Borderlands Online, an MMO that was announced in 2015 as exclusive to China, never got released. The game promised to immerse players in the Borderlands universe, offering a free-to-play business model aimed at conquering the Asian market. However, the project was canceled, leaving many wondering about the possibilities it offered. Fans want to revive it after it never even reached the market. Years later, the modder and dataminer EpicNNG has managed to make the character creator of Borderlands Online work, reviving a part of video game history that had been […]
Borderlands Online, an MMO that was announced in 2015 as exclusive to China, never got released. The game promised to immerse players in the Borderlands universe, offering a free-to-play business model aimed at conquering the Asian market. However, the project was canceled, leaving many wondering about the possibilities it offered.
Fans want to resurrect him after he didn’t even make it to market
Years later, the modder and dataminer EpicNNG has managed to make the character creator of Borderlands Online work, reviving a part of video game history that had been lost. This creator allows players to create their own characters, although the customization is quite limited. Despite this, it is a significant find for fans of the series and for those interested in the legacy of the franchise.
Borderlands Online would have allowed players to take on the role of Vault Hunters landing on Pandora, choosing from four character classes: Siren, Soldier, Berserker, and Hunter. The game would also have included iconic NPCs like Claptrap and Dr. Zod, as well as familiar locations from the Borderlands universe and PvP modes such as “last man standing,” “team vs. team,” and “capture the flag.” However, the version restored by EpicNNG presents instability, as it crashes when exiting the customization screen.
Meanwhile, Borderlands 4 is scheduled to be released on September 12, moving up from its original date of September 23. What we have seen so far maintains the series’ signature style, while introducing new mechanics such as the ability to summon a hoverbike anywhere. Fans hope that this new installment captures the humor and gameplay that made Borderlands 2 such a beloved title.
XDefiant, Ubisoft’s competitive free-to-play shooter, launched with the promise of offering gameplay focused on fun, avoiding the skill-based matchmaking system. However, after its release, the game faced harsh criticism for a lack of content and technical issues, leading to a rapid decline in its player base. Despite its promising start with 8 million players in the first week, Ubisoft has decided to shut down XDefiant’s servers in July 2025 due to its poor performance. The game that was meant to dethrone Call of Duty is dead […]
XDefiant, the competitive free-to-play shooter from Ubisoft, launched with the promise of offering gameplay focused on fun, avoiding the skill-based matchmaking system. However, after its launch, the game faced harsh criticism for a lack of content and technical issues, leading to a rapid decline in the player base. Despite its promising start with 8 million players in the first week, Ubisoft has decided to shut down the XDefiant servers in July 2025 due to its poor performance.
The game called to dethrone Call of Duty is dead
During its early betas, many players praised XDefiant for its frantic pace and mechanics reminiscent of Call of Duty, suggesting it could be a strong competitor in the genre. However, the lack of significant updates and content after launch tarnished the gaming experience. As time went on, improvements and updates arrived late, contributing to the steady decline in the number of active players.
Mark Rubin, executive producer of XDefiant, has openly criticized Activision’s monetization approaches in its Call of Duty franchise. In a message on Twitter, he emphasized that many games have prioritized maximizing economic gain from players through tactics such as FOMO (fear of missing out) and EOMM (engagement optimized matchmaking). Rubin argued that game quality should be the main priority, suggesting that studios like Larian Studios, creators of Baldur’s Gate 3, have a more quality-focused approach than aggressive marketing.
With the imminent closure of XDefiant, the debate surrounding monetization strategies and content quality in competitive shooters continues, leaving the community with more questions than answers about the future of this type of title.
