Pax Dei with a rough start in Early Access, many buyers are using Steam’s refund option

Karsten Scholz Karsten Scholz Reading time 4 minutes

On June 18, 2024, Pax Dei entered Early Access phase. However, the early access did not go smoothly at all. Many buyers are struggling with technical issues. Additionally, some MMORPG fans are disappointed with the scope and direction of the game.

Those who have read the play report from MeinMMO from the last alpha test phase of Pax Dei know: The sandbox MMORPG from Mainframe Industries balances between several genres and has several issues that need to be addressed urgently. Those expecting a classic online role-playing game will be disappointed.

Exactly this is now reflected in the impressions of many buyers of the freshly launched Early Access version of Pax Dei. On Steam, the sandbox adventure currently has just over 500 reviews, of which only 41 percent are positive. At peak times, there were over 10,382 players online in Pax Dei via Steam (via steamdb.info).

The trailer for the launch of the Early Access version of Pax Dei:

Start video
Pax Dei: Trailer for the Early Access launch shows beautiful medieval world

What does the community criticize in detail? In their reviews on Steam, as well as on other platforms like reddit, many players take the time to dissect Pax Dei thoroughly. Here is a selection of the major points of criticism:

  • Many Pax Dei adventurers complain about lags, bugs, poor server instability, and performance problems.
  • The limited scope of the Early Access version is criticized, as is the current state of elements like the user interface and systems like combat.
  • Pax Dei often feels like a typical survival game but does nothing better than its strong competitors.
  • Games like Enshrouded have the better, more refined building system.
  • Pax Dei wants to be a social MMO, but important features like trading and currency are not yet implemented, and even the chat leaves much to be desired.
  • Progression is very slow and grindy. It takes time to acquire important recipes, discover all essential resources, and equip your character well enough to take on bears and other foes. When playing solo, the grind factor noticeably increases.
  • Here and there, it is also criticized that there are no clear statements regarding the final payment model and the amount of the monthly subscription.

Many of the critics draw a comparable conclusion: In its current state, Pax Dei is not worth 40 to 100 euros. A “product refunded” label looms beneath various negative reviews.

The graphics of Pax Dei receive much praise, but the performance is difficult.
The graphics of Pax Dei receive much praise, but the performance is difficult.

Where Shadows Fall, There is Also Light

Is there also praise from the community? In the positive reviews (after all, 41 percent of 500+), the solid foundation is often praised and the potential that the Early Access version of Pax Dei offers is highlighted.

The user Womp even compares the game to a popular classic (via Steam):

“This game is made for people who loved Star Wars Galaxies. Building is fun and not restrictive, the skills are tricky and rewarding, and it is slow. Players make cute outfits and dress up, and engage in role-playing. They build taverns, houses, and shops which they then operate. They commission other players, trade, and chat. It’s fun.”

Many players also express great enthusiasm about the stylish graphics of the game world, which uses Unreal Engine 5. Especially if you own a computer that runs Pax Dei smoothly at high settings, excitement spreads.

In Pax Dei, you can pursue a career as a blacksmith and provide other players with armors and weapons.
In Pax Dei, you can pursue a career as a blacksmith and provide other players with armors and weapons.

How does MeinMMO editor Karsten Scholz evaluate the feedback as well as the Early Access version of Pax Dei? Many of the criticisms show that some of the statements made prior to the EA launch by Mainframe Industries did not resonate with parts of the community.

  • The developers emphasized beforehand that buyers should expect a genuine Early Access phase, with many issues, missing features, and server wipes.
  • Moreover, they clarified a few days ago on the official website what Pax Dei is not: not a theme park MMO, not a medieval simulation, not a survival game, not a fast-paced game, not a game for single players (via Mainframe Industries).

Additionally, there were numerous play reports from the alpha test phase, thanks to which it was clear what kind of gaming experience Pax Dei currently offers. Various buyers of the founder’s packages seem to have started the Early Access phase quite uninformed, leading to a nasty surprise.

More on Pax Dei:
The most successful MMORPG from Germany since Tibia is not only becoming more beautiful but also conquering new platforms
von Karsten Scholz
3 Raids, 4 Dates, 9 Bosses – How WoW Midnight Starts the New Raid Season
von Karsten Scholz

What can also be credited to the developers: On the official Discord channel, there were regular status updates well into the night (03:34 AM). Mainframe Industries was visibly eager to resolve the worst issues promptly. However, it will likely take some time before Pax Dei becomes a recommendable game.

But even then, the social MMO will likely only appeal to a niche audience due to its unusual orientation. I hope that it will be large enough for the community interaction on the servers to function properly. You can find more information about the game here: Pax Dei has entered Early Access – All important information on scope, system requirements, price, roadmap

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

EURO Recaps in FC 24: Secret tasks promise many XP – Here’s how to solve ‘Unique’ and ‘Le Roi’

Thomas Dummer Thomas Dummer Reading time 2 minutes

In FC 24, new tasks have appeared for the EURO 2024. If you complete them, you will be rewarded with a decent amount of XP. However, some tasks are hidden behind a riddle. We have the solutions for you.

What are these secret tasks? The new secret tasks are part of the task block “EURO Highlights”. These are meant to remind you of historical moments, teams, or players in the history of the European Championship. You have until July 11 to complete the tasks.

EURO Highlights consists of 5 sub-tasks. Each of these tasks gives you 400 XP when completed. For finishing the entire block, you will receive another 400 XP as a bonus.

Why it is worth getting XP quickly this season and how you can efficiently earn more XP is explained here for you: Path to Glory in FC 24: 3 tips to climb many levels weekly in the Season 7 ladder

3 of the 5 tasks are puzzling and expect you to search for a solution. Here, you can see all the solutions at a glance.

Start video
EA Sports FC 24: Update teaser for the UEFA Euro 2024

EURO Highlights: All solutions for the secret tasks

Below, we briefly summarize the riddles for you and then present the solution. You can complete the tasks in any mode of Ultimate Team.

Le Roi

Riddle: we are looking for the country of a player who scored 9 goals in 5 games in 1984

This is the solution for Le Roi: The Frenchman Michel Platini is the player we are looking for. So grab a player from France and score 9 goals with him in any mode.

Unique

Riddle: we are looking for the professional with the most goals and most games in European Championships

This is the solution for Unique: The Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo is the player we are looking for. With one of his 6 versions in Ultimate Team, you need to score at least 2 goals in 5 separate matches. However, obtaining a Ronaldo card for less than 600,000 coins is currently very problematic because everyone needs CR7.

Trophy Cabinet

Riddle: we are looking for the two nations that have already been European champions 3 times

This is the solution for Trophy Cabinet: The countries meant are Germany and Spain. Create a team with at least 5 Spaniards and 5 Germans and win 4 matches with them.

More on the topic
FC 24 Pre Season: In Ultimate Team you can secure strong packs for FC 25 with just 3 games a day – but you have to hurry
von Thomas Dummer
„I have never seen anything like this“ – Twitch streamer pities the opponents of the new world champion in FC 24
von Julian Schröder
Wonderkid dominates in the largest tournament of FC 24, directly claiming the title
von Julian Schröder

The tasks can be very well combined. You can build a complete team of Germans and Spaniards to achieve full chemistry. Just add a Ronaldo card and a French player on the bench. Substitute them during the game to score goals with these players. Some have already made history, while others want to write a new success story. With our Make Your Mark Tracker, you can accompany the stars on their journey.

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

Throne and Liberty started poorly in Korea, thanks to Amazon Games the launch in the West should succeed

Karsten Scholz Karsten Scholz Reading time 5 minutes

Parallel to the announcement of the release date of Throne and Liberty, an article appeared on the official website of Amazon Games, in which the publisher, as well as developer NCSoft, comment on the upcoming launch in the West.

When will Throne and Liberty be released? The MMORPG by NCSoft will be released with a Free2Play model on September 17, 2024, for PC, PS5, and Xbox, in North and South America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. Amazon Games will accompany the launch as the publisher. From July 18 to 23, 2024, an open beta phase is planned to take place on PC and consoles.

In South Korea, Throne and Liberty was already released in 2023. However, the MMORPG fell short of NCSoft’s expectations there. Consequently, the leadership of the team changed. Ahn Jong-ok is reported to have stepped down from his position. Executive Director Moonyoung Kap is now setting the direction, and is openly considering a mobile port.

What influence does Amazon Games have on Throne and Liberty? Similar to Lost Ark, the studio behind New World is handling tasks such as localization, marketing, publishing, and management of the live service.

In an article on the official website of Amazon Games (via amazongames.com), Moonyoung Kap explains what fruits this collaboration has already borne:

Even though some international players are already enjoying the experience on Korean servers, we do not often have the opportunity to gather and evaluate comprehensive feedback. Thanks to the collaboration with Amazon Games, we received feedback from a broad audience of global users.

Amazon Games did not simply dismiss user needs as demands. They convinced our team through various reports and data of why certain changes were necessary and how many users would welcome them.

Moonyoung Kap, Camp Captain at NCSoft for Throne and Liberty

According to Daniel Lafuente, Globalization Design Manager at Amazon Games, the direction Throne and Liberty has taken over the past year has been significantly shaped by the hosting of public testing phases and the insights gained from them.

The adjustments arising from the insights aim to ensure that Throne and Liberty “hits the mark with a global audience” upon launch in September. How? By improving the core experience while preserving “what makes Throne and Liberty so great.”

The new trailer for Throne and Liberty introduces you to the world of Solisium:

Start video
Throne and Liberty: New trailer reveals release date, introduces the fantasy world of Solisium

The Strengths of Throne and Liberty

What is to characterize the MMORPG? Throne and Liberty places a strong emphasis on content where large groups of players can cooperate or compete against each other, such as siege battles, guild wars, and world boss challenges.

