The Maw - 12th-17th February 2024

HomeNews

The Maw - 12th-17th February 2024Our weekly news liveblog, with this week’s best/bizarrest videogame releases

Our weekly news liveblog, with this week’s best/bizarrest videogame releases

Image credit:John Hamilton Mortimer/Wikimedia Commons

A close-up of a snarling sea monster’s face in an old drawing

It’s the middle of February, and the games are afoot. This week brings at least one major news event in the shape ofa “business update” from Microsoft about “our vision for the future of Xbox”, which is widely rumoured to be the announcement that first-party Xbox titles will come to rival consoles. Why is this of interest to us, a PC gaming site? Well, because console gaming can’t help but shape the weather for PC gaming; more specifically, Microsoft’s alleged multiplatform ambitions seem to reflect theplateauingof Game Pass subscription growth, which has become the cornerstone of the Xbox biz.

If the rumours are true, it’s a time of much rejoicing for Switchers and StayPlationers desperate to get their mitts on the likes ofStarfield. But of course, the onlyrealwinner here is the Maw, that ghastly extra-dimensional monster that hungers to gobble up the entire universe unless we can placate it with regular offerings of videogame news. Here are a few new PC games we’re minded to feed to the beast this week: surreal metroidvaniaUltros(13th Feb); neoclassical multiplayer puzzlerIslands Of Insight(13th Feb); period journo-bothererNews Tower(13th Feb); colonial spook-hunting RPGBanishers: Ghosts Of New Eden(13th Feb); bullet hell roguelikeDeep Rock Galactic: Survivor(14th Feb); retro Croft trilogyTomb Raider I-III Remastered(14th Feb); hellish boarding simHelskate(15th Feb); barmy animal sandboxGoat Simulator 3(15th Feb); open ocean loot ‘em upSkull And Bones(16th Feb).

Our live coverage of this event has finished.

09:27 amUTCIT IS MONDAY. The creature waxes wroth! FEED IT.

IT IS MONDAY. The creature waxes wroth! FEED IT.

A message to the community in regards to our latest server update.@helldivers2@ArrowheadGS#Helldivers2.pic.twitter.com/lwriSFbBbK— Pilestedt (@Pilestedt)February 11, 2024

A message to the community in regards to our latest server update.@helldivers2@ArrowheadGS#Helldivers2.pic.twitter.com/lwriSFbBbK

09:57 amUTCBlizzard havelaid out plansfor “revitalising” Overwatch 2, and more specifically, “striving to make PvP gameplay more rewarding and fun and providing greater transparency for players in-game” over the course of Season 9 and beyond.

Blizzard havelaid out plansfor “revitalising” Overwatch 2, and more specifically, “striving to make PvP gameplay more rewarding and fun and providing greater transparency for players in-game” over the course of Season 9 and beyond.

10:02 amUTCHere’san interviewwith David Pierce, senior game designer at Bethesda and a member of the Elder Scrolls 6 team. What does Pierce look for in a videogame story? “Human-scale stakes. The world (maybe even the galaxy) needs my help, but at the end of the day, there has to be something that I can connect with on a personal level.”

Here’san interviewwith David Pierce, senior game designer at Bethesda and a member of the Elder Scrolls 6 team. What does Pierce look for in a videogame story? “Human-scale stakes. The world (maybe even the galaxy) needs my help, but at the end of the day, there has to be something that I can connect with on a personal level.”

10:05 amUTCFormer Crytek and Arkane dev Julien Eveillé has announcedThreshold, a “short, dark and atmospheric first person exploration game”.To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

Former Crytek and Arkane dev Julien Eveillé has announcedThreshold, a “short, dark and atmospheric first person exploration game”.To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

Former Crytek and Arkane dev Julien Eveillé has announcedThreshold, a “short, dark and atmospheric first person exploration game”.

To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

10:09 amUTCSquidgy farmimg sim Slime Rancher 2 has receiveda bunch of new gadgetsas part of the year’s first major update. Here’s an overview trailer.To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

Squidgy farmimg sim Slime Rancher 2 has receiveda bunch of new gadgetsas part of the year’s first major update. Here’s an overview trailer.To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

Squidgy farmimg sim Slime Rancher 2 has receiveda bunch of new gadgetsas part of the year’s first major update. Here’s an overview trailer.

To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

10:22 amUTCAccording toShannon Liao of Inverse, Microsoft’s Phil Spencer held a town hall meeting last week in which he reassured Microsoft employees that the company won’t stop making Xbox consoles anytime soon, even if they do start releasing first-party games on other consoles.

