thetoxicgamer

[thetoxicgamer]

Multiple Overwatch League Teams Jettison Their Rosters as OWL Demise Looms

Overwatch League teams seem to be gearing up for the league's impending conclusion, as many of them have recently released their entire competitive rosters. Toronto Defiant, who had reassembled the popular Contenders team American Tornado for the OWL season, is the latest team to take this step. They officially announced their decision to "allow the roster to explore free agency" while retaining head coach Cas "Casores" van Andel for future endeavors in Overwatch. https://twitter.com/TorontoDefiant/status/1713917811439890534?ref_src=twsrctfw The trend of mass player departures from Defiant mirrors the actions of other franchises since the conclusion of the 2023 season. Just hours before Toronto's announcement, Seoul Dynasty bid farewell to its entire player roster and coaching staff. In recent weeks, several teams, including San Francisco Shock, Boston Uprising, Houston Outlaws, Shanghai Dragons, and Vegas Eternal, have either released most or all of their players and coaches. Although Toronto Defiant's statement implies that OverActive Media, the ownership company (which also owns MAD Lions and the Toronto Ultra), may still have some interest in remaining in Overwatch, the future of the esports scene remains uncertain. While the Overwatch League has not been officially declared defunct, multiple indicators point toward its eventual demise. A July financial statement from Activision Blizzard revealed that franchise owners would vote on an "updated operating agreement" at the end of the 2023 season, with teams opting to depart receiving a $6 million termination fee. Following the season's conclusion, OWL announced its focus on "building our vision of a revitalized esports program," suggesting a future for Overwatch esports without the league. It wouldn't be surprising to see more franchises parting ways with the majority of their players in the coming weeks. Read the full article

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ZywOo’s Poor IEM Sydney Performance Sparks CS2 Community Debate Over AWP’s Role

Zyw0o had a rough outing in IEM Sydney, which culminated in a 2-1 loss to FaZe Clan in the elimination game. The French superstar is arguably the best AWP player in the world, and his performance has the CS community asking whether the AWP is going to be the same force it was in previous Counter-Strike iterations. Dev1ce, a Counter-Strike household name, thinks that the big green has taken a substantial hit on the all-important T side. If you can’t attack well, you won’t win most of your games, and losing the ability to use CS‘s best gun to its old capability is a pretty substantial hit. https://twitter.com/dev1ce/status/1713915029668467095 There are a ton of factors that need to be addressed here. The new lowered round count in CS2 could have an effect on AWPer’s stats. It’s a simple contention: fewer rounds means fewer chances AWPers have to grab the game-changing rifle. With fewer AWPs, there are fewer kills with the AWP, decreasing the sniper’s impact on a game of CS. Additionally, many of the matches on the first day of IEM Sydney were best-of-ones. BO1s, especially with the lowered round count, are horrible in terms of analysis. There simply isn’t enough data to make a definitive call. In Vitality’s opening best-of-one against BetBoom, ZywOo was the second-worst-rated player on his side. In a tough best-of-three against FaZe Clan, he was the highest-rated player on his team. With Counter-Strike‘s long history, CS2‘s simple changes are going to lead many to think that the game is just a CS:GO clone. Vitality may be the first team out of IEM Sydney, an embarrassing performance for the top-rated team in the world, but we’re going to need to see a lot more data before we determine that their dependence on ZywOo’s brilliance is the issue. Read the full article

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Seattle Surge Confirms CDL Roster for MW3, Including 3 Former World Champs

The 2023-2024 Call of Duty League season presents a blend of fresh talent and seasoned experience in the new Seattle Surge roster. Seattle has revealed its starting lineup, featuring former world champions Huke, Arcitys, and iLLeY, alongside CDL newcomer Abuzah. This composition appears promising on paper and aims to improve upon the team's performance from the previous year. https://twitter.com/SeattleSurge/status/1713993213441392732?ref_src=twsrctfw In 2023, Seattle had a lackluster regular season but managed to excel at the CDL Championship. With the departures of Pred, Sib, and Accuracy to New York, Texas, and Minnesota, respectively, the Surge leadership is clearly looking to make significant strides forward with this revamped roster. Arcitys, previously part of FaZe and LA Guerrillas, will strive to regain his top form alongside fellow world champions Huke and iLLeY, who triumphed together in the 2020 Champs with the Dallas Empire. Rambo, the coach who led the Empire to their world championship victory and served as the coach and general manager of OpTic Texas, will be coaching the Seattle squad. His return to the coaching role reunites him with Huke and iLLeY, forming the trio of Empire world champions. Abuzah, an emerging talent from Belgium, had a breakout season last year with the EU Challengers team Aw0babobs. The team won the Toronto Open event and achieved a top-six placement at Challengers Champs. Abuzah's signing makes him the second former Aw0babobs player to join a CDL team, following his former teammate Lynz, who signed with Minnesota earlier in the offseason. Abuzah expressed his excitement on Twitter, stating, "Finally my time, can't wait to show what I can do this year alongside these goats." https://twitter.com/abuzaaah/status/1713999134389076441?ref_src=twsrctfw With Seattle unveiling their team, only three squads are yet to announce their rosters for the upcoming Modern Warfare 3 season: the Los Angeles Guerrillas, Las Vegas Legion, and Carolina Royal Ravens. The official start date for the next CDL season has not been confirmed, but with MW3 set to release in a few weeks, fans can expect more information soon. Read the full article

