TommyInnit didn’t hold back in his criticism, expressing outrage over Dream’s past actions, including the use of the “r-word” in a now-deleted meme. The British streamer said:
“It’s disgusting, it’s sexist man. And you and your friends’ references and the way you talk about women behind the scenes has been so sexist too. Shame on you guys!”

In response, Dream released a video earlier today titled I’m Sorry (but not to TommyInnit), addressing the accusations. While he apologized for sharing the controversial meme, Dream turned the spotlight on TommyInnit and his circle of friends, accusing them of perpetuating false allegations against him for over a year and a half.

Dream recounted his experience with false claims in the past, describing the emotional toll it took on him:
“When I had false allegations made about me, it was one of the hardest times of my life. And you and your friends decided that after I went through the hell of debunking them, that you would continue to spread, joke about, and support these lies.”

To support his claims, Dream included a clip from Tobias “Tubbo’s” recent livestream, where Tubbo criticized the frequent joking about pedophilia within their friend group. Tubbo remarked:
“I think we shouldn’t joke about people being pedophiles unless we actually know for sure. Dude, the Brighton lot, I want you to stop throwing out random strays and calling people pedophiles just for cheap laughs.”

Dream’s video also featured allegations against TommyInnit, accusing him of engaging in racist behavior “behind the scenes.” He labeled such actions as unacceptable and highlighted Tommy’s recent collaborations with his friends, questioning the authenticity of his claims:
“You’re mad that I criticized your friends in a three-hour-long livestream with screenshots and receipts of their not-so-good behavior, so you just make stuff up about my friends?”

As of now, TommyInnit has not publicly responded to Dream’s latest video. The controversy has sparked intense discussions online, with fans divided over the serious nature of the accusations.

• Also read: Solo Leveling Season 2 Episode 3: Release Details, Streaming Platforms, and Anticipated Storylines

The post Dream Responds to TommyInnit Allegations, Denies Accusations and Raises Counterclaims appeared first on TheRecentTimes.

The conflict began when TommyInnit called Mizkif “the worst person he’s ever met.” Mizkif retaliated, and the situation escalated further when xQc jumped into the fray. Tommy responded to xQc, creating a snowball effect that ultimately drew Dream into the controversy. Dream criticized Tommy, accusing him of acting like the “internet police” and even using slurs to refer to his fanbase.

“if you wanna talk about no backbone yeah on the dream smp there were some spineless ass creators yeah! but tommy was NOT one of them”

TUBBO WHACK HIM AGAIN FOR ME 🔥 pic.twitter.com/vpCpdIhG5d

— mils ✩˚.⋆ (@thelorebitch) January 11, 2025

TommyInnit’s Allegations Against Dream

The conflict took a sharp turn when TommyInnit released a video outlining serious allegations against Dream. He accused Dream of using misogynistic language and even harassing his mother during a difficult time in her life. Tommy shared that during his younger years, Dream took advantage of his vulnerability, using YouTube advice to control him and belittle him.

“You harassed my mom when she was going through a divorce, the worst time of her life,” Tommy said. He added, “You tried to harm the relationship between me and my mom.”

Tommy also called out Dream’s behavior within the Dream SMP community, claiming that Dream perpetuated sexist attitudes and lacked accountability. He criticized Dream for failing to grow as a person and reverting to using harmful slurs.

“You’re like a proper movie villain,” Tommy stated, accusing Dream of exploiting young creators and lying to fans.

Dream’s Response and Backlash

Dream initially responded to the drama with a now-deleted tweet that included a controversial meme, referring to Tommy’s fans with a slur. Though Dream removed the tweet and issued an apology, he defended his actions in a Reddit post, accusing Tommy of lying and being overly critical.

This sparked further backlash, with Tubbo, another former Dream SMP member, stepping in to defend Tommy. Tubbo asserted that Tommy’s integrity led him to cut ties with those he once idolized, including Dream.

Tommy released a follow-up video in which he condemned Dream’s actions, particularly his use of the slur. “You can’t throw around the R slur, mate. It’s impossibly immature and reckless,” he said.

he already deleted this brother where is that supposed backbone of yours 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/WkfXp0f5i5

— mils ✩˚.⋆ (@thelorebitch) January 12, 2025

The Fallout

The drama has expanded beyond the creators, with even the parents of former Dream SMP members speaking out. Tommy’s mother labeled Dream an “ableist pr*ck.” Meanwhile, Dream announced plans to release a response video addressing Tommy’s accusations, claiming he was unjustly attacked.

