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Anker's New Prime 3-in-1 Foldable Charging Station Hits $104.99 Low Price on Amazon
Anker's new Prime 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station has been marked down to $104.99 during Amazon's Big Spring Sale, down from $149.99, with no need for a coupon. This accessory just launched last month, and Amazon's sale today represents a new all-time low price. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
These U.S. States Plan to Offer iPhone's Driver's License Feature
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, and then use it to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps. The feature is currently available in 13 U.S. states and Puerto Rico, and it is expected to launch in at least seven more in the future. To set up the feature, open the Wallet app and tap on the plus sign in the top-right corner.
Apple Releasing Two New iPhone Apps This Year
Apple is expected to release two new iPhone apps this year, including an Apple Business app and a Siri app with chatbot-like functionality. With the Apple Business app, employees at businesses using the new Apple Business platform will be able to install apps for work, view contact information for colleagues, and request support. Apple Business is launching on April 14, and it replaces Apple Business Essentials, Apple Business Manager, and Apple Business Connect.
Covington launches initiative to support businesses during bridge construction
City receives $750,000 grant to market local businesses as major bridge projects impact traffic
On Canada's tariff frontline, business stalls over US trade deal jitters
WINDSOR, Ontario, March 28 (Reuters) - Windsor-based FASTSIGNS, a Canadian company that designs and installs custom business signs and graphics, last year endured its toughest year since the pandemic as orders from its core automotive clients dried up. A new project launch this year brought some relief, but the company says customers are demanding longer payment terms, placing smaller orders, and bargaining harder on prices due to uncertainty tied to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement,
The toughest new sport in Japan is street-racing office chairs
On a snowy day in the quiet town of Kumamoto, dozens of Japanese office workers in safety helmets and sneakers crouch low on their office chairs, eyes fixed on the starting line, ready to launch.
Clark University launches new mental health counseling program
Program aims to enhance a strength of the university while also helping steer students toward a high-demand field.
'Families Not Politics' launches campaign against anti-trans Colorado ballot measures
Colorado LGBTQ advocates launched a campaign Friday to encourage “no” votes on two anti-trans measures on the 2026 ballot.
Apple to Launch These 15+ New Products Later This Year
March has been an incredibly busy month for Apple, with the company unveiling more than 10 new products and accessories. We said hello to the MacBook Neo at the start of the month, and we bid farewell to the Mac Pro at the end of it. Beyond the usual annual updates to iPhones and Apple Watches, Apple's all-new smart home hub is finally expected to launch later this year, once the more personalized version of Siri arrives.
Tallahassee Police Department launches voluntary program to access to home, business security cameras
The Tallahassee Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies are asking people to sign up for a new program that would give them access to your cameras in order to fight crime.
Southcoast Health launches in-house police department
NBC 10 WJAR is the news, sports and weather leader for Providence, Rhode Island and surrounding communities, including Cranston, Pawtucket, Woonsocket, Warwick, Newport, Bristol and Narragansett, Rhode Island and Attleboro, North Attleborough, Swansea, Fall River, Taunton and New Bedford, Massachusetts.
City launches app, grant program and business guide to help navigate events around 250th anniversary
The 2026 Access Philly app will feature a scavenger hunt to find the 20 bells installed around the city for the semiquincentennial.
Launch Entertainment targets Charlotte for first local venue by 2027
Launch Entertainment, an indoor family‑entertainment brand, is eyeing Charlotte for its first local venue by 2027.