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MOUZ Stand-in Nexius is Attending His First CS2 LAN at IEM Sydney—but You Wouldn’t Think It

The champions of CS:GO's final event, MOUZ, encountered a significant obstacle on their journey to IEM Sydney this week when their Finnish star player, Jimi "Jimpphat" Salo, faced visa issues that delayed his arrival in Australia. Uncertainty loomed over his attendance, prompting MOUZ to turn to their academy roster for assistance, which led to the discovery of another potential star. Bram "Nexius" Campana, who had been playing for MOUZ NXT in recent matches against lower-tier European teams, found himself thrust into international LAN competition, thousands of miles away from home. Remarkably, he performed exceptionally well, contributing to MOUZ's 2-1 victory over NAVI and securing a place in Sydney's playoffs. Nexius shared his experience, stating that he had only been informed a week before the event about the visa issues affecting Jimpphat. In response, MOUZ asked him to prepare his visa and be ready to step in if the issues persisted. With just two days of practice with the team, Nexius traveled to Australia and excelled in MOUZ's two wins. Notably, he had to adapt to a different in-game role, substituting for Jimpphat. https://twitter.com/ESLCS/status/1713732340026159575 Despite the role change, Nexius credited the team for his success, emphasizing the freedom and support they provided. He mentioned that he didn't feel nervous or stressed, thanks to their approach and encouragement. Nexius also praised the team's energy during their match against NAVI, where they had a strong performance on Ancient to secure their spot in the Aware Super Theatre this weekend. While nerves were a factor, the MOUZ team provided reassurance and advice to keep the pressure from becoming overwhelming. MOUZ NXT has a track record of discovering and nurturing talent, and Nexius has been a standout performer with a 1.09 average rating over the past three months, according to HLTV. The supportive atmosphere within the squad and the freedom granted to players have been key factors in their success. https://twitter.com/ESLCS/status/1713858716125028611 Nexius acknowledged that his role with the main squad in Sydney is not guaranteed, pending the resolution of Jimpphat's visa issues. Nevertheless, he emphasized that his main goal was to enjoy the experience and play without pressure. MOUZ is set to face BetBoom in the upper bracket final on October 18, with a victory securing them a spot in the semi-finals. Their performance with Nexius standing in suggests that they have the potential to succeed even under these circumstances. Read the full article

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CS:GO’s Top Team Vitality Hit Rock Bottom at First Major CS2 Event

Vitality, previously recognized as the world's top CS:GO team at the end of its competitive cycle, delivered a surprisingly poor performance, ultimately finishing in the last position at IEM Sydney, which marked the first major tournament for CS2. This outcome followed their losses to BetBoom and FaZe Clan on October 16. The reigning Major champions struggled, losing three out of the four maps they played in their inaugural CS2 appearance. They were upset in the initial round by Vladislav "nafany" Gorshkov's BetBoom (with a score of 16-14 on Mirage) and were subsequently defeated by FaZe Clan in the elimination match, making it a reverse-sweep. While Vitality's teamwork wasn't at its peak, the most notable concern was the diminished impact of ZywOo. As the two-time reigning best player in the world for 2020 and 2021, and the current best player in 2023, ZywOo finished with a neutral kill/death (K/D) difference in three out of the four maps played, a far cry from his usual fragging prowess in CS:GO. https://twitter.com/zywoo/status/1713923158032486432?ref_src=twsrctfw IEM Sydney, being the inaugural CS2 event, had fans hoping for a deep run from Vitality, considering their previous excellence in the later stages of CS:GO. However, ZywOo's underperformance has led the community to speculate whether the AWP (sniper rifle) is as effective in CS2 as it was in CS:GO and if he can adapt to the new game's mechanics. Valve didn't make any changes to the AWP in CS2, but players may need to adjust their approach to using the sniper rifle due to the unique characteristics of peeker's advantage in the new game. Notably, not only was IEM Sydney the setting for Vitality's first official CS2 matches, but it also marked the debut of their returning coach, Rémy "XTQZZZ" Quoniam, who was signed this month to fill the void left by the departure of zonic. Unfortunately, the French coach couldn't make it to Australia in time to stand behind the players, raising questions about how this might have impacted their performance. Read the full article

