A month ago, the gaming world was buzzing with worries about a lot of serious issues. Players flooded forums, debating topics until they were almost hoarse. So what was really on everyone’s mind? This collection looks back at the latest controversies and remembers the moments fans miss from the past.
Microsoft bought Activision Blizzard. Monopolists or not?
On January 18, Microsoft announced it would acquire Activision Blizzard for 68.7 billion dollars. After already purchasing Bethesda, Obsidian, and other studios, players started wondering whether Microsoft might become a monopoly.
Some feared that Phil Spencer would gradually consolidate power across the industry and push out rivals. Others believed the move would revive forgotten Activision Blizzard titles, spark development of Warcraft 4, and turn Diablo into a triumph. The debate was heated and partisan.
Analyses of the deal circulated, with discussions about potential consequences and the possibility of regulatory intervention. It was a moment when gamers from Russia, and many others, paused to consider what this could mean for the market.
Are you excited about the deal with Microsoft and Activision Blizzard?
Xbox Series X/S vs PlayStation 5. Who will win?
The Activision Blizzard acquisition sparked another round of console debates. The community argued about which console feels cooler: Xbox Series X/S or PlayStation 5.
Questions lingered about future releases like Diablo 4, Overwatch 2, and a new Call of Duty on Sony’s platform. Could Sony respond by buying Capcom or Konami, or launch its own Game Pass-like service? Xbox fans replied with a confident smile, pointing to a growing library and a broader subscription ecosystem.
Today such disputes carry less weight as both companies reassess strategies in a shifting market. Sony and Microsoft have limited hardware shipments to certain regions, closed some digital storefronts, and paused services for gamers facing restrictions on the ground.
Stores sell vidya hardware at reseller prices. What to do?
In January, the RTX 3050 launched with a suggested price around 25,000 rubles. The plan was to ease bottlenecks for gamers, but reality proved far messier. Retailers priced scarce stock well above list price, and few units were available at launch. Rumors spread that many chips were snatched up before hitting shelves, triggering a broader controversy.
A lucky few managed to grab an RTX 3050 for around 40,000 rubles. Some felt the price was still too steep as prices drifted downward, only to spike again. The situation left many enthusiasts weighing whether to buy at all, given fluctuating costs and limited supply.
NFTs and STALKER 2. What happened there?
The NFT craze drew strong reactions from players who feared it could change how games are made and sold. With STALKER 2, the team proposed rights for NPCs, weapons, and more, sparking a major controversy that led GSC Game World to rethink the approach. Fans closely watched every move.
“Dear players, the decision is made to cancel all NFT-related concepts in STALKER 2. The fans and players matter most to our team. We are crafting a game that will bring you joy, regardless of price. Your input remains important to us.”
In hindsight, the situation felt petty. STALKER 2 development was paused, and some GSC projects were pulled from sale in certain regions, leaving fans to reminisce about the NFT debates of the past.
Horizon Forbidden West and Mass Effect 2 comparisons
When Horizon Forbidden West reviews dropped on February 14, many journalists compared it to Mass Effect 2. The hub resembles Normandy, the plot nods to BioWare’s classic, and the final mission hints at a similar vibe. The comparisons became a running meme in gaming circles—a nod to the era many players still cherish.
There was no explicit Mass Effect 2 mention in Horizon Forbidden West reviews, but curiosity about the link persisted. Those eager to read deeper thoughts could find analyses exploring how the game evokes that familiar vibe without copying it.
Aloy’s appearance and the chatter around it
After Horizon Forbidden West released, fans debated Aloy’s looks. Some felt the heroine’s design didn’t quite hit a certain weight feel, while others found the character visually appealing. The debate split the community across video comments, social platforms, and reviews. Given rising prices, many worried about future character designs rather than cosmetic details.
Patch for Cyberpunk 2077. Did CD Projekt RED fix the game?
On February 15, CD Projekt RED released a next-gen update for Cyberpunk 2077. The patch promised improved visuals, fewer bugs, better AI, and more. The results were mixed. The game felt more stable and brighter, while major breakthroughs remained elusive after a long development push.
Players noted less frequent crashes and nicer lighting, yet some criticized the patch for not delivering transformative changes. The patch offered modest improvements, with a few charming touches like new interactions with NPCs and notable graffiti in Night City.
CD Projekt RED faced scrutiny for its earlier stance on regional access, including restrictions in certain markets. The broader fanbase weighed in, seeking a smoother experience and clearer commitment from the studio moving forward.
Optimization: why did developers miss the mark?
February brought a wave of releases, but many titles suffered from optimization issues. Elden Ring disappointed some with performance on various rigs, maintaining frame rates that dipped during tense moments. Total War: Warhammer 3 faced a rocky launch, seemingly tied to anti-tamper protections. Dying Light 2 also showed rough edges on mid-range systems.
Today those challenges feel distant, as some titles are not available on certain platforms or have risen in price on storefronts. In some cases, the older hits are harder to find or more expensive than expected, prompting players to weigh value against performance.
Battlefield 2042. When will it be playable?
Few skipped over Battlefield 2042 at launch, hoping for fixes from DICE. Patches and new content arrived slowly amid shifting schedules and delayed promises. The game ultimately reached a mature stage, yet some players still wonder about the pace of improvements and ongoing support.
With EA reducing its presence in certain markets, questions about multiplayer availability linger. Existing owners puzzle over long-term plans and whether the title will continue to receive attention in a crowded market.
Square Enix pricing. Why so high?
When Square Enix announced price tags for Final Fantasy 7 Remake and related titles, players were taken aback by the numbers. The PC price point sparked controversy, and many saw the trend as a broader shift in pricing across major publishers. The sentiment was echoed as other releases rose from typical prices, prompting discussions about value and accessibility.
Publishers have continued to increase costs, with titles like Football Manager 2022 and Forspoken cited as examples. The rising prices left fans wondering about the balance between creative quality and affordability, especially amid broader economic shifts.
A month of intense chatter faded into nostalgia. The gaming community looked back on the conversations it had, the arguments that heated the room, and the moments that felt almost too good to be true. What a time for gamers to remember with a smile.
Were there good times?