Planned Parenthood, groups launch campaign against transgender ballot measures in Colorado
Planned Parenthood and other groups have launched a coalition to oppose two ballot measures that would ban transgender surgeries among children and require student athletes to only join sports teams that correspond to their biological sex. The two measures will appear in this year’s November ballot, setting the stage for a statewide debate over sports, […]
‘Families not Politics’ coalition launches to oppose Colorado ballot measures targeting transgender minors
Advocacy organizations in Colorado have launched a campaign opposing two November ballot measures that would regulate transgender minors’ participation in school sports and access to certain medical procedures, setting the stage for a statewide debate over youth policy and parental decision‑making. Dubbed “Families Not Politics,” the coalition was established to “defend the freedoms, privacy, and […]
Tech and Science Bound for Low Earth Orbit
Technology and science demonstrations, supported by various NASA industry collaborations and agency developments, are set to launch to low Earth orbit aboard
California and a voting rights group filed legal challenges to stop GOP sheriff's ballot seizure
The California attorney general and a voting right groups have launched two legal challenges to halt a ballot seizure by a Republican sheriff in Riverside County
Poppy Playtime Chapter 6 Plans, Film Adaptation: Mob Entertainment
Survival horror game "Poppy Playtime" launched its fifth installment Feb. 18, breaking records set by the video game franchise's previous debuts.
Missouri sports betting market officially launched: $5,000 in sportsbook sign-up bonuses, promos right now
Missourians can now place sports bets with mobile sportsbooks and get Missouri sports betting offers for the Missouri betting launch
Westaim reports loss as annuity business gains momentum
Momentum builds in insurance after launch of multi-year offering
Fintech company launches $25K small-business contest
A Sioux Falls-based fintech company is holding a competition for small businesses with a $25,000 prize.
FSU College of Social Science launches three new degree programs
Florida State is expanding its career-focused curriculum, turning popular certificate tracks into full Bachelor of Science programs by fall 2026.
Blue Reflection Quartet announced for PS5, Switch 2, Switch, and PC
Publisher Koei Tecmo and developer Gust have announced Blue Reflection series collection Blue Reflection Quartet for PlayStation 5, Switch 2, Switch, and PC (Steam). It will launch on July 30 world…
Nearly one-third of comments under AMD’s 9950X3D2 launch video ask for FSR 4 on older GPUs
AMD, it's time to react This is probably not what AMD expected to see. AMD’s YouTube announcement for the Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 quickly turned into another
A Bremerton bakery closed by a 'particularly scary' crime
A Bremerton business launch was cut short by stalking, a 'particularly scary' crime one resident is speaking out about.
App that makes your Mac “moan” goes viral after earning $5K in 3 days
A Mac app that “moans” when you slap your laptop has gone viral online, with its creator claiming it pulled in thousands of dollars just days after launch.
Advocate Health to launch nation's largest hospital drone delivery network
How NYU’s Quantum Institute Bridges Science and Application
Newly launched NYUQI seeks solutions in quantum computing, sensing, and communications
Italian regulator launches probe into LVMH, Sephora for unfair commercial practices
The Italian competition authority AGCM said on Friday it had launched two investigations into LVMH-owned entities in Italy, citing unfair commercial practices linked to the premature use of adult cosmetics among minors.
Entertainment Industry Veterans Launch Unified Production Platform (UPP)
Unified Production Platform (UPP) today announced its official launch, led by founder Mujeebur Rahmansaher and partners Greg Smith and An De Vooght—three ent...
Colorado Springs business groups launch new networking initiative to help local business owners succeed
Local organizations are teaming up to host "4-Business After Hours," a series of events designed to connect business owners and provide resources for success in the Pikes Peak region.
You can now transfer your chats and personal information from other chatbots directly into Gemini
Google is launching "switching tools" that, just as it sounds, will make it easier for users of other chatbots to switch to Gemini.
Dr. Terri Yarbrough Green launches Congressional campaign - Talk Business & Politics
U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford, R-Jonesboro, will have an opponent in the general election this fall. Democratic candidate Dr. Terri Yarbrough Green officially launched her campaign in Northeast Arkansas. The Paragould...
DHS internal watchdog launches investigation into handling of contracts under Noem, Lewandowski
The Department of Homeland Security inspector general has launched a sprawling investigation into how contracts have been solicited and handled, including the involvement of former Secretary Kristi Noem and her de facto chief of staff Corey Lewandowski, according to two sources familiar with the probe.