The Horizon saga from PlayStation, which has brought four games to life so far, seems to be on track to continue its expansion. However, the emergence of imitators is already being felt, with one of the most notable being Light of Motiram, developed by the Chinese studio Polaris Quest, a subsidiary of Tencent. This new title, which has caused a stir due to its obvious inspiration from Horizon Zero Dawn, has released a trailer showcasing its own features and distancing itself from its source of inspiration. Its appeal is to be the opposite of the Horizon saga in everything but aesthetics […]
The PlayStation Horizon saga, which has brought four games to life so far, seems to be on track to continue its expansion. However, the emergence of imitators is already being felt, with one of the most notable being Light of Motiram, developed by the Chinese studio Polaris Quest, a subsidiary of Tencent. This new title, which has caused a stir due to its obvious inspiration from Horizon Zero Dawn, has released a trailer showcasing its own features and distancing itself from its source of inspiration.
Its appeal is being the opposite of the Horizon saga in everything but aesthetics
Light of Motiram presents itself as a survival adventure focused on base building, the taming of mechanical creatures known as Mechanimals, and cooperative combat for up to ten players. Unlike what is seen in the Guerrilla Games title, this new game minimizes the narrative weight and seeks to maximize the online component. Players will be able to join and leave matches without affecting their progress, a proposal that could be appealing to those looking for a more flexible experience.
As for combat, Light of Motiram moves even further away from the Horizon style, opting for a focus on melee combat that emphasizes dodges, blocks, and counterattacks. The customization of mechs will allow players to take on different roles, from tanks to support units, adding variety to the gameplay system. This approach could attract a new audience eager to experience a different game, even if it shares certain similarities in its setting.
Scheduled for a 2025 release as a free-to-play title, Light of Motiram will be available on PS5, iOS, Android, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store. As development progresses, Tencent’s growing role in the video game industry, including its investments in Ubisoft and oversight of franchises like Assassin’s Creed, continues to spark conversation about its presence in the global market.
Bungie has announced that Marathon, its highly anticipated extraction title, will be released on September 23 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. The game has generated high expectations among players due to its intergalactic style and smooth controls, features that were highlighted in the early impressions of the title. However, one of the most discussed points in the community is its pricing model. A price that creates expectations and fears According to Bungie, Marathon will be a premium title, but it will not be offered at a full price. This term has led to confusion and speculation, […]
Bungie has announced that Marathon, its highly anticipated extraction title, will be released on September 23 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. The game has generated high expectations among players due to its intergalactic style and smooth controls, features that were highlighted in the early impressions of the title. However, one of the most discussed points in the community is its pricing model.
A price that creates expectations and fears
According to Bungie, Marathon will be a premium title, but it will not be offered at full price. This term has led to confusion and speculation, as the expected price range varies between 30 and 90euros. To put this in context, the video game industry has recently seen a price increase, with popular titles hovering around 70 euros, while others, like Mario Kart World, reach 90 euros. This wide range has left players wondering what the final cost of Marathon will be.
However, the decision not to opt for a free model has raised concerns among certain sectors of the community. Some players express their fear that this choice could harm the success of the game, especially in a market where there are both full-price titles, like Helldivers 2, which costs 40 euros, and free-to-play options, like Delta Force. Comments on social media suggest that the fact of not being free could negatively impact the reception of the title.
As the release date approaches, Bungie fans are hoping for more details to be revealed, specifically about the final price of the game. Meanwhile, Marathon is shaping up to be an attractive competitor in an ever-evolving gaming market, although its viability will depend on how it meets consumer expectations.
Minecraft has maintained its status as the best-selling video game of all time and, surprisingly, its popularity continues to rise in 2025. As numerous leading games in the industry adopt free-to-play models, such as Fortnite or Roblox, Mojang decides to stick with its one-time payment approach, arguing that the essence of the game does not align with more contemporary monetization systems. It doesn’t fit with what they want to do with the game Ingela Garneij, producer at Mojang, stated in a recent interview with IGN that “it doesn’t fit with the way we build the game.” She emphasized that the model […]
Minecraft has maintained its status as the best-selling video game of all time and, surprisingly, its popularity continues to rise in 2025. As numerous leading games in the industry adopt free-to-play models, such as Fortnite or Roblox, Mojang decides to stick with its one-time payment approach, arguing that the essence of the game does not align with more contemporary monetization systems.
