Ragnarok Online GGH has introduced the Episode 17.1 update, bringing a level cap increase to 185/65 for all classes, excluding Doram and Expanded classes. The Homunculus system has also been updated, raising its level cap to 185 and enhancing the Genetic Homunculus with an Auto Rolling Cutter feature, which allows the continuous activation of the skill by holding the assigned hotkey. Players can also expect improvements to various class skills.
The update features the addition of new areas, including Magma Dungeon 3F and Glast Heim Abyss 1F, both requiring level 175 for entry. Furthermore, four new memorial dungeons have been introduced: Regenschirm, Blockaded Os, OS Annihilation, and Cor Memorial. These dungeons are accessible to players at level 110 or higher, offering new opportunities for cooperative play and rewards.
Additional changes include updates to the Illusion Egg system, introducing new rewards, as well as an expansion of the Malangdo Costume selection and enhancements to the Enchant Stone Box. Players can also obtain new items and equipment enchants, adding further customization options. With these updates, Ragnarok Online GGH continues to expand its in-game content and refine its gameplay experience.
Runes of Magic has introduced a new update featuring the hard mode version of Pasper’s Shrine. This challenging instance is now available for players with both classes at level 100 and Peak Levels unlocked. Located in Khant within the Sascilia Steppes, it accommodates up to 12 players who will face enhanced versions of previously encountered enemies, each with new combat mechanics and strategies.
In addition to the more difficult encounters, the update provides opportunities for players to obtain various rewards. Participants can acquire five new armor sets consisting of head, chest, shoulder, and foot pieces, each offering unique set bonuses. Additionally, 13 weapons, as well as shields, talismans, and cloaks, are available. Some items can also be obtained through Adventurer Nathan near the instance entrance or through other in-game vendors like Proof of Myth Collectors, Phirius Armor Managers, Honor Clothing Merchants, and Dreamland Pioneers.
Players can further engage with the content by completing the daily quest "The Shadows of Corruption," available from Adventurer Nathan. Completing the instance also provides chances to unlock 10 new titles and collect five additional cards. The introduction of Pasper's Shrine (Hard) offers dedicated adventurers opportunities to test their capabilities, obtain new equipment, and explore the game’s latest content.
Digimon Super Rumble has announced the release of its 2.62 update, scheduled for March 27, 2025. One of the key additions in this update is Omegamon Alter-S, which can be accessed through the Jogress evolution of BlitzGreymon and CressGarurumon. Alongside this, three new Digimon are being introduced: Cocomon, Chocomon, and Lopmon, progressing from Childhood to Growth Stage. Players will also find the new Cocomon Digitama available for hatching.
In addition to new Digimon, the update features a shift in the Rotation Field Raid. The previous boss, Aerobradramon, will be replaced by a new field boss named Timemon. Achievements related to Digimon acquisition and participation in events like April Fool’s Day and Arbor Day are also being added. Furthermore, the World Tree Protection system will provide temporary stat enhancements to specific Digimon, applied from March 27 until April 24, 2025.
The update also includes 17 new Dekyu emoticons for in-game communication. Scheduled maintenance for the update will occur on March 27 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Players are encouraged to check the official Digimon Super Rumble channels for further details and additional information on the changes.
Netmarble has officially opened pre-registration for RF Online: Next, the upcoming MMORPG that serves as the sequel to RF Online. The game will be available on both PC and mobile platforms, but pre-registration is currently limited to South Korea. According to its listing on the Apple Store, the expected release window is late March 2025. Players in South Korea can sign up through the Google Play Store, Apple Store, or the official website.
RF Online: Next retains core elements from its predecessor while introducing new gameplay systems. One of its main features is the Bio Suit system, which allows players to change between six different classes without resetting progression. The game also includes large-scale battles utilizing the Shingi system, where players can deploy summoning units and mounted combat vehicles. Additionally, aerial combat has been introduced, allowing for free movement in a sci-fi environment.
