Epic Games Store: February's last free game is a well-rated action-adventure title
The Epic Games Store has once again offered its users two free games to claim, with the current selection being Garden Story and World War Z: Aftermath. Next week's giveaway will be Mages of Mystralia, an action-adventure title that generally sells for $19.99 but boasts a "Very Positive" rating on Steam. The game's unique spell-crafting system and colorful art style have drawn praise from players.
The Epic Games Store's free game selection has become an attractive option for gamers looking to discover new titles without spending money, highlighting the platform's growing importance in the gaming industry.
How will the increasing popularity of free games on platforms like Epic Games Store impact the traditional business model of video game sales and distribution?
The Epic Games Store has launched a new free game giveaway, featuring the indie fighting game Them's Fightin' Herds, valued at $19.99, which will be available for download until March 13. This giveaway continues the store's trend of providing indie titles alongside mainstream offerings, catering to a diverse audience across multiple platforms including Windows, Linux, and macOS. While the game has been well-received for its accessibility and tutorial system, it faces criticism for its limited character roster.
This initiative not only highlights the ongoing popularity of indie games but also reflects Epic's strategy to attract a wider player base in a highly competitive market dominated by larger titles.
How might the inclusion of indie games in major storefronts influence the future of game development and consumer preferences in the gaming industry?
The Epic Games Store has updated its free games program on PC, offering an indie fighting game worth $20 that has also been released on Linux, macOS, PlayStation, Xbox and the Nintendo Switch. The storefront is giving away Them's Fightin' Herds, developed by Mane6 and published across various platforms, from March 7 to March 13. This deal only discounts the base game, with the Deluxe Edition offering additional content but not discounted.
The limited-time nature of this giveaway may serve as a reminder that many digital deals are fleeting opportunities for gamers to snag affordable titles.
Will the free-to-play model and exclusive storefront distribution strategies continue to shape the way we discover and play games in the future?
The Epic Games Store has announced the next free game giveaway for March 2025, an action RPG worth $29.99, Mortal Shell, which will be paired with a time-limited exclusive DLC for World of Warships. This upcoming free title on the platform generally receives a "Mixed" rating on Steam due to its confusing level design and limited variety. Despite this, it features a Souls-like combat system that requires players to manage stamina.
The fact that Mortal Shell is receiving a free game giveaway alongside its DLC for World of Warships suggests a strategic move by Epic Games Store to attract players from both the gaming world and naval enthusiasts.
How will the inclusion of a unique in-game item, such as the Yūbari Japanese Tier IV cruiser, influence the overall gameplay experience and replay value of Mortal Shell?
The bundle packages both open-world Middle-earth games with a flat 90% off on the total price. You get two critically acclaimed action-adventure titles based on The Lord of the Rings franchise with a unique story and the much loved Nemesis system. The game may seem like your average open-world title at first glance, but what sets it apart is the unique Nemesis system, a mechanic so good that Warner Bros. patented it. Both these games offer a unique storyline and a dynamic battle system that culminates in visually stunning large-scale assaults.
The sale of these critically acclaimed games at an unprecedented 90% discount could signal a new era for gamers looking to save big on their favorite titles, but will this lead to a flooded market with more games being discounted to unsustainable levels?
How will the future of gaming bundle sales be shaped by the success of Middle-earth: The Shadow bundle, and what implications will it have for game developers and publishers?
Most of these game deals will end on March 13. Many top-rated games have seen a limited-time price cut on Steam, with discounts ranging from 20% to 86%. These deals include many well-rated and Steam Deck Playable titles, making it an excellent opportunity for gamers to grab some amazing indie games at discounted prices.
This sale highlights the growing popularity of indie games on Steam, particularly those compatible with the Steam Deck, which has become a staple in the gaming community.
Will this limited-time sale drive more gamers to explore and invest in the world of indie gaming, potentially leading to a new wave of innovative and unique game development?
Scrap Collector, a new strategy card game, has been free to claim on Steam due to a developer's pricing mistake. The dev meant to charge $4.99 but accidentally set it as free, allowing players to claim the game before Valve fixes the error and restores its price. Released on March 7, Scrap Collector offers resource management, crafting, and combat in a unique blend of deck-building and exploration.
