Patch Notes #22 - weekly gaming digest

Welcome to the 22nd edition of Patch Notes, let’s get this bad boy going.

This edition will cover the week from 5 May to 11 May.

What caught my attention this week

Like everyone else, the GTA VI trailer hit me like a truck. I’ll admit that the last GTA I thoroughly enjoyed was… GTA 1 (does that show my age?). But this will surely change with this one.

Incredible trailer.

Explore Vice City and beyond at http://rockstargames.com/VI

Biggest news of the week

€53M in the red: Riot Games and the cost of the LEC. Sheep Esports

Sheep Esports has published a detailed financial analysis of Riot Games Limited and the League of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC), revealing that while Riot remains highly profitable—with €1.55 billion in 2023 revenue and €385 million in profit—the LEC is financially underperforming. The league’s 2023 sales dropped by 63%, and its deficit widened to €28.5 million, contributing to a cumulative €53 million loss since inception. Despite the LEC’s prestige and marketing value, Riot faces mounting pressure from parent company Tencent to justify esports investments with concrete returns. Riot has responded with workforce cuts, reduced franchise fees, and cost-saving measures across its esports operations. While these losses are small relative to Riot’s overall success, Tencent’s focus on margin optimization could threaten the long-term viability of Riot’s esports ventures.

EA says full Battlefield reveal coming this "summer" as it reconfirms release window. EuroGamer

EA has confirmed that its next Battlefield game remains on track for release before April 2026, with a full reveal slated for this summer. Speaking during the company’s fiscal year 2025 earnings call, CEO Andrew Wilson emphasized the importance of the upcoming title as a key part of EA’s blockbuster pipeline. Despite prior hints that the release could be delayed—likely due to Grand Theft Auto 6's launch now set for May 2025—EA is sticking to its original fiscal year window. The game, described as the “biggest” in the series yet, has been undergoing invite-only playtests since March to recover community trust after the failure of Battlefield 2042. EA plans to expand these tests in May across Europe, North America, and parts of Asia, introducing new content and refining gameplay mechanics like weapon balance and combat pacing. The game is set in a modern-day setting, with returning traditional classes and tighter map design, and early concept art hints at Gibraltar as a possible location.

Split Fiction sales top four million. Gematsu

Split Fiction, the latest cooperative action-adventure game from It Takes Two developer Hazelight, has surpassed four million units sold, Electronic Arts announced. The game initially launched on March 6 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC via Steam, with a Switch 2 version arriving on June 5. After a rapid start—one million copies sold in two days and two million in a week the title has continued its momentum thanks to its engaging split-screen gameplay and imaginative premise. In Split Fiction, players control Mio and Zoe, two writers trapped in their own stories, navigating a series of sci-fi and fantasy worlds by combining unique abilities and solving diverse challenges together. The game emphasizes cooperative play with cross-platform support and a free Friend’s Pass system.

Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection games list announced. Gematsu

Atari and Limited Run Games have announced the full lineup for Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection, a compilation of eight classic titles from the Bubsy franchise, spanning platforms like the Jaguar, Genesis, SNES, Game Boy, and PlayStation. The collection includes updated versions of Bubsy in Claws Encounters of the Furred Kind, Bubsy II, Bubsy 3D, and Fractured Furry Tales, among others. Developed by Limited Run’s Carbon Engine team, the games have been enhanced for modern platforms with technical upgrades and quality-of-life improvements while preserving the series’ trademark quirky tone. Releasing in 2025 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Switch, and PC, the collection also features developer interviews and behind-the-scenes content to celebrate Bubsy’s platforming legacy.

GTA 6 : 70 brand new screenshots reveal the characters and places of Leonida.IGN

Rockstar has unveiled 70 new high-resolution screenshots for Grand Theft Auto VI, offering a detailed look at its main characters—Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos—and various locations across the game's world. In addition to the iconic Vice City, the images reveal surrounding areas like Leonida Keys and Mount Kalaga, expanding the scope of the game's setting. Released alongside Trailer 2, these visuals provide fresh insight into the atmosphere, characters, and narrative tone of GTA 6, which is set to launch in May 2026, though official gameplay footage has yet to be shown.

