Patch Notes #25 - weekly gaming digest

Welcome to the 25th edition of Patch Notes, let’s get this bad boy going.

This edition will cover the week from 26 May to 01 June.

What caught my attention this week

In case you missed it, I’ve interviewed one of the brilliant minds behind Expedition 33's successful marketing.

(Yes, I am shilling my own content in my newsletter.)

Biggest news of the week

A month after Electronic Arts mashed the brakes, WRC rally racing games are coming back with a 'complete reboot' under a new publisher.PCGamer

Less than a month after Electronic Arts ended its licensing deal with Codemasters, the FIA has announced that rally racing games will return in 2027 through a new partnership with publisher Nacon. This marks a complete reboot of the WRC game series, which will feature official teams, vehicles, and events. Nacon, which previously published WRC titles before Codemasters took over, now holds exclusive rights to develop WRC games for six seasons. While the return of Kylotonn—the developer of earlier WRC games—has sparked mixed reactions from fans, many are optimistic about the series' future without EA, especially as Nacon promises a fresh and immersive experience.

NetherRealm says it's done releasing major updates for Mortal Kombat 1: 'Our team needs to shift focus to the next project. PCGamer

NetherRealm Studios has announced it will no longer release major updates, DLC characters, or new story content for Mortal Kombat 1, just under two years after its launch in September 2023. While minor bug fixes and balance patches will continue, the studio says it's shifting focus to its next project. This marks a quicker content wrap-up compared to Mortal Kombat 11, which received over two years of post-launch support. The decision has disappointed some fans, especially after earlier promises of extended support. Now, attention turns to what comes next—possibly Injustice 3 or another Mortal Kombat entry.

Sony confirms discounts on PS5 consoles, accessories and software starting this week. VG Chronicles

Sony has announced a wave of discounts on PS5 hardware and software from May 28 to June 11 as part of its Days of Play campaign. Deals include $50 off the PS5 Pro in the U.S., discounted PS5 bundles like a Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 package starting at $399.99, and price cuts on the PS5 Digital Edition across Europe and Asia. Accessories such as DualSense controllers, PS VR2, and the Pulse Explore earbuds will also see price drops. Additionally, several first-party games, including Astro Bot and The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered, will be available at reduced prices.

Assassin's Creed: Shadows update adds two unexpected crossovers and major parkour upgrades. GameSpot

Assassin’s Creed: Shadows Update 1.0.5 introduces two surprise crossovers—one with Dead by Daylight, featuring a horror-themed quest and cosmetics, and another with Balatro, adding a “Winning Hand” trinket and amulet that require community cooperation to unlock. The update enhances parkour with a new vertical jump and improved movement mechanics. It also unlocks the preorder quest Thrown to the Dogs, adds major Photo Mode upgrades, and delivers numerous bug fixes and balance changes. This update is part of Ubisoft’s ongoing Year 1 roadmap for the game.

Nintendo's anti-scalper measures hit Japan, with Yahoo Auctions banning all Switch 2 console listings. IGN

Nintendo is cracking down on Switch 2 resales in Japan by partnering with major online marketplaces Yahoo Auctions, Mercari, and Rakuten Rakuma to prevent scalping and fraudulent listings. Yahoo is taking the strictest approach, banning all Switch 2 listings starting June 5, with no set end date. Rakuten is restricting pre-release listings, and Mercari is enforcing stricter ID verification and policy enforcement. The move follows overwhelming demand, with over 2.2 million lottery entries for launch units and rising concerns over scams and price gouging.

Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army ‘The Principles of RAIDOU Episode 2’ trailer. Gematsu

Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army has a new trailer titled “The Principles of Raidou Episode 2” which introduces the game’s unique battle system. The remastered version will launch on June 19, 2025, for multiple platforms, including PS5, Xbox Series, Switch 2, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC (Steam).

Digimon Story: Time Stranger's new footage shows city activities and more attack animations. RPG Site

Digimon Story: Time Stranger reveals new gameplay footage in the latest Terriermon Assistant video on the Digimon Official YouTube channel. The preview highlights activities in the Shinjuku map and the Digital World city. Notably, players can now rotate the camera freely on maps—something not possible in previous Cyber Sleuth titles.