As the Minecraft community watches this explosive feud unfold, fans are left questioning the dynamics of their favorite creators. With Dream yet to share his side of the story, the situation remains tense, and the once-beloved Dream SMP legacy faces increasing scrutiny.

For now, the drama continues to dominate discussions online, leaving fans divided and uncertain about what comes next.

Couldn’t be arsed getting involved. There’s no ambiguity about using the R slur.
Then I saw the bit about being autistic which really fucked me off. Being autistic and being an ableist prick are 2 completely different things.

Big love to all my neuro-spicy pals. ❤️

— Sarah Simons (@MsSarahSimons) January 11, 2025

• Also read: Dragon Ball Daima Episode 14: Release Time, Date, Spoilers, Watch Online and Other Details

The post TommyInnit and Dream Clash: Accusations, Fallout, and Dream SMP Drama appeared first on TheRecentTimes.

The outage, which occurred shortly after 8:00 PM Eastern, was traced to a power transformer failure in Sacramento, where the game’s North American Data Centers are located. Players on social media speculated about the cause, and Reddit posts confirmed that a loud popping sound consistent with a transformer blowout had been heard in the area. Square Enix later released a statement on the Lodestone acknowledging the issue and confirming that an investigation was underway.

what if u went to play ur favorite video game final fantasy xiv and the servers said pic.twitter.com/Mdf1EyBg6E

— misa ! (@nyappai) January 6, 2025

A History of Server Challenges

While this outage was caused by a localized power issue, it’s not the first time Final Fantasy 14’s servers have faced disruptions. Throughout 2024, the game was repeatedly targeted by distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks. These cyberattacks overloaded servers with false information, leading to increased latency and widespread disconnections.

Final Fantasy XIV appears to be having server and connection issues. pic.twitter.com/5aShntEQh2

— TrentHuggins PS5 Shares (@TrentHuggins) January 6, 2025

Square Enix has implemented mitigation techniques to address DDoS attacks, but these measures have limitations. Players often resorted to using virtual private networks (VPNs) to stabilize their connections during such attacks.

Despite these efforts, the recent outage adds to the ongoing challenges of maintaining the game’s online infrastructure, especially as the game continues to expand its player base and content offerings.

Final Fantasy 14 down pic.twitter.com/k8wv3IErrh

— A poor thing in the road🌞Sage (@BuggedSage) January 6, 2025

Current Status and Player Reactions

As of writing, the affected North American Data Centers—Aether, Crystal, and Primal—are gradually coming back online, while the newer Dynamis Data Center remains inaccessible. Meanwhile, data centers in Europe, Japan, and Oceania were unaffected, further confirming the localized nature of the issue.

Players shared their experiences on social media, ranging from humorous frustrations to detailed observations about the outage. One user tweeted:
“Final Fantasy XIV appears to be having server and connection issues. Guess I’ll go touch grass for an hour.”

Another remarked on Reddit:
“I was mid-dungeon run when everything froze. Heard about the Sacramento transformer, makes sense now.”

The outage comes at a critical time for Final Fantasy 14 as Square Enix prepares for ambitious expansions in 2025, including the anticipated launch of Final Fantasy 14 Mobile. While the game remains one of the most popular MMORPGs globally, server stability continues to be a challenge.

The recent incident underscores the importance of robust infrastructure as the game evolves to meet the demands of its growing community. Whether Square Enix can address these recurring technical issues effectively will play a significant role in shaping the future of the beloved game.

Holy shit final fantasy 14 is completely down in NA what just happened

— ✦ Star ✦ is on 🦋☁️ (@EvenOtter_) January 6, 2025

• Also read: Zendaya Sparks Engagement Buzz at 2025 Golden Globes with Stunning $200K Ring

The post Final Fantasy 14 Server Outage: Thousands Report Connection Issues Across North America appeared first on TheRecentTimes.

Notch’s Vision for a New Game

On New Year’s Day, Notch took to X to share his thoughts on his next potential project, saying:

“The new game I’m passionately working on is currently set to be a traditional roguelike… But then I gots to thinking that maybe there are people who like my work but might not share my taste in retro nostalgia and would prefer for me to make a spiritual successor thing to Minecraft.”