A legend reimagined – Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade – Creator's Voice | Nintendo Switch 2.

Gears of War: Reloaded remaster coming to PS5, Xbox, and PC in August. GameSpot

Gears of War: Reloaded, a remaster of the original 2006 classic, is launching on August 26, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC (Steam), and will be available day one on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Developed by The Coalition, Sumo Interactive, and Disbelief, this updated edition includes all content from the Gears of War: Ultimate Edition, with full campaign and multiplayer features, enhanced 4K visuals, up to 120 FPS in multiplayer, and major audio-visual upgrades like Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and zero loading screens. The game supports cross-play, cross-progression, and both local and online multiplayer. Owners of the digital Ultimate Edition will receive the remaster for free, as Microsoft celebrates the franchise’s legacy ahead of its 20th anniversary in 2026 by making the series more accessible than ever.

Elden Ring is getting two new classes with Nintendo Switch 2 Tarnished Edition. IGN

Elden Ring is coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 with a special Tarnished Edition, including new content such as two additional character classes: "Knight of Ides" and "Heavy Armored Knight." This edition also introduces new armors, weapons, skills, and three new appearances for the steed, Torrent. The Tarnished Edition will feature the Shadow of the Erdtree content and will be available as a DLC for other platforms through the Tarnished Pack, priced affordably. This new content aims to refresh the experience for players, especially those starting new files on Switch 2. Elden Ring has already surpassed 30 million sales globally, with further growth expected upon its release on the Switch 2, though no specific release date has been confirmed yet.

The details and takeaways you might've missed in the new GTA 6 trailer. PCGamer

The second trailer for GTA 6, despite the game's delay until May 2026, showcases major advancements in Rockstar's approach, focusing on a more grounded tone and world. It introduces protagonists Jason and Lucia, exploring their lives in a gritty environment where low-level criminality and personal struggles take center stage. This trailer highlights the game's stunning visual style, grounded in realism, contrasting with the more absurd tone of GTA 5. There are also hints at RPG-lite elements, such as character customization and a weightlifting mechanic reminiscent of San Andreas. Additionally, a nod to the 2022 hack appears with a tongue-in-cheek line from Jason. The trailer also reveals details about new characters and further builds anticipation for GTA 6's ambitious scale.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Interview - Capturing the heart and soul of the Expedition through music. RPG Site

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has become a major hit in the RPG world, praised for its rich narrative, emotional depth, and especially its soundtrack—over 150 tracks composed by Lorien Testard. In an interview with RPG Site, Testard discussed how his deep love for video games and music led him to this project, starting with a chance forum post that caught the attention of Sandfall Interactive. He emphasized how the game's unique world inspired him to compose an original and emotionally resonant soundtrack, drawing on his French roots and personal experiences. Testard had creative freedom throughout development, allowing him to shape the game’s atmosphere organically, often composing tracks before events were even designed. Standout pieces like "Lettre à Maelle" and the 33-minute "Nos vies en Lumière" reflect his intense dedication, with the latter taking two months of daily work. Vocals played a crucial role in enhancing emotion, especially through vocalist Alice Duport-Percier. The main theme, "Alicia," came from a moment of inspiration watching a dancer, encapsulating the game’s soul and setting its emotional tone. With over 2 million copies sold in two weeks, Expedition 33 has not only become a commercial success but also a deeply personal artistic achievement for its composer.

