesan, is an Archboss. He only appears in the game once a week. The Archboss is a particularly tough nut to crack. MeinMMO shows you how to take him down.
Where can you find the Archboss Tevent and what can he do? Tevent is a level 50 Archboss who currently appears only once a week in Throne and Liberty, specifically every Wednesday at 7 PM server time. The event alternates between PvP and PvE. You can recognize a peaceful PvE event by the blue dove.
You can find Tevent in the northwest of the ruins of Turayne. The Archboss appears in the center of the Tevent Temple. Prepare well for the boss, as he is not easy to defeat. In the arena, there is sometimes a conflict zone, so you also need to be ready to face other players.
If there is a PvP zone during the Archboss encounter, the rules for loot distribution are different than in a PvE event. Be sure to have your guild with you in the conflict zones and make sure not to die, so you have a better chance of loot.
Once you are well equipped and your guild is gathered, you can begin. MeinMMO reveals what you need to pay attention to with Tevent and how his attacks and mechanics work, so that you can defeat the Archboss.
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Guilds are incredibly important in Throne and Liberty, as you can see here:
Start video
Throne and Liberty: Deshalb ist eine große und aktive Gilde so wichtig
Throne and Liberty Tevent – Archboss Mechanics
Since the Archboss can appear as a peaceful boss or in a conflict zone, you need to be particularly vigilant. If there are two red crossed swords at his symbol, other players can attack and take you down during the Archboss encounter. Moreover, the loot distribution is different than in a PvE event.
If the Archboss is in a conflict zone, it is advisable to team up with your guild. Together, you can try to take control of the outer ring of the arena. If you stand at the edge of the action, you’ll have not only a full view but also an easier time damaging the other players in the inner circle.
Watch the arena, and if someone is careless while dodging a mechanic of the boss, that is your moment to attack the player from behind. If players run to the water to free themselves from debuffs, you can ambush them perfectly. If you take someone down, you nullify 70 percent of their individual contribution to the guild, which increases your chances of loot.
But be prepared against the mechanics of the Archboss yourself, so you don’t fall victim to them. If it is a PvE event, only your individual contribution counts towards increasing your chance for a reward.
Bones from the Ground
The Archboss makes purple lines appear on the ground, after which bones shoot up from the earth within three seconds, dealing damage to you. Dodge the purple lines beforehand, and you will be safe.
Dive
If he shouts “Plummet to the depths of hell!”, he will dive two to three times in random directions towards the edge of the arena. If he catches you, he could finish you with a thrust if you don’t have enough defense. To avoid this, move out of his line of sight as soon as he starts shouting his spell and looking in the direction he aims to plunge into.
When he jumps back into the center of the arena, he triggers a powerful area attack which you can survive. If not, run to the inner platform and jump into the water to protect yourself from his attack.
360-Degree Daggers
When Tevent starts gathering multiple spirits in his body and briefly glows purple, it’s time to get away. Because afterwards, he will throw multiple daggers in a 360-degree area attack, and the closer you are to him, the more daggers you will receive. So try to run away from him when you see him charging the attack.
Purple Lightning
During the fight, Tevent’s hand glows purple to charge his lightning. If he unleashes this on several random players, the lightning will subsequently place a strong DoT debuff on them, causing damage over time. You can try to block the lightning before it hits you. If you get caught, it is possible to get rid of the DoT debuff under the waterfalls. If it rains in the game, you’re in luck; you can just jump into the river that forms.
Wrath Attack
Tevent also has a wrath attack that can deal significant damage. He will perform this twice in a row. So make sure you have enough stamina to block the attack.
For a perfect block, wait until the large purple circle gets smaller and touches the inner purple circle. Then press the block key. If you achieve the perfect block, you can follow up with an extra ability using the same key.