Moonseop Lee, Game Design Director at NCSoft, praises an aspect that many participants in the recent tests had also highlighted positively:

“For many, Throne and Liberty offers a seamless gaming experience, even in environments where many players meet. This is one of the strengths of the game. A multiplayer online RPG is distinguished from a single-player adventure by the large number of players. That is why we are very proud of the technical skills of our development team.”

Daniel Lafuente emphasizes this strength of the MMORPG:

The game is based on a few really powerful technologies that make massive PvP battles and events, where thousands of players compete against each other, and the smooth experience we have all learned to love, possible.

I love the pursuit of greatness and spectacle, but what excites me the most is the focus on the community. Throne and Liberty has an exceptionally deep guild system that allows players to face challenges together with friends. It’s the perfect mix of modern features for cooperation on such a large scale.

Daniel Lafuente, Globalization Design Manager at Amazon Games

What advantages do guilds offer in T&L? Moonseop Lee also has an answer to this question: “In Throne and Liberty, many goals can be achieved through guilds, such as guild leaderboards, conquest battles, or castle sieges. Guilds are at the heart of strategic, competitive battles.

Guild members pursue common goals hand in hand and benefit from a guild reward system. This includes receiving raid items and rewards from events that are shared among members. However, the greatest incentive of a guild is the sense of belonging. You always have a companion at your side.”

Throne and Liberty focuses on content for large groups of players.
Throne and Liberty focuses on content for large groups of players.

What are conquest battles? Conquest battles are large PvP events in which guilds compete against each other for two objective goals: blessing stones and discord stones. The guild that controls one of the two stones receives valuable bonuses and guild resources. Furthermore, the guild that possesses a discord stone is granted the exclusive opportunity to challenge a daily field boss.

What happens during castle sieges? In castle sieges, players compete against each other to capture a … you guessed it … castle. In these chaotic battles, sophisticated strategies are supposed to lead to victory.

The attackers must strategically divide their forces, effectively use unique elements like golems, and secure respawn points. Smaller guilds are also intended to participate and contribute, for example, by taking over looting sites to collect taxes.

Which animal form from Throne and Liberty should it be?
Which animal form from Throne and Liberty should it be?

What else does Throne and Liberty offer? In the MMORPG, you can expect PvPvE dungeons, a classless character system that allows you to switch between two weapon types at any time, as well as a game world that is supposed to make exploration feel rewarding.

The latter is supposed to be supported both by the dynamic transformations into animal forms and by the way the game world reacts to weather phenomena. Torrential floods, for example, can inundate areas extensively.

What experience does Amazon Games have with MMORPGs? Amazon’s Games division has already shown that it can handle successful MMORPG launches with New World (internally developed) and Lost Ark (developed by Smilegate).

With 1,324,761 (Lost Ark, rank 4) and 913,027 (New World, rank 7) concurrent active players, it has managed to etch itself into the all-time top 10 on Steam (via steamcharts.com) not just once but twice. However, retaining a large number of players long-term has not yet succeeded. Both MMORPGs have suffered from various issues since their respective launches, which persist to this day.

More about Throne and Liberty:
More on the topic
Throne and Liberty was not allowed to be called Lineage, but plays like a modern Lineage 3
von Karsten Scholz
More on the topic
Throne and Liberty: Crossplay, PS5, Classes, Guides, Servers – everything important about the MMORPG
von Alexander Leitsch

The comparison with Lost Ark arises not only because Amazon Games acts as a publisher for another Asian developer here. The payment model will also be comparable in T&L (Free2Play with in-game shop).

Thus, Amazon Games’s goal for T&L must be to create a foundation for the launch in September that avoids the issues of Lost Ark (bots, grind/random factor in endgame, overwhelm) and builds an active community in the long term. More information about the new MMORPG: Amazon Games is bringing Throne and Liberty in September – trailer, date, and open beta

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

„I need a motivation“ – Gronkh shares his trick to get into sports, celebrated by the community

jacquelinek jacquelinek Reading time 2 minutes

Gronkh shares his personal sports tip with his community on Twitch to stay motivated.

What sports trick does Gronkh share? In one of his recent streams, Gronkh talks about how he stays active. When asked where he keeps all his sports equipment, he answers that he has everything set up in the living room. The reason for this is that he can watch Animes while exercising.

Of course, Gronkh is not the only influencer concerned about his physical fitness. The Twitch streamer Trymacs started a three-month fitness challenge with colleagues to feel fitter again.

Start video
„Stop giving me money against my will“ – This is how confused Gronkh was by his first donation on Twitch

“I need some motivation”

Why does Gronkh do this? Gronkh explains in his stream on Twitch that he needs it to have motivation to exercise. He compares it to people who always need music to work out; he needs the Animes for exercising. With this perspective, he seems to find a lot of resonance in his community.

When asked how his partner feels about him filling the living room with fitness equipment, he starts laughing: Yes, yes, she always hates me when I do that, but not in a bad way, of course.

More on the topic
Trymacs doesn’t want to deal with Riot anymore after the win challenge because he can’t play LoL with anyone
von Caroline Fuller
Twitch streamers discover a new game, trap their colleagues on an island and see what happens
von Johanna
Twitch streamers receive $4,000 for 6 words in a 6-second clip
von Johanna

Reactions from the community: Although the tip may not seem new to many in the community, some agree that it also helps them motivate themselves for sports. Some users write under the clip on TikTok:

  • Nerozar writes: Same here. Either I’m watching something or gaming on the console.
  • Mr.&Mrs. LvL Up comment: Please, what could be better than having a pedal trainer in the living room and gaming at the same time? It’s a total game-changer.
  • mrsbrown_eye notes: First a round of Sailormoon on the treadmill.

Finally, Gronkh caught attention with the new unofficial Settlers game. He liked it so much that he is now in the game, and his viewers love it. You can read about how it happened here: Twitch streamer Gronkh loves the new unofficial Settlers game so much that he’s now in the game – And people love it

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

I spent 3 days in Elden Ring: DLC to find all the map pieces and there were only 5

Christos Tsogos Christos Tsogos Reading time 3 minutes

Elden Ring will receive its long-awaited DLC in just a few days. While most fans are still eagerly waiting for the release, I was already given the chance to enter the Shadow Lands and suffer. The content and bosses were impressive, but what drove me to the edge of madness was the map.

With my 10 years of Souls experience in various FromSoftware games, I was thrilled when the editorial team gave me the opportunity to play the DLC before anyone else. I downloaded the update, picked my best build, and immediately threw myself into the Shadow Lands. I thought, “If the DLC is as big as Limgrave, I’ll be through in less than 12 hours” – ha, was I naive.

Alongside the most intense bosses I have ever fought, it was primarily the map that kept me occupied the longest. Everyone wants an overview of the individual areas, but in order to achieve that in the DLC, you will either get lost for hours or resign in despair.

Who is writing here? 10 years in the fascinating universes of Hidetaka Miyazaki and still, MeinMMO author Christos Tsogos can’t get enough of the relentless worlds of Souls games. From Demon Souls to Elden Ring, he has completed it all and platinumed each game. With much experience in bosses and a good sense of navigation, Christos maneuvered through the Souls content like it was nothing, yet the DLC even slowed down our expert and showed him that experience alone is not enough.
GameStar Black Edition 03/24 Elden Ring + Shadow of the Erdtree
GameStar Black Edition 03/24 Elden Ring + Shadow of the Erdtree
Bundle aus Heft und Gratis-Epaper
Epaper direkt nach der Bestellung herunterladen
  • 164 Seiten zu Elden Ring und dessen Erweiterung
  • Hauptspiel-Lösung mit allen Quests und NPC-Storys
  • Erdtree-DLC: so funktionieren die neuen Mechaniken
  • detaillierte Karten und die besten Spots zum Leveln
  • Kämpfen müsst ihr immer noch selbst
12,99 €

In the DLC, everything is winding, including the map

In Elden Ring, there is the majestic Erd Tree – straightforward and pure like the Golden Order. In the Shadow Lands, the Scad Tree – winding and decayed. If you want to explain how complicated the map of the DLC is, just look at the gloomy tree from a distance. Trailers and images from FromSoftware already showed the black Scad Tree on the horizon of the Shadow Lands.

Elden-Ring-Scadubaum
Two trees tightly intertwined – the Scad Tree

I knew the expansion would be complex, but I didn’t expect such complexity. Before I wanted to search the entire map for secrets, I wanted to unlock the map. As usual, fragments must be collected for this, and there are only 5 in total, instead of the 19 examples that could be found in the Interlands.

When you unlock the first part of the map, you would think that the areas of the Shadow Lands are simple, vertical, and easily accessible, but I spent 3 days wandering around the world trying to figure out how to uncover them. It drove me so crazy that I had to take several breaks to avoid completely losing my mind.

Even though the map demoralized me, I have to say that the team behind the DLC did a fantastic job. The expansion gives you the feeling that you don’t belong here. You are supposed to feel lost and disoriented, and that is exactly what the map’s design creates. Although I have now unlocked the entire map, I still get lost and forget paths that I had already discovered.