CU Boulder Leeds Launches 9-Month Master’s In Sustainable Business Built With Engineers
Leeds School of Business' new Master of Science in Sustainable Business is designed with engineers and natural sciences to fast-track graduates into climate and sustainability careers.
Scoop: Cabinet to huddle to talk midterms, economy
The meeting comes as the Iran war has sent gas prices soaring, and after the stock market's worst day since Trump launched the war.
NYC Health + Hospitals Announces $2.75 Million Investment to Enhance Obstetric Care - NYC Health + Hospitals
New York, NY — NYC Health + Hospitals today announced the launch of a $2.75 million investment to enhance obstetric care with PeriGen’s PeriWatch
Roseman University launches life science incubator to promote discoveries
Roseman University is launching a new life science incubator to support the growth of the biotechnology sector in Southern Nevada.
Search Live rolling out globally as Google Translate’s live headphones mode comes to iPhone
With the launch of Gemini 3.1 Flash Live, Google is launching Search Live globally. Meanwhile, Google Translate's new headphones...
Hunter: The Reckoning – Deathwish announced for PS5, Xbox Series, and PC
Publisher Nacon and developer Teyon have announced Hunter: The Reckoning – Deathwish for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC (Steam, Microsoft Store). It will launch in summer 2027. It will al…
SGMC Health Launches MyDining to Enhance Patient Comfort, Choice, and Safety
SGMC Health has launched MyDining, a digital patient meal‑ordering experience that gives patients greater control
Parties launch Holyrood campaigns against backdrop of voter indecision
Change is on offer across the political spectrum, but no one knows whether apathy or tactical voting will prevail
The Celsius Stock Selloff Shows How Costco Can Impact Any Business
Investors are digesting news that Costco has launched its own energy drink line.
Apple’s plans for Siri in iOS 27 sound like exactly what I want
This week a report outlined Apple’s plans for a Siri overhaul in iOS 27, and it has me very excited for the direction Apple’s taking Siri.
FTC Launches Healthcare Task Force
On March 20, Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chairman Andrew N. Ferguson issued a memorandum directing the creation of an internal Healthcare Task Force.
Boehringer, CT Science Center launch STEM lab in Hartford
The Connecticut Science Center and Boehringer Ingelheim have launched a new Innovation Lab aimed at expanding STEM education opportunities.
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 Dual Edition with 208MB of total cache launches April 22nd
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 now official AMD has confirmed that the Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 Dual Edition will launch on April 22. The date was shared by Jack Huynh, SVP
WhatsApp can now draft AI-generated responses based on your conversations
The Meta-owned messaging platform is also launching a way to free up space, the ability to touch up photos with Meta AI, and more.
Boehringer Ingelheim and Connecticut Science Center Launch an Innovation Lab to Advance STEM Education Across Connecticut
/PRNewswire/ -- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Connecticut Science Center announced the launch of an Innovation Lab, presented by Boehringer, a...
Eastern University Launches 100-Percent-Online Master’s in AI Business Strategy
Eastern has launched an online Master of Science in AI Business Strategy to equip leaders with the skills to harness AI for strategic growth.
Apple blocks App Store updates for Mac app replacing Launchpad
Apple is blocking App Store updates to AppGrid for resembling Launchpad, a feature the company recently discontinued. Here are the details.
<em>Mega Evolution—Perfect Order</em> Is Now Available in Pokémon Trading Card Game Live
The latest expansion features more Mega Evolution Pokémon ex, and a new Standard format rotation begins.
Intel officially confirms Core Ultra 9 290K Plus will not be released
Core Ultra 9 290K Plus officially scrapped As we have exclusively revealed in early February, Intel has canceled its plans to launch the 24-core Core
Obstacles to ending war come into focus as US and Iran outline starkly different demands
Almost exactly one month ago, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met indirectly with the Iranians in Geneva as the Trump administration continued to claim diplomacy was its preferred option. Two days later, the US and Israel launched their war against Iran.
