Call of Duty 4 is known for having one of the top multiplayer modes in shooter history. Its perks and levelling system—where players earn XP to unlock new weapons and skills, then reset after reaching the max level—marks a key change in the FPS genre.
While the idea of grinding for rewards was not new in 2007, earlier games like Doom had completion times shown on level screens. Players could replay missions to improve their scores and aim for top spots on Compet-n leaderboards.
In Goldeneye, practising and speedrunning levels unlock cheats. The grind-and-reward cycle has been part of video games since their start. Modern Warfare takes the concept to a new level. It breaks down and measures the grind, showing players, including readers of the https://poker-choice.com/rec-online-casino/fast-withdrawal/, exactly what they need to do, like ‘reach level 19’ to earn rewards.
Nearly two decades later, every big multiplayer FPS game is built around unlockable items, character levels, seasonal tasks, and other digital rewards. The focus is on keeping players engaged, often offering small incentives that may not hold much value, to encourage them to stay online.
Disregarding any harmful business goals, these shooters show a decline in creativity and fresh ideas. If developers have figured out the best ways to keep players hooked, and if that is their main focus, they will continue to create games that fit this model.
It raises the question: When was the last time a new multiplayer FPS felt unique, where even without unlockables and rewards, it still provided something valuable?
Minh Le, known as ‘Gooseman,’ co-created Counter-Strike at just 20 years old. Initially, a mod for the first Half-Life, both the game and Le caught Valve’s attention.
After six years, he moved on to create Tactical Intervention, which is no longer active. He then collaborated with Facepunch on Rust and later worked with Pearl Abyss on Black Desert Online.
Now, 25 years after CS 1.0, Le has returned to multiplayer shooters. With the team at Ultimo Ratio, he is now designing a new co-op, fully PvE FPS named Alpha Response. In this game, players take on the role of an elite SWAT team, joining three others on a map. 
Currently, during early access, there are two maps, both set in the Portuguese city of Porto. A commander assigns missions, which could involve rescuing hostages, defusing bombs, or protecting armoured vans that have been forced off the road.
Everyone starts with the same weapons and must work together to defeat waves of enemies and achieve their goals. After completing tasks like defusing all bombs, the commander contacts the team again, indicating that a VIP in another part of the city needs an escort, adding thrill to the gameplay.
VK Gaming hailed the ALGS Midseason Playoff champions
VK Gaming has claimed victory at the ALGS Midseason Playoffs, part of the 2025 Esports World Cup held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Chinese esports team triumphed in a fierce seven-way contest during the second major event of the 2025 season for Apex Legends.
After finishing 17th at the earlier ALGS Open, VK Gaming entered the Midseason Playoffs quietly, with most attention on teams like Falcons and NRG. However, VK Gaming made a strong start, winning the first match and securing two top-four finishes, which pushed them past the 50-point mark to reach Match Point.
After finishing second in game eight, they took the win in game nine, defeating Wolves Esports in a crucial one-on-one showdown to clinch the title. With this win, VK Gaming earned $600,000 (around £444,963) in prize money and 3,000 Championship Points. 
This victory brought their total to 5,820 points for the season, placing them third in the current rankings as they head toward the ALGS Championship in 2026. When VK Gaming’s win hit the https://poker-choice.com/rec-online-casino/fast-withdrawal/, it impressed fans worldwide, proving the team’s impressive skills.