PCGamesN Saturday, July 12, 2025 3:54 PM July 12, 2025: We've added new Bubble Gum Simulator Infinity codes for Update 12. What are the latest Bubble Gum Simulator Infinity codes? We've scoured Discord, Twitter, and every other social platform the game uses to find new Roblox BGSI game codes you can use to score some easy freebies. Get the edge in your bubble-blowing adventures by staying on top of new code drops before they expire. If you're a big Roblox fan, check out the latest codes for other huge games on the platform. We're always on the lookout for new Blue Lock Rivals codes, Blox Fruits codes, and Dress to Impress codes just a name a few. In fact, we have well over 100 Roblox games we're constantly scouting for codes. Continue reading Bubble Gum Simulator Infinity codes July 2025 MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best Roblox games, Roblox promo codes, Roblox music codes |
PCGamesN Saturday, July 12, 2025 3:52 PM July 12, 2025: We're looking for new Silver and Blood codes to coincide with the release of Lorelei. Need new Silver and Blood codes? Of course you do. With upgrade materials for this vampire-laden tactics game drying up quicker than an infant's neck, Silver and Blood game codes are the best way to keep apace without burning energy on the mindless grind. If you're lucky, they might even get you the Heralds you need to pull a better unit. Need help blowing all the free resources on offer below? Check out the Silver and Blood tier list to see who's worthy of your best gear. And if you're ready to give similar games a go, read up on the latest AFK Journey codes, Persona 5 The Phantom X codes, and HSR codes while you're here. Continue reading Silver and Blood codes July 2025 MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best RPG games, Best gacha games, Best PC games on mobile |
PCGamesN Saturday, July 12, 2025 3:52 PM July 12, 2025: We've put Lorelei in a preliminary position on the Silver and Blood tier list pending further testing. What's the Silver and Blood tier list? Whatever your reason for scouting out blood-sucking fiends, we've got your back. We've rounded out the roster and graded every Silver and Blood character to figure out the best way to build up your team. So, whether you're conscious of your inventory of rare upgrade materials or just looking to flaunt your luck, check out how your roster stacks up down below. Published by Moonton, the light tactics gacha game Silver and Blood is far from this developer's first rodeo. Check out the latest Mobile Legends Bang Bang codes to make a start in the game that put them on the map. Feel the need for a brighter and more cheerful adventure? There's a Genshin Impact tier list for that, and a Persona 5 The Phantom X tier list if you're set on turn-based battlers. Continue reading Silver and Blood tier list - best characters and reroll guide MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best RPG games, Best gacha games, Best PC games on mobile |
PCGamesN Saturday, July 12, 2025 3:45 PM July 12, 2025: We're working to add the ASTDX UPD 1 units to the tier list. Who ranks well on the All Star Tower Defense X tier list? If you're waiting on banner rotation cooldowns, let us help you pick between the X and Y summons. With around two dozen units at launch, the strongest ASTDX units are largely the rarest. But with teamups, traits, and trees, how you build the best ASTDX characters can make all the difference. Before you pull, make sure to use the latest ASTDX codes to score some bonus gems for pulls. You'll also snag upgrade materials, orbs, and trait rerolls to build up your best units. Deep in other Roblox tower defense titles? Grab more freebies with SpongeBob Tower Defense codes, Anime Last Stand codes, and Five Nights TD codes while they're active. Continue reading All Star Tower Defense X tier list - best units and traits MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best Roblox games, Roblox promo codes, Roblox music codes |
PCGamesN Saturday, July 12, 2025 3:49 PM July 12, 2025: We're looking for new Steal a Brainrot codes for the Lucky Blocks update and the Crab event. What are the latest Steal a Brainrot codes? Taking clear cues from Grow a Garden, this new Roblox experience dismisses the idea of patience, perseverance, and the rewards that follow, and instead, you steal the hard work of others. It's poetic in a way. So much so that we're not sure what to make of it. But freebies are freebies, and that's what Steal a Brainrot game codes are good for. But players are loving it. While it's far from meeting the lofty concurrent player goals of its inspiration, like Grow a Garden codes or Blox Fruits codes, it's putting Brainrot Evolution codes on high alert. Already certain it's not the one for you? Consider trying out Blue Lock Rivals codes instead. That's a Roblox game with an idea that copycats are struggling to replicate. Continue reading Steal a Brainrot codes July 2025 MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best Roblox games, Roblox promo codes, Roblox music codes |