More on the topic
Elden Ring: Best Boss Order for the Lands Between
von Marko Jevtic
Elden Ring: Finding bell bearings and buying smithing stones – All locations 2026
von Tarek Zehrer
Elden Ring film: Release date, trailer and cast – Everything you need to know about the upcoming film adaptation
von Niko Hernes

Not only complicated but also extensive

In addition to the complex map design, there is also praise for the scope of the DLC. Hidetaka Miyazaki promised a lot regarding the content, and I must say, FromSoftware has outdone themselves. I couldn’t collect all items like weapons or armor, but according to Fextralife (source: youtube.com), there are the following contents:

  • 8 new weapon types
  • 95 new weapons
  • 10 new shields
  • 39 new talismans
  • 14 new spells
  • 28 new summons
  • 20 new spirit ashes
  • 25 new war ashes
  • 30 new armor sets

I was already overwhelmed by the amount of upcoming content only to find out that I had only collected half of it. Many users are excited about the information regarding the content density and express their excitement on Reddit:

  • “Basically, we have a game within the game. The Elden Ring will definitely not be the same after Friday” – Lightjumper0103
  • “The excitement/magic is back after a few years, the seconds are being counted down” – Dubbs09
  • “Their servers will finally melt down” – Serious_Ad_1037
  • “30 new armor sets! More to collect. MORE TO COLLECT.” – astraldreamer1
  • “I just collected at least one weapon, one talisman or one piece of armor this week. I can’t wait to collect so much more” – ItsRainingTrees

The DLC will not stay behind closed doors for long. It is set to launch in Germany at midnight on June 21. Players will then be able to venture into the Interlands, defeat Messmer, and uncover the secrets of Miquella and Queen Marika. I, for one, was shocked by the ending, and I believe you will be as well. We’ll see each other in the Shadow Lands, Stained.

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

WoW: Some quests can only be seen if you play ‘evil’ characters

Cortyn Cortyn Reading time 3 minutes

In World of Warcraft: The War Within, your character cannot complete all quests. Because some tasks are not suitable for you.

With The War Within, there is the usual truckload of new quests for World of Warcraft. Every area is full of them, thus advancing the story. However, with the new expansion, there are some missions that are not intended for all types of heroes. Only those who play with evil forces can see them.

The latest trailer for WoW: The War Within:

Start video
WoW: Trailer for the release date of The War Within

What kind of quests are these? In The War Within, there are some quests that can only be accepted and completed by certain classes or races. For example, on the island of Thorn, only Demon Hunters or Warlocks can accept a mission to catch a demon. However, there is also a quest in Healing Fall that many will never see.

Who is the quest for? The quest “Prove One’s Mettle” is available from Derill Fayn in Healing Fall, after you have completed a few other tasks for him. It is only accessible to the following characters:

  • Void Elves (Race)
  • Forsaken / Undead (Race)
  • Demon Hunter (Class)
  • Death Knight (Class)
  • Warlock (Class)
  • Shadow Priest (Specialization)

Members of these groups will hear derogatory comments from Derill in advance, such as: “Once a creature of the shadows, always a creature of the shadows.”

WoW Derill Quest War Within
Derill wants extra proof that he can trust you – he lets you fight against shadows. (Image source: wowhead)

WoW players must prove they fight on the side of light

What happens in the quest? The quest is basically an extra mission to prove to an NPC that you are really fighting on the side of light and not for the darkness. The Arathi Derill Fayn wants you to kill a “manifestation of darkness,” which is essentially the essence of shadows. He doesn’t really believe that you will help, as he thinks you serve the shadows and will abandon him.

So, he is quite surprised when you stand by him and help to vanquish the shadows. Afterwards, he is a bit friendlier towards you and seems to respect that even heroes with shadow or void magic can contribute.

Why is Blizzard doing this? In the past, Blizzard has often included small details that can only be used or seen by certain races or classes. For instance, priests in “Battle for Azeroth” had different interactions with Xal’atath, as they already knew the shadowy lady from Legion. Elsewhere, red dragons react very sensitively to death knights, as they destroyed many dragon eggs in the past.

It is clear that Blizzard wants to show with such mini-quests or additional dialogues that you are not just the interchangeable, nameless hero of Azeroth, but that your own character is recognized in some ways. It makes a difference whether you are a human paladin or a Ren’dorei warlock.

More around WoW:
The 16 MMORPGs with the most players according to official numbers from the developers
von Karsten Scholz
WoW: Midnight Tier List – Ranking of the Best Classes for DPS, Tanks and Healers
von Christos Tsogos
With a bit of luck, you might soon be able to play the largest new MMORPG 2026 on PC
von Karsten Scholz

At the same time, Blizzard also ensures with such quests that everyone can somewhat identify within the game world. Especially in Healing Fall, the story revolves strongly around the Holy Light and its powers – which could make a warlock, void elf, or demon hunter feel out of place.

That such mini-dialogues can have a big impact on game enjoyment and immersion was already demonstrated by Baldur’s Gate 3 in the recent past. There, there were dialogue options that could only be used by specific sub-classes or species. WoW has also drawn inspiration from Baldur’s Gate 3 in other ways, namely with the new potions.

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

Console players are already envious of how Valorant deals with cheaters on PS5 and Xbox

Dariusz Müller Dariusz Müller Reading time 3 minutes

Valorant has been playable in beta on Xbox Series and PS5 since June 14, 2024. The first shooter fans are already diligently testing the console version of the tactical shooter and sharing their impressions on social media. A particularly large discussion was sparked by Riot’s handling of cheaters on PS5 and Xbox Series X, as players of another tactical shooter are envious of the strict measures.

How is cheating done on consoles? The biggest cheating problem in shooters on consoles is the use of mouse and keyboard (often referred to as “MnK”) in games that do not support mouse and keyboard play. This applies, for example, to the console version of Valorant, but also to Ubisoft’s tactical shooter Rainbow Six: Siege.

In both games, mouse and keyboard control is not natively supported. Players who still want to play with mouse and keyboard resort to so-called spoofers. These are devices that trick the console into thinking a controller is being used when it is not.

In both Rainbow Six: Siege and Valorant, the use of mouse and keyboard on consoles is considered cheating. Ubisoft and Riot take a clear stance on this and impose penalties when players still use mouse and keyboard on consoles. However, the penalties imposed by Riot Games in Valorant are received much better by players than those from Ubisoft.

Start video
Riot Games shows the console version of Valorant

How does Valorant deal with MnK players? If a player is caught using a mouse and keyboard in Valorant, they are banned and the match is immediately ended – no one loses MMR (points in ranked) or has to waste their time in games against cheaters.

Riot Games states very clearly:

Mouse and keyboard are not supported, and attempts to use them on consoles (e.g., spoofing) will lead to a ban. Valorant for consoles is intended to be played with a controller.

Developers of Valorant on the use of mouse and keyboard on console via riotgames.com

How does Rainbow Six: Siege deal with MnK players? In Rainbow Six: Siege, console players who use mouse and keyboard are not banned. Instead, since 2023 there has been a so-called MouseTrap system.

If “MouseTrap” detects that a player on console is using a mouse and keyboard, that player receives what is known as input lag. Input lag manifests itself, for example, through delayed movements – the player might move their mouse, but the corresponding action in the game only occurs with a noticeable delay.

With Year 9 Season 4, players who have been detected using a spoofer three times to play with mouse and keyboard on console will also be added to the PC matchmaking player pool for 90 days.

More on the topic
More on the topic
In the new hero shooter FragPunk, you let your opponents grow huge heads and unleash the grim reaper on them
von Linda Knabe
More on the topic
The 25 Best Shooters 2025 – These PvP and PvE Games Impress with Their Gameplay
von Dariusz Müller
More on the topic
„How like a tech demo and costs 30 €“ – The most realistic bodycam shooter on Steam causes mixed feelings
von Cedric Holmeier

“What has Ubisoft actually been doing for years?”

Why are players now envious of Valorant? A Reddit user shared a video in the Rainbow Six: Siege subreddit showing a player banned in Valorant on console for using a spoofer.

The user writes: “Valorant has just been released on consoles and they have already started banning Xim cheaters. What has Ubisoft actually been doing for years?” The user criticizes Ubisoft’s approach with their post and sounds envious of Valorant’s system.

Here you can see the user’s video on Reddit:

Recommended editorial content

At this point you will find external content from Reddit that complements the article.

I consent to external content being displayed to me. Personal data can be transmitted to third party platforms. Read more about our privacy policy.
Link to the Reddit content

Other Reddit users also criticize the MouseTrap system in the comments and praise Valorant for issuing bans. Many players wish Ubisoft would also ban players instead of just giving them input lag.

Rainbow Six: Siege has had a problem with “mouse and keyboard” players on consoles for years. They have a significant advantage in Ubisoft’s shooter because there is no aim assist like in Call of Duty or Apex Legends to help controller players aim.

Ubisoft also has to face a lot of criticism in the current season of Rainbow: Six Siege because they added a new feature to the tactical shooter that is not well received by players: Ubisoft is considering a new feature for their most successful shooter and everyone hates it immediately.

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

ASUS ROG Ally X: Everything you should know before the release of the gaming handheld

Benedikt Schlotmann Benedikt Schlotmann Reading time 3 minutes

The ASUS ROG Ally X is the successor to the ROG Ally and one of the most exciting competitors to the Steam Deck. MeinMMO has gathered all the important information for you and explains what you should pay attention to before making a purchase.

The manufacturer ASUS showcased the ROG Ally X at Computex 2024. The device was introduced as a successor to the popular ROG Ally. But is an upgrade or a new purchase really worth it?

MeinMMO presents you with all the important information regarding the ROG Ally X.

[toc]

ROG Ally X: Price and Pre-order

How much will the ROG Ally X cost? The ROG Ally X will cost 899 euros at release, making it significantly more expensive than its predecessor. For comparison:

  • The ROG Ally launched at a suggested retail price of 799 euros.
  • The Steam Deck OLED costs 679.00 euros with 1 TB of storage.
  • The Lenovo Legion Go cost 699 euros at release.