The footage also shows enhanced Digimon attack animations and a new Digivolution scene (Gomamon evolving into Ikkakumon). The game is set for release in 2025 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC (Steam).

Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D remake gets a release date, pre-order bonuses, and a collector's edition. Here's what you need to know. IGN

Square Enix has announced that Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake will be released on October 30, 2025, for PC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, and Xbox Series X/S. The remake brings the classic JRPG duo to modern platforms with updated HD-2D graphics while preserving their timeless storylines and gameplay. Players who pre-order the game will receive various in-game bonuses, including seeds that boost stats and an Elevating Shoes item, plus those with save data from the Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake will unlock special costume kits. Additionally, a limited Collector’s Edition will be available, featuring physical collectibles like acrylic blocks and exclusive digital wallpapers. This release continues the beloved tradition of Dragon Quest’s straightforward yet charming RPG experience, appealing to longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Elden Ring: Nightreign | Official launch trailer. IGN

Elden Ring: Nightreign is a standalone roguelike adventure set in the Elden Ring universe, developed by FromSoftware. The game introduces a reimagined core design focused on cooperative play, progression, and survival. It launches on May 30, 2025, for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam).

Persona 5: The Phantom X is a solid RPG, but even adding gacha can't hide the fact that Persona 5's been stretched thin over the last 9 years. PCGamer

Persona 5: The Phantom X is a solid RPG that leans heavily on nostalgia from the original Persona 5, released nearly a decade ago. Developed by Black Wings Games Studio, this mobile and PC game sticks closely to the familiar Persona 5 formula, including its turn-based combat and story structure, with a few new characters and an owl mascot replacing the classic cat. While the game offers enjoyable dungeons, character interactions, and thematic depth, it doesn’t bring much innovation, feeling more like a gacha-driven spin-off than a fresh take. For fans craving more Persona 5 content, it delivers, but for those fatigued by the franchise’s many extensions, it may feel stretched thin.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has sold 3.3 million copies worldwide!. Genki Twitter

EA cancels Black Panther game, closes its developer, and lays off additional staff. GameSpot

Electronic Arts (EA) has officially cancelled its upcoming Black Panther video game and shut down its developer, Cliffhanger Games, a studio founded in 2023 specifically for the project. The move is part of a broader restructuring effort aimed at concentrating resources on higher-growth opportunities, according to a memo from EA's chief operating officer, Laura Miele. Alongside the studio closure, EA is also laying off additional staff in its mobile and central teams, following earlier cuts that affected 300 employees. Despite the cancellation, EA’s partnership with Marvel continues, with a new Iron Man game from Motive Studio still in development. The company is also refocusing on key franchises, such as Battlefield, The Sims, Skate, and Apex Legends, while continuing to work on Star Wars: Jedi and Mass Effect titles.

Cyberpunk 2, which is now officially called Cyberpunk 2, has entered pre-production, but don't expect it out before 2030. PCGamer

CD Projekt has officially confirmed that Cyberpunk 2, previously known as Project Orion, has entered the pre-production phase. While this marks a significant milestone, the game's release is still years away, potentially not arriving until 2030 or later. The announcement follows the continued success of Phantom Liberty, which has sold 10 million copies in under two years, signalling strong ongoing interest in the Cyberpunk universe. Although The Witcher 4 remains CD Projekt's main development focus for now, Cyberpunk 2 will become a primary recruitment priority in 2025. CD Projekt leadership indicated that, based on typical development timelines, fans should expect a long wait before the sequel is ready.

