_{Issue #47}

Rune: Gaming - Video Game Addictions?

_{Sept 29, 2024 • 14 minutes}

In a week teeming with pivotal moments for the gaming community, we're diving into the stories that are reshaping the industry as we know it. From groundbreaking tech solutions to unexpected game closures and legal battles hitting significant roadblocks, this edition of Gaming Pulse unpacks the latest developments. We delve into Intel's breakthrough in resolving the Raptor Lake CPU crashes, explore the surprising shutdown of Pokémon Unite in Belgium and the Netherlands, and examine the setbacks faced by lawsuits accusing major game companies of fostering addiction. Buckle up, gamers—this is a week of revelations and surprises you won't want to miss.

Gaming News

Pokémon Unite to Cease Operations in Belgium and the Netherlands by End of 2025

In a surprising turn of events, The Pokémon Company has announced that Pokémon Unite will be shutting down its services in Belgium and the Netherlands on November 30, 2025. The free-to-play Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) game, developed by TiMi Studio Group, has been a staple for Pokémon fans since its launch on the Nintendo Switch in the summer of 2021 and subsequent mobile release.

A Sudden Farewell

While Pokémon Unite continues to enjoy global popularity and regular updates—including recent additions like Armarouge and upcoming releases such as Darkrai in October and Psyduck in November—the decision to discontinue the game in these two regions has left fans puzzled. The Pokémon Company has not provided a specific reason for this shutdown, leading to widespread speculation among the community.

Possible Reasons Behind the Shutdown

Two prevailing theories have emerged regarding this unexpected move:

1. Strict Regulations on In-Game Purchases: Both Belgium and the Netherlands have stringent laws concerning loot boxes and microtransactions in video games. Pokémon Unite features in-game purchases like Aeos Gems, which may conflict with regional regulations aimed at combating gambling-like elements in gaming.

2. Market Viability: Another possibility is that the player base in these countries may not be large enough to justify ongoing support. However, given the game's global success and continuous content rollout, this seems less likely.

What This Means for Players

Fans in Belgium and the Netherlands still have over a year to enjoy Pokémon Unite before the shutdown. It's advisable for players to make the most of this time, especially if they wish to experience upcoming updates and new Pokémon additions. As the game is primarily online, it's expected that updates will continue until the service ends, although this hasn't been explicitly confirmed.

This development raises questions about the future of online games featuring microtransactions in regions with strict regulatory environments. It also highlights the challenges developers face in navigating international laws while trying to provide a consistent gaming experience worldwide.

For now, Pokémon Unite players outside Belgium and the Netherlands can continue to enjoy the game without interruption. As for those affected, the community can only hope for further clarification from The Pokémon Company regarding this decision.

Intel Identifies Root Cause of Raptor Lake CPU Crashes

Intel has announced a significant breakthrough in resolving the instability issues affecting its Raptor Lake processors. After a comprehensive investigation, the company pinpointed "Vmin shift instability" as the root cause behind the consistent crashes reported by users of select models from both its 13th and 14th Generation CPUs.

The Raptor Lake architecture, first introduced in October 2022 with the 13th Generation processors and reused for the 14th Generation launched a year later, began experiencing issues when reports surfaced in February 2024. Users encountered crashes in specific scenarios, prompting Intel to delve deep into the problem.

Unveiling Vmin Shift Instability

According to Intel Communications Manager Thomas Hannaford, the instability arises from high voltage and temperature conditions affecting the CPU's internal clock system over time. This phenomenon, known as "Vmin shift instability," alters the minimum operating voltage required for stable performance. The discovery aligns with user reports where undervolting or underclocking the CPUs mitigated the crashing issues.

Intel identified four scenarios leading to this instability:

1. Exceeding Power Delivery Settings: Motherboards exceeding Intel's power guidance can cause instability.

   • Mitigation: Reset processors to default BIOS settings.

2. eTVB Microcode Algorithm Issue: Allowed CPUs to operate at higher performance states even at high temperatures.

   • Mitigation: Addressed with microcode update 0x125 (June 2024).

