Patch Notes #23 - weekly gaming digest
Welcome to the 23rd edition of Patch Notes, let’s get this bad boy going.
This edition will cover the week from May 12 to May 18.
What caught my attention this week
Bungie confirms it stole art once again, and will undertake a 'thorough review' of Marathon assets. PCGamer
Bungie again faces accusations of using an independent artist’s work without permission, this time in its upcoming game Marathon. Visual artist Antireal claimed that the game's in-game assets closely resemble her 2017 poster designs, including specific text and logos. She shared side-by-side comparisons on social media to support her claim.
Bungie has acknowledged the issue, blaming it on a former artist who included the designs without authorisation. The company stated this was unknown to its current art team and has promised to review all assets the former employee created thoroughly. Bungie also contacted Antireal and reaffirmed its policy of seeking permission for external artwork use.
This marks the fourth (known) instance in recent years where Bungie has admitted to using artists’ work without proper credit, raising concerns about ongoing problems in the company’s art department.
Note: the situation around this is quite mindboggling and raises many questions about Bungie's internal processes.
Biggest news of the week
Persona 5: The Phantom X stream on May 15 will reveal the Japanese release date. PRG Site
Sega and Atlus will reveal the Japanese release date for Persona 5: The Phantom X through a pre-recorded stream on May 15 at 23:00 JST (14:00 UTC). The stream will feature key staff members, including Atlus' chief producer Yosuke Uda, development director Yusuke Nitta, and Sega's development producer Jun Matsunaga and operation director Yuta Sakai. Japanese voice actresses Kaede Hondo and Chika Anzai will join the program. The stream will present a new trailer, gameplay session, and more details about the game, which is already available in select regions like China and South Korea. Sega and Atlus have also expressed plans for a global English release on Android, iOS, and PC.
Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra has been delayed to 2026. VG Chronicles
Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra, the upcoming action-adventure game from Skydance and directed by Amy Hennig, has been delayed to early 2026, pushing back its originally planned 2025 release. Skydance stated that the extra development time will allow for more polish to deliver a game that matches their creative vision. First revealed in 2024, the game features a young Captain America and Azzurri, the Black Panther of the 1940s, as they team up during World War II to stop Hydra. Set in 1943, the narrative draws from classic war-era adventure films, with players also encountering allies like Gabriel Jones and a Wakandan spy, Nanali, in a story filled with twists, intrigue, and historical tension.
Tekken 8 boss says he's tried to reach Waffle House for a crossover, to no avail. IGN
Tekken 8 director Katsuhiro Harada revealed that he has been trying to initiate a crossover with Waffle House for over a year, responding to the long-standing fan demand for a themed stage in the game. Despite reaching out through multiple channels, Harada speculates that Waffle House's lack of response may stem from the brand's hesitance to associate with a fighting game. Though a direct collaboration seems unlikely for now, Harada remains open to alternative approaches and even joked about using a parody version, suggesting names like “Hustle House.” While the iconic southern diner might not make an official appearance, the idea still simmers as Tekken 8 continues to evolve, with updates like Patch 2.01 and the upcoming addition of Fahkumram.
Naughty Dog’s Neil Druckmann has been ‘bootcamp-ing’ Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet’s Tati Gabrielle on The Last of Us Part 2 online hate. IGN
Neil Druckmann, creative lead at Naughty Dog, has been preparing actress Tati Gabrielle—star of the upcoming Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet—for potential online backlash similar to what The Last of Us Part II faced in 2020. Gabrielle, who plays protagonist Jordan A. Mun, has already experienced racist and misogynistic hate following the game’s reveal. Druckmann has been mentoring her based on past experiences of actors like Laura Bailey, who was harassed for portraying Abby. Intergalactic is a sci-fi game centred on themes of faith and religion, set on a mysterious planet cut off from communication for 600 years. It’s been in development for four years and is expected to launch no earlier than 2027. Gabrielle says she’s entering the gaming world with care and openness, aiming to make something meaningful with Druckmann despite any negativity.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4’s upcoming remake is getting a significant overhaul in one key area. VG Chronicles
The upcoming remake of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4 in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 will feature a major overhaul of the mission structure, particularly in how the game’s timer works. While the original THPS 4 used a mission-based format where players had to complete objectives given by NPCs, the remake adapts this to a two-minute timer system, similar to THPS 1 + 2. However, players can extend this timer to 10 minutes or even an hour, allowing for more exploration of the game’s larger maps at a slower pace. This change will give players more flexibility in completing objectives without rushing. The game will be released on July 11, 2025, with early access starting on July 8 for the Digital Deluxe and Collector’s Editions. Additionally, Bam Margera will return to the series, following a demand from Tony Hawk himself.
