The Illusion of Ownership: What It Really Means to "Own" a Game

Owning a game used to be straightforward: you bought a physical copy, popped it into your console or computer, and played to your heart's content. You could share it, trade it, or keep it on a shelf as part of your gaming collection. But as the gaming industry has evolved, especially with the rise of digital distribution, the concept of game ownership has become more complex—and often, it's an illusion.

The recent news about Ubisoft shutting down "The Crew," an online open-world racing game, brings this issue into sharp focus. When a game like "The Crew" is taken offline, players who bought the game suddenly find themselves without access to the product they paid for. It raises a fundamental question: do you really own a game if the publisher can pull the plug at any time?

The transition from physical to digital gaming has offered undeniable conveniences. Games can be downloaded instantly, updated regularly, and played without the clutter of physical discs. However, this shift has also introduced a new reality: when you buy a digital game, you are often purchasing a license to use the game rather than owning it outright. This distinction has significant implications.

With digital games, publishers and developers retain control over their products, allowing them to make changes, restrict access, or even remove the game entirely from digital storefronts. This control can be exercised for various reasons: end-of-life for a game, changes in licensing agreements, or a simple business decision to focus resources elsewhere. For players, it means that the game they "own" might not be available when they want to play it.

In the case of "The Crew," Ubisoft announced that it would be shutting down the game's online servers. This move effectively renders the game unplayable, as its core experience relies on online connectivity. Players who invested time and money into the game are left with nothing but memories. This scenario highlights a critical issue with digital gaming: the fragility of ownership.

The problem isn't limited to Ubisoft. Other publishers have faced similar controversies when shutting down servers or removing games from digital platforms. Players who thought they owned their games are left with no recourse. While some publishers offer refunds or compensatory content, the broader issue remains: digital ownership is tenuous.

To address this problem, the gaming industry must rethink its approach to game ownership and player rights. Clearer terms of service, robust backup solutions, and consumer protection laws could help ensure that players don't lose access to the games they buy. Additionally, decentralized technologies like blockchain offer potential solutions by enabling players to retain true ownership of digital assets.

Ultimately, the news about "The Crew" is a reminder that buying a game doesn't always mean owning it. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, players should stay informed about the terms of their purchases and understand the limitations of digital ownership. Until the industry finds a more permanent solution, gamers must navigate a landscape where their favorite games could disappear at a moment's notice.

Larian Studios Teases New Projects After Baldur's Gate 3 Success

After the monumental success of "Baldur's Gate 3," fans are eager to learn what Larian Studios will create next. While studio head Swen Vincke remains tight-lipped about specifics, he is confident in the quality of their upcoming projects, promising they could be the studio's "best work yet." The company plans to develop two new games, but it could be years before details are revealed.

Despite the uncertainty, fans are excited about the studio's future. Larian Publishing Director Michael Douse clarified on Twitter that the studio will focus on new, original projects rather than another Dungeons & Dragons title. This aligns with Larian's Steam update, where the company shared its intention to develop two new titles, both in the early stages of production.

Vincke shared his excitement for the upcoming projects, stating that while there's no guarantee they'll surpass "Baldur's Gate 3," he believes the current plans for narrative, visuals, and gameplay are promising. He admitted his impatience to share more details, indicating that the hype is genuine and based on the high quality of the work.

While speculation abounds, many fans anticipate a new "Divinity: Original Sin" installment, given the studio's past successes in the genre. However, Larian might also choose to explore a different direction, potentially returning to strategy games after focusing on role-playing games for several years.

One thing is certain: Larian's next games will follow the early access model, as with "Baldur's Gate 3," allowing the community to be involved in the development process. This approach has worked well for the studio, leading to a refined and highly praised final product. Despite the long wait ahead, Larian Studios' track record suggests that whatever they create next will be worth the anticipation.

