Patch 7.40b, released on December 24, focuses on refining balance and stability in Dota 2 with minor hero adjustments and bug fixes. It aims to improve gameplay by addressing issues like talent stats and technical bugs without major hero rebalancing.

Kiriko's new Monster Prop ultimate in Overwatch 2 Winter Wonderland 2025 lets her attack and potentially eliminate Genji players, adding excitement to Mischief & Magic Wonderland mode. Players can earn Winter Wonderland Cookies for rewards like a Season 20 Battle Pass tier skip and the Frozen Mountaineer Cassidy skin.

Players demand adjustments to Wuyang's cash generation and the broader in-game economy, citing balance issues in Stadium mode. While some enjoy the mode, many feel the economic imbalance affects gameplay.

A new guide suggests patience and strategic timing for optimal gameplay, highlighting the Pocket Bomb build for maximizing burst damage in Deadlock. Players are advised to check for updates as item configurations may change, and additional resources are available for comprehensive insights.

Blizzard President Johanna Faries confirms the company aims to release one to two major games annually while expanding existing franchises. Upcoming releases include World of Warcraft: Midnight and Diablo IV’s expansion in early 2026, highlighting Blizzard’s strategy to balance live services and new developments under Microsoft Gaming's guidance.

Blizzard is shifting to a live-service model, focusing on frequent content updates rather than sporadic major releases, under Microsoft's influence. This strategy aims to mitigate burnout and improve developer outcomes, but raises concerns about over-reliance on a few key franchises.

Overwatch 2 launches a new chibi-style figurine line with Pop Mart, featuring ten characters and a rare Black Cat D.Va variant. Scheduled for December 26, each blind box costs $20.99, with potential for future series.

The December 18 patch for Overwatch 2 introduces significant gameplay changes, nerfs Vendetta, and adjusts Winter Wonderland and console Aim Assist. As Season 20 progresses, the patch also hints at a January update with new maps and a return of Antarctica, while refining hero balance and competitive structures.

AdHoc Studio is on the verge of deciding on Dispatch Season 2, with plans to finalize future plans soon, as they face internal pressure to balance quality and quicker development. Co-founders Nick Herman and Pierre Shorette emphasize the challenges of meeting heightened expectations without replicating the seven-year development cycle of Season 1.

Marvel Rivals 2025 Winter Holiday update introduces eight festive skins, including new variants for Squirrel Girl and Jeff the Land Shark. Players can acquire these through shop purchases, events, and rewards with the Festive Throwback event re-offering classic skins until January 2, 2026.

Overwatch 2's Winter Wonderland 2025 event introduces a three-path reward system allowing players to earn Winter Cookies for cosmetics like Jingle Tracer and Santa Claus Torbjorn. The event, featuring the Mischief & Magic prop hunt mode, runs from Dec 9, 2025, to Jan 7, 2026.

Overwatch 2 update 4.19 brings significant balance changes, including hero adjustments, currency rewards, and aim assist reductions for console players. Additionally, competitive points are rebalanced, and Winter Wonderland event rewards are enhanced, with further tweaks planned for higher-ranked players.

Overwatch 2 and Marvel Rivals' latest updates draw criticism for balance tweaks, leaving heroes like D.Va and Ultron still overpowered. Players express concerns over nerfs to key characters and urge developers to better align game balance with community feedback amid holiday content releases.

Vendetta joins Overwatch 2 as the 45th hero and last addition of 2025, featuring offensive abilities like Soaring Slice and Whirlwind Dash. This DPS hero, armed with the Palatine Fang, offers unique energy-dependent mechanics and a powerful ultimate, Sundering Blade.

The ESL FACEIT Group partners with Qiddiya to enhance Saudi Arabia's esports scene, aligning with Vision 2030. The ESL Saudi Challenge spotlights Overwatch 2, boosting local talent towards global prominence.

The Avatar crossover returns in Overwatch 2, offering players challenges to earn exclusive skins like Katara Mei and others through gameplay achievements. Running until December 30, the event includes themed cosmetics and a separate Winter Wonderland event with daily tasks and rewards, though no new Avatar content is added this time.

Marvel Rivals is set to expand its hero roster and introduce a new PvE mode inspired by Marvel Zombies in 2026, aiming to enhance power fantasy and team-ups. With a strong community engagement strategy and tie-ins to MCU releases, the game continues to grow in popularity since its 2024 launch.

New EU laws could reshape eSports, focusing on transparent microtransactions and standardized purchases, impacting how players acquire cosmetics. While aiming for consumer protection, the shift raises concerns about competitive balance and accessibility in university eSports.

Cross-platform FPS games like Apex Legends and Battlefield offer more mechanical depth and variety than Valorant, enriching the player experience. While Valorant excels as a tactical shooter, titles such as Rainbow Six Siege and Overwatch 2 provide diverse environments, playstyles, and strategic depth, appealing to those seeking dynamic cross-platform gameplay.