Tag: Rainbow Six Siege

  • Valve Almost Delisted Rainbow Six Siege From Steam Over Uplay Price

    Valve Almost Delisted Rainbow Six Siege From Steam Over Uplay Price

    Key Takeaway

    – Valve aggressively enforces pricing parity, threatening to delist games if publishers offer lower prices on competing platforms.
    – Ubisoft was given a short ultimatum to stop selling a cheaper “starter pack” for Rainbow Six Siege on its own Uplay store or face removal from Steam.
    – Warner Bros.’ preorders for Middle-earth: Shadow of War were removed from Steam due to lower prices at other retailers, prompting quick resolution talks.
    – Steam’s dominant market position allows it to impose strict distribution and pricing terms on major publishers.

    Steam’s Dominance in PC Gaming

    Steam is the biggest PC video game marketplace in the world. For most PC gamers, it is the default place to buy and download games. Competitors like Ubisoft Connect (formerly Uplay), Epic Games Store, and others exist, but Steam still dominates in reach, sales, and visibility.

    Allegations of Aggressive Pricing Tactics

    A recent Bloomberg report has now brought attention to how aggressively Valve has handled pricing and distribution decisions involving major publishers, including Ubisoft and Warner Bros. One of the most notable cases involves Ubisoft’s Rainbow Six Siege. According to emails reviewed during an ongoing antitrust lawsuit, Valve allegedly threatened to delist all editions of the game from Steam “by end of day tomorrow.” This happened after Valve discovered that Ubisoft was marketing a cheaper $15 “starter pack” exclusively through its own Uplay store. The report suggests Ubisoft was effectively given a short deadline to fix the situation or risk losing its Steam presence entirely.

    Warner Bros. and Preorder Removal

    Another example cited in the same report involves Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. In 2017, Valve employee Kassidy Gerber reportedly informed Warner Bros. that preorders for Middle-earth: Shadow of War had been removed from Steam. The reason given was that the Steam price was “significantly higher than what was available at other retailers for the same version of the game.” According to the report, Warner Bros. leadership quickly reached out to resolve the issue. Bloomberg provides the source for this information.

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  • Rainbow Six Siege Hacked Again: Hackers Can Ban Players

    Rainbow Six Siege Hacked Again: Hackers Can Ban Players

    Key Takeaways

    1. Rainbow Six Siege has been hacked three times in less than two weeks, raising serious concerns about server security and account safety.

    2. The initial incident on December 27 involved players receiving unexpected in-game credits and unlocking premium skins without purchases.

    3. A second attack resulted in players being banned for 67 days, linked to the “6-7 meme,” with some bans categorized as Harassment Offense.

    4. The latest hack allows hackers to ban players and send custom messages within the game, with examples including personal insults and playful phrases.

    5. Ubisoft has not yet commented on the breaches or the measures being taken to resolve the issues, and players are experiencing server downtime.

    Rainbow Six Siege has been reportedly compromised for the third time in less than a fortnight, and the situation seems to be worsening. Hackers now have the ability to ban players directly and even show custom messages within the game, bringing up serious worries about server security and the safety of accounts.

    Initial Incident

    The first significant event occurred on December 27. Players began to notice unusual actions happening in Rainbow Six Siege. Some gamers unexpectedly received large quantities of R6 credits, while others unlocked exclusive or premium skins without any purchases.

    Recurring Attacks

    Just a few days after that, the game faced another attack. Recently, there were new claims of hackers exploiting the system in a far more aggressive manner. This time, players found themselves banned for 67 days, a figure many think refers to the “6-7 meme.” Adding to the problem, these bans were categorized under Harassment Offense, and even popular streamer VarsityGaming fell victim during a live stream.

    Escalating Issues

    Now, the problem has intensified even more, with Rainbow Six Siege experiencing its third hack. Hackers are once again banning players, but they appear to have gained even greater access to the game, as they can type custom messages directly into players’ games. Screenshots from affected users reveal messages like “Kudos smells! – Snuffles” and “UwU or Meow to play the game.”

    At this point, Ubisoft has not provided any official comment on this recent event. There’s no confirmation regarding how the breach occurred or what measures are being taken to address it. Additionally, Rainbow Six Siege servers seem to be down across all platforms, which means players might encounter difficulties when trying to join a match.

