Sony has officially confirmed that it is closing Destruction AllStars, the PlayStation 5 exclusive released in February 2021. Launched as a major bet to encourage online gaming on the platform, the game faced an extremely cold reception, being criticized for its lack of content, the aggressiveness of its microtransactions, and the repetitiveness of its gameplay proposal. A game doomed to disaster According to information from Sony in an email sent to all users, it is no longer possible to purchase the game or virtual currency within the game since yesterday, May 26th of […]
Sony has officially confirmed that it is shutting down Destruction AllStars, the PlayStation 5 exclusive released in February 2021. Launched as a major bet to encourage online gaming on the platform, the game faced an extremely cold reception, being criticized for its lack of content, the aggressiveness of its microtransactions, and the repetitiveness of its gameplay proposal.
A Game Bound for Disaster
According to information from Sony in an email sent to all users, it is no longer possible to purchase the game or virtual currency within the game since yesterday, May 26, 2026. Stating that “due to ongoing technical issues, the multiplayer services of Destruction AllStars for PlayStation 5 consoles will remain disabled and will no longer be available”, they emphasized that single-player modes will still be available until November 25, 2026, when the servers will close.
Destruction AllStars has always been surrounded by controversy. Announced as a premium game, it was set to be sold for €69.99 at a time when the standard for games was €59.99, leading to significant controversy. So much so that it would eventually be released as a free-to-play with free updates and micropayments for cosmetics and upgrades. This did not help alleviate an almost immediate failure.
Although this is not the only failure of Sony this generation with online games. The other great example is Concord, a game developed by Firewalk Studios that, due to unprecedented low sales, shut down its servers in two weeks. The difference compared to Destruction AllStars is that it was a premium game and not free-to-play, which is why they decided to kill it off sooner: it was giving them bad press. Even if the numbers were, by no means, worse than those of the game from Lucid Games.
Since its launch in 2003, Steam has experienced exponential growth in the number of users, establishing itself as the main pillar of the video game industry. According to a report by Newzoo, it is expected that the revenue generated by gaming on PC will surpass that of all consoles combined starting in 2028, thanks to the increasing market penetration in Asia and among Generation Z and Alpha. This trend suggests that the PC will increasingly position itself as the platform of choice for gamers in the near future. A monopoly on PC gaming Despite […]
According to a report by Newzoo, it is expected that revenues generated by gaming on PC will surpass those of all consoles combined starting in 2028, thanks to the increasing market penetration in Asia and among Generation Z and Alpha. This trend suggests that the PC will increasingly position itself as the platform of choice for gamers in the near future.
Valve says nearly 6,000 games made over $100K on Steam in 2025 💰
The most in history
They also joked: 'If you have a line on a bunch of RAM, we are in the market and would like to buy it' pic.twitter.com/9B0H7tzQJV
However, there has been a notable increase in spending on premium video games, which now represents 29% of the total, even though microtransactions and subscriptions continue to dominate at 71%. This change allows us to glimpse a future where paid content could be more relevant than ever on this platform.
An interesting fact revealed in the study is the increase in playtime dedicated to titles that are not in the top 20 most played, highlighting a greater diversity in the available gaming options. 56% of gaming hours were allocated to these less popular works, indicating a shift in player preferences.
For its part, Valve remains the biggest beneficiary of this expansion, facing competition that has not managed to offer a service comparable to Steam. The current situation seems to have led PlayStation to consider abandoning singleplayer game releases on PC, while Microsoft focuses on a consolidated PC strategy, highlighting that the gaming landscape is in constant evolution, with all players trying to adapt to a new paradigm.
There are games that have bizarre and incredible stories. Stories of insane developments, impossible launches, or unexpected massive sales. Few are those that are all of that and also can say they survived being, literally, canceled. But that is what has happened with a game that has just been released in early access and promises to be talked about not only during 2026 but for years to come. Its name is Hytale, Riot Games wanted to kill it and its developers have shown that it was a mistake to try. The game that Riot Games canceled and has been a success Hytale […]
There are games that have bizarre and incredible stories. Stories of insane developments, impossible launches, or unexpected massive sales. Few can claim to be all of that and also say they survived being, literally, canceled. But that is what has happened with a game that has just been released in early access and promises to be talked about not only during 2026 but for years to come. Its name is Hytale, Riot Games wanted to kill it, and its developers have shown that it was a mistake to try.
