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Level-5 are so pleased with how Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time is doing they’re giving away a free bit of DLC

by admin May 25, 2025

I wasn’t expecting it personally, but it seems like the new hotness is Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time, ‘ey? Sure, it’s from a studio like Level-5, who’ve made massive games from Yo-kai Watch to Professor Layton. I just didn’t expect a sequel to a 3DS game from over a decade ago to do so well. In fact, it appears Level-5 is so happy with how much money everyone’s given them, it’ll be giving away a free bit of DLC for the RPG at some point in the future.

The DLC is called “Update the World!” which is a wonderful little title, and a sentence I’d expect from some anime villain obsessed with tech who wants to install a new operating system on Earth, or something. In terms of what it’ll include, there’ll be “new content designed to make use of high-rarity weapons obtained from Treasure Groves and other sources.”

Maybe that’ll mean more quests, or side activities, I’m not entirely sure, it’s pretty vague. Though perhaps not as vague as the fact that there’ll be “new recipes added” in the DLC too. Yummy, I love recipes! Level-5 also promised that they will “continue to update and improve Fantasy Life i so that players can enjoy its world more comfortably and for an even longer time.”

As it stands, there’s no release date for this bit of DLC, kind of seems like a “we sold lots of copies so we can announce this but we’re not quite ready for it yet” type of announcement. Either way, there’s already lots to be getting on with given you’ve got 14 lives to choose from, an existentially terrifying point that I won’t spend too much time on.

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May 25, 2025 0 comments

Sonos portable speakers are 25 percent off for Memorial Day

Product Reviews

Sonos portable speakers are up to 25 percent off for Memorial Day

by admin May 25, 2025

Sonos’ speakers are known for their premium price tags, but if you’re looking for a more affordable entry-point to the ecosystem, you can get up to 25 percent off some of the company’s portable speakers and speaker bundles for Memorial Day. That includes $113 off the Sonos Move 2, which brings the speaker’s price down from $449 to $336.

The Sonos Move 2 was introduced in 2023 as the more expensive follow-up to the original Move, Sonos’ first “portable” speaker. You can argue over it’s portability — the Move 2 makes more sense as something your carry to your backyard than take on a hike — but the speaker packs a punch and lets you play music over both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. We liked the Sonos Move 2 when we originally reviewed it, but took issue with how expensive it was, so this sale helps make splurging on it more palatable.

Sonos

Sonos’ powerful portable speaker is available for $339, $113 off its normal price.

$336 at Sonos

If you’re looking for something even more portable and affordable, the Sonos Roam 2 is also on sale for $45 off. Like the Move 2, the speaker has the ability to connect to a smartphone over Bluetooth outside while still being able to hook into your larger Sonos sound system over Wi-Fi at home. The Sonos Roam 2 offers some key improvements to the original Roam’s design, too, like new colors and easier to understand buttons, while still providing the company’s signature sound profile and 10 hours of battery life.

On top of the two speakers, you could also buy a bundle of a speaker and an accessory, like the Sonos Roam 2 and an OtterBox case, or a bundle of multiple speakers. You can get two Roam 2’s for $268 or a Sonos Roam 2 and Sonos Move 2 for $479, for example.

Sonos has faced issues in the last year ironing out software problems — the bugs and missing features were so bad the company’s CEO stepped down — but the fundamentals of how the company’s speakers sound have remained great. With the ship mostly righted on the software side of things, a sale is a great time to see what all of the fuss is about.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

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May 25, 2025 0 comments

NFT Gaming

Shiba Inu enters doghouse as whales bail, burn rate slows

by admin May 25, 2025

Shiba Inu is nearing a local technical bear market after falling by over 17% from its highest point this month.

Shiba Inu (SHIB) was trading at $0.000014 on Sunday, with its 24-hour volume dwindling to $158 million. This volume is much lower than that of other popular meme coins like Dogecoin (DOGE), Pepe (PEPE), Official Trump (TRUMP), and Bonk (BONK).

The underperformance is happening because of the ongoing whale and mart money selling and falling burn rate.

ShibBurn data shows that the daily burn rate crashed by 85% to 2.14 million. Its weekly burn rate also dropped, with the biggest burn transaction being 23.5 million on Thursday.

