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Valorant Voice Chat Ban: Reasons & How To Check

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If you’ve been unable to use the voice chat in Valorant, chances are you may have received a voice ban. Getting a voice chat ban in Valorant not only prevents you from using your microphone in-game but can also render you unable to send text chats when playing the game.

However, being unable to use your microphone in Valorant doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve been banned from voice chat. If you can’t use voice chat in Valorant, it could also be due to microphone issues, incorrect input settings, or game-related bugs.

Luckily, there are a number of ways to easily identify whether you’ve received a voice chat ban in Valorant.

Valorant Voice Chat Ban: How To Check

Valorant Voice Chat Ban

When you receive a voice chat ban in Valorant, you’ll see a pop-up at the center of your screen informing you of your ban, similar to the notifications for dodging games or going AFK. It will include the duration of your voice chat ban along with the exact time of its expiration.

Additionally, you’ll also see a system message appear in your chat box stating: “You have been restricted from using chat due to your behavior.” The message will also show you the duration of your ban.

Lastly, you’ll find yourself being unable to queue for ranked games if you have an active comms ban.

Valorant Voice Chat Ban: Reasons

While there are a lot of reasons that can trigger a voice chat ban in Valorant, here are some of the most common ones, as confirmed by Riot:

  • Insulting, threatening, harassing, or offensive language.
  • Abusive language targeted at players based on their performance or otherwise.
  • Any kind of discrimination or hate speech. This includes targeting a player’s race, ethnicity, religion, ability, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

What To Do If You Receive a Voice Chat Ban in Valorant

If you’ve received a voice chat ban in Valorant, your best bet would be to wait it out. If you feel like your ban isn’t justified, you can try reaching out to Riot Games support.

UFL v0.60.1 Update Patch Notes: Gameplay Changes, AI and More

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The new football game UFL has quickly built on its December 5th launch with a significant post-launch update. The free-to-play title, seeking to take over the EA FC throne, is already showing its commitment to player experience and continuous improvement.

Recently released Update v0.60.1 comes loaded with enhancements and bug fixes across various gameplay mechanics, AI behaviors, and audiovisuals. The developers take into account all player feedback as it helps to bring up an experience that is both smooth and immersive.

With the development of UFL, the team puts forward the best product that would be worth it for fans with a passion for football. The early post-launch support promises much for the future of UFL.

UFL v0.60.1 Update Patch Notes

Gameplay

  • Ball Physics Improvement: The ball’s rebound force from the goal frame (posts and crossbar) has been increased to ensure more realistic behavior.
  • Foul Detection Fix: Fouls are now correctly registered in situations where the goalkeeper of the offending team manages to save the ball after the foul is called.
  • Interception Behavior Correction: Player behavior during ball interceptions has been fixed for throw-ins using the Y-button pass.
  • Goalkeeper Action Optimization: Save algorithms have been updated to reduce the chances of deflecting the ball directly to an opposing striker.

AI Assist, Bot

  • Kick-Off Exploit Removed: The ability to execute an easy through pass behind defenders immediately after kick-off has been fixed.
    • The defensive line now positions itself closer to the goal after kick-off to enhance defensive stability.
    • Defenders actively track attacking players making runs for long passes after the ball is played from the center, ensuring better marking and response.
  • Free Kick Positioning Adjustment: Player positioning for short passes during free kicks has been corrected. Players no longer obstruct the shooting line toward the goal.
  • Goalkeeper Interception Adjustments:
    • Goalkeepers’ ability to step up to the edge of the penalty area during interceptions has been limited.
    • Improved prediction algorithms determine if the goalkeeper will reach the ball first. Now, goalkeepers attempt interceptions only when they can reach the ball before any other player.
  • Position Recovery Fix: Fixed goalkeeper behavior when out of position. When returning to the goal, the goalkeeper now prioritizes a closer position to the goal line.
  • Defense Line Fixes:
    • Resolved excessive narrowing of the defensive line during shots on goal.
    • Fixed abrupt directional changes of the defensive line following aerial passes.
  • Offside System Refinement: The offside system has been refactored. Offside lines are now recalculated during replays to provide more accurate visual representation.
  • Standard Situation Improvements: Bot behavior during set pieces—including corners, free kicks, goal kicks, and throw-ins—has been corrected for better tactical execution.