Rockstar says GTA 6's latest trailer was "gameplay and cutscenes" captured "entirely in-game" on PS5. EuroGamer

Rockstar has confirmed that the second trailer for Grand Theft Auto 6 which stunned fans with its visuals and detail—was composed entirely of in-game footage captured on a standard PlayStation 5, not a PS5 Pro. The trailer, featuring gameplay and cutscenes, showcased the return of the Vice City-inspired setting and a broader cast, prompting speculation about whether such visuals were achievable on current-gen hardware. Rockstar’s statement aimed to dispel that doubt, reinforcing the authenticity of what was shown. Despite the excitement, fans will have to wait longer, as the game's release has been delayed to May 26, 2026, pushing other publishers to adjust their launch schedules around GTA 6’s anticipated dominance.

PlayStation spins out new internal studio from Bungie. Game Developer

PlayStation has launched a new first-party studio called teamLFG, spun out from Destiny developer Bungie and based in Bellevue, Washington. Comprised of talent with experience on major franchises like Destiny, Halo, Fortnite, League of Legends, and Roblox, teamLFG is working on an "ambitious incubation project"—a team-based action game inspired by genres including fighting games, MOBAs, and life sims. The studio aims to build immersive multiplayer worlds shaped by community feedback and live-service support. This move reflects Sony's continued investment in live-service titles, even amid recent failures like Concord, which led to studio closures and layoffs. Despite acknowledging that single-player games are more predictably successful, Sony maintains its commitment to risky live-service development. Over the past two years, this strategy has resulted in thousands of job cuts across multiple studios.

Electronic Arts CEO feels 'very good' about the next Battlefield's launch now that Grand Theft Auto 6 is out of the way. PCGamer

EA CEO Andrew Wilson expressed confidence in the launch timing of the next Battlefield game, now that Grand Theft Auto 6 has been delayed beyond May 2026. During an earnings call, Wilson said EA had always planned a strategic release window for Battlefield in fiscal year 2026 (ending March 2026) but would have avoided launching near a major title like GTA 6 to preserve the game's value. With the new gap in the release calendar, EA feels "very good" about its plans. Four studios—Criterion, DICE, Ripple Effect, and Motive—are collaborating on the game, and early playtests have reportedly exceeded expectations, with a full reveal expected this summer.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III, Trails of Cold Steel IV, and Trails into Reverie for PS5 launch August 21 in Japan. Gematsu

Falcom will release the PlayStation 5 versions of The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III, Trails of Cold Steel IV, and Trails into Reverie in Japan on August 21, 2025, each priced at 4,378 yen. The PS5 versions of Cold Steel III and Cold Steel IV were first launched in the West on February 16, 2024, while Trails into Reverie debuted on July 7, 2023. Trails of Cold Steel III/IV follows Rean Schwarzer as he navigates post-war Erebonia while instructing a new class at Thors Military Academy, featuring improved RPG gameplay and cosmetic DLC. Trails into Reverie allows players to switch between Rean, Lloyd Bannings, and a masked figure, offering tactical combat enhancements and new storylines.

The Metal Gear series has sold 62.9 million units worldwide!. Genki Twitter

Up 500k in the last quarter

GTA 6 trailer 2 is the biggest video launch of all time, Rockstar says. IGN

Rockstar confirmed that GTA 6 Trailer 2 was captured entirely in-game on a PlayStation 5 and consists of equal parts gameplay and cutscenes. Although the trailer largely appears to feature cutscenes with no HUD or controller icons, fans are working to identify the gameplay segments. Key moments believed to be gameplay include Jason robbing a store, driving in first-person, using mini-games like weightlifting and combat training, and engaging in various action sequences like a chopper chase and jetskiing. Despite the lack of visible HUD and non-playable camera angles, the in-game footage offers an exciting glimpse into the game’s realism and potential. Fans are eagerly dissecting the trailer, which has already broken viewership records.