Can the ROG Ally X be pre-ordered? Yes, you can currently pre-order the handheld directly from Asus.

Oops, unfortunately this affiliate widget is no longer available.

ROG Ally X Release

When will the ROG Ally X be released? The ROG Ally X will be released on July 22, 2024. You can already pre-order the handheld.

ROG Ally X Specs

What are the specs of the ROG Ally X? ASUS has made some adjustments and specifications with the ROG Ally X. While the processor remains the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme, other things have changed more significantly. You can find all the details in the following table:

ROG Ally X vs ROG Ally:

ASUS ROG Ally XASUS ROG Ally
ProcessorRyzen Z1 ExtremeRyzen Z1 Extreme
Graphics CardAMD Radeon: 12CUs, up to 2.7 GHz, up to 8.6 TeraflopsAMD Radeon: 12CUs, up to 2.7 GHz, up to 8.6 Teraflops
RAM24GB LPDDRX516GB LPDDR5
Storage1TB PCIe Gen4 M.2 SSD500 GB PCIe Gen4 M.2 SSD
Battery and Power Supply80 WHrs with 65 watt power supply40 WHrs with 65 watt power supply
Operating SystemWindows 11 HomeWindows 11 Home
Wi-Fi and BluetoothWi-Fi 6E (802.11ax, Triple band 2×2) and Bluetooth 5.2Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax, Triple band 2×2) and Bluetooth 5.2

ROG Ally X: Differences from ROG Ally

What differences are there? The ROG Ally differs significantly from its predecessor, the ROG Ally. We summarize all the similarities and differences for you.

Design and Ergonomics:

  • The ROG Ally X is black and no longer white.
  • The grips are rounder and the trigger buttons are wider.
  • The ROG Ally X weighs slightly more than its predecessor (70 grams).
  • ASUS uses Hall effect joysticks in the Ally X, which are said to be better against stick drift.

RAM, Storage, and Connections:

  • The battery is twice as large (40 WHrs vs 80 WHrs).
  • The RAM is larger (16 vs 24 GB) and faster (6,400 MT/s vs 7,500 MT/s).
  • The storage is larger, and ASUS has opted for an M.2 2280 SSD, which is significantly more common than the M2 2242 SSD found in the ROG Ally.
  • Thunderbolt 4 instead of XG-Mobile interface: The proprietary connector for ROG XG Mobile eGPUs has been removed, and instead, a USB-C connector with Thunderbolt 4 has been used.

What remains the same?

  • The display remains an IPS display with 120 Hz, 16:9 aspect ratio, and Full HD resolution.
  • The Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor remains identical.
  • The ROG Ally continues to use Windows 11.

ROG Ally X vs. Steam Deck OLED

The quick facts in comparison:

  • Price: The Steam Deck is slightly cheaper compared to the ROG Ally: The ROG Ally X starts at a suggested retail price of 799 euros, while the Steam Deck OLED costs “only” 679 euros.
  • Hardware: The ROG Ally X offers better hardware, a better display, and overall more performance.
  • Battery Life: The Steam Deck offers slightly better battery life.
  • Operating System: The Steam Deck uses Steam OS (Linux), while the ROG Ally X uses Windows 11. This makes the ROG Ally X more versatile.
ASUS ROG Ally XSteam Deck OLED
ProcessorRyzen Z1 ExtremeAMD Zen 2, 6 nm APU
Graphics CardAMD Radeon: 12CUs, up to 2.7 GHz, up to 8.6 TeraflopsAMD RDNA 2 (8 CUs)
RAM24 GB LPDDRX516 GB LPDDR5 RAM
Storage1 TB PCIe Gen4 M.2 SSD512 GB NVMe-SSD
1TB NVMe-SSD
Battery and Power Supply80 WHrs with 65-watt power supply50 WHr
Operating SystemWindows 11 HomeSteam OS (Linux)
Wi-Fi and BluetoothWi-Fi 6E (802.11ax, Triple band 2×2) and Bluetooth 5.2Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E, 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz, 2×2 MIMO, IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax
Display7-inch, IPS display with FHD (1920 × 1080), 16:9, and 120 Hz7.4 inches, OLED with 1280 x 800 and 90 Hz
More about Hardware and Tech
A new setting makes Crimson Desert even more immersive, and we show you how to set it up
von Christos Tsogos
Nvidia CEO says: AI will not take your jobs away, but will annoy you and give you more work than ever before
von Claudio Niggenkemper
The MMORPG to Star Wars is taking the next step for better graphics, breaking the game down into its components
von Cedric Holmeier

More about Gaming Handhelds: Gaming handhelds are on the rise, and since the Steam Deck, numerous new devices have been released. MeinMMO introduces you to the most well-known and important gaming handhelds that you should know: The 8 best gaming handhelds of 2024 that you should know

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

One Piece: In the upcoming manga chapter, there is a person who becomes like Luffy

Jasmin Beverungen Jasmin Beverungen Reading time 2 minutes

The leaks for the upcoming manga chapter 1118 of One Piece are out and already reveal what will happen next. The spoilers reveal what Luffy wants to encourage another character to do.

Warning, spoilers: The article contains spoilers for the upcoming manga chapter 1118 of One Piece. The chapter will be released on June 23, 2024.

Which character will become like Luffy? Straw Hat pirate Luffy transforms into his Gear-5 form again in chapter 1118. He unleashes the true potential of his Devil Fruit and becomes the Sun God Nika, defying the laws of physics. During his transformation, he encourages Jewelry Bonney to do the same (via reddit).

As the leaks reveal, Bonney then fully transforms into her Nika form. This gives her the same powers that Luffy has already gained by unlocking his Gear-5 form:

  • Nika can transform the environment into rubber, allowing her to grab lightning or bounce on the ground as if it were a trampoline.
  • The Sun God can enlarge his body parts independently.
  • With this comic-like form, Luffy can create objects out of nothing, such as a baseball bat, helmet, and paint.

Since Bonney can also transform into Nika, she will have the same powers as the Sun God. It was already foreshadowed in previous chapters that only her imagination prevents her from becoming like Nika.

The whole spectacle is still taking place on Egghead Island. You can find the matching trailer for the arc here:

Start video
One Piece: New trailer shows first images from the Egghead Island arc

These powers lie dormant in Jewelry Bonney

When did Bonney show the powers? Actually, Jewelry Bonney has eaten from the Age-Age Fruit. This allows her to change her own age and that of others at will. That’s how Bonney keeps herself older than she actually is.

Additionally, she can use a special technique that pumps her arm up. This allows her to deliver harder blows, which she used in the fight against Saturn, an immortal being. You can see the technique in the tweet from X-user CJDLuffy:

Recommended editorial content

At this point you will find external content from Twitter that complements the article.

I consent to external content being displayed to me. Personal data can be transmitted to third party platforms. Read more about our privacy policy.
Link to the Twitter content

Bonney can only use this technique because her faith in the Sun God Nika is so unshakable. Once doubts arise, she loses her powers. Now that Luffy has transformed into the Sun God Nika, she seems to have unlocked her full potential and can fully switch to the Nika form as well.

More about One Piece
The actors of the Straw Hat crew from One Piece want a Marvel star for the series, would like to cuddle him
von Jasmin Beverungen
One Piece: When does Episode 1159 come out? All about the release of the new episode
von Jasmin Beverungen
A member of the Straw Hat crew is missing in an emotional scene of the new episode of One Piece, fans sense a conspiracy
von Jasmin Beverungen

What else is happening in the new chapter? In addition, there are some other things that the leaks reveal:

  • Dr. Vegapunk’s message is complemented by the words The name is…. This could refer to a person who stands out from the D.-name series. However, the giant robot in which he is located sinks into the sea.
  • The giant robot, however, realizes beforehand that Bonney and Luffy have transformed into Nika. He rejoices with the words “It is here!”.
  • More characters like Leo and Rebecca are seen, who have been following Vegapunk’s message.
  • The Five Elders then capture Atlas and Lilith, two of Dr. Vegapunk’s satellites.

It remains to be seen whether more characters will follow who will gain the same powers as Luffy. Either way, Bonney and Luffy make a good team that can fight against the Five Elders. MyMMO editor Jasmin Beverungen is already excited to see how Bonney’s transformation will look in the anime. She particularly liked Luffy’s transformation: One Piece: Luffy awakens his Devil Fruit for the 2nd time – I’ve watched the transformation 5 times because it’s so good

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

This is the perfect class if you want to start Tarisland as a WoW player

Cedric Holmeier Cedric Holmeier Reading time 2 minutes

Tarisland will be released on June 21, 2024, and is attracting the attention of many players. Especially veterans from World of Warcraft are interested in the new MMORPG. We will tell you which class is the best fit for WoW players.

What kind of class is it? In Tarisland, there are a total of nine different classes, each with different abilities, orientations, and especially resource systems. One class is not only the most iconic of the game but is also perfect if you want to start with Tarisland as a WoW player.

We are talking about the Barbarian Fighter, who, like a tiger on two legs, wreaks havoc in the world of Tarisland with his two war axes.

You can watch the trailer for Tarisland here:

Start video
Tarisland shows ‘Rage of the Dragon’ in the new trailer

Like the Warrior from World of Warcraft

Why is this class the right one for WoW players? The Barbarian Fighter is a melee class with two war axes and can be played both as a damage dealer and as a tank. In Tarisland, switching between the two roles is possible at the push of a button.

The Barbarian Fighter is one of the strongest classes in the game from the very beginning. He can take some hits as a melee fighter and deal good damage.