The game that Riot Games canceled and has been a success
Hytale is a game that was born with the premise of becoming a new Minecraft. Literally. Starting its development in early 2015, the game is created by Aaron “Noxy” Donaghey from Hypixel Studios, a studio with more than forty employees, whose origin is the Hypixel server of Minecraft.
Although perhaps not known outside the Minecraft community, Hypixel Network, or Hypixel, is one of the most important servers of the game. Launching its beta on April 13, 2013, by Simon Collins-Laflamme and Philippe Touchett, its premise was simple: to offer adventure maps they created together. But that is not what made the server popular. To ensure that the waits between player connections were not tedious, they created minigames for already connected players to entertain themselves in the meantime. And they became so popular that Hypixel became a server specialized in minigames.
With four Guinness World Records, two of them for being the Minecraft or any independent game server with the most concurrent players (64,533 as of July 7, 2017), having the most games on a Minecraft server (43 as of August 11, 2017), and having the most registered users on a Minecraft server (11,982,298 players as of August 24, 2017), it is one of the largest, if not the largest Minecraft server in the world. And for this reason, it is logical that Hypixel wanted to create their own game.
Especially because they had a more than evident reason to want to have control over their servers. A change in the terms of use of Minecraft by the developing company, Mojang, meant that, in 2014, there could be no microtransactions that affected gameplay on the game’s servers. This caused an 85% drop in Hypixel’s revenue, leading the server to lose the vast majority of its profits. This made them decide to respond by creating their own version of the game less than a year later.
The development began with the funding of the Hypixel server, but in December 2018 they not only announced the existence of the game and revealed its name, Hytale, but also received significant support from one of the largest companies in the world: Riot Games. Investing several million dollars, they maintained a close relationship that led to Riot acquiring Hypixel Studios in April 2020 for an amount that has still not been disclosed.
By then, Hytale already had two and a half million pre-registered users. With over 30 million views of its trailer during its first month, this led to the game growing in scale. Although it was scheduled for a release in 2021, it was delayed several times, leading players to think that the game would never be released. This seemed to be confirmed when Donaghey announced the cancellation of Hytale and the closure of Hypixel Studios on June 23, 2025, after more than ten years of development, because he believed that the game was too ambitious to succeed.
A story of rebirth
Collins-Laflamme, the original founder of the studio, did not share the same opinion. After the project’s cancellation, he negotiated with Riot Games to take over the project and, on November 17, 2025, officially confirmed that he had acquired the intellectual property of Hytale. This way, he re-hired more than 30 developers from the original project, abandoned the engine they were developing for the game, and reverted to the previous engine.
Hytale has finally been released on January 13, 2026, although with some caveats. It is in early access and according to Collins-Laflamme himself, “it’s still not very good.” If you want to buy it, it’s not available in stores, only on its official page. And you have three possible editions: the standard, the supporter, and the cursebreaker, costing respectively €20.72, €36.27, and €72.55.
Although the official figures are expected to take a few more days to be released, we already know that the game has been a success. Not only because it has taken social media and streaming services by storm as a true Minecraft killer, offering an adventure game that iterates and improves everything that made Mojang’s game great, but also because Collins-Laflame has confirmed this. Stating that, just with what they have sold so far, they can already cover the development of at least the next two years of the game.
That’s why, although we still need to see how it will evolve over time, it seems that we will have Hytale for a long time. And it seems that, for the first time in history since its launch, Minecraft has found a competitor of its caliber.
Hytale is an open-world RPG that emerged under the umbrella of the Minecraft community. It provides the player with a great level of freedom to explore, create, and unleash all their creativity.
