Patch Notes #29 - weekly gaming digest

Welcome to the 29th edition of Patch Notes, let’s get this bad boy going.

This edition will cover the week from June 23 to June 29.

What caught my attention this week

“Why we’re opening betting sponsorship in Esports and how we’re doing it responsibly”. Riot Games

Riot Games is opening up betting sponsorships for Tier 1 League of Legends and VALORANT teams in the Americas and EMEA to create new revenue streams, while implementing strict safeguards to uphold competitive integrity and protect the fan experience. This shift comes after years of team requests and deep internal analysis, recognizing the growing global presence of esports betting. Riot will vet all betting partners, mandate team-level integrity programs, and require use of official data through its GRID partnership. Riot-owned broadcasts will remain ad-free, and a portion of revenues will support Tier 2 esports development.

TLDR

• MindsEye developer Build A Rocket Boy begins layoff process amid disastrous launch, studio sources say

• Arc System Works Showcase set for June 27 featuring new game announcements.

• System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster for PS5, Xbox Series, PS4, Xbox One, and Switch delayed to the first two weeks of July.

• Cronos: The New Dawn | Combat Overview.

• Death Stranding 2 review – Tied Up.

• Persona 5: The Phantom X school life promo video is now available with English subtitles.

• Dune: Awakening sells 1 million copies, making it Funcom's fastest-selling game ever.

• Cyberpunk 2077's surprise 2.3 patch gets a surprise delay as CDPR needs some time to aim 'for a scope similar to update 2.2'.

• Super Smash Bros. creator Masahiro Sakurai on his working style, the changing industry, and 'unsustainable' AAA development.

• Little Nightmares 3 gets an October release date and there's an enhanced edition of the original on the way.

• Painkiller launches October 9

• Microsoft plans major job cuts at Xbox gaming division.

• Resident Evil Requiem has already received over 1 million wishlists across PlayStation and Steam!.

• Drag x Drive launches August 14

• Donkey Kong Bananza is officially the best-selling game on Amazon right now.

• Riot shutters Hypixel Studios and cancels Hytale after a decade in development.

• There's a fantastic, fan-made Sonic fighting game in the wild, and you can play it right now.

• WWE 2K25 DLC adds Shaq, Tyrese Haliburton, and more.

• PlayStation maintains that it still won’t release first-party games on PS Plus on day one.

• Netflix delisting 20+ games, including Hades and Monument Valley.

• Everybody’s Golf: Hot Shots ‘Overview’ trailer.

• Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 gets a firm PS5 release date, and a 60fps mode at last.

• Nintendo Museum will open a new art gallery this fall.

• Death Stranding 2 was made in partnership with a Nintendo-owned studio.

• Bandai Namco unveils Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree prologue movie.

• First Resident Evil Requiem gameplay revealed, showing first and third-person views.

• PRAGMATA details story, puzzle and action combat.

• Sonic joins McLaren Racing in historic partnership with Sega.

• Jack Black returns for Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 and plays two characters this time.

• New Mario Kart World patch is driving players up a wall (in a bad way).

• Chris Avellone joins the former Quantic Dream writer at Republic Games to work on an ambitious project inspired by "golden-age of RPGs".

• Death Stranding 2: On the Beach ‘final’ trailer.

• Digimon Story: Time Stranger - Official system trailer.

• Chained Echoes Ashes of Elrant DLC launches on August 7 for consoles and PC.

• Super Mario Strikers is coming to Switch 2’s GameCube library next week.

• WitchSpring R: The Follower's Fall DLC releases for free on PC Steam, Switch, and PS5 this August.

• Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter character trailer – Olivier Lenheim.

• Dear me, I was… is a new interactive adventure from Arc System Works for Nintendo Switch 2.

• The Batman 2 script finally completes as Matt Reeves shares the long-awaited image update.

• Square Enix posted a clip of the new tactical view in Final Fantasy Tactics The Ivalice Chronicles!