If you defeat Tevent, you will receive the boss chest of the conquest reward as a guaranteed reward with a chance for good rewards. If you are particularly lucky, you can obtain one of the following items:
Tevent’s Sword of Despair
Tevent’s Wrath Fangs
Tevent’s Grip of Withering
Tevent’s Bow of Wailing Death
Shadow Picker Boots
Field General’s Greaves
Charge Commander’s Greaves
Frost Lutrang
High-Quality Stalon
Rare Stalon
High-Quality Armor Growth Stone
Rare Armor Growth Stone
High-Quality Emeret
Rare Emeret
High-Quality Accessory Growth Stone
Rare Accessory Growth Stone
Rare Polished Crystal
Noble Polished Crystal
Tevent’s Soul Fragment
Now you should be prepared for the battle with Tevent to take him down. If you have any other issues with other bosses or general questions about Throne and Liberty, check out our overview. We have listed all the guides for the new MMORPG there: Throne and Liberty: All Guides for the start of the new MMORPG.
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
In Pokémon GO, the next event awaits you. Along with a new Shiny, it brings some interesting bonuses.
What kind of event is this? This event is called “Harvest Festival”. It starts on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 10:00 AM and runs until Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 8:00 PM.
In addition to the debut of a new Shiny Pokémon, you can expect other bonuses and changed Pokémon spawns. We have summarized what to expect.
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Dynamax in Pokémon Go – How to participate in the gigantic battles
All content of the Harvest Festival
Which Shiny is new? Olini, the Pokémon from Generation 9 with the types Olivinio and Olithena, will be available for the first time in Pokémon GO as a Shiny. After making its debut at last year’s Harvest Festival in Pokémon GO, it will be available this year for the first time as a Shiny.
Additionally, on November 12, between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM, there will be a Spotlight Hour featuring Olini. So you have another opportunity to encounter many examples of it.
What wild Pokémon are available? During the event, there will also be wild Pokémon that you can encounter. These include the following:
Myrapla*
Owei*
Hoppspross*
Sonnkern*
Miltank*
Zigzachs*
Scoppel*
Olini*
Irrbis (size S)*
Irrbis (size M)*
Irrbis (size L)*
Irrbis (size XL)* (rare)
All Pokémon marked with a * can also appear in their Shiny forms.
What bonuses are there during the event? Additionally, you can look forward to the following bonuses during the event:
Double the number of candies when catching Pokémon.
Increased chance of encountering a Shiny Irrbis.
Moss Lures attract changed Pokémon such as Alolan Kokowei, Snorlax, Irrbis, and Olini.
Irrbis attracted by Moss Lures have an increased chance of appearing as XL specimens.
Field Research: During the event, there will again be special field research tasks that you can complete. Completing them will reward you with encounters with Irrbis of all sizes and Olini.
What other contents are available? In line with the event, there will also be collector challenges again. Rewards include stardust and multiple encounters with Olini.
You can also participate in PokéStop showcases again, where you can join with Pokémon matching the event.
For $2 (approximately €2), you can also purchase a paid, limited-time research. You have until the end of the event to complete the tasks and collect the rewards. These include:
2 Moss Lures
1 Incense
1 Lucky Egg
Multiple encounters with Olini
The Harvest Festival is just one of the events happening in Pokémon GO in the coming weeks. If you want an overview of all the activities you can participate in soon, feel free to check out our overview of the events in November 2024 in Pokémon GO.
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Generation Z is generally quite tech-savvy. However, surveys show how much fear many have of embarrassment, especially because they are young.
The title image is a symbolic image.
Does Gen Z not particularly like technology? Generation Z carries a certainty through early professional life: technology is our specialty. Current data from the Federal Statistical Office confirms this. No age group is more willing to tackle new devices or is more confident in their abilities to handle them than people between 14 and 25.
But the working world that young adults entered during the pandemic poses special challenges: online conferences as a daily routine and then, months or even years later, the office as a completely new environment.
We have already introduced the somewhat special relationship of Gen Z to their workplace separately. But aside from all the niceties at work, it is mainly about meeting expectations for job starters. And here, some of them may find their self-image and outside perception as tech-savvy to be a hindrance, as surveys from 2022 show.
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Students spy on passersby with hidden cameras and AI, find name and address in seconds
Gen Z’s fears of tech mishaps
What is the problem of Gen Z and technology in the office? Whether working from home or on-site: devices of all kinds, such as printers, computers, or even the coffee machine can be tricky. In a survey by the LaSalle Network, half of the surveyed graduates of 2022 indicated that they felt inadequately prepared for the job market regarding technology.