Shiba Inu price often does well when more tokens are being burned, as this reduces the number in circulation and boosts confidence among holders. Over 410 trillion tokens have been burned from the initial supply.

Santiment data shows that whales have been on a selling spree since January. Their total supply stood at over 743 trillion on January 19 and has dropped to 725 trillion today. This means that these investors have sold over 18 trillion tokens, a sign that they expect it to keep falling.

Shiba Inu whale transactions | Source: Santiment

Worse, the selling behavior did not improve as Bitcoin (BTC) surged to a record high of nearly $112,000 last week. In the past, a strong Bitcoin surge would have pushed Shiba Inu higher.

Another data by Nansen shows that smart money investors have also sold their SHIB tokens. They now hold 14.13 billion tokens, down from 14.53 billion on April 8.

SHIB smart money transactions | Source: Nansen

In addition to the falling burn rate, investors have likely rotated to the faster-growing meme coins like Fartcoin and Dogwifhat.

Shiba Inu price technical analysis

SHIB price chart | Source: crypto.news

On the positive side, there are signs that the SHIB price has bottomed. The daily chart shows that it is stuck at the 100-day Exponential Moving Average.

It has also formed a cup and handle pattern, with the upper side at $0.00001733. The recent decline is part of the formation of the handle section.

This cup has a depth of about 40%. Therefore, measuring the same distance from its upper side brings the target at $0.00002443. This is a notable target since it coincides with the highest point in January.

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May 25, 2025 0 comments

Solaxy Presale Heats Up as Traders Hunt the Next Hyperliquid

Crypto Trends

Solaxy ($SOLX) Gains Buzz After Hyperliquid’s Breakout

by admin May 25, 2025

Trusted Editorial content, reviewed by leading industry experts and seasoned editors. Ad Disclosure

Crypto X is buzzing. Headlines are flying. Everyone’s talking about Hyperliquid and its so-called ‘Solana moment.’

It’s the kind of narrative that kicks off altcoin season fever – memories of 2021-style rallies, where coins you’d never heard of turned into overnight giants.

This type of hype isn’t just noise. It moves markets. And right now, traders are scrambling to spot the next low-cap rocket before it takes off.

That’s where Solaxy ($SOLX) comes in. It’s a wild, meme-fueled new crypto project with a clever twist – and it’s starting to show the same early signs of explosive potential.

The crypto presale is live, the buzz is building, and the clock is ticking. With 22 days left, Solaxy might just be the next unexpected hero of this cycle.

The Hype Machine Is Back On

So why is everyone suddenly talking about ‘Solana moments’ again.

Hyperliquid ($HYPE) surged as much as 240% in recent weeks before settling at a 95% gain over the past 30 days, climbing to $36.61 and grabbing serious attention across X and crypto Telegram groups.

Source: CoinMarketCap.

But it’s not just about one coin mooning – it’s about the return of narrative-driven trading. People aren’t just scanning charts anymore. They’re chasing stories. They’re hunting for the next Solana or Pepe.

Back in 2021, coins didn’t pump because of utility – they pumped because of memes, momentum, and madness. Solana had the ‘Ethereum killer’ badge.

Dogecoin rode Elon’s posts like a SpaceX shuttle. Shiba Inu sold the dream of a decentralized meme empire.
These coins had a vibe, a cult following, and a sense of being in on something big before the rest of the world caught on.

Now, that same playbook is working again. Hyperliquid’s rally showed that you don’t need a blue-chip label to skyrocket. You just need attention, the right narrative, and perfect timing.

And that’s exactly the wave Solaxy is ready to ride.

What Is Solaxy ($SOLX) and Why Is Everyone Talking About It?

Solaxy ($SOLX) isn’t just another meme coin – it’s a full-blown blockchain revolution dressed up in memes and chaos.

It’s the first-ever Layer 2 built on Solana, and it’s here to do what Solana alone couldn’t: fix its traffic jams, smooth out its failed transactions, and push the speed to new levels.