Vice Provost for AI Jeffrey Bardzell resigns before data and information science school launch
Bardzell is the former dean of the School of Information and Library Sciences, until UNC announced in October that it was set to merge with the School of Data Science and Society. He took on the chief AI officer role shortly after.
Fresno State changes its sports marketing model after decades
Fresno State Athletics announced the launch of Bulldog Sports Enterprises, a locally based multimedia rights and corporate agency, marking a major change in how the program approaches revenue generation and business operations, the athletic department
Wasatch County launches $90,000 small business microgrant program
The microgrant offers a 50/50 matching reimbursement of up to $5,000 for eligible projects that support business growth.
Global Chemicals Science Panel Fails to Launch After Chaotic First Meeting - Center for International Environmental Law
Global chemicals science panel stalls after chaotic first meeting in Geneva, exposing political obstruction and delays in tackling toxic pollution.
Another co-founder is exiting Elon Musk's xAI
Manuel Kroiss is one of 11 engineers who helped launch xAI alongside Elon Musk in 2023. The number of cofounder departures now sits at 10.
Amex launches new Graphite Business Cash Unlimited Card: Earn unlimited 2% on every purchase
Earn cash back on every purchase with the new American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited Card. Here's what business owners should know.
Corus Entertainment Secures Court Approval For $363 Million Debt Plan
A fall in linear TV advertising and hefty borrowings led the major Canadian buyer of U.S. series like 'Survivor' and 'NCIS' to launch a recapitalization transaction to cut annual interest charges via a new parent, NewCo.
Republicans launch reconciliation for SAVE America Act, Iran war and ICE
With Trump's support, top Senate Republicans announced they'll pursue a big new filibuster-proof bill without any Democratic votes — and try to add elements of the SAVE America Act.
CBS Sets Fall Syndication Slate Including 'Entertainment Tonight'
CBS Media Ventures has announced its 2026-2027 syndication slate, renewing 'Entertainment Tonight' and launching 'Adam's Law' with Judge Judy's son.
Forza Horizon 6 Gets Lax PC System Requirements—1080p, 60 FPS on GTX 1650 and Day-1 Steam Deck Support
With the May 19 launch of Forza Horizon 6 just around the corner, Microsoft and Playground Games have officially revealed the minimum hardware requirements for the new racing game, and, at least on the low end, Forza Horizon 6 will not ask players for a lot when it comes to hardware. The minimum spe...
UT Health San Antonio launches clinical trial to study rapamycin and healthy aging - UT Health San Antonio
Contact: Eileen Teves, 210-450-7239, tevese@uthscsa.edu Content provided by Claire Kowalick SAN ANTONIO, March 25, 2026 – UT Health San Antonio, the academic health center of The University of Texas at San Antonio (UT San Antonio) is launching a multi-phase clinical study to better understand how the drug rapamycin may promote healthy aging. Funded by the National […]
Gen Z brothers bought a $4,000 pickup truck to start their business—now it brings in $3 million a year
Kirk and Jacob McKinney found entrepreneurial inspiration at a local dump, launching junk removal and reselling business Junk Teens while still in high school.
Google launches Lyria 3 Pro music generation model
Google is launching Lyria 3 Pro, an upgraded music model that generates longer, more customizable tracks, as it expands AI music tools across Gemini, enterprise products, and other services.
Mauricio Culebro named President of Soccer, AMB Sports and Entertainment
Former President of Tigres UANL takes the helm of MLS Atlanta United and launch of NWSL Atlanta in 2028
Mauricio Culebro named President of Soccer, AMB Sports and Entertainment
Former President of Tigres UANL takes the helm of MLS Atlanta United and launch of NWSL Atlanta in 2028
iOS 26.4 has fixes for 35+ security issues on iPhone, details here
iOS 26.4 launched yesterday, and alongside new features, it brings over 35 key security fixes for your iPhone per Apple’s notes.