The post quickly gained traction, garnering millions of views and a flood of responses from fans urging him to consider creating Minecraft 2. Notch admitted that the idea had appeal, stating that he would be “absolutely willing” to pursue the project if it resonated with the community.

Honest and legitimate request for feedback for once:

The new game I'm passionately working on is currently set to be a traditional roguelike (i.e. ADOM, nethack, etc) mixed with a tile based first person dungeon crawler (ie Legend of Grimrock (esp 2), Eye of the Beholder)

But…

— notch (@notch) January 1, 2025

What to Expect from Notch’s “Adventureland”

While no concrete details have been confirmed, Notch revealed a working concept for the project, tentatively titled Adventureland. He hinted that the game would combine elements of his current roguelike project with features reminiscent of Minecraft. He also teased the possibility of integrating steampunk themes and even setting the game in space, following fan suggestions.

Trees, one of his favorite design elements, are expected to play a significant role in the new game. Notch has also emphasized his commitment to transparency, promising early access to players and even livestreaming the development process, as he did during the early days of Minecraft.

The Creator of Minecraft, Notch, announced a spiritual successor to Minecraft. 😮

"I basically announced Minecraft 2." pic.twitter.com/UoDeOg0qHX

— DramaAlert (@DramaAlert) January 3, 2025

Notch’s Approach to the Gaming Industry

Since leaving Mojang in 2014 after its acquisition by Microsoft, Notch has worked independently, most recently under his studio Bitshift Entertainment. Despite his departure, he has expressed admiration for Mojang’s continued work on Minecraft and its updates under Microsoft.

Addressing questions about collaboration, Notch stated he would be open to working with Microsoft if it aligned with his goals for the game. However, he also underscored his desire to create a project distinct from Mojang’s current work.

If microsoft, for some reason, would want me to do it, and we, somehow, agreed on the terms, I'd absolutely be willing do to that.

I'd even give them a much bigger share than I'd feel obliged to just to make it clear I'm not doing it with ill intent.

But I'll be a bitch to work…

— notch (@notch) January 3, 2025

Community Excitement and Anticipation

Fans of the original game have expressed overwhelming support for the idea of Minecraft 2. Suggestions and pitches have poured in from the community, from thematic elements to gameplay mechanics. Although Notch has not committed to a timeline, the anticipation continues to grow.

Considering the original Minecraft took approximately two years to develop, a similar timeframe might be expected if Notch proceeds with the sequel. For now, gamers can only wait and hope that this new project will live up to its potential as the spiritual successor to one of the most beloved games of all time.

As the discussions unfold, one thing is clear: the prospect of a new game from Notch has reignited the excitement of the gaming world, with fans eager to see what he brings to life next.

Minecraft is fine the way it is, don't ruin it @notch

— Mr Pro Wrestling Fan (@WrestlingAEW24) January 3, 2025

So he's making Minecraft 2, so confused?

— Will B (@willb____) January 3, 2025

It's gonna be better than whatever Microsoft's been doing for sure pic.twitter.com/ODvtmMcxbp

— World Hall Of Fun (@WorldHallOfFun) January 4, 2025

• Also read: Bomb Threat Reported at SpaceX Starbase in Texas, FBI Investigating Incident

The post Notch Teases Minecraft 2: Spiritual Successor to Beloved Sandbox Game in Development? appeared first on TheRecentTimes.

Enhanced Visuals Leave Fans in Awe

The improved trailer offers a fresh perspective on details that were previously obscured by YouTube’s compression. From character models to environmental realism, every frame highlights the meticulous care Rockstar has poured into crafting this highly anticipated sequel.

Here’s what the higher bitrate version reveals:

Realistic Character Models: Lucia and Jason, two main characters, showcase detailed skin textures, individual hair strands, and subtle facial nuances, such as acne scars and muscle deformation physics.

– More detailed skin on Lucia’s face pic.twitter.com/WSDGPjU1ib

— GTA 6 Countdown ⏳ (@GTAVI_Countdown) December 31, 2024

NPC Realism: Non-playable characters (NPCs) come to life with behaviors like nodding at each other, sitting on cars, and reacting naturally to their surroundings. Intricate details, such as visible veins, stretch marks, and sunburns, add layers of authenticity.

Environmental Details: Grass sways more realistically, raindrops glisten on surfaces, and the urban landscape is brought to life with legible signage and interactive elements. For instance, a satirical billboard with fine-print humor underscores Rockstar’s signature wit.