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  • Ubisoft Customer Support Bribes Linked to Rainbow Six Siege Hack

    Ubisoft Customer Support Bribes Linked to Rainbow Six Siege Hack

    Key Takeaways

    1. Ubisoft’s customer support has become a vulnerable area for hackers, with reports of employees accepting bribes to share customer information since 2021.
    2. Account takeovers pose significant risks, potentially leading to server disruptions similar to the recent Rainbow Six Siege incident.
    3. Specific agents in India, South Africa, and Egypt are particularly at risk, as underpaid or poorly trained staff are more susceptible to bribery.
    4. Human error, rather than just database security breaches, is a major threat, with social engineering tactics used to manipulate employees.
    5. Ubisoft has experienced multiple significant cyberattacks over the years, highlighting ongoing vulnerabilities in their security framework, especially within customer support.

    The recent incident involving Rainbow Six Siege is making waves in the news, but it’s not the only situation where hackers have breached Ubisoft’s security. A reputable cybersecurity organization, Vx Underground, has disclosed another security lapse. This breach is separate from the Rainbow Six Siege hack, but it has come to light that Ubisoft’s support team allegedly accepted bribes to share customer information.

    Weakness in Customer Support

    According to Vx Underground, Ubisoft’s customer support has turned into a vulnerable area. Since 2021, they “were reportedly taking money to give hackers access to other users’ Rainbow Six Siege accounts.” Through the customer service portal, these hackers managed to steal sensitive information like full names and IP addresses of users.

    Risks of Account Takeover

    Once hackers gain control of accounts, the potential for harm is enormous. If done on a large scale, this could lead to the kind of disruption that caused the recent suspension of the Rainbow Six Siege servers. Ubisoft has initiated actions to curb employees’ readiness to comply, yet the issue continues to be a pressing worry for the company.

    Vulnerable Agents

    In a social media update, it was pointed out that agents in India, South Africa, and Egypt are especially at risk. Similar to the PlayStation Network incidents, hackers often target underpaid or poorly trained personnel. Bribes appear to be more tempting, especially when other staff members lack the skills to spot suspicious behavior.

    A common explanation for the recent Rainbow Six Siege hack is a breach in database security. However, a FastPassCorp article emphasizes that human error is a larger threat. Social engineering tactics can involve hackers pretending to be customer support representatives or gamers. Even with robust firewalls, it is frequently the employees who fail to identify a threat.

    Ubisoft games have faced significant attacks multiple times, including in 2013 and 2023. However, help desks have consistently been easier targets for cybercriminals. An example highlighted by Vice shows how an individual was able to successfully bribe Roblox support in 2020. Just like the story from Vx Underground, this person managed to alter passwords and sell high-value accounts.

    Conclusion

    In summary, while the Rainbow Six Siege incident is a significant event, it highlights a larger issue within Ubisoft’s security framework. The vulnerabilities in customer support are a major concern that needs to be addressed to prevent further breaches.

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  • Ubisoft Shuts Down Servers Due to Rainbow Six Siege Hack

    Ubisoft Shuts Down Servers Due to Rainbow Six Siege Hack

    Key Takeaways

    1. Ubisoft has taken Rainbow Six Siege servers and marketplace offline due to a potential hack granting players excessive R6 credits and rare skins.
    2. Players are experiencing connectivity issues across multiple platforms, prompting calls for clearer communication from Ubisoft.
    3. Caution is advised for players who received R6 credits, as exploiting the situation may lead to account bans.
    4. A cybersecurity group revealed that hackers may have exploited a service allowing them to modify player inventories and distribute enormous amounts of credits.
    5. Concerns arise from a separate database hack that may have exposed the source code of various Ubisoft games, highlighting ongoing cybersecurity threats to the company.

    Rainbow Six Siege players are finding themselves needing to adjust their holiday plans. A potential hack has granted some players enormous amounts of R6 credits and rare skins. However, other fans have discovered their accounts getting banned upon trying to log in. The situation has become so serious that Ubisoft has decided to completely turn off the servers and the Rainbow Six Siege marketplace.

    Investigation Underway

    Ubisoft first shared news of the strange activities on their Rainbow Six Siege X social media account, stating they were looking into the matter. Just two hours later, they made it clear that both the servers and the marketplace had been deliberately taken offline. As of now, fans are left waiting for more updates while the company investigates what caused this chaos.

    Connectivity Issues

    According to the game’s service status page, players are experiencing limited or no connectivity across multiple platforms. Critics are demanding that Ubisoft provide more clarity regarding the situation. Although the events suggest a hacking incident, it has not yet been verified as a security breach. Some fans feel the company should have acted sooner.