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Cyberpunk 2077 Dev Overhauling Internal Checks Ahead of the Witcher 4

It's widely known that Cyberpunk 2077 has undergone a redemption journey with the release of update 2.0 and the Phantom Liberty expansion. The initial launch of CD Projekt Red's RPG in 2020 was marred by severe issues, leading to a broken game and a barrage of criticism towards the developers. A CD Projekt Red veteran has now addressed this situation, discussing the internal changes that have taken place since the game's release, as well as the evolving development processes for the upcoming project, tentatively titled Polaris in The Witcher series. Colin Walder, the engineering director for Cyberpunk 2077, has been a part of CD Projekt Red for eight years. Following his presentation at the Inven Game Conference, he spoke with Inven Global, touching on various aspects such as audio technology, the company culture at CD Projekt Red, and the shifts occurring in the development of the next game, codenamed Polaris. Walder explains, "Our approach to production, creating demos, and transitioning to an agile mindset and workflow is all about ensuring that we address certain issues right from the start. For instance, when it comes to consoles, we need to ensure their smooth functionality right from the beginning. In the case of our next project, Polaris, we are already running our demos and conducting internal reviews on the console from the very outset. This is a step we only took later in the development of Cyberpunk." Polaris represents the first of three new games in The Witcher series by CD Projekt Red. It is currently in the pre-production phase and will serve as the initiation of a new saga that will encompass a trilogy of games. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJbexcm4Trk Walder continues by discussing the challenges in maintaining team morale post-release, particularly after the difficulties experienced with Cyberpunk 2077. He acknowledges that morale suffered significantly and emphasizes the importance of acknowledging what went wrong. He underscores the necessity to translate words into actions, showing genuine commitment. This commitment may manifest in adjusting schedules instead of resorting to crunch when facing looming deadlines. By consistently demonstrating a commitment to preventing crunch, trust and morale gradually begin to rebuild within the team. Notably, back in 2019, CD Projekt Red had promised less crunch during the development of Cyberpunk 2077 compared to The Witcher 3. However, this did not prevent a series of layoffs at the company in recent years. A few months ago, CD Projekt Red announced layoffs affecting around 100 employees, which amounted to 9% of its workforce. This decision prompted developers at the studio to form a union earlier this month. For players currently enjoying the game and seeking assistance, we offer guidance on the best Cyberpunk 2077 builds based on update 2.0, along with a list of essential Cyberpunk 2077 mods that you should consider installing. Read the full article

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New League of Legends Heartsteel Boy Band Revealed, Single Coming Soon

Riot Games has introduced a real boy band in the League of Legends universe called Heartsteel, featuring six champions and real-world artists who represent them. Riot Games has revealed the first artwork of these characters, and their debut single, titled 'Paranoia,' is scheduled to be released later this month. The Heartsteel group includes Ezreal as the vocalist, Kayn as a rapper and instrumentalist, Aphelios as an instrumentalist and songwriter, Yone as a producer, K'Sante as a vocalist, and Sett as a rapper. These champions will be represented by real-life artists BAEKHYUN, ØZI, Tobi Lou, and Cal Scruby. This League of Legends boy band was teased in the previous week, and they are now officially introduced as a virtual band. Heartsteel joins K/DA, another virtual band in the League of Legends universe, with Heartsteel being described as "a group of dynamic daredevils dedicated to unapologetic individuality and creative expression." The song 'Paranoia' will be available on all major platforms starting Monday, October 23 at 8am PDT, 11am ET, and 3pm BST. Maria Egan, Global Head of Music & Events at Riot Games, expressed excitement about this new venture, stating, "Riot's virtual artists have been some of the most innovative and beloved music moments for our players. The idea of an all-male band has long been speculated on by fans, and we're so excited to bring this fantasy to life. Heartsteel is a deep collaboration between all our talented in-house creative teams and some incredible new artists. The ethos of Heartsteel is a supergroup of musical soulmates greater than the sum of its parts – a philosophy that our community embodies every day through their dedication to our games." For more League of Legends updates, you can also check out the details of the League of Legends patch 13.20 and stay updated with the evolving League of Legends tier list. Read the full article