Another reason for the recommendation is the resource system, which is the core of every class. For the Barbarian Fighter, it works quite simply, as he has two energies that can be filled up:

  • The first resource is bestiality, which fills up through the ability “Wild Strike”.
  • The second resource is reason, which is gained through the ability “Axe Thunder”.
  • The ability “Wrath of Thunder” consumes 60 units of each energy type and deals damage to the target.
The Barbarian Fighter from Tarisland with two war axes in front of a winter background.
This is what the Barbarian Fighter looks like.

What does the class remind you of? The class is reminiscent of the Warrior from World of Warcraft with his rage system. The mirror class in Tarisland might initially seem a bit simpler, but over time, the rotation and resource acquisition change through the distribution of talent points in the talent tree.

Thus, even the damage-dealing path can be played in two different variants, giving you even more freedom.

More about Tarisland
Our MMORPG expert predicted at the beginning of 2025 which MMOs will die – Now it is clear: As a fortune teller he is useless
von Karsten Scholz
2025 will go down in history as one of the worst years for MMORPG fans
von Karsten Scholz
In 2024, an MMORPG in the style of WoW wanted to conquer the global market, but now the servers are offline forever
von Karsten Scholz

Is there anything to consider with this class? The Barbarian Fighter plays quite intuitively, making him suitable for beginners. If you play him as a damage dealer, you should pay attention to the stats of your equipment.

For your equipment, you should focus on the “Combo” stat, and depending on your talent tree, use “Omni” or “Cooldown” as your second stat.

When these stats have reached a certain level, they enhance your passive abilities. You can always check your current status in the talent tree on the right side. Tarisland will launch worldwide on June 21, 2024; you can find all the information about the launch here: All important information about release date, pre-download, system requirements, console and more

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

Pokémon GO finally brings back a popular Shiny for the 8th anniversary

Franzi Korittke Franzi Korittke Reading time 4 minutes

Pokémon GO is celebrating its 8th birthday in a few days with an anniversary event. In addition to numerous spawns and bonuses, it will finally bring back a popular shiny into the game. We will show you which one it is and what other content you can look forward to here on MeinMMO.

What event is it? Pokémon GO is turning eight years old in July and is celebrating this milestone with its traditional anniversary event. There will be many spawns and strong bonuses that should not be missed. You should also not miss a rare shiny on the event days: Shiny Meltan. We have summarized the highlights waiting for you below.

When does the anniversary event take place? The birthday celebration for the 8th anniversary of Pokémon GO starts on June 28, 2024, at 10:00 AM local time and runs until July 3, 2024, at 8:00 PM local time.

Start video
Heavenly teamwork in Pokémon GO – a new season begins

Get Shiny Meltan for the Anniversary Event 2024

What kind of Pokémon is that? Meltan is a mysterious steel Pokémon from the seventh generation of games. It can evolve into Melmetal with the help of 400 candies, which is a solid attacker in the Master League.

Why is Meltan worthwhile? Meltan can spawn from the so-called Mystery Box throughout the year, but it is usually not catchable in its shiny form there. Since its shiny release, the developers have kept the shiny monster particularly rare and only allow it to spawn on special occasions.

Pokémon-GO-Meltan-Shiny
Meltan normal (left) and as shiny (right)

It was last available in March 2023 as part of the Let’s GO-event. Now, after more than a year, it will finally return for a short time on the occasion of the anniversary event. Additionally, the Mystery Box can be activated more frequently during the event, increasing your shiny chances for Meltan. So, it’s worth opening the Mystery Box during this time.

How to connect with Pokémon Home to secure the Mystery Box will be shown in the following post:

More on the topic
Connect Pokémon GO with Home – How does it work and what does it bring?
von Patrick Freese

Pokémon & Shinys for the 8th Anniversary Overview

In addition to Shiny Meltan, which you can catch with some luck from the Mystery Box during the anniversary event, there will be several other monsters celebrating the 8th birthday of Pokémon GO with you. In particular, you can look forward to some costumed Pokémon again. One of them is the poison Pokémon Sleima, which will appear for the first time with a party hat.

In this costumed form, you can even evolve it into Sleimok. What other monsters are lurking in the wild and in raids, as well as what special features the event offers, we have summarized for you below.

Pokémon-GO-Sleima-mit-Partyhut
Sleima with a party hat (right) and its evolution Sleimok (image from pokemongolive.com)

All Wild Spawns and Raid Bosses

Wild Spawns: In the wild, you can look forward to plenty of event spawns during the event, such as Pikachu with a party hat. However, there is a special feature here: in addition to the Pokémon that you can catch while wild throughout the entire birthday event, there will be additional event spawns on selected days that will be found more frequently.

Time PeriodWild Spawns
whole eventBulbasaur with party hat*
Charmander with party hat*
Squirtle with party hat*
Pikachu with cake hat*
Sleima with party hat*
Eevee with party hat*
Fennex
Krookodile
Kwaks
Alolan Sleima* (rare)
June 28, 2024, at 10:00 AM until
June 29, 2024, at 11:59 PM		Chikorita*
Totodile*
Treecko*
Harry*
Fletchling*
Water Gun*
June 30, 2024, at 00:00 AM until
July 1, 2024, at 11:59 PM		Chespin*
Fennekin*
Froakie*
Serperior*
Snivy*
Oshawott*
July 2, 2024, at 00:00 AM until
July 3, 2024, at 8:00 PM		Rowlet*
Fennekin*
Froakie*
Popplio*
Litten*
Ballow
Pokémon with a (*) can also be found as shiny with some luck

Pokémon in Raids: And also in the Level 1 Raids, you can find different raid bosses on the occasion of the 8th birthday. According to Pokémon GO, you can even benefit from a higher shiny chance (*) here than in the wild. The following are waiting for you:

  • Bulbasaur with party hat*
  • Charmander with party hat*
  • Squirtle with party hat*
  • Pikachu with cake hat*
  • Sleima with party hat*
More on the topic
Pokémon GO: How to use “Replay: GOgantischer” correctly tomorrow – Tips for the event
von Max Handwerk
Pokémon GO: One of the best attackers gets its own event that you definitely should not miss
von Max Handwerk
Trainer in Pokémon GO prepares for a strong monster that may never appear
von Paul Kutzner

Strong Bonuses for the 8th Anniversary Event

For the 8th birthday of Pokémon GO, strong bonuses should not be missed. Many of these focus on interactions with your friends. However, as with the wild spawns, there will also be day-dependent bonuses that you should not miss.

General Bonuses: You can benefit from these bonuses throughout the entire event:

  • increased chance of lucky friends
  • increased chance of lucky Pokémon when trading
  • friendship level increases faster with interaction (open gifts, trading, joint battles)
  • chance of getting 8, 88 or more Gierspenst coins when you spin PokéStops with a gold lure module
  • Mystery Box can be opened more frequently
  • Event Field Research
    • Rewards: Mega Energy for Venusaur, Charizard, Blastoise, Sceptile, Blaziken, Swampert, as well as encounters with Bulbasaur, Cyndaquil, and Mudkip
  • Timed Research
    • Rewards: XP, Stardust, encounters with Raticate with party hat, Nidorino with party hat, Woingenau with party hat, and Meltan
  • Timed Research for 2 US dollars for spinning PokéStops and evolving Pokémon
    • Rewards: Egg incubator, super incubator, premium battle pass, lucky egg, rocket radar, star piece, incense, Knursp, 88,888 XP, as well as an encounter with Meltan
  • Masterwork Research Forest Whisper for 5 US dollars
    • Encounter with Shiny Celebi
    • additional bonuses: double durability of incense, adventure incense, and lucky eggs
  • Event stickers from PokéStops, gifts, and in the in-game shop
  • New avatar items
  • Showcases with event Pokémon at PokéStops
  • Anniversary box in the Pokémon GO webshop for 5 US dollars

In the following periods, you can benefit from additional bonuses:

Time PeriodBonus
June 28, 2024, at 10:00 AM until
June 29, 2024, at 11:59 PM		Half hatch distance for eggs
June 30, 2024, at 00:00 AM until
July 1, 2024, at 11:59 PM		2x XP when catching
July 2, 2024, at 00:00 AM until
July 3, 2024, at 8:00 PM		2x Stardust when catching

How do you like the contents of the anniversary event? Will you try to secure a shiny Meltan? Or do you have your sights set on another monster? Feel free to let us know here on MeinMMO in the comments and exchange ideas with other trainers. What else is coming in Pokémon GO until then, you can see in our event overview for June.

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

The most lucrative movie by Arnold Schwarzenegger was one where he wasn’t paid at all first

Niko Hernes Niko Hernes Reading time 2 minutes

Arnold Schwarzenegger has landed some big hits during his career, which have been especially financially lucrative. However, his most lucrative film was neither Terminator nor True Lies; it was an unassuming comedy that one wouldn’t think of in this context.

Which film is it? Twins is a comedy from 1989 by Ivan Reitman starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito. In the film, both are twins who were separated at birth. Schwarzenegger plays a perfect, innocent man who wants to find his brother, but he is quite different from what one would expect.

With a budget of 15 million dollars, the film grossed over 216 million dollars worldwide (via Box Office Mojo). That alone signifies a huge success, especially for 1989. What is special about this film is that Schwarzenegger, DeVito, and Reitman did not receive a salary, but it was likely still the most lucrative film of their careers.

Schwarzenegger was also involved in the first film that cost over 100 million dollars: The first film that reportedly cost over 100 million dollars is turning 30 and is an iconic action-comedy

Even with True Lies, Schwarzenegger didn’t earn that much:

Start video
Englischer Trailer zu „True Lies – Wahre Lügen“ aus dem Jahr 1994

No salary, but a significantly better deal

In an interview with Graham Bensinger, the actor spoke about the film Twins and why he didn’t take a salary for the film. At that time, Schwarzenegger was mainly known for his action films that made incredible amounts of money. However, he also wanted to make a comedy, as he was convinced he could do it well.