Solaxy unlocks Solana’s full potential by adding scalability, reliability, and an Ethereum-sized opportunity.
That’s right – $SOLX is a multichain token, native to Solaxy (the Solana Layer 2), but launching on both Solana and Ethereum, the two biggest crypto ecosystems on the planet.

Ethereum has unmatched liquidity. Solana has meme coin mania. Solaxy gives you access to both.

And it’s not just for developers or whales. Solaxy democratizes the meme coin game. Its infrastructure gives everyday traders the same kind of power and speed that sniping bots use – making it easier to catch a mooning coin before it takes off.

Whether you’re in it for the tech, the memes, or the gains, Solaxy hits the sweet spot.

In a week where $HYPE showed us the power of narrative trading, Solaxy fits perfectly into the ‘next breakout’ conversation.

Why You Need to Buy Solaxy Right Now

The $SOLX presale is live at just $0.001734, and it’s already raised over $40M. That alone tells you it’s gaining real traction.

But here’s the real reason to act now: there are only 22 days left before the presale ends – and this is the last chance to get in before the open market decides the price.

Let’s do the math. Price forecasts for 2025 place $SOLX between $0.0024 and $0.032. At the low end, that’s a 38% gain from today’s price. At the high end, that’s a 1,745% increase.

Now let’s say you buy $1K worth of $SOLX at the current presale price. That gets you about 576,800 tokens. If you stake them with a 15% APY, you’ll have around 663,320 tokens in a year.

If the price stays flat, you still hold $1,150 worth of tokens – easy passive income.

But if $SOLX hits just $0.032 in 2025, your tokens could be worth $21,226. That’s a 2,000%+ ROI, without lifting a finger – just for buying early and staking smart.

The window is closing. The hype is building. Solaxy isn’t just another coin – it’s a layer 2 rocket with a countdown.

The Next Breakout Isn’t Coming – It’s Already Here

Crypto traders are chasing the next Solana moment, and Hyperliquid’s breakout just reminded everyone how fast things can move. The market is hungry for momentum, stories, and underdogs with explosive upside.

Solaxy fits that narrative perfectly – messy, meme-driven, and built on real tech that solves Solana’s biggest pain points.

It’s not just playing the game – it’s rewriting the rules.

Always do your own research (DYOR) before investing in crypto. This article is for informational purposes and doesn’t constitute investment advice.

Editorial Process for bitcoinist is centered on delivering thoroughly researched, accurate, and unbiased content. We uphold strict sourcing standards, and each page undergoes diligent review by our team of top technology experts and seasoned editors. This process ensures the integrity, relevance, and value of our content for our readers.

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May 25, 2025 0 comments

Gaming Gear

Microsoft’s Smart App Control blocks malware and has ‘lighter impact on your PC’s performance’

by admin May 25, 2025

With Windows 11 22H2, Microsoft introduced a new component to its security suite, aiming to prevent malicious applications, dubbed Smart App Control (SAC). This feature complements Microsoft Defender, blocking untrusted or unknown code from executing on a proactive basis. Now, in an updated blog post pushing the feature, Microsoft claims a performance boost compared to traditional AV solutions, though small print indicates you will require a fresh Windows installation to use this feature.

Traditional antivirus software, such as Microsoft Defender, adopts an “Innocent until proven guilty” approach. These solutions are largely reactive, trusting programs until their behavior triggers an alert. Microsoft Defender employs signature-based detection, behavioral checks (heuristics), and cloud protection to prevent malicious software on your system. When faced with novel (zero-day) malware or polymorphic threats, which can bypass signature checks, Defender falls back to heuristics, observing the malware’s actions until it detects suspicious behavior.

Here’s where Smart App Control enters the fray, employing a proactive methodology, operating on the principle of “Guilty until proven innocent.” It assesses the application’s security by vetting it against Microsoft’s Intelligence Security Graph (a cloud-based reputation service). If this test is inconclusive, it attempts to validate the application’s digital signature, to ensure its origin from a trusted developer. The application is blocked by Windows Security if it is predicted to be malicious in the first check or unsigned in the second check.

