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The new game from the creator of Yakuza may never be released: 38 million euros are to blame

Toshihiro Nagoshi, renowned creator of the famous Yakuza saga, made his return to the spotlight when he announced his new project, Gang of Dragon, at The Game Awards 2025. This action-adventure game follows the story of Shin Ji-seong on the streets of Tokyo and is positioned as a spiritual successor to Yakuza/Like a Dragon. However, the excitement sparked by its announcement has been overshadowed by financial problems that threaten its development. A troubled studio According to information from Bloomberg, NetEase, the company financing the development of the game, has decided to cut funding starting from […]

Toshihiro Nagoshi, renowned creator of the famous Yakuza saga, made his return to the spotlight when he announced his new project, Gang of Dragon, at The Game Awards 2025. This action-adventure game follows the story of Shin Ji-seong in the streets of Tokyo and is positioned as a spiritual successor to Yakuza/Like a Dragon. However, the excitement sparked by its announcement has been overshadowed by financial issues that threaten its development.

A Study in Trouble

According to information from Bloomberg, NetEase, the company that finances the development of the game, has decided to cut funding starting in May. This decision is based on the urgent need for an additional 7 billion yen (approximately 38 million euros) to complete the project, which has left Nagoshi seeking new investors. To date, these efforts have not been successful.

The employees of Nagoshi Studio were informed of this drastic measure, which has generated uncertainty about the future of Gang of Dragon. Although both NetEase and the studio have declined to make further comments, there are reports suggesting that the game was in full development and could take a couple more years to be released.

The case of Nagoshi Studio is not unique. NetEase has undertaken a reassessment of its financial strategy, closing several studios both locally and internationally, including Ouka Studio and T-Minus. Many in the industry are watching the situation of Nagoshi and his team, as the cancellation of Gang of Dragon would be a hard blow not only for the studio, but for fans who have eagerly awaited a new title from this renowned developer.

With the situation still developing, fans hope that a viable solution will be found for the future of the game. However, the current uncertainty raises questions about the status of Gang of Dragon and its eventual release.

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Marvel Rivals will modify the ranking systems to prevent lord farming

NetEase has announced its intention to impose severe penalties on players who exploit the competition system of its video game Marvel Rivals, using a tactic known as “lord farming.” This method, which involves remaining stationary within the game to accumulate hero competition points, has seen a notable increase since the last update of the competition system, harming the gaming experience of other users. They want to prevent people from playing in a way that takes away the fun. The term “lord farming” gets its name because the highest recognition for reaching maximum competition is […]

They want to prevent people from playing in a way that takes away the fun

The term “lord farming” gets its name because the highest recognition for reaching maximum competition is the prestigious Lord icon. However, this approach has altered the normal game dynamics, generating frustration among those seeking a more equitable competitive experience.

In a statement, NetEase warned players that exploiting this process, by remaining in the spawn area and performing repetitive actions to increase statistics, not only disrupts the game but also seriously affects the experience of others. In order to counter this issue, the company plans to implement a combat behavior detection system.

The sanctions that could be applied to those identified with abusive behaviors include warnings, temporary suspensions, long-term suspensions, or even permanent bans from their accounts. This decision aims to promote a fairer and healthier gaming environment, in collaboration with the gaming community.

Despite these efforts, some players have defended their actions, pointing out that they are only engaging in “lord farming” on empty servers. NetEase’s call to players to help maintain fairness in the game is clear, but the implementation of effective measures will be crucial to restore balance in the competitive world of Marvel Rivals.

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The creator of Disco Elysium wants to make a video game about the worst part of humanity

The creators of Disco Elysium have left their positions at ZA/UM “involuntarily,” following a takeover by the investor board. This unexpected change has been accompanied by accusations and lawsuits for inappropriate conduct that resulted in the cancellation of several side projects, including one directed by Robert Kurvitz, the lead writer of Disco Elysium. Despite these difficulties, Kurvitz has revealed that his passion for exploring the dark aspects of humanity remains intact, and he plans to develop a new game that delves into the descent of a “successful” character into […]

The creators of Disco Elysium have left their positions at ZA/UM “involuntarily,” following a takeover by the investment board. This unexpected change has been accompanied by accusations and lawsuits for inappropriate conduct that resulted in the cancellation of several side projects, including one directed by Robert Kurvitz, the lead writer of Disco Elysium. Despite these challenges, Kurvitz has revealed that his passion for exploring the dark aspects of humanity remains intact, and he plans to develop a new game that delves into the descent of a “successful” character into failure and suffering.

