All articles tagged with #online gaming
A Kotaku report citing Insider Gaming says Sony will retire the PlayStation Network (PSN) branding by September 2026, making the change strictly visual across SIE assets; core online features like friends, multiplayer, and trophies will remain unaffected, with evidence visible as PS5 network menus drop the PSN label in favor of just “PlayStation.”
The piece surveys the top US online casinos for 2026 that offer near-instant payouts, emphasizing crypto-based withdrawals (Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, Lightning Network) that typically arrive in minutes. It profiles BetWhale, Lucky Rebel, Wild.io, Thunderpick, and Bets.io—covering game libraries, security, licensing, generous bonuses, and crypto-focused payout speeds—and outlines simple withdrawal steps while stressing responsible gaming. The takeaway: crypto-enabled fast cashouts are reshaping the US online gambling scene, with several operators delivering same-day or minute-level withdrawals and substantial rewards.
2K Sports announced that WWE 2K24 will be delisted and its servers shut down by March 31, 2026, after which online features will no longer be available. The game, released in March 2024, will have been online for about two years, with offline modes remaining accessible. This is part of a broader trend of server closures for sports and online games by 2K and other publishers.
Embark Studios in Arc Raiders is refunding players who lose loot due to cheaters, aiming to promote fair gameplay and combat cheating without overly invasive anti-cheat measures. The game currently has a low incidence of cheating, and the developer's approach includes restoring lost items when cheating is detected.
Louisiana's attorney general sued Roblox, alleging the platform's lack of strong safety protocols has made it a haven for child predators, citing inadequate age verification and harmful content, and seeking to restrict its safety claims.
Two online gaming marketplaces, Itch.io and Steam, have removed adult-only content due to new regulations from payment processors like Mastercard and Visa, which restrict certain types of content to comply with their standards. This move has sparked a petition with over 80,000 signatures protesting the policy changes, arguing that they allow credit card companies to police personal choices based on moral values rather than legality.
The recent patch to Mario Kart World on the Switch 2 highlights Nintendo's ongoing struggle with online game design, as changes to match-making and track selection have sparked significant player backlash, revealing tensions between Nintendo's traditional, controlled approach and modern online gaming expectations.
Sloclap's new soccer game Rematch launched without crossplay due to unforeseen technical issues, with the studio apologizing and prioritizing its development for future updates. The game is available on PS5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X, but cross-platform multiplayer will be added later.
Square Enix announced Killer Inn, a new multiplayer game combining social deduction and shooter elements, featuring 24 players split into Wolves and Lambs with gameplay involving murder, deduction, and combat, amid concerns about its reception following previous online game failures.
Fortnite OG, a new game mode that revives the Chapter 1 Season 1 version of Fortnite, attracted over one million concurrent players within 20 minutes of its release. This mode, which includes both regular and Zero Build options, follows the highly successful "Remix: The Finale" event that drew 14 million viewers. Unlike previous temporary releases, this OG map is a permanent addition, and its popularity will be closely watched.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 players have encountered a new character, dubbed "Red Error Guy," due to server issues during the game's launch. This character appears when the game fails to load assets, a problem exacerbated by the new always-online component and high player traffic. The developers are aware of the long loading times and are working to resolve the server issues.
Roblox has announced a major update to its safety features and parental controls to enhance protection for young gamers. The update includes remote-accessible parental controls, allowing parents to manage their child's gaming experience from their own accounts, and introduces content filtering categories. Additionally, players under 13 will no longer be able to send Direct Messages, addressing concerns over inappropriate communications. These changes come amid growing scrutiny over child safety on digital platforms.
Roblox is enhancing parental controls to give parents more oversight of their children's activities on the platform, following concerns about child grooming and inappropriate content. Starting Monday, parents can access a dashboard to monitor their child's interactions and screen time, and restrict users under nine to mild content. The changes come after allegations of child sexual abuse content on Roblox, prompting calls for improved safety measures. Additional restrictions for under-13s will be implemented in December.
World of Warcraft, released by Blizzard Entertainment in 2004, celebrates its 20th anniversary, highlighting its lasting impact on online gaming and internet business models. The game not only popularized the concept of connecting with others online but also demonstrated a successful revenue model through subscriptions and in-game purchases. Its cultural influence includes spawning memes, attracting celebrity fans, and even providing insights for epidemiologists studying disease spread.
Roblox is implementing new safety measures to protect children under 13 by blocking them from sending direct messages on the platform unless a parent or guardian grants permission. Parents will have enhanced control over their child's account, including managing friend lists and setting playtime limits. These changes, part of a broader effort to comply with the UK's Online Safety Act, will be fully implemented by March 2025. Roblox is also introducing content labels to help parents make informed decisions about the games their children play based on maturity rather than age.