No details have been provided regarding a global release, and it is unclear whether the game will expand beyond South Korea at launch. Netmarble has not yet confirmed if RF Online: Next will follow the same business model as its predecessor. Further updates are expected as the release date approaches.
ROSE Online has received a new update that brings several changes to the game's user interface and core mechanics. The update includes improvements to the summon system, where summoned creatures now scale their movement speed based on the summoner's own speed. A new summon control interface has been introduced, allowing players to manage their summons more efficiently. Additionally, wandering monster spawns have been adjusted, with randomized spawn times and locations to provide a more dynamic experience for players engaging in farming activities.
The crafting system has also been updated to place greater emphasis on the crafter’s CON stat and material quality rather than solely relying on character level. This adjustment aims to provide more flexibility for lower-level crafters and improve success rates for those using higher-quality materials. The mail system has been reworked as well, allowing messages to be sent to any player regardless of their online status, while also incorporating ignore list functionality and message limits to manage inbox space.
Further UI improvements include an updated community window that now supports an interactive ignore list, a redesigned style change system for customization options, and an upgraded character preview that allows for better visibility of items and mounts. The clan window has also been refreshed with a resizable interface and improved sorting features, making it easier to manage members and update clan messages. These changes are part of an ongoing effort to refine ROSE Online’s interface and provide more streamlined gameplay mechanics.
Webzen has released the third update for MU Online’s Season 19-2, introducing the 6th Guardian, Leviathan, which players can obtain through Leviathan Seals. This update also includes an Artifact Rank Upgrade system, allowing artifacts to be further enhanced with additional options. The Skill Enhancement Tree of the Dark Lord has been adjusted with the addition of a new "Command" stat, and the 10th Mastery Weapon, Ancient Lightning, is now available for players.
Alongside these updates, various in-game events are now active, providing temporary adjustments such as increased drop rates, enhancement benefits, and a stat reset event. Certain event maps have also been modified, offering different progression opportunities for players during the event period. These events are scheduled to run for a limited time, and players can participate to obtain specific in-game items and rewards.
Webzen continues to introduce content updates and in-game events to maintain engagement in MU Online. Players interested in the details of the latest update, including event schedules and participation requirements, can visit Webzen’s official website for more information.
The online third-person shooter Defiance is being revived after its shutdown in 2021. Originally released in 2013 as a tie-in to the Syfy television series of the same name, the game was developed by Trion Worlds and later transitioned to a free-to-play model. In 2018, Defiance 2050, a reworked version, was launched but was also discontinued alongside the original game. The rights to Defiance were later acquired by Gamigo, and now Fawkes, a company focused on reviving older online games, has announced plans to bring it back.
Fawkes has secured the worldwide development and publishing rights for both Defiance and Defiance 2050 across all platforms. The company plans to relaunch the original Defiance on PC in April 2025, with an emphasis on maintaining elements that were well-received while making adjustments based on community feedback. The game will initially return with a streamlined version, allowing players to revisit familiar mechanics and features before any significant updates are introduced. Fawkes has also stated that if the PC relaunch is successful, they will consider bringing the game back to consoles.
The announcement aligns with Fawkes’ broader efforts to restore older online games, as seen with its work on Shaiya and Last Chaos. The company has invited former and new players to join its official Discord channel for updates and discussions about the relaunch. While no additional details have been provided regarding long-term content plans, Fawkes has expressed interest in shaping future updates based on player feedback.
The gaming industry continues to expand with a variety of new releases scheduled from March 6 to 11. These titles cover multiple genres, including role-playing games, platformers, cooperative experiences, and simulation-based gameplay. Below is an overview of the upcoming releases.
March 6 Releases
Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster: Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars will be available on PC, Switch, PS5, and Xbox One. This remaster brings updated visuals, improved animations, and new quality-of-life features such as auto-save and battle fast forward.