We thought that was Disco Elysium

As part of the G-Star 2025 event, Kurvitz participated in a talk about storytelling in video games, where he highlighted his bleak vision for his upcoming project. Although details about the game are still scarce and it is in an early stage of development, it seems that the themes of decay and emotional vulnerability that characterized Disco Elysium will be taken to an even rawer and more pessimistic level.

The author described writing as “a very miserable art,” reflecting on how his own anger and sadness were fundamental to the narrative of Disco Elysium. “I had to put political anguish and my own existence into the game,” he stated, highlighting the personal effort required each day to continue with the project. This personal approach intervenes in the treatment of emotional and absurd themes, creating an intense connection with the players.

In 2022, Kurvitz founded a new studio called Red Info along with the lead artist of Disco Elysium, Aleksander Rostov, with financial support from NetEase. As more information about their upcoming title is awaited, fans of his work remain hopeful that the talent and darkness of his narrative will be reflected in this new adventure.

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Diablo 4 will censor some of its enemies and the violence of its battles, but that won't affect you

After two years of waiting, Blizzard Entertainment has announced that Diablo 4 will officially launch in China on December 12. The arrival of this highly anticipated game comes after the breakup of the agreement between Blizzard and NetEase, which had previously acted as the publisher and distributor of its games in the Asian giant. This separation significantly complicated the publication of titles in the country, delaying the release of Diablo 4 by several months. All due to censorship in China Despite the anticipation surrounding the launch, the game will face significant restrictions due to the […]

Everything Due to Censorship in China

Despite the anticipation surrounding the launch, the game will face significant restrictions due to the strict censorship that governs the Chinese market. The National Press and Publication Administration of China has determined that the local version of the title will not contain blood, skeletons, or references to deceased individuals. The modifications are already visible in the version that will be released, changing iconic elements of the game to comply with regulations.

Players who have had access to an early test have confirmed that blood has been replaced by a brown and transparent effect similar to dust, applied in both cutscenes and combat. A significant change has also been made to one of the game’s bosses, Wandering Death, who has been replaced by a giant made of rocks and stones to comply with local regulations. Although no alterations to other skeletons have been confirmed, it is presumed that other enemies and related graphic elements have also been modified.

Although these alterations may be controversial, the release of Diablo 4 in a market with 668 million players is a remarkable fact. The influence of the Chinese publishing system continues to be evident, shaping the content of video games that can reach its consumers. For international users, the version will remain the original, making it clear how regulation can modify an entire project to fit a specific market.

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The fourth season of Marvel Rivals has a release date and announces its two new playable characters

The fourth season of Marvel Rivals will be released on September 12, introducing two new playable characters to the roster: Daredevil and Angela. A 90-second trailer has left fans impressed, showcasing a confrontation between Daredevil, the brave lawyer turned vigilante, and Angela, a demigod goddess from Asgard. The animations are stunning and have been compared to iconic scenes from Dragon Ball Z, where one can see Matt Murdock at the peak of his combat potential. Two new characters, but few details about them Despite the excitement generated by the trailer, the […]

The fourth season of Marvel Rivals will be released on September 12, introducing two new playable characters to the roster: Daredevil and Angela. A 90-second trailer has left fans impressed, showcasing a showdown between Daredevil, the brave lawyer turned vigilante, and Angela, a demigod goddess from Asgard. The animations are stunning and have been compared to iconic scenes from Dragon Ball Z, where one can see Matt Murdock at the peak of his combat potential.

Two new characters, but few details about them

Despite the excitement generated by the trailer, information about the gameplay mechanics of Daredevil and Angela has been scarce. Marvel has confirmed that Angela will be a Vanguard class character, and she will be released alongside update 4.0; however, it is still unclear whether Daredevil will be available from the start of the season or will be implemented later. This uncertainty has left players eager for the revelation of more details about their gameplay.

Season 4 will also bring a new Convergence map called K’un-Lun: Heart of Heaven, which will be introduced on September 25. Additionally, there will be new skills available and updates to existing skills, suggesting a focus on diversifying gameplay tactics. On the other hand, the arrival of the PS4 version of the game at the start of the season has been confirmed, raising hopes that it will run smoothly on the old generation console.

Finally, the developers of Marvel Rivals have received permission to create original characters, which means there could be future surprises in the game. NetEase has advised fans to “stay tuned” for more announcements about this original content, adding an air of mystery and excitement to the anticipation of the new season.