Does not fit with what they want to do with the game
Ingela Garneij, producer at Mojang, stated in a recent interview with IGN that “it doesn’t fit with the way we build the game.” She emphasized that Minecraft’s business model focuses on the initial sale, which she considers “the best deal in the world.” This decision reflects a commitment to preserving the values and culture that have made Minecraft a global phenomenon.
Agnes Larsson, director of Minecraft, also shared her perspective in the same interview, emphasizing that the payment structure is an intrinsic part of what defines Minecraft. “It is an aspect that strengthens the game,” she stated, reaffirming that her philosophy is based on providing a complete experience from the moment of purchase.
Despite its sales model, Minecraft has managed to adapt to the modern market through customization options available in the Minecraft Marketplace, which include skins and texture packs. This, along with successful collaborations with brands like Lego and an upcoming movie starring Jack Black, has shown that Mojang continues to innovate in its marketing strategy and diversify its reach in the entertainment sector.
The story of Minecraft continues to evolve as Mojang remains committed to an authentic gaming experience, leaving fans eager for what is to come.
In recent years, the ambition to create open worlds rich in content and experiences has become a primary goal for many developers. However, this overabundance of options can lead to what has been termed open world fatigue, a phenomenon that affects players’ motivation to explore and immerse themselves in the game world. Cameron Williams, a mission designer at Absurd Ventures and former developer at Rockstar Games, expressed his concerns about this issue during a panel at GDC 2025. Going out to explore? Ugh, what a drag Williams collaborates in the creation of games […]
In recent years, the ambition to create open worlds rich in content and experiences has become a primary goal for many developers. However, this overabundance of options can lead to what has been termed open world fatigue, a phenomenon that affects players’ motivation to explore and immerse themselves in the game world. Cameron Williams, mission designer at Absurd Ventures and former developer at Rockstar Games, expressed his concerns about this issue during a panel at GDC 2025.
Going out to explore? Ugh, what a drag
Williams collaborates in the creation of games that allow for vastly detailed exploration, as seen in iconic titles like Red Dead Redemption 2. However, he points out that in modern open worlds, players tend to avoid exploration. The lack of motivation, combined with questions like Is the next thing too far away? and What do I gain from this?, discourages users from getting lost in the game’s mapping. This phenomenon, which he refers to as exploration anxiety, can hinder the overall player experience.
This anxiety is compounded by the growing competition for players’ time from free-to-play models and games as a service. These formats are gaining popularity and make it difficult to dedicate time to open worlds, which require a significant investment of time. Additionally, the saturation of information in the form of icons on maps can be overwhelming. Instead of serving as helpful guides, these symbols can contribute to confusion and stress in players, thereby intensifying their lack of interest in exploring.
Williams’ reflection highlights a fundamental challenge in the design of modern video games: balancing the richness of content with accessibility and player motivation. The industry is at a critical moment to reevaluate how open worlds can be more welcoming and less intimidating.
Since its launch less than ten years ago, Fortnite has transformed the landscape of video games, setting a new standard in the free-to-play business model. Epic Games has managed not only to maintain the interest of its player community but also to inspire other companies to adopt its approach of constant updates, iconic collaborations, and large events. However, this success has positioned Fortnite as the main obstacle for new releases in the industry, affecting both sales and user playtime. According to Mat Piscatella, executive director of Circana, who shared his observations in […]
Since its launch less than ten years ago, Fortnite has transformed the video game landscape, setting a new standard in the free-to-play business model. Epic Games has managed not only to maintain the interest of its player community but also to inspire other companies to adopt its approach of constant updates, iconic collaborations, and large events. However, this success has positioned Fortnite as the main obstacle for new releases in the industry, affecting both sales and user playtime.
According to Mat Piscatella, executive director of Circana, who shared his observations in a recent interview, a concerning 30% of gamers in the United States have no plans to buy any video games this year. This means that most fans are limited to acquiring one or two major titles a year, leaving ample room for free games like Fortnite and Warzone to dominate playtime and public attention.
