European players of WoW: Forever face server lag, prompting use of VPN workarounds.
This week in PC gaming news, one of the standout topics is the server performance issues plaguing the European beta test for World of Warcraft: Forever. Players on the EU side are experiencing high latency and erratic connection quality, which seems to be exacerbated by the US-only server locations. As PC Gamer reports, some players have found that using a VPN to connect through a US region reduces their latency, offering a temporary fix for smoother gameplay.
Other developments include intriguing shifts in game mechanics and studio operations. PC Gamer highlights that the sequel to The Blood of Dawnwalker might abandon its divisive time management mechanic. This could be a significant change, as the previous game’s restrictive time feature met with mixed reactions, giving players a sense of urgency but also limiting their freedom to explore leisurely.
In business news, KO_OP, known for their games like GNOG and Goodbye Volcano High, announced layoffs within their team, impacting 13 employees. According to Rock Paper Shotgun, the studio issued a transparent statement about the layoffs, which came shortly after the launch of their latest title, Young Suns—a situation that unfortunately echoes the broader industry’s recurring issues with job stability.
On the genre innovation front, Dungeon Automata, a unique take on the dungeon crawler genre, integrates a visual programming component. Rock Paper Shotgun introduces this game as an exciting prospect for players who enjoy strategy but prefer a break from traditional combat mechanics. Similarly, Shroom and Gloom, now in early access, combines roguelike elements with a “double deckbuilder” mechanic, according to another report from Rock Paper Shotgun.
Finally, something a little different at Gamescom, with PCGamesN‘s lighthearted and curious anecdote about experiencing Minecraft’s “sheep scent” feature, showing that even well-known games can sometimes surprise us with odd yet amusing innovations.