Ubisoft's Watch Dogs Series Reportedly Shelved

The future of Ubisoft's Watch Dogs franchise appears uncertain after an insider's claim that the company has canceled several projects and seemingly abandoned the series. Watch Dogs, which debuted in 2014 amid significant hype, had a mixed reception due to its storyline and technical issues but still managed to sell over ten million copies. Its sequel, Watch Dogs 2, released two years later, achieved similar sales success.

However, a well-known Ubisoft insider named j0nathan recently stated on X (formerly Twitter) that Watch Dogs is "dead and buried." He attributes the series' downturn to the poor reception of Watch Dogs: Legion, the third installment, which struggled with low review scores and disappointing sales. Although Ubisoft has not officially commented on this claim, j0nathan's track record for accurate leaks regarding Ubisoft projects suggests there might be some truth to his assertion.

Among the projects reportedly canceled was an innovative Battle Royale game set in the Watch Dogs universe. The insider did not reveal specific details about other canceled projects, leaving fans wondering about the future of the once-popular open-world series.

Despite the grim outlook, there's still hope for Watch Dogs fans. Ubisoft has a history of reviving dormant franchises, as demonstrated by the successful return of Rayman with Rayman Origins after an eight-year hiatus. Additionally, Prince of Persia recently made a strong comeback with The Lost Crown, set to continue with The Rogue.

Although Watch Dogs may be in hibernation for now, its eventual return is never off the table. As Ubisoft explores new projects, there's always a chance that one of its classic franchises could reemerge, giving fans something to look forward to.

Star Wars Outlaws: Season Pass Sparks Controversy Over Jabba the Hutt Mission

Ubisoft's announcement of a Season Pass for the upcoming game "Star Wars Outlaws" has ignited a storm of controversy among players, primarily centered on a mission involving the infamous crime lord Jabba the Hutt. The reveal of a Season Pass is not new for major AAA titles, but what triggered the uproar was the suggestion that a key mission might be locked behind additional payment.

The controversy began when Ubisoft presented the various editions of "Star Wars Outlaws," including the Gold and Ultimate editions. Players noticed that these premium editions included a bonus mission, "Jabba's Move," which was not part of the base game. The mission's description indicates that it involves Kay, the protagonist, and her droid companion ND-5, who are tasked with carrying out a job for Jabba the Hutt.

Given the significance of Jabba in the Star Wars universe, fans were concerned that a mission involving him would be excluded from the base game, creating a paywall for what could be a key part of the storyline. This led to widespread criticism and raised questions about the fairness of such practices in single-player games.

In response, Ubisoft issued a statement clarifying that "Jabba's Move" is an optional, additional mission and not essential to the main storyline. The company assured fans that Jabba the Hutt and the Hutt Cartel would be part of the game for everyone, regardless of the edition purchased. However, the backlash has not entirely subsided, with many players expressing dissatisfaction with Ubisoft's approach to additional content and Season Passes.

The controversy over Season Passes and additional content comes at a time when Ubisoft is facing other criticisms, such as the abrupt discontinuation of the online racing game "The Crew," raising questions about the stability of digital ownership.

As "Star Wars Outlaws" continues its development, the issue of Season Pass content remains a contentious topic, with players debating whether it is justified or an unfair way to monetize a game that is already priced at a premium. While Ubisoft has attempted to ease concerns, the debate around content locked behind additional paywalls is likely to continue as the gaming community reacts to these business practices.

Windows 10 Nears Its End: When You Should Consider Upgrading

Windows 10, despite being more popular than its successor, Windows 11, is slowly but surely approaching the end of its lifecycle. The official support for Windows 10 will cease on October 14, 2025, approximately 18 months from now. This means that after this date, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, making it increasingly crucial for users to upgrade to a newer operating system.

Recent surveys suggest that Windows 10 remains the primary operating system for many users, with a significant 53.8% preferring it, while Windows 11 is gaining traction, sitting at 42.1%. The drop in Windows 10 support, however, will likely cause a shift in these statistics, as users are urged to transition to a supported system for security reasons.