• Resident Evil Requiem continues the "overarching narrative" that began in Raccoon City.

Biggest news of the week

MindsEye developer Build A Rocket Boy begins layoff process amid disastrous launch, studio sources say. IGN

Build A Rocket Boy has begun a redundancy process following the troubled launch of its game MindsEye, which has been plagued by performance issues and poor player reception. Over 100 employees could be impacted as the studio enters a 45-day consultation phase, per UK law. Although the company confirmed the layoffs and expressed a desire to reassign affected staff where possible, the decision signals serious internal struggles. Meanwhile, players continue to report technical issues, refunds are being issued, and the game's reception on platforms like Steam remains overwhelmingly negative. The future of MindsEye’s content roadmap, including its multiplayer mode, now hangs in uncertainty.

Arc System Works Showcase set for June 27 featuring new game announcements. Gematsu

Arc System Works is set to host its Arc System Works Showcase on June 27 at 10:00 JST, where it will unveil new game announcements and updates. The event will spotlight several upcoming titles developed and published by the studio, including a brand-new project led by Daisuke Ishiwatari, the creative force behind the Guilty Gear series. Fans can catch the livestream on YouTube in both English and Japanese.

System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster for PS5, Xbox Series, PS4, Xbox One, and Switch delayed to the first two weeks of July. Gematsu

Nightdive Studios has delayed the console release of System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster—originally set for June 26—due to unresolved issues, now targeting a launch in the first two weeks of July. This affects all major platforms including PS5, Xbox Series, PS4, Xbox One, and Switch. However, the PC version remains on schedule and will release on June 26 via Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store, and Humble Store. The studio is working to resolve the problems swiftly and will announce a firm console release date soon.

Cronos: the new dawn – combat overview. Shinobi602 Twitter

The combat system in Cronos: The New Dawn introduces a high-stakes, tactical layer where enemies—known as Orphans—can merge mid-battle, evolving into more powerful forms with new attack patterns. This mechanic forces players to think strategically, as killing one enemy may empower another. Spatial awareness becomes essential: players must manage enemy positioning, interrupt merges, and use the environment to their advantage. The game features a variety of enemy types, including the versatile “Doppelganger,” and offers upgradeable weapons like the rapid-fire Javelin and heavy-hitting Hammer. Tools such as a health-scanning device add further depth, while boss encounters are teased for future reveals.

Youtube

Death Stranding 2 review – tied up. GameSpot

The review explains how Death Stranding 2 diminishes one of the original game's most compelling mechanics by providing high-end technology too early. In the first Death Stranding, access to vehicles like trucks that could carry tons of cargo and exoskeletons that improved Sam's stability were "tantalizing goals you had to patiently work towards." However, in the sequel, players gain access to these powerful tools after just the first few dozen main orders, which undermines the careful planning and strategic tool placement that made the original unique. While this makes the game more immediately playable, the reviewer argues that "the loss of friction also diminishes something really cool the series was doing," even though players can choose to ignore these shortcuts if they prefer an experience closer to the original.

Persona 5: The Phantom X school life promo video is now available with English subtitles. RPG Site

Atlus West has released an English-subtitled version of the Persona 5: The Phantom X Student Life promo video, giving international players a clear look at the game’s school life elements. Originally launched in Japanese on June 13, the trailer now includes an English-language interface to accompany Yukari Tamura’s narration as Merope. While the game supports only Japanese voiceovers according to its Steam page, it will officially launch in Japan and the West on June 26, followed by a Southeast Asia release on July 3.

Dune: Awakening sells 1 million copies, making it Funcom's fastest-selling game ever. IGN

Dune: Awakening has become Funcom’s fastest-selling game ever, surpassing 1 million copies sold just two weeks after its June 10 launch. The survival MMO quickly drew in over 189,000 concurrent players on Steam and received a “very positive” user rating. Praised for its immersive worldbuilding and survival mechanics, the game still faces criticism for its unbalanced combat and chaotic endgame. In response to player feedback, Funcom is working on PvP improvements in the Deep Desert, including changes to Ornithopter mechanics.