AHA launches custom innovation summits, revamped reducing disparities in health outcomes webpage
The AHA is now offering custom innovation summits — proven, high-impact workshops designed to convene health care leaders and co-design solutions for organizations committed to reducing health disparities.
Exclusive: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide Official CAD Renders & Rumors
Samsung is planning a second book-style fold for later this year, specifically to compete with the upcoming iPhone Fold. Apple is said to be launching a
Intel launches Arc Pro B70 at $949 with 32GB GDDR6 memory
Intel launches Arc Pro B70 and B65 with 32GB GDDR6 featuring "Big Battlemage" GPU Intel has introduced two new Arc Pro workstation GPUs, the Arc Pro B70
Samsung launches Galaxy A57 and A37 in Europe
After numerous leaks, Samsung has officially refreshed its mid-range lineup with the announcement of the Galaxy A57 5G and A37 5G devices.
RIT launches hands-on Bachelor of Science degree in artificial intelligence
Rochester Institute of Technology is now offering a Bachelor of Science degree in artificial intelligence. The BS in AI program is tech heavy and hands on.
Crimson Desert's Pearl Abyss regains investor confidence as it continues to move beyond launch day woes
After a rocky start, Pearl Abyss and Crimson Desert are regaining some lost confidence from investors.
Obelisk Infotech Launches AI-Driven SEO Automation to Help Businesses Scale Digital Growth
PUNJAB, INDIA / ACCESS Newswire / March 25, 2026 / As more businesses move online and competition across digital channels continues to grow, the need for smarter and more scalable marketing strategies has become increasingly important. Obelisk Infotech, ...
American Express Launches New Graphite™ Business Cash Unlimited Card, Kicking Off the Most Significant Year for Commercial Product Expansion in Company History
American Express Launches New Graphite™ Business Cash Unlimited Card, Kicking Off the Most Significant Year for Commercial Product Expansion in Company History
Amex launches Graphite Business Cash Card with 2% cash back
American Express’ new Graphite Business Cash Unlimited Card offers 2% cash back and a simple rewards structure, but faces tough competition in a crowded market.
Exclusive: Zuckerberg launches Meta Small Business
The plan taps Meta's biggest edge in the AI wars.
OnePlus 15T launched: Pocket-friendly size, but not a wallet-friendly price
OnePlus has finally launched the OnePlus 15T, and this pocket-friendly phone has a huge battery and a major price hike.
Russia breaks record, launches nearly 1,000 strike drones in a day
Ukraine said it shot down 906 out of 948 long-range drones launched into its borders within a single 24-hour window.
L'Oréal's Skinbetter Science Launches Volume-restoring Facial Serum
L'Oréal-owned, physician-dispensed skin care brand Skinbetter Science has introduced its Ampra Volumizing Macro HA Serum, meant to plump facial skin.
Epic flurry: How Trump’s words on Iran have yo-yoed over three weeks of war
He has dubiously claimed Iran posed an “imminent” threat to the US, months after declaring the US had “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear capabilities. He’s given a multitude of reasons for launching a war in the first place. He has declared victory scores of times, only to qualify those claims later on. Over the course of nearly a month, President Donald Trump has yo-yoed from demanding “unconditional surrender” to teasing a possible detente.
ICYMI: Pokémon Champions Is Getting A Free Update For Switch 2
It will be available at launch
The BlackBerry-Esque Smartphone With a Full Keyboard Just Launched on Kickstarter
This Android smartphone with a tactile QWERTY keyboard has already raised over $2.1 million.
Hawaii launches emergency relief program for farmers, businesses
The Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity today opened up applications for an emergency farm relief program for those impacted by the recent Kona low storms.