The transition to Windows 11, though, isn't always seamless. One major challenge is the increased system requirements, notably Secure Boot and TPM 2.0. This might be an issue for older hardware, as these security features are not always enabled by default, requiring users to adjust BIOS settings or use third-party tools to bypass restrictions, with potential risks.

Despite these hurdles, Windows 11 has seen steady growth, with its share rising from 30% in February 2023 to 35% in October 2023 and reaching 42% in the latest surveys. Comparatively, Steam's hardware survey reveals a similar trend, with Windows 10 at 54.4% and Windows 11 at 41.6%.

The two operating systems share similarities, but there are noticeable differences. Windows 11 has a redesigned Start menu, which is centered by default, and a new context menu that may require some adjustments for users familiar with Windows 10. These changes can be reverted or modified using built-in settings, external tools, or registry changes. However, before upgrading, users should ensure they back up important data and check for compatibility with their existing software and games.

Despite initial rumors of a Windows 12 release in 2024, it appears that the focus remains on Windows 11, with a major update, dubbed 24H2, scheduled for release this year. The lack of new operating systems in the near future further emphasizes the need for Windows 10 users to plan their upgrade to ensure ongoing security and support.

Magic Eden's Runes: Revolutionizing Bitcoin NFTs

Magic Eden, a leader in the NFT and gaming industry, recently launched its Runes platform, a major step toward redefining the way people engage with Bitcoin-based NFTs. The platform went live ahead of schedule, allowing users to swap Bitcoin and purchase runes and ordinals with newfound ease. This launch signifies Magic Eden's rapid rise and continued dominance within the NFT space.

The Magic Eden team launched its much-anticipated Runes platform to streamline Bitcoin inscriptions and lower gas fees. The platform, released during the Bitcoin halving event, supports users in swapping for Bitcoin and acquiring runes and ordinals through their Magic Eden wallet. COO and co-founder Zedd Yin praised the launch, highlighting the company's commitment to being a leading destination for Bitcoin-related assets.

Magic Eden’s new platform has a range of features designed to enhance the user experience. Users can preset the amount of Bitcoin they wish to spend, ensuring more control over their transactions. The recent collaboration with the NFT project CyberKongz resulted in a successful pre-runes collection, Prometheans, amassing 316 Bitcoin in Total Value Locked (TVL), equivalent to over $20.8 million.

Understanding the Runes Protocol

Runes Protocol is a significant innovation, allowing developers to create and manage various digital tokens within the Bitcoin ecosystem. Using a UTXO-based protocol, the process starts by collecting unspent pieces of Bitcoin (UTXOs) to create new transactions. This approach leverages Bitcoin's robust security features and reduces risks of security vulnerabilities.

Runes utilize the OP_RETURN part of a transaction, allowing for on-chain data storage without affecting Bitcoin's core functionality. This approach ensures transactions remain swift and efficient, avoiding excess "junk" UTXOs that could slow down the network. Additionally, Runes are compatible with the Lightning Network, enabling faster and cheaper transactions by bypassing typical delays and high fees.

Getting Involved with Runes

To engage with the Runes platform, users should set up a compatible Bitcoin wallet, like ME Wallet, and ensure they have Bitcoin for transactions. Magic Eden's wallet allows users to swap tokens from other chains to Bitcoin, streamlining the process of acquiring runes. Furthermore, checking out Magic Eden's Pre-Runes collections can provide insights into potential airdrops and additional opportunities within the Runes ecosystem.

The launch of Runes has generated significant excitement due to its potential to attract a wider audience, enhanced security, and a robust developer community. This protocol introduces a new standard for fungible tokens on Bitcoin, with flexibility in minting, etching, and transferring runes.

Magic Eden's early release of the Runes platform marks an important shift in the NFT industry, reflecting the evolving landscape and Magic Eden's role in leading the charge toward more accessible and innovative digital assets. As Magic Eden continues to grow, its focus on the Bitcoin ecosystem will likely drive further adoption and engagement within the NFT and gaming communities.

