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Marvel Rivals Season 3: Phoenix gritting her teeth as she's pinned to the ground by Hela, who's out of frame.

Marvel Rivals dev’s transparent, 18-minute breakdown of how ranked isn’t rigged fails to placate players who hate losing

by admin August 22, 2025

To prove to the growing number of players who think Marvel Rivals’ ranked mode is rigged or somehow unfair, the official X account dropped a video that reveals a surprising amount of detail about why that’s totes not the case.

Lead combat designer Zhiyong spends a packed 18 minutes explaining the math that determines how high you climb based on ranked wins and how the matchmaking system tries to create fair games. The gist is that Marvel Rivals works like a lot of other competitive games, but because there are six-player teams and a roster of wildly different heroes it has to do some guesswork that won’t always lead to perfectly balanced matches.

It’s true that you might be put on a team with people who aren’t as good as you, but the system takes that into account when calculating how much a win or loss is worth. A player who performs much better than their team and still loses won’t be punished as hard, for example. But as you go up in ranks, personal performance isn’t weighted as heavily in the calculation.

Your individual performance on a hero is compared to every other player on the same hero at the same rank. The system then combines the averages for all your teammates and determines your team’s total average skill level. In a match where your team’s level is higher than the enemy team’s, you’ll gain fewer competitive points for winning and drop more points for losing.

The matchmaking system tries to match teams with the closest skill levels and will do its best to pit groups of players against other groups rather than people playing solo. But because of the number of variables with server regions and fluctuating skill levels, the teams are rarely perfectly even.

We’ve heard your feedback on matchmaking and ranking in Marvel Rivals, and your voices matter! Check out our Lead Combat Designer, Zhiyong, as he shares our developer insights on the matchmaking and ranking system. Watch the full video to see the systems behind the game! pic.twitter.com/OmErw2WMgU August 21, 2025

Anyone who has heard Blizzard talk about Overwatch’s ranked system will be familiar with a lot of this. Marvel Rivals isn’t very different apart from the fact that it doesn’t have a way to queue for a specific role you want to play, which Zhiyong says wouldn’t actually fix the problem of unbalanced matches.

However, Zhiyong doesn’t address what would happen if Marvel Rivals introduced placement matches to calibrate your skill level up front instead of gradually over time. Many players believe that this would make matches fairer when ranks are reset every season. It sounds like the studio has considered it, according to a reply from executive producer Danny Koo on X where he said he’s “on the placement side of things.”

There aren’t any huge revelations in the video if you’re familiar with competitive games. Zhiyong lays out what looks to be a fairly standard system for hero shooters, and he re-confirms that the game doesn’t use Engagement Optimized Matchmaking (EOMM) that ignores your skill level and feeds you wins to keep you hooked.

Even with the surprisingly in-depth explanation, not everyone is happy. Such is the curse of competitive games, I guess. There will always be players who believe the system is built to punish you with idiot teammates and loss streaks and not that probability plays a larger role than they’d think. Not that there isn’t room for improvement, but assuming there’s a way to achieve perfectly balanced matches for every single player is wishful thinking.

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August 22, 2025 0 comments

Crypto Trends

Bitcoin (BTC): Goodbye to $120,000, Dogecoin (DOGE) Can Avoid Breakdown, Shiba Inu (SHIB) Price Shock on Edge

by admin August 20, 2025

Dogecoin can avoid it
Shiba Inu: End of symmetrical triangle

Technical indicators now scream the beginning of a wider downtrend, and Bitcoin’s surge toward $120,000 has stopped. Following several tests of the $120,000 resistance, and months of strong momentum, the market has turned bearish, endangering important support levels.

The 50-day EMA had been a reliable support throughout the summer, so its loss is the most concerning thing for the market right now. The inability to maintain this level indicates that the short-term bullish momentum has run its course. Bitcoin is currently trading below this moving average, indicating a definite downward trend bias.