According toShannon Liao of Inverse, Microsoft’s Phil Spencer held a town hall meeting last week in which he reassured Microsoft employees that the company won’t stop making Xbox consoles anytime soon, even if they do start releasing first-party games on other consoles.

18:02 pmUTCVampyr-esque dark fantasy RPG The Thaumaturge has been delayed to March 4th.With February’s busy launch period, we’ve decided to move the release of the Thaumaturge to March 4th, 2024.The game is complete, but we want to give it space so it can be enjoyed the way we believe it deserves.See you in 1905 Warsaw and thank you for your patience!pic.twitter.com/2TEvgwTqrh— The Thaumaturge (@thaumaturgegame)February 12, 2024To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

Vampyr-esque dark fantasy RPG The Thaumaturge has been delayed to March 4th.With February’s busy launch period, we’ve decided to move the release of the Thaumaturge to March 4th, 2024.The game is complete, but we want to give it space so it can be enjoyed the way we believe it deserves.See you in 1905 Warsaw and thank you for your patience!pic.twitter.com/2TEvgwTqrh— The Thaumaturge (@thaumaturgegame)February 12, 2024To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

Vampyr-esque dark fantasy RPG The Thaumaturge has been delayed to March 4th.

With February’s busy launch period, we’ve decided to move the release of the Thaumaturge to March 4th, 2024.The game is complete, but we want to give it space so it can be enjoyed the way we believe it deserves.See you in 1905 Warsaw and thank you for your patience!pic.twitter.com/2TEvgwTqrh— The Thaumaturge (@thaumaturgegame)February 12, 2024

18:03 pmUTCAs Edwin noted earlier, FromSoftware owners Kadokawa havedampened hopes that Elden Ring DLC Shadow of the Erdtree might release this month- despite recent rumours and backend updates hinting otherwise - as they say there’s still no update “at this time”.Of particular note in the earnings report is a reference to “major DLC” said to be in the works as the devs look to support the game in the “medium to long term” - could that mean another expansion to come?

As Edwin noted earlier, FromSoftware owners Kadokawa havedampened hopes that Elden Ring DLC Shadow of the Erdtree might release this month- despite recent rumours and backend updates hinting otherwise - as they say there’s still no update “at this time”.Of particular note in the earnings report is a reference to “major DLC” said to be in the works as the devs look to support the game in the “medium to long term” - could that mean another expansion to come?

Of particular note in the earnings report is a reference to “major DLC” said to be in the works as the devs look to support the game in the “medium to long term” - could that mean another expansion to come?

Our liveblog tech is definitely not designed to be used like this, and I’m in the process of negotiating with our valiant tech people about various changes. The trouble is, they have a lot on their plate! I’ll keep everybody posted. Suggestions very welcome in the meantime.

18:55 pmUTCFormer Final Fantasy devs’ upcoming JRPG Lost Helldenboasts some gorgeous handpainted art applied to 3D character models, a world with dynamic weather and a battle system promising to mix action and strategy. It’ll be out in 2025, with a demo landing later this year.

Former Final Fantasy devs’ upcoming JRPG Lost Helldenboasts some gorgeous handpainted art applied to 3D character models, a world with dynamic weather and a battle system promising to mix action and strategy. It’ll be out in 2025, with a demo landing later this year.

19:26 pmUTCDays from release, Part-Divinity, part-Persona RPGThe Thaumaturge has been given a two-week delayto find some breathing room from the crowded February release slate, developers Fool’s Theory have announced.

Days from release, Part-Divinity, part-Persona RPGThe Thaumaturge has been given a two-week delayto find some breathing room from the crowded February release slate, developers Fool’s Theory have announced.

19:55 pmUTCHelldivers 2 has overtaken God of War and Spider-Man to becomePlayStation’s biggest PC release to date. Could this mean we see more PC releases alongside their PS5 counterparts in the future? We can only hope!

Helldivers 2 has overtaken God of War and Spider-Man to becomePlayStation’s biggest PC release to date. Could this mean we see more PC releases alongside their PS5 counterparts in the future? We can only hope!