'The Pitt' Star Noah Wyle Talks Universal Health Coverage, Season 3
The hit drama took the London spotlight ahead of the U.K. launch of HBO Max, as Wyle shared how his years of TV doc experience helped when the producer of 'KPop Demon Hunters' needed a medical hand this awards season.
Entertainment domination: 50 Cent conquers Planet Hollywood
Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and Robert Earl have partnered to launch PH Live, a new entertainment venue at Planet Hollywood Times Square, featuring state-of-the-art LED technology, immersi…
Austin establishes microloan hub for small businesses
The city of Austin announced on Tuesday it’s teaming up with global nonprofit Kiva to launch the second Kiva hub in Texas, allowing small business owners to apply for microloans and coaching.
Nevada university launches massive life science incubator in Las Vegas
Roseman University of Health Sciences announced the launch of Roseman Bioventures, a 120,000 square-foot facility located on its Summerlin campus.
50 Cent backed Planet Hollywood Live expected to expand to Shreveport, says PR firm
Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and Robert Earl have partnered to launch PH Live, a new entertainment venue at Planet Hollywood Times Square, featuring state-of-the-art LED technology, immersi…
Ignite the Vision small business pitch competition launch set for March 24
The Lamar State College Port Arthur Small Business Development Center will launch its 2026 Ignite the Vision Small Business Plan and Pitch Competition with a kickoff event at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, March ...
Apple launches iOS 26.4 with AI playlists, purchase sharing, and more
You can now ask Apple Music to generate a playlist based on a description.
Apple Combines Business Offerings on Single Platform
Apple has introduced a platform that brings together several of its business offerings. Dubbed “Apple Business,” the platform will be launched April 14 in
Sherrill flexes political muscle in midterm battle between moderate Democrats and progressives
New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill launches Mission to Deliver PAC, aiming to boost moderate Democrats in key federal and statewide 2026 midterm races.
The Crimson Desert Vibes Are Rebounding After Wobbly Launch
Also: Dragon's Dogma 2's journey might not be over
Marathon has sold 1.2M copies across Steam, PS5, and Xbox
Alinea Analytics estimates show that Marathon has generated gross revenues of $55M via 1.2M copies sold on Steam, PS5, and Xbox: Looking at the split between Steam, PS5, and Xbox, Steam is clearly the main platform for Marathon, accounting for a little under 70% of the audience (800K copies sold). Meanwhile, PS5 takes about 19% (217K) and Xbox (including console, PC, and cloud) accounts for a bit over 11% or 133K. Marathon is technically a first-party Sony title, so seeing the home console struggle to break 20% of the volume is a notable data point for the ongoing platform-agnostic debate. PlayStation Studios online games will almost certainly continue being multiplatform (despite Sony reportedly pulling back on PC releases). Subscribe for free to get the most accurate games estimates in your inbox twice a week 🫶 Subscribe As for Marathon, the consensus among hardcore players who pushed through the awkward onboarding phase – myself included – is that it’s fantastic. The gunplay, aesthetic, and presentation are among the best in the shooter genre. A great game doesn’t always equal an immediate hit, though, as shown by our estimates. Things are looking lukewarm right now. But this might be one of those marathon-not-a-sprint situations. Had to, didn’t I? Why wasn’t Marathon a hit on the same level as Arc Raiders? One topic that came up in a lot of conversations at GDC this year was why Marathon hasn’t hit the same stratosphere as Arc Raiders. On paper, they’re both extraction shooters, and Marathon has the Bungie pedigree – the house that built the gold standard for gunplay in Halo and Destiny. Marathon’s neon-futuristic aesthetic also distinguishes itself from the gritty realism of Tarkov or the post-apocalyptic hope of ARC Raiders. But vibes can only get you so far for first impressions if the onboarding feels like a brick wall. Marathon is a sweaty PvP-focused experience with a first-time user experience and UI that I can only describe as dreadful. Players are dropped into a complex ecosystem where the UI, though visually