The game R.E.P.O., developed by Semiwork, has achieved a rating of 96% Extremely Positive reviews on Steam, based on the opinions of over 260,000 users. This achievement is not minor, especially in a 2025 that has seen the emergence of several successful titles on Valve’s platform. However, what distinguishes R.E.P.O. from other popular releases is its decision not to be free and to avoid the use of microtransactions. Fun VS Monetization According to the Semiwork team, the philosophy behind their game is to provide an enhanced user experience by avoiding incorporating […]
The game R.E.P.O., developed by Semiwork, has achieved a rating of 96% Extremely Positive reviews on Steam, based on the opinions of over 260,000 users. This achievement is no small feat, especially in a 2025 that has seen the emergence of several successful titles on Valve’s platform. However, what sets R.E.P.O. apart from other popular releases is its decision not to be free and to avoid the use of microtransactions.
Fun VS Monetization
According to the Semiwork team, the philosophy behind their game is to provide an enhanced user experience by avoiding the incorporation of controversial microtransactions. Instead, the studio has announced the implementation of cosmetics that can only be obtained through gameplay and active participation in the adventures that R.E.P.O. offers. In a recent YouTube video, the team confirmed that these new aesthetic elements will be part of a future update, reaffirming their commitment to making the unlocking process exciting and satisfactorily integrated into the gameplay.
Developers have expressed that we do not want to have a simple menu where you buy things with in-game currency, words that resonated positively among fans, who celebrated this vision with enthusiastic comments.
Semiwork’s decision to avoid micropayments may discourage those players who prefer these monetization systems, but the team has made it clear that fun will be prioritized above all. As the game continues to grow in popularity, the community seems to be fully in agreement with the direction the developers have taken.
Isaac Clarke, the iconic protagonist of the Dead Space saga, has made his unexpected appearance in the game Skate, through a cosmetic pack that has generated controversy among players. This collaboration, typical of Electronic Arts (EA) in an attempt to attract fans through nostalgia, allows users to customize their experience in the new Skate, a free-to-play title set in the open world of San Vansterdam. We like Isaac Clarke, but we don’t like 30 euros The Isaac Clarke pack includes several cosmetic items, such as a suit “of […]
Isaac Clarke, the iconic protagonist of the Dead Space saga, has made his unexpected appearance in the game Skate, through a cosmetic pack that has generated controversy among players. This collaboration, typical of Electronic Arts (EA) in an attempt to attract fans through nostalgia, allows users to customize their experience in the new Skate, a free-to-play title set in the open world of San Vansterdam.
We like Isaac Clarke, but we don’t like 30 euros
The Isaac Clarke pack includes several cosmetic items, such as a “cardboard” suit, a themed board, the Necro Stomp emote, stickers, and an avatar. However, the price of this content has been deemed excessive, costing between 30 and 35 euros, an amount that exceeds the cost of complete games like the recently released Dead Space Remake, available for around 15.99 euros digitally and 14.99 euros in physical format.
The gaming community has expressed its discontent on social media, reminiscing about past times when obtaining skins was much more accessible, like in Skate 3, where Isaac’s outfit was unlocked with a simple code. In contrast, the current microtransaction system imposes a pricing structure that leaves many players frustrated. With a minimum of 30-35 euros required to access the pack, players feel they are being encouraged to spend more on cosmetics than on complete games.
The debate over microtransaction prices in free-to-play titles is a recurring topic among fans, especially when comparisons with previous products highlight notable differences in terms of accessibility. As Skate continues in early access, the insistence on a more ethical monetization model could be crucial for maintaining the loyalty of its player base.
Riot Games has launched the early access of 2XKO, a new fighting game that is already generating mixed reactions in the community. With the arrival of new playable content, such as additional characters and the introduction of ranked matches, many fans have received the title with enthusiasm. However, concerns about its monetization model have overshadowed the launch. Free to play, but with very expensive microtransactions 2XKO is a free to play game, which means its funding is based on in-game purchases, mainly cosmetics. However, the prices of these items have been […]
Riot Games has launched the early access of 2XKO, a new fighting game that is already generating mixed reactions in the community. With the arrival of new playable content, such as additional characters and the introduction of ranked matches, many fans have received the title with enthusiasm. However, concerns about its monetization model have overshadowed the launch.
