Multiplayer & Online Features
13 storiesNews, analysis, reviews and guidance belong here when entitlement portability, moderation layer or Local Co-op is central to the section-level question. Offline Mode broadens the frame, while progress synchronisation helps define the limits of what the section should include. Detailed formats, products and mechanics remain on their own child pages; Multiplayer & Online Features supplies the shared frame for finding and comparing them.
Zork's Unusual Design in The Duskbloods Explained by Miyazaki
FromSoftware's The Duskbloods network test has sparked discussion around Zork, a character whose bizarre appearance and abilities have made him a standout. Director Hidetaka Miyazaki has now clarified the inspiration and gameplay role behind Zork
Rock Band's Multiplayer Legacy and the End of a Gaming Era
Rock Band transformed multiplayer gaming on Xbox 360, offering a physical and social experience that stood apart from traditional rhythm games. Its impact was felt across the industry, but its unique moment has yet to be recaptured
PUBG MOBILE x NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Crossover Adds Ninjutsu and PvE Battles
PUBG MOBILE's collaboration with NARUTO SHIPPUDEN introduces playable Ninjutsu, iconic anime locations, and a major PvE event. Tencent and Studio Pierrot detail how the crossover was designed to go beyond cosmetics and engage both fanbases
Modern Warfare 4 Beta to Test Two Matchmaking Systems This Weekend
Infinity Ward has confirmed that the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 beta will feature both the new matchmaking system and last year's open matchmaking, as the studio analyses player data ahead of the full release
Subnautica 2 Early Access 1.2 Adds Buddy System and Major Patch
Unknown Worlds has released the Subnautica 2 Early Access 1.2 update, introducing the Buddy System, proximity voice chat, and a host of gameplay improvements, while also making a $100,000 donation to The Ocean Cleanup
GRIT Launches on Steam With Updated Wild West Battle Royale Features
Team GRIT has released GRIT on Steam, bringing a third-person Wild West battle royale for up to 100 players with new gameplay improvements, updated mechanics and expanded customisation options for PC players
Last Pirates: Die Together Sets Sail on Steam with Co-op Extraction Horror
Last Pirates: Die Together, a new co-op extraction horror comedy from RetroStyle Games and Judatone Studios, is now available on Steam with a launch discount and full online multiplayer support
Battlefield 6 Steam Refund Granted After Key Modes Pulled From Quick Play
A Battlefield 6 player has received a full Steam refund after over 400 hours of play, following the removal of core multiplayer modes from quick-play matchmaking by Battlefield Studios. The decision highlights ongoing frustration with live-service changes
Datamine Reveals Cut Vehicle Combat Plans for Call of Duty: World at War
Newly surfaced datamined content suggests Call of Duty: World at War once aimed for a much greater emphasis on vehicle combat in multiplayer, including customisable tanks and dedicated maps, before these features were scaled back or removed
JDM: Japanese Drift Master adds multiplayer events and new campaign
JDM: Japanese Drift Master has released a major update on PC, introducing multiplayer events, a new side story campaign, and long-awaited bug fixes, while console players receive campaign content and steering wheel support
Dragonkin: The Banished adds cross-play and new mode in free update
NACON has released the Dracomundus Purgatory update for Dragonkin: The Banished, introducing cross-play, a new timed challenge mode, and a weapon reinforcement system across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S
QUIET Playtest Announced for 3 August as LINE Games Reveals Details
LINE Games has announced the first playtest for its upcoming horror co-op title QUIET, scheduled to begin on 3 August. Players will need to work together and stay silent to survive, with sign-ups now open for early notification
Call of Duty Ambience Website Recreates Classic Multiplayer Lobbies
A new fan-made website lets players relive the chaotic audio of classic Call of Duty lobbies, streaming 24/7 voice chat from Modern Warfare 2, Black Ops, and Black Ops 2 for anyone seeking a dose of nostalgia or background noise