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Helldivers 2 fans are uniting to undo a Steam review bomb on the newly-released game after a decision backtrack from Sony.
Since Helldivers 2’s release on February 8, fans have criticised Sony for its controversial decision to force PC gamers to account link to PlayStation Network. Despite the first reviews giving the game an ‘overwhelmingly positive’ ranking on Steam, the reactions sparked over 200,000 negative reviews that dragged it down to ‘mostly negative’.
However, it seems the review bomb has done its job, with Sony now announcing a swift backtrack on the decision.
“Helldivers fans — we’ve heard your feedback on the Helldivers 2 account linking update,” the company wrote on X on May 6. “The May 6 update, which would have required Steam and PlayStation Network account linking for new players and for current players beginning May 30, will not be moving forward.
“We’re still learning what is best for PC players and your feedback has been invaluable. Thanks again for your continued support of Helldivers 2 and we’ll keep you updated on future plans.”

Helldivers fans — we’ve heard your feedback on the Helldivers 2 account linking update. The May 6 update, which would have required Steam and PlayStation Network account linking for new players and for current players beginning May 30, will not be moving forward.
We’re still…
— PlayStation (@PlayStation) May 6, 2024

Helldivers 2 fans push to reverse review bomb
In response, Helldivers 2 fans are now uniting on reddit, with a vocal few led by the subreddit moderator encouraging others to reverse their negative reviews in a game-themed post.
“Helldivers, should you choose to accept this major order,” reads the post. “Please consider reversing your steam review. Arrowhead has worked very hard to make this game special, and you the player have shown both Sony and Arrowhead that your voice matters too.
“Let us restore Helldivers 2 on steam back to it’s formal glory. And let us restore this community back to normal.”
The post went live on May 6, gaining over 36,000 upvotes and more than 2000 comments. The subreddit is also in ‘clean-up mode’ to remove negative or toxic comments from the community. However, the push to reverse the review bomb appears to have gone well as, by May 7, Helldivers 2 has earned back the tag ‘mostly positive’ on Steam reviews.
Featured image: Arrowhead Game Studios
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Firstly, apologies for that dreadful pun. There will probably be no more unless they become irresistible. Anyway, down to beesness. Apico is an amazing cozy game that first arrived back in 2022 and set you up as a little beekeeper caring for and expanding your beekeeping industry.
It remains hugely successful and has since appeared on the Nintendo Switch, a perfect fit for a game if ever there was one.
May 20th will see Apico get a new and final v 4.0 update – Hive of Industry – see, that one isn’t even as good as my puns. The game will also get a new soundtrack and the new content will generally keep you as busy as a…er.
The update will introduce a new automation system, new seasonal events, new craftable materials, and, best of all, pets! You can check out the trailer below.

What is Apico?
In Apico you embark on an exciting adventure that combines resource gathering, biology, and engaging minigames inspired by real-life and fantastical beekeeping and gardening. As you explore the game, you’ll learn the ins and outs of maintaining a thriving hive and the vital role our fluffy friends play in keeping our ecosystem healthy.
The game takes place on a series of mystical islands that were once teeming with diverse bee species. Your goal is to rediscover these lost species, breed new ones, and bring life back to each unique “bee-ome.” As you progress, you’ll uncover hidden secrets and surprises along the way.
There is more of an element of fellow cozy games in there too such as Stardew Valley, so if you like that kind of thing and haven’t checked Apico out yet, you should do so immediately.
Apico Features

Play together with up to four in online co-op, with cross-play available on all platforms!
Unique crafting and beekeeping minigames that drive gameplay progression.
Cross-breed different bees and other pollinators, including butterflies, moths, and solitary bees, to discover over 30 new species.
Grow flowers — each with their own special effect on the environment — to keep your pollinators happy!
Make and sell honey, Apicola, incense, candles, and other beekeeping products.
Repopulate lost species and release them back into the wild.
Multiple biomes to explore, each with its own unique pollinator species.
A chill soundtrack by Mothense creates a relaxing atmosphere.

The post The best cozy game about beekeeping is getting a sweet update – hive a look at this appeared first on ReadWrite.

Not only did The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which premiered in April 2023, make a lot of money, Nintendo says it even gave a noticeable sales boost to associated Nintendo titles over the past 12 months.
In its latest quarterly report to investors, Nintendo said that the film “had a positive impact on sales of Mario related titles,” and credited it with a sales performance that saw 31 video games for Nintendo Switch sell more than a million copies over its fiscal year, which runs from April 1 to March 31.
This boost counteracted an overall sales decline for the seven-year-old Nintendo Switch line of systems, down 12.6 percent from the preceding year, and a 6.7 percent slip in the year-over-year software sales, the company said.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie, with an all-star cast of voice actors including Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Jack Black, Keegan-Michael Key, Seth Rogen, and Fred Armisen, premiered April 5, 2023, drawing more than $146 million in its first weekend of release in the United States. Worldwide, the movie made $1.3 billion at the box office, according to Box Office Mojo. The movie was said to have a $100 million budget. The film was produced and distributed by Universal Pictures, with Mario’s creator, Shigeru Miyamoto, also credited as a producer.
A billion-dollar worldwide gross has become the standard for American-made blockbuster films, particularly those appealing to comic book or video game audiences. The Super Mario Bros. Movie’s gate places it in the top 20 all time (gross revenue) second-best among 2023 movies to Barbie (which made $1.4 billion worldwide).
Critics were divided in their opinion of the animated film’s story, but by ticket sales alone audiences enjoyed its fan-service elements and celebration of video games culture.
Elsewhere in Nintendo’s financial report on Tuesday, the company formally announced that the Nintendo Switch’s successor console will launch sometime in the next fiscal year — meaning before March 31, 2025. Sales of the Nintendo Switch line of consoles, which include the launch model, the Nintendo Switch Lite, and a Nintendo Switch OLED-screen version that launched in 2021, have now topped 141.32 million units, the company said.
The post It’s-a big hit! Super Mario Bros. movie credited with sales push for Nintendo games appeared first on ReadWrite.