Tony Hawk will ‘campaign all he can’ for a remaster of Tony Hawk’s Underground. VG Chronicles
Tony Hawk has expressed his determination to "campaign all he can" for a remaster of Tony Hawk’s Underground, a fan favourite that shifted the series towards a story-driven, cutscene-rich experience. Since its 2003 release, fans have eagerly requested a remake, a desire that has grown with the upcoming Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 release. While Hawk has no control over the decision, he remains hopeful that the success of the new remake could pave the way for future Underground titles, though remaking Underground 2 may be more complicated due to its reliance on licensed characters and celebrity cameos. Bam Margera, a key figure in Underground 2, will appear in Pro Skater 3 + 4.
Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link cancelled. Gematsu
Square Enix has cancelled Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link, the GPS-based action RPG for iOS and Android, which was announced in April 2022 and initially planned for release in 2024. Despite a closed "Prototype Test" in January 2023, the game was delayed to an unannounced date in November 2024. The development team cited challenges in providing a long-term satisfactory service to players as the reason for the cancellation. Square Enix assured fans that Kingdom Hearts IV is still in development and encouraged continued support for the series.
Sony is expecting US tariffs to wipe out 100 billion yen (approx. $680M USD) off its yearly operating income and is considering its responses. Genki Twitter
Sony expects that US tariffs will reduce its yearly operating income by 100 billion yen (around $680M) and is actively considering how to respond. The company stated, "We are responding quickly to the additional U.S. tariffs that have already been implemented and are considering responses to multiple possible future scenarios.
Accessibility leader accused of employee abuse and waste of charity's funds. Eurogamer
Mark Barlet, founder of the gaming accessibility charity AbleGamers, has been accused of fostering a culture of abuse and mishandling charity funds for over two decades. Former employees allege Barlet used sexist, racist, and misogynistic language, and made inappropriate comments about other employees and disabled people. One claim even suggests that Barlet frequently made offensive remarks about a female employee's body. Barlet, who left the charity in September 2024 following an investigation, denies all accusations, stating that an independent third-party investigation cleared him of any wrongdoing. Further allegations involve wasteful spending, including first-class travel, extended hotel stays, and an expensive Tesla charger. Although an external investigation recommended that AbleGamers part ways with Barlet, the advice was reportedly ignored, leading to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission complaints. Following his departure, Barlet started a new accessibility firm, AccessForge, while employees who spoke out claimed they were retaliated. Additionally, some employees at AbleGamers say they were discouraged from sharing their experiences.
Helldivers 2's Illuminate faction unleashes deadly new enemy terrors as the latest update lands. Eurogamer
Helldivers 2’s latest update introduces a deadly new wave of enemies from the Illuminate faction, arriving with terrifying new threats for players to face. The squid-like Illuminate, emerging from the Meridian singularity, bring new enemies like the Stingray, jetfighters that carry out deadly strafing runs, and the Crescent Overseer, capable of laying down powerful barrages on players in cover. The Fleshmob, failed experiments made from Voteless parts, also join the battlefield. The update also includes a new weapon customization feature, where players can unlock attachments and patterns by completing missions. New Warbonds, such as Viper Commandos, Freedom's Flame, Chemical Agents, and Truth Enforcers, will be available starting May 15th, along with the Masters of Ceremony Warbond. Additionally, the item rotation has been removed from the Superstore, allowing players to purchase any item at any time. The update is live today on PS5 and PC.
