Balancing News, Tips, Tricks & Ideas

Final Fantasy14's director and producer Naoki Yoshida thinks the development team may have made the game too «stress-free» for players.

Arrowhead has released a fresh update for Helldivers 2, with patch 1.000.102 targeting the rate at which heavy enemies are spawned to help reduce the reliance on the ‘leg meta’ for dealing with Terminid Chargers.

With the recent changes, which have seen enemy spawn rates and weapon types changed to improve balancing, it would appear that developer Arrowhead has also sneakily added a new enemy type. This new Terminid has been spotted by players in recent missions but is nowhere to be found in any of the game's official patch notes.

Arrowhead has released a fresh update for Helldivers 2, with patch 1.000.102 targeting the rate at which heavy enemies are spawned to help reduce the reliance on the ‘leg meta’ for dealing with Terminid Chargers.

Helldivers 2 developer Arrowhead has released a new patch that makes the game’s toughest enemies easier to deal with.

Final Fantasy 14 director Naoki Yoshida, often referred to as Yoshi-P, says he regrets making the long-running MMO as stress-free as it is.

Helldivers 2's director has turned to its community for suggestions on how to stop meta-following players from kicking others.

ECI collaborates with OpenAI to safeguard elections from AI interference; Teja Manakame urges caution against bias in AI models; Majority of workers optimistic about AI improving work life balance, Study; Hit songwriter Guy Chambers voices concerns over AI's threat to songwriting- this and more in our daily roundup. Let us take a look.

The Stellar Blade demo briefly appeared on the US PlayStation Store before it was pulled by Sony.

Helldivers 2 game director Johan Pilestedt is pushing back against complaints about the most recent balance patch, specifically as it relates to the RS-422 railgun.

Blizzard has posted upcoming PvP Class tuning which includes Havoc DH nerfs!

The Overwatch 2 team is tweaking "roughly half" of the playable heroes in the upcoming midseason patch.

Helldivers 2 players are trying to figure out which aspects of the game have been buffed after developer Arrowhead Game Studios revealed that buffs were omitted from the patch notes.

It’s been a tumultuous week in the world of Helldivers 2, which saw the game’s first balance patch nerf its best loadout, an associated backlash, and, most recently, a call-to-arms to unlock mechs. Now, developer Arrowhead has addressed the backlash in particular, and signaled plans to change the game as a result.

The final two of four planned GI Joe limited series from Skybound Entertainment will focus on another pair of classic characters from the beloved franchise: Scarlett, and Destro. Alongside the current Duke and Cobra Commander limited series, these four titles will comprise the launch of the GI Joe portion of Skybound's new Energon Universe, in which the Real American Heroes exist alongside the Transformers in a shared continuity.

Helldivers 2 developer Arrowhead Game Studios is working on what's handily been the most-requested balance change since launch: nerfs to the Chargers, Hulks, Bile Titans, and other heavy enemies that are currently running roughshod over even the most democratic players.

En Taro Adun,

As part of our effort to make Battle.net more welcoming to more players, we routinely review which currencies we support and what new ones we should add. This can make submitting payments less difficult and may help reduce or eliminate fees you pay to your card issuer for foreign currency transactions.

After a few incendiary statements from development and community figures poured kerosene on the debates dominating the Helldivers 2 player base after its recent balance patch, Arrowhead CEO and game director Johan Pilestedt stepped in to assure players that such snippy remarks are "not a message that the studio stands behind."

With the server woes largely behind them, Arrowhead Games has been able to shift their focus and release the first big balance update for Helldivers 2. Update 1.000.100 dropped like it was hot yesterday, and was immediately met with dismay and despair at how Arrowhead has tweaked the Breaker / Railgun / Shield meta that had dominated the game since launch.

Today, we are looking at the DPS rankings during the week of February 27th for Wrath of the Lich King Classic in Icecrown Citadel. For this analysis, we will use data provided by Warcraft Logs Icecrown Citadel statistics. Warcraft Logs' Icecrown Citadel Statistics

Today, we are looking at the DPS rankings during the week of February 27th for Phase 2 of Season of Discovery in Gnomeregan. For this analysis, we will use data provided by Warcraft Logs Gnomeregan statistics. Warcraft Logs' Gnomeregan Statistics

It’s been a dramatic 24 hours for Helldivers 2 players after the game’s first balance patch set the cat among the pigeons with its nerf to the best loadout.