Now focus shifts to the 100-day EMA at $110,500. This level has historically served as a dependable Bitcoin bounce zone during consolidations. However, there is little assurance that the 100 EMA will hold this time around, given the quick decline in momentum.

BTC/USDT Chart by TradingView

The 200-day EMA, which is the next significant structural support, is located around $103,000. A clear break below it would most likely allow for a deeper retracement.

Momentum indicators support the pessimistic assessment. A shift toward seller dominance, and a loss of bullish strength, are what RSI is trying to tell us with a decline below 50. The likelihood of persistent downward pressure is increased if the RSI continues to decline into bearish territory in the absence of a dramatic reversal.

The bearish argument is supported by the trading volume. It appears that bulls are not intervening forcefully to defend important price levels because trading activity has been low despite the pullback. This lack of conviction makes the downtrend narrative even stronger.

Dogecoin can avoid it

After recent downward pressure, Dogecoin is struggling to hold onto important technical levels, putting it at risk of entering the bear market, but there is a chance. There are indications that DOGE might try to recover from its current zone and avoid a more severe breakdown, even though bearish sentiment is beginning to seep into the market.

The fact that the 50-day EMA is still above the 100-day and 200-day EMAs is the key technical indicator in favor of this outlook. This alignment demonstrates that, in spite of the recent price weakness, DOGE is still holding a medium-term bullish structure. The price is also holding onto the 50-day EMA support, which has served as a buffer against more severe drops. There is a good chance DOGE will recover if it can hold this level.

Shiba Inu: End of symmetrical triangle

Shiba Inu’s position at the bottom of a symmetrical triangle pattern that has been compressing over the last few months puts it in a very risky trading position. The peak of the spike in volatility we are witnessing right now is approaching. The breakout’s direction will probably determine SHIB’s next significant move, so the price action at this point is crucial.

SHIB is having trouble close to the triangle’s lower boundary, and the declining trading volume indicates that neither bulls nor bears are very confident. Because traders wait for confirmation before investing, low volume inside consolidation patterns frequently precedes significant swings. It is likely that the final breakout will be more explosive the longer SHIB remains within this narrowing range.

Bitcoin Price at $115K: Support or Breakdown Ahead?

by admin August 18, 2025

Bitcoin (BTC) fell below $115,000 on Monday, August 18, 2025, confirming a decisive break from a two-month-long bull run. The price decline was a 7.6% drop from its new All-Time High (ATH) of $124,501 set just four days prior. The drop was triggered by a breakdown from a key technical pattern known as a rising wedge, which had supported the asset’s price since mid-June.

Bitcoin started its rally in April this year with a series of higher lows in mid May and June, as well as in early August. The rally was strong enough to hit a new ATH. However, sellers finally overwhelmed buyers, pushing the price down even as bulls are fighting to protect important levels of support.

On-chain data and technicals point to the potential of a mixed short- to medium-term view for bitcoin price. Let’s evaluate the data to determine the potential trend of this digital asset.

Daily Active Addresses Record A Steep Drop

The active number of the addresses signifies the number of active wallet addresses of an asset. Over here, Bitcoin has been ranging between 700,000 and 1.2 million in the course of seven months. Although BTC continued to hit new highs, active participation has not always been on the rise, suggesting that the retail presence is not keeping up with the price action.

At the time of writing, according to data from CryptoQuant, the active address count peaked at 994,288 on August 14 but has since fallen by over 160,000 in just four trading sessions.

Bitcoin Short-term Holders Offloading At A Loss

The Short Term Holders (STH) of Bitcoin have now begun to enter into the stage of loss realization that the market has not seen since January 2025, when the crypto sector underwent its worst correction of this cycle. In the period since, STHs had generally been selling at a profit as BTC trended up in the six-figure territory.

However, the most recent STH-SOPR has declined below 1, indicating that the most recent transactions are being executed at a loss. This can work both ways historically, as an extended period of selling can be representative of decaying momentum and the onset of a correction. Notably, brief pullbacks are sometimes healthy re-sets, eliminating lagging hands before the next higher leg occurs.