20:16 pmUTCitshappening.gifPlease join us for a special edition of the Official Xbox Podcast.Hear from Phil Spencer, Sarah Bond and Matt Booty as they share updates on the Xbox business.pic.twitter.com/TxwWJVUbgx— Xbox (@Xbox)February 12, 2024To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

itshappening.gifPlease join us for a special edition of the Official Xbox Podcast.Hear from Phil Spencer, Sarah Bond and Matt Booty as they share updates on the Xbox business.pic.twitter.com/TxwWJVUbgx— Xbox (@Xbox)February 12, 2024To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

itshappening.gif

Please join us for a special edition of the Official Xbox Podcast.Hear from Phil Spencer, Sarah Bond and Matt Booty as they share updates on the Xbox business.pic.twitter.com/TxwWJVUbgx— Xbox (@Xbox)February 12, 2024

Please join us for a special edition of the Official Xbox Podcast.Hear from Phil Spencer, Sarah Bond and Matt Booty as they share updates on the Xbox business.pic.twitter.com/TxwWJVUbgx

hand pointing upwards emoji

08:59 amUTCIT IS TUESDAY. How is it only Tuesday? Did the Maw eat one of the weekdays again? FEED IT.

IT IS TUESDAY. How is it only Tuesday? Did the Maw eat one of the weekdays again? FEED IT.

09:02 amUTCThe Minecraft launchernow supports Quick Playon Java and Bedrock Edition, letting you bounce back into a recently-visited world without going through all the menus. “The Quick Play bar has a total of five slots, so once they are all filled, playing a sixth world will cause the oldest world in the bar to be bumped off the list,” reads the above-linked post. “If you want to make sure a world (or more) stays in the Quick Play bar, you can simply pin it, so that newer worlds won’t bump it down.”

The Minecraft launchernow supports Quick Playon Java and Bedrock Edition, letting you bounce back into a recently-visited world without going through all the menus. “The Quick Play bar has a total of five slots, so once they are all filled, playing a sixth world will cause the oldest world in the bar to be bumped off the list,” reads the above-linked post. “If you want to make sure a world (or more) stays in the Quick Play bar, you can simply pin it, so that newer worlds won’t bump it down.”

09:12 amUTCIGNhas a big report about the games industry’s mass layoffs this and last year, which probes beyond the standard “companies overstaffed during the lockdown boom” narrative.

IGNhas a big report about the games industry’s mass layoffs this and last year, which probes beyond the standard “companies overstaffed during the lockdown boom” narrative.

09:22 amUTCKatharine just posted this in the Slack because she not-so-secretly despises us all.I saw this so now you have to toopic.twitter.com/aCnfEtpgUZ— Old DeuTaranomy 🐺 (@kindofstrange)February 13, 2024To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

Katharine just posted this in the Slack because she not-so-secretly despises us all.I saw this so now you have to toopic.twitter.com/aCnfEtpgUZ— Old DeuTaranomy 🐺 (@kindofstrange)February 13, 2024To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

Katharine just posted this in the Slack because she not-so-secretly despises us all.

I saw this so now you have to toopic.twitter.com/aCnfEtpgUZ— Old DeuTaranomy 🐺 (@kindofstrange)February 13, 2024

I saw this so now you have to toopic.twitter.com/aCnfEtpgUZ

09:53 amUTCArrowhead havereleased another Helldivers 2 patch, which addresses server capacity, login access progression and mission rewards.

Arrowhead havereleased another Helldivers 2 patch, which addresses server capacity, login access progression and mission rewards.

GLAAD have released theirinaugural annual reporton “the quantity, quality and diversity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) characters in video games” during the past year.

14:25 pmUTCExtra, extra! Management sim News Tower has launched into early access. It’s all about wallowing in the thrill of old-timey journalism, before journalism became a massive game of chicken with Google’s algorithms. “Dive into the roaring 1930s as you build your media empire in the bustling heart of New York City,” exhorts theSteam page. “Hear the clatter of typewriters, the shouts of newsboys, and the hum of printing presses churning out your latest edition.“To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

Extra, extra! Management sim News Tower has launched into early access. It’s all about wallowing in the thrill of old-timey journalism, before journalism became a massive game of chicken with Google’s algorithms. “Dive into the roaring 1930s as you build your media empire in the bustling heart of New York City,” exhorts theSteam page. “Hear the clatter of typewriters, the shouts of newsboys, and the hum of printing presses churning out your latest edition.“To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

14:33 pmUTCSome afternoon music: Chuck Ragan’sFlame in the Flood title theme.

Some afternoon music: Chuck Ragan’sFlame in the Flood title theme.

16:07 pmUTCRhianna Pratchett has weighed in on the question of who owns the rights to the old Discworld adventure games.This story has been updated with a few clarifications from me. Additionally no one has spoken to us about any re-release being on the cards.https://t.co/G0YnaMSsez— Rhianna Pratchett 🧙🏻‍♀️ (@rhipratchett)February 13, 2024To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

Rhianna Pratchett has weighed in on the question of who owns the rights to the old Discworld adventure games.This story has been updated with a few clarifications from me. Additionally no one has spoken to us about any re-release being on the cards.https://t.co/G0YnaMSsez— Rhianna Pratchett 🧙🏻‍♀️ (@rhipratchett)February 13, 2024To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

Rhianna Pratchett has weighed in on the question of who owns the rights to the old Discworld adventure games.

