Latest Gaming News: Epic Games 2024 Review, Roblox’s New Initiatives, and More – February 15, 2025
February 15, 2025
Epic Games Store’s 2024 Highlights
Epic Games has released its Year in Review for 2024, revealing that the top five games—Genshin Impact, Rocket League, Honkai: Star Rail, Grand Theft Auto 5, and Fortnite—were all titles released prior to 2024. This trend underscores the enduring popularity of established games. The platform also reported 32 million daily active users out of 295 million Windows PC players. Notably, only four out of the top 20 games on the platform were released in 2024, highlighting a shift towards sustained engagement with older titles.
Roblox Addresses Regulatory Concerns
Roblox is intensifying efforts to distinguish itself from traditional social media platforms amid legislative discussions aimed at protecting children online. The proposed Kids Off Social Media Act (KOSMA) seeks to ban children under 13 from creating social media accounts and limit algorithmic recommendations for users under 17. With 85 million daily users, 42% of whom are under 13, Roblox emphasizes its unique model of real-time interactions through gaming and learning, contrasting it with conventional social media. The company continues to engage with policymakers to showcase its distinct platform and proactive safety measures.
Nintendo Switch Lite: A Portable Powerhouse
The Nintendo Switch Lite continues to impress as a dedicated handheld gaming console. Priced at $200, it offers a compact design with a 5.5-inch 720p screen and an improved D-pad, making it ideal for solo gaming on the go. While it lacks features like TV connectivity and detachable controllers, its performance and battery life ranging from 3 to 7 hours make it a valuable option for gamers prioritizing portability.
Steam’s Couch Co-Op Fest Offers Deep Discounts
Steam’s Couch Co-Op Fest is underway until February 18th, featuring significant discounts on various cooperative games. Highlights include Portal 2, discounted by 90% to just $1, along with popular titles like NBA 2K25, Black Ops 3, and Stardew Valley. This event provides an excellent opportunity for gamers to enjoy quality time with friends and family through engaging co-op experiences.
Anticipation Builds for Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo has announced its upcoming console, the Switch 2, leading to excitement about its game lineup. Confirmed titles include an indie game and Yooka-Replaylee, with more expected to be revealed during a Nintendo Direct event scheduled for April 2. Speculation suggests that existing Switch games like Pokémon Legends: Z-A and Metroid Prime 4 may be released as cross-generation titles for both Switch and Switch 2. Additionally, companies like Electronic Arts and Microsoft have expressed interest in developing games for the new console.
Crytek Pauses Crysis 4 Amid Layoffs
Crytek has announced a 15% reduction in its workforce, approximately 60 employees, and has put the development of Crysis 4 on hold due to unfavorable market dynamics. The company is shifting its focus to Hunt: Showdown 1896, a multiplayer extraction shooter that continues to grow. This move reflects broader industry challenges, with reports indicating that one in ten game developers lost their jobs in 2024, highlighting the volatility within the gaming sector.
Microsoft Expands Xbox Cloud Gaming to LG TVs
At CES 2025, Microsoft and LG announced that Xbox Cloud Gaming will be available on select LG Smart TVs later this year. Subscribers to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will be able to stream games directly through the LG Gaming Portal, enhancing accessibility for gamers without dedicated consoles. This initiative aligns with Microsoft’s “This is an Xbox” campaign, emphasizing the flexibility of playing Xbox games across various devices.
PlayStation Portal Embraces Cloud Gaming
Sony’s PlayStation Portal, initially launched in November 2023 as a secondary screen for the PlayStation 5, is receiving an update to support dedicated game streaming. PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers will gain access to cloud streaming for over 120 PS5 games. This development suggests a potential shift towards cloud gaming, reflecting broader industry trends and possibly signaling a move away from traditional hardware-dependent gaming.
Mark Zuckerberg Considers Twitch Streaming
Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg has expressed interest in streaming his gameplay of the strategy game Civilization on Twitch. During the Meta Connect 2024 conference, he mentioned the possibility of showcasing his gaming sessions on the Amazon-owned platform, despite Meta’s own Facebook Gaming service. This move highlights the growing trend of public figures engaging with gaming communities through popular streaming platforms.
Upcoming Minecraft Attraction in the UK
Minecraft enthusiasts in the UK can look forward to a new attraction, “Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue,” opening in London on April 4. The interactive adventure features seven themed rooms where visitors use a handheld device, the ‘Orb of Interaction,’ to complete quests and rescue a village from a zombie attack. Tickets go on presale on February 12 and general sale on February 14, offering fans an immersive Minecraft experience.
Stay tuned to WikiGaming.org for the latest updates and in-depth coverage of the gaming world.
