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CNET
6 hours ago
- Business
- CNET
The Best Strategy Mobile Game I Ever Played Just Came Back After a Decade
Battle Nations, a free-to-play turn-based military strategy game for phones developed by studio Z2Live, was taken from us too soon on Sept. 28, 2016. And I'm obviously not the only person who feels like the game didn't have enough time in the sun, because a new version of the game came back to mobile game stores on May 30, 2025 -- nearly a decade after the servers shut down for the last time. I formed a Battle Nations guild with my friends back in middle school to take on some of the game's raids, but we were always severely under-leveled and outnumbered by our enemies. Battle Nations was released during the heyday of mobile gaming, completely revolutionizing what I believed the platform could do. Endless runners like Jetpack Joyride and Subway Surfers gave way to Battle Nations afternoons, filled with planning our group conquests, and it was glorious. The new iteration of the game, called Battle Nations Rewritten, was completely remade by a group of fans who came together to form their own game studio, Madrona Games. This team of developers has spent the last several years ironing out legal proceedings with the game's original publisher, King, to gain the rights to use the Battle Nations trademark. Madrona's developers honed their skills with the release of another game, Tank Tactics, while publishing beta builds for their Patreon subscribers. A tight-knit community of Battle Nations fans approached a major corporation with their own take on an old property and didn't have their fan project taken down. Z2Live was acquired by King in 2015, which is a company that was acquired by Activision Blizzard in 2016, which itself was later acquired by Microsoft in 2023 -- and despite this, Madrona Games was able to make peace with Battle Nations' parent company regardless of large gaming corporations' penchant for suing fan projects using their IP. Now Battle Nations is back in all its former glory, allowing a whole new generation of players to build an outpost and expand their military forces in the name of the emperor. The native wildlife is positively prehistoric and downright dangerous. Madrona Games/Screenshot by CNET What is Battle Nations about? Battle Nations was lampooning fascistic empires before Helldivers 2 made it cool. You're the captain of the 95th Rifle Company of the Imperial Army, a once-renowned military presence that is starting to crack under siege from a rebel army. As flames of conflict approach the capital, the teenage emperor sends your unit to a far-flung continent in search of resources to create a new superweapon. It's your job to grow a budding outpost into a massive military complex, fighting off rebels, vicious local fauna and gas-mask clad warriors that your chauvinistic lieutenant has deemed as "raiders." Your allies are all pretty atrocious people, but their ignorance is constantly made the butt of the joke in Battle Nations' narrative writing. Raiders and rebels are consistently better outfitted and more competent than your team, which forces you to work even harder to stay combat-ready as you advance further into the game. Part city-building simulator and part grid-based tactical battler, Battle Nations appeals to many different types of strategy gamers. I personally enjoyed crafting zany units and utilizing them to defend my outpost as I grew my city-state's economy. Once players reach a high enough level, they'll be able to learn from raider allies to master mammoths and raptors, conduct medical experiments to turn their basic units into zombies and even hire the Team Fortress 2 mercenaries in a bizarre crossover with Valve. (The launch trailer seems to suggest that the famed mercenaries will return in the fan version.) Battle Nations base building will make city sim players feel right at home. Madrona Games/Screenshot by CNET These advances are only made possible through economic prosperity and strong supply lines. Players need to create warehouses, expand their borders to resource deposits and build facilities to process raw materials into stronger forms if they want to build the best units. I've never been gifted at planning out my builds, but the best urban planners will find a great framework to create efficient (and pretty-looking) army bases. As your outpost grows strong enough, you'll start to supplement your foot troops with tanks, helicopters and other heavy vehicles. I remember feeling like I was a true military power by the time Battle Nations shut down. I can't wait to dive back into Battle Nations' take on turn-based combat, even if it means I have to start all over with the bog-standard riflemen. As Battle Nations Rewritten grows and develops, player-versus-player occupations will likely return. Madrona Games/Screenshot by CNET What's next for Battle Nations Rewritten? The new Battle Nations isn't shipping with every multiplayer feature included in the original game quite yet. Madrona Games has promised that subsequent updates will restore many of the social elements missing from the launch build. That means the friends list and guilds will be added soon. One of my favorite features from the original Battle Nations was the ability to let an ally raid resource deposits on your outpost to help them resupply materials they were low on, and it'll be great to see that collaborative gameplay make a return. Boss strikes are also on the docket for a swift return, allowing players to combine their military might to chip away at a boss enemy's health bar (and earning sweet rewards if they're able to fully defeat it). Beyond returning features, the developers plan to add "new narrative arcs, seasonal operations, time-limited events and more to keep the world of Battle Nations evolving." Madrona Games' Battle Nations Rewritten is launching on every platform that the original Battle Nations was on. That means you're able to download the game from the App Store, Google Play Store and Steam for free now.