Audio and Visual

  • UI Bug Fixes
  • Goal Net Sound Adjustment
  • The appearance of 100+ low-rated players has been improved.
  • Photos for 580+ players were updated 
  • Introduced animated skins for card sets of the third rarity tier (Epic).

COD Mobile Season 11 Leaks: New Winter War 2 Features, RAAL MG, and Festive Events

Call of Duty Mobile’s Season 11, dubbed Winter War 2, is set to launch on December 11 at 4 PM PT, featuring thrilling updates including new modes, weapons, festive events, and exclusive rewards. Activision’s winter-themed update promises a dynamic gaming experience to keep players hooked this holiday season.

Major Updates in COD Mobile Season 11

Demolition Mode and Returning Favorites

The highly anticipated Demolition mode debuts in Season 11. In this strategic two-team battle, players alternate between attacking and defending bomb sites, with unlimited respawns ensuring adrenaline-packed matches. If rounds are tied, a decisive third round seals the victory.

Popular modes Big Head Blizzard and Winter Prop Hunt return with festive twists:

  • Big Head Blizzard: Eliminations cause players’ heads to grow, turning them into bobbleheads with melee weapons.
  • Winter Prop Hunt: Players disguise themselves as winter-themed props, such as snowmen or gift boxes, in a hide-and-seek format.

New Arsenal: RAAL MG and Douser Grenade

Season 11 introduces the RAAL MG, a powerhouse weapon boasting high damage and large magazine capacity, perfect for intense firefights. The Douser Grenade, a tactical game-changer, neutralizes hazardous effects like Napalm and Molotovs, providing strategic versatility in battles.

Festive Events and Exclusive Rewards

The season’s events deliver legendary and epic rewards:

  • Assemble the Legendary Purifier Reskin by logging in and completing matches.
  • Decorate your in-game tree to unlock the PP19 Bizon – Sleighliner blueprint.
  • Participate in Winter Wish for epic blueprints, including the ASM10 – Leonine Guardian and Fennec – Lair of Ice.

COD Mobile Updates Add Fresh Excitement

With these updates, COD Mobile Season 11 amplifies the excitement for players worldwide. To experience these features firsthand, download the COD Mobile Test Server Season 11 APK and prepare for action-packed gameplay.

The winter festivities and gameplay innovations ensure this season will be a memorable one for the COD Mobile community.

Genshin Impact, ZZZ, and Wuthering Waves Advance to TGA 2024 Final Round

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Genshin Impact, Zenless Zone Zero, and Wuthering Waves have reached the final round of the Players’ Voice Award at The Game Awards 2024, standing out among 30 nominees. Voting ends on December 11, with winners revealed on December 12.

The Players’ Voice Award is unique among The Game Awards categories as it is entirely fan-voted, reflecting the preferences of gamers worldwide. This year’s journey began with 30 nominees, narrowed down to five after rigorous voting rounds.

Key Details:

  1. Final Nominees:
    • Black Myth: Wukong
    • Genshin Impact
    • Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
    • Wuthering Waves
    • Zenless Zone Zero
  2. Historical Significance:
    • Genshin Impact, a HoYoverse title released in 2020, has won this award for the past two years. A win this year would mark a historic three-peat.
    • This is the first nomination for Wuthering Waves and Zenless Zone Zero, both launched earlier in 2024.
  3. Voting Timeline:
    • Voting closes at 6 PM PT/9 PM ET on December 11, 2024.
    • The winner will be announced during the live-streamed TGA 2024 event on December 12.