Metal Gear Solid Delta’s James Bond opening gets the remake treatment

by admin May 25, 2025

Pull out the tuxedo and order a martini — shaken, not stirred — because Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater’s James Bond-esque opening has finally been revealed, and it’s different. Konami rolled out the 3-minute clip on YouTube, showing off new footage and audio from the forthcoming espionage game that reimagines Metal Gear Solid 3’s cinematic introduction.

Some key visual differences include the skeletal snakes from the original opening being more prominent in the remake. Additional shots of Snake being badass are scattered through the remade sequence, alongside shots from the original, now realized in incredible detail.

While Colonel Volgin is solely shown in the OG version, the new iteration includes even more key characters from the Cobra Unit, like The End (with his enormous eye), The Pain, and The Fear, with subtle redesigns that honor the original game’s vision. For good measure, Konami also throws in a shot of the dramatic showdown between Snake and The Boss.

The clip features new vocals from the great Cynthia Harrell, giving a softer performance compared to her original 2004 “Snake Eater” recording. Harrell’s ballad features noticeably less bass and fewer horn instruments than the 2004 edition, and leans heavier into psychedelic ambiance, emphasizing Harrell singing, “I’m still in a dream.”

Regardless of the changes, the sentiments from the original song — “concepts of why we have to live and why we have to go on,” as the song’s composer Norihiko Hibino told Polygon — remain intact.

At this point, you’re probably wondering whether or not players can still control the on-screen snakes like it’s 2004. Well, the short answer is yes.

According to the YouTube video’s description, players can engage with “interactive elements from the original, included in the in-game version of the opening.” And if Konami is honoring the snake mini-game, there’s a chance players can expect to hear a version of the song when you’re back climbing that unrealistically long ladder towards the end of the game — for James Bond dramatics, of course.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater will be released on Aug. 28 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC.

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May 25, 2025 0 comments

Product Reviews

Nacon RIG 900 Max HS review: a premium gaming headset that packs powerful sound and exceptional comfort

by admin May 25, 2025

Why you can trust TechRadar

We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Nacon RIG 900 Max HS: one-minute review

If you’re looking to buy a brand new PS5 or PC compatible gaming headset, then the Nacon RIG 900 Max HS will likely be a notable upgrade over your current peripheral. You’d probably expect that given its premium price tag, but the 900 Max HS still manages to go above and beyond.

Going through the checklist, I found that the RIG 900 Max HS ticks almost every box. It’s remarkably durable, and those plush ear cups are tailor-made for gaming the hours away in comfort – never did the headset begin to chafe the sides of my head or become uncomfortably warm, even during 5-6 hour gaming sessions.

And that’s great, because the RIG 900 Max HS is an incredibly difficult headset to take off. Not in a weird ‘cursed helmet’ kind of way – rather, its audio quality is so pristine that I couldn’t imagine playing immersive single-player games like The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered or Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 without it.

Nacon RIG 900 Max HS review: price and availability

The Nacon RIG 900 Max HS is available now and should retail at $249 / £215, but at the time of writing, stock appears to be quite limited in the US and the UK.

It is widely available in Europe, however, and is listed on Nacon’s website for €249.90.

I will return to update this section as and when US and UK availability becomes more widespread.

Nacon RIG 900 Max HS review: Specs

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Price

$249.99 / £215 (tentative while availability is limited)

Weight

10.37oz / 294g

Dimensions

7.6 x 8.0 x 3.7in / 194 x 204 x 94mm

Compatibility

PS5, PS4, PC

Connection type

Wireless (2.4Ghz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)

Battery life

20-30 hours

(Image credit: Future)

Nacon RIG 900 Max HS review: design and features

Nacon hasn’t done much to bolster the overall build quality of its headset line-up here, but one crucial change does make a big difference. The 900 Max HS features a durable, metallic headband that not only looks nice, but its flexibility makes for a more durable build overall.

This headset line-up has also always featured unbelievably comfy plush ear cups, and that’s the case here, too. These allow the 900 Max HS to sit on your head snugly, remaining comfy and unintrusive for longer gaming sessions. There are no issues with the headset feeling overly warm, nor did it ever start to chafe my ears even during longer stints.