3. High Voltage Requests by SVID Algorithm: The processor requested voltages that could cause Vmin shift due to frequency and duration.

   • Mitigation: Fixed with microcode update 0x129 (August 2024).

4. Elevated Voltages During Idle Activity: High core voltage requests during light or idle activity periods led to instability.

   • Mitigation: Upcoming microcode update 0x12B to address this issue.

Looking Ahead

Intel is collaborating with motherboard manufacturers to deploy the critical 0x12B microcode update, which is expected to roll out soon. The company assures that these updates will not significantly impact performance in common applications, including gaming. Raptor Lake mobile processors used in laptops are unaffected, and future CPUs are designed to avoid this issue altogether.

This development marks a pivotal step in restoring confidence in Intel's processors and highlights the importance of ongoing support and timely updates in the tech industry.

Video Game Addiction Lawsuits Face Setbacks as Cases Are Dismissed

In a significant development within the gaming industry, two of the fifteen lawsuits accusing major video game companies of intentionally addicting players have been dismissed by the plaintiffs after brief legal disputes. Over the past few years, concerns about "Internet Gaming Disorder" have intensified among parents and healthcare professionals, leading to multiple lawsuits aimed at holding 26 major gaming companies accountable for their alleged role in player addiction.

Legal Battles and Dismissals

The first of these lawsuits was filed in November 2023 by an Arkansas family. They accused several video game companies of employing strategies such as incentivizing extended playtime for progression and using artificial intelligence to offer enticing in-game rewards, effectively keeping players engaged and hooked. Despite the serious allegations, no lawsuit to date has successfully held any defendants accountable.

In June, a new wave of complaints gained attention, targeting industry giants like Activision Blizzard, Roblox Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, and Nintendo of America. There was even talk of a potential centralized class-action lawsuit. However, according to the Lawsuit Information Center, some of these cases have already been dropped after defendants filed motions to dismiss.

Companies Involved in the Lawsuits Include:

• Epic Games, Inc.

• Roblox Corporation

• Activision Blizzard, Inc.

• Microsoft Corporation

• Nintendo of America, Inc.

• Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC

• And others totaling 26 major companies

Defense Arguments and Legal Hurdles

The attorneys representing the gaming companies requested the court dismiss the cases based on several key arguments:

1. First Amendment Protection: Video games are considered creative works protected under the First Amendment, which can limit liability for their content.

2. Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act: This law shields service providers from liability for third-party content, relevant to companies like Roblox, Microsoft, and Nintendo.

3. Statute of Limitations: The plaintiffs' claims were filed after the statute of limitations for liability and negligence had expired, which is typically two to four years in most states.

Expert Insights and Industry Implications

Thane Rosenbaum, a Distinguished Professor at Touro University, commented on the situation: "Let's not confuse video games with cigarettes; there's no substance being added. The worst you can say about [video games] is that they don't warn you that your kid might love [them] so much that you can't get them down for dinner."

While these lawsuits face significant challenges, the issue of video game addiction remains a topic of global concern. The European Union has pledged to address video game addiction, suggesting that major companies might need to reassess their marketing strategies and game design techniques aimed at maximizing player engagement.

Early indications of such industry shifts are already visible. For instance, Blizzard Entertainment removed loot box mechanics from Overwatch 2, replacing them with a Battle Pass system—a move seen by many as a response to growing scrutiny over addictive game elements.

As we wrap up this edition of Gaming Pulse, we can't help but wonder: How will Intel's resolution of the Raptor Lake CPU crashes shape the future of processor technology? Will this prompt a new era of transparency and proactive solutions in the tech industry? What does the shutdown of Pokémon Unite in Belgium and the Netherlands signal for games navigating regional regulations on microtransactions? And as legal battles against major game companies over addiction claims face hurdles, how will the industry balance innovative game design with ethical responsibility?

Stay tuned, gamers—we'll be here to bring you all the latest as these stories continue to unfold in our ever-evolving industry.

Feedback

We strive to create a gaming ecosystem that is inclusive for everyone in the community. Please take this 2-minute survey to help us improve the website and launcher.