Pokémon Presents confirmed for July. VG Chronicles

The following Pokémon Presents livestream has been officially scheduled for Tuesday, July 22, and will be broadcast on the official Pokémon YouTube channel. While no specific content has been confirmed for the event, fans can expect updates and news from across the Pokémon franchise. This announcement comes alongside new details for Pokémon Legends: Z-A, which now has a confirmed release date and will offer an upgrade path from Switch to Switch 2 versions. In addition, Mega Pokémon merchandise has launched to tie in with the game, and the upcoming Destined Rivals TCG expansion drops this week. With Pokémon’s 30th anniversary set for 2026, speculation is mounting that Generation 10 could be revealed soon.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A and Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 edition have a release date, Pokémon Presents set for July. IGN

The Pokémon Company has officially announced that Pokémon Legends: Z-A and its enhanced Nintendo Switch 2 Edition will release on October 16, 2025, with pre-orders opening on June 5. Players who purchase the standard Switch version—digitally or physically—will have the option to upgrade to the Switch 2 Edition for $10, unlocking improved graphics and performance. The game's newly revealed cover art features the protagonists and their partner Pokémon battling a Mega-Evolved Pokémon at night in Lumiose City, the sole setting for this new adventure. Described as a bold new step for the franchise, Pokémon Legends: Z-A will feature real-time battles and an RPG storyline unfolding entirely within the city. A new Pokémon Presents live stream is also set for July 22, promising more news and updates from across the Pokémon universe. Meanwhile, the return of Mega Evolutions is being celebrated with themed merchandise, including plush toys, apparel, and accessories, with pre-order bonuses featuring classic starter Pokémon like Chikorita, Tepig, and Totodile.

Hideo Kojima casually reveals a Death Stranding anime is in the works. EuroGamer

Hideo Kojima has casually revealed that an anime adaptation of Death Stranding is currently in development, alongside the already announced live-action film. Speaking with Vogue Japan, Kojima explained that while the live-action movie—being made in partnership with A24—aims to explore the unique cinematic potential of the story, the anime will offer another creative take on the Death Stranding universe. Although no release date has been shared, the announcement adds to the growing Death Stranding media presence, which also includes the upcoming sequel launching on PS5 next month.

Apple is planning to release a gaming app near Nintendo Switch 2's launch - report. GameSpot

Apple is reportedly planning to launch a new dedicated gaming app across all its devices including iPhone and Apple TV—around the same time as the Nintendo Switch 2’s release on June 5. This app is expected to serve as both a game store launcher and a social hub, replacing the older Game Centre, and will include features like achievements, leaderboards, and social interactions. On Mac, it might also support games purchased from other storefronts. This move marks a significant effort by Apple to attract both gamers and developers. Additionally, Apple recently acquired RAC7, the studio behind the popular Apple Arcade game Sneaky Sasquatch, marking its first-ever purchase of a game developer. The new gaming app comes after years of Apple promoting its gaming capabilities and follows recent developments, such as Fortnite's return to iOS after a long legal battle.

Front Mission 3: Remake launches June 26. Gematsu

Front Mission 3: Remake, a tactical turn-based RPG, will launch on Nintendo Switch on June 26 for $34.99. The game follows Kazuki and Ryogo as they navigate a military conflict involving powerful mechs called Wanzers, with two branching storylines based on player choices. The remake features updated graphics, reorchestrated music, customizable mech camouflage, and a new quick combat mode for faster battles.

Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands is one of two free games on the Epic Games Store this week. VG Chronicles

This week, the Epic Games Store is offering Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands and Limbo as free games, available to claim until June 5. Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands is a fantasy-themed spin-off of the Borderlands series, blending a first-person shooter style with a Dungeons & Dragons-inspired setting called Bunkers and Badasses. It features co-op gameplay for up to four players and story-driven missions. Limbo, on the other hand, is a critically acclaimed black-and-white platformer from 2010 that tells the haunting story of a young boy searching for his sister in a perilous world. Once claimed, both games are permanently added to the player’s Epic Games Store library.

Nintendo updates mobile app ahead of Switch 2 launch, adding GameChat and screenshot upload. EuroGamer

Nintendo has updated its mobile app now called the Nintendo Switch App ahead of the Switch 2 launch, introducing key features like GameChat for voice and video communication and automatic screenshot uploads from the console to the app. This update streamlines sharing by eliminating the need for QR code scanning. The app will also support Zelda Notes, a feature tied to Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, offering achievements, voice navigation, and new in-game voice memories, though this will go live on June 5, the Switch 2’s release day. GameChat will require phone number verification for added security.