Onboard buttons here are also very simple and straightforward. You naturally have the power button, as well as a USB-C slot for charging purposes (though this can also be done with the included charging dock). A multi-function button lets you quickly pause or unpause videos and music. It also lets you accept calls if also connected to Bluetooth via the supported dual input mode (that’s Bluetooth and 2.4GHz at the same time). Handy.

Lastly is the Mode button, which lets you cycle through different pairing options including a ‘do not disturb’ Game Mode (available through 2.4GHz only), Dual and Bluetooth modes.

On the left of the headset is the flip-to-mute microphone. This unfortunately cannot be removed and feels built from rather cheap plastic, but – as I’ll get into later – it’s nonetheless an excellent mic that’ll serve you well on multiplayer comms.

(Image credit: Future)

Nacon RIG 900 Max HS review: Performance

Performance is really where the RIG 900 Max HS shines. As far as gaming headsets go, it has some of the cleanest, most robust audio around. The headset deploys powerful 40mm drivers to produce a rich soundstage, capable of covering an impressively wide range. In Monster Hunter Wilds, for example, I could make out streams of rushing water in the distance even while a vicious Rathalos was trying to make me its next lunch.

There is a dedicated bass boost mode, too, and it’s as strong here as it was on the RIG 600 Pro HS – if not moreso. Once I activated bass boost, I simply couldn’t play without it in single-player games. The added oomph to the explosive soundscapes of the Resident Evil 4 remake and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 only helped make those play experiences to be even more enjoyable.

But as mentioned earlier, multiplayer games aren’t being left out. That’s because the 900 Max HS’s flip-to-mute microphone is incredible. Whether it was gaming online with friends on Discord, or talking during a work meeting, my voice came through crystal clear. My colleagues noted it was a step up from my other go-to headset; the JBL Quantum 910P.

(Image credit: Future)

You can also expect a glorious multiplayer gaming experience thanks to accurate directional audio. That’s a real boon for when you need to call out distant shots or vehicle sounds to teammates in shooters like Call of Duty: Warzone or Fortnite.

Battery life is an improvement over previous RIG models, though I must say I didn’t get Nacon’s quoted 50-60 hours on a single charge here. On a full charge, I managed around 20-30 hours before needing to top up again. That’s still not bad at all, and in fairness I was regularly switching pairing modes across both PS5 and PC, so your mileage may vary here depending on your use case.

I also have to mention the excellent software that is the RIG 900 Max HS companion app. While it does take a few seconds to connect to the app via Dual or Bluetooth modes, the app itself is simple to use yet still quite powerful.

The app lets you create up to three individual sound profiles. There are equalizer presets like the aforementioned bass boost, as well as ones tailored to first-person shooters and overall voice clarity. You can also activate an ‘Expert’ mode here, giving you access to a more robust equalizer with 10 sliders.

You can also adjust mic gain, monitoring, and a volume level protection option that prevents the headset’s audio from becoming overly loud.

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Nacon RIG 900 Max HS?

Buy it if…

Don’t buy it if…

Nacon RIG 900 Max HS review: Also consider

If the RIG 900 Max HS isn’t quite up your alley or out of your price range, you may wish to consider these excellent RIG brand alternatives.

Swipe to scroll horizontallyRow 0 – Cell 0

RIG 900 Max HS

RIG 600 Pro HS

RIG 800 Pro HX

Price

$249 / £215

$99 / £89.99

$149 / £199

Weight

10.37oz / 294g

8.47oz / 240g

10.7oz / 308g

Dimensions

7.6 x 8.0 x 3.7in / 194 x 204 x 94mm

7.5 x 7.9 x 3.5in / 191 x 200 x 89mm

7.7 x 7.8 x 3.7in / 196 x 198 x 94mm

Compatibility

PS5, PS4, PC

Xbox, PC

Connection type

Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)

Wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth)

Battery life

20-30 hours

Around 18 hours

18-24 hours

How I tested the Nacon RIG 900 Max HS

Tested for one week
Tested across PS5 and PC
Played single and multiplayer games, as well as general music listening

I tested the Nacon RIG 900 Max HS over the course of roughly a week, during which time it’s been my go-to audio device for both PS5 and PC. In my spare time, I typically don’t wear gaming headsets while playing, but I honestly haven’t been able to play without the RIG 900 Max HS whenever I’ve got a free hour or two. It may have converted me.