This year’s Players’ Voice Award highlights the dynamic shifts in gaming, with legacy titles like Genshin Impact competing against newer entrants like Wuthering Waves. The results may shape industry trends, spotlighting the increasing power of player-driven voting in game recognition.

As the Players’ Voice Award voting draws to a close, anticipation grows over whether Genshin Impact will clinch another victory or if a new title will rise. The results will undoubtedly leave a lasting mark on The Game Awards’ legacy. Fans can tune in on December 12 to witness the announcement.

Valorant 9.11 Ping Changes: How Does It Impact the Competitive Meta?

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Riot Games has announced some major changes for Valorant ahead of the game’s 9.11 update, including a number of significant nerfs to Neon alongside an overhaul to the pinging system.

While the Neon nerfs were widely expected, the sudden changes to the pinging system took everyone by surprise.

For the uninitiated, from Valorant patch 9.11, pings that are placed on the map will no longer show up in the world. Additionally, smoke clouds will now act as barriers to pings, which implies that players will no longer be able to ping inside smokes and spam enemies.

But how does this impact the competitive meta of Valorant?

How Will Valorant 9.11 Ping Changes Impact the Meta?

The biggest impact of the Valorant 9.11 ping changes on the tactical shooter will be on the current post-plant meta, which is especially prominent on maps like Sunset, Haven, and Abyss.

With the changes to the ping system, Defenders can feel slightly safer when trying to defuse the Spike while Attackers will have a tougher time guessing the exact location of the Spike.

This can force Attacking teams to play more proactively instead of just getting the Spike down and leaving the site. However, this change will likely still not be enough to completely halt the post-plant meta on certain maps, especially in pro play where the players will know the map and have a decent idea of where the bomb is getting planted.

In pubs, though, the changes to the pinging system might have a negative effect, making it harder for players to communicate using pings, as map pings will no longer appear in the game world. Given the presence of language barriers, communication through pings has always been a common practice in Valorant games.

Valorant 9.11 Release Date

Valorant patch 9.11 is scheduled to hit the live servers on December 10, 2024, bringing with it all the aforementioned changes to the game. The detailed patch notes for the update haven’t been revealed at the time of writing.

PGL Updates CS2 Circuit Ahead of New Season

PGL has added several new locations to its 2025 and 2026 CS2 circuit, thus bringing top-tier competitive CS to some of the best crowds in the world. PGL having hosted a few majors in the past, will now organize some of the premier events for CS2 in the locations mentioned below.

PGL events for 2025

  • PGL Cluj Napoca 2025: February 14th – 23rd
  • PGL Bucharest 2025: April 5th – 13th
  • PGL Astana 2025: May 10th – 18th
  • PGL Belgrade 2025: October 25th – November 2nd

PGL events for 2026

  • PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026: February 12th – 22nd
  • PGL Bucharest 2026: April 2nd – 12th
  • PGL Astana 2026: May 7th – 17th
  • PGL TBD: August 6th – 16th
  • PGL TBD: October 1st – 11th
  • PGL Belgrade 2026: October 22nd – November 1st

As revealed so far, PGL has four big events planned for 2025, and PGL Astana scheduled in May just had its tickets go on sale.

Qualification

  • 12 invites via Valve Regional Standings
  • 1 team from South America Closed Qualifiers
  • 1 team from North America Closed Qualifiers
  • 1 team from EU Closed Qualifiers
  • 1 team from Asia Closed Qualifiers

Prize Pool

  • 1st Place: – $400,000
  • 2nd Place: – $187,500
  • 3rd Place: – $150,000
  • 4th Place: – $87,500
  • 5th-8th Place: – $62,500
  • 9th-11th Place: – $31,250
  • 12th-14th Place: – $18,750
  • 15th-16th Place: – $12,500

As exciting as the staggering number of matches PGL will bring, we might end up seeing teams getting burnt out by a stacked schedule which might eventually lead to a drop in performances. We have yet to find out the teams participating in the event but given there are only four PGL events in 2025, we will find out how it fairs.