PCGamesN Saturday, July 12, 2025 3:30 PM The Steam Summer Sale may be over, but the Minecraft Marketplace still has plenty of discounts for you to take advantage of over the next few days. With huge discounts across the store, there really couldn't be a better time to delve into the great creations and blocky bounties available. Continue reading Minecraft offers free maps and huge Marketplace discounts MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Minecraft seeds, Minecraft skins, Minecraft mods |
PCGamesN Saturday, July 12, 2025 3:38 PM July 12, 2025: We've added some new SpongeBob Tower Defense codes from the Rogue update. What are the new SpongeBob Tower Defense codes? Bikini Bottom is in danger and only the aquatic city's goofiest goobers can protect it. From SpongeGar to double Krabby Pattied-up Squidward, there's a wild cast of characters that can be called upon to aid the defense effort with new Roblox SpongeBob Tower Defense game codes Of course, these iconic faces come at a cost, requiring you to cough up Gems and Magic Conches to partake in the Roblox game's gacha system. Fortunately, the SpongeBob Tower Defense codes often reward you with these precious materials, so load up Roblox, dive into Bikini Bottom, and use the following codes to keep it safe. Continue reading SpongeBob Tower Defense codes July 2025 MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best Roblox games, Roblox promo codes, Roblox music codes |
PCGamesN Saturday, July 12, 2025 3:44 PM July 12, 2025: Four new All Star Tower Defense X codes are in for UPD 1. What are the new All Star Tower Defense X codes? You won't be pulling new units without them unless you're speedrunning death on a low-level stage. This long-in-development sequel to Roblox tower defense legend All Star Tower Defense (or simply ASTD) brings new and old units together. Get the lot with our complete list of ASTDX codes. Returning to Roblox after the ASTD hiatus? Between updates to this one, consider checking out the competition with Anime Last Stand codes, Anime Vanguards codes, and SpongeBob Tower Defense codes. Or give Five Nights TD codes a go if you're ready to welcome Halloween a little early. Continue reading All Star Tower Defense X codes July 2025 MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best Roblox games, Roblox promo codes, Roblox music codes |
PCGamesN Saturday, July 12, 2025 3:29 PM July 12, 2025: We've added two new Jump Stars codes for the Summer event ft. Gilgamash. What are the new Jump Stars codes? With rewards like gems needed to pull top-tier characters, missing out on new redeemables is akin to flushing money down the drain. Get ahead in this anime take on a mobile gaming classic and gain a competitive edge while you're at it with this list of new Roblox Jump Stars codes. Unless you know of Japanese publications, you might think Jump Stars codes are like Climb and Jump Tower codes. This isn't a Roblox game about reaching lofty heights and crashing down like a meteor, though. Instead, it's another anime game that pulls characters from the Shonen Jump publication together for multi-team battles. It's closer to Brawl Stars than Anime Vanguard, that's for sure. Continue reading Jump Stars codes July 2025 MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best Roblox games, Roblox promo codes, Roblox music codes |
PCGamesN Saturday, July 12, 2025 3:19 PM July 12, 2025: A bunch of new Volleyball Legends codes just dropped for UPD 27. What are the new Volleyball Legends codes? Taking to the volleyball court in this Roblox adventure will have you itching to get ahead of the competition. Inspired by the Haikyuu anime, you'll participate in volleyball matches in teams of six and compete to be the best. This unofficial, fan-made Roblox game isn't strictly affiliated with Haikyuu, but the imagery and references to the manga series are plain to see. Unlike the latest Blox Fruits codes or Dress to Impress codes, Haikyuu Legends codes won't get you currency, but they can have a direct effect on your skill level in the game, so take note. Continue reading Volleyball Legends codes July 2025 MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best Roblox games, Roblox promo codes, Roblox music codes |
PCGamesN Saturday, July 12, 2025 3:16 PM July 12, 2025: A lone new Blue Lock Rivals code just dropped for the first part of the Summer update. What are the new Blue Lock Rivals codes? While your metavision may let you play the perfect pinpoint pass, you'll need a little extra assistance perceiving all the freebies the Roblox game offers. Blue Lock Rivals throws you into world soccer's biggest pressure cooker, putting your skills to the test as you channel the playstyles of the hit series' biggest hitters on the field. You'll need to be on your A-game to succeed in this Roblox experience. Read on to find out the anime game's latest codes and how to redeem them. Continue reading Blue Lock Rivals codes July 2025 MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best Roblox games, Roblox promo codes, Roblox music codes |
