Epic Games Store: March's Second Free Game Is a Top-Rated Hit with Online Pvp Mode
Epic Games Store is currently offering a free action-adventure title, with plans to introduce the highly-rated 2D fighting game Them's Fightin' Herds next week. This game, set in the whimsical world of Fœnum, features a streamlined control scheme and an engaging online PvP mode, appealing to both casual and competitive players. With a "very positive" rating on Steam and a dynamic music system, Them's Fightin' Herds promises to deliver an exciting gaming experience when it becomes available for free from March 6 to March 13.
The decision to offer such a well-regarded title for free demonstrates Epic Games Store's strategy to attract and retain a diverse gaming audience while competing with other platforms.
What impact do free game giveaways have on the long-term engagement and loyalty of players within the digital gaming marketplace?
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 Epic Games Store has refreshed its free game giveaway program with a new title. Running alongside two surprise Android and iOS giveaways, this week's free PC game is another indie game that has been well-received across its Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch releases. The latest deal, Mages of Mystralia, is worth $19.99 and will be available for download until March 6.
This giveaway highlights the growing trend of free games offered by digital storefronts as a marketing strategy to attract customers, potentially setting a new standard for indie game promotions.
What role do these free games play in shaping consumer expectations around the value proposition of PC gaming platforms like Epic Games Store?
Epic Games' latest free game giveaway is worth $19.99 and offers an indie title that has been well-received across various platforms. The game, Mages of Mystralia, features a deep spell-crafting system and puzzles, with a Metacritic score of 74/100. As the free game giveaway program refreshes later today, Epic Games will replace it with a new title.
This giveaway highlights the evolving nature of free-to-play games on PC, where developers often use promotional offers to generate buzz and attract new customers.
How will the increasing popularity of free-to-play titles impact the traditional model of game sales, potentially altering the way developers monetize their games in the future?
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?
The upcoming PlayStation Plus Monthly Games for March offer a treasure trove of free titles, including Dragon Age: The Veilguard and Sonic Colors: Ultimate. These games will be available to claim from March 4 to March 31, providing subscribers with an incredible value proposition. By claiming these games, PS Plus members will have access to a substantial amount of content, including hours of gameplay and role-playing experiences.
This free game offer highlights the growing trend of streaming services incorporating more generous gaming benefits into their subscription models, potentially changing the way we approach game ownership.
How will this strategy impact the long-term viability of game developers relying on game sales rather than subscription revenue?
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?
Expeditions: A MudRunner Game is free to play on Steam between February 28 and 30, allowing players to experience a realistic off-road simulation. Players take on the role of scientific explorers, navigating challenging terrain using specially equipped vehicles, while advanced tools help uncover hidden locations. The game's realistic driving physics require strategy to manage resources such as fuel, spare parts, and equipment.
Despite mixed reviews from both critics and players, Expeditions: A MudRunner Game may still offer a unique off-road adventure experience that appeals to fans of the genre.
Will Steam's free weekend promotion be enough to boost player engagement and encourage developers Saber Interactive and Focus Entertainment to address the game's technical issues and lack of innovation?
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?
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?
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?
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?
The newly released gameplay trailer for Prologue: Go Wayback! showcases stunning, terrain-generated environments and hints at the game's focus on survival and exploration. Players will need to navigate various weather conditions, including heavy rain and snow, in order to find a weather station and call for help. The game's development is part of an ambitious plan by PUBG creator Brendan Greene.
This early access release could serve as a proving ground for the studio's machine learning technology, potentially paving the way for more sophisticated and dynamic environments in future titles.
How will Prologue's focus on survival and exploration influence the overall design and scope of Project Artemis, the "ultimate project" reportedly being developed alongside Prologue?
The upcoming open-world PvPvE extraction shooter SAND promises a gritty dieselpunk experience with barren deserts, towering machines, and plenty of loot. Players will embark on a vast, procedurally generated world filled with ruined cities and deadly threats, fighting to survive and gather resources to upgrade their massive mechanical walkers, known as Tramplers. The game's Early Access launch on April 3 is just around the corner.
As SAND enters Early Access, it raises questions about the importance of post-launch support and community engagement in addressing performance issues, which have already sparked concerns among demo players.
How will the dieselpunk setting and open-world design of SAND influence its appeal to fans of mech simulations and extraction shooters in the long term?
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?
The Pokémon Company's latest reveal, Pokémon Champions, appears to be a game focused solely on battling, with players able to import their 'mons from other Pokémon games into the new multiplayer experience. While the specifics of the game are still light, it seems to cater to competitive Pokémon players who use online battle simulators to test team composition and monster builds. The game's release across multiple platforms, including Nintendo Switch, Android, and iOS, aims to reach a wider audience.
By targeting core gamers with a battle-focused experience, Pokémon Champions may help revitalize the genre and provide a fresh perspective on the traditional Pokémon formula.
How will the addition of new, more restrictive 'mon import options impact the overall balance and strategy in Pokémon Champions, potentially influencing the game's competitive scene?
Far Cry 3 is available on Steam for $4.99 with a 75% discount until March 13. Thanks to an atmospheric game world and iconic villain, this game is considered a highlight among open-world shooters by genre fans. As part of the Ubisoft Publisher Sale, Far Cry 3 can now be purchased at an unbeatable price.
The ubiquity of Far Cry 3 in gaming culture has cemented its status as a beloved classic, but its enduring popularity also highlights the importance of digital sales events like the Ubisoft Publisher Sale.
How will the accessibility of retro games like Far Cry 3 through streaming services and sale platforms impact the way we experience and appreciate video game history?
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?
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?
11 bit Studios has unveiled a new trailer for its forthcoming game, The Alters, which draws inspiration from the acclaimed title, This War of Mine. Players will assume the role of Jan, who must navigate survival on a doomed planet by forming a crew of alternative versions of himself, each with unique skills and emotional needs. While no release date has been announced, the game is set to launch on multiple platforms, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X, and PC.
The innovative gameplay mechanics of managing both the crew's skills and emotional well-being signal a deeper exploration of character dynamics that could redefine storytelling in survival games.
How might the decision-making aspects of The Alters influence players' emotional engagement with the characters and the overall narrative experience?
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?
Verdun plunges players into the brutal trench warfare of World War I’s Western Front, aiming to deliver a deeply immersive experience. Authentic weapons and uniforms, claustrophobic gas masks and realistic ballistics create tense tactical battles and a gripping atmosphere. One highlight is the Frontlines mode, where both teams take turns storming enemy trenches.
The enduring appeal of Verdun lies in its ability to recreate the harrowing realities of World War I's trench warfare, offering a unique gaming experience that continues to captivate fans of realistic shooters.
As gamers eagerly snap up this 80% off deal, it raises questions about the importance of preserving historical accuracy in video games and the potential impact on players' perceptions of real-world conflicts.
Fortnite cloud gaming is smooth enough for players to remain competitive. The most dedicated gamers log endless hours on the streaming service. A new discovery suggests future restrictions may be imposed on free-to-play Fortnite, potentially limiting playtime.
The introduction of time restrictions could serve as a testing ground for other cloud gaming services to address issues with server stress and queue times.
How will the impact of Fortnite's potential playtime limits inform the broader debate about accessibility and monetization in the cloud gaming industry?
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?