    Players Caution

    While the hacker might have had malicious goals, some players were thrilled by the sudden surge of R6 credits. However, veterans of the tactical shooter are cautioning players to be careful. Those who take advantage of the situation might face account bans if Ubisoft determines they exploited the conditions. In fact, they recommend avoiding logging into accounts for the time being.

    Cybersecurity organization Vx-Underground has revealed information about the Rainbow Six Siege hack. It appears that one group may have “exploited a Rainbow Six Siege service that enabled them to ban players, modify inventories, and more.” It’s estimated that they distributed a staggering amount of $339,960,000,000,000 to players.

    Database Hack Concerns

    Simultaneously, another group has carried out a database hack that could have significant consequences. These individuals may have gained access to the source code of various Ubisoft games.

    This isn’t the first time the shooter franchise has faced a major threat; a cyberattack in 2023 saw thieves attempting to steal 900GB of internal data before Ubisoft managed to stop them. Fortunately, they did not succeed in obtaining any information from Rainbow Six Siege accounts.

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  • Rainbow Six Siege X Becomes Free with $50 Skin and Currency Changes

    Rainbow Six Siege X Becomes Free with $50 Skin and Currency Changes

    Key Takeaways

    1. Rainbow Six Siege X is now free-to-play, but players face challenges in progressing without spending real money on in-game currency, Renown.
    2. The introduction of new operator Fenrir brings unique gameplay features, but earning Renown through matches has become more difficult, leading to player dissatisfaction.
    3. Ubisoft has released expensive premium skins, including the Valkyrie Paragon Elite bundle, costing up to $50, which can only be purchased with real money.
    4. Community reaction is mixed; while some appreciate new graphics and sound enhancements, veterans worry that the game is becoming too casual, affecting its competitive balance.
    5. Daily challenges are available to help players earn more Renown, but the overall sentiment about the changes remains negative among the player base.

    On June 10th, the release of Rainbow Six Siege X marked a significant change as Ubisoft made the game free-to-play. Yet, like many free games, players find that progressing in this tactical shooter can be quite a hassle unless they spend real money. Earning Renown, the game’s currency, through match play has become much harder. Additionally, there is some backlash from the community regarding a premium skin priced at up to $50.

    Renown and New Features

    In Rainbow Six Siege X, players can use Renown to unlock weapon skins and various cosmetic items. The primary appeal of Renown, however, lies in unlocking operators, the playable characters in the game. The update introduced a new operator named Fenrir, who adds a unique tactical aspect with his bulletproof doors. Unfortunately, many players are noticing that the amount of currency earned from matches has significantly decreased. While there are daily challenges available to help players earn more, the general sentiment remains negative about the recent changes.

    Premium Skins and Costs

    Another strategy that game publishers often use after launching a free title is to introduce expensive premium skins. Ubisoft has taken this to the next level with the Valkyrie Paragon Elite bundle, which is the priciest cosmetic item ever released in the Rainbow Six Siege series. To buy this Norse mythology-themed collection, players need to spend 5,000 R6 credits. Unlike Renown, R6 credits are only obtainable through the Ubisoft Store and must be bought with real money. Some players are shelling out as much as $45-50 to add these Valkyrie Paragon cosmetics to their collection.

    Community Reactions

    Even games that require payment, like Diablo 4, encourage players to invest large sums of money on cosmetic items. However, some seasoned Rainbow Six players feel that the new skins do not match the realistic tone of the game.

    The launch of Rainbow Six Siege X also included enhancements to graphics and sound. The new 6×6 mode, Dual Front, is designed to be more accessible for new players. Conversely, long-time veterans are concerned that the game may be shifting towards a more casual approach, which could impact the competitive nature of the shooter.

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    Rainbow Six Siege X Becomes Free with $50 Skin and Currency Changes
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  • Ubisoft Game Available for Free to Everyone: Don’t Miss Out!

    Ubisoft Game Available for Free to Everyone: Don’t Miss Out!

    Key Takeaways

    1. Ubisoft is shifting Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege to a free-to-play model, named Rainbow Six Siege X, to improve its financial situation.
    2. The free version grants access to specific modes and 26 operators, while a premium upgrade allows access to more operators and Ranked mode.
    3. A new game mode, Dual Front, will feature 6v6 gameplay on a large map with unique elements like in-match events and respawns.
    4. Players who have purchased the game before the free version will retain access to all modes and carry over their progress.
    5. The Standard Edition of Rainbow Six Siege is priced at $19.99 for new players.