PCGamesN Saturday, July 12, 2025 3:00 PM Putting your trust into a VPN means more than just expecting privacy and encryption of your connection. You want access to your VPN to continue for as long as you've paid for it - and if you've paid for a lifetime subscription, well, there's an expectation that it will be fulfilled. Continue reading BulletVPN shuts down, killing lifetime members' subscriptions MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best VPN service, Best gaming VPN, VPN deals |
PCGamesN Saturday, July 12, 2025 12:51 PM Publisher Slitherine is giving away three gems from its catalog of grand strategy and wargames, including the surprisingly strong Battlestar Galactica Deadlock, in a deal that saves you more than $100. This trio of free games leads the studio's 25th anniversary Steam sale, which is packed with discounts and bundles that include the likes of Starship Troopers: Terran Command, Terminator: Dark Fate - Defiance, and the recently released Broken Arrow. |
PCGamesN Saturday, July 12, 2025 12:36 PM 2025 has been a year of surprise indie successes. Between REPO, Schedule 1, and Peak, we've had a collection of inventive releases that have found immense popularity on Steam. That last one has proven particularly well-liked, too, as Aggro Crab has now announced that Peak has hit a frankly astonishing milestone of five million copies sold, less than a month after launch. MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best indie games, New PC games, Best PC games |
PCGamesN Saturday, July 12, 2025 11:31 AM We're still waiting on confirmation of the FF14 Mobile global launch date, but it could feature one key change that's just been announced for the ongoing Chinese version. In a new update, developer Lightspeed Studio says it is introducing trading restrictions that will require a minimum spend in the free-to-play MMORPG before players can access features such as the market board, player trades, and Free Company chests. MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best MMOs, FF14 Dawntrail review, FF14 Island Sanctuary guide |
PCGamesN Saturday, July 12, 2025 12:09 PM Aliens is a masterclass in building tension. With just a beeping sound and dots on a screen, James Cameron uses a motion sensor to ratchet up the fear before you even lay eyes on a Xenomorph. It's proof that terror works best when our imaginations fill in the gaps, as the uncertainty plays on our minds more than any monster can. This is the focal point of brand new strategy game Xenopurge, which has finally entered Steam Early Access with a sizable discount. MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best grand strategy games, Best roguelike games, Best strategy games |
PCGamesN Saturday, July 12, 2025 10:15 AM While Dwarf Fortress is probably the most significant progenitor of the base-building colony sim, Rimworld certainly deserves similar recognition. Built by Tynan Sylvester and Ludeon Studios, it helped to define the unique blend of management and survival games that has given us other hits such as Oxygen Not Included and Frostpunk. Already rated 97% positive by Steam users, it's now set a new record player count on the Valve store as its just-launched spacefaring expansion Rimworld Odyssey takes us into orbit for the first time. MORE FROM PCGAMESN: The best Rimworld mods, The best games like Rimworld and Dwarf Fortress, RimWorld multiplayer guide |
PCGamesN Saturday, July 12, 2025 9:40 AM Battlestate Games is reducing the boss spawn rates across the Escape From Tarkov hardcore wipe. Until now, they would have a 100% chance of spawning across every location in the FPS, but it's now been dropped significantly. This comes as player reception to the last wipe ahead of Tarkov 1.0 has been all over the place, with some players assuming boss rates will go back to where they used to be in no time. MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Escape from Tarkov system requirements, Escape From Tarkov Steam, Best FPS games |
Siliconera Saturday, July 12, 2025 3:00 PM
While we could tell from the very start that The Emperor's Caretaker manga would eventually involve a romance between Linhua, one of the caretakers for the series' child emperor and his regent Souren. However, Ichiha Hiiragi and Aya Shouoto's story initially prioritized establishing life in the palace, Linhua's role, and professional relationships. It's only in the third volume that things start to actually get into different types of obligations that come from the jobs people have or their positions in families. As a result, we're finally getting the lovey-dovey moments suggested and teased as these other elements play out.