"As a level 50 player with the platinum trophy, I honestly hated playing this game after the update - the meta only existed because most other options needed a buff," one player posted to the Helldivers 2 subreddit, echoing a sentiment the community has been sharing since yesterday's patch.

Helldivers 2's balance lead has responded to complaints from players that the co-op shooter's primary weapons aren't powerful enough.

Today, we are looking at the DPS balance on Amirdrassil during the week of February 27th. For this analysis, we will use data provided by Warcraft Logs Raid statistics for Dragonflight Season 3. Mythic Amirdrassil Statistics Page

Update: This patch is now live for PS5 as well as PC.

As the Helldivers 2 community learns a whole new meta in the wake of a major balance patch that took a hammer to favorites like the railgun and personal shield, one balance lead from developer Arrowhead has advised players to learn to embrace nerfs rather than constantly asking exclusively for buffs.

Helldivers 2 players are praising the underrated Arc Thrower as "one of the strongest weapons in the game" and one you should consider using.

Today's Helldivers 2 update was huge, and it's a particularly exciting day for anyone who likes their Chargers extra crispy. Amongst the list of balance changes, the FLAM-40 Flamethrower has been given a significant buff, which has already proven to be highly effective against the shooter's foes. 

Arrowhead has rolled out Helldivers 2 update 01.000.100 on Steam, which introduces random planetary hazards.

's new patch has been released, bringing impressive features such as environmental hazards to the game. It has, however, introduced several balancing updates for weapons and stratagems, which have been controversial with those who have invested more time into the game.

Arrowhead Game Studios has released a new Helldivers 2 patch that adds planetary hazards to the game. 

The latest patch for Helldivers 2 has now been released.

With Helldivers 2's first balance patch upon us with nerfs for some of the democracy 'em ups best gear, the developers behind it all have taken a moment to talk weapon philosophy. 

Helldivers 2's first big balance patch is out today, and it's bringing adjustments to the two most overpowered and commonly used weapons in the entire game.

Helldivers 2 developer Arrowhead has released its first balance update, patch 01.000.100, which nerfs the game’s best loadout among other things. The update is out now on PC and coming soon on PlayStation 5.

As Helldivers 2 players digest the game’s first balance patch, developer Arrowhead has discussed the thinking behind changes to weapons and stratagems, calling on players to give them a chance.

Arrowhead has announced a new patch for on PC. The update will introduce new planetary hazards such as fire tornadoes and meteor showers to make for much harder environments.

Look, my chums, it’s Raya Systems! They’re the ones who brought us Packy & Marlon and Rex Ronan: Experimental Surgeon; everyone’s favorite health-related edutainment games.

A brand new is here and with it comes some great new word groupings, including one we still aren't one-hundred percent sure we understand. The best thing about Connection though is that you don't need to figure out all four categories, you really only need three and it's a win with the leftover words.

In a fast-paced work environment, it is challenging for team members and individuals to manage their time and tasks effectively. In most cases, poor time management leads to burnout which could create stress. Therefore, managing time is as crucial as dividing tasks and responsibilities effectively. To help you manage time and tasks, we have found the right tool for your team. HourStack is a time-tracking tool that enables users to maintain a healthy work-life balance while improving productivity. Know more about the HourStack tool below.

We were told, or rather, warned, that Red XIII would ride a chocobo in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth long before launch. This got a lot of attention, since it doesn't make a whole lot of sense, leaving the director to explain both how he'd ride one, and why he wanted to in the first place. After all, he hasn't got opposable thumbs, and if he wants to move faster, he could just... run.

Arrowhead Studios previously announced that the team is working on a balance patch for co-op shooter Helldivers 2, but doing so has proven to be trickier than expected since weapons with higher kill rates don't always lead to successful missions.

In the face of ongoing conversations about which weapons are the best in the game, Helldivers 2's director has advised players to just "use the one you like the most" because there are so many stats players can't see anyhow.

Just like in Remake, you only have one valuable armor slot per character in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. Deciding on what you want to put there is more complicated than you think, since each piece of armor has multiple factors that determine how effective it will be, and you may want to prioritize different things for different characters. New armor will become available as you go deeper into the world of Gaia, and you can even make some yourself with the new Transmutation system, so comparing and contrasting them all can be a major chore. We get it, you’re just a merc looking to get the job done, so let us worry about figuring out the best armors so you can just put them on and get back to the action.