Palworld developer Pocketpair says it’s being forced to patch the game due to Nintendo and the Pokémon Company’s lawsuit. IGN

Palworld developer Pocket Pair has acknowledged recent in-game changes made due to the ongoing patent lawsuit with Nintendo and The Pokémon Company. The lawsuit accuses Pocketpair of infringing on patents related to a mechanic similar to Pokémon's capturing system, specifically the use of "Pal Spheres." To avoid a potential injunction, Pocketpair made several adjustments, including removing the ability to summon Pals via Pal Spheres and changing the gliding mechanic to use a glider instead. Despite these "compromises," Pocketpair vows to continue disputing the claims and asserting the patents' invalidity. The developer expressed disappointment over the forced changes but stated they were necessary to prevent further disruption to Palworld's development.

The $200 deluxe edition of the Gex trilogy remaster includes a 3-foot inflatable Gex and box art from legendary illustrator Yoshitaka Amano.PCGamer

Limited Run Games has unveiled the Gex Trilogy Tail Time Edition, a $200 deluxe collector’s set celebrating the remastered return of the cult-classic Gex games. This nostalgic bundle includes physical versions of all three games, a 3-foot inflatable Gex, a 7-inch statue, trading cards, a remote pin, and the full soundtrack, all housed in a box featuring exclusive art by legendary Final Fantasy illustrator Yoshitaka Amano. The surreal nature of this collector's edition highlighted by Amano’s dramatic reimagining of Gex wielding a sword—leans heavily into the absurd charm that made the lizard secret agent a quirky icon of 90s gaming. For less committed fans, a $75 Classic Edition offers fewer goodies, while Amano’s artwork is also available separately as a poster or puzzle.

Mafia: The Old Country – release date, trailer, $50 price, smaller time commitment, and everything else we know. GameSpot

Mafia: The Old Country, the next installment in 2K’s Mafia series, launches this August for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC at the lower price point of $50. Developed by Hangar 13—the same team behind Mafia III—the game marks the franchise's return after nearly a decade and is designed to be a more streamlined, less time-intensive experience compared to typical AAA titles. While full details are still emerging, the game emphasizes a tighter narrative and shorter overall playtime, making it more accessible to players looking for a focused, story-driven experience without the usual open-world sprawl.

Deltarune will be cross-buy on Switch 1 & 2, and on PS4 & PS5, developer confirms. VG Chronicles

The paid version of Deltarune, set for release on June 5, 2025, will offer cross-buy support for players across the same platform family. This means purchasing the game on Switch or PS4 will grant access to the respective versions on Switch 2 or PS5 for no additional cost (except in Japan due to local laws). The game, priced at $24.99, will include Chapters 1-4, with Chapters 5-7 being free updates as they are released. The game will launch at midnight Japan time on June 5, with a June 4 release in other regions, including 8 AM PT for North America. Players must use the same account for cross-buy eligibility.

Bam Margera | Behind the scenes of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4. Youtube

Bam Margera is officially returning as a secret skater in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4, as announced in a behind-the-scenes video. The reveal celebrates his comeback to the franchise, with the video titled "BAM. IS. BACK." highlighting his inclusion in the remake.

Overwatch 2 x Street Fighter 6 revealed at Evo Japan 2025!. Esports.gg

Blizzard has announced an Overwatch 2 x Street Fighter 6 crossover launching on May 20, 2025, revealed during Evo Japan 2025. This marks Overwatch 2’s first collaboration with another video game franchise outside Blizzard’s own IPs. The event will feature a lineup of themed skins, with Overwatch heroes dressed as Street Fighter 6 characters—such as Hanzo as Ryu, Juno as Chun-Li, and Kiriko as Juri—plus a trailer showcasing their abilities in action. Blizzard hinted at more content like themed challenges or a limited-time mode and emphasized this move as a step toward engaging wider gaming communities.

Europa Universalis 5 official announcement trailer. IGN

Paradox has officially announced Europa Universalis 5, a grand strategy game that lets players shape over 500 years of global history. The game challenges players to master war, trade, diplomacy, and governance while guiding one of hundreds of nations in a richly detailed, living world. It will be released on PC.