Editor's Note: There will be spoilers for volume 3 of The Emperor's Caretaker manga below.
What I love about The Emperor's Caretaker volume 3 is that, while this is the point in the manga when it gets to the romance elements, it still is focusing on folks' personal, professional, and familial obligations. Linhua and Souren are getting their moment toward the end. However, in the lead-up we are seeing how even though he's a child, Emperor Zhiyou can be called upon to rule a kingdom and see what happens with the Li family chancellor. We also get another glimpse at what life is like for Linhua as a daughter of the Liu family and how that familiar obligation influences her life and future.
In the case of Emperor Zhiyou, the example is an especially trying and pivotal moment. Throughout the volumes, we've seen him start to connect to his brother Souren finally, thanks to Linhua's influence. They've build up a real relationship, and that's highlighted as this volume begins. But because of Chancellor Li's actions throughout the three volumes, it hit a point where there need to be repercussions for his actions. And while the man is clearly a villain, he's always been kind to Zhiyou and acted like something of a grandfather to him. So we witness a small child going through more of his royal training, then being forced to act against someone he likely loves. It's striking. Especially since we also see Rui, said chancellor's son and a person Linhua's father considered as a politically advantageous marriage candidate for the her for the Liu, debate against doing what's right and filial piety.
Obligations to family and expected roles in society play a big part in Linhua's storyline. From the start of her series, Linhua's father has been trying to get her married off. It's how she even ended up as Emperor Zhiyou's caretaker in the first place. With what happened to the Li family and Rui possibly jumping in power, we're seeing him see an opportunity. Which means she's concerned about leaving a job she loves for a marriage she's forced into. It's especially interesting to see how, at this point in the story, we're getting to see her on the verge of possibly taking steps toward everything she could want.
Things are really in motion in The Emperor's Caretaker volume 3, as the manga is establishing a challenge to the comfortable position Linhua holds, a possible future with Souren, and an emperor who is gradually growing up and developing as a ruler. While I don't think we'll see Zhiyou become a major force by the end of the series, seeing him preside over a ruling her feels like foreshadowing. So does Linhua and Souren making a commitment and hints that, while the two probably have a future together, other obligations might pose challenges along the way.
Volume 3 of The Emperor's Caretaker is available now, and Square Enix will release volume 4 of the manga on September 9, 2025.
The post The Emperor's Caretaker Volume 3 Gets Into Obligations and Love appeared first on Siliconera. |
Siliconera Saturday, July 12, 2025 9:00 AM
With the global release of Cygames's Umamusume: Pretty Derby, interest in horse racing and the real-life horses that inspired the characters like Haru Urara has risen in the English-speaking community. The inspiration behind her is still alive today in Japan. Fans can visit and feed the actual horse Haru Urara, though they'll have to obey guidelines when doing so.
Haru Urara is living out her retirement at the Matha Farm in Chiba. To meet her, you'll need to make a reservation with the ranch. According to Twitter user tarutaru_mage, openings for these reservations start without warning the month before, and they fill up fast. You need to make a reservation before going to the ranch, so plan accordingly if you wish to make the trip.
Cygames also published guidelines to follow when visiting horse ranches in Japan. You can read the entire document on the game's official website. In short, you should practice common sense when dealing with large animals like horses, such as not touching them, not making loud noises, and not feeding them.
For those who aren't in Japan and don't plan on visiting the country any time soon, but still wish to support the real-life Haru Urara, you can still do so. The Namabokuso Bank service in Japan lets you purchase a 5-kg box of pasturage to horses, with Haru Urara as one of them. It costs 6000 JPY ($40.50) to do so, and you can also set it to do so monthly. As of the time of writing, over 2180 kg of pasturage have been sent to Haru Urara. Many of the most recent comments from supporters are in English, and make mention to Umamusume: Pretty Derby.
Umamusume: Pretty Derby is readily available on the Windows PC and mobile devices. The original anime is on Crunchyroll, while Cinderella Gray streamed on Amazon.