I played a whole bunch of single and multiplayer games with the headset on. These include recent releases like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Monster Hunter Wilds, Blue Prince and The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered. I selected these games because they all have diverse and unique soundscapes that really came alive when passed through this gaming headset.

For multiplayer, I hopped online with friends for Final Fantasy 14 Online, Fortnite, and a few rounds of Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6. This was largely to test out the headset’s immaculate microphone, as well as get a feel for how well it handles directional audio.

First reviewed April 2025

SOL Slides 5% as Institutions Dump at Midnight

by admin May 25, 2025

The cryptocurrency market faces renewed pressure as Solana (SOL) dropped below its stable $177 trading range, reflecting broader concerns about global economic stability.

The correction coincides with increasing geopolitical tensions that have rattled financial markets worldwide, forcing investors to reassess risk exposure across digital assets.

Despite the pullback, Solana’s ecosystem continues to expand with R3’s strategic pivot to integrate with its blockchain, signaling growing institutional interest in the platform’s capabilities for tokenizing real-world assets.

Technical Analysis Highlights

SOL price dropped from stable $177 range to find support at $170.41, representing a 4.5% correction.
Dramatic volume spike to 1.26M occurred during midnight hour when prices fell below $172.
Support levels established at $170.67-$171.66 have held thus far.
Price attempted recovery toward $174 level before facing resistance.
In the last hour, SOL declined from $172.93 to $172.00.
Significant price drop occurred at 08:00, briefly touching $171.92 before recovering.
Volume spiked to 29,372 units during this minute, suggesting institutional selling pressure.
Temporary support found at $171.80-$171.85 range around 07:30-07:31.
Local high of $172.35 reached at 07:36 during recovery attempt.
Price continues to consolidate near $172 support level.

External References

“Solana (SOL) Price Flexes Bullish Momentum, Analysts Eye Major Breakout Beyond $250”, Coin Edition, published May 23, 2025.
“Can Solana Break the $180 Resistance? Here’s What SOL Price Will Be Worth in 2025!”, CoinPedia, published May 24, 2025.
“Solana MACD Curling Up – Is This The Prelude To A Breakout?”, NewsBTC, published May 24, 2025.

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May 25, 2025 0 comments

Crypto Trends

Court mutes Telegram founder before Oslo Freedom Forum

by admin May 25, 2025

A French judicial authority has rejected Telegram founder Pavel Durov’s application to travel to Norway for participation in the Oslo Freedom Forum scheduled for Tuesday, May 27.

The decision prevents Durov from delivering a planned address on digital surveillance, free expression, and online rights at the prominent human rights conference.

The Human Rights Foundation, which organizes the annual activist gathering, expressed disappointment over the court’s ruling that restricts Durov’s movement despite his invitation to speak before an international audience of freedom advocates.

Pavel Durov faces ongoing legal constraints

Thor Halvorssen, founder and CEO of the Human Rights Foundation, criticized the judicial decision. “Technologies like Telegram are basic tools for those resisting tyranny. This is more than a disappointment for our community; it is a setback for freedom,” Halvorssen stated.

Pavel Durov, who created Telegram, has been subject to French legal proceedings since August 2024. Authorities arrested him over allegations related to criminal activities conducted through his platform. However, prosecutors have not charged him with direct wrongdoing.

The case centers on questions of platform liability for user-generated content and activities. French officials argue that Durov bears legal responsibility for how others use Telegram’s services. He remains free on bail while the matter proceeds through the judicial system.

The court’s refusal to permit travel reverses previous decisions. French authorities had previously authorized Durov to leave the country for international engagements.

This unexpected restriction has affected discussions between Durov and human rights defenders from various authoritarian states about improving Telegram’s capabilities for resistance movements.

Durov has maintained residence outside Russia since 2014, when he declined to provide the Federal Security Service with user information regarding Ukrainian protesters. His exit from Russia established him as a prominent voice against digital surveillance and governmental interference in private communications.