Video advertisements will now be displayed on the virtual billboards within the Roblox metaverse, as the company embarks on yet another way to monetize its gamers.
The billboards will feature advertisements from the likes of e.l.f beauty, Walmart, HUGO, Warner Bros Discovery, and more.
While this opens up a whole new revenue stream for the Roblox company, it’s just another reminder of how commercially driven the game is as money is being squeezed out of every possible corner.
With almost 72 million daily active users on Roblox, the company could earn significantly more through advertising on the platform. It’s widely popular among children globally, with the brand reaching out to brands to connect with Gen Z consumers.

Today we announced that Roblox video ads are now available to any advertiser on the platform. This immersive ad format doesn’t require custom-built 3D content, and creates a scalable opportunity for brands to connect with Gen Z. https://t.co/Qz5x0XDlND pic.twitter.com/74rfiUWamd
— Roblox (@Roblox) May 1, 2024

Although the company says the video ads would only be seen by its community of users who are over the age of 13, the full safety verifications haven’t yet been disclosed which has left some concerned.
One user replied to Roblox’s news on the X platform (formerly Twitter) to say: “Knowing the target audience is effectively unregulated iPad kids just shows how evil of a corporation Roblox is.
“Roblox is quite literally one of the most dangerous, manipulative, and harmful online platforms ever.
“There needs to be heavy, strict legal regulations for them.”

Knowing the target audience is effectively unregulated iPad kids just shows how evil of a corporation Roblox is.
Roblox is quite literally one of the most dangerous, manipulative, and harmful online platforms ever.
There needs to be heavy, strict legal regulations for them. https://t.co/uaZjl3U0yL
— Before The Night (@BeforeThe_Night) May 2, 2024

In the press release for the virtual ads announcement, the company says “ad publishers must meet and maintain certain thresholds and requirements to participate and earn through ad monetization, such as being 18+ ID verified or maintaining a certain monthly unique visitor minimum threshold.
“Ad publishers’ experiences must also comply with Roblox’s Community Standards to ensure brand safety.”
This comes after the Roblox CEO was heavily criticized at the beginning of April for exploiting user labor and maintaining unfavorable Robux exchange rates.
“If only investors actually looked at the community…”

Yet another Trash Update. If only investors actually looked at the community…
— NoahThePokeGamer (@NoahTheMudkip) May 1, 2024

Other users appeared frustrated at the further monetization, with one user saying: “They never listen to the community. Ads suck in game.”
Another responded with “are you even trying to make the game better or just focusing on money,” while another user said “Yet another Trash Update. If only investors actually looked at the community…”
Featured Image: Photo by Oberon Copeland @veryinformed.com on Unsplash
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Recently we ran an article about Gaming peripheral gear company Glorious and its new monthly keycap program, KeyCapsules aimed at gamers who wanted to get their hands on top-quality, limited-edition keycaps for their gaming keyboards.
As part of our continuing feature to create the ultimate unique game room, there is no easier way that changing up the look of your board with something cool that virtually nobody else on the planet has so with exclusive keycaps generally being in the domain of serious collectors with deep pockets, KeyCapsules definitely piqued our interest.
Today is the first Tuesday of the month and Glorious has announced that the first set of limited-run keycaps is the rather stunning GPBT Sketch which features blank tops with the key legends printed on the side. Colored accent keys are provided for WASD and arrow keys that allow backlighting to nicely glow through the cap.
Glorious describes Sketch as “A signature design where art meets gaming, GPBT Sketch is the first in the KeyCapsules series. With only 1,000 sets crafted, it’s available first-come, first-served starting on May 7. Doodling, sketching and scribbling are fundamental acts of creativity. Inspired by that love, GPBT Sketch features bold colors and an illustrative vibe. The 138-key set is compatible with most keyboards, including Mac.
“With the KeyCapsules launch, we’re not just releasing keycaps, we’re inviting gamers to join us on a journey of discovery and personal expression. Each set is a
canvas for individuality, designed to inspire and elevate the gaming experience” said Pat Wachendorf, CEO, of Glorious.

KeyCapsules program features

Exclusivity: Each KeyCapsules design is available in a limited edition of 500 –
1000 sets, making each release a collectible.
Craftsmanship: Utilizing PBT Polymer and dye-sub printing, the KeyCapsules
series guarantees durability and precision in every keycap.
Unique Designs: Each design is one of a kind, created by the Glorious
in-house design team or in conjunction with artists, brand partners, and
influencers.
Universal Compatibility: The KeyCapsules are designed to fit most standard
keyboard switches and layouts, including PC and Mac keys.
New and exciting designs are slated for release on the
first Tuesday of each month, with the first 24 hours reserved for those signed
up for KeyCapsules drops

If you signed up for KeyCapsules you should be receiving your exclusive access code for the next 24 hours any moment now. The remaining sets of GPBT Sketch will go on open sale tomorrow.
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