The post How to Visit and Feed Haru Urara, the Real Umamusume Horse appeared first on Siliconera. |
Siliconera Saturday, July 12, 2025 8:30 AM
We're looking for even more feedback on Siliconera, what you want to see from the site, and just things in general that you enjoy! We've started up a whole new survey so we can get your thoughts. Our goal is to constantly build on the site's foundation to continue to make it (and our newsletter) bigger, better, and more able to cover everything you like!
With this latest survey, we hope to get your insights about the site and things you like to check out online. That means answering a handful of questions about topics that matter to you. If you could please spare 5-10 minutes of your time, we'd really appreciate it! And in the end, your responses could really make a difference!
Thanks you all for visiting Siliconera and taking the time to fill out this survey.
The post Shape Siliconera by Taking Our New Survey appeared first on Siliconera. |
Destructoid Saturday, July 12, 2025 3:20 PM
We're becoming magicians in BitLife's latest challenge, Maleficent Magician. Starting as an average American female, you'll climb your way to stardom and even marry into the royal family this time around. Get ready because this one is far more difficult than usual.
Table of contents
BitLife Maleficent Magician challenge guide
BitLife's Maleficent Magician challenge has five objectives to complete:
You won't need any special career packs for this challenge. However, having the Hollywood Star will make its second task much easier to complete. Similarly, having the criminal special talent from the Mafia pack can make the third objective slightly easier. Nonetheless, you can finish both tasks without spending any money if you prefer a free-to-play route.
Be born a female in Nevada
The first part of BitLife's Maleficent Magician challenge is to be born a female in Nevada. To do this, select female as your starting gender, the United States as your country, and Las Vegas as your place. Since Nevada itself isn't listed as an option, choosing its most populous city is your next best bet.
Optionally, you can choose crime as your special talent to help with a later task. You don't need to do this if you don't have access to it, but it is an option if you want to make the process slightly easier.
Become a famous Magician
After creating your character, age up until you're ready to get a full-time job. From here, head into Occupation and search near the bottom of the list until you find a magician role. If it doesn't appear right away, close and reopen the BitLife app or age up and recheck the list.
Once you become a Magician, work hard and adjust your weekly hours to 50 through the Occupation menu. Doing this will significantly boost your work performance, making it easier to become famous. From here, age up until you get a pop-up message telling you you're a famous magician.
Although you can move on to the next task immediately, I recommend using this time to raise some funds beforehand. More on this later.
Murder two or more people
The most challenging part of this challenge is getting away with two elimination attempts. To do this, head into Activities, Crime, and Murder before picking anyone you wish. You'll need to succeed twice for this task. You can either try this with BitLife's vanilla mechanics or purchase the Assassin's Blade to make every attempt successful automatically.
To raise your odds of success, pick two random victims that you have no relation to and choose inconspicuous methods like drive-by or poison. There's still a chance the police will catch you, so you might try to run away to avoid punishment. The victim may also retaliate, which can end your run if you're unlucky.
Emigrate to the United Kingdom
The easiest task in this list is to emigrate to the United Kingdom. If you gain a criminal record through the previous objective, you'll have a much harder time accomplishing this. Otherwise, head into Activities, Emigrate, and refresh the list until you see the United Kingdom.
Marry into the royal family
The last part of BitLife's Maleficent Magician challenge is to marry into the royal family. While this was previously extremely difficult to accomplish, you can now use the Celebrity Dating App to filter your options to only royalty.
However, this is an expensive venture, as each attempt costs $100,000. If needed, spend some time working as a magician and using your fame to make extra money. That way, you can afford multiple attempts without worrying about working extra. After dating a royal for some time, the two of you can get married and wrap up the challenge.
Once you become a famous magician, commit some crimes, and become a royal in the UK, you'll complete BitLife's Maleficent Magician challenge, open a mystery prize box, and claim a cosmetic reward for future characters.
The post How to complete the Maleficent Magician challenge in BitLife appeared first on Destructoid. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Destructoid Saturday, July 12, 2025 2:23 PM
Marvel Rivals Season 3 brings plenty of new skins and changes to the existing characters, which also means that the tier list has already started to look somewhat different.
Season 3 has two new characters for players to try out in the form of Blade and Phoenix. While the vampire slayer arrives in August, Phoenix is already available in the roster. However, there are over 30 characters we inherit from launch and the older seasons. Let's take a look at how all the characters hold on in the current meta.
