The Bad Gamer

Marvel's Avengers, a title developed by Crystal Dynamics, is nearing its end as it's set to be delisted from all digital storefronts on September 30. Currently available at a 90% discount, with all formerly paid cosmetics unlocked, the game's dwindling days come amid a lack of updates and less-than-stellar performance. This article aims to analyze the factors that have led to the game's imminent removal from digital stores. The Downward Spiral: The Game’s Initial Flaws Developers attempted to meld the elements of a live service looter game with a superhero brawler. However, the looter aspects had no visible component, which created a disconnect in a game where the brawling was generally well-executed. Initially, it may have seemed like a good idea on paper to add the loot mechanics to an otherwise fun superhero game, but the execution didn't hold up. The lack of visible loot reduced the emotional and functional payoff for players, taking away a key element of player

The launch of PayDay 3, a co-operative heist shooter, hasn't been smooth sailing. Since its release on September 21, the game has faced numerous challenges, such as server issues and lack of content diversity, which have been openly criticized by players. To shed light on these concerns, Starbreeze Studios recently disclosed more information. The focus of this article is to explore these details, ranging from peak player counts to ongoing server issues. https://youtu.be/dc5gw3ctb0o?si=Kbgkrf525wzRcPN6 Peak Online Player Count Across Platforms According to Starbreeze, the peak online player count for PayDay 3 on the first weekend reached an impressive 218,250 across all platforms. On the day of release, the game saw 78,000 peak online players on PC alone. These numbers indicate significant interest in the game, despite its shaky launch. In total, the game has been played by 1,347,510 gamers, a figure that suggests a strong community backing, albeit one that is currently facing a num

Cyberpunk 2077 was a game that promised a lot but fell short in some areas at its initial launch. Among those areas was the somewhat underwhelming cyberware system, which did not meet the expectations that were set by CD Projekt prior to the game's release. However, the game's 2.0 update addresses these shortcomings, significantly enhancing the cyberware system. This article will explore these changes in detail. New Cyberware Capacity System https://youtu.be/8X2kIfS6fb8?si=u8L-sAubVM8IF5hK One of the most noteworthy changes in this update is the new cyberware capacity system. Players can now equip more cyberware than before. Initially, players start with a low capacity, in the 20s range, but this can be increased through leveling up and acquiring new perks. Unlike the old system, each piece of cyberware now has a capacity cost, forcing players to make judicious choices when equipping themselves. This not only adds a layer of complexity to the gameplay but also offers more flexi

Payday 3, the latest installment of the heist-themed video game series, is grappling with numerous launch challenges. These include long waiting queues for players, even those who wish to play alone. In an attempt to address these issues, Starbreeze, the game’s developer, has decided to take Payday 3 offline intermittently to work on its infrastructure. Specifically, the game will be offline on Tuesday 26th and Friday 28th September between 8 AM and 11 AM CEST. https://youtu.be/dc5gw3ctb0o?si=Kbgkrf525wzRcPN6 Server and Matchmaking Upgrades Starbreeze's announcement comes in the wake of several complaints from players. The developers informed the community via a social media post that read, "In order to improve server and matchmaking stability, we will make upgrades to the environment ahead of this weekend." They also thanked the community for their patience and requested their understanding during the downtime. Root Causes of the Issue In a more extensive statement on th

For gamers in search of a new Xbox controller, the market is teeming with options. From the standard gamepads that accompany Xbox consoles to special limited-edition designs, there is something for everyone. However, the pinnacle in this segment is the premium Xbox Elite Controller Series 2, priced at $179.99. A more budget-friendly alternative is the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 Core. Originally listed at $129.99, this controller is now available on Amazon for just $99. In this article, we will delve into the specifications, features, and some of the pros and cons of this controller. Features of Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 Core The Series 2 Core is a stripped-down version of the regular Elite Controller. It retains some key features, such as adjustable-tension thumbsticks, a rubberized grip, and customizable trigger locks. Unlike its more expensive counterpart, it does not include extra paddles, additional thumbsticks, a carrying case, or a charging dock. Adjustable-Tension Thumb

Since its official release on June 2, 2020, Riot Games' free-to-play first-person tactical hero shooter, Valorant, has captivated a global player base. A consistent flow of new agents and maps has maintained the game's allure. Today, we delve into each of the maps that have been made available in Valorant as of 2023. https://youtu.be/kmfok5MtWkI?si=1K36zY9d9bhrqJgr The Evolution of Valorant's Map Roster Initially launched with just four maps, Valorant has seen this number grow considerably over the years. Each map is unique and designed to test a variety of skills. Riot Games describes their maps as playgrounds for "team strategies, spectacular plays, and clutch moments." Moreover, every map is based on a real-world location, adding an extra layer of immersion to the gameplay. As of now, there are ten main playable maps along with a practice map known as The Range. Here is a detailed analysis of each map: Ascent Ascent holds historical significance as one of the f

Upon its release, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart garnered attention for its seemingly superior performance on the PS5, particularly when it came to loading the game's portal scene. However, new findings suggest that high-end PCs can outperform the PS5, even without the utilization of DirectStorage technology. In this article, we will delve into these findings, explain the methods of testing, and discuss the implications for both console and PC gaming. The Testing Method: A Look into Compusemble's Approach https://youtu.be/ai3o0XtrnM8?si=GuttjeYQDECT-S6P Compusemble conducted the tests using an AMD Ryzen 7 7700X, supported by 32GB of RAM and an AMD Radeon RX 6950 XT graphics card. By removing a single file named "cache.pso" from the game's directory, they managed to boost the loading time of the portal scene, thereby surpassing the PS5's performance. Furthermore, they disabled DirectStorage to examine the game's performance without this specific technology