    Ubisoft has been having a tough time lately, with several of its franchises not performing well. However, the French game studio is determined to make a change. One of its top games is set to go free-to-play, which could potentially improve Ubisoft’s business and financial situation.

    Free Access to a Beloved Game

    Ubisoft often provides trials for its AAA titles, but one game has stood out above the rest: Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege. After a decade of dedicated gameplay, this title is transitioning to a free model, at least partially.

    This new version, named Rainbow Six Siege X, will be available for free, but there will be some limitations. According to the official site, “Free access provides unrestricted access in Standard, Quick Play and Dual Front modes, along with a selection of 26 operators. Upgrading to a premium offer grants access to more operators and unlocks Ranked mode as players progress to level 50. By purchasing an edition of Rainbow Six Siege before Siege X release, you will maintain access to all modes, including Ranked, and carry over progression.”

    Exciting New Features

    Players can look forward to a new game mode called Dual Front, which is described as “A unique, permanent 6v6 game mode set on our biggest map yet with all-new gameplay elements, such as in-match events and respawns. Combine attackers and defenders and their abilities in ways never before seen, as you and your team attempt to secure the enemy sectors whilst defending your own.”

    If you have been playing the paid version for a long time, Ubisoft assures players that their progress will remain intact. Veteran rewards and badges will be waiting for you the next time you log into the game.

    Pricing Details

    To fully experience Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege, new players will need to make a purchase if they haven’t bought it yet. The Standard Edition is priced at $19.99.

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  • Rainbow Six Siege X System Requirements: RTX 4070 Ti Super Needed

    Rainbow Six Siege X System Requirements: RTX 4070 Ti Super Needed

    Key Takeaways

    1. Ubisoft’s major update for Rainbow Six Siege, called Siege X, will launch on June 10 for multiple platforms, including PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, Amazon Luna, and PC.

    2. The update features significant graphical improvements and introduces a new 6v6 multiplayer mode named Dual Front, allowing new players to join for free.

    3. Revised PC requirements for Siege X are higher, with a minimum requirement of a basic CPU, GPU, and 8GB of RAM, and an Ultra texture pack increasing installation size to 110GB.

    4. Siege X is a free upgrade for existing players and is included in Ubisoft+ Premium and Xbox Game Pass subscriptions.

    5. New players can access the game for free with optional purchases available for battle passes and ranked matches.

    Ubisoft has revealed a major update for Rainbow Six Siege, called Siege X, which will be available on June 10 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, Amazon Luna, and PC through Ubisoft Connect and Steam. This complimentary update brings significant graphical improvements, modified PC requirements, and a new 6v6 multiplayer experience known as Dual Front, allowing new players to join for free.

    Updated PC Requirements

    In a recent blog post, Ubisoft disclosed the revised system requirements for PC gamers, and they appear to be quite high. The new requirements for Rainbow Six Siege X are as follows –

    At the minimum level, a basic CPU, GPU, and 8GB of RAM should suffice to run the game. Nevertheless, those looking to enjoy higher resolutions or competitive gameplay will need to enhance their systems. Additionally, Ubisoft’s Ultra texture pack increases the installation size to 110GB, meaning players might also have to expand their storage space.

    Console Performance Targets

    Alongside the PC specifications, Ubisoft has also shared performance expectations for console players –

    Siege X will be a free upgrade for existing Siege players and is included in the Ubisoft+ Premium and Xbox Game Pass subscriptions. New gamers can dive into the action through Free Access, with optional purchases available for battle passes and ranked matches.

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  • 1 Million Steam Reviews: Co-Op Shooter Now Just $4 with Discount

    1 Million Steam Reviews: Co-Op Shooter Now Just $4 with Discount

    Key Takeaways

    1. Gameplay Dynamics: Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege features 5v5 combat with players choosing between attackers and defenders, utilizing unique operators with specialized abilities.

    2. Tactical Objectives: Attackers aim to complete objectives like rescuing hostages, while defenders fortify positions using barricades and gadgets, emphasizing strategic gameplay.

    3. Community and Popularity: The game has a strong player base, ranking 23rd on Steam and regularly hosting over 80,000 players, thanks to its depth and evolving meta despite some challenges for beginners.

    4. Reviews and Ratings: Rainbow Six Siege has received over 1.15 million reviews on Steam with 84% positive feedback, a Metascore of 79, and a User Score of 7.0 on Metacritic.

    5. Promotional Offers: Ubisoft is offering significant discounts on Rainbow Six Siege and related editions until March 13, with prices reduced by up to 80%.

