No Man's Sky Sees Nearly 500 Percent Increase in PS5 Players

No Man's Sky, nearly a decade old, is experiencing a renaissance with its latest update, "Worlds Part 1," which aims to "completely refresh the universe." This overhaul is achieving its goal, sparking a significant rise in player engagement. The update has driven the highest player count in five years on Steam and has notably boosted the game's popularity on PS5.

According to True Trophies, No Man's Sky has seen a staggering 493 percent increase in PS5 players. Before the update, it ranked as the 194th most-played PS5 game; now, it's soared to the 40th spot. True Trophies, using a sample of 3.1 million active PSN accounts, highlights that No Man's Sky recently surpassed other popular titles like Diablo 4, Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrail, Honkai Star Rail, Mortal Kombat 1, and Crisis Core Final Fantasy 7 Reunion, which was newly added to PS Plus Extra.

The Worlds Part 1 Update Is Completely Free

A major factor in this resurgence is that the Worlds Part 1 update is completely free. Despite the substantial content provided, Hello Games continues to release these updates without additional charges. Earlier this year, players even suggested that they would be willing to pay for such significant updates, but Hello Games remains committed to offering these enhancements at no cost.

In addition to updating No Man's Sky, Hello Games is also developing a new open-world multiplayer survival game, Light No Fire, set in a procedurally generated fantasy Earth. Announced at The Game Awards 2023, this new project has been in development for around five years, though it does not yet have a release date.

No Man's Sky Announces Worlds Part 1 Update, Will "Completely Refresh" The Universe

No Man's Sky creator Sean Murray has been teasing fans with planet emojis on social media, leading up to the announcement of the game's latest update, Worlds Part 1. This significant update promises to completely refresh the game's universe with new technology, gameplay, and discoveries.

The announcement came with a trailer, followed by a deep dive showcasing some of the transformative changes. Notably, new water technology has been introduced, enhancing ocean waves and reflections. Players will now experience oceans that react dynamically to weather and wind patterns, and ships can land on water surfaces, adding a new dimension to planetary exploration.

Hello Games has also upgraded the game's cloud technology, making skies more stunning and diverse. Players can look forward to more visually appealing flights through clouds and into space, with beautiful and varied skies greeting them upon landing.

The update introduces new volumetric weather systems, bringing immersive weather conditions such as rain, blizzards, and fog, which will create unique experiences on each planet. This, combined with the game's new technology, results in breathtaking moments like walking through stormy fields with trees and fauna swaying violently in the wind.

These advancements are partly thanks to the development of Hello Games' second major open-world title, Light No Fire. While a release date for Light No Fire remains unknown, the technology developed for it is already enhancing No Man's Sky.

In terms of gameplay, Worlds Part 1 will introduce a new "Starship Troopers-inspired" Expedition, focusing on combat and offering a fresh experience compared to previous missions. Additionally, new creatures will populate the universe for players to discover. Murray hinted that this is just the beginning, as the update is named Worlds Part 1, indicating more exciting updates to follow. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned to his Twitter for further teasers and updates.

Esports Is Now An Official Olympic Event

In a landmark decision, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has officially recognized esports as an Olympic event. This decision marks a significant step in the ongoing debate about the legitimacy of esports as a recognized sport. The move came during the IOC's 142nd session, where members voted unanimously to form the Olympic Esports Games, following discussions and research presented in their previous session.

IOC President Thomas Bach declared this as "a new era" for the organization, emphasizing that the committee is "keeping up with the pace of the digital revolution." Although specifics about the tournament's location and date remain undisclosed, it is speculated that Saudi Arabia will host the event, aligning with the IOC's new 12-year partnership with the National Olympic Committee of Saudi Arabia.

Which Games Will Be Included In The Olympic Esports Games?

With the confirmation of an official Olympic esports event, attention now turns to which games will be featured. Likely candidates include family-friendly titles, ruling out most 18+ rated shooters like Call of Duty and Counter-Strike. However, Fortnite might be considered due to its appeal to younger audiences.

Sports games such as EA FC and Rocket League are expected to be included, along with popular fighting games like Street Fighter and Tekken, though Mortal Kombat is likely to be excluded due to its graphic content. The exact lineup of games will be revealed in due course, but these speculations highlight the potential for a diverse and engaging inaugural Olympic Esports Games.

Netflix Seems More Serious About Its Gaming Push Than Google Ever Did

Netflix is ramping up its gaming ambitions, announcing in an earnings call that it has over 80 new games in development, adding to the more than 100 already available. The streaming giant plans to release one new game each month, following through on its promises as it did with its weekly movie releases in 2021. This approach contrasts starkly with Google's ill-fated Stadia.

Stadia Flopped, But Netflix Is Taking a Different Approach to Games

Google's Stadia launched with great fanfare in 2019, featuring partnerships with major developers and a significant marketing push. Despite the hype, industry insiders like Jason Schreier doubted Google's long-term commitment, given its history of abandoning projects. These doubts proved justified when Stadia shut down in January 2023, barely three years after its launch.

Netflix, on the other hand, has quietly built its gaming portfolio since 2022, integrating games like Hades, Immortality, and The Case of the Golden Idol into its service. Unlike Google's ambitious but ultimately unsuccessful bid to revolutionize gaming, Netflix's strategy is more grounded, offering games as a supplementary feature to its streaming service. Subscribers can download games directly to their phones without needing a separate subscription, unlike services such as Apple Arcade.