Bitcoin On Crossroads

The bitcoin chart given below highlights a rising wedge pattern in the daily time frame, a formation that typically signals weakening momentum despite higher highs and higher lows. Bitcoin is now trading within converging upward trendlines, showing that the buying pressure is slowing as price nears resistance. After reaching its all-time high around $124,000, BTC price faced rejection and is currently retesting the $115,000 support zone.

On the day of hitting ATH, a reversal began last week when a powerful “Bearish Engulfing” candle appeared. This signal, where a single day of selling completely erases the prior day’s gains, served as warning that buying pressure has been exhausted.

Following the Bearish engulfing candle, for the next two days, consequent ‘dojis’ were seen, where there is no significant price movement in either direction. Hence bitcoin now stands at a crossroad where bulls are unexpectedly startled by bears, evident by panic selling by STH holders, as per the on chain data.

The Bollinger Band (BB) is a key technical indicator as it is used to present an important area or to confirm the trend. Possible stabilization of the crypto market at this level might result in a potential reversal trend toward the $121,000 which is the upper trendline of the bollinger band, in this situation a major resistance.

The Relative Strength Index (RSI) indicator which is used to determine a trend pattern has plunged from near overbought, indicating a rapid shift in selling pressure. With it still standing in the middle at 45, a classic bearish divergence has formed. While the price set a higher high in August compared to July, the RSI set a lower high.

This suggests that the momentum behind the rally was fading significantly, often foreshadowing a price correction.

What’s Next For Bitcoin?

Considering the present market sentiment, the “make-or-break” level for Bitcoin price is in the range between $115,000 and $116,000.

A successful defense of the $115,000 support may be followed by a push toward the upper target levels of $121,000 or its previous ATH of $124,000.
Conversely, a breakdown below $115,000 would likely trigger a decline toward $110,000. In an extreme bearish scenario, the BTC price could go as low as $105,000.

Also Read: Bhutan Moves $92M in Bitcoin Amid Exchange Speculation

Disclaimer: The Crypto Times does not endorse or promote this digital asset in any manner. This article was created only for educational purposes. Make sure to “DYOR” as the market is highly volatile. New positions should be done by traders being careful and awaiting volume-backed breakouts.

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August 18, 2025 0 comments

NFT Gaming

XRP Builds Pressure Below $3 As RSI Breakdown Signals Imminent Move

by admin June 22, 2025

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

XRP prices recorded an overall 1.26% loss in the past week amidst a crypto market struggling to re-establish a bullish trajectory. After reaching a local price peak of $2.58 on May 15, XRP has witnessed an extensive correction forcing prices to around $2.06. Interestingly, prominent market expert with X username CasiTrade has shared a bullish prediction hinting at an upcoming price reversal.

Flush Then Fly? XRP Chart Patterns Point To Key Support Test

In an X post on June 20, CasiTrades postulates that XRP is currently at a technical inflection point with significant bearings on its next price movement. Based on the presented daily trading chart, it can be inferred that the prominent altcoin is on the edge of a price breakout or breakdown due to the formation of a descending triangle pattern.

However, CasiTrades states that there are larger implications in recent developments of the relative strength index (RSI). Notably, the analyst explains the XRP daily RSI trendline is now breaking down signaling a confluence of market conditions including declining volatility, muted price action, and, most importantly, an accumulation of pressure within the market which aligns closely with the tightening range seen in the descending triangle.

Source: @CasiTrades on X

CasiTrades predicts the impending release is likely to initially target lower price regions before initiating a price upswing. The trading expert views this potential breakdown not as bearish price capitulation but rather a final flush needed to gather enough liquidity for a bullish reversal. In this regard, CasiTrades has highlighted potential support zones to be around $2.01, $1.90 and $1.55, all which the analyst states remain valid until XRP achieves a decisive price close above $3.

