Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Becomes Highest Rated DLC Ever

FromSoftware's Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree has already made history, becoming the highest rated DLC ever on Metacritic. Though the DLC is yet to be released, early reviews have given it an astounding score of 95, surpassing even The Witcher 3: Blood and Wine. This remarkable achievement places Shadow of the Erdtree at 36 on Metacritic's list of the best-reviewed games of all time.

The acclaim doesn't end there; many consider this DLC to be FromSoftware's best work, outshining previous expansions like Dark Souls 3's Ashes of Ariandel and Bloodborne's The Old Hunters. It has also emerged as the highest rated game of the year so far, ahead of titles like Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth.

With Shadow of the Erdtree, FromSoftware has set a new standard for DLC content, delivering an experience that some are comparing to a full-fledged sequel.

Zelda Is Finally Getting Her Own Game, Echoes Of Wisdom

Nintendo's Summer Direct has revealed a groundbreaking addition to the Legend of Zelda series, titled The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. This new game, set to launch on September 26, 2024, will feature Zelda as the primary playable character for the first time in the franchise's history.

Echoes of Wisdom showcases a visual style reminiscent of the Link's Awakening remake, hinting at a connection with its developer. The game introduces innovative mechanics, with Zelda wielding a magical staff that creates echoes of objects to be used in puzzles and combat, offering a distinct playstyle compared to Link's traditional sword fighting.

The announcement of Echoes of Wisdom is a refreshing departure from the recent Breath of the Wild-centric titles, marking the first non-BOTW Zelda game since the Link's Awakening remake in 2019 and the first original non-BOTW release since Tri-Force Heroes in 2015. As fans eagerly anticipate the Switch 2, this new title provides an exciting new chapter for the iconic series.

Donkey Kong Country Returns Is Coming to Switch in 2025

During the latest Nintendo Direct, it was revealed that Donkey Kong Country Returns will be ported to the Nintendo Switch, set for release on January 16, 2025. This announcement comes as part of a series of exciting updates from Nintendo's summer showcase, keeping the momentum of recent gaming news high.

Originally released in 2010, Donkey Kong Country Returns was a massive success, revitalizing the beloved franchise. The Switch port, titled Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, promises enhanced graphics and potentially new levels and features, though specific details remain under wraps.

This remaster will mark a significant return for Donkey Kong, who hasn't headlined a mainline game since Donkey Kong: Tropical Freeze in 2014. Fans eagerly await this release, hoping for the inclusion of familiar characters like Funky Kong in the updated version.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Revealed, Launching in 2025

Metroid Prime 4 has finally been reintroduced after seven long years, with an exciting new trailer unveiled during this month's Nintendo Direct. The game, now titled Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, promises to deliver what fans have been eagerly awaiting since its initial announcement.

Nintendo has kept Metroid Prime 4 under wraps, causing much distress among fans who have been waiting for any glimpse beyond the initial logo reveal. The silence was finally broken with the latest Nintendo Direct, which not only confirmed the game's continuation but also showcased some gameplay footage and set a release window for 2025.

The new trailer provided a satisfying look at the game's mechanics, which are reminiscent of the classic Metroid Prime games. This return to form is sure to please long-time fans of the series.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is confirmed for a 2025 release, with plans to launch on the Nintendo Switch. However, given the anticipated arrival of the Switch's successor, it's likely the game will be available on both platforms, similar to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild's cross-generation release. This speculation remains unconfirmed, but it aligns with Nintendo's previous strategies for major releases.

New Player Roles Coming to Among Us Today

Among Us is receiving a major update today, introducing three new roles that add fresh gameplay dynamics. Unveiled during today's Nintendo Direct, these roles are available to players immediately following the presentation.

The update introduces the Tracker, Noisemaker, and Phantom roles. The Tracker uses the minimap to keep tabs on other players, ensuring tasks are completed and identifying impostors. The Noisemaker alerts nearby crewmembers when they die, creating a strategic advantage. The Phantom can turn invisible, making it easier to escape after killing a crewmate.

These roles join the existing lineup of Crewmates, Impostors, Shapeshifters, Engineers, Guardian Angels, and Scientists, all randomly assigned at the start of each round, though they need to be enabled in the lobby settings.

Among Us has had a notable year, including the announcement of an upcoming TV show during Summer Game Fest. While the release date for the show is still unknown, it boasts a star-studded cast including Patton Oswalt, Dan Stevens, Elijah Wood, Liv Hewson, and more, promising an exciting extension of the popular game's universe.

Tollan Worlds Rebrands to Tollan Universe

Foretold Studios has announced a significant rebranding of its acclaimed Tollan Worlds franchise, which will now be known as Tollan Universe. This transformation marks the beginning of an expansive ecosystem of interconnected action-adventure games. The first title under this new banner, Tollan Survivors, is set to debut in early access in late Q3 2024.

From Tollan Worlds to Tollan Universe

Tollan Worlds, a cornerstone action RPG by Foretold Studios, is evolving into a more extensive IP. The game is currently available in a pre-alpha demo state for web browsers and through the Elixir Games Launcher, with a fresh gameplay trailer showcasing its progress. Known for blending mechanics from games like Diablo, Hades, and Stardew Valley, Tollan Worlds offers a classless combat system, immersive 2D-pixel art, and a player-driven economy, all built on the Immutable X blockchain.

In the game, players escape the oppressive Mainland city-state to explore the dangerous Darklands, discovering a hidden community and embarking on new adventures. The dynamic world of Tollan Worlds includes dungeon raids, epic boss battles, and a compelling storyline, challenging players to protect their new home from Mainland threats.