Netflix's Gaming Offering Mixes Modern Classics and Branded Tie-In Games

Netflix's game library includes a mix of modern classics like Braid and Dead Cells, alongside numerous branded tie-in games such as Narcos: Cartel Wars Unlimited and Too Hot To Handle: Love Is A Game. While some tie-in games may seem like shallow cash grabs, they serve a strategic purpose. Fans of Netflix shows might discover these games through the app's recommendations, potentially leading them to explore more substantial games like Grand Theft Auto 3 or Into the Breach, all at no extra cost.

This approach highlights why Netflix's gaming push makes more sense than Google's Stadia. Netflix's games and TV shows create a synergistic loop, where playing a game based on a Netflix series can drive viewers back to the show and vice versa. This integration keeps subscribers engaged within the Netflix ecosystem, unlike Stadia, which failed to offer a compelling reason for users to choose it over other platforms.

In summary, Netflix's methodical and integrated approach to gaming, leveraging its existing subscriber base and content library, positions it as a potential long-term contender in the gaming industry, unlike Google's short-lived Stadia experiment.

Capcom Has No Plans to Stop Releasing Physical Games

In an era where the gaming industry leans heavily towards digital and subscription-based models, the preservation of video games is becoming a pressing concern. Without physical copies, many games risk disappearing from digital marketplaces that may eventually shut down, potentially erasing significant parts of gaming history. This issue is compounded by the fact that physical media is increasingly becoming limited to rare, special editions, with widely released retro games already fetching high prices.

However, not all hope is lost. Capcom remains committed to producing physical games, even as other publishers shift towards exclusively digital releases. In a recent Q&A, Capcom reassured fans that, due to the persistent demand for physical games, they do not plan to eliminate physical products anytime soon.

Digital Sales Have Bolstered Capcom's Performance

Despite their commitment to physical media, Capcom also acknowledges the benefits of digital distribution. In the same Q&A, Capcom highlighted how digital storefronts have allowed for sustained sales of their games well beyond the traditional six-month shelf life in physical stores. Digital platforms enable continuous availability and strategic pricing, which has led to ongoing sales of older titles like "Resident Evil 7 Biohazard" and "Monster Hunter: World," years after their initial release.

While the shift towards digital poses risks for game preservation, it also offers advantages in keeping older games accessible and relevant. Capcom's balanced approach ensures that physical media remains available for collectors and preservationists, while digital sales continue to support the longevity of their games in the market.

Fortnite Is Adding The Tesla Cybertruck, Fans Hate It

Fortnite just announced the addition of Elon Musk's infamous Cybertruck to the game, sparking a wave of criticism and ridicule from fans. Described as a low-poly car resembling something out of an old PS2 game, the Cybertruck's inclusion has left many players baffled and unimpressed.

The Cybertruck is also making its way to Rocket League, continuing its strange crossover streak. Fans have been vocal, labeling it everything from a "loser cringemobile" to a "kindergarten kid's drawing." Many players are already vowing to target anyone who uses the Cybertruck, calling it the worst pay-to-lose cosmetic yet.

The exact cost of the Cybertruck in Fortnite remains unknown, but the in-game partnership goes live tomorrow. A preview clip showcasing the vehicle in action has done little to sway public opinion.

"Will It Break Down On The Side Of The Road Every Five Minutes?"

Critics have been quick to highlight the Cybertruck's notorious flaws, with many questioning if Epic Games will incorporate these into the game. Known for rusting and staining quickly, as well as being difficult to clean, the Cybertruck's real-world issues have become a point of humor. Players are joking about keeping it away from rain and sand to avoid losing its sheen, even though these effects won't actually be in the game.

The USDA Forest Service has reported that the Cybertruck performs poorly off-road, making it a risky choice for Fortnite's diverse terrains. Players are advised to avoid forested and snowy areas to prevent getting stuck and becoming easy targets. The Cybertruck's most infamous moment—when its supposedly unbreakable windows shattered during a live demo—has also fueled skepticism about its in-game durability against bullets.

Overall, the Cybertruck's addition to Fortnite has been met with widespread derision, with many players eagerly anticipating the chaos it will bring.

ConcernedApe Swears He'll Never Charge For Stardew Valley DLC

Stardew Valley's developer, ConcernedApe, has firmly pledged that all updates and DLC for the beloved farming sim will remain free. Eric Barone, the man behind the game, has encouraged fans to hold him accountable, even telling them to screenshot his promise as a safeguard against any future change of heart. Barone's commitment underscores his dedication to providing ongoing support without adding a price tag.

This assurance comes as Barone acknowledges that the console port of Stardew Valley's update 1.6 is taking longer than anticipated. Despite the delay, fans can rest easy knowing that these expansions won't cost a dime, fostering patience and goodwill among the game's community.

Stardew Valley Updates and DLC Will Always Be Free

Barone's promise to keep all updates and DLC free is a rare and strong commitment in the gaming industry. It indicates that sales of Stardew Valley are still robust enough to sustain ongoing development without additional charges. Even eight years after its release, the game's support shows no signs of waning.

Moreover, Barone is actively working on another PC update, alongside the pending console port. Despite his efforts on a new project, Haunted Chocolatier, Stardew Valley continues to receive attention and updates. Barone has stated that he feels no pressure to rush Haunted Chocolatier, suggesting that fans should not expect a release date until he is completely confident in the game's readiness. In the meantime, players can look forward to more free content for Stardew Valley to keep them entertained.