This story has been updated with a few clarifications from me. Additionally no one has spoken to us about any re-release being on the cards.https://t.co/G0YnaMSsez— Rhianna Pratchett 🧙🏻‍♀️ (@rhipratchett)February 13, 2024

This story has been updated with a few clarifications from me. Additionally no one has spoken to us about any re-release being on the cards.https://t.co/G0YnaMSsez

17:36 pmUTCXbox have surprise announced a free Dune expansion for Microsoft Flight Simulator - and it’s available now, wouldn’t you know. Here’s a launch trailer, featuring a very tetchy Ornithopter:Microsoft Flight Simulator - Dune Expansion Launch TrailerWatch on YouTube

Xbox have surprise announced a free Dune expansion for Microsoft Flight Simulator - and it’s available now, wouldn’t you know. Here’s a launch trailer, featuring a very tetchy Ornithopter:Microsoft Flight Simulator - Dune Expansion Launch TrailerWatch on YouTube

Xbox have surprise announced a free Dune expansion for Microsoft Flight Simulator - and it’s available now, wouldn’t you know. Here’s a launch trailer, featuring a very tetchy Ornithopter:

Microsoft Flight Simulator - Dune Expansion Launch TrailerWatch on YouTube

Microsoft Flight Simulator - Dune Expansion Launch Trailer

Cover image for YouTube video

17:37 pmUTCtreelo says:You may say Katherine hates you but I’d say Katherine loves you and wishes to spread the good word.Truth.

treelo says:You may say Katherine hates you but I’d say Katherine loves you and wishes to spread the good word.Truth.

Truth.

17:40 pmUTCOne final shout-out from me today: go and play thevery good demo for sheepy action roguelike Stand-Alone!Image credit:Lifuel

One final shout-out from me today: go and play thevery good demo for sheepy action roguelike Stand-Alone!Image credit:Lifuel

One final shout-out from me today: go and play thevery good demo for sheepy action roguelike Stand-Alone!

Image credit:Lifuel

A sheep fights a large wolf with a big sword in Stand-Alone

18:22 pmUTCParadox have dropped ademofor Escape the Mad Empire - “a party-based, rogue-like dungeon crawler with intense and deeply tactical combat.”

Paradox have dropped ademofor Escape the Mad Empire - “a party-based, rogue-like dungeon crawler with intense and deeply tactical combat.”

22:35 pmUTCPulling from the IGN report into layoffs Edwin linked earlier: magical FPS Immortals Of Aveum reportedlycost $125 million to make and “no one bought it”, according to developers who worked on the project.

Pulling from the IGN report into layoffs Edwin linked earlier: magical FPS Immortals Of Aveum reportedlycost $125 million to make and “no one bought it”, according to developers who worked on the project.

22:36 pmUTCHorrible cannibal survivasl ‘em up Sons Of The Forest reaches 1.0 next week on February 22nd. We already knew, butthere’s now a trailer that shows some of its new features.

Horrible cannibal survivasl ‘em up Sons Of The Forest reaches 1.0 next week on February 22nd. We already knew, butthere’s now a trailer that shows some of its new features.

22:38 pmUTCEarth Defense Force 6 has beendelayed until this summerfrom its previous “spring” release window. If EA had put $125 million into making a game with the same concept as EDF, I bet it would have sold better.

Earth Defense Force 6 has beendelayed until this summerfrom its previous “spring” release window. If EA had put $125 million into making a game with the same concept as EDF, I bet it would have sold better.

22:40 pmUTCDead Island 2 arrives on Steam this April after its year of Epic Games Store exclusivity. To fertilise the ground for its arrival, Dead Island: Riptide Definitive Edition isfree to keep from Steamfor the next two days.

Dead Island 2 arrives on Steam this April after its year of Epic Games Store exclusivity. To fertilise the ground for its arrival, Dead Island: Riptide Definitive Edition isfree to keep from Steamfor the next two days.

22:45 pmUTCDragon Quest Builders isout now on Steam. Originally released in 2016 on PlayStation 3 and 4, this is its first arrival on PC - although its 2019 sequel has beenon Steamsince the same year.I’m glad Square Enix continue to release all of their games on PC - eventually.

