Tag: No Rest for the Wicked

  • Game Developer Critiques Baldur’s Gate 3 $60 Early Access Price

    Game Developer Critiques Baldur’s Gate 3 $60 Early Access Price

    Key Takeaways

    1. No Rest for the Wicked is in Early Access since April 2024, with no specific full launch date announced yet.
    2. The game’s price will increase from $40 to $60 upon its official release as a premium title.
    3. Early Access players pay less to compensate for the risks of bugs and incomplete content, as explained by CEO Thomas Mahler.
    4. Mahler disagrees with the strategy of launching games like Baldur’s Gate 3 at full price during Early Access, advocating for discounts for early supporters.
    5. Currently, No Rest for the Wicked is available at a 40% discount on Steam, bringing the price down to $23.99.


    No Rest for the Wicked has been available in Early Access since April 2024, and gamers are eager to find out when the game will officially launch at its full 1.0 version. Although Moon Studios has yet to announce a specific release date, their CEO, Thomas Mahler, recently explained the reasoning behind maintaining a lower Early Access price compared to the final retail price.

    Pricing Details and Future Expectations

    Mahler stated that the price of No Rest for the Wicked will rise from $40 to $60 once it exits Early Access, as it is considered a “premium title.” This price increase has been confirmed earlier, and it is clearly shown on the game’s Steam page.

    The CEO explained that No Rest for the Wicked was launched at $40 for a straightforward reason: players who support a game in its early stages should pay less. Those who engage with the game before its completion take on a risk, facing bugs, missing elements, and balance issues while also giving feedback that aids in the game’s development. Therefore, he thinks that these early adopters deserve some form of compensation.

    Different Perspectives on Early Access

    Mahler also pointed out that Baldur’s Gate 3 entered Early Access at its full $60 price, a strategy he personally disagrees with. While various studios have different methods, he believes that early supporters should receive “some extra love” rather than paying the full price right away.

    “The reason for launching the game at $40 was quite simple: Early Access players deserve a discount. BG3 came out at full price during Early Access, and I never liked that method. If you back a game early, you ought to get some extra love,” he stated.

    Interestingly, Larian Studios had previously justified their approach. When Baldur’s Gate 3 was set at $60 during Early Access, publishing director Michael Douse mentioned that the price reflected the size of the development team and the high production quality already incorporated in the game. He also noted that the volume of content available warranted the higher price, even for Early Access.

    Moon Studios’ Approach

    In contrast, Moon Studios is clearly taking a different approach with No Rest for the Wicked. Although the price will increase upon launch, the game will stay at $40 for the time being. For players who haven’t had a chance to try it yet, the game is currently offered at a 40% discount on Steam, reducing the price to $23.99.

    Source:
    Link


     

  • No Rest for the Wicked: Xbox Series X Strategy Unclear

    No Rest for the Wicked: Xbox Series X Strategy Unclear

    Key Takeaways

    1. Concerns Over Xbox Series X Sales: Decreasing sales of the Xbox Series X may lead some studios to reconsider multi-platform releases.

    2. Moon Studios’ Uncertainty: CEO Thomas Mahler indicated the Xbox Series X|S version of “No Rest for the Wicked” is now questionable due to market conditions, but the game is still likely to release on all platforms.

    3. Prioritization of PS5: Moon Studios is giving priority to the PS5 for the release of “No Rest for the Wicked.”

    4. Future Xbox Console Rumors: A new Xbox console is rumored for 2027, raising questions about the relevance of current Xbox hardware for developers.

    5. Expanding Game Accessibility: Microsoft is working on making Xbox titles available on various devices, but not all games will run on new handhelds without cloud streaming.


    It has become common for many third-party games to launch on both PlayStation and Xbox systems. However, with the decreasing sales of the Xbox Series X, a few studios might think twice about their plans for releasing on multiple platforms. In an unexpected post on Discord, Thomas Mahler, the CEO of Moon Studios, which is behind the action RPG No Rest for the Wicked, indicated that due to “market conditions,” the Xbox Series X|S version was now questionable.

    Discussion with Microsoft

    Mahler stated that the studio wanted to explore its options with Microsoft. Initially, some gamers thought his announcement meant the game was getting canceled. Thankfully for Xbox enthusiasts, he later made it clear that No Rest for the Wicked will probably be available “on all platforms.” Still, the studio is giving priority to the PS5. Mahler also suggested that the game might launch on the unreleased Switch 2.

    Early Access and Release Date Uncertainty

    The Moon Studios title has been in early access on PCs since April 2024. Players were anticipating an announcement regarding the release date for No Rest for the Wicked on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. However, those plans now appear to be less certain, especially for Xbox consoles.

    Microsoft has been shifting its focus away from its current consoles. As a result, developers may not see the benefit in creating games for these systems anymore. Looking forward, a new Xbox console is rumored to be on the horizon in 2027. Even if this new console is Windows-based, there might not be a clear difference between the PC games and the Xbox titles it supports.