Disclaimer: Phoenix has yet to be assessed.
Table of contents
Complete Marvels Rivals Season 3 Hero tier list
Keep the following points in mind when looking at this tier list:
S-Rank
A-tier
B-tier
C-tier
While I won't write too much about the C-tier characters, there are better alternatives for all the roles. You can pick them if you either main or you love playing as these characters, but do know that these aren't top-tier selections in the current meta.
The post Marvel Rivals Season 3 tier list appeared first on Destructoid. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Destructoid Saturday, July 12, 2025 1:56 PM
The Spur Yourself On Evolution has arrived in EA FC 25, allowing you to improve a lower-rated item for free.
This evolution offers plenty of upgrades in the form of stat boosts, new playstyles, and roles. Every player can use one card of their choice (pending they meet the requirements) in the evolution for free. There's no shortage of choices, but only a handful should be worth being used for receiving the upgrades.
Table of contents
EA FC 25 Spur Yourself On Evolution requirements
Here are the requirements of the Mister Clean Sheet Evolution in EA FC 25.
EA FC 25 Spur Yourself On Evolution upgrades
There are five levels of upgrades, and here are the requirements.
Level 1 upgrades
Level 2 upgrades
Level 3 upgrades
Level 4 upgrades
Level 5 upgrades
Level 1 upgrade conditions
Level 2 upgrade conditions
Level 3 upgrade conditions
Level 4 upgrade conditions
Level 5 upgrade conditions
Best players to use in Spur Yourself On Evolution
Here are some of the best players to use in this evolution.
Your club's evo chain candidates can provide unique solutions exclusive to your Ultimate Team squad.
The post Best players for EA FC 25 Spur Yourself On Evolution appeared first on Destructoid. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Destructoid Saturday, July 12, 2025 1:25 PM
With Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 officially out, one'd expect it to pull in some pretty nice numbers, considering these two games are considered classics. However, that is far from the truth, as it seems their day-one Game Pass launch has botched their numbers on other platforms.
As Steam's numbers show—and we all know that numbers never lie—Game Pass peaked at a little over 2,200 players on its launch day (thanks SteamDB). Suffice it to say that this is less-than-stellar, as it also implies poor sales overall. If we go by Steam's reviews and the one review in every 30 players method, the game sold about 12,000 copies on Steam, give or take. Though that's an estimate, the player count really doesn't help its case.
And we could call it a gaming tragedy, one of many, if it weren't part of a broader new pattern that has emerged alongside Xbox's day-one Game Pass launches. It appears that almost every game launched on Game Pass at the same time as other platforms, its numbers are significantly botched, both in terms of concurrent players and copies sold.
Game Pass borderline kills game releases with its day-one launch
If a game launches on Game Pass and other storefronts simultaneously, its numbers go down. This is a plain and simple fact of life. The only way they wouldn't be is if it's a game that shadow-dropped or was too big to not sell well across all stores, such as the Oblivion Remaster, which Bethesda launched everywhere at once (without so much as mentioning it coming).
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 presents one example, whereas Avowed tells an even worse story. That game comes from a big, first-party, reputable studio that produced numerous well-selling games in the past. From Fallout: New Vegas to Outer Worlds, Obsidian is by no means a stranger to good sales. Even its Pillars of Eternity franchise drew in a ton of players across all platforms, and particularly Steam, which is no surprise given how much emphasis Obsidian puts on RPGs (a traditionally heavily PC-oriented genre).
However, Avowed peaked at less than 20,000 players on Steam during its heyday. It has some 10,000 reviews on Valve's store, implying 300,000 copies sold. A good number, but far from what Obsidian usually achieves, which is more often than not in the six figures.
Despite this, the game bragged about having a ton of "players," and was labelled a "success." There were even claims it had nearly six million players total across Steam, Microsoft Store, and Xbox. Given that "only" 300,000 or so of those were on Steam, we can safely assume most of the remaining five and change million were on Game Pass, enjoying the game for "free" as part of their monthly subscription.
Yet another huge game, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, also attained some four million players according to claims, but only ever peaked at 12,000 on Steam, selling an estimated 450,000 copies.