Improved Animation Physics: Muscle and jiggle physics, even for NPCs, demonstrate Rockstar’s commitment to immersive gameplay visuals.

– Multiple NPCs can be seen hanging out on the balcony, showing the scale of these buildings pic.twitter.com/VoEEJQuggm

— GTA 6 Countdown ⏳ (@GTAVI_Countdown) December 31, 2024

A Record-Breaking Launch on the Horizon

GTA 6, expected to release for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Series S, is being touted as potentially the biggest entertainment launch of all time. Analysts believe its arrival could redefine gaming standards, with other developers timing their releases to avoid competition.

While fans have been eagerly awaiting a second trailer, Rockstar’s silence has only added to the anticipation. The current trailer, enhanced through BiliBili’s higher-quality platform, has become a treasure trove of clues for enthusiasts dissecting every pixel.

– NPC reacts to a car passing by and nods his head for the NPC next to him, who also reacts pic.twitter.com/2V8scRFeGR

— GTA 6 Countdown ⏳ (@GTAVI_Countdown) December 31, 2024

The Wait Continues

With a tentative release window of late 2025 or possibly 2026, the higher-quality trailer is a tantalizing glimpse into what GTA 6 promises to deliver. As fans scour the footage for hidden details, Rockstar’s commitment to innovation and realism becomes ever more apparent.

For now, fans can only hope that the next few months will bring more updates or perhaps a second trailer. Until then, this stunning re-release of the first trailer ensures the excitement for Grand Theft Auto 6 remains at a fever pitch.

Stay tuned for more updates on GTA 6 as the gaming world counts down to its historic debut.

– The caption on the Angstipan billboard is easier to read, it says: “Patients 18-65 should use with extreme caution. Sudden urge to think could be life threatening. Call your doctor if your erection lasts more than 4 hours” pic.twitter.com/tMt4zg9UkX

— GTA 6 Countdown ⏳ (@GTAVI_Countdown) December 31, 2024

– Muscle deformation physics easier to see, in addition to jiggle physics. pic.twitter.com/sOjaXYj1BD

— GTA 6 Countdown ⏳ (@GTAVI_Countdown) December 31, 2024

– Acne scars are easier to see, showcasing Rockstar’s attention to detail even for NPCs pic.twitter.com/SZbqwCrzgU

— GTA 6 Countdown ⏳ (@GTAVI_Countdown) December 31, 2024

– Lucia and Stephanie’s hair is less blurry and more detailed, with each strand more visible pic.twitter.com/dLG8f4SgbU

— GTA 6 Countdown ⏳ (@GTAVI_Countdown) December 31, 2024

– NPC wearing flip-flops as a separate model from her heel. This was seen before in GTAV but only with the main protagonist pic.twitter.com/OFYcMaBytI

— GTA 6 Countdown ⏳ (@GTAVI_Countdown) December 31, 2024

– Individual dollar bills can be seen more clearly on the ground and Lucia holding 20 dollar bills with “United States of Paranoia” written on them pic.twitter.com/AdCZ5HHRXB

— GTA 6 Countdown ⏳ (@GTAVI_Countdown) December 31, 2024

• Also read: MrBeast Responds to Backlash Over 100-Day Private Jet Challenge

The post COMPARISON: GTA 6 Trailer Leaked in Higher Quality Reveals Stunning Visuals and Details appeared first on TheRecentTimes.

The Incident That Sparked It All

The feud dates back to October 13, 2024, during a collaborative Fortnite roleplay session. Nick Eh 30, known for his family-friendly streams, asked IShowSpeed if he considered himself “the king.” In response, Speed used offensive language, including the N-word, before eliminating Nick in the game.

Visibly upset, the Canadian streamer banned IShowSpeed from participating in his custom Fortnite lobbies, declaring:

“You’re banned. Hey, you’re never joining my customs ever again. Bye!”

🚨| WATCH: Nick Eh 30 just PERMANENTLY BANNED Speed from his Fortnite customs 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/kDvTxMs217

— Speedy HQ (@IShowSpeedHQ) October 12, 2024

The Blocking Drama

Fast forward to December 29, 2024, during Speed’s ongoing Fortnite OG marathon livestream with fellow streamer Kai Cenat. Speed attempted to call Nick Eh 30, only to discover his number had been blocked. A short clip of the moment, shared by X user @IShowSpeedHQ, captures Speed’s surprise:

“[Automated message plays] … Nick Eh 30 really blocked me?!”