Xterio and BNB Chain Introduce Gaming-Focused L2 Blockchain

In a major move for the web3 gaming industry, Xterio, a renowned web3 gaming publisher, has partnered with BNB Chain to create a Layer 2 blockchain dedicated to gaming. This partnership utilizes BNB as a gas token, aiming to enhance the BNB Chain ecosystem's infrastructure. The collaboration with AltLayer, known for its technical expertise, is set to unlock new possibilities in web3 gaming by delivering immersive experiences enriched with AI and digital ownership.

Michael Tong, CEO of Xterio, emphasized the importance of this partnership in revolutionizing web3 gaming. The new Layer 2 blockchain, managed by AltLayer, is built on the OP Stack rollup framework and leverages EigenDA for its Data Availability (DA) layer. It will mainly focus on web3 and AI-driven gaming applications, with the $XTER token serving as the key currency for transactions and interactions within the network.

Xterio's collaboration with BNB Chain represents a significant milestone in the evolution of web3 gaming. It aims to provide developers with unparalleled access to a first-party gaming catalog, reaching over two million players. This partnership ensures developers benefit from technical solutions, marketing support, and a gaming ecosystem focused on high-quality experiences and seamless transactions.

Xterio's growing presence in the web3 gaming industry is marked by five major first-party games in development and a network of over 45 gaming partners. With an ecosystem funding of $80 million and a global gaming community exceeding two million users, Xterio is set to redefine the boundaries of web3 gaming by seamlessly integrating blockchain technology with gaming experiences.

The Xterio chain, overseen by AltLayer, is designed to cater to web3 and AI-powered games, providing a robust on-chain ecosystem around AAA titles. It allows developers to easily mint, distribute, and manage assets while providing a seamless user experience. Additionally, the Xterio marketplace and NFT launchpad will fully embrace the Xterio token, allowing users to utilize it for both purchases and gas fees, ensuring smooth and convenient transactions within the platform.

With plans to expand their gaming portfolio, Xterio is focusing on strategic marketing initiatives and user acquisition efforts to maximize the potential of their gaming catalog and expand market reach. The integration of the Xterio gaming ecosystem with BNB Chain's infrastructure heralds a new era for web3 gaming, paving the way for broader adoption of blockchain technology in the gaming industry.

Hamsterz Doodles Launches in The Sandbox with Hanjin Tan

The Sandbox, a prominent decentralized virtual world under Animoca Brands, has collaborated with Hanjin Tan, a well-known Asian singer-songwriter and Hong Kong Film Awards winner, to launch the latest metaverse avatar collection: Hamsterz Doodles. This unique collection brings a playful twist to The Sandbox's gaming ecosystem, featuring 1,500 hamster-inspired avatars with eight distinctive NFTs that pay homage to famous artists.

"Stepping back into The Sandbox has allowed me to blend my deepest passions for music and digital innovation, creating a new universe of possibilities that resonates with my fans and the global community alike," said Hanjin Tan.

Hamsterz Doodles and NFTs

The Hamsterz Doodles collection, designed by Hanjin Tan, combines art with fun gaming experiences. Each avatar provides players with various ways to express themselves, including customizable animations and unique collectible traits. The avatars are part of Hanjin's initiative to create a more interactive and engaging experience for his fans, with various emotes and animations that add character and personality to the digital world.

Web3 Growth and The Sandbox's Expansion

Hanjin has been a pioneering figure in web3, particularly within the Chinese community. He was among the first celebrities to embrace blockchain technology, launching the initial Hamsterz NFT collection in 2022, accessible to his early supporters. This direct connection between fans and artists bypasses traditional intermediaries, with NFTs enabling more personalized interactions.

With over 27,000 landowners in its alpha phase, The Sandbox continues to grow, hosting nearly 700 live player-created games and attracting 50,000 to 100,000 monthly active users. As the platform evolves, it emphasizes user-generated content and a diverse array of branded partnerships. Recent collaborations include FaZe Clan, The Walking Dead, Snoop Dogg, and Ubisoft.