    Released on December 1, 2015, by Ubisoft, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege managed to turn around its initial struggles and has become a leading tactical multiplayer shooter. According to SteamDB, it is now ranked 23rd among the most-played games, regularly hosting over 80,000 players online at the same time.

    Gameplay Mechanics

    In Siege, players engage in 5v5 combat, choosing to play as either attackers or defenders. This is different from Counter-Strike, which features a “terrorists vs. special forces” dynamic. Rather, the game showcases elite units battling against each other. Teams are made up of diverse counterterrorism and military special forces known as operators. Each operator comes equipped with distinct abilities and specialized equipment that influence both strategy and the overall gameplay experience.

    Objectives and Strategies

    Attackers in Siege have specific goals, often focused on rescuing a hostage or defusing explosives, while defenders work to secure their territory and thwart the attackers. They can use wooden panels to barricade entrances and reinforce walls with metal sheets. A variety of gadgets like barbed wire, traps, and surveillance cameras enhance their defensive options. The game is particularly notable for its destructible environment, where walls, floors, and ceilings can be breached, making it impossible to find a completely safe spot. With just one life available each round, every choice is crucial; one misstep can result in an early exit, forcing players to watch the remainder of the match as observers.

    Community and Challenges

    Rainbow Six Siege has gained popularity due to its strategic, team-oriented gameplay and remarkable depth. The diverse selection of operators and intricate, destructible maps create endless tactical opportunities, alongside a constantly changing meta that challenges players continuously. However, the complexity of the game’s mechanics can be daunting for beginners trying to learn the ropes.

    Matchmaking can occasionally lead to frustration, and Ubisoft’s focus on aggressive monetization, through microtransactions and battle passes, has received some backlash. Nevertheless, the game continues to enjoy strong ratings. On Steam, Rainbow Six Siege has earned over 1.15 million reviews, with 84% positive feedback. It also boasts a Metascore of 79 and a User Score of 7.0 on Metacritic.

    Special Offers

    Until March 13, players can find Rainbow Six Siege on Steam at a significant 80% discount, dropping the price from $20 to only $4. The Deluxe Edition costs $6 instead of $30, while the Operator Edition is reduced to $28 from $70. The Ultimate Edition now sells for $40, down from $90. The Deluxe Edition includes the main game along with 16 Operators from the first two years. For those seeking a wider array of options, the Operator Edition unlocks all 50 Operators from Years 1 through 8. The Ultimate Edition includes the same content but also comes with the Disruptor Cosmetic Pack, featuring exclusive skins.

    Ubisoft is currently running a promotional sale, offering discounts of up to 85% on a variety of AAA titles, including Far Cry 3 and Anno 1800.

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  • Postponement of the Rainbow Six Siege Mobile game

    Postponement of the Rainbow Six Siege Mobile game

    Ubisoft's highly anticipated mobile game, Rainbow Six Siege Mobile, has experienced a delay in its release date. Originally slated for December 2023, the game's new release date has been pushed back to September 2024, much to the disappointment of eager fans.

    The delay has not been officially confirmed by Ubisoft, but information from sources such as Reddit and DroidLocal strongly suggests the setback. Beta testers have expressed mixed feelings about the game's current state, with some believing it is ready for release while others feel that more work is needed.

    Delays are not uncommon in the gaming industry, even for major studios like Ubisoft. Another Ubisoft title, Skulls & Bones, has also faced delays and is now set to launch in February 2024. Rainbow Six Siege Mobile is a mobile adaptation of the popular PC game, offering players a tactical shooter experience with 5v5 matches and a variety of Operators and maps to choose from.

    Each Operator in the game possesses unique abilities and gadgets, adding depth and strategic elements to gameplay. Ubisoft has showcased a total of 10 Attackers and 9 Defenders for players to select from. Initially, the game will feature maps such as Bank, Border, Clubhouse, and Oregon, with the promise of more maps being added in the future. Currently, Rainbow Six Siege Mobile is in beta testing for select Android and iOS devices.

    While the delay may be disappointing for fans eagerly awaiting its release, it is important to remember that good games require time and polish. Ubisoft is dedicated to delivering a high-quality experience, and the additional time will likely contribute to a more refined and enjoyable gameplay experience. In the meantime, fans can still join the beta testing phase to get a firsthand look at what Rainbow Six Siege Mobile has to offer.

    Stay tuned for further updates and announcements from Ubisoft regarding the release of Rainbow Six Siege Mobile.

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