The Prince of Persia: Sands of Time remake will launch by March 2026, Ubisoft says. GameSpot
Ubisoft has confirmed that Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake will launch by the end of March 2026, finally providing a clear release window after years of uncertainty. Originally announced in 2020, the game has faced a troubled development, including delays and a change in studios following fan backlash. Now being handled by Ubisoft Montreal, the remake is expected to arrive on current-gen consoles. The game is part of Ubisoft’s FY 2025-2026 lineup, which also includes Anno 117, The Division Resurgence, and Rainbow Six Mobile, and is intended to help stabilize the company’s finances. This announcement comes amid ongoing financial difficulties at Ubisoft, which has included layoffs, studio closures, and restructuring efforts backed by a major investment from Tencent.
Square Enix plans to "reboot" the company over the next three years. GameSpot
Square Enix has unveiled its new three-year strategy called "Square Enix Reboots and Awakens," aimed at prioritizing quality over quantity by focusing on consistent, high-quality game releases starting March 2027. The company is shifting to a unified multi platform development model, with all titles managed under one studio structure to better share and consolidate internal expertise. As part of this shift, several in-development games have been canceled to reallocate resources to more promising projects. The strategy also includes tighter control over development investments. This multiplatform direction is already underway, with the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy confirmed for Nintendo’s upcoming Switch 2 and plans to bring more titles to Xbox, following the recent arrival of Final Fantasy 14 on the platform.
False alarm: Valve confirms that nobody hacked into over 89M Steam accounts and that your passwords are safe. PCGamer
Valve has confirmed that no hack affected over 89 million Steam accounts, debunking recent reports of a massive data breach. The supposed leak was old text messages containing temporary two-factor authentication (2FA) codes, which expire after 15 minutes and do not include passwords, payment info, or other personal data. Valve assured users that their accounts and passwords remain secure, and no action like changing passwords or phone numbers is necessary. They recommend users keep their accounts safe by regularly checking authorised devices and using the Steam Mobile Authenticator. Using a password manager is also advised for stronger, easier-to-manage passwords.
Mortal Kombat 1: Definitive Edition - official launch trailer. Wario64 Twitter
Square Enix and TBS Television announce collaboration to develop original IP games. Gematsu
Square Enix is teaming up with Tokyo Broadcasting System Television (TBS) to develop a brand-new original game IP aimed at both domestic and international markets. This collaboration aligns with TBS’s “EDGE” strategy to expand its global digital content presence, following the launch of its gaming-focused division, TBS Games, in 2023. The new game will leverage the unique strengths and expertise of both companies, with further details to be announced.
PlayStation full-year operating income jumps 43% to $2.8bn. GamesIndustry
Sony’s full fiscal year report shows a 43% jump in operating income for its Games & Network Services (G&NS) division, reaching $2.8 billion, despite shipping fewer PlayStation 5 units (18.5 million, down from 20.8 million). The division’s net sales grew 9% to $31.5 billion, driven by a 14% rise in software sales (303.3 million games sold, up 6%) and a 16% increase in digital add-ons. However, first-party game sales fell from 39.7 million to 28.9 million units. Hardware revenue declined 6% due to lower console sales, but network services like PlayStation Plus grew 23% to $4.5 billion, with monthly active users increasing 5% in Q4. Sony forecasts a slight overall revenue decline next year, expecting a 6.5% drop in G&NS revenue mainly from hardware sales and foreign exchange impacts, while also preparing for US tariffs affecting operating income.