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Saudi Arabia Electronic Games Markets, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2030 - Explosive Growth in Mobile Gaming Sector, Smartphones Dominate with 60% Revenue Share
Key opportunities in the Saudi Arabia electronic games market include exploiting the surge in mobile gaming, driven by high smartphone and internet penetration. The growing popularity of eSports and online multiplayer games offers potential, especially in urban centers like Riyadh, supported by government initiatives under Vision 2030. Saudi Arabian Electronic Games Market Dublin, May 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Saudi Arabia Electronic Games Market, By Region, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2020-2030F" has been added to offering. The Saudi Arabia Electronic Games Market was valued at USD 4.59 Billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 11.06 Billion by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 15.80% The Saudi Arabia electronic games market has witnessed significant growth from 2020 to 2030, driven by increasing internet penetration, a young and tech-savvy population, and rising disposable incomes. The market is segmented by platform, player type, distribution channel, and region. Platforms include smartphones, tablets, laptops, console games, and portable gaming devices, with smartphones dominating due to their widespread accessibility and affordability. Console games are also gaining traction, supported by the popularity of high-quality gaming experiences. By player type, the market is divided into single-player and multi-player games, with multi-player games experiencing rapid growth due to the rise of online gaming communities and competitive eSports. Distribution channels are categorized into online and offline, with online platforms, including app stores and digital downloads, leading the market due to convenience and a wide variety of options. Offline channels, such as retail stores, remain relevant for physical game purchases and consoles. Regionally, urban centers like Riyadh and Jeddah are the primary hubs for gaming activity, driven by higher disposable incomes and better infrastructure. Key growth factors include government initiatives to promote the gaming industry, such as the Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and foster innovation in the entertainment sector. Additionally, the increasing popularity of eSports and gaming tournaments is further propelling market growth. Key Market Drivers Saudi Arabia has been undergoing a massive digital transformation as part of its Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil. This transformation has led to a surge in internet penetration and smartphone adoption across the country. With over 90% of the population having access to the internet and a high smartphone ownership rate, the demand for mobile gaming has skyrocketed. Smartphones and tablets have become the most accessible platforms for gaming, especially among the younger population. Internet penetration in Saudi Arabia is 98%, with smartphone penetration at 95%. Mobile gaming accounts for 60% of the total gaming revenue in the region. Additionally, the rollout of 5G technology has further enhanced the gaming experience by enabling faster download speeds and seamless online multiplayer gaming. This digital shift has created a fertile ground for the growth of the electronic games market, making it one of the most significant drivers. Key Market Challenges Saudi Arabia's conservative cultural and regulatory environment poses a challenge to the electronic games market. While the government has been actively working to diversify the economy and promote the entertainment sector, certain cultural sensitivities and regulatory restrictions still exist. For instance, games with content deemed inappropriate or inconsistent with local values may face bans or require significant modifications. This limits the variety of games available to consumers and could deter international game developers from entering the market. Additionally, the lack of a clear regulatory framework for online gaming and digital content distribution can create uncertainty for businesses, impacting investment and innovation in the sector. Key Market Trends Esports has emerged as a major trend in Saudi Arabia, transforming gaming from a casual hobby into a professional and competitive industry. The Saudi government has been actively promoting esports as part of its Vision 2030 initiative to diversify the economy and create new entertainment opportunities. The establishment of the Saudi Esports Federation and the hosting of international tournaments, such as Gamers8, have positioned the country as a regional hub for competitive gaming. Esports has also gained significant traction among the youth, with many aspiring to become professional gamers or content creators. This trend has led to increased investments in gaming infrastructure, including esports arenas, training facilities, and sponsorship deals, further boosting the market. Report Scope Key Market Players Sony Corporation Microsoft Corporation Apple Inc. Google LLC (Alphabet Inc.) Electronic Arts Inc. NetEase Inc. Ltd. Tencent Holdings Ltd. Ubisoft entertainment Square Enix Co. Ltd. Blizzard Entertainment Inc. Saudi Arabia Electronic Games Market, By Platform: Smartphones Tablets Laptops Console Games Portable Gaming Devices Saudi Arabia Electronic Games Market, By Player: Single player Multi-player Saudi Arabia Electronic Games Market, By Distribution Channel: Online Offline Saudi Arabia Electronic Games Market, By Region: Western Northern & Central Eastern Southern Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 82 Forecast Period 2024 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $4.59 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $11.06 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 15.8% Regions Covered Saudi Arabia For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Saudi Arabian Electronic Games Market CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Geek Girl Authority
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Girl Authority
Overcooked Archives
Categories Select Category Games GGA Columns Movies Stuff We Like The Daily Bugle TV & Streaming Events Games Stuff We Like Video Games Nintendo closed out the showcase portion of E3 2018 with a bang today at the Nintendo press conference. Rumors have ... Labor Day weekend is upon us and it's a time to rest, relax, and enjoy your time with family and ...