Free to play, but with very expensive microtransactions
2XKO is a free-to-play game, which means its funding is based on in-game purchases, mainly cosmetics. However, the prices of these items have been the subject of criticism. The welcome packs, which include premium currency and access to characters, have caused widespread discontent, especially the most expensive pack, which costs 99.99 euros and locks three of the most desired skins, inspired by the popular series Arcane. The option to purchase cosmetics individually is not available, which has led the community to question Riot Games’ pricing policy.
Among the available items, legendary category skins are sold for 2000 KO Points, equivalent to 20 euros, and a battle pass is offered that ranges from 10 to 35 euros, depending on the level. Although it can be argued that these purchases are optional and that the focus on cosmetics is appealing, many players believe that the prices are high and that the variety of options is often confusing.
Criticism of Riot Games’ monetization has resurfaced, recalling the price increases in League of Legends in recent years, where some skins have reached up to 500 euros. With the community on alert, it is clear that Riot must pay attention to the concerns of its fans, especially with upcoming releases and events, such as the League of Legends World Championship.
Ubisoft has reaffirmed its commitment to microtransactions, describing them not only as part of its business model but also as a way to make games “more fun.” However, this stance has drawn criticism from both players and the media due to the inclusion of features like paid XP boosters in their single-player titles. Paying more and less consciously is fun, apparently Despite the controversies, the studio has achieved significant financial successes with its recent releases in the Assassin’s Creed series, such as Assassin’s Creed Valhalla […]
Ubisoft has reaffirmed its commitment to microtransactions, describing them not only as part of its business model, but also as a way to make games “more fun”. However, this stance has drawn criticism from both players and the media due to the inclusion of features such as paid XP boosters in its single-player titles.
Paying more and less consciously is fun, apparently
Despite the controversies, the study has achieved significant financial successes with its recent releases in the Assassin’s Creed series, such as Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Assassin’s Creed Shadows. In its latest annual report, Ubisoft reiterated its intention to continue implementing microtransactions in full-price games, highlighting its desire to “respect the player experience” and resort to “sustainable” monetization.
The report highlights what seems to be an attempt to balance integrating microtransactions into the company’s financial strategy while assuring players that these practices will not be abused. It is mentioned that “the golden rule when developing premium games is to allow players to enjoy the game in its entirety without the need to spend more.” However, this statement contrasts with the idea that microtransactions can enhance the player experience by allowing for avatar customization or faster progression.
By allowing players to purchase progression upgrades, Ubisoft exposes itself to criticism regarding game design that could favor a payment system prioritizing transactions over the free gaming experience. On another note, the company also addressed the Stop Killing Games movement in an official statement, in response to condemnations from former executives regarding workplace harassment that occurred in July.
The game Straftat has been awarded the best FPS of 2024 by PC Gamer, highlighting its dynamic gameplay and unique aesthetics. This title, reminiscent of early 2000s arena shooters, has managed to capture players’ attention due to the intensity of its combat and the design of its maps, which feature brutal settings where players can immerse themselves in frantic matches. The only thing you have to pay for is the DLC if you want more content With the latest update, Straftat has introduced new game modes, including 2v2 and free-for-all, that […]
The game Straftat has been awarded the best FPS of 2024 by PC Gamer, highlighting its dynamic gameplay and unique aesthetics. This title, reminiscent of arena shooters from the early 2000s, has managed to capture the attention of players due to the intensity of its combat and the design of its maps, which feature brutal settings where players can immerse themselves in frantic matches.
The only thing you have to pay for is the DLC if you want more content
With the latest update, Straftat has introduced new game modes, including 2v2 and free-for-all, allowing for more varied interactions between players. These innovations have been well received by the community, which can now enjoy even more chaos and fun on over 150 maps available in the game.