Kai Cenat chimed in, confirming, “He blocked your dumb a**,” while mocking Nick’s seriousness about Fortnite.

Later that day, Nick Eh 30 seemingly confirmed the block in a post responding to the situation:

“Don’t grief my 100-player roleplay next time.”

Clip: pic.twitter.com/dcANRChK5G

— Speedy HQ (@IShowSpeedHQ) December 29, 2024

Community Reactions and xQc’s Take

The feud didn’t stop there. At the 50-hour mark of his stream, Speed discovered Nick’s post and expressed disbelief over being blocked:

“Just because I grieved his custom (Fortnite game)? Like, huh?!”

Meanwhile, Twitch and Kick streamer Felix “xQc” added his voice to the conversation, accusing Epic Games of showing favoritism toward IShowSpeed and Kai Cenat. xQc criticized the company for providing the duo with accounts capable of banning stream snipers, fueling debates about fairness in the Fortnite community.

🚨| WATCH: Speed reacts to @NickEh30 admitting he blocked his number 😭 pic.twitter.com/Jvu2EV5glu

— Speedy HQ (@IShowSpeedHQ) December 29, 2024

The controversy highlights the stark contrast between Speed’s chaotic, unfiltered style and Nick Eh 30’s structured, family-oriented approach. Fans on both sides have taken to social media to defend their favorites, while others have criticized the feud as unnecessary drama.

As the dust settles, one thing is clear: this Fortnite feud has become a significant moment in gaming culture, blending the unpredictable nature of livestreaming with the ever-evolving dynamics of online personalities.

• Also read: TikTok’s Viral ‘Grape Theory’: A New Year’s Tradition for Love

The post IShowSpeed and Nick Eh 30 Fortnite Feud: What Happened? appeared first on TheRecentTimes.

Ninja, who rose to global prominence thanks to Epic Games’ Fortnite, credited the battle royale phenomenon for catapulting his career to unprecedented heights. While he now streams to a smaller audience than during his peak, Ninja remains the most-followed Twitch streamer, boasting over 19 million followers.

the clip: pic.twitter.com/bBSoy38ZMJ

— yoxic (@yoxics) December 10, 2024

The $6.7 Million Revelation

During the live stream, Stable Ronaldo asked Ninja about the most money he had ever earned in a single month. Initially reluctant, Ninja dodged the question but eventually gave an estimate:

“Estimated? Uh, it would have to have been when we had, the month I made $5 million of the creator. $6.7 million, I think.”

The admission left Stable Ronaldo stunned, prompting him to label the amount “disgusting.” Ninja quickly responded, expressing second thoughts about sharing the information:

“Yeah, dude, I am thinking I should not have said that, by the way. But yeah bro, this was like peak though. It was prime Ninja, dude.”

A Legacy Built on Fortnite

Ninja’s peak streaming days were defined by Fortnite’s explosive popularity. From hosting record-breaking streams to playing alongside celebrities like Drake, he became synonymous with the game. While his audience has dwindled over the years, Ninja’s influence remains undeniable, with his financial achievements reflecting his impact during Fortnite’s golden era.

Ninja’s revelation sparked curiosity about earnings in the streaming world, where contracts, sponsorships, and platform deals play pivotal roles. Just days earlier, another Fortnite star, Myth, disclosed details of his income from a two-year deal with YouTube Gaming, highlighting the competitive nature of the industry.

Although Ninja’s current viewership doesn’t rival his prime, his influence on gaming and streaming is undeniable. His $6.7 million milestone serves as a reminder of the massive opportunities in esports and streaming for those who reach the top.

deserved though. his entertainment during his prime time was elite and i used to watch him everyday before school like i had a gun to my head 😂

— Rehzau (@Rehzau) December 10, 2024

damn thats a lot but i am happy for the guy he put in the work and basically never has to work again

— Zorin (@Zorin_NFT) December 10, 2024

That's a massive number pic.twitter.com/JvJPsZjaba

— Scooter (@ScooterBuilds) December 10, 2024

• Also read: Public Outcry Follows Viral Video of Luigi Mangione’s Courthouse Outburst

The post Ninja Reveals $6.7 Million Monthly Earnings During Fortnite Peak appeared first on TheRecentTimes.