However, the projected bullish reversal may occur via two routes. Firstly, CasiTrades states that XRP could dip cleanly to any of the highlighted supported zones before executing a V-shaped marker recovery that would indicate the altcoin has found a market bottom. Alternatively, XRP may also get close to the support zones and stall or even produce an early price bounce. In this case, the analyst predicts the token may witness a final exhaustion downward wave before the expected bullish reversal.

XRP Price Overview

At press time, XRP trades at $2.13 reflecting a 1.29% price loss in the past day. Meanwhile, the cryptocurrency also retains negative performances on larger time frames with a loss of 10.39% on the monthly chart respectively. In making any price gains, the market bulls must overcome the key resistance level at $2.37, a successful breakout beyond which would pave the way for a rally toward the $2.60 mark.

XRP trading at $2.14 on the daily chart | Source: Tradingview.com

Featured image from Pexels, chart from Tradingview

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June 22, 2025 0 comments

NFT Gaming

Ethereum price range-bound between $2,400 and $2,800: breakout or breakdown ahead?

by admin June 10, 2025

Ethereum remains trapped in a month-long high time frame range. As volume declines and volatility builds, traders are watching closely for a confirmed breakout that could define ETH’s next big move.

Ethereum (ETH) continues to consolidate between two major high time frame levels, with support holding at $2,400 and resistance capping price near $2,800.

Since mid-May, price action has remained stuck within this range, creating a critical zone where accumulation or distribution may be taking place. With volume drying up, the market awaits a decisive breakout to determine Ethereum’s next direction.

Key technical points

High Time Frame Range: ETH is consolidating between $2,400 support and $2,800 resistance.
Volume Decline: Volume profile shows a consistent drop, suggesting a buildup before an expansion move.
Market Structure Bias: ETH remains in a bullish structure and may form a higher low if support holds.

ETHUSDT (4H) Chart, Source: TradingView

Ethereum’s price action has spent nearly a month inside a tight trading range, defined by $2,400 support and $2,800 resistance. This sideways movement reflects market indecision, with neither bulls nor bears gaining clear control. As time within the range stretches, it increasingly appears to be a preparation phase, either for accumulation (bullish) or distribution (bearish).

One of the most important signals lies in volume. Over recent days, volume has steadily declined, a typical precursor to breakout volatility. Once volume returns with conviction, the direction of the breakout, up or down, is likely to define the trend for the coming weeks. However, a weak breakout without volume confirmation could trap traders and force price back into the range.

Technically, Ethereum remains in a bullish market structure. It recently printed a higher high, and a corrective move toward the lower end of the range could establish a higher low, reinforcing the uptrend. Alternatively, an upside breakout from current levels, without a pullback, could signal continued strength, but only if accompanied by a notable volume surge.

What to expect in the coming price action,

Ethereum remains neutral until the range is broken. A confirmed breakout above $2,800 on strong volume could trigger bullish expansion, while a breakdown below $2,400 may signal the start of a deeper correction. Traders should closely monitor volume at the breakout point to confirm directional conviction.

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June 10, 2025 0 comments

Gaming Gear

What Is Google One? A Breakdown of Plans, Pricing, and Included Services

by admin June 1, 2025

Courtesy of Simon Hill

In the unlikely event that 2 terabytes is not enough, you can increase your storage. The option to upgrade to an even larger plan is available only for current subscribers and in select countries.

5-TB Plan: For $25 per month or $250 per year (£20 or £200 in the UK), you get 5 TB with family sharing and the same perks as the Premium Plan.
10-TB Plan: For $50 per month (no annual plan) (£40 in the UK), you get 10 TB with family sharing and the same perks as the 5-TB plan.