striking, is functionally uninformative, forcing users to manually hover over nondescript, identical icons just to identify basic gear or weapon mods. This lack of clarity is compounded by punishing mechanics like a severe heat gauge for movement and a scarcity of vital resources, all without a clear tutorial or a low-stakes mode to learn the ropes. Most people – even top streamers and veteran shooter players – have no idea what’s going on in Marathon at first. Arc is on the complete other end of the spectrum. As we covered here and here, Arc Raiders offers a more collaborative, approachable loop where players often work together toward shared goals. And the objectives are instantly clear. To many players, this contrast only emphasised Marathon’s issues, especially during the testing period. Players understand the Arc Raiders loop within 30 minutes, while Marathon acts as a massive filter, chewing up newcomers and spitting them out before they can experience the depth of Bungie’s signature gunplay. What I’m getting at here is that the poor first-time user experience of Marathon’s Server Slam likely stifled launch sales, while the opposite was true for Arc. Let’s look at the pre-launch copies sold for each game during their respective Server Slams (launch-aligned) : Looking at the trajectory: Arc Raiders saw a massive 80% jump in copies sold during its three-day Server Slam (day -13 to -11). Players jumped in, realised the water was fine, and immediately opened their wallets. Marathon, meanwhile, saw a 49% increase in the four days following its Slam (Day -7 to -3). At the time of each game’s respective launch, Arc Raiders had nearly double the Steam footprint of Marathon – and word of mouth only continued to grow. Bungie could have had more time to fix the onboarding process had the beta happened earlier. But Marathon launched three days after the beta finished. These factors limited the launch sales quite a bit, I reckon. Marathon has found a niche audience, though Despite the friction-heavy start, the data suggests that those who survived Marathon’s onboarding are loving life. We’ve been tracking cross-platform DAUs, and while there’s the expected post-launch leakage, many players are sticking with it. After peaking at 478K total DAUs on its first Saturday, Marathon has settled into a respectable rhythm, holding 345K DAUs as of yesterday and averaging 380K DAUs across the weekend. Steam continues to do the heavy lifting here, consistently accounting for the lion’s share of the daily players. Players have been putting in the hours, too: On Steam, Marathon’s average playtime has climbed to 27.8 hours, significantly outpacing the console averages on PS5 (16.5h) and Xbox (17.3h). Even more telling than the averages: 22% of the Steam audience has surged past the 50-hour mark, and nearly 7% have already logged over 100 hours. Subscribe for free to get the most accurate games estimates in your inbox twice a week 🫶 Subscribe This data suggests that once the Bungie magic clicks, it hooks players deeper than the average extraction shooter. There’s also started to be a shift in the game’s discourse. Marathon launched as one of those games that’s cool to hate. But as Marathon’s 100-hour club grows, we’re seeing conversations around its mechanical merit outweigh the negativity. Several high-profile creators, who were initially vocal critics, have spent the last week coming around on the mechanical depth of the endgame. It’s a subtle but positive signal; the hate train is losing steam, and a new narrative about the game is emerging. Bungie faithfuls unite Another interesting metric in Marathon’s first few weeks is who, exactly, is playing. Bungie leans heavily on its prestige as the “makers of Halo and Destiny,” in its marketing, and that message has clearly hit the mark. On Steam, the gravity (hammer) of Bungie’s previous work is unavoidable. A staggering 78.2% of Marathon players also played Destiny 2. The trend carries across other platforms, with 74.2% of PS5 players and 82.7% of Xbox players also having played Destiny 2. The Halo legacy lives on, it seems. More on that in a bit. While Destiny 2 went free to play, these numbers still represent a high-intent migration of a fanbase that trusts Bungie’s specific brand of kinetic gunplay and cryptic world-building. The Xbox data adds another layer of legacy. About 85.7% of Marathon players on Xbox have played Halo Infinite, while over half of the Steam audience has