To convince the studio of Twins, Schwarzenegger offered to take no salary for the film. The studio would just have to cover the production costs. According to Schwarzenegger, Reitman and DeVito also decided not to take a salary.

The three had a so-called back-end deal. This means they shared in the film’s profits, including box office and TV revenues. Regarding this topic, he stated according to adorocinema.com::

I believe that we all made more money with this film than with any other film we ever made, even though I received 30 million dollars for some films. […] This was the biggest because we had a share in everything: the TV rights, the cable TV rights, the merchandising. […] The money was ours and we made a fortune.

Arnold Schwarzenegger on the profit share from Twins (Source: adorocinema.com)

With a film that grossed over 216 million dollars just at the box office, that must have been an incredible amount of money.

More on the topic
More on the topic
Arnold Schwarzenegger found his legendary quote so stupid that he didn’t even want to say it
von Christoph Waldboth
More on the topic
James Cameron mocked Arnold Schwarzenegger as “village idiot” during the filming of an action comedy
von Niko Hernes
More on the topic
Legendary wrestler once lifted Arnold Schwarzenegger like a small child to put him on a shelf
von Niko Hernes

In the interview with Bensinger, he also talks about a studio boss who came to them and simply said: Do you know what you have done to me? […] You have robbed me. According to Schwarzenegger, the deal the three made was so historic that the studio never wanted to do anything like that again. At the Oscars, DeVito and Schwarzenegger met again and threatened a common enemy: At the 2024 Oscars, Schwarzenegger and DeVito meet their arch-enemy

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Source(s):
  1. Jeuxvideo
  2. Adorocinema
  3. Graham Bensinger auf YouTube

A new, small chip from AMD could mean a strong boost for Steam Deck and ROG Ally

Benedikt Schlotmann Benedikt Schlotmann Reading time 2 minutes

AMD has introduced new processors for mobile systems. This could also mean a significant upgrade for gaming handhelds in the future. Early benchmarks indicate about 30% more performance. But there are still questions unanswered. The presented ROG Ally X from ASUS does not yet rely on AMD’s new model.

Which graphics chip is coming? AMD presented details about its new mobile processors at the CES 2024. These chips will be used in the future in laptops, convertibles, and presumably in gaming handhelds.

With the new “Ryzen AI 300” series, AMD also introduced a new iGPU. These are graphics chips that sit on the processor. And AMD has given the iGPU a powerful update compared to the last generation.

Where does the new iGPU stand?

  • The new 890M follows the old 780M and is expected to be installed in all “Ryzen AI 300” products.
  • The new chip is said to have 16 RDNA 3.5 CUs and run at 2,900 MHz. The old 780M only offered 12 RDNA 3 CUs at 2,800 MHz.
Behind the abbreviation CU stands the term “Compute Units”. These are the computing units of a graphics chip, which consist of several components such as Arithmetic Logic Units (ALUs), caches, floating-point units, or vector processors, registers, and a bit of memory to store thread information.

How much more performance is there? The British magazine PCGamer reports benchmarks of the 890M that look very positive so far. In initial comparative tests, the 890M is said to be 31% faster than the 780M. In direct comparison to the ROG Ally, performance is also expected to increase by 33%. In the ROG, the old 780M is installed.

When will Ryzen AI 300 be available in stores? The first laptops with AMD Strix Point (Ryzen AI 300) will be available in stores starting July 15, 2024.

Start video
Check out the official trailer for the Steam Deck OLED

It is uncertain how good the battery life will be with the new chip

What questions remain? For now, it’s just a few benchmarks and a comparison test. It is also uncertain whether manufacturers will choose an AMD chip with 890M for the next generation of handhelds. For example, MSI chose Intel for the MSI Claw and took a different path. Valve (Steam Deck) and ASUS (ROG Ally) currently rely on AMD.

In the new ROG Ally X, which will be released on July 22, 2024, ASUS still relies on the “AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme” processor with a graphics chip that offers 12 CUs, clocking up to 2.7 GHz (8.6 Teraflops). Therefore, the new Ryzen AI 300 is not yet being used here.

Another question is how the battery life will look with new devices: Steam Deck and ROG Ally provide plenty of performance in their current versions, but especially with modern titles, battery life is no fun.

More about Hardware and Tech
A new setting makes Crimson Desert even more immersive, and we show you how to set it up
von Christos Tsogos
Nvidia CEO says: AI will not take your jobs away, but will annoy you and give you more work than ever before
von Claudio Niggenkemper
The MMORPG to Star Wars is taking the next step for better graphics, breaking the game down into its components
von Cedric Holmeier

More on gaming handhelds: Gaming handhelds are on the rise, and since the Steam Deck, many new devices have been launched. MeinMMO introduces you to the most well-known and important gaming handhelds you should know: The 8 best gaming handhelds of 2024 that you should know

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

A manufacturer presents a graphics card designed after Elden Ring, asking only about 200 euros for it

Benedikt Schlotmann Benedikt Schlotmann Reading time 2 minutes

The new addon for Elden Ring is coming out in a few days, and the manufacturer Gunnir has introduced a graphics card designed after the game. Gunnir relies on a chip from Intel. But the chip has been controversial for a long time. Is the GPU even recommended in 2024?

What kind of GPU is this? The graphics card presented is an Intel Arc 750 with “Elden Ring” design. The graphics card features 3 fans and is therefore quite bulky.

While the front side of the GPU appears rather unspectacular in black and gold, the backplate of the graphics card is all the more impressive. Here, the manufacturer has incorporated symbols and an image from Elden Ring. By the way, RGB lighting is not used.

GUNNIR-Arc-A750-8GB-Photon-OC-ELDEN-RING-Shadow-of-the-Erdtree-Edition new

According to Videocardz.com, the performance of the special custom graphics card is 350 MHz above the standard design of Intel itself. In our table, you can see the data of the standard design, from which the new custom model does not really differ.

GameStar Black Edition 03/24 Elden Ring + Shadow of the Erdtree
GameStar Black Edition 03/24 Elden Ring + Shadow of the Erdtree
Bundle aus Heft und Gratis-Epaper
Epaper direkt nach der Bestellung herunterladen
  • 164 Seiten zu Elden Ring und dessen Erweiterung
  • Hauptspiel-Lösung mit allen Quests und NPC-Storys
  • Erdtree-DLC: so funktionieren die neuen Mechaniken
  • detaillierte Karten und die besten Spots zum Leveln
  • Kämpfen müsst ihr immer noch selbst
12,99 €

What will the graphics card cost? According to Videocardz.com, the graphics card is expected to be available for 219 US dollars. Theoretically, you could also order the graphics card in Germany, but you would need to account for import fees.


Intel Arc 750
GPUAlchemist (Arc 7)
Shading Units3,584
Clock Speed (in MHz)2,050
2,400 (Boost)
Memory8 GB GDDR6
256 Bit
16 Gbps
512 GB/s
Power Consumption225 Watts
Price219 US dollars (about 200 Euros)

Is Intel Arc 750 even recommended in 2024?

Should you buy the graphics card? Intel introduced its Arc graphics cards at the end of 2022. At their release in late 2022, Intel’s new mid-range products were a complete disaster. Many testers complained about the abysmal performance and advised against the graphics card. Especially the drivers were in a very poor state at the time of the GPU’s release.

However, Intel worked diligently on its graphics card and its poor drivers. By mid-2023, initial retests showed that the efforts had paid off. The Intel Arc 750 is now a quite recommendable graphics card, ranking at the performance level of a GeForce RTX 3060 12 GB or a Radeon RX 6700 XT.

Nevertheless, colleagues from PCGamesHardware recommend that the graphics card should only be purchased by enthusiasts and fans, as the drivers are still not perfect: “If you simply want to play without much thought, you would be better off choosing an AMD Radeon or Nvidia GeForce.”

Another downside of the graphics card: The Intel Arc 750 is only equipped with 8 GB of video memory. Especially with new games, this could become tight in the long term. Here, 12 or even 16 GB would be significantly more future-proof.

More on Hardware and Tech
A new setting makes Crimson Desert even more immersive, and we show you how to set it up
von Christos Tsogos
Nvidia CEO says: AI will not take your jobs away, but will annoy you and give you more work than ever before
von Claudio Niggenkemper
The MMORPG to Star Wars is taking the next step for better graphics, breaking the game down into its components
von Cedric Holmeier

More hardware without AMD and Nvidia: With the KX-7000 series, the company Zhaoxin has introduced its new CPUs for consumers and gamers. And this processor looks really promising. It may not surpass AMD and Intel just yet, but it could still become a hidden gem: A new processor could become a hidden gem for gamers – Coming from neither AMD nor Intel

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

WoW: The big Pre-Patch 11.0 is coming soon, brings first features of The War Within

Cortyn Cortyn Reading time 2 minutes

The next major patch of World of Warcraft is expected to start in a few weeks. It must be done by the end of July at the latest.

The next patch of World of Warcraft will already be the big pre-patch 11.0. This means WoW will finally transition from the Dragonflight era to the realm of The War Within. Now Blizzard has indirectly announced: The big pre-patch will already arrive in July.

Start video
WoW: Trailer for the release date of The War Within

When will the pre-patch start? Patch 11.0 will be released by July 31, 2024, at the latest. This is the date when the pre-event will begin. It’s more likely that the update will arrive a week earlier, on July 24, 2024.

A release before the pre-event is usually the case, so that everyone already has the opportunity to get used to the new system changes.