CNET
2 days ago
- Business
- CNET
Steam Deck Gets Direct Access to GeForce Now With Dedicated App
Steam Deck owners with a subscription to Nvidia's GeForce Now no longer need a workaround to use the cloud gaming service. A new app just for Steam Deck gives users of the handheld gaming device the option to play games at the highest graphics settings without quickly draining its battery. Nvidia released its GeForce Now app for Steam Deck on Thursday, according to a blog post from the company. This app lets Steam Deck players enjoy their games at the max graphics settings with all the visual bells and whistles. If docked while connected to a TV, it can also output 4K at 60 frames per second. To download the app, Steam Deck owners must be in Desktop mode. From there, open a browser and head to the download page to get the installer. After double-clicking on the GeForceNowSetup program and selecting "Execute, " this will add GeForce Now to your Steam Library. After installation, users need to select "Return to Gaming Mode" from the desktop. The app will be available in the Non-Steam Games section of the Steam Library. The GeForce Now app allows users to play games at a higher graphics setting than the Steam Deck and allows for longer battery life while streaming. According to a report from The Verge, playing a game via GeForce Now resulted in seven to eight hours of gaming. This is a big upgrade from the typical two to three hours most would get with a game at the highest graphical settings. As with any streaming service, the big concern will be the internet connection speed available. Players will need to have a fast connection to play games with little lag. Nvidia does have servers across the US, but if someone is a bit too far away from the server and doesn't have fast internet, it's likely they will see some lag while playing. Now Playing: GeForce Now is good enough to addict you to cloud gaming 01:39 Nvidia's new app for Steam Deck is another step in the company's push to have GeForce Now on every smart device. It's currently available on phones, tablets, Windows and Apple computers, Xbox Series consoles, Switch OLED, the PS5, Asus ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, MSI Claw, Apple Vision Pro, Meta Quest Chromecast, Android TV and certain smart TVs from Sony, Samsung and LG. GeForce Now is available for free, but that tier is limited to one-hour sessions. The Performance tier offers six-hour sessions and short queue times for $10 monthly, while the Ultimate tier comes with eight-hour sessions, the shortest queue times and access to the highest graphics settings available. While GeForce Now does offer thousands of games to play, subscribers need to own the games from different platforms, such as Steam or the Epic Games Store, or they need to be subscribers to services such as Xbox Game Pass.
Geek Girl Authority
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Girl Authority
Tavern Talk Thursday: Kickstarters To Keep an Eye on in June
Welcome to Tavern Talk Thursday! We are expanding! What started as a column dedicated to chatting with members of the TTRPG community is growing to talk about all things TTRPG. We aim to continue sharing all the things we love about the community and all the content within. So, consider this a little peek into our favorite worlds and creators as we explore everything we love. As we head into warmer months, we can't forget all the tabletop games waiting for us to fall in love with them. And while our picks on Kickstarter might not be availble for a few months, we think it's crucial to get invested early. Whether you are looking for a fun board game to pass the time or a dark adventure in a new TTRPG, we have a few picks we know you will love. The only question is – where will your adventure begin? City of the Black Rose Kicking off our list of Kickstarters to keep an eye on in June, we have Roll & Play Press' City of the Black Rose . This is a campaign setting filled with gothic horror, dark comedy and tons of drama. The team is marketing it toward fans of The Great Gatsby , Sin City , Arcane or Nosferatu. While those four don't usually get rolled together, we can't help but be excited about the potential story hooks, world and chaos this setting will unfold. It is designed to work within the confines of Dungeons & Dragons 5e , as well as Daggerheart and other TTRPG games. Learn more about City of the Black Rose on the official Kickstarter page. RELATED: 5 TTRPGs You Need to Check out for Your Next Game Session Sleddy's Lost Tapes Next, our second pick is Key Enigma's Sleddy's Lost Tapes . This is a co-op, creepypasta-themed escape game that combines puzzles, narrative, and technology to create a challenging experience. If you have ever played Hunt a Killer or similar games, this one will be right up your alley. Players will work together to sift through evidence-filled envelopes to uncover the truth before it's too late. The gameplay is the perfect blend of tabletop elements and current technology. This makes the game accessible to players of all skill levels. Learn more about Sleddy's Lost Tapes on the official Kickstarter page. Top Frog Our final pick for Kickstarters to keep an eye on is YadCo Games' Top Frog . This is a fun card game that will have players hopping around the swamp to try and stack up fashionable frogs for points. It's a quick-paced game where all players' moves occur simultaneously, keeping everyone on their toes. We love it when games built to create chaos are wrapped up in adorable artwork. We can't wait to see who is able to build the tallest stack of frogs wearing the best hats at a future game night. It's a great game to challenge long-time gamers, but perfect for those new to the table. Learn more about Top Frog on the official Kickstarter page. Tavern Talk Thursday: Everything We Know About Critical Role's AGE OF UMBRA