The developer's mistake raises questions about the reliability of Steam's pricing system and the potential consequences for both developers and users.
How will this incident impact the gaming community's perception of indie game developers and their ability to manage production and distribution?
Amazon Prime Gaming has unveiled a selection of 20 free games for March, featuring popular titles from the Saints Row and Mafia franchises. As the month unfolds, additional notable games like Wolfenstein and Deus Ex will be made available, enhancing the lineup for Prime members. This offering not only showcases remastered classics but also highlights the increasing competition among gaming platforms to attract subscribers.
The inclusion of well-known franchises in the free game lineup may signal a strategic move by Amazon to bolster its gaming ecosystem and retain Prime memberships amid growing competition from other gaming services.
What impact will the availability of these classic titles have on the engagement and retention of Amazon Prime Gaming subscribers in the long run?
Isle of Jura, a casual indie exploration game, is now free to claim on Steam until March 9 - when it goes back to paid status again. The game lets players fish, explore, and unwind in a relaxing island setting, with simple mechanics paired by a laid-back, peaceful atmosphere. For a limited time, Isle of Jura is available for free on Steam as part of a promotion.
This sudden shift from free to paid could indicate a reevaluation of the gaming industry's approach to pricing indie titles, where games are often offered at very low costs or even for free to generate buzz.
Will this trend of offering games for extended periods of time without a purchase decision lead to changes in how developers and publishers set their initial prices for new releases?
The highly-rated co-op zombie shooter Zombie Army 4: Dead War is now available at its lowest price in months, dropping to just $4.99 after a massive 90% discount on Steam. The game's engaging co-op mechanics, over-the-top action, and satisfying progression system have earned it over 7,200 "Very Positive" reviews on Steam. Players will be able to team up with friends and survive increasingly difficult waves of enemies in an alternate history setting where zombie Nazis overrun Europe.
This limited-time deal is a great opportunity for fans of co-op zombie shooters like Left 4 Dead to grab Zombie Army 4 at a steep discount, potentially attracting new players to the game.
As the deal expires on March 10, will the discounted price remain attractive enough to drive sales and maintain the game's popularity in the competitive gaming market?
Ubisoft's publisher campaign has brought gamers a plethora of discounts on full-price titles, with Far Cry 5 being one of the most eye-catching deals. With over 150,000 reviews and a very positive rating, Far Cry 5 should be an interesting option for those looking to save big. The game delivers plenty of shocking moments, but its shallow story has been a point of contention among players. Far Cry 5 sticks to the series' signature open-world design while introducing some fresh elements.
Ubisoft's sale reflects the gaming industry's growing reliance on digital storefronts like Steam, highlighting the need for retailers to adapt their business models in response.
Will this sale set a precedent for future price drops on AAA titles, and what implications might it have for game developers' revenue streams?
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Breakpoint is available on Steam for a whopping 90% discount, bringing the price down to just $6 instead of its usual $60. The game has over 26,000 reviews and holds a Mostly Positive rating of 72% on Steam, indicating that it's worth checking out for open-world fans. With a vast open world offering plenty of freedom, players can explore, fight, and survive in Auroa, a once-thriving tech haven now controlled by the Wolves.
The key to Ghost Recon Breakpoint's success lies in its ability to balance multiple gameplay mechanics, from tactical planning and stealth to exploration and survival. By mastering these elements, players can create an immersive experience that sets them apart from others in the genre.
How will Ubisoft support the game with post-launch content and updates to address some of the criticisms raised by reviewers and maintain a strong player base over time?
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege is currently available on Steam with an 80% discount, reducing its price from $20 to just $4 until March 13. This tactical co-op shooter has become one of the most popular multiplayer shooters since its release in 2015 and consistently attracts over 80,000 concurrent players. The game's unique blend of strategy and destructible environments has made it a favorite among gamers, but also raises questions about its accessibility for newcomers.
The appeal of Rainbow Six Siege lies not only in its engaging gameplay but also in the sense of community that comes with playing with like-minded players who share the same passion for tactical multiplayer.