MainFrames launches on Switch and PC. It is a platformer that integrates gameplay elements within a simulated desktop interface.
Ever 17 - The Out of Infinity arrives on Switch, PC, and PS4. This visual novel features a branching narrative where player choices determine multiple possible outcomes.
Never 7: The End of Infinity will be available on Switch, PC, and PS4. Another visual novel that follows a decision-based structure, originally released in Japan over two decades ago.
Parallel Experiment releases on iOS, Android, and PC. It is a cooperative puzzle game where two players must work together to complete challenges.
Split Fiction launches on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. This is a cooperative action-adventure game.
FragPunk arrives on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. It is a 5v5 first-person shooter with tactical gameplay and additional mechanics that differentiate it from other titles in the genre.
Hordes of Hunger will be available on PC. This is a roguelite arena slasher that involves continuous battles against enemy waves.
Do No Harm launches on PC. A simulation game where players take on the role of a doctor, diagnosing and treating patients with an emphasis on unconventional medical procedures.
Dragonkin: The Banished releases on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. This action RPG is set in a world where players engage in combat against creatures affected by dragon-related corruption.
March 7 Releases
Sugardew Island - Your Cozy Farm Shop launches on PS5, Switch, and PC. It is a farming and shop management simulator.
Lost Lullabies: The Orphanage Chronicles arrives on PC. This cooperative horror game is set in the 1980s.
March 10 Releases
Beyond the Ice Palace 2 will be available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. It is a 2D action platformer that includes hidden areas and puzzle-solving mechanics.
CraftCraft: Fantasy Merchant Simulator launches on PC. This is an RPG merchant simulator where players engage in crafting and selling goods.
March 11 Releases
Rise of the Ronin releases on PC. This open-world RPG is set during the Bakumatsu period, where players navigate through a changing political landscape by aligning with different factions.
Wanderstop arrives on PC and PS5. A narrative-driven game centered around themes of transition and tea-making.
These releases provide a range of gameplay experiences across different platforms, contributing to the growing catalog of available titles in 2024.
Valve’s digital distribution platform, Steam, has reached a new peak with over 40 million concurrent users. According to data from Valve and SteamDB, the platform recorded approximately 40.27 million users online at the same time, surpassing its previous record of 39 million set in December. This marks a significant increase compared to a decade ago when the platform had around 8.9 million concurrent users.
The growth in concurrent users reflects the ongoing expansion of PC gaming. Based on past trends, estimates suggest that Steam’s active monthly users may now exceed 221 million. Valve previously reported 132 million monthly active users in 2021, with a peak concurrent record of 27.4 million at the time. The increase in users aligns with broader industry trends, where digital distribution platforms continue to serve as primary access points for games.
Steam’s growth also highlights Valve’s position in the gaming industry despite its relatively small workforce compared to other major publishers. The platform remains a central hub for PC gaming, supporting a wide range of titles and services. As digital storefronts remain competitive, Steam continues to maintain its presence as a widely used platform for game distribution and online engagement.
The PlayStation 2, released on March 4, 2000, in Japan, has reached its 25th anniversary. As the successor to the original PlayStation, the console introduced a wide range of technical improvements and an extensive game library, contributing to its strong market presence. With over 160 million units sold worldwide, it remains the best-selling video game console to date. Its availability in North America and Europe later in 2000 further expanded its reach, solidifying its position in the industry.
Beyond its game catalog, the PlayStation 2 also functioned as a DVD player, which influenced its adoption in many households. At the time, standalone DVD players were often more expensive, making the console a practical option for consumers. This feature, along with continued software support, extended the system’s relevance for years. The console remained in production until 2013, maintaining a presence in the market long after the release of its successor.
The PlayStation 2’s impact is reflected in the variety of games released for it, spanning multiple genres and catering to different audiences. Many franchises that began or expanded on the platform continued in later generations, contributing to its long-term recognition. As the console reaches this milestone, it remains a reference point in discussions about game development and hardware design.