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NetEase confirms that they will be able to create their own characters for Marvel Rivals

NetEase has received authorization to develop original characters in Marvel Rivals, in addition to being able to use existing iconic Disney characters. Guangyun Chen, the game’s creative director, confirmed in an interview that “yes, we are allowed to introduce original characters in Marvel Rivals.” This news marks a significant change, as there had been doubts since its launch about whether Disney would consent to the creation of new figures for an official Marvel game. Marvel characters that we have never seen before The development of original characters in the Marvel universe is not something unprecedented. For example, Luna Snow, who was created […]

NetEase has received authorization to develop original characters in Marvel Rivals, in addition to being able to use existing iconic Disney characters. Guangyun Chen, the game’s creative director, confirmed in an interview that “yes, we are allowed to introduce original characters in Marvel Rivals”. This news marks a significant change, as there had been doubts since its launch about whether Disney would consent to the creation of new figures for an official Marvel game.

Marvel Characters We Have Never Seen Before

The development of original characters in the Marvel universe is not something unprecedented. For example, Luna Snow, who was created by Netmarble for Marvel Future Fight, has become part of the official canon, appearing in several Marvel comics. However, the revelation that NetEase may also introduce new characters has sparked palpable interest among fans and could herald interesting innovations within the game.

Guangyun Chen suggested that new characters might be in development, although no specific details were provided about their imminent introduction. The developers have hinted that they are working on something that could surprise players. With the creative threat posed by the inclusion of original characters, like the famous Jeff the Shark, fans are eager to know what else might come from NetEase.

Despite the speculation about the future of the game, the community has been enjoying its evolution. The appreciation for the character design and other elements of the game has been noted by the developers, who feel satisfied to have gained the appreciation of the players. This makes it clear that, although it may take time, new heroes or villains could be on the way to enrich the experience of Marvel Rivals.

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The players of Marvel Rivals declare themselves "on strike" until the game is fixed

The Marvel Rivals community, a game that has just turned four months old, is facing a deep internal crisis related to the role of support players. In response to widespread criticism, especially from renowned streamers like Necros, who have labeled these players as “the worst on the team,” many have decided to “go on strike,” refusing to play in high ranks. This discontent has led to a significant change in the roles chosen by users, affecting the quality of matches at all levels. A game where it seems that some roles matter more than others The arrival […]

A game where it seems that some roles matter more than others

The arrival of Season 2 brought with it the inclusion of Emma Frost as a new tank and the sidelining of damage characters for a period. However, this change has highlighted the need for DPS and Tank roles to support their teammates more effectively and consistently. Support players feel that the lack of recognition and criticism has undermined their fundamental role in the game, creating an atmosphere of frustration and abandonment of their traditional roles.

Despite the fact that some support heroes have automatic abilities, others require greater precision and timing, highlighting that this role is not trivial. The discussion intensified when figures like Ninja admitted that, although the role may seem less demanding, it remains vital for the team’s success. Furthermore, recent changes in the scoring system have exacerbated demotivation, granting fewer rewards to support players, which has led more of them to abandon their role.

In response to the growing discontent, the developers of Marvel Rivals have promised changes in Season 2.5 to make the support role more challenging and valuable. They propose adjustments that will encourage collective protection strategies and coordinated attacks, as well as an improvement in rewards for their performance, in an attempt to restore balance and the worth of this essential role within the game.

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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.

The art director of Marvel Rivals reveals that the game's UI was not always what we know

Marvel Rivals, the acclaimed game from NetEase, has generated recent discussions about its visual innovations and its evolution in gameplay. With radical character designs and an aesthetic approach beyond the conventional, the title seems to have steered away from a possible cancellation after a significant iteration process. The art director, Dino, has shared in a web series called Art Vision that the game’s aesthetic is “modern and adaptable,” although some of its user interface features have been subject to criticism. A UI as spectacular as it is impractical Particularly, the radial menu […]

Marvel Rivals, the acclaimed game from NetEase, has sparked recent conversations about its visual innovations and gameplay evolution. With radical character designs and an aesthetic approach beyond the conventional, the title seems to have steered away from a possible cancellation after a significant iteration process. The art director, Dino, has shared in a web series called Art Vision that the game’s aesthetic is “modern and adaptable,” although some of its user interface features have been subject to criticism.

A UI as spectacular as it is impractical

Particularly, the radial menu that was presented in the early versions of the game was considered “excessive” and, at times, complicated to use. Although fans have praised the sleek design and the exceptional 2D artwork, many agree that the way to navigate between heroes could be cumbersome. In its original form, the radial menu allowed players to search for characters in a circular layout, but the functionality felt like an impractical challenge, far removed from more traditional and efficient interfaces, as demonstrated in the final result of the game which opted for a conventional grid for the hero gallery.