As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, will the popularity of co-op shooters like Rainbow Six Siege be sustained by newer titles that offer similar experiences at more affordable price points?
Sniper Elite 4 is now available on Fanatical with a 93% discount, allowing gamers to purchase the game for just $4.50 instead of its regular price of $60. The game has earned over 50,000 reviews on Steam, with a “Very Positive” rating thanks to its tactical sniper gameplay and realistic mechanics. Despite some weaknesses, including inconsistent AI and lack of innovation, the game's thrilling gameplay and flexible stealth mechanics have won over many players.
The significant discount on Sniper Elite 4 highlights the ongoing trend of price drops in the gaming industry, making it more accessible for new players while also tempting existing fans to revisit classic titles.
How will the shift towards more affordable games impact the overall gaming landscape, particularly for indie developers and smaller studios struggling to compete with larger publishers?
Palworld developer has no idea why Nintendo’s suing over its Pokémon-like game, but the company seems unfazed by the lawsuit as it rolls out a big update in December adding a new island to the game. The development of Palworld has been a surprise to many, with the game achieving 15-million-copies-sold-in-its-first-month sales. The success of Palworld has also led to the creation of a new indie publishing label, Pocketpair Publishing.
The speed at which Palworld has gained popularity raises questions about the role of social media in popularizing independent games and the ease with which they can go viral.
As the industry continues to grapple with the implications of game development and publishing in an increasingly digital landscape, how will the rise of indie publishers like Pocketpair shape the future of gaming?
GOG is offering a 90% discount on Batman: Arkham Origins, bringing the price down to $2.19 from its usual $22. The game's DRM-free nature allows players to download and play without an internet connection. Released in 2013, the game follows a young Batman as he tries to earn his place as Gotham's protector.
The appeal of this deal lies in the fact that many gamers have been waiting for a discounted price point on a well-regarded title like Arkham Origins, making it an attractive option for those looking to expand their gaming library.
What will be the long-term impact on the game's community and player base if it continues to be widely available at such a low price, potentially disrupting the traditional business model of game development and distribution?
To help out victims of the Californian fire disaster, itch.io is now offering a bundle full of games, assets, tools, books and more. In total, the bundle with 422 contents is worth more than $3,200, but will only cost $10 for the next two weeks or so. The "California Fire Relief Bundle" contains a wide variety of titles, including PC games like Tunic, Cook, Serve, Delicious 2, and Octodad: Dadliest Catch, as well as board games, digital books, and other content.
This bundle showcases the versatility of gaming communities in responding to social crises, highlighting the power of collective fundraising and game development for good causes.
How will the success of this bundle inspire similar initiatives in the gaming industry, and what impact might it have on the broader cultural landscape?
Sega has topped Metacritic's rankings as the top game publisher for 2024, with Capcom taking second place and Sony third. The ranking is based on critic review scores, with a points system that rewards games with high review scores. Sega's success can be attributed to popular titles like Metaphor: ReFantazio and Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance.
This surprising victory by Sega highlights the importance of critical acclaim in shaping consumer perceptions of game publishers, potentially upending traditional market dynamics.
How will this ranking impact Sega's ability to attract talent and investment for future projects, particularly given its history of success with beloved franchises like Sonic the Hedgehog?
Chernobylite Complete Edition is a survival horror RPG set in Chernobyl that includes all DLC and updates, now 80% off on Steam for the first time. This atmospheric game drops to $5.99 from its usual $29.99, making it an excellent deal for fans of the genre. The offer ends March 13, offering a limited-time chance to pick up this tense and engaging game.
The low price point makes Chernobylite Complete Edition an attractive option for those looking for a unique gaming experience that combines exploration, base-building, crafting, stealth, and gunplay.
Will the game's dark atmosphere and complex storyline be enough to draw in players who may not typically venture into survival horror games?
Disney Plus has announced a 40% discount on its annual Premium subscription in Singapore, with the offer available until March 31, 2025. The deal brings down the annual price from SG$189.98 to just SG$113.98, making it an attractive option for Disney fans. This promotion comes at a time when popular shows like Daredevil: Born Again and Moana 2 are set to release on the platform.