Dune: Awakening's mid-to-endgame gameplay revealed with just 5 days to go for 'head start' players. IGN

With just days remaining before early access begins for Dune: Awakening, developer Funcom unveiled an in-depth look at the game’s mid-to-endgame content in a livestream showcase. The event offered players their first comprehensive tour of the Hagga Basin, highlighting diverse biomes like the O’odham, Hagga Rift, and Jabal Eifrit. The MMO draws inspiration from Denis Villeneuve’s Dune films and offers an open-world survival experience on Arrakis, where players can rise through faction ranks, build strongholds, and engage in PvE or PvP through the Landsraad system. Set for full release on June 10, 2025, the game enters early access on June 5 for "head start" players.

Surprise, The Witcher 3's getting one more cheeky patch ten years on so you can enjoy mod support across consoles and PC for Gerry's big adventure. VG247

Ten years after its original release, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is getting a surprise new patch that brings cross-platform mod support to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. CD Projekt Red announced that players will soon be able to share and use mods across all platforms via mod.io, with console mods requiring use of the official REDkit tools for any scripted content. This update aims to make modding more accessible and unified across systems, letting players enhance Geralt’s adventure like never before. The patch is set to arrive later in 2025, with more details to come.

Microsoft's Xbox handheld reportedly "sidelined" as it focuses on third-party portable devices. EuroGamer

Microsoft has reportedly put its long-rumored first-party Xbox handheld on hold, shifting focus instead to supporting third-party portable devices like ASUS' Project Kennan, which is still expected to launch later this year. While the company isn’t abandoning handheld ambitions entirely, internal resources are now being directed toward improving Windows 11 gaming performance for these partner devices. Project Kennan's hardware is said to be nearly complete, with software optimization currently underway. Meanwhile, Microsoft continues development on next-gen Xbox hardware and cloud gaming systems, promising major technical leaps in the upcoming console generation.

Elden Ring Nightreign has already shipped over 2 million copies worldwide. RPG Site

Elden Ring: Nightreign has already shipped over 2 million copies worldwide within just a day of its global launch on May 30, 2025. Released on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC, the expansion is off to a strong start, building on the success of the base game, which surpassed 30 million units sold last month. FromSoftware celebrated the milestone with official artwork and is expected to see continued momentum in the coming weeks.

Silent Hill 2 PS5 Pro patch still on the way, says Bloober. EuroGamer

Bloober Team is still working on a patch to improvethe performance of the Silent Hill 2 remake on the PS5 Pro. Although an earlier patch addressed some graphical glitches, players have reported ongoing technical issues, leading to speculation that fixes had been abandoned. Bloober confirmed to Eurogamer that they are collaborating with the publisher to find a solution but haven’t announced a release date yet. Despite the performance problems, the game has received positive critical feedback for its faithful and enhanced remake of the classic horror title.

Persona 4 voice actor confirms a remake is in development, after not being cast. Eurogamer

The voice actor for Persona 4 has confirmed a remake is in development after not being cast in the new version. Erin Fitzgerald, who voiced Chie Satonaka in multiple Persona 4 titles, announced she was not asked to reprise her role. This follows a similar statement from Yuri Lowenthal, adding weight to the remake’s existence. Both actors are currently part of the SAG-AFTRA strike, which addresses AI-related concerns in the industry.

Elden Ring Nightreign gets a strong start on Steam, despite a mixed reaction. Eurogamer

Elden Ring Nightreign, FromSoftware’s new co-op spin-off, had a strong debut on Steam, reaching over 313,000 concurrent players and 2 million total players on its first day. Despite this impressive start, the game has received "Mixed" user reviews, mainly due to the lack of a two-player mode and limited communication features. FromSoftware acknowledged the oversight and is considering adding a duo option in the future. A second patch is planned to enhance solo play, addressing player feedback that the multiplayer-focused design was limiting. The game is also available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut - Official opening movie. IGN

The Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut opening movie showcases the definitive edition of the action-adventure game featuring protagonists Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima. This edition includes never-before-seen cutscenes, a new online multiplayer mode, English voiceover, and additional text options in French, Italian, German, and Spanish. It will launch on Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, 2025.

Biggest releases this week