Dragon Quest Builders isout now on Steam. Originally released in 2016 on PlayStation 3 and 4, this is its first arrival on PC - although its 2019 sequel has beenon Steamsince the same year.I’m glad Square Enix continue to release all of their games on PC - eventually.

Dragon Quest Builders isout now on Steam. Originally released in 2016 on PlayStation 3 and 4, this is its first arrival on PC - although its 2019 sequel has beenon Steamsince the same year.

I’m glad Square Enix continue to release all of their games on PC - eventually.

23:17 pmUTCKatharine mentioned it earlier this evening, but here’s afuller poston Microsoft Flight Simulator’s free Dune expansion, which is out now. It lets you pilot the Royal Atreides Ornithopter over Arrakis, with some time trials and a rescue mission to play.

Katharine mentioned it earlier this evening, but here’s afuller poston Microsoft Flight Simulator’s free Dune expansion, which is out now. It lets you pilot the Royal Atreides Ornithopter over Arrakis, with some time trials and a rescue mission to play.

08:58 amUTCIT’S WEDNESDAY. Bless the halberds and magnetise the shields! Form a Penrose triangle! FEED THE MAW.

IT’S WEDNESDAY. Bless the halberds and magnetise the shields! Form a Penrose triangle! FEED THE MAW.

09:05 amUTCGematsureport that Sony havetrademarked"Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet” for entertainment goods including games in the USA. Perhaps it’s a collaboration withThe Beastie Boys.

Gematsureport that Sony havetrademarked"Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet” for entertainment goods including games in the USA. Perhaps it’s a collaboration withThe Beastie Boys.

09:08 amUTCThose Larian people are about to patch Baldur’s Gate 3 again - they’re incorrigible! This one lets you dismiss party members while asking another person to join your crew, and tries to prioritise your character during automatically triggered dialogue so that party members don’t steal the show.Patch 6 brings more than just romance, with multiple gameplay improvements and fixes to address player-reported issues.Here’s a teaser for what’s coming 👇— Baldur’s Gate 3 (@baldursgate3)February 13, 2024To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

Those Larian people are about to patch Baldur’s Gate 3 again - they’re incorrigible! This one lets you dismiss party members while asking another person to join your crew, and tries to prioritise your character during automatically triggered dialogue so that party members don’t steal the show.Patch 6 brings more than just romance, with multiple gameplay improvements and fixes to address player-reported issues.Here’s a teaser for what’s coming 👇— Baldur’s Gate 3 (@baldursgate3)February 13, 2024To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

Patch 6 brings more than just romance, with multiple gameplay improvements and fixes to address player-reported issues.Here’s a teaser for what’s coming 👇— Baldur’s Gate 3 (@baldursgate3)February 13, 2024

Patch 6 brings more than just romance, with multiple gameplay improvements and fixes to address player-reported issues.Here’s a teaser for what’s coming 👇

09:43 amUTCYoshitaka Murayama, head of Eiyuden developer Rabbit & Bear Studios and the creator of the Suikoden series, haspassed away due to illness.

Yoshitaka Murayama, head of Eiyuden developer Rabbit & Bear Studios and the creator of the Suikoden series, haspassed away due to illness.

09:59 amUTCEA and Maxis areaddinga Vitiligo skin feature to The Sims 4 via free update.

EA and Maxis areaddinga Vitiligo skin feature to The Sims 4 via free update.

15:41 pmUTCViaGematsu, Sony don’t plan to release “any new major existing franchise titles” next fiscal year - in other words, between 1st April 2024 and 31st March 2025. That doesn’t rule out smaller original games, I guess. What about PC ports, Sony?

ViaGematsu, Sony don’t plan to release “any new major existing franchise titles” next fiscal year - in other words, between 1st April 2024 and 31st March 2025. That doesn’t rule out smaller original games, I guess. What about PC ports, Sony?

15:55 pmUTCUbisoft France employees areon strike todayafter “management offered a budget dedicated to raises that would be lower than inflation for the second year in a row”.

Ubisoft France employees areon strike todayafter “management offered a budget dedicated to raises that would be lower than inflation for the second year in a row”.

16:44 pmUTCAustin-based Monumental have acquired Kongregate, a games publisher and web portal who were dear to me back in the days when I used to run a Flash gaming blog.GIhas more.

Austin-based Monumental have acquired Kongregate, a games publisher and web portal who were dear to me back in the days when I used to run a Flash gaming blog.GIhas more.

08:52 amUTCIT IS THURSDAY. How dull it is to make an end, to rust unburnish’d, not to shine in use! FEED THE MAW.

IT IS THURSDAY. How dull it is to make an end, to rust unburnish’d, not to shine in use! FEED THE MAW.