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The Obnoxious Snipers From Lords of the Fallen Have Been Defeated

A new patch for Lords of the Fallen has been released, bringing several improvements to the Hexworks soulslike game. Notably, the patch addresses the frustrating issue of long-range enemies that seemed excessively accurate, almost like using advanced hitscan technology. The update, version 1.1.195, encompasses various enhancements, covering enemy AI, balancing, quests, and more. In my previous Lords of the Fallen review, I highlighted the annoyance caused by these sharpshooters, and I'm delighted to report that Hexworks has addressed this problem. Hexworks states, "The 'snipers' at Pilgrim Perch have had their aiming capabilities revised. They now have a high chance of missing their shots when the target is beyond 15 meters." This rectifies the prior issue where you could be running back to a location or engaged in close-quarters combat, and regardless of the situation, enemies could hit you with substantial damage from a considerable distance. While it was possible to dodge these attacks, the window for doing so was exceedingly narrow, making it a challenging task. I'm pleased to see this change, as Hexworks, in its effort to create a game akin to Dark Souls, had gone a bit too far. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gkfip4T13bQ Additionally, status effect resistance rings have received buffs to make them more viable, and the inventory of the wandering merchant has been altered to promote what Hexworks believes might be an overpowered (OP) character build. Hexworks has also "Modified 'the moving merchant' to sell two copies of the Slave Hunter Dagger, encouraging players to explore the dual-knives dual-wielding stance, which may be slightly overpowered and subject to potential nerfs in the future." I've personally been using dual swords throughout my playthrough, and I can attest to its effectiveness. The health regeneration mechanic, reminiscent of Bloodborne, makes blocking with swords, as opposed to using a shield, highly valuable. It's great to see Hexworks continuing to support this playstyle. While the Lords of the Fallen version 1.1.195 patch includes several other fixes, these are the most significant ones. If you need assistance in Mournstead, we have all the information you need about the Lords of the Fallen bosses, the best character classes, and the ideal weapons based on your chosen build. Read the full article

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Yes, Post Malone will be playing in Apex Legends

Apex Legends enthusiasts have recently been treated to some exciting updates. As Season 18, known as Resurrection, gradually draws to a close, players are savoring its diverse features in anticipation of Season 19. However, the forthcoming season isn't the only reason for excitement. A limited-time crossover event featuring one of today's biggest music stars, Post Malone, is also on the horizon for Apex Legends. Despite Apex Legends' popularity as one of the leading first-person shooter games, appreciated for its accessibility and fast-paced gameplay, it is also cherished for its dedicated fanbase. Post Malone has made a name for himself within the Apex Legends community. He's well-known for streaming the game in his "Gaming for Love" series and has raised substantial amounts for charity. Now, Post Malone is partnering with Respawn Games for a new event. In his announcement, he teases, "Get ready for two weeks of exciting chaos." The teaser video shows Post Malone lying on the ground, seemingly defeated, while asking if someone can revive him. Towards the end of the clip, the event's details are revealed, including its start date, which is set for Tuesday, November 7. https://twitter.com/PostMalone/status/1713939870920351993 Based on Post Malone's mention of the event lasting "two weeks," it's likely to conclude on Tuesday, November 21. The video also hints at a unique Octane skin, presumably themed around the singer. While further details are yet to be revealed, fans are hoping for exclusive music as part of the event. Post Malone is not limited to Apex Legends when it comes to gaming. He has previously expressed his enthusiasm for games like Starfield and even mentioned that he finds time for gaming during his tours. Witnessing role models sharing your hobbies is always a source of excitement. As fans eagerly await this event, they can continue enjoying the remaining content from Apex Legends' Resurrection season. For players currently immersed in Apex Legends and in need of guidance on selecting a legend, there is an in-depth guide available that covers all of the game's characters. If you're looking for a change of pace with action-packed multiplayer fun with friends, you can explore our list of the best multiplayer games. Read the full article

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Starfield, Fallout, and Skyrim legend leaves Bethesda