spent time in Halo Infinite and 36.1% in the Master Chief Collection (a paid collection of the old Bungie-made legacy games). Interestingly, we see a 55.9% overlap with ARC Raiders on Steam. Overlap is even higher there on PlayStation (60.5%) and Xbox (66.5%). And there’s also significant crossover with Helldivers 2 on all platforms, too. Subscribe for free to get the most accurate games estimates in your inbox twice a week 🫶 Subscribe Bungie has found some of its fans with Marathon, and the challenge now is keeping this engaged in a high-stakes PvP environment when they’ve spent the last decade primarily enjoying the power fantasies of PvE. On that note… Go the full 26 miles? Or cut and run? Time for some could’ve, should’ve, would’ve. These things would have improved Marathon’s performance at launch: A more robust onboarding process, perhaps in the form of a short single-player/PvE campaign. We know Bungie fans love this stuff. A traditional arena-based mode akin to Destiny’s Crucible could have been a bridge for the cautious players who’d have been otherwise deterred by the Server Slam. It’s also a great palate cleanser after getting merked. Introducing a dedicated PvE environment would have similarly diversified the conversation and lowered the barrier for the Bungie faithful who found the pure PvP extraction loop too abrasive. PvE is safer than PvP these days. There’s an argument that a thin PvE mode would have just felt like a budget Destiny, potentially hurting the brand more. But given how dire the FTUE is, I think it would have been a net positive. Any kind of tutorialised loop that demystifies the stakes, really. While there is merit in a studio sticking firmly to a singular creative vision, and going all in on the hardcore extraction loop. Less forgiving is the technical reality is that the user interface and first-time user experience (FTUE) were not at a commercial standard for launch. Subscribe for free to get the most accurate games estimates in your inbox twice a week 🫶 Subscribe In a landscape where player time is oversaturated and the most contested currency, a flawed FTUE is a critical failure point. But it’s not all doom and gloom, as Marathon has an incredible, unique gameplay loop, suggesting that financial success is still attainable if Bungie can pivot effectively. Bungie and PlayStation now face a difficult strategic crossroads, though – one within a challenging games market. They could: Double down on Marathon with a long-term Rainbow Six Siege- or No Man’s Sky-style recovery plan, which is something I heard Last Stand Media’s Chris Maldonado mention last week. While this could be a sunk-cost fallacy in action, it could eventually yield the audience the game’s mechanical depth deserves. Shift focus toward the inevitable Destiny 3 or another project, mitigating the escalating opportunity cost and cutting their losses, so to speak. Doing both is an expensive proposition, given the high overhead and burn rate of operating out of Bellevue, Washington. With Sony recently demonstrating a lower threshold for underperforming studios and projects, the margin for error has vanished. Whatever happens, the next six months will determine whether Marathon becomes a cornerstone of Sony’s live-service portfolio or a cautionary tale of vision exceeding accessibility. I’m hoping it’s the former, because Marathon rocks. As always, hit subscribe to get updates on Marathon and other relevant games. Subscribe Want to get your hands on our data for yourself – for free? We’re offering a free trial of our platform for games companies. Send us a message here, or reply to this email, and we’ll set you up. The last word Reply to this email – or reach out here – if you have any feedback for the newsletter – or want to request a game for us to cover. [Alinea Analytics boasts the most accurate PC and console estimates in the business. Game makers use our platform to understand their audience, keep an eye on the competition, monitor sales trends, and spot new opportunities. We equip game studios and financial institutions with accurate data and the confidence to make smarter, data-driven decisions. Want to talk about all things games market data? We’d love to chat!]
Crimson Desert sells another 1m, as Pearl Abyss pledges more fixes to address launch day struggles
Crimson Desert has sold another 1m copies since Friday.
USWNT star Lindsey Heaps launches sports show
The show will debut in the "Men In Blazers" network.