The primary issue appears to be an error message stating, “not sure what happened there,” which greeted users attempting to buy or download games from the Xbox store. The problem reportedly affected users across Xbox consoles, PCs, and even the Microsoft website.

trying to buy vbucks but xbox store isnt working pic.twitter.com/Wxk3baBOF3

— jack ⭐️ (@14YoureOver) December 7, 2024

Gamers Take to Social Media

Disgruntled players flooded X with posts expressing their frustrations. Many users shared their experiences and questioned if others were facing similar problems.

One user posted:

“Is the #Xbox store down for anyone else?” alongside a screenshot of the error.

Another commented:

“Trying to get a game from the Xbox store and it seems like it’s down. Great.”

Is the #Xbox store down for anyone else? pic.twitter.com/lEc8Zr3QqG

— Taylor McIntire (@taylormcintire) December 7, 2024

A frustrated gamer detailed the broader impact of the outage, saying:

“There seems to be some issues going on. Can’t download games from Xbox store, so I checked on my payment options. Nothing is loading from both the Xbox and Microsoft website (PC).”

Others urged Xbox’s support team to act quickly, with one user writing:

“@XboxSupport Microsoft store is broken, already seeing similar posts from others. Don’t bother replying, look internal and fix it.”

Trying to get a game from the xbox store and it seems like it's down. Great.

— ben ☕ (@SlipperyMech) December 7, 2024

No Official Response Yet

As of now, Xbox Support has not released any official statement addressing the outage. The silence has only added to the frustration of gamers eager to purchase and play new titles.

is the xbox store broken or something???

— Boc The Seamster (@boc_demihuman) December 7, 2024

The outage has raised questions about the reliability of the Xbox ecosystem for digital purchases. As gaming increasingly moves toward digital platforms, disruptions like this underscore the importance of robust infrastructure and swift communication from support teams.

While the exact cause of the issue remains unclear, gamers are hoping for a resolution soon to restore access to the Xbox Live store.

• Also read: Diddy Denies Sexual Assault Allegations from NHL Star Evander Kane’s Ex-Wife

The post Xbox Store Reportedly Down, Gamers Face Issues Buying Games appeared first on TheRecentTimes.

Marijuana-Themed Content Sparks Outrage

The Dank Days Tracer Pack, which launched on December 5, 2024, includes a variety of cannabis-inspired cosmetic items. Highlights of the pack include the “Bongshot” Mastercraft blueprint for the KSV SMG, the “Blunty” operator skin, and other marijuana-themed customizations. This isn’t the franchise’s first foray into weed-related content. Previous bundles, such as the “Stoner’s Delight” pack for Black Ops Cold War and Warzone, also embraced cannabis themes.

Soon you’ll be able to smoke a bong (your gun) in Call of Duty 😚💨🍃 pic.twitter.com/JuL016OqDJ

— ModernWarzone (@ModernWarzone) December 5, 2024

A viral clip featuring a gun designed to look like it’s made of marijuana has reignited criticism. Many players took to social media to point out the perceived hypocrisy of promoting cannabis-related items while banning players for toxic in-game behavior.

Automated Moderation System Draws Ire

In January 2024, Call of Duty implemented an automated voice moderation system designed to reduce toxic behavior in multiplayer lobbies. The system has reportedly been effective, resulting in restrictions for over 2 million players who were found using slurs or engaging in harmful language.

While many applauded the effort to curb toxicity, others criticized the bans as overreach. The backlash intensified with the release of the marijuana-themed update, as some players saw it as prioritizing profit over maintaining a consistent moral stance.

CoD getting backlash for promoting drugs, but banning people who swear. pic.twitter.com/NNLCjbJ4DE

— DramaAlert (@DramaAlert) December 5, 2024

Social Media Reacts

Players were quick to voice their frustrations online:

“CoD be like: ‘Say no to bad words, but yes to bad habits.’ Priorities need a patch update!”

“Society is actually finished. It is 18+ for a reason, though!”

“Weed smokers watching people try to take away their gaming high.”

CoD be like: ‘Say no to bad words, but yes to bad habits, Priorities need a patch update!

— Afan (@M7movic) December 5, 2024

While some dismissed the outrage as overblown, others argued that Call of Duty’s focus should be on refining gameplay rather than promoting potentially divisive content.