Persona 5: The Phantom X English App Store pages launched, releasing June 26, 2025. Persona Central
Persona 5: The Phantom X will officially launch on June 26, 2025, for mobile (iOS, Android) and PC (Steam), with English App Store pages now live ahead of a reveal livestream. Developed by ATLUS and SEGA, this spin-off of Persona 5 features a new story, protagonist, and cast of Phantom Thieves, set in a Tokyo where desires have vanished. Players will juggle school life and Phantom Thief missions, engaging in activities like part-time jobs by day and dungeon crawling by night. New gameplay elements include the Velvet Trials PvE mode, new palaces, Mementos, a Guild system for social interaction, and original side stories via the Synergy System. While the game introduces entirely new characters, fan favorites like Joker will also return through special contracts. An official English website and Twitter account are now live, and full launch details will be shared during today’s live stream.
GTA 6 delay so Rockstar could 'achieve its creative vision with no limitations', says Take-Two boss. EuroGamer
Grand Theft Auto 6 has been officially delayed to May 26, 2026, with Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick stating the move was made to allow Rockstar to fulfill its creative vision "with no limitations". Originally targeting a Fall 2025 release, the delay was confirmed earlier this month, with Rockstar citing the need for more time to meet player expectations and quality standards. Zelnick acknowledged the disappointment delays bring but emphasized the importance of supporting developers in their pursuit of perfection. He also expressed confidence in the new date, referencing Take-Two’s strong track record of meeting announced launch timelines. Despite the setback, Take-Two’s release slate remains full, including upcoming titles like Borderlands 4, Mafia: The Old Country, and new entries in the NBA 2K and WWE 2K franchises.
Jade Raymond leaves Fair Game$ studio, game now delayed to spring 2026. GameSpot
Jade Raymond, founder and head of Haven Studios, has left the company amid concerns over the reception and progress of its debut title, Fairgame$, a live-service multiplayer shooter. According to Bloomberg, her departure follows a poorly received external playtest, prompting internal worries from developers. While PlayStation praised Raymond’s contributions and leadership, it did not disclose the reason for her exit. Marie-Eve Danis and Pierre-François Sapinski will now co-lead the studio. As a result of the leadership change and development issues, Fair Game$ has been delayed from Fall 2025 to Spring 2026, now overlapping with GTA 6's launch window. The game remains one of the few live-service titles still in development at PlayStation after other projects, like Concord and a God of War live-service title, were scrapped.
Stellar Blade’s PC bonus content will be added to PS5 for free, Shift Up confirms. VG Chronicles
Stellar Blade is officially coming to PC on June 11, and developer Shift Up has confirmed that all PC-exclusive bonus content—including a new boss battle and 25 additional costumes—will also be added to the PS5 version for free via an update. The new boss, Mann, is described as a master warrior and guardian of Xion, available in the game’s Boss Challenge mode. The PC version will feature enhancements like DLSS and FSR support, ultrawide resolution, and higher-quality textures. Shift Up expressed gratitude to fans and expects the PC version to outperform PS5 sales, citing the growing PC market—especially for single-player action games in Asia—and careful planning based on previous console-to-PC release trends.
Death Stranding 2 is scoring well with test reviewers, but Kojima isn't satisfied. GameSpot
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is receiving positive early reviews, but director Hideo Kojima remains unsatisfied, saying he wishes it was “a bit more controversial.” In an interview with Edge Magazine, Kojima expressed that he isn’t aiming for mass-market appeal or high sales figures, though he acknowledges the need for financial success to sustain Kojima Productions. While Kojima won’t change the game’s themes or story based on feedback, the sequel incorporates player input with a more action-focused direction and improved gameplay elements. Despite his creative stance, Kojima hinted at possibly handing over development duties if Death Stranding 3 ever happens. The game launches June 24 on PS5, alongside a limited-edition DualSense controller.
Death Stranding World Strand Tour 2 announced. Gematsu
Kojima Productions has announced the Death Stranding World Strand Tour 2, a global event celebrating the launch of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. The tour will visit 12 cities, including Los Angeles (June 8), Sydney (June 14), Tokyo (June 26), Paris (June 28), London (June 30), Seoul (July 4), Taipei (July 6), Hong Kong (July 9), Shanghai (July 12), Riyadh (August), Sao Paulo (October), and Lucca (November). Each stop will feature special guests and events tied to the game’s launch, which is set for June 26 on PS5. More details about the individual events will be shared soon.