08:56 amUTCHermeticais a deckbuilder with an alchemy theme and illuminated manuscript-style visuals, similar to Pentiment and Inkulinati. If you’d told me years ago that games with illuminated manuscript-style visuals would be a Thing, I would not have believed you. Here’s the announcement trailer.To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

Hermeticais a deckbuilder with an alchemy theme and illuminated manuscript-style visuals, similar to Pentiment and Inkulinati. If you’d told me years ago that games with illuminated manuscript-style visuals would be a Thing, I would not have believed you. Here’s the announcement trailer.To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

09:06 amUTCPalworld’s community manager has gently suggested that people impatient for new Palworld updates stop calling the game “dead” and play other games instead.With Palworld quickly approaching the 1-month mark, it’s interesting to look back at my own thoughts for launch.In May of 2023, I was convinced that Palworld could break the 50,000 player mark. Anything above that seemed unobtainable though, and I certainly never expected it to…pic.twitter.com/1rZaV30QON— Bucky | Palworld & Craftopia (@Bucky_cm)February 14, 2024To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

Palworld’s community manager has gently suggested that people impatient for new Palworld updates stop calling the game “dead” and play other games instead.With Palworld quickly approaching the 1-month mark, it’s interesting to look back at my own thoughts for launch.In May of 2023, I was convinced that Palworld could break the 50,000 player mark. Anything above that seemed unobtainable though, and I certainly never expected it to…pic.twitter.com/1rZaV30QON— Bucky | Palworld & Craftopia (@Bucky_cm)February 14, 2024To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

Palworld’s community manager has gently suggested that people impatient for new Palworld updates stop calling the game “dead” and play other games instead.

With Palworld quickly approaching the 1-month mark, it’s interesting to look back at my own thoughts for launch.In May of 2023, I was convinced that Palworld could break the 50,000 player mark. Anything above that seemed unobtainable though, and I certainly never expected it to…pic.twitter.com/1rZaV30QON— Bucky | Palworld & Craftopia (@Bucky_cm)February 14, 2024

09:18 amUTCHere’sa two hour video interviewwith Grinding Gears about Path Of Exile 2, in which there is talk of WASD and endgames.

Here’sa two hour video interviewwith Grinding Gears about Path Of Exile 2, in which there is talk of WASD and endgames.

09:22 amUTCHelldivers 2 will “never” have a PvP mode, according to Arrowhead.Hey; We’ll “never” add a PvP-mode. This is to reduce toxic elements from the community.We want an environment that’s supportive, fun and where we all are fighting on the same side!— Pilestedt (@Pilestedt)February 14, 2024To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

Helldivers 2 will “never” have a PvP mode, according to Arrowhead.Hey; We’ll “never” add a PvP-mode. This is to reduce toxic elements from the community.We want an environment that’s supportive, fun and where we all are fighting on the same side!— Pilestedt (@Pilestedt)February 14, 2024To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

Helldivers 2 will “never” have a PvP mode, according to Arrowhead.

Hey; We’ll “never” add a PvP-mode. This is to reduce toxic elements from the community.We want an environment that’s supportive, fun and where we all are fighting on the same side!— Pilestedt (@Pilestedt)February 14, 2024

Hey; We’ll “never” add a PvP-mode. This is to reduce toxic elements from the community.We want an environment that’s supportive, fun and where we all are fighting on the same side!

11:26 amUTCEmbracer havereleased their latest financial results.

Embracer havereleased their latest financial results.

15:05 pmUTCStunlock havedevloggedabout what to expect from vampire action-RPG V Rising’s 1.0 update. The offerings include a story finale, a new visual customisation system, and some enhanced weapons. Has anyone here played this much? I missed it when it first came out, but I do like me a vampire game.

Stunlock havedevloggedabout what to expect from vampire action-RPG V Rising’s 1.0 update. The offerings include a story finale, a new visual customisation system, and some enhanced weapons. Has anyone here played this much? I missed it when it first came out, but I do like me a vampire game.

15:37 pmUTCViking management sim Land of the Vikings hasreceived a new updatewhich adds fresh Land for the Vikings to be managed on. Also a new set of resource menus.

Viking management sim Land of the Vikings hasreceived a new updatewhich adds fresh Land for the Vikings to be managed on. Also a new set of resource menus.