A little over a month following the release of Starfield, Pete Hines, the head of publishing at Bethesda, known for titles such as Skyrim, Fallout, and Elder Scrolls, is retiring to embark on a "new chapter" in his life. Hines, who has played a pivotal role in every major Bethesda release since Morrowind in 2002, emphasized that his decision to retire was not made hastily, but he feels that the timing is right after the successful launch of Starfield. Having overseen titles like Starfield, Fallout 4, The Elder Scrolls Skyrim, Wolfenstein, Doom, Prey, and many others, Pete Hines has been the face of Bethesda as the head of publishing, and has been a prominent spokesperson for the company. Having contributed to the development of some of the most beloved RPG games of the past two decades and with the release of Elder Scrolls 6 on the horizon, Hines is bidding farewell to Bethesda to embark on a new journey. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkFdqqyI8y4 Hines stated, "After 24 years, I have decided to conclude my tenure at Bethesda Softworks. I am retiring and starting an exciting new phase of my life, exploring my interests and passions, dedicating my time where I can, and taking more time to savor life. This was not a decision I made lightly or quickly, but after a remarkable career culminating in the fantastic launch of Starfield, it feels like the right time." He reassured that it's not a final goodbye, saying, "This is certainly not a farewell in any sense. My affection for Bethesda and its people remains unwavering, and I will always be a part of this remarkable community we've built. I'm immensely proud of all that we've achieved together, and I'm genuinely excited to witness the amazing things they will create in the future." Bethesda acknowledged Hines's significant contributions, stating, "Pete's public presence was only a small aspect of his role at Bethesda, yet the way he represented us reflected the values he fostered here: authenticity, integrity, and passion. His contributions have been essential in establishing Bethesda and its family of studios as the world-class organization it is today. His vision propelled us forward, and his hard work inspired us." For those exploring the Settled Systems, you can find the top Starfield planets to visit. Alternatively, if you want to customize the game to your liking, the latest Starfield mods are perfect. If you're seeking more information, a reliable Starfield wiki is useful, but our new Starfield Database offers daily news, searchable databanks, and interactive tools for an even more comprehensive experience. Read the full article

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OG Steals the Show at TI 2023 With N0tail and Gorgc Dota 2 Hub

During the Road to The International this week, longtime Dota 2 enthusiasts who may recall the "TI Hub" from 2014 experienced a wave of nostalgia as OG's legendary player Johan “N0tail” Sundstein hosted his own version of the casual coverage stream. He was joined by Grubby, Gorgc, and pieliedie. This hub stream, broadcast on both Gorgc's and OG's Twitch channels, emerged as the ultimate way to keep up with the group stage of TI 2023. With four series happening simultaneously, the hub stream selected the most entertaining match while offering top-tier insights. Despite working remotely as a talent member at TI 2023, Maurice “KheZu” Gutmann also made an appearance on this year's hub broadcast. Fueled by a private chef who delivered delicious cakes, appetizers, and a burger that was heavily critiqued by Grubby, the 2023 TI hub continues to provide coverage throughout Phase Two of the Road to The International. The setup and the camaraderie among the participants brought back memories of the legendary 2014 TI Hub, where nearly all English-speaking casters and panelists gathered under one roof to cover TI's qualifiers that year. The hub had it all, from professional Dota analysis to party games and table tennis during downtime. In addition to offering valuable game analyses, the 2023 hub engaged viewers with old stories and lively discussions, even touching on medical "opinions." Many fans preferred the hub stream over TI 2023's official broadcast channels, especially during the group stage. At times, the hub stream attracted more viewers than the combined viewership of two to three group-stage channels. However, as TI 2023 entered the second phase of the group stage, the tournament's official channel began streaming only one game at a time, allowing Valve to catch up. At the time of writing, the main Twitch channel for TI had over 80,000 viewers, while the OG hub still maintained an audience of 25,000. The Road to the International will conclude next week with the opening round of the playoff bracket before the final eight teams compete at the Climate Pledge Arena for the Aegis of Champions. Read the full article

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Gaimin Gladiators Fall as Multiple Dota 2 Underdogs Make a Stand at TI 2023