Fortnite is not just a problem for other games as a service
Companies like Ubisoft and Sony are in a race to create their own games as a service that can emulate the phenomenon of Fortnite, despite the tough competition that this title presents. However, the highly anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto VI in the fall of 2025 could represent a shift in the balance of power within the video game industry, although the actual impact of this new release remains uncertain.
With a legacy already established, Fortnite continues to set the standard for how video games are designed and monetized today. Brands have begun to recognize its potential through collaborations, a model that has become an essential part of the game. As the landscape evolves, the expectation is that developers will continue to seek ways to compete in an increasingly saturated market where they must face the titan of Epic Games.
Marvel Rivals is becoming the end-of-year game for many people. And it has good reasons. With gameplay reminiscent of classic Overwatch and very recognizable characters, there are few reasons not to dive into the trending game. Even its monetization is quite friendly. That’s why it’s no surprise that NetEase, its developing studio, is celebrating. Because the game is being more successful than we imagined. Marvel Rivals is being played harder than we imagined. According to their announcement on Twitter, Marvel Rivals has reached 20 million players. […]
Marvel Rivals is becoming the end-of-year game for many people. And it has good reasons. With gameplay reminiscent of classic Overwatch and very recognizable characters, there are few reasons not to dive into the trending game. Even its monetization is quite friendly. That’s why it’s no surprise that NetEase, its development studio, is celebrating. Because the game is being a success beyond what we imagined.
Marvel Rivals is being hit harder than we imagined
As announced on Twitter, Marvel Rivals has reached 20 million players. An astonishing figure that adds to the previous impressive numbers. Marvel Rivals had managed to reach 10 million players just three days after the game’s release on December 6th, taking just over a week to double that figure.
To celebrate, they have taken the opportunity to announce the update they have decided to call Christmas Celebration. Scheduled for December 20th, this update will add new skins with a Christmas touch, a game mode where the six players of each team will be the adorable shark Jeff, in addition to some other surprises they have not yet announced. Aiming to keep the spirit of these dates not only by giving gifts but also making them something surprising and unexpected.
All this comes, moreover, almost at the same time that the game’s director, Thaddeus Sasser, talked about the success of his game and the reasons for the failure of Concord. Sony’s big bet this year. Emphasizing that the difference between their games is that they had a big brand behind them with recognizable characters like Marvel, it wouldn’t be surprising if the surprises they have in store have something to do with that. And that could mean we’ll see a new character. Playable or in the form of a cameo.
While we wait for the Christmas Celebration update to arrive, we remind you that Marvel Rivals is completely free-to-play. And it is available to play on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC.
Marvel Rivals is a thrilling, team-based PvP game that brings the expansive Marvel universe to life in a dynamic and engaging way. This action game allows players to assemble their dream teams from a wide array of beloved Marvel characters, including heroes and villains from the Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, X-Men, and more.
Age of Empires Mobile is a game that has proven that strategy games can succeed on mobile. Even those that do not sacrifice an ounce of their depth and complexity in the process. As accessible and as deep as its older PC siblings, it is a game that requires some time to acclimate, but offers a lot in return when we do. That’s why we offer you some tips here to help you know how to dive into this successful new iteration of the longest-running strategy game franchise. How to start with Age of Empires Mobile To begin, […]
Age of Empires Mobile is a game that has proven that strategy games can succeed on mobile. Even those that do not sacrifice an ounce of their depth and complexity in the process. As accessible and as deep as its older PC siblings, it is a game that requires some time to acclimate, but offers a lot in return when we do. That’s why we offer you some tips here to help you dive into this successful new iteration of the longest-running strategy game franchise.
How to start with Age of Empires Mobile
To begin with, there’s nothing better than knowing how to choose which civilization best suits your play style. And while it’s true that all have their pros and cons, the Koreans provide the most benefits for those just starting out in the game. With an impressive loot limit of +500k, in addition to a +10% in resource production, this means we will obtain many more resources when attacking other players and also produce resources more consistently with our villagers. This will allow us to establish a very good foundation before deciding on a specific civilization.