After a conflict between the staff of gaming site Giant Bomb and owner Fandom, 'Giant Bomb is now owned by the people who make Giant Bomb'. PCGamer

After months of internal conflict between the staff of gaming site Giant Bomb and its owner Fandom—sparked by halted content production and tensions over brand safety policies—Fandom has officially sold Giant Bomb back to two of its own senior staff members, Jeff Bakalar and Jeff Grubb. Announced during a panel at PAX East, the move marks a significant shift as the site returns to independent ownership. The duo emphasized that Giant Bomb is now "owned by the people who make Giant Bomb," signaling a renewed focus on creator-driven content and editorial independence, following what Fandom described as a "strategic decision."

Final Fantasy Magic: The Gathering set features new artwork by Amano and Nomura and all 15 Cids. RPG Site

The upcoming Final Fantasy crossover set for Magic: The Gathering, set to release in June 2025, is already the best-selling set in the card game's 32-year history even before launch. Featuring new artwork by iconic Final Fantasy artists Yoshitaka Amano and Tetsuya Nomura, the set promises a nostalgic and visually stunning tribute to the legendary RPG series. Highlights include appearances from all 15 iterations of the character Cid, a staple of the Final Fantasy franchise. Based on early previews and designer insights, this set is poised to be a major event in both tabletop and video game circles this year.

Sega announces the latest Virtua Fighter is coming to Switch 2, PS5, and Xbox. VG Chronicles

Sega has announced that Virtua Fighter 5 REVO will be released on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2, with added features such as cross-play support, rollback netcode, and upgraded content beyond the original PC version launched in January. Described as the “Ultimate Edition” with enhancements like 4K visuals and high-resolution textures, the game aims to offer a polished experience across platforms. During a live stream, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio also revealed the return of classic character Wolf Hawkfield in the upcoming Virtua Fighter title, which was first teased last December. Although early footage was shown at Nvidia's CES event, it was clarified as pre-development in-engine visuals rather than actual gameplay.

DOOM: The Dark Ages | Reviews. Shinobi602 Twitter

MC: 86

OC: 87

Nintendo Financial Results. Genki Twitter

Nintendo's latest financial results show the Switch has sold 152.12 million units, up by 1.26 million, with total software sales reaching 1.39 billion units. Notable game sales include Super Mario Party Jamboree at 7.48 million, Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom at 4.09 million, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD at 1.27 million, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe leading with 68.2 million copies sold.

Every Unova Pokémon is getting an illustration rare in the Pokémon Black and White anniversary set. VG Chronicles

To celebrate the 15th anniversary of Pokémon Black and White, the Pokémon TCG will release a special set featuring illustration rare cards for all 156 Unova region Pokémon—a franchise first. Illustration rares are full-art cards that often show Pokémon in dynamic or scenic settings. Unlike standard sets, which include 20–50 such cards, this set focuses entirely on Unova Pokémon. It will launch as a “Special Set” via Elite Trainer Boxes, booster bundles, and collection boxes (not traditional booster packs). Titled Black Bolt and White Flare in Japan (June), the English version will follow in July, introducing a new high-tier rarity called “BWR” (Black and White Rare), previewed on cards like Reshiram, Zekrom, and Victini.

Destiny 2's unpopular removal of older game content is now hampering Bungie's ability to defend against plagiarism lawsuits. EuroGamer

A US judge has ruled that a plagiarism lawsuit against Bungie over Destiny 2 can proceed, citing the company's inability to provide a playable version of its original campaign, The Red War, as critical evidence. The lawsuit, filed by writer Matthew Kelsey Martineau, claims Bungie copied elements from his online sci-fi story, including an invasion by the "Red Legion" using flamethrowers and targeting a celestial entity above Earth. Bungie’s controversial practice of "vaulting" old game content has left it unable to produce the full campaign, forcing it to rely on fan-made resources like YouTube and wikis, which the judge deemed insufficient for dismissal. The case continues as Bungie faces scrutiny over its content removal practices and prepares for future Destiny 2 updates and the launch of Marathon.

Biggest releases this week