Blue Protocol: Star Resonance – Official announcement trailer. IGN
Blue Protocol: Star Resonance is an upcoming action-adventure RPG from Shanghai Bokura Network Technology Co. Ltd. Players can create their own hero to take part in strategic raids, explore the game world, or hang out with friends. The game is set to launch in 2025 on iOS, Android, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store.
Avowed 2025 roadmap includes new game plus, photo mode, and more. Gamespot
Avowed Patch 1.4 is now live, introducing an Arachnophobia mode that replaces spiders with less creepy floating orbs, map exploration improvements like better fog of war clearing and city reveals, critter loot drops, a new Party Camp feature for waiting to advance time, enhanced Soul Pod functions, and customizable settings for minimap chests and bow/arquebus attack cancellation. Obsidian also revealed a roadmap: Summer 2025 will bring cooking, crafting, new NPC abilities, active/passive skills, and custom map markers, while Fall 2025 adds photo mode, new game plus, a new weapon type, and more. Localization updates for French are ongoing, with Korean and Japanese versions in progress. Avowed is available on Xbox Series X|S and PC.
Elden Ring Nightreign Guardian character trailer released. RPG Site
The new Elden Ring Nightreign character trailer features the Guardian class, highlighting its strong defense and shield skills. The Guardian has a Steel Guard passive to enhance blocking, a Whirlwind skill that creates a cyclone attack, and an Ultimate Art called Wings of Salvation, which lets the character leap up and dive down to create a protective zone. This trailer follows previous ones for other characters like Recluse Raider and Duchess. Elden Ring Nightreign launches on May 30 for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC (Steam).
Red Dead Redemption 2 reportedly set for Switch 2, as Take-Two boss praises Nintendo's console. EuroGamer
Red Dead Redemption 2 is reportedly coming to Nintendo's upcoming Switch 2 console later this year, according to sources close to Rockstar and corroborated by Gamereactor. This news coincides with Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick expressing strong confidence in the Switch 2, highlighting that the company has more launch titles for this platform than for any previous Nintendo console. These include Borderlands 4, Civilization 7, NBA 2K, and WWE 2K. Zelnick acknowledged that being a third-party on Nintendo systems has historically been difficult but praised Nintendo's recent efforts to improve collaboration. He also noted that Take-Two evaluates each game release individually and sees strong potential in bringing older, successful titles—like Red Dead Redemption 2—to the new console.
Nintendo Switch 2: Final tech specs and system reservations confirmed. EuroGamer
Nintendo has officially confirmed the final technical specifications for the Nintendo Switch 2, revealing a custom Nvidia T239 processor based on the ARM Cortex A78C CPU and an Ampere-based GPU with 1536 CUDA cores. The new console features significant upgrades over the original Switch, including 12GB of LPDDR5X memory (9GB available for games), faster 256GB UFS storage, and a specialized hardware file decompression engine to speed up loading times. The Switch 2 supports DLSS and ray tracing capabilities, though the latter hasn’t yet been showcased in games. The display is a 7.9-inch 1080p LCD with HDR10 and VRR support (limited to the internal screen). Developers have six CPU cores and most GPU power available, but the system reserves some resources for OS and features like Game Chat. Overall, the Switch 2 balances improved power and efficiency with the demands of hybrid gaming, and its full potential will be clearer when more games launch after its June 5 release.
Fortnite won't be coming to iOS soon, as Apple blocks Epic's App Store submission.GameSpot
Epic Games has announced that Fortnite will not be returning to iOS devices anytime soon, as Apple has blocked its latest submission to the App Store. This setback came shortly after a judge issued a major injunction against Apple, which Epic believed would pave the way for the game's return. Epic CEO Tim Sweeney accused Apple of "weaponizing" its App Review process to delay or obstruct competition, claiming the company has been unresponsive to follow-ups and forced Epic to re-submit an updated version of the game. While Apple maintains that most app submissions are reviewed within 24 hours, Epic's ongoing legal battle with Apple—dating back to 2020—appears far from over, with the recent court ruling already facing an appeal from Apple.