Here, specific questions are asked about problems in online conferences and how affected individuals feel. It turns out that individuals aged 15 to 29 feel judged 5 times more often when technology fails them in a meeting. If a camera malfunctions or a microphone refuses to work, 1 in 5 of the younger cohort indicates that they are treated with disdain. Among participants over 50, it is only 1 in 25.
When it comes to the emotional experience of navigating such social-technical constraints, the difference doubles: younger individuals report being ashamed 10 times more often, even when the environment acts neutrally or supportively towards them.
Does Gen Z feel obligated to deal with technology? Yes, at least this tendency can be gleaned from the linked datasets above. This is not a scientifically founded finding, but a thought-provoking spotlight on a psychologically challenging environment for young people.
According to unconfirmed reports about planned restructuring and layoffs at NCSoft (Guild Wars 2, Throne and Liberty), the large MMORPG studio is now providing a possible reason for these drastic measures.
What is that reason? The officials at NCSoft have released the financial report for the 3rd quarter of 2024, and it unfortunately does not read very positively:
The operating loss for the quarter is expected to be around 14.3 billion South Korean Won (approximately 9.5 million Euros).
While there was an increase in revenue from mobile games (up 16 percent, largely attributed to Lineage M), PC game revenues fell by 6 percent compared to the previous quarter.
Another reason for the losses: The increased expenses of 16 percent, which are largely due to significantly higher marketing costs that NCSoft incurred to promote new expansions and games.
With Janthir Wilds, the revenues from Guild Wars 2 were supposed to increase… here is the launch trailer for the current expansion:
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Guild Wars 2: Launch trailer by Janthir Wilds prepares you for the new adventure
MMORPG Companies in Crisis
What is happening with Throne and Liberty? As in the previous quarters, the NCSoft officials did not reveal any figures for the MMORPG Throne and Liberty, which launched in Korea in December 2023, in the current report.
However, the official release on October 1, 2024, would not have had any impact on the recently released business report.
It is strange that NCSoft is leaving the hottest asset from their game development so neglected. Perhaps we will find out in the next report in early 2025 whether T&L is successful globally or not.
What is currently happening at NCSoft? If the reports from October 2024 are to be believed, Throne and Liberty does not seem to be generating enough revenue to maintain the status quo. Comprehensive restructuring is being discussed. A significant number of employees from game development are expected to lose their jobs. However, there are still no officially confirmed details about this.
It is also unclear whether current MMO projects will be affected by these measures. These include:
Aion 2, which is still planned for the year 2025.
A new MMORPG based on a world-renowned IP, set to release in 2026 and to use Unreal Engine 5.
A backpack from Europe has become a cultural asset in Japan. The Randoseru backpack regularly appears in animes, mangas, and films, where characters are shown starting school.But what lies behind the backpack that sells for more than 500 Euros?
What kind of backpack is it? The “Randoseru” is a backpack traditionally used by Japanese students and even university students for their entire academic career. The name comes from the Dutch word “ransel,” which means backpack (via sicoba.de).
With its rigid, rectangular structure, equipped with various pockets and compartments, the Randoseru backpack appears in animes, mangas, and films whenever a school-age character is depicted. By now, this backpack has become a part of Japanese culture. However, the “Randoseru” did not originate in Japan.
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In Germany, there are over 400 USB sticks protruding from walls – What is the ‘Dead Drops’ project?
Military modernization brings European backpack to Japan
Where does the backpack come from? It is said that the Randoseru was already used by Japanese soldiers in the Edo period (1603-1867). In the 1880s, students from Japan’s elite private schools began to use their military backpacks for carrying their school supplies as well.
How the backpack came to the military is due to a modernization of the army at the end of the Edo period. Among the numerous adaptations was the introduction of a new uniform that was modeled after the Ransel backpacks of Dutch soldiers and included the Randoseru as one of the clothing items issued to the troops.
After World War II, the school system was once again changed and modernized in March 1947 and corresponds roughly to what is in use in Japan today. After 1955, the use of the backpack spread in Japan’s elementary schools.
Today, these backpacks are available in a variety of colors and embroidery, ranging from anime characters to more modern designs. However, the core of the backpack, including its shape, has remained identical. To this day, the backpack is closely associated with Japanese culture.