Rockstar Games is in hot water as discontent brews among its development team and the wider gaming community due to the company's decision to mandate full-time, in-office work for all staff starting in April. The controversial move is tied to the final stages of the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) development, with Rockstar asserting that the in-person collaboration is vital for ensuring the game's quality and security.

In the dynamic landscape of finance, where intricate tasks ranging from credit management to risk analysis demand meticulous attention, the burden on financial teams is substantial. Microsoft recognizes the evolving challenges faced by finance leaders striving to balance mandatory operations with strategic initiatives, prompting the launch of Microsoft Copilot for Finance-a revolutionary AI-driven solution integrated into Microsoft 365.

As we reported yesterday, Grand Theft Auto 6 is said to be in the "final stages" of development, indicating that it's on track for its planned 2025 launch window. However, this report also claims that Rockstar is asking workers to return to the office full-time, putting an end to remote working practices that were popular with developers.

One of the easiest vehicles players can build in is a Hover Bike: a basic flying machine that Link can use to quickly get from A to B. The Hover Bike’s simple design and flight capabilities give it a few advantages over horses and more complex Zonai flying machines.

Just days after the conclusion of Capcom Cup X, Capcom has dropped a new update for Street Fighter 6, adding Street Fighter 5 alum Ed as the game’s latest DLC character. The update also includes a number of balance changes, though they’re a bit narrower in scope than we expect to see later on.

The Trials call you forth, wanderer. Fight to earn your place on the Leaderboards when they arrive on March 5. Each week you can master a new Gauntlet: a fixed non-linear Dungeon that will have you fighting to earn the mightiest score. Who will fight to dominate the competition, earn coveted Seals, and carve their place on the Leaderboards. Do you have what it takes to become undeniable?

On February 29, we held a Campfire Chat showcasing the Gauntlet: a fixed-layout endgame dungeon coming on March 5. Community director Adam Fletcher, associate game director Joe Piepiora, and lead live class designer Adam Jackson sat down to discuss our mid-season update for Season of the Construct.

Blizzard has released a blog post on The Gauntlet, releasing March 5!

To the dismay of bugs and bots everywhere, it sounds like the weakest weapons in Helldivers 2 are due for a buff in an upcoming balance patch.

Developers at Rockstar Games have hit out at the company’s decision to force staff to return to the office five days a week to close out work on GTA 6.

Another day, another Palworld patch. Update v0.1.5.1 is available now for the Steam version of the ‘Pokémon with guns’ survival game, and out soon for the Xbox version.

To earn the Photorelic in Chapter 4, you’ll need to complete multiple rounds of a mini-game found nowhere else in the game – Fort Condor. If you played the Yuffie DLC for Final Fantasy 7 Remake, you’ll be familiar with this weird mini-game. For the rest of us, this is just a pain in the butt. Finishing them all will unlock the ‘Condor Commander’ trophy, so here’s a complete rundown showing how to beat every match.

Today, we are looking at the DPS rankings during the week of February 20th for Wrath of the Lich King Classic in Icecrown Citadel. For this analysis, we will use data provided by Warcraft Logs Icecrown Citadel statistics. Warcraft Logs' Icecrown Citadel Statistics

Today, we are looking at the DPS rankings during the week of February 20th for Phase 2 of Season of Discovery in Gnomeregan. For this analysis, we will use data provided by Warcraft Logs Gnomeregan statistics. Warcraft Logs' Gnomeregan Statistics

Arrowhead Game Studios has fixed a Helldivers 2 bug that was making purchased Super Credits go missing.

Lenovo or Asus? The choice between these two tech giants sparks a dilemma for consumers seeking the best value for their money. Navigating through a myriad of options in this budget range requires careful consideration of performance, design, and affordability. Both Lenovo and Asus bring distinct strengths to the table, making the decision-making process an intriguing exploration. Lenovo, recognized for its robust ThinkPad and Ideapad series, has earned a reputation for reliability and business-friendly features. The brand's commitment to precision engineering and innovative design positions Lenovo laptops as solid contenders for both professionals and casual users. From powerful processors to durable build quality, Lenovo laptops offer a range of options that cater to diverse user needs.

We've uploaded all 8 new Hero Talent Trees onto Wowhead! Preview the new trees for Druid, Evoker, Paladin, Rogue, Warlock, and Warrior now. All Revealed Hero Talent Trees Note: All icons seen in the Talent Trees below are placeholders.