Despite these challenges, Dino assures that the hero selection experience is designed to create an artistic immersion. However, some players believe that the bright aesthetics may detract from functionality. It is evident that throughout its development, Marvel Rivals has had to find a balance between aesthetics and usability, thus reflecting the essence of the video game industry: an art that must be appealing, but also practical.

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Marvel resurrects one of its most iconic comics from the 90s: the swimsuit specials

Marvel Comics has announced the return of one of the most iconic phenomena of the 90s: the Marvel Swimsuit Special. The new publication, titled Marvel Swimsuit Special: Friends, Foes & Rivals #1, will be released in July and will include designs of new costumes that will be incorporated into the popular video game Marvel Rivals, developed by Marvel Games in collaboration with NetEase Games. Swimwear for everyone! The original Swimsuit Specials were primarily aimed at a teenage male audience and were characterized by featuring characters in swimsuits, accompanied by eye-catching illustrations. However, these issues were not just pinups; they also […]

Marvel Comics has announced the return of one of the most iconic phenomena of the 90s: the Marvel Swimsuit Special. The new publication, titled Marvel Swimsuit Special: Friends, Foes & Rivals #1 will be released in July and will include designs of new costumes that will be incorporated into the popular video game Marvel Rivals, developed by Marvel Games in collaboration with NetEase Games.

Swimsuits for everyone!

The original Swimsuit Specials were primarily aimed at a teenage male audience and were characterized by featuring characters in swimsuits, accompanied by eye-catching illustrations. However, these issues were not just pinups; they also included storylines. The new special will continue this tradition under the direction of writers like Tim Seeley and Tony Fleecs, with illustrations by the prominent artist Nick Bradshaw, focusing on Janet Van Dyne, also known as the Wasp, as the main fashion designer of the Marvel universe.

This revival seems to capitalize on the current interest in content with a higher sexual charge, reflecting contemporary trends in entertainment and, in particular, in video games. It has been reported that in Marvel Rivals, both male and female characters exhibit an increase in their sexual appeal, a change that aims to resonate with the growing demand for more visually striking and exciting gaming experiences.

With the release of the second season of Marvel Rivals, players have already noticed an evolution in character design, showing a notable increase in physical proportions, which likely reflects NetEase’s inclination towards the sex appeal of Marvel characters. As the release of the special approaches, expectations grow about how these changes will be integrated into both the comic and the video game, making this collaboration a point of interest for fans of both platforms.

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Marvel Rivals will receive one character per month starting from its third season

The second season of Marvel Rivals will be released on April 11, bringing important updates that promise to revitalize the gaming experience. Among these updates is the new map, Hellfire Gala, as well as the inclusion of two heroes, one of whom has already been revealed as Emma Frost. This popular mutant, known for her telepathic abilities, will be the first heroine of the season and will enter the ranking as a Vanguard. Many more characters starting from season 3 The second hero, whose identity is kept under strict confidentiality, is Ultron, a character with a history […]

The second season of Marvel Rivals will be released on April 11, bringing with it important updates that promise to revitalize the gaming experience. Among these updates, the new map, Hellfire Gala, stands out, as well as the inclusion of two heroes, one of whom has already been revealed as Emma Frost. This popular mutant, known for her telepathic abilities, will be the first heroine of the season and will enter the ranking as a Vanguard.

Many more characters starting from season 3

The second hero, whose identity remains under strict confidentiality, is Ultron, a character with a history of villainy. Despite his traditional role as an antagonist, it has been confirmed that Ultron will join the ranks of heroes in this new season, playing the role of the main enemy of it. This twist in the narrative raises questions about how Ultron will adapt to an environment established by heroes, providing players with dynamic and challenging experiences.

Starting from Season 3, NetEase has announced that it will implement a new hero every month, which will total 12 heroes a year, a figure that could become a record within live service games. This implies that the roster of Marvel Rivals will double in a short time, which has led to certain questions about whether such expansion is positive for the player experience, given that it also emphasizes the developer’s priority in keeping the game fresh and engaging.

With the upcoming release, Marvel Rivals fans are paying attention not only to the new additions to the game but also to the implications these changes will have for gameplay and the community as a whole. There are rumors suggesting that Ultron could have abilities that align him more with the role of Duelist, but there is still no official confirmation on this.

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