The numbers speak volumes here and imply that Game Pass completely wrecks games' sales as, logically, people prefer not to pay full prices (up to $80 these days) when they can access a nearly limitless library of games for the low, low price of 15 bucks per month.
So what's the solution?
In this era of live services and subscriptions, everything is moving toward some sort of reduced product ownership. If stuff continues down this path, we might start getting Game Pass only releases, where we need to be subscribed to access any given game.
This is a grim and dark prediction, though, and I think the solution would be for developers to simply stop putting their games on Game Pass day one. Releasing a game over there isn't bad in and of itself, but even a few days on the active market could help to generate a ton of sales. Players who really want to play your title will do so and not wait for a Game Pass launch.
So long as these services exist (and this includes every subscription-based service, not just Game Pass), we will continue seeing such phenomena. Even outside of Game Pass, we saw Assassin's Creed: Shadows plummet in sales but get a ton of players via Ubisoft's own subscription service, meaning the issue is quite far-reaching.
Who knows where these things will end up? Maybe Stop Killing Games will have an impact?
What do you think, Destructoid? Should games launch on Game Pass day one? Is Game Pass, alongside other subscription services, killing game releases and sales? Let me know below.
The post Game Pass claims another victim: Tony Hawk 3+4's day-one release is just one of many such stories appeared first on Destructoid. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Destructoid Saturday, July 12, 2025 12:47 PM
Smart Routes function is a new addition to College Football 26, and using it at key moments will help you to unlock the opposition defenses better.
Last year, we were introduced to College Football 25 and the pre-snap tweaks on offer. The Smart Route system is an extension of the Hot Route, and it offers more freedom for you to decide what you want to do on the field. This guide will help you to understand the new system better and use it efficiently during your attacks.
Table of contents
How do Smart Routes work in College Football 26?
Typically, your receivers run based on your pre-assigned strategy (the play you have called). You can either make your receivers follow the original play or make changes. With Smart Routes, you don't have to switch the entire play. Instead, the game will automatically alter the route of your assigned Receiver to make it easier for him to reach either a first-down marker or the beginning of an endzone.
This feature allows you to fine-tune how your receivers are running, and the greater micro-management is also pretty helpful in certain situations. For example, it will often prioritize your Receiver reaching the first down marker before doing any unnecessary movements. You will primarily be using Smart Routes when your Receiver has to run a shorter distance (initially) compared to making them travel over longer distances.
Using a Smart Route can be key to scoring more points, as the game automatically forces your Receiver to prioritize receiving the ball or getting a first down in play to keep possession and advance the team's offense. However, you'll have to know when to use this new strategy, since it's a double-edged sword at times.
How to use Smart Routes in College Football 26?
The controls for assigning a Smart Route are pretty simple in College Football 26.
Continue with the play, and your assigned Receiver will follow the path set by his Smart Route (instead of your pre-defined passing play). Once you have assigned the route, the Receiver will call out an audible confirming your decision. Ultimately, it's all about when you want to use this strategy, which can be the deciding factor between success and failure.
The post How to use smart routes in College Football 26 appeared first on Destructoid. |
Gaming Instincts – Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism Saturday, July 12, 2025 3:47 PM A trailer was also released. The post Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack Announced For PC and Consoles appeared first on Gaming Instincts - Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism. |
Gaming Instincts – Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism Saturday, July 12, 2025 3:20 PM This means that the game has completed. The post HELL is US Has Officially Gone appeared first on Gaming Instincts - Next-Generation of Video Game Journalism. |
MonsterVine Saturday, July 12, 2025 12:00 PM Just when you thought it was safe to go back to the… dental clinic? Shark Dentist, the newest nightmare fuel from UAE-based indie developer Alice Games, has been revealed for PC. The game puts you face-to-face (or mouth-to-mouth) with awake-but-not-quite-sedated sharks, as you're tasked with performing high-stakes dental procedures that could leave you toothless—or headless. […] |
MonsterVine Saturday, July 12, 2025 9:00 AM The stars are aligning for Marvel Cosmic Invasion at San Diego Comic-Con 2025, as publisher Dotemu and developer Tribute Games prepare to reveal fresh intel on the highly anticipated arcade-style brawler during an official panel on Thursday, July 24. The event promises new details, developer stories, and maybe a surprise or two about the comic-inspired […] |