A Rewarding Platform for Creators

The Sandbox's focus on user-generated content has led to a significant increase in creators, with over 330,000 individuals and more than 200 professional studios joining its community. The platform has introduced a substantial reward pool, adding 500,000 $SAND tokens to incentivize creativity and innovation among builders. This addition to the Builders' Challenge creator program brings the total reward pool to 1.5 million $SAND, equating to nearly $950,000 USD, providing ample motivation for top creators.

Future Roadmap and Animoca Brands' Role

Looking ahead, The Sandbox plans to transition from alpha to beta and enhance features related to achievements, battle passes, and creator monetization. Long-term goals include expanding to mobile platforms, cross-chain interoperability, and leveraging AI for procedural content generation.

The Sandbox's parent company, Animoca Brands, plays a significant role in the web3 landscape. As a leading force in blockchain gaming, Animoca Brands continues to invest in a diverse portfolio of products and partnerships, with notable successes in original games, sports, and entertainment-themed projects. With over 400 web3 investments, Animoca Brands is at the forefront of the web3 revolution, shaping the future of gaming and digital innovation.

Immutable's Momentum in Q1 2024: A Web3 Gaming Revolution

Immutable, a key player in the web3 gaming ecosystem, kicked off 2024 with a burst of activity, solidifying its position as a leader in the space. With new partnerships, an expanding game library, and surging on-chain activity, Immutable has made significant strides towards mainstream adoption of web3 gaming.

The first quarter of 2024 saw Immutable add over 75 new games to its platform, with a record-breaking 32 games signed in March alone, reflecting a remarkable ninefold increase compared to the same period last year. The surge in web3 gaming interest prompted Immutable to bolster its infrastructure and platform to meet the growing demands of the market.

Web3 Gaming Expansion: Guild of Guardians and More

Immutable's popular game, Guild of Guardians, reached a significant milestone by earning a 4.9/5 rating on the app store, signaling the potential for web3 gaming to reach mainstream audiences. This top-rated mobile game, along with other web3 games on Immutable, showcases the growing appeal of blockchain-based gaming.

One of the standout performers in Immutable's ecosystem is Blast Royale, a high-energy mobile shooter combining MOBA features with Battle Royale PvP action. In March, Blast Royale recorded 500,000 total installs, with strong retention rates and player engagement. The game's peak daily active users reached 28,000, with a monthly peak of 101,000.

New Partnerships and Initiatives

Immutable's commitment to expanding web3 gaming includes strategic partnerships and innovative programs. The recent $100M Immutable Games Fund, launched in collaboration with Polygon Labs and King River Capital, aims to attract top talent and boost the player base in web3 gaming. This initiative complements Immutable's ongoing efforts to grow its ecosystem and accelerate the development of AAA web3 games.

Another noteworthy partnership with OKX integrates Immutable's zkEVM chain into the OKX Marketplace and Wallet, granting over 50 million users access to NFTs and digital wallets. This collaboration will also feature a GameFi launchpad, exposing popular games like Guild of Guardians and Shardbound to a broader audience.

Immutable zkEVM: The Future of Web3 Gaming

Immutable zkEVM, powered by Polygon, is designed to support large-scale gaming applications with low transaction fees and fast processing speeds. This technology utilizes zero-knowledge rollup to reduce gas fees and maintain compatibility with Ethereum. The latest developments on Immutable zkEVM include new NFT collections, partnerships with Vendetta Games, and the migration of LUXON's flagship game, DESPERADO B218.

Immutable's On-Chain Metrics and Product Updates

Immutable's latest on-chain metrics reveal robust growth. The platform handles 200-250k on-chain transactions daily, with a lifetime trading volume of approximately $300 million. The Immutable Passport, the company's all-in-one gamer identity solution, has surpassed 200,000 signups, enabling seamless onboarding of new players without requiring complex blockchain knowledge.