15:39 pmUTCHere’s a video from Nightingale devs Inflexion detailing how they’re updating the survival sim for its early access launch on February 20th. There’s mention of changing up the UI/UX, which has been abone of contentionround these parts.To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

Here’s a video from Nightingale devs Inflexion detailing how they’re updating the survival sim for its early access launch on February 20th. There’s mention of changing up the UI/UX, which has been abone of contentionround these parts.To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

15:40 pmUTCWell-received wizarding FPS Wizordum has had a community mapping jam, and the results are rather fetching.To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

Well-received wizarding FPS Wizordum has had a community mapping jam, and the results are rather fetching.To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

Well-received wizarding FPS Wizordum has had a community mapping jam, and the results are rather fetching.

To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

15:51 pmUTCNo Man’s Sky is getting an Omega update with a swathe of additions, broadly geared towards getting new players involved. Here’s a trailer.To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

No Man’s Sky is getting an Omega update with a swathe of additions, broadly geared towards getting new players involved. Here’s a trailer.To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

No Man’s Sky is getting an Omega update with a swathe of additions, broadly geared towards getting new players involved. Here’s a trailer.

To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

17:52 pmUTCEdwin referenced V Rising’s recent developer update earlier, and here’s afuller poston the updates coming this spring to the vampire survival ‘em up and its PvP, endgame content, armour, and lighting effects.

Edwin referenced V Rising’s recent developer update earlier, and here’s afuller poston the updates coming this spring to the vampire survival ‘em up and its PvP, endgame content, armour, and lighting effects.

19:24 pmUTCStarbreeze say that sales and player numbers for co-op heist sequel Payday 3 are “significantly lower” than hoped, but they’re not giving up. They’ve outlined a2024 development roadmapthat includes an offline mode, solo mode, changes to progression, a UI revamp, and both quickplay and Crime.Net-style server browser functionality.

Starbreeze say that sales and player numbers for co-op heist sequel Payday 3 are “significantly lower” than hoped, but they’re not giving up. They’ve outlined a2024 development roadmapthat includes an offline mode, solo mode, changes to progression, a UI revamp, and both quickplay and Crime.Net-style server browser functionality.

19:54 pmUTCA Disco Elysium standalone expansion has reportedly been cancelled and a quarter of the studio’s workforce placed at risk of redundancy,according to sources close to the matter. This is seemingly the third project cancelled in three years, with two projects - one related to Disco Elysium - apparently still in development.

A Disco Elysium standalone expansion has reportedly been cancelled and a quarter of the studio’s workforce placed at risk of redundancy,according to sources close to the matter. This is seemingly the third project cancelled in three years, with two projects - one related to Disco Elysium - apparently still in development.

20:53 pmUTCDiablo 4 isheaded to Game Pass on March 28th. It’ll be the first Activision Blizzard game to join the subscription service since Microsoft’s $69 billion acquisition.

Diablo 4 isheaded to Game Pass on March 28th. It’ll be the first Activision Blizzard game to join the subscription service since Microsoft’s $69 billion acquisition.

09:05 amUTCIT IS FRIDAY.Edwin has mysteriously vanished this morning, though we fear he may have been lured into the Maw’s interdimensional vortex. A rescue team is on its way to pull him back to the land of the living, but for now you’ll have to make do with me instead. FEED THE MAW.

IT IS FRIDAY.Edwin has mysteriously vanished this morning, though we fear he may have been lured into the Maw’s interdimensional vortex. A rescue team is on its way to pull him back to the land of the living, but for now you’ll have to make do with me instead. FEED THE MAW.

09:13 amUTCThe annual DICE Awards took place last night, and Larian will clearly have to build yet another trophy case, as Baldur’s Gate 3 came away with five awards, including Game Of The Year. You can see thefull list of winners here.

The annual DICE Awards took place last night, and Larian will clearly have to build yet another trophy case, as Baldur’s Gate 3 came away with five awards, including Game Of The Year. You can see thefull list of winners here.

09:52 amUTCHappy 5th Birthday, Metro Exodus! Has it really been that long already? To celebrate, developers 4A Games are teasing the next mainline Metro game that’s coming… “when it’s ready”, according to their Xweet yesterday.Metro Exodus turns 5 years old today, and has now sold over 10 Million copies.Metro will return in VR with Metro Awakening from@vertigogamesin 2024 - and the next mainline Metro from@4AGames…When it’s readyThank you for coming on the journey so far with us.pic.twitter.com/qlOW9du4Jc— Metro (@MetroVideoGame)February 15, 2024To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

Happy 5th Birthday, Metro Exodus! Has it really been that long already? To celebrate, developers 4A Games are teasing the next mainline Metro game that’s coming… “when it’s ready”, according to their Xweet yesterday.Metro Exodus turns 5 years old today, and has now sold over 10 Million copies.Metro will return in VR with Metro Awakening from@vertigogamesin 2024 - and the next mainline Metro from@4AGames…When it’s readyThank you for coming on the journey so far with us.pic.twitter.com/qlOW9du4Jc— Metro (@MetroVideoGame)February 15, 2024To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