What’s in the pre-patch? Every new expansion is preceded by a so-called pre-patch. This essentially already brings a large part of the game data and many mechanics of the new expansions, even if the addon hasn’t started yet. The pre-patch also includes the “pre-event”, the limited-time event that ultimately leads to the new expansion.

Features already included in the pre-patch are:

  • The overhaul of the talent trees of many classes. At the start of a new expansion, there are many adjustments that you can already get used to by the end of July.
  • The Warband becomes active. From then on, many unlocks are account-wide, such as farming transmog for all armor classes.
  • Dynamic flying for many mounts. A large number of mounts can be used like dragons in the future.

We have introduced all new features of The War Within here.

More about WoW:
The 16 MMORPGs with the most players according to official numbers from the developers
von Karsten Scholz
WoW: Midnight Tier List – Ranking of the Best Classes for DPS, Tanks and Healers
von Christos Tsogos
With a bit of luck, you might soon be able to play the largest new MMORPG 2026 on PC
von Karsten Scholz

What will come later? Not included in the pre-patch are all features that can only be actively used with The War Within: the new areas, dungeons, delves, or the hero talents. In order for you to benefit from these and enjoy the new content, you have to wait until the release on August 27 – unless you pre-order the more expensive Epic Edition, then you can start with the new expansion on August 23.

Are you already looking forward to the pre-patch and the new expansion? Or does everything feel much too fast for you now?

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

NPC from a hit on Steam has offensive name, becomes a meme, must worry for its existence

Jasmin Beverungen Jasmin Beverungen Reading time 2 minutes

The community of the Steam game Manor Lords has taken a special liking to an NPC. His name doesn’t sound very appropriate, but according to the developers Slavic Magic, it is historically correct. Players were able to vote on whether his name should be changed.

Which NPC is it about? The names of the peasants in Manor Lords are randomly generated from a pool. This can result in one of the NPCs having the name Cuntz. It could randomly be a oxherd, grave digger, or blacksmith.

The name seems offensive to some players. They derive it from the English word “cunt”, which is a term for the female genitalia. The NPC has thus become the target of many memes. In the following reddit post, you can find an example:

Recommended editorial content

At this point you will find external content from Reddit that complements the article.

I consent to external content being displayed to me. Personal data can be transmitted to third party platforms. Read more about our privacy policy.
Link to the Reddit content

What is the consequence? The community reached out to the developer and asked him to remove the name. Developer Grzegorz Styczeń assured, however, that it was not the vulgar word, but a historically accurate name. The name was taken from a census in the 14th century (via reddit).

Some fans explained that the name is an abbreviation of Konrad and therefore has its validity. But apparently, the explanation wasn’t enough for the critics, which is why a vote took place.

In the following video, you can take a closer look at the strategy game Manor Lords:

Start video
Manor Lord Release Date Trailer

Offensive name from Manor Lords put to a vote

How did the voting go? The developer created a vote on the Manor Lords Discord. The fan community was to decide democratically whether Cuntz could keep his name. The alternative would be to change the name to Konrad.

Meanwhile, the poll has concluded. A total of 8,185 players decided on the existence of Cuntz. The following votes were cast during this time;

  • Cuntz may stay: 6,921 votes (85 %)
  • Cuntz is replaced by Konrad: 1,264 votes (15 %)

And the victory goes to: Cuntz! The development team will not remove the name from the game. It could be that the joke wears off over time and the community finds no joy in using Cuntz for memes.

More games on Steam
The price of the Steam Controller has been leaked and many are now hoping that the Steam Machine will not become an expensive affair
von Benedikt Schlotmann
The creators of Vampire Survivors prove that they are not one-hit wonders, releasing the next Steam hit
von Lydia
Steam rejected his first game 5 times – 7 years later a German dev sold 2 million copies
von Cedric Holmeier

What is Manor Lords? Manor Lords is a strategy game that was released on Steam in April. It is currently still in Early Access, but has already received 88 % positive ratings on Steam. At times, it was the most desired game on Steam.

The title is well-received not only by the general public but also by Twitch streamers. Strategy expert Maurice Weber explained, for example, what he likes about Manor Lords. It feels like a city builder of the future and is extremely detailed. You can read his full review in the following article: “Manor Lords is THE city builder of the future” – German strategy expert explains what makes the Steam hit stand out

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

Fans criticize and mock a scene in the new Star Wars series

Niko Hernes Niko Hernes Reading time 2 minutes

Since the announcement of Star Wars: The Acolyte, the series has been criticized by fans. The first trailer caused mockery among fans. In the current episode, there is a scene that makes the series even worse for fans.

Beware of light spoilers: This article describes a scene from episode 3 of Star Wars: The Acolyte, so if you don’t want to be spoiled, you should come back after watching.

What is it about? In Star Wars: The Acolyte, a story is told that takes place before Episode 1: The Phantom Menace. At this time, there are officially no Sith remaining and the Jedi Order lives in peace and prosperity. However, someone is murdering Jedi Masters, threatening the established peace.

In the third episode of the series, we meet an almost extinct witch order that uses the Force, but differently than Jedi and Sith. The twins Osha and Mae were raised by this order, as they apparently have great significance for the Force. The witch order itself is not new; it has been known from the Clone Wars series or from the Jedi Survivor games in the form of Merrin.

However, a ritual from the last episode has caused mockery and anger among the Star Wars fans, who already had issues with a Wookie in episode 2.

You can watch the trailer for Star Wars: The Acolyte here:

Start video
The Acolyte takes place decades before the Star Wars films

A witch ritual causes mockery

What happens in this scene? In a flashback, we see the twins Osha and Mae as children during a ritual of the witch order. During the ritual, admittedly strange noises are made and it is repeatedly sung The Power of One. The Power of Two. The Power of Many.

Under a tweet on x.com, the scene is ridiculed. There are many sexist comments that have also been observed in many other posts about the series and many statements that Star Wars is dead.

  • @fau1in: It is so… so bad
  • @christianvanck: Star Wars died with Jar Jar Binks. […] Then he was briefly resurrected with The Mandalorian. RIP.
  • @MadamSavvy: They couldn’t even think of a cool song?

Users like @Hereforthetext also dislike the scene, but note that it is standard to use a witch trope. Despite this, he likes how the story is developing.

More on the topic
More on the topic
Princess Leia in Star Wars thought her hairstyle was ridiculous: ‘As if I were wearing two bagels over my ears’
von Christoph Waldboth
More on the topic
That’s why Chewbacca often tilts his head to the side in the ‘Star Wars’ movies
von Marie Friske
More on the topic
Who pauses ‘Star Wars: Episode 1’ at the right moment can discover a hidden reference
von Fabienne Kissel

What is the status of Star Wars: The Acolyte? Even before its release, many fans were not enthusiastic about the series. Previous series had already garnered much criticism. Looking at the ratings on Rotten Tomatoes, there is a significant discrepancy between critics and fans.

Critics have surprisingly rated it 84%, which is higher than the Obi-Wan or Boba Fett series. However, for viewers, it looks quite different. Currently, The Acolyte has a user rating of 14%. This is a catastrophic score, especially for a franchise with such a large fandom.

Whether the user ratings will change remains questionable. Although only 3 episodes have been released so far, The Acolyte has had a poor reputation from the outset. Especially the accusations of being woke plague the series and the Star Wars universe in general. A similar accusation was also directed at Warhammer 40,000: Fans accuse Warhammer 40,000 of trying to sell them out as “woke”

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

„I can’t stop using them“ – Expert on Destiny 2 names a new pistol as number 1 in the game

Dariusz Müller Dariusz Müller Reading time 2 minutes

A legendary pistol is currently the most played weapon in PvE of Destiny 2 and even surpasses a popular exotic revolver.

Which weapon is it? The weapon is called “The Call” and is a legendary pistol of the damage type “Strand,” which was introduced with The Final Shape and can be obtained during the campaign.

Who is the expert? The English-speaking YouTuber Aztecross has presented the new “Number 1 Weapon” of Destiny 2 in a video.

  • On YouTube, Aztecross has 855,000 subscribers and regularly attracts over one hundred thousand viewers with his videos about Destiny 2. On Twitch, he has over 512,000 followers.
  • Aztecross is considered an expert on Destiny because he deeply engages with the loot shooter and its mechanics. He calculates damage numbers for different loadouts, introduces strong builds, and does not shy away from the hardest content in the game.
  • In the contest mode for the raid “Edge of Redemption,” Aztecross was one of the few players to complete the raid successfully with a Titan. The Titan was hardly played at the end of the raid.
Start video
Bungie shows the future of Destiny 2 after The Final Shape in the new trailer

Rocket Ammunition and Damage Boost

What does the expert say about the weapon? Aztecross refers to the pistol “The Call” as the current “No.1 Weapon” in Destiny 2 and says that pistols with rocket support are among the best weapons Bungie has ever given to players (via YouTube). Throughout the video, he concludes: “I can’t stop using it.”

What makes the weapon so good? “The Call” has a so-called “Rocket-Loaded Casing” and fires rocket ammunition, which explodes on impact and causes significant damage.

According to Aztecross, the rocket ammunition should also harmonize with the exotic Titan armor “Dangerous Drive,” which was also released with The Final Shape and temporarily increases the damage of the pistol.

“Dangerous Drive” fires Exodus rockets when you activate your class ability. If you deal damage to targets with these Exodus rockets, it temporarily increases the damage of all other rockets you fire – according to Aztecross, this includes the rocket ammunition from “The Call,” which you fire with each shot from the pistol.