As this week’s approaching Campfire Chat promises a discussion regarding the resurgence Vampiric Powers, players are looking forward to reuniting with their favorite seasonal features from Season of Blood. With so many powers to choose from, though, which will make the cut? We've taken a look at all the Vampiric Powers from Season 2 in Diablo 4, and picked our Top 5 that we'd like to see return to the game.

Games that pitch themselves as challenging experiences are a common occurrence these days, and Slave Zero X is one of them. Within that challenge, though, there has to be balance and a way for players to overcome them, combining growing player skill with levelling up, better equipment and more. At times Slave Zero X walks that tightrope, but at other time it feels so grossly imbalanced that all sense of any fun trying to beat the challenge is taken out of it.

A major new Palworld patch has just been released that does away with the game's most effective gold-farming method.

Today, we are looking at the DPS balance on Amirdrassil during the week of February 20th. For this analysis, we will use data provided by Warcraft Logs Raid statistics for Dragonflight Season 3. Mythic Amirdrassil Statistics Page

The countdown has begun! Reverse: 1999 is rolling out its newest update ‘The Prisoner in the Cave’ on February 29th. We first shared the news with you a couple of weeks back when it dropped. Now, with the day almost here, we thought we’d walk you through the full details of the Reverse: 1999 Version 1.4 update.

Google has announced a significant change for its users in the United States - the discontinuation of the standalone Google Pay app. In a recent blog post, the tech giant revealed that the app will no longer be available after June 4, 2024. Instead, users are encouraged to migrate to Google Wallet, which will become the primary platform for managing digital payments and transactions.

Another day, more new cosmetics! All classes but Druids received a new cosmetic set this time around — but don't worry Druids, we're sure more are on the way. While we don't know for certain when these packages will rotate out of stock, what we do know is that the shop refreshes happen daily at approximately 10 am PDT, so stay tuned — we may have new cosmetic options soon! Premium Currency in Diablo 4

Vampiric Powers in Diablo 4 premiered in Season 2 to relatively solid approval from players. Between incredible power spikes from powers such as and leveling quality-of-life powers like, players were sad to see the removal of these abilities when Season of Blood ended. Thankfully, Blizzard has heard the players — and these bloodthirsty powers won't be gone for long. Season 3 Campfire Chat Announcement In their Campfire Chat announcement, Blizzard revealed that they would be discussing the return of Vampiric Powers during the upcoming livestream. While we don't know which powers have made the cut, or what form they'll return in, we can at least make a few guesses. Malignant abilities from Season 1 of Diablo 4 made their return in the form of Unique Rings such as, allowing fan-favorites to become permanent core additions to the game. It is likely that Vampiric Powers would be treated similarly — although Blizzard might throw us a curveball!

Between the confusing name changes and having two apps with a similar function, Google Pay will finally shut down in the United States later this summer. Google Wallet will replace it entirely.

In the U.S., Google's main app to manage finances and pay contactless is Google Pay and not Google Wallet. It always struck me as an odd choice because the rest of the world is using Google Wallet, but not the people in the U.S. Well, that is going to change soon as the company has announced the transition.

Blizzard has announced the date for the upcoming Campfire Chat which will go into detail about the Gauntlet, Leaderboards, balance updates, and returning Vampiric Powers! The livestream is scheduled for February 29 at 11 a.m. PST.

Our next Campfire Chat begins on February 29 at 11 a.m. PST and will give your first look at Trials and The Gauntlet, a weekly rotating fixed dungeon coming in Season of the Construct.

Today, we are looking at the DPS balance on Amirdrassil during the week of February 6th. For this analysis, we will use data provided by Warcraft Logs Raid statistics for Dragonflight Season 3. Mythic Amirdrassil Statistics Page

The new Cortex-X5 design from ARM appears to be running into problems, with a new rumor stating that the super core is experiencing severely high power consumption at raised clock speeds and offering diminished multi-core performance when that maximum power limit is reduced. While this may not be an issue for Qualcomm as its Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 is said to adopt custom CPU designs, MediaTek may be sweating profusely as it has to eventually announce the Dimensity 9400, which is said to adopt the same Cortex-X5 in its CPU cluster.

Analysts believe that Sony will be releasing a PlayStation 5 Pro this year.

Something that's come to define PS5 games throughout the console's lifespan is more choice with regards to visual and performance options. Where we used to simply have to put up with whatever resolution and frame rate a game had by default, nowadays, a lot of major titles will have at least two variations. It seems Stellar Blade will be no different, allowing players to decide how the game looks and runs using a trio of options.