Metro Exodus turns 5 years old today, and has now sold over 10 Million copies.Metro will return in VR with Metro Awakening from@vertigogamesin 2024 - and the next mainline Metro from@4AGames…When it’s readyThank you for coming on the journey so far with us.pic.twitter.com/qlOW9du4Jc— Metro (@MetroVideoGame)February 15, 2024

17:56 pmUTCAlan Wake 2 is Remedy’s fastest-selling game yet, shifting over 1.3m copies and selling 50% more than Control managed in half the time, but is still yet to make a penny of profit. Remedy are optimistic, though, with two bits of DLC to come and plans for future updates and “other activities”.

Alan Wake 2 is Remedy’s fastest-selling game yet, shifting over 1.3m copies and selling 50% more than Control managed in half the time, but is still yet to make a penny of profit. Remedy are optimistic, though, with two bits of DLC to come and plans for future updates and “other activities”.

18:55 pmUTCAs Katharine shared earlier,post-apocalyptic mask-wiping shooter Metro Exodus will see a sequel- but only “when it’s ready”, according to devs 4A Games (hopefully before 2033).

As Katharine shared earlier,post-apocalyptic mask-wiping shooter Metro Exodus will see a sequel- but only “when it’s ready”, according to devs 4A Games (hopefully before 2033).

19:26 pmUTCElden Ring and Tekken 8 publishers Bandai Namco have cancelled at least five games in development, saying they are working to put the “emphasis on quality” in the future with stricter standards and fewer titles.

Elden Ring and Tekken 8 publishers Bandai Namco have cancelled at least five games in development, saying they are working to put the “emphasis on quality” in the future with stricter standards and fewer titles.

21:47 pmUTCEpic have posted their Epic Games Store 2023 year-in-review, which includes stats and plans for the year ahead.Spending on third-party games fell 13% last year, despite 1300 new games being added to the storefront - and despite spending on Epic’s own games growing. Epic say they’re going to focus on improving game discovery and the overall player experience in 2024, which includes adding a proper download manager and an offline mode, alongside other features.

Epic have posted their Epic Games Store 2023 year-in-review, which includes stats and plans for the year ahead.Spending on third-party games fell 13% last year, despite 1300 new games being added to the storefront - and despite spending on Epic’s own games growing. Epic say they’re going to focus on improving game discovery and the overall player experience in 2024, which includes adding a proper download manager and an offline mode, alongside other features.

22:18 pmUTCJump King is a famously punishing platformer, but if you’re a glutton for more then there’s good news: five years after its release, itnow has Steam Workshop support and a new modding tool.

Jump King is a famously punishing platformer, but if you’re a glutton for more then there’s good news: five years after its release, itnow has Steam Workshop support and a new modding tool.

22:51 pmUTCRocksteady say thatfixing server and login issues in Suicide Squad is their top priority, but they’re apparently a tough nut to crack and they ask for patience while they work on them.

Rocksteady say thatfixing server and login issues in Suicide Squad is their top priority, but they’re apparently a tough nut to crack and they ask for patience while they work on them.

22:58 pmUTCBrighton band Lime Garden released their debut album yesterday, which gives me excuse to share opening track Love Song, which I’ve been listening to regularly since last year.To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

Brighton band Lime Garden released their debut album yesterday, which gives me excuse to share opening track Love Song, which I’ve been listening to regularly since last year.To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

Brighton band Lime Garden released their debut album yesterday, which gives me excuse to share opening track Love Song, which I’ve been listening to regularly since last year.

To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Manage cookie settings

23:12 pmUTCHelldivers 2’s team is likewise working on server issues, but todayh released patch 1.09 which includes crash fixes, matchmaking improvements and some balance tweaks. The fullpatch notes are over on Steam.

Helldivers 2’s team is likewise working on server issues, but todayh released patch 1.09 which includes crash fixes, matchmaking improvements and some balance tweaks. The fullpatch notes are over on Steam.

23:22 pmUTCThe voice actor Richard Wells, who recorded the “PEGI 18”, etc. that plays before game trailers,says he was paid just €200 (£170) to do it. Wells created a TikTok account on Friday and has already accrued over 17 million views.

The voice actor Richard Wells, who recorded the “PEGI 18”, etc. that plays before game trailers,says he was paid just €200 (£170) to do it. Wells created a TikTok account on Friday and has already accrued over 17 million views.