Google One Benefits

The main benefit of a Google One plan is the extra cloud storage you can share with up to five family members. While families can share the same space, personal photos and files are accessible only to each owner unless you specifically choose to share them. Everyone in the family can also share the additional benefits (provided you all live in the same country). Let’s take a closer look at those benefits:

Unlimited Magic Editor Saves in Google Photos

Courtesy of Simon Hill

Magic Editor enables you to delete unwanted people or objects from the background of your photos, tweak the look of the sky, change the position of people and objects, and more with the help of generative AI. All features work with eligible shots in your Google Photos app. Without a subscription, you are limited to 10 saves per month. These features are available on Google Pixel phones, even if you don’t subscribe to Google One.

Cash Back on Purchases

The 2-TB plan nets you 10 percent back in Google Store credit for any purchases. This could prove useful if you’re thinking about buying multiple Google devices. The credit can take up to one month to get after your purchase, and it will have an expiry date attached.

Google Workspace Premium

The Premium plan includes Google Workspace Premium, which gives you enhanced features in Google Meet and Google Calendar. For example, you can have longer meetings with background noise cancellation or create a professional booking page to enable other people to make appointments with you.

Gemini Pro

Offering access to Google’s “most capable AI models,” Gemini Pro offers help with logical reasoning, coding, creative collaboration, and more. You can also create eight-second videos from text prompts using Veo 2, access more features like Deep Research for your projects, and upload 1,500 pages of research, textbooks, or industry reports with a 1 million token context window for analysis.

Flow Pro

This AI filmmaking tool employs Google’s AI video model, Veo, to enable you to generate stories, craft a cohesive narrative, find a consistent voice, and realize your imagination on the screen. You get 1,000 monthly AI credits to generate videos across Flow and Whisk.

Whisk Pro

You can use Whisk to turn still images into eight-second video clips using the Veo 2 model. You get 1,000 monthly AI credits to generate videos across Flow and Whisk.

NotebookLM Pro

This offers more audio overviews, notebooks, and sources per notebook to make information more digestible, allows you to customize the tone and style of your notebooks, and enables you to share and collaborate on notebooks with family and friends.

Gemini in Gmail, Docs, Vids & More

In Gmail and Docs, Gemini can help you write invites, resumes, and more, helping you brainstorm ideas, strike the right tone, and polish your missives. Gemini can also create relevant imagery for presentations in Slides, enhance the quality of video calls in Meet, and produce video clips based on your text prompts.

Project Mariner

This agentic research prototype is in early access and only part of the AI Ultra plan for now. Google says it can assist in managing up to 10 tasks simultaneously, handling things like research, bookings, and purchases from a single dashboard.

Gemini in Chrome

AI Ultra subscribers get early access to Gemini in the Chrome browser, which can understand the context of the current webpage, summarize and explain, or even complete tasks and fill out forms for you.

YouTube Premium

Subscribers get access to Google’s music streaming service, YouTube videos are ad-free, and you can save videos for offline viewing, among other YouTube Premium perks. Included as part of the AI Ultra plan, this perk is for an individual YouTube Premium plan.

Nest Aware

Only included in the UK so far, a Nest Aware subscription that includes extended storage of video from home security cameras is now part of the 2-TB Premium plan and above, starting from £8 per month or £80 per year. Considering Nest Aware costs £6 per month or £60 per year on its own, this seems like a great deal.

Fitbit Premium

Again, only included in the UK so far, Fitbit Premium is now included as part of the 2-TB Premium plan and above, starting from £8 per month or £80 per year. Considering that Fitbit Premium currently costs £8 per month or £80 per year on its own in the UK, this deal is too good to pass up.

Extra Benefits

A couple of things fall into this category:

Google Play Credits: You will occasionally get credits to redeem in the Play Store for books, movies, apps, or games. The amount and frequency vary.
Discounts, Trials, and Other Perks: You may get offers for discounted Google services or hardware, extended free trials of Google services, and other perks (for example, Google offered everyone upgrading to a 2-TB plan a free Nest Mini). These offers pop up and disappear seemingly at random.

How to Subscribe to Google One

If you want to sign up, it’s easy. Create or log in to a Google account, then visit the Google One website or install the Android or iOS app.

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June 1, 2025 0 comments