The timing of this offer couldn't be more strategic, as it coincides with the highly anticipated releases of two popular Marvel and Disney shows, potentially boosting subscriber numbers and driving engagement.
How will this promotional push influence Disney's long-term strategy for expanding its subscriber base in the Asian market?
Palworld is now available on the Mac App Store, bringing popular Mac gamers another beloved title to enjoy. The new version includes recent updates and most of its features, but dedicated server hosting will have to wait until mid-March. A cross-play feature that was promised is still missing, which may limit the game's online multiplayer experience.
Despite facing criticism as a "dying" game, Palworld's consistent daily Steam player count demonstrates its enduring popularity among PC players.
What impact will the game's continued updates and content additions have on its overall survival prospects, particularly in light of the ongoing Nintendo lawsuit?
With the right folks involved, EA can capably preserve and update its classics. The release of the source code has provided a wealth of information for modders and developers, showcasing the ingenuity and quirks of Windows game development from 1995 to 2003. This move paves the way for open-source reimplementations and community-driven projects, ensuring the longevity of beloved classic games.
The revelation of developer commentary and "hack fixes" like the infamous "HACK ALERT!" text string adds a fascinating layer of nostalgia and insight into the game development process.
What implications will this newfound access to the original source code have on the future of indie game development, where modders and community-driven projects are often the driving force behind innovation?
The critically acclaimed 2019 release, lauded for its uncompromising combat, has Overwhelmingly Positive reviews on the platform, with 95% of over 200k reviews rating the game positive. The gameplay is a mix of stealth, exploration, and brutal sword combat that demands precision, balanced out by the complexity of the posture system during combat. Developed by FromSoftware, the game puts you in the shoes of a shinobi on a quest to rescue his lord.
This discount offers an excellent opportunity for players who have yet to experience Sekiro's intense challenges and rewards, allowing them to test their skills against some of the toughest foes in gaming.
As one of the most critically acclaimed games of 2019, how will this sale affect its reputation among gamers and non-gamers alike, potentially introducing a new audience to the world of FromSoftware's Souls-like titles?
Hasbro has introduced a new version of Monopoly that eliminates cash transactions by utilizing a mobile app to manage all financial aspects of the game. This reimagined edition aims to make the game more appealing to younger audiences and reduce opportunities for cheating, but it raises concerns about the diminishing role of traditional gameplay without screens. With updated properties and mini-games to enhance engagement, Monopoly App Banking will be available in August 2025 for $24.99, although it may challenge the educational value parents seek in the classic game.
This shift towards digital integration in board games reflects a broader trend in the gaming industry, where technology is increasingly reshaping how traditional games are played and enjoyed.
Will the reliance on technology in board games like Monopoly diminish the interpersonal connections that come from face-to-face gameplay?
Hellblade 2 leads the way at Bafta Games Awards with its 11 nominations, outpacing other contenders in the best game category. The action-adventure game has been praised for its technical showcase and sensitive depiction of psychosis in its main character. The Bafta Games Awards are considered one of the most prestigious in the gaming industry calendar.
The sheer number of nominations highlights the growing importance of games as a medium for storytelling, artistry, and emotional connection.
How will the recognition of Hellblade 2's achievements impact the broader cultural conversation around mental health representation in media?
The Nintendo Company is making a last-dash retail push for its aging Switch console with a new $349 bundle featuring the Switch OLED model, a copy of Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and a three-month subscription to Nintendo Switch Online. This limited-time offer marks a strategic shift as Nintendo prepares to unveil its successor, the Switch 2, which has already taken a significant production hit due to manufacturing setbacks. The company's bold move aims to revitalize sales ahead of the Switch 2's release.
As Nintendo takes risks on the next generation of gaming consoles, it remains to be seen whether this strategic shift will pay off in terms of revitalizing the brand's market position and staying relevant in an increasingly competitive gaming industry.
What implications do these retail push strategies have for the company's future relationships with major retailers, such as Best Buy and GameStop, which are already struggling with declining console sales?