With the conclusion of the group stage, only 16 teams have advanced to The International 2023. The elimination of weaker teams has resulted in a stronger competitive environment, with several top-seeded teams, including the potentially favored Gaimin Gladiators, already falling as players vie for playoff positioning. The most significant upset of phase two's initial matches occurred in the final series of the day, where Talon Esports secured a 2-1 victory over Gaimin, having a major impact on the rest of TI12. In the first game, Gaimin initially appeared to have the upper hand, but Talon maintained their composure, staging a comeback in the second game that lasted an hour. A critical double kill by dyrachyo's Phantom Assassin left Gaimin vulnerable in their high-ground defense, allowing Talon to even the series. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bscKd4ex6g The third game was equally intense in the opening 30 minutes, with Gaimin gradually building a lead thanks to Ace's Spirit Breaker. However, Mikoto managed to snatch an Aegis at the 28-minute mark, shifting the momentum in favor of Talon and allowing 23savage to dominate with his Morphling. https://twitter.com/TALON_ESPORTS/status/1713395159986229559 Mikoto, who had a relatively quiet series leading up to the team fight at Rosh, made a perfectly timed blink and toss play, securing Rosh and the Aegis for Talon. Dyrachyo was forced to use his BKB and couldn't reengage effectively, leading to Talon picking off Gaimin one by one. Talon's victory upset Gaimin, and they will start the playoffs in the upper bracket. Conversely, Gaimin, who were expected to be the TI12 favorites after a dominant regular season, now stand just one series loss away from elimination. https://twitter.com/virtuspro/status/1713303683662823489 Another upset on the first day of playoff seeding matches involved TSM, who was defeated by Virtus.pro, a team gaining momentum. Virtus.pro staged a 55-minute comeback in the first game, largely thanks to an exceptional performance by Ilya "Kiritych" Ulyanov's Chaos Knight, who faced off against Bryle's Invoker. The CIS squad corrected some of their game one errors in the second map, delivering a swift 38-kill route to TSM. Virtus.pro captain fng acknowledged the shaky start and the improved performance in the second map. Now, Virtus.pro will face Spirit in the upper bracket's first round. https://twitter.com/Team__Spirit/status/1713274932786856380 Spirit, the undefeated champions of the group stage, encountered early difficulties against Shopify Rebellion but managed to recover and overcome a 13-0 deficit in the first game. The second game was a brutal battle, but Shopify couldn't gain a significant advantage, resulting in Spirit taking the lead and gradually securing their upper-bracket position. Team Liquid demonstrated their dominance and efficiently defeated Evil Geniuses in a 2-0 victory. Neither game was particularly close, and they appear well-prepared to face Talon in the main event's opening round. The final day of phase two will feature four additional series to determine the playoff seeding for the main event, commencing on October 20. LG Gaming will kick off the action against Keyd Stars at 12 pm CT. Read the full article

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GAM Esports wins competitive Vietnamese derby to qualify for LoL Worlds Swiss stage

GAM Esports, the top seed from VCS, has successfully advanced through the League of Legends World Championships Play-In stage, securing the second-to-last spot in the Swiss stage. They achieved this by defeating regional rivals Team Whales 3-1 in an intense series that marked the beginning of the final day of the Play-Ins. GAM initially found themselves in the Play-In group's lower bracket on the first day following a loss to Brazilian representatives LOUD. However, the Vietnamese team fought their way back through Movistar R7, and they also avenged their loss to LOUD, setting up a meeting with Team Whales. Team Whales, apart from their jungler BeanJ, was making their debut at the 2023 League of Legends World Championships. They managed to overcome their nerves and top group B with victories over BDS, who qualified from WQS, and CTBC Flying Oyster. However, they ultimately found their VCS rivals to be a formidable opponent. GAM initiated the series with a 27-minute victory, led by Kati's impressive performance on Syndra, making a significant impact in the series. While Team Whales struck back strongly with a one-sided win in the second game, with a kill score of 20-3, GAM regained their composure and secured their place in the Swiss stage. Kati delivered an outstanding performance in the final match, amassing five kills and 17 assists, including several solo kills, while playing Orianna. This performance earned him the match MVP title and led GAM back to the main event of Worlds. https://twitter.com/lolesports/status/1713439925155324402 It's worth noting that GAM also made it to the Worlds 2022 main event through VCS' automatic invitation. Their appearance last year marked the return of the Vietnamese League to the main tournament after the COVID pandemic prevented the region from attending Worlds in 2020 and 2021. In both 2019 and 2022, GAM had a 1-5 record and was eliminated from the tournament early. However, with the introduction of the new Swiss stage format for the first time at Worlds 2023, the team is determined to make a deeper run. They will be placed in the fourth pool for the draw, alongside LCK's Dplus KIA and LPL's Weibo Gaming, as well as the winner of the final Play-In qualifier between PSG Talon and Team BDS. The League Worlds Play-Ins will conclude today with the best-of-five match between Talon and BDS, determining the 16th and final squad to advance to the main event. Read the full article