Retro fighting game Killer Instinct Gold is the latest addition to the Nintendo Switch Online library.IGN
Killer Instinct Gold, the Nintendo 64 version of Killer Instinct 2, is now available on the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack. Originally released in 1996 and developed by Rare, the retro fighting game joins its predecessor in Nintendo’s growing library of classic titles. The addition is notable as the Killer Instinct franchise is now owned by Microsoft, making this another Xbox Game Studios title on the Switch. Players can enjoy the game’s 10-fighter roster and signature combo-heavy gameplay. While Microsoft has not announced any plans to revive the series, this release gives fans another way to experience a classic fighter on modern hardware.
Here's what Switch 2's free upgrades for Link's Awakening, Pokémon, Mario, and more will do. EuroGamer
Nintendo has revealed the specifics of the free Switch 2 upgrades for 12 previously released Switch games, which will be available when the console launches on June 5. These upgrades include improved visuals optimised for the Switch 2’s display and high-resolution TVs, enhanced frame rates for smoother gameplay, and HDR support for some titles. Notable games receiving these upgrades include The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Super Mario Odyssey, Arms, and Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury. Additionally, the updates introduce GameShare support, allowing multiple players to share and play games locally or online with a Switch Online membership. The upgrades focus on enhancing these games' performance and multiplayer experience, though no significant content additions exist.
Steam lets you check out each month's top 50 best-selling games and scroll back to Half-Life 2's release if you want to feel old. VG247
Steam has revamped its monthly game charts to provide more detailed insights into its top-selling games. The new layout shows the top 50 best-selling games monthly, sorted by revenue, and includes DLCs that make the cut. These charts extend back to November 2004, when Half-Life 2 was released, allowing users to explore past sales data. The monthly reports are split into three tiers (gold, silver, bronze), and each report is updated automatically, appearing 14 days after the month ends. The refreshed design also includes trailers for each game, making the charts more visually engaging. However, if a game isn’t available in a user’s region, it won't appear in the list.
After Helldivers 2, Arrowhead's next game will be '100% funded by ourselves,' though CEO Shams Jorjani says there are no hard feelings over Sony's boneheaded PSN shenanigans. PCGamer
After the success of Helldivers 2, Arrowhead Game Studios' CEO Shams Jorjani revealed that the studio's next game will be entirely self-funded, giving them complete control over development decisions. This marks a shift from their previous partnership with Sony, which faced challenges, including review bombing and the game being temporarily removed from sale. Despite this, Jorjani emphasised that there were no hard feelings towards Sony, acknowledging that Helldivers wouldn't have been possible without their support. The studio's success with Helldivers 2 has provided them the financial freedom to fund future projects independently.
Epic asks the court to force Apple to approve Fortnite on US stores. Bloomberg
Epic Games has asked a court to force Apple to approve the release of Fortnite on the US App Store, following a long-standing dispute over Apple's control of game distribution revenue. Epic claims that Apple blocked its latest app submission, preventing Fortnite's return to the US and third-party Epic Games Store in the EU. This move is part of an ongoing legal battle between the two companies, especially regarding Apple's App Store policies and its commissions on in-app purchases. Epic argues that Apple's refusal to accept the submission is an attempt to bypass a court injunction, and is seeking a court order to enforce the ruling and allow Fortnite's distribution on the US App Store.
Activision halts development of Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile after just one year. EuroGamer
Activision has announced the discontinuation of Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile after just one year, stating that the game failed to meet mobile players' expectations compared to its success on PC and console. The developer will halt all seasonal content and gameplay updates, and the game will be removed from the Google Play and Apple App Stores by May 18, 2025. Players who have already installed the game will still be able to play with cross-progression and unspent COD Points, but they will no longer be able to make purchases or download the game after this date. Activision has encouraged mobile players to try Call of Duty: Mobile instead, which has been much more successful.
Biggest releases this week