Rationale Behind the Rebrand and Expansion

The rebranding to Tollan Universe and expansion into an ecosystem of games was inspired by the positive feedback and opportunities generated during the OTK Games Expo. Foretold Studios has attracted talent from renowned companies like Bandai Namco, Capcom, and Paradox Interactive, enhancing its development prowess. Third-party developers have also shown interest in creating content within the Tollan IP, further enriching the ecosystem. Despite this growth, the core team remains committed to developing its flagship game, now part of the broader Tollan Universe.

Introducing Tollan Survivors

The first game to be released within the Tollan Universe is Tollan Survivors, a 2D action roguelite inspired by the indie hit Vampire Survivors. Announced by Michael Kuvshynov, Founder & CEO of Foretold Studios, during the OTK Games Expo, this new title promises engaging solo and co-op gameplay. Previously known as Project S, Tollan Survivors will incorporate Genesis Avatars, adding another layer of utility for players. The game is set to launch in early access in late Q3 2024, marking an exciting new chapter for the Tollan Universe.

Why Top Studios Are Embracing Web3 Gaming

The web3 gaming market is expanding rapidly, catching the attention of traditional gaming studios. A recent Coingecko report highlights that 29 of the world's 40 largest gaming companies are investing in web3. This includes developing their own blockchain games, investing in web3 projects, or hiring blockchain experts.

Is Web3 the Future of Gaming?

The intersection of blockchain technology and gaming has generated significant buzz about the future of the industry. Web3, a decentralized internet infrastructure built on blockchain principles, promises a new era of gaming. It offers players the ability to own in-game assets, experience true digital scarcity, and enjoy enhanced security. As blockchain technology advances, the question arises: Is web3 the future of gaming?

Over 70% of Top Web2 Studios Are Involved in Web3

Coingecko's analysis shows that 29 of the top 40 gaming companies are exploring web3. This includes Take-Two Interactive, Nexon, Bandai Namco, Konami, Krafton, Square Enix, Ubisoft, SEGA, CCP Games, Sony Playstation, The Pokémon Company, and Epic Games. These companies are either developing web3 games in-house, investing in web3 projects, or integrating blockchain technology into their operations.

Massive Market Opportunity

The web3 gaming market is poised for explosive growth. Projections estimate it will grow from $4.6 billion in 2022 to $65.7 billion by 2027. Robbie Ferguson, co-founder of Immutable, emphasizes that the industry is underestimating web3 gaming's potential. Immutable, in collaboration with King River Capital and Polygon Labs, has launched a $100 million web3 gaming fund to support developers and studios. This optimism is backed by nearly $20 billion invested in games and gaming platforms over the past four years, with many new titles set to launch in 2024.

Digital Ownership, Distribution, and Monetization Models

Web3 gaming aligns the incentives of players and publishers better than traditional models, which often burden players with unfavorable monetization schemes. Web3 offers true digital asset ownership, allowing players to benefit from their investments. Unlike traditional games, which miss out on secondary market profits, web3 enables developers to earn a percentage of every transaction through secondary marketplaces and royalties. This could potentially expand the gaming industry's value from $150 billion to trillions.

Immutable simplifies the development of web3 games with powerful tools, features, and a robust ecosystem. Its end-to-end solution, including APIs and SDKs, allows developers to focus on creating engaging gameplay without needing extensive blockchain expertise.

Increased Player Retention and Engagement

Web3 gaming provides more tools to retain players. Immutable’s flagship games, Gods Unchained and Guild of Guardians, show that web3 gamers are highly engaged. Traditional games consider a monthly average revenue per user (ARPU) of $20-30 high, while new titles might reach $80-120 post-release. Immutable's data from Gods Unchained shows web3 gamers transact over $130 monthly, sustained over the years, with 24% more daily playtime than top mobile games.

Overcoming Challenges and Barriers to Entry

Onboarding has been a significant barrier to mass web3 gaming adoption. Immutable Passport, an authentication solution, simplifies onboarding, offering players a secure digital wallet, fraud protection, and seamless authentication across web3 games and marketplaces. This ease of use is driving growth and attracting game studios.

Robbie Ferguson predicts that over 10 million gamers will be in web3 games by the end of this year. However, infrastructure readiness and content readiness have been major challenges. With solutions like Immutable Passport and increased funding for web3 gaming, high-quality games are beginning to emerge, paving the way for mainstream adoption.

Tapos Drives Aptos Blockchain to 1,466% Transaction Surge

The Aptos blockchain witnessed a staggering 1,466% increase in daily transactions within just three days, thanks to the launch of the new clicker game, Tapos. This surge saw the 7-day moving average of user transactions rocket to 47 million by the end of May from under 1 million at the month's start, peaking at 156 million transactions in a single day.

What Is Tapos?

Tapos is a blockchain-based game that merges virtual pet interaction with earning opportunities on the Aptos blockchain. Players engage with virtual cats by clicking on them to generate HEART tokens, blending entertainment with earning potential and showcasing Aptos' scalability and transaction capabilities.

Game Mechanics and HEART Tokens

In Tapos, players earn HEART tokens by clicking on virtual cats, with each click recording a transaction on the blockchain. This simple mechanic not only accumulates tokens for the players but also contributes to a global tally, fostering community engagement. To start playing, users generate a wallet via the Tapos homepage, store their secret key securely, and transfer APT tokens to cover network fees.

Impact on Aptos Blockchain

The game's structure led to a dramatic increase in transactions, with the average daily active addresses on Aptos rising from 61,000 in early May to over 150,000 by month's end. The campaign concluded on May 26th, after generating over 323 million transactions and attracting more than 63,000 users. While transaction numbers have since declined, Tapos highlighted the Aptos blockchain’s potential for handling high transaction volumes.