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Team BDS Demolishes PSG's Hopes and Qualifies for the Swiss Stage of the 2023 World Championship

In a stunning turn of events, Team BDS achieved a remarkable upset in the final match of the 2023 League of Legends World Championship play-in stage, causing the elimination of PSG Talon, the first seed from PCS, in an exhilarating reverse-sweep series. The first five-game series was an incredible display of determination, adaptability, and resilience, keeping both on-site and remote fans on the edge of their seats. The conclusion of the Worlds play-in stage promised to be dramatic, and the second matchup of the day did not disappoint. PSG Talon, previously undefeated, clashed with LEC's 4th seed, creating anticipation for an intense showdown. The stakes were high, as the victor would secure a spot in the Swiss Stage, while the defeated team's journey in the Worlds would abruptly end. https://twitter.com/lolesports/status/1713515068569325970 PSG Talon had displayed dominance throughout the tournament, showcasing exceptional team fighting, strategic decision-making, and drafting, establishing themselves as the most polished team at the event. On the other hand, BDS had a challenging start, losing to Team Whales in their initial match but recovering with a win against DetonatioN FocusMe, highlighting their resilience. Although PSG Talon initially took a comfortable 2-0 lead in the series, demonstrating a level of control that made them appear unbeatable, BDS mounted an impressive comeback in the third game. Game four was a complete domination by BDS, bringing the series to an intense 2-2 tie, accompanied by the iconic Silver Scrapes theme music well-known to League fans. https://twitter.com/lolesports/status/1713495155146444961 The fifth and final game was a tense, nail-biting experience from the draft stage, with BDS locking in Darius for Adam. The European team maintained their momentum from the previous two wins, securing advantages with strong solo lanes and well-timed ganks from Sheo in the early stages. However, PSG Talon remained composed and executed a game-changing play, seizing the Baron and putting BDS on the defensive. https://twitter.com/lolesports/status/1713498671256678779 As the game approached the 40-minute mark, the outcome was uncertain, with both teams securing multiple Barons and reaching Soul point. PSG Talon managed to take down two of BDS's inhibitors, but their base remained intact, resulting in each teamfight being a high-stakes standoff. In one of these pivotal teamfights, BDS aced PSG Talon and secured the victory, completing the remarkable reverse sweep. This thrilling first reverse sweep of the 2023 World Championship will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the tournament's most iconic moments. However, as the main event commences, fans can look forward to more legendary games and moments. Read the full article

[thetoxicgamer]

S1mple to Miss IEM Sydney Over Alleged Paperwork Issues

The CS:GO legend, known as the GOAT, will be absent from the initial tournament in the CS2 era of Counter-Strike esports. As per a statement from his team, NAVI, s1mple won't be participating in IEM Sydney, and instead, team coach B1ad3 will step in to complete the roster. According to reports from Luís Mira at Dexerto, the reason for his absence is related to unresolved EU residency paperwork. According to sources, s1mple's decision not to attend IEM Sydney with NAVI is due to the fact that his EU residency documents are not yet finalized. If he were to travel to Sydney without addressing these bureaucratic issues, there would be a risk of him being unable to re-enter the EU, a situation that is currently unthinkable for a variety of reasons. While NAVI's statement is quite brief, the provided explanation seems plausible. It's crucial to understand that if s1mple traveled to the event without resolving these administrative matters, there was a chance he might not be allowed to re-enter the EU, which is a scenario that must be avoided at all costs. Substituting for s1mple at the Australian event is B1ad3. Although he is not a newcomer to the professional scene, he hasn't played at this level since his time with FlipSid3 Tactics and is undoubtedly considered a significant downgrade. In light of some of s1mple's critical comments about the state of CS2, taking a break may be a wise decision for him. The exceptional AWPer has voiced numerous concerns about the game, even going so far as to say, "don't play this problematic game ," citing the numerous bugs and the poor quality of servers in the game. The online experience notably differs from the LAN experience, but given the unstable online environment, it's expected that many bugs and glitches will arise in the early days of IEM Sydney. Furthermore, s1mple appears to be experiencing a resurgence of frustration, with NAVI underperforming significantly in the latter stages of CS:GO. In this context, a break may not be a bad idea, as it could help alleviate the mounting frustrations within the team and the in-game environment. Whether s1mple participates in the first CS2 tournament or not, his status as one of the greatest CS players of all time remains unchanged. He will have plenty of opportunities to contend for glory in CS2, including the upcoming first CS2 Major scheduled for March 2024. Read the full article

[thetoxicgamer]