Valorant Night Market December 2024 Dates Announced

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Riot Games has just announced the availability of Night Market dates for Valorant. A favorite among fans, this limited-time event is where players can attain coveted weapon skins at discounted prices.

For those who do not know, the Night Market is a seasonal activity that returns at different times. In this event, the player will be given six random weapon skins from the Select, Deluxe, or Premium tiers. The skin given during the event is highly discounted, with a 10% to 49% discount from its original price.

When is the Next Night Market?

The much-awaited Night Market of December 2024 will start on 16th December 2024. From 7th January 2025, all the players can avail of these exclusive deals and upgrade their weapon skins during the 23-days period.

As the event approaches, Valorant fans are waiting for the chance to get their favorite skin at such a low price. Stay updated and get ready to enjoy the Night Market when they open up.

Is Counter-Strike 2 Dying?

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Counter-Strike 2, the competitive shooter by Valve, is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable names in the world of modern multiplayer games. Since its initial release in September 2023, the game has been steadily evolving, with the devs constantly rolling out updates and introducing new content to keep the player base engaged. Despite this, whispers of discontent and questions about the game’s longevity have been growing louder among fans.

“Is Counter-Strike 2 dying?” has become a widely debated question among gamers over the past few weeks. Whether it’s a newbie looking to get into CS2 or long-time fans of the franchise, many are expressing concerns about the game’s declining player numbers, citing a range of possible reasons.

However, are the claims true? Is CS2, one of the biggest FPS titles on the internet, really dying? Let’s try to find out.

Is CS2 Dying?

To understand if CS2 is dying, we first have to check out the game’s current player count.

Taking a quick look at SteamDB, we can see that CS2 is still dominating the list of top games on Steam—and by a significant margin. The game boasts a concurrent player peak of 1.5 million in the past 24 hours, while the average player count at any point hovers upwards of 700,000.

Is CS2 Dying

In order to identify if the game is “dying”, we have to put these numbers up against those from the past few months.

Examining CS2’s player count over the course of this year reveals a positive trend: not only has the game retained its audience, but it has also gained players since January. While the game did see a dip in player numbers around June-July, it has steadily regained its player count and is still thriving as of November 2024.

Is CS2 Dying

The Verdict: Is CS2 Dying?

Studying these player numbers, it’s obvious that CS2 is not dying. In fact, it continues to grow even today. It can’t be denied that there are concerns within the community about the game’s current state of anti-cheat alongside matchmaking issues, but the player numbers clearly demonstrate that CS2 is here to stay.

LEGO Fortnite Brick Life: Release Date, Features, and Gameplay Insights

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The gaming landscape is set for a transformative leap as LEGO Fortnite Brick Life debuts on December 12, 2024. This collaboration between Epic Games and LEGO brings a dynamic social roleplay mode to Fortnite, inviting players to immerse themselves in the vibrant universe of Brick Bay. From crafting unique lifestyles to exploring magical locales, LEGO Fortnite gameplay offers an expansive range of activities designed to captivate new and seasoned players alike.

What is LEGO Fortnite Brick Life?

At its core, LEGO Brick Life revolutionizes how players experience Fortnite by introducing a richly detailed cityscape filled with opportunities for adventure, creativity, and interaction. Players can join up to 31 others in bustling neighborhoods, explore landmarks like Mourndale Academy or the Beach, and take on diverse roles such as a courier, sushi chef, or even a fortune teller.

The game seamlessly blends community-building with solo exploration, making it equally enjoyable for those seeking companionship or quiet escapades. One of its standout elements is the ability to customize homes with LEGO game features, where players can design dream houses using cross-compatible decor bundles from other LEGO modes, including LEGO Fortnite Odyssey.