This controversy highlights ongoing challenges for Activision Blizzard in balancing creative decisions with community expectations. The company’s efforts to combat toxicity are significant, but the juxtaposition of marijuana-themed content has sparked a debate about the values being promoted.

As Call of Duty continues to evolve, these clashes between gameplay innovation and community standards will likely remain a point of contention. Whether this backlash will lead to changes in the game’s content strategy remains to be seen.

Society is actually finished😭 It is 18 plus for a reason pic.twitter.com/kDYlEmWPxD

— Lulu🎀 (@luanabellex) December 5, 2024

I’ve been chat banned probably 6 times now but this is allowed 🤣🤣

— Dylan Morris (@DylP_003) December 6, 2024

• Also read: Magic Kingdom Expansion Faces Delays Amid Permit Issues with SFWMD

The post Call of Duty Criticized for Weed-Themed Content While Enforcing Strict Toxicity Bans appeared first on TheRecentTimes.

A Difficult Decision and Studio Closures

As part of the decision, Ubisoft will close its production studios in San Francisco and Osaka while downsizing its Sydney site. The closure impacts 143 employees in San Francisco and 134 in Osaka and Sydney, many of whom will be transitioning to other roles within Ubisoft. A smaller team will oversee the release of XDefiant‘s final content before the game sunsets entirely on June 3, 2025.

BREAKING: XDefiant is shutting down. pic.twitter.com/8U3oWEi5rF

— CharlieIntel (@charlieINTEL) December 3, 2024

The news was shared during an internal meeting, citing declining player numbers and insufficient in-game spending as the main reasons behind the shutdown. Despite the initial hype and strong launch numbers—surpassing 15 million players—XDefiant struggled to maintain momentum, with player counts plummeting to fewer than 20,000 concurrent users by mid-August.

Refunds and Final Content Release

Ubisoft confirmed that as of December 3, 2024, new downloads and registrations for XDefiant will no longer be available. The company will still release Season 3 content soon, but this will mark the end of the game’s development. Players who purchased the Ultimate Founder’s Pack or made in-game purchases within the last 30 days will receive refunds, which should be processed by January 28, 2025.

A Vision Cut Short

Executive producer Mark Rubin expressed his disappointment in a heartfelt message to the game’s community. He praised the development team for their dedication and innovation, including the removal of skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) and a focus on a more traditional arcade shooter experience. Rubin acknowledged that while free-to-play games often require long-term investment to succeed, XDefiant ultimately fell short of the results needed to justify further development.

Dear Players,

Important message: XDEFIANT IS SUNSETTING!

Thank you for your incredible support and dedication to XDEFIANT. We regret to inform you that we are initiating the sunset process starting today, December 3, 2024.
As a result, new downloads, player registrations and… pic.twitter.com/h0kXRowL5T

— XDefiant (@PlayXDefiant) December 3, 2024

“Despite an encouraging start and a passionate team, we’ve not been able to attract and retain enough players to compete at the level we aimed for,” said Marie-Sophie de Waubert, Ubisoft’s chief studios and portfolio officer.

Challenges for Ubisoft

The closure of XDefiant adds to a string of challenges for Ubisoft, including underperformance from titles like Skull & Bones and delays for highly anticipated games such as Assassin’s Creed: Shadows. Critics have pointed to Ubisoft’s expansive workforce and ambitious projects as contributing factors to these setbacks.

For fans and developers alike, the shutdown of XDefiant is a bittersweet ending to a game that sought to redefine the FPS landscape. As the industry evolves, the experience serves as a reminder of the risks and rewards of innovation in an increasingly competitive market.

Truly a shame, I don't think I'll ever share the same passion for a game ever again. Thank you for all the memories 🤧💔

— Clue (@ClueFPS) December 4, 2024

That's tough man, the market is oversaturated, some players are in COD and the game had some really import things to fix.

Thank you guys, it wasn't a bad game at all.

— Znorux // (@Znorux) December 3, 2024

SAY JK RIGHT NOOWW😭! My heart is broken! XD was literally my very first first-person shooting game. Spent so many hrs trying to learn and fell in love with how chill it was regardless of its flaws😔 what da fuck am I gunna play, I hate it here!

— sweet. (@swettartstv) December 3, 2024

• Also read: Netflix to Stream Junji Ito’s Uzumaki Anime in Asia Starting December 20

The post Ubisoft Shuts Down XDefiant, Free-to-Play Shooter; Refunds Announced appeared first on TheRecentTimes.