The passport provides a single-sign-on and passwordless wallet, reducing onboarding friction for players entering the web3 space. Additionally, games built on zkEVM allow developers to sponsor gas transactions, enhancing the player experience by removing transaction fees.

The Future of Immutable and Web3 Gaming

Immutable's rapid growth in Q1 2024 sets the stage for an exciting year ahead. With plans to launch the Main Quest, a new adventure, and continued focus on expanding partnerships and the game library, Immutable is poised to remain at the forefront of the web3 gaming revolution.

As the platform continues to evolve, Immutable's mission to onboard the next generation of gamers, builders, and users into web3 remains clear. With its strong partnerships, innovative technology, and expanding ecosystem, Immutable is shaping the future of web3 gaming.

Bitcoin Halving Boosts Web3 Gaming Sector

The recent Bitcoin halving has triggered a significant upsurge in the web3 gaming sector, fueled by heightened interest and investment. This surge comes as the halving event reduces the daily production of Bitcoin, potentially driving up its price due to decreased supply. The Bitcoin halving, a key event in the cryptocurrency calendar, has historically led to substantial price increases, further spurring enthusiasm among investors and market participants.

What Is Bitcoin Halving?

Bitcoin halving is a scheduled event where the network produces half as many coins, reducing the rate at which new Bitcoin enters circulation. This fourth halving has reduced the block reward to 3.125 new coins every 10 minutes, down from 6.25. The reduced supply, if demand remains stable or increases, is expected to create upward pressure on Bitcoin's price. Past halvings have led to notable price surges, with Bitcoin rallying 1,800% after the 2012 halving, and 3,000% following the 2016 event.

Impact on Crypto Gaming

The halving has brought renewed attention to the web3 gaming sector, which leverages blockchain technology and decentralized finance (DeFi) principles to create new gaming experiences. Traditional web2 gaming, once focused solely on entertainment, is now evolving into a more profitable industry, with web3 gaming offering players opportunities to earn a living through gaming. GameFi projects are gaining traction, drawing retail investors who see the potential for profitable returns.

Resurgence of Web3 Gaming

Recent data indicates a resurgence in web3 gaming adoption, presenting opportunities for smaller studios to innovate and compete with established players. Success stories like Sky Mavis' Axie Infinity demonstrate that web3 gaming can achieve mainstream success, encouraging new studios to enter the space. This trend is paving the way for blockchain gaming to challenge traditional gaming companies like CD Projekt Red.

The Changing Landscape of Blockchain Gaming

Blockchain-based games have faced criticism for their lack of engaging gameplay, but recent advancements in GameFi are addressing these issues. Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) are enhancing player ownership and participation in game economies. Traditional gaming companies are also exploring blockchain integration, with Ubisoft, Square Enix, and Sony venturing into the web3 gaming realm.

Sony's Innovative Approach to Web3 Gaming

Sony's recent patent application introduces technology to manage in-game assets across various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and VR headsets. By integrating NFTs, Sony aims to reward players with unique digital assets for their in-game achievements, which can be used or traded across different games and platforms. This approach enhances player engagement and adds value to the gaming experience.

Sony is also developing a blockchain intended to serve as the backbone for global web3 infrastructure, highlighting its commitment to the blockchain industry. The company's stablecoin trial on the Polygon blockchain signifies its intention to explore the broader possibilities of blockchain technology.

Challenges and Opportunities in GameFi

While GameFi offers exciting prospects, it also faces challenges like scalability issues, user experience, and regulatory complexities. To improve the web3 gaming experience, blockchain integrations should operate seamlessly in the background, making them accessible to players with varying technical expertise.

Despite these challenges, blockchain technology holds immense potential to revolutionize the gaming industry. It opens doors to new game mechanics, revenue models, and player incentives. If implemented correctly, blockchain could reduce exploitative monetization practices and foster fairer gaming economies where players, developers, and content creators benefit from value creation and distribution.