More on the topic
More on the topic
An expert in Destiny 2 plays the hardest content solo, but in the new duo mission, he has to cheat
von Dariusz Müller
More on the topic
Destiny 2: How to get the Khvostov – How to find the exotic assault rifle
von Dariusz Müller
More on the topic
Destiny 2: Player receives no loot for completing the new raid because his 6-year-old son makes a tragic decision
von Dariusz Müller

The Call Dominates PvE

How much is the weapon played? “The Call” has a usage rate of 9.35%, making it the currently most played weapon in PvE of Destiny 2 (via DestinyTracker). The pistol is thus significantly ahead of places 2 and 3, which are both occupied by exotic weapons.

  • In second place is the exotic revolver “Sunshot” with 4.24%
  • In third place is the exotic sniper rifle “Still Hunt,” known as the “Golden Gun Sniper,” with 2.75%.

In competitive PvP, however, “The Call” does not play a role. There, the exotic pulse rifle Red Death (improved) is leading, followed by the revolvers “Ace of Spades” and “Rose.”

If you are still missing the “Still Hunt” and want to secure the strongest weapons for PvE, we will show you on MeinMMO how to obtain the “Golden Gun” sniper: Destiny 2: Unlocking “Still Hunt” – Here’s how to get the exotic sniper

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

Pax Dei has entered Early Access: All important information on scope, system requirements, price, roadmap

Karsten Scholz Karsten Scholz Reading time 4 minutes

On June 18, 2024, Pax Dei enters its Early Access phase. MeinMMO summarizes everything important about the early version of the sandbox MMORPG and the plans the developers from Mainframe Industries have for the coming months.

Since early June, it has been clear that the Early Access phase of Pax Dei on PC will start on June 18, 2024. Since June 4, 2024, interested parties can secure various founder packages to play the Early Access version without restrictions. Prices range from just under 40 to 100 euros. The more expensive versions offer more character slots, building land, and exclusive recipes.

[toc]

When exactly does the Early Access of Pax Dei start?

Access will be granted on June 18, 2024, at 2:00 PM.

Here you can see the trailer for the start of the Early Access phase of Pax Dei:

Start video
Pax Dei: Trailer for the Early Access launch shows beautiful medieval world

What founder packages are available for Pax Dei?

Founder Package Apprentice for 39.99 euros

  • Access to the game for the duration of Early Access
  • Founder role on Discord
  • 1 plot of land
  • 2 character slots
  • Exclusive guides for founder outfit

Founder Package Craftsman for 59.99 euros

  • Access to the game for the duration of Early Access
  • Founder role on Discord
  • 2 plots of land
  • 4 character slots
  • Exclusive guides for founder outfit
  • Exclusive guides for hunting lodge

Founder Package Master for 99.99 euros

  • Access to the game for the duration of Early Access
  • Founder role on Discord
  • 4 plots of land
  • 6 character slots
  • Exclusive guides for founder outfit
  • Exclusive guides for Lindwurm construction set
The different founder packages of Pax Dei.

Note that the developers have not yet decided on the final monetization model for the live version. What is clear is that they prefer a Buy2Play version. They are also toying with the idea of a monthly subscription. Therefore, purchasing the founder package guarantees full access to the game only during the EA phase.

Founders will not have to buy Pax Dei after leaving the Early Access phase. The acquired character slots and guides will remain permanently in their possession. However, a monthly subscription may be necessary to retain access to the game and the plots of land.

How long will the Early Access of Pax Dei last?

The developers at Mainframe Industries want to keep Pax Dei in Early Access for at least a year, meaning at least until June 2025. Until then, buyers of the founder packages will have complete access to Pax Dei.

The developers emphasize that the EA phase is not a marketing gimmick. You can expect an incomplete version of the MMORPG that still needs refinement across all aspects. During the testing phase, there may be server wipes and resets of progress.

More about Pax Dei:
The most successful MMORPG from Germany since Tibia is not only becoming more beautiful but also conquering new platforms
von Karsten Scholz
3 Raids, 4 Dates, 9 Bosses – How WoW Midnight Starts the New Raid Season
von Karsten Scholz

Where can I download Pax Dei?

The Early Access version of Pax Dei is available through Steam. Additionally, you can download the launcher from the official website of the MMORPG:

What are the system requirements?

Minimum system requirements

  • GPU: GeForce RTX 2060 (12 GB) / Radeon RX 5700 XT
  • VRAM: 8 GB
  • CPU: Intel i5-7600K or equivalent AMD
  • RAM: 16 GB RAM
  • Storage space: 80 GB SSD
  • OS: Windows 10

Recommended system requirements

  • GPU: GeForce RTX 3060 / Radeon RX 6600 XT
  • VRAM: 8 GB
  • CPU: Ryzen 7 3700X or equivalent Intel
  • RAM: 16 GB RAM
  • Storage space: 80 GB NVMe SSD
  • OS: Windows 10

How extensive is the Early Access?

Based on the scope of the last alpha testing phase, you can expect numerous expansive regions with plenty of building space, special locations, hidden dungeons, and useful resources. These starting regions form a kind of ring around the open PvP areas of the game.

With the available recipes and resources, you can build massive fortifications, individual huts, quaint villages, or convenient material storage facilities. Anyone wanting to see, unlock, and experience everything will likely be busy for weeks.

What does the roadmap for Pax Dei look like?

In our discussion, the developers of Pax Dei already confirmed that the to-do list has only grown longer since the last alpha testing phase. Specifically, the combat system could still use a lot of love. The specific list of planned improvements can be found below:

The roadmap for the Early Access phase of Pax Dei.

Here are the main improvements you can expect:

  • Improved onboarding with adjusted balance and optimized progression system.
  • Expanded crafting with new building elements.
  • Comprehensive improvements and expansions of the combat system.
  • More weapons, armor, enemies, and spells.
  • Indirect storytelling to gradually reveal the history and backgrounds of the game world.
  • Expansion of social features and clans to enhance the interaction between players.
  • Introduction of a marketplace and the currency gold to support trading between players.

What type of MMORPG is Pax Dei?

In our preview report from the alpha testing phase in April, we already described how Pax Dei feels like a survival game without survival elements in the first hours. The developers also emphasize on the official website that Pax Dei is not a theme park MMO, nor a medieval simulator, nor a survival game (via Mainframe Industries).

In the best case, players unite in Pax Dei to form village communities.

Instead, you can expect a social sandbox MMO with a strong focus on resource gathering, building items and structures, and trading goods. Entire villages, cities, and fortresses can emerge from individual plots of land.

Additionally, there are dungeons that groups with tanks, healers, and damage dealers can explore, as well as areas where PvP will be enabled around the clock. It’s up to you to decide which aspect of the game you want to focus on personally.

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

A Western for 50 million dollars is a big disappointment – And 3 films are yet to follow

Niko Hernes Niko Hernes Reading time 2 minutes

Westerns are a film genre that has actually faded away. However, series like Yellowstone have given the genre a significant boost. A Western is set to hit theaters as a 4-part series, but the first outlooks are not promising.

Which film is it about? The film Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 will be released in theaters this summer. As the name suggests, the film is not a standalone movie, but the beginning of a 4-part film series that is set to end in the summer of 2025.

The unusual thing about the series is that the American release of Chapter 1 is in June, followed shortly by the release of Chapter 2 in August. Chapter 3 and 4 are expected to follow in the summer of 2025. According to movieweb.com, Chapter 3 is already being filmed.

Such planning carries a significant risk. If the first film flops, money has already been spent on the other parts. The initial reviews are also not particularly positive.

A trailer for the film series can be seen here:

Start video
Horizon: An American Saga – Trailer for the new western with Kevin Costner

Big stars in the genre renaissance

What is Horizon about? The series Yellowstone has shown that the Western genre still has something to offer. The neo-Western was also able to attract countless viewers to the television. The lead role in the series is played by Kevin Costner. With Horizon, we can now expect a classic Western with Kevin Costner in the lead role.

Horizon seems to be a classic Western. The 4-part series is supposed to depict the time of the Civil War between 1861 and 1865. The expansion of America is an important part of the story. Alongside Costner, many great actors are represented, including Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, and Jena Malone.

But what is the problem? On Rotten Tomatoes, the first part of the series has a mediocre critic score of 43%. Many critics are bothered by the slow pace of the 3-hour film, which, despite the many characters, does not tell much and feels more like the introduction to the series.

The Hollywood Reporter reports that the box office forecasts are also not looking better. The projections for the first weekend are only 12 million dollars. With a budget of over 50 million, this is a bad sign. However, Chapter 2 will be hit even harder, as it only starts 2 months later.

Competition is also not resting. A Quiet Place: Day One will be released on the same day, and in July, the financially promising Deadpool and Wolverine will come out. When looking at films like The Fall Guy or Furiosa, it becomes clear that this year other big films also flopped at the box office.

More on the topic
More on the topic
The biggest flop of John Wick is a film that cost over 170 million euros
von Fabienne Kissel
More on the topic
A movie in which Schwarzenegger protects a star from Game of Thrones was not a flop – although many think so
von Nicole Wakulczyk
More on the topic
A movie has been at number 1 on the list of the best films since 2008, even though it flopped at the box office
von Cedric Holmeier

The frustrating thing about a flop would be that the film has been financed independently. Costner himself invested a lot in his passion project. Warner Brothers is only acting as a distributor in this case. In Germany, Chapter 1 of Horizon will only be released on August 22, 2024. Until then, we will know how the film performed in the USA. A Western legend recommends this film: Clint Eastwood raves about the best Western he has ever seen – But hardly anyone knows the film

This is an AI-powered translation. Some inaccuracies might exist.
Source(s):
  1. Jeuxvideo
  2. The Hollywood Reporter
  3. MovieWeb
  4. Rotten Tomatoes