Key Features of Fortnite Brick Bay

  1. Interactive Career Paths
    Players can dive into various jobs, from magical professions like an academy professor to lighthearted roles such as a “Bobom Milk Tea Bobarista.” Career switches are effortless, encouraging players to explore every role the city offers.
  2. Customization at Its Peak
    Using earnings from in-game jobs, players can purchase and furnish homes to their liking. The Furniture Catalogue and local shops ensure endless personalization options, supported by frequent updates with fresh items.
  3. Dynamic Social Experiences
    Whether you’re hosting a jam session on the beach, racing hoverboards, or attending the grand opening of the Rooftop Club on December 18, Fortnite December update ensures that Brick Bay remains lively and engaging.
  4. Exploration and Immersion
    Brick Bay boasts meticulously designed locations like Town Square—a central hub for meetups—and Mourndale Academy, where players can dabble in magical pursuits.

Integrations and Special Features

Epic Games’ focus on enhancing user experience shines through integrations like text chat and emotes, which make interactions seamless and enjoyable. Furthermore, those linking their LEGO and Epic Games accounts gain exclusive outfits, including Mr. Dappermint and Explorer Emilie, offering exciting incentives for engaged players.

For a broader perspective on this expansion, explore LEGO Fortnite Odyssey to delve deeper into LEGO’s innovative gaming ventures.

LEGO Fortnite Brick Life redefines collaborative and immersive gameplay with its innovative features and thoughtfully designed cityscape. This mode is not merely a game but an ever-evolving platform for social engagement and creativity. With a wealth of activities, customization options, and a vibrant community setting, Brick Life is poised to become a cornerstone of Fortnite’s evolving metaverse.

Mark your calendars for December 12, 2024, and step into Brick Bay to create your legacy within the iconic LEGO universe.

Ubisoft Faces Potential 2025 Sell-Off of Assassin’s Creed and Key IPs

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Ubisoft, a prominent player in the gaming industry, may face a critical crossroads in 2025, potentially selling off iconic franchises like Assassin’s Creed and Rainbow Six. This development stems from underwhelming financial performance and dwindling investor confidence, according to industry analyst Joost van Druenen.

Financial Struggles and Market Pressures

The company’s share price has plummeted from $28.19 to $12.30 year-over-year, positioning Ubisoft as a possible target for acquisition or asset liquidation. Analysts have suggested that Ubisoft’s key intellectual properties might be more valuable if sold individually rather than as part of the company’s broader portfolio. Reports indicate that the delayed release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, coupled with the underperformance of titles like Star Wars Outlaws, has contributed to the bleak outlook.

Moreover, Ubisoft’s struggles are compounded by their outdated approach to player engagement and community building. The firm has been slow to adapt to evolving gamer expectations, which has eroded trust among both its player base and investors.

Rising Concerns Among Stakeholders

Stakeholder anxiety appears to be growing. Reuters recently reported that Ubisoft shareholders are exploring options for a buyout. The Guillemot family, which holds a controlling interest in the company, may remain at the helm, while Tencent, the second-largest shareholder, has yet to decide on increasing its stake.

Recent actions, such as the announced shutdown of Ubisoft’s XDefiant, underscore the company’s financial and strategic challenges. Ubisoft’s XDefiant Faces Final Shutdown Amid Developer Layoffs.

Delays in marquee releases, such as Assassin’s Creed Shadows, have placed additional pressure on Ubisoft to deliver strong results in a hyper-competitive market. Competing franchises, such as PlayStation’s “Ghost of Yotei,” pose further challenges. While Ubisoft has expressed a commitment to refining its offerings, analysts warn that these efforts may not be enough to rebuild trust and stave off potential sell-offs.

Ubisoft’s future remains uncertain as the gaming giant grapples with mounting internal and external pressures. The next two years will be pivotal in determining whether Ubisoft can reclaim its footing or su