    Expanding Accessibility for Games

    The tech giant is also working to make previously exclusive Xbox titles available on various devices. The upcoming Asus ROG Xbox Ally handheld gaming PC shows this strategy in action. However, it won’t be able to run all Series X and S games without relying on cloud streaming.

    Even past Xbox leaders like Mike Ybarra and Laura Fryer find the Xbox Gaming roadmap puzzling. It’s not surprising that developers such as Moon Studios share similar concerns about the current and future gaming hardware landscape.

    Source:
    Link

  • Isometric ARPG Inspired by Dark Souls and Diablo Now on Sale on Steam

    Isometric ARPG Inspired by Dark Souls and Diablo Now on Sale on Steam

    Key Takeaways

    1. Different Gameplay Style: No Rest for the Wicked offers a slower-paced combat experience compared to typical ARPGs, focusing on fewer but stronger enemies rather than waves of weaker foes.
    2. No Fixed Classes: Players can customize their playstyle by choosing from various weapons, allowing for a more personalized approach to combat.
    3. Challenging Learning Curve: Although the game is challenging for new players, most can adapt after a few hours of gameplay.
    4. Recent Update Enhancements: A significant update has improved the game by addressing player concerns and adding new quests and endgame options.
    5. Current Discount: The game is currently available at a 30% discount on Steam, priced at $27.99, but may have performance issues on lower-end devices like the Steam Deck.


    Many people think of Path of Exile 2 as a mix of Elden Ring and Diablo. However, that’s not entirely accurate since there’s more to a Souls-like game than just dodging. POE 2 is quite a different experience because the main goal is to charge through waves of enemies, which is the opposite of how Souls-like games work. This is where No Rest for the Wicked steps in.

    A New Direction in Gameplay

    Created by Moon Studios, known for Ori and the Blind Forest and Ori and the Will of the Wisps, No Rest for the Wicked significantly slows down the usual ARPG pace. Rather than facing many weak enemies, players encounter fewer but much stronger foes. The combat is also more measured, requiring you to avoid attacks and projectiles similar to what you would do in a Souls-like title.

    Customize Your Approach

    In No Rest for the Wicked, there are technically no classes. You can choose from various weapons that fit your preferred style of play. If you stay alert and dodge correctly, you should survive. The learning curve is definitely challenging, but most players can grasp it after just a few hours. Although the endgame isn’t as refined as in other ARPGs, this is understandable since the game is still in early access.

    Timing is Key for New Players

    Now is a great moment to dive into No Rest for the Wicked, especially after a substantial update released yesterday that resolves many player concerns. This update also brings a wealth of new quests and endgame options. The system requirements are not too demanding, though you might struggle to run it smoothly on a Steam Deck. Currently, No Rest for the Wicked is 30% off on Steam, priced at $27.99.

    Source:
    Link

  • Moon Studios Goes Indie: Exciting Updates Ahead for Gamers

    Moon Studios Goes Indie: Exciting Updates Ahead for Gamers

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Breach expansion doubles the game’s world size with new areas and enemy types, along with new weapon options like gauntlets and wands.
    2. A new infection-cleansing mechanic increases difficulty and enhances replayability, leading to intense boss fights and rewards like Masterwork gear.
    3. Improvements to housing, storage, and fast travel systems enhance the overall player experience.
    4. The update includes a hardcore permadeath mode, updated consumable mechanics, and over 11,000 performance enhancements.
    5. Future plans prioritize implementing co-op play and expanding the game’s long-term vision.


    Moon Studios is ready to release The Breach on April 30th, which is their most ambitious update to date. This large expansion will double the size of the game world by adding new areas, along with introducing new enemy types and weapon options like gauntlets and wands. These new weapons will allow players to perform exciting attacks such as drop-kicks and explosive spells. Moreover, existing biomes will be enhanced, bringing fresh content to the areas players already know.

    New Features and Enhancements

    The replayability of the game is significantly improved with a new infection-cleansing mechanic, which raises the difficulty of enemies and leads to intense boss fights. Players will be rewarded with powerful new items, including Masterwork gear and expanded enchantments that enhance character customization options. Also, improvements have been made to housing, storage, and fast travel systems to enhance the overall experience.

    Hardcore Mode and Future Plans

    In addition to all these new features, The Breach will feature a hardcore permadeath mode, updated consumable mechanics, and over 11,000 performance enhancements. The update also includes a new soundtrack by Gareth Coker, the composer for Ori and the Blind Forest, setting the stage for even more exciting developments. One major goal for the team is to implement co-op play, which they now consider a top priority. Moon Studios is committed to their fans and promises that The Breach is just the start of their long-term vision for No Rest for the Wicked.

    Source:
    N/A)