Straftat is free to play on Steam, with limited microtransactions that focus only on map DLC. Players who wish to expand their experience can purchase over 150 additional maps for just €5.80, which also include weapons and customizations for their characters. The introduction of a support edition aims to fund the development of the creators’ next game, Babbdi2, allowing players to contribute to the growth of the studio.
In this recent update, in addition to the new modes and maps, the weapon randomization systems and user interface have been improved, aiming to keep the game fresh and optimize the user experience. With these constant additions and changes, Straftat maintains its relevance in an increasingly competitive online gaming landscape.
The Lemaitre Brothers, developers of the game, have emphasized that Straftat is a completely free experience, which sets it apart in a market saturated with incessant microtransactions. The game continues to receive regular updates that expand its content, ensuring that players have constant reasons to return.
La preservación de los videojuegos se ha convertido en un tema crucial para los fanáticos, especialmente al considerar que muchos títulos clásicos no están disponibles para los jugadores. En este contexto, SEGA ha tomado una decisión significativa de descontinuar su iniciativa SEGA Forever, lanzada en 2017, que ofrecía una colección de … Continúa leyendo “”
The preservation of video games has become a crucial topic for fans, especially considering that many classic titles are currently not available to players. In this context, SEGA has made a significant decision to discontinue its SEGA Forever initiative, launched in 2017, which offered a collection of retro games on mobile devices. As of 2023, only nine classic titles remain that will soon disappear from download platforms.
A decision that can be patched, if you hurry
In light of this imminent disappearance, SEGA has decided to give away these nine classic games, providing players the opportunity to download them for free before they are removed from the Play Store and the App Store. To obtain these games, users must search for and download each title individually. Once installed, the games will be available to play offline, even after they have been removed from the digital stores.
It is important to highlight that, although SEGA has removed microtransactions from these games, they will continue to include advertisements until their definitive removal. Therefore, players who venture to download these classics should prepare to encounter ads during their gaming experience. However, the possibility of holding a part of SEGA’s history in the palm of their hand is a considerable attraction.
With the imminent disappearance of these titles, interested parties are advised to act quickly. Although no exact date has been specified for their removal, notices in the games warn that their elimination is imminent. This gesture from SEGA highlights the importance of video game preservation, an aspect that still requires greater commitment from companies in the sector.
GTA Online, the popular multiplayer title from Rockstar Games, is facing criticism over its economy, considered one of the most unfavorable in the video game industry. Players often have to rely on microtransactions or the tedious farming process to enrich their accounts within the game. The recent achievement of a player known as KyotoJF, who reached one billion dollars in the game legally after more than 12,000 hours of play over 11 years, has reignited the debate about the viability of obtaining wealth without resorting to questionable methods. Is it legitimate not to play […]
GTA Online, the popular multiplayer title from Rockstar Games, is facing criticism over its economy, considered one of the most unfavorable in the video game industry. Players often have to rely on microtransactions or the tedious farming process to enrich their accounts within the game. The recent achievement of a player known as KyotoJF, who reached one billion dollars in the game legally after more than 12,000 hours of gameplay over 11 years, has reignited the debate about the viability of obtaining wealth without resorting to questionable methods.
Is it legitimate not to play the game?
KyotoJF achieved his feat by managing all available businesses in GTA Online, a monumental challenge given that many of these require significant investments of time and virtual money. Although his success is admirable, part of the community is skeptical about the legitimacy of his method. Some criticize the use of AFK tactics, which involve leaving the game running while the player engages in other activities, such as working. From this perspective, accumulating wealth through these practices is not considered a “clean” way to earn money in the game.
In addition to the questions about KyotoJF’s tactics, many players believe that the economy of GTA Online has been designed by Rockstar to encourage spending on microtransactions, which leaves those who play “legitimately” at a clear disadvantage. Although the company has taken measures against cheating and shortcuts, the shadow of these practices persists, further complicating the landscape for those seeking to get rich fairly.
In this context, the question arises about the morality of the AFK method. Is it legitimate in such a hostile ecosystem as GTA Online? Opinions are divided, and the debate continues in the player community as they await the arrival of future updates and content for the game.