What does the backpack cost? Prices start at around 500 Euros but can exceed the 1,000 Euro mark significantly depending on the level of detail and workmanship. The argument often cited for the high prices: Such a Randoseru lasts a lifetime and is often used not just by one generation, but often by several.
Japan is also special in other school matters: Some elementary school students in Japan have the opportunity to experience One Piece as part of their school curriculum. They learn with the program to figure out their own dreams and express them artistically: Children in Japan have the opportunity to experience One Piece as a school subject
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
The successful survival game Enshrouded on Steam is receiving its biggest update yet. Several major innovations are on the way, and fitting for winter, it will get chilly in the game.
What kind of update is this? The new update “Souls of the Frozen Frontier” will be the largest update for Enshrouded so far. As the developers announce on Steam, several systems are being overhauled or newly introduced. However, the centerpiece is likely the expansion of the world with a new biome.
The area “Albaneve Summits” takes you to cold peaks that not only create a wintry atmosphere but also make your character freeze. Included are icy lakes where you can slide around like on ice skates, snowy paths where you leave your footprints, and above all, many frozen peaks.
A dynamic weather system that brings you snow and rain is also new. However, the update offers much more than just snowy magic on the screen.
You can watch the Enshrouded trailer here:
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Enshrouded: The Early Access trailer for the new survival hit on Steam
Fan wishes are being fulfilled
What else will change with the update? The patch, in line with the new area, also brings new enemies and animals into the game. At the same time, the maximum character level has been raised to 35. The enemies in the new area start at level 28.
Animals are clearly the focus of this update. New are dogs and cats that can roam your base. While they don’t help out directly, they provide you with buffs when you pet them. The developers have intentionally introduced some different fur colors into the game so that you can feel as though your real pet is along for the ride.
Is that it for the animals? No, because animals also play a central role in a second aspect of this update. In the future, you will also be able to breed animals. A feature that many fans have wished for from the beginning and is now being implemented.
To start animal breeding, you first need to tame non-hostile animals and bring them to your base. If you provide them with enough food and shelter, your herd will grow over time by itself.
In this YouTube video, the developers present their update:
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What happens to the NPCs? The NPCs in Enshrouded have so far been your useful assistants, but not exactly an enrichment for a lively base. This changes now with the new update.
NPCs are given new life with the patch “Souls of the Frozen Frontier”. Your assistants will now explore the base, take breaks, chat with you, and go to bed at night. By this time, you should set up a sleeping place for them because without a bed, they will sleep on the floor.
There are also two new types of NPCs:
The craft assistants that you can deploy in secondary bases to craft there without taking an NPC from your main base.
The town residents who give you quests and later move into your base. The residents also drive the story of Enshrouded forward.
The survival success from Germany brings many improvements to the game with the update “Souls of the Frozen Frontier” and is getting closer to a full release. The developers announced that their game will remain in Early Access for about a year. A release is to be expected in early next year. You can see what features are still coming this year here: New survival game from Germany has 2 million players and reveals how it will get even better in 2024
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
On the YouTube channel of MeinMMO, we introduce you to the top 7 mobile MMORPGs that you can play in 2024.
If you enjoy playing MMORPGs but are often on the go, mobile MMORPGs are a great option. However, there are quite a few of them, and not every one is worth your time. That’s why we present our top 7 on YouTube, which you can dive into right now.
You should find something on this list, whether you prefer a classic style, enjoy action-packed battles and stunning graphics, or are looking for a hardcore experience. Many of these games are also available for both mobile devices and PC, so you can play them on both platforms.
Here are our top 7 mobile MMORPGs you can play in 2024:
Old School Runescape
Tower of Fantasy
Black Desert Mobile
Eve Echoes
Albion Online
Adventure Quest 3D
Dofus Touch
You can find out why we specifically recommend these games in the video:
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Was there something for you, or are you already playing one of the games on the list? Feel free to let us know in the comments. If you’re currently looking for your next favorite MMORPG on PC, it’s worth taking a look at this article: The 10 Best MMORPGs 2024 – Which One is Right for Me?
This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