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May 25, 2025 0 comments

Gaming Gear

Marathon is fighting the ultimate uphill battle

by admin May 25, 2025

Ever since its initial reveal, Marathon has had an air of skepticism surrounding it by the gaming community at large. At first, I mostly attributed this to Bungie’s uneven approach to handling its premier live service franchise, Destiny. Between decisions like removing past expansions, vaulting weapons, and more underwhelming updates than positive ones, I could completely understand the hesitancy around the studio attempting to launch and maintain a second live service game.

As we’ve inched closer and closer to its release date, the general outlook seems to have only gotten more dismal. Yes, there have been some very concerning controversies that shouldn’t be swept under the rug, but Marathon is suffering from a more systemic problem with live service games as a whole that it will need to overcome to succeed.

The trust is broken

Live service games are labelled as such because they’re meant to be living, evolving experiences that players can keep coming back to for months and years. MMORPGs were the progenitors of this model, but now we’ve seen it applied to all sorts of genres. Despite its ups and downs, Destiny is still the poster child for what we now call live service games and the model so many have tried to imitate.

As with anything successful in the gaming industry, it wasn’t long before every big player wanted a piece of that pie. The allure of a perpetual money-maker was too great to resist, despite the reality being much more complicated. Sony was arguably the one to invest the most heavily in the model, at one point boasting over 12 live service games in the works. Between released and cancelled projects, that number has shrunk to possibly two, those being Marathon and Fairgames. While we can’t discuss the broken trust between gamers and the current and upcoming slate of live service games without mentioning Concord, the root of the problem goes back much further than that.

The first game I recall raising major red flags in the gaming sphere was Anthem. Even before all the behind-the-scenes problems in development were brought to light about the game, fans were leery about a studio known for RPGs seemingly trying to hop onto the latest trend. Anthem launched to a less-than-stellar response and quickly went on life support. It failed to satisfy BioWare’s core RPG fans or any potential Destiny converts due to a lack of both a satisfying story or a compelling endgame grind. Before launch, EA shared a roadmap calendar detailing three acts of content, and when nothing beyond Act 1 was released for over a year, BioWare promised a major overhaul of the game, unofficially called Anthem 2.0.

All of these plans were cancelled.

Firewalk Studios

Since then, we’ve seen more major games make bold claims about months and years of future content, only to pull the rug out from players after a middling — or downright abysmal — launch. Examples include Redfall, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, and, of course, Concord. That last one is likely the one that broke the camel’s back for most gamers due to how unprecedented it was. This was a PlayStation first-party release with prime showcase placement, an ambitious roadmap of content, an experimental storytelling method, and even a tie-in episode in Secret Level before the game had even come out.

That game failing would be bad, but it being scrubbed from existence is catastrophic for gamers’ trust in PlayStation and live service as a whole. Not only do we have to be concerned about a game simply breaking all promises of support, but also the entire experience being ripped from us. While I don’t think the sins of one game should be borne by another, I can’t blame anyone who has adopted a more wait-and-see approach to new live service games. If we can’t count on a name as big as PlayStation to make good on its promises, why should we think differently for any other studio?

Trust isn’t given anymore, it needs to be earned.

The impressions I have seen from both major pundits and average players in forums for Marathon feel a lot like what the sentiment was for Concord before launch. The general feelings appear to float around a “it’s pretty fun to play, but there’s not enough there right now” type of vibe. Justified or not, that’s a death sentence for a game that relies on a large population of people being willing to support the game at its weakest so that it can even attempt to reach its full potential.

Gamers have long memories — at least when it comes to being burned. A roadmap and a “trust us” from the development team just doesn’t cut it anymore. Marathon could very well have the potential to be amazing, but it has to start out great to even have a chance to get there. Not enough people will settle for even good, and with so many people perfectly content sitting on the sidelines to see if it fails before it even gets off the ground, it will result in a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Bungie shouldn’t be let off the hook for blatant plagiarism or the apparent crashing moral at the studio. Rumors swirling about how the unrealistic amount of money it needs to make to be considered a success don’t help either, but Marathon‘s fate wouldn’t look any more certain even if that had never occurred. Until enough live service games earn our trust back, each game is fighting an uphill battle that gets steeper with every failed attempt.

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May 25, 2025 0 comments