In October 2017, it came to light that Activision had filed for a matchmaking patent that was designed to “dramatically increase the odds for players to purchase microtransaction items”. It appears that EA took note and has filed its own patent for an algorithm designed to “drive engagement”.
Otherland – UI to be Overhauled to Remove ‘Dated’ Look
The Otherland Steam page has been updated to give players a heads up that the UI will be undergoing some changes to provide a more “modern” look. The developer acknowledges that the team was aware of the “shortcomings” of the UI, but that it was lower on the priority list when first starting to revamp the game systems. However, now the time to address the interface.
Kritika Online – RUMOR: Players Speculating that the Monk is Coming Soon
Fans on the Kritika Online forum have an interesting theory about a new class coming to the game. Titled “Monk Next New Character”, the poster showcases a PTS image that seems to show a male character wearing black with a yellow sash. Going back through a Fashion Show livestream held last week, there’s artwork shown that might be the same character. Devs clicked through so fast and without explanation, it’s easy to miss (see image above). Could the Monk be coming to Kritika Online soon?
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds – XBox One Patch Adds First-Person Support for Duos & Squad Play
A new patch has been deployed for the North American and European XBox One versions of PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds. It brings in first-person support for both Duos and Squad Play. Previously, first-person was only available in Solo mode.
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds – XBox One Patch to Add First-Person Support for Duos & Squad Play
A new patch will be deployed today for the North American and European XBox One versions of PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds. It brings in first-person support for both Duos and Squad Play. Previously, first-person was only available in Solo mode.
Bless – Dungeons to Provide Players with an ‘Unforgettable Sense of Achievement’
The Bless Online team is back at work on the revamp project, complete with a new blog post on the Steam page. This time, a brief look at dungeons is provided with a bit of commentary as well as a number of screenshots. Dungeons are, according to devs, designed to be challenging content that utilizes the full breadth of each class’s abilities in conjunction with those of other classes.
Ascent: Infinite Realm – Monster Breeding Discovered by CBT Tester – Lets You Frankenstein Your Beasts
One of the closed beta testers has posted an interesting look at monster breeding in Ascent: Infinite Realm. According to this poster, players should be able to “grow / develop / tailor monsters for mounts and possibly for pets”. Quest rewards and monster drops can include “pieces of a monster’s memory”. Cobbling them together can result in a “particular creature”.
Fortnite – Login Issues & Server Stability Blamed on Meltdown Vulnerability
Epic is one of the first companies to come out with a statement about the Meltdown vulnerability affecting two decades’ worth of Intel-based computer systems. The issue is said to be a significant one for game development and for online services. Updating systems has, however, caused performance issues and notable slowdowns for cloud-based services in particular. As a result, Epic is keeping its Fortnite community informed about recent login issues & service instability.
– Mobile Action RPG Blade II Ready to Begin CBT in South Korea
Kakao Games believes that ARPGs are perfect for mobile platforms. As part of its goal to “continue the legend” of ARPGs on mobile devices, the closed beta for Blade II: The Return of Evil is getting ready to kick off in South Korea. A cinematic trailer for the game was first released at GDC 2017 and a new trailer has been released to celebrate the imminent start of the Korean CBT. There is no word, however, if Blade II will be released in other regions.
Paladins: Champions of the Realm – A Realm Divided Provides Lore Behind the Conflict
Hi-Rez Studios has released a new trailer called “A Realm Divided” that delves into the lore behind Paladins. Context is always a good thing.