In fact, the decision of which civilization we will play with does not have to be permanent. We can change civilization at any time, as long as we pay 200 empire coins. To do this, we will have to click on the portrait in the upper left side of the screen, then on the icon next to the flag of our civilization, and there we can select our civilization. A simple option if we choose the Koreans.
When it comes to managing what you do in the game, you need to keep some important keys in mind. Constructions, in addition to resources, take (real) time to build, so it’s important to assign as many buildings to construct as you can humanly manage before closing the game. Similarly, don’t skip any of the tutorials. Even if you think you already know everything about the game from playing other Age of Empires, Age of Empires Mobile has its own unique features and you could end up suffering the consequences if you decide to rush too much to start playing as quickly as possible.
The most important: Age of Empires Mobile is (effectively) a mobile game
To conclude, it is important to consider the particularities of Age of Empires Mobile. To begin with, it is a mobile game. Try to get all the codes you can, as they will help you a lot. Once you reach chapter eight, join an alliance, as the advantages you will gain from it will be significant. And considering the importance of heroes in this game, particularly powerful units that provide unique benefits on the battlefield, you should acquire one of them as soon as possible. The gaming experience changes radically when they are on the battlefield.
With these tips, you should be more than capable of tackling the first steps of Age of Empire Mobile with some assurance. The rest is in your hands. Building an empire is not easy and will depend on your skill, but don’t let the game’s peculiarities prevent you from conquering the world.
Age of Empires Mobile is a free strategy game from developer Level Infinite. Not to be confused with Age of Empires: Castle Siege, it is the latest attempt from Microsoft to break into the ever-competitive mobile gaming industry. It directly takes inspiration from the popular Age of Empires series on PCs.
Age of Empires Mobile is one of the big surprises of the year. If we had been told at the beginning of the year that one of the most popular games of 2024 would be a strategy game from a franchise known for its depth, we would have laughed. But here we are. Age of Empires Mobile has proven that the formula can be brought to mobile phones. And the numbers prove it. With more than two million downloads in the last month and over five million since its launch, it is one of the strongest releases of 2024. Demonstrating that Age of Empires still has […]
Age of Empires Mobile is one of the big surprises of the year. If we had been told at the beginning of the year that one of the most popular games of 2024 would be a strategy game from a franchise known for its depth, we would have laughed. But here we are. Age of Empires Mobile has proven that the formula can be brought to mobile phones. And the numbers show it.
With more than two million downloads in the last month and over five million since its launch, it is one of the strongest releases of 2024. Proving that Age of Empires still has a lot to say when it comes to strategy. And there are good reasons. Because in addition to being a free-to-play game with in-game purchases, it is a game that has shown it knows how to elegantly transfer the Age of Empires experience to mobile phones.
If you expect an exact replica of the PC games, as is evident, you will be disappointed. Some of its depth and certain micromanagement elements have been left aside, but this is in exchange for delving into other specific aspects of the experience. Building our empire, constructing our buildings, and gathering materials remain crucial, but now more than ever, war gains importance. In battles against other players, we can loot their resources, which is also a valuable way to advance our goals.
What is so special about Age of Empires Mobile?
Because Age of Empires Mobile has a feature that its older siblings lack: it is persistent. This means that we don’t have to start from scratch each time; instead, we build our city, manage it, and every time we go to battle, it will be to continue expanding our city. This is important because the online map will always be there, and we can form alliances or start wars against our neighbors in quick and intense skirmishes for domination.
If you like games like Domination or Rise of Kingdoms, but need a game with a bit more depth in management, Age of Empires Mobile is the perfect game for you. A strategy game with enough depth so that it doesn’t run out in a couple of weeks, but not so complex that it becomes unmanageable on your mobile phone. The best of both worlds, always available in your pocket.
Age of Empires Mobile is a free strategy game from developer Level Infinite. Not to be confused with Age of Empires: Castle Siege, it is the latest attempt from Microsoft to break into the ever-competitive mobile gaming industry. It directly takes inspiration from the popular Age of Empires series on PCs.