The Dual-Wield Dropkick Bucket From Lords of the Fallen is Amazing

Not only could "The Dual-Wielding Dropkick Buckets" make an outstanding name for a Ska punk band, but I've also just coined it as the character build in Lords of the Fallen that could be considered the game's equivalent of Dark Souls 2 ladle runs. To clarify, there's a unique wooden bucket weapon in the new Hexworks game that allows you to perform dropkicks. I'm quite fond of Lords of the Fallen. While it borrows a bit too much from the original Dark Souls, developer Hexworks has introduced some genuinely inventive ideas that, in my view, set the soulslike game apart. I expressed this sentiment in my review of Lords of the Fallen. However, when I wrote the review, I was completely unaware of the existence of a broken wooden bucket weapon in the game, let alone its capacity to enable full-fledged dropkicks. Here's how it works: if you select the Condemned class at the beginning of the game (it's the one found at the bottom of all your class choices), you start with very little. You have some armor, healing items, a throwing rock (yes, really), and a broken wooden bucket. In the true spirit of Dark Souls, I stripped my character down to his underwear and began wielding the bucket. It didn't take long to realize that if you attempt to two-hand it, you magically start dual-wielding buckets, as if summoning an extra one from thin air, in a style reminiscent of the Ninja Turtles. I'm not entirely sure if this is a glitch or a creative workaround for the fact that wielding a small bucket with two hands is unconventional, but I find it quite entertaining. As of now, I can't definitively say whether the bucket-based build will have the same enduring appeal as a Dark Souls broken sword run, but there's a growing community of Lords of the Fallen players who are embracing the bucket approach. It opens up a world of possibilities for player styles, and I hope we can include it in our compilation of the best weapons in Lords of the Fallen. Interestingly, the bucket, especially when dual-wielded, actually deals respectable damage. I'll need to continue playing to explore its potential for upgrades because I'm genuinely curious to see how far I can take this unorthodox approach. If you're new to Lords of the Fallen or considering giving it a try, we've already provided an overview of the best character classes in Lords of the Fallen based on your preferred playstyle. Additionally, we've discussed Lords of the Fallen New Game Plus, which can add some excitement to your gaming experience if you're looking to spice things up. Read the full article

[thetoxicgamer]

Your Baldur’s Gate 3 Companions Need Never Miss a Conversation Again

The companions in Baldur's Gate 3 are so impressive that it's agonizing to part ways with them. I constantly find myself in a dilemma, trying to decide which ones should accompany me on my journey, as each of them brings something valuable to the table. One of the most frustrating aspects of this Dungeons and Dragons game is the fear of missing out on essential dialogue from a character you've left behind in camp. Thankfully, a new Baldur's Gate 3 mod comes to the rescue, ensuring you won't miss crucial interactions. The Baldur's Gate 3 "Everyone in Dialogue" mod, created by 'Silent Note,' addresses the problem of party-based decision-making by allowing all your allies to participate in and respond to your conversations in Larian Studios' RPG, regardless of their distance or whether they're part of your active party. This mod also introduces approval (both positive and negative) from all allies based on your actions, making it a valuable addition to the collection of the best Baldur's Gate 3 mods. While there are mods available to increase your overall party size, Baldur's Gate 3 is designed around a four-player group. If, like me, you prefer not to expand the party size but still want to ensure you don't miss out on unique dialogue options and other NPC interactions specific to certain companions, this mod is a convenient solution. The mod provides a toggle feature, which you can activate or deactivate once it's installed. This toggle appears as a passive ability next to the non-lethal toggle on each character. When activated, starting a dialogue with a character will bring all available allies into the conversation. You can deactivate it if you anticipate private moments, so you don't involve the entire party in more intimate scenes. You don't need to start a new game to use this feature, but you should be cautious if you want to uninstall the mod safely. Attempting to load a save where your characters lack expected abilities may cause the game to crash. The process is relatively straightforward, and you can find all the details, along with instructions for downloading and installing the Everyone in Dialogue mod, on the provided page. Note that you'll also need the Baldur's Gate 3 script extender, which is linked on that page, but it's essential if you plan to engage in extensive BG3 modding. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2p-5RXAitTI If you're considering a respec, we've compiled the best Baldur's Gate 3 builds for various situations. Additionally, we recommend familiarizing yourself with Baldur's Gate 3 crafting, as it's a powerful tool that often goes underutilized. If you're not already well-acquainted, you might want to explore all your Baldur's Gate 3 romance options as well. Read the full article