Cyberpunk 2077's surprise 2.3 patch gets a surprise delay as CDPR needs some time to aim 'for a scope similar to update 2.2'. PCGamer

CD Projekt Red has delayed Cyberpunk 2077’s surprise 2.3 patch, originally slated for June 26, citing the need for more development time to meet quality expectations. The studio is aiming for a content scope similar to the substantial 2.2 update, which introduced features like enhanced photo mode, vehicle customization, and new side quests. While no new release date has been announced, the promise of a similarly robust patch has sparked curiosity about what’s next for Night City.

Super Smash Bros. creator Masahiro Sakurai on his working style, the changing industry, and 'unsustainable' AAA development. IGN

Super Smash Bros. creator Masahiro Sakurai shared his unique freelance approach to game development, where he partners with studios rather than managing employees directly, allowing him to focus purely on creative work. He highlighted major industry challenges including a shortage of experienced game directors capable of overseeing large projects due to increased role specialization, and warned that current AAA game development is "unsustainable" due to excessive work demands. Sakurai believes generative AI is the only viable solution for improving efficiency, predicting that only companies successfully adapting AI workflows will survive in the increasingly competitive market.

Little Nightmares 3 gets an October release date and there's an enhanced edition of the original on the way. Eurogamer

Bandai Namco has announced that Little Nightmares III will launch on October 10, 2025, across major platforms including the newly confirmed Switch 2. Alongside it, an Enhanced Edition of the original Little Nightmares—featuring 4K visuals, 60fps, and upgraded effects—is available now for those who pre-order the third game. A VR spin-off titled Little Nightmares: Altered Echoes has also been teased, though details remain scarce. The franchise continues to expand with additional projects like a stop-motion adaptation and a new horror title, Reanimal, from original developer Tarsier Studios.

Painkiller launches October 9. Gematsu

Painkiller, the reimagined first-person shooter from 3D Realms and Anshar Studios, is set to launch on October 9 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC. This modern revival features fast-paced co-op gameplay for up to three players, as you battle demonic hordes across gothic landscapes in a quest for redemption. Players can choose from four distinct characters and wield a mix of classic and new weapons, enhanced by tarot card abilities. Two editions are available for pre-order: the Standard Edition with bonus skins, and the Deluxe Edition, which includes additional post-launch DLCs.

Microsoft plans major job cuts at Xbox gaming division. Bloomberg

Microsoft is preparing for another significant round of layoffs in its Xbox gaming division next week, marking the fourth major workforce reduction in 18 months. The cuts are part of a broader company-wide restructuring ahead of the June 30 fiscal year-end and are expected to impact multiple teams within Xbox, which has faced mounting pressure to improve profit margins following the $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard in 20232. While the exact number of affected employees remains undisclosed, the layoffs are anticipated to be substantial and coincide with broader job reductions across Microsoft’s global sales operations.

Resident Evil Requiem has already received over 1 million wishlists across PlayStation and Steam! Genki Twitter

Drag x Drive launches August 14. Gematsu

Nintendo has announced that Drag x Drive, a unique three-on-three sports game, will launch exclusively on Switch 2 via the eShop on August 14 for $19.99. The game introduces an innovative control scheme using Joy-Con 2 controllers like a dual-mouse setup, allowing players to steer, perform tricks, and shoot hoops in dynamic matches. Featuring both online multiplayer and solo modes, Drag x Drive emphasizes fast-paced action and stylish gameplay, including aerial dunks off half-pipes.

Donkey Kong Bananza is officially the best-selling game on Amazon right now. IGN

Donkey Kong Bananza has officially become the best-selling game on Amazon ahead of its July 17 release, signaling strong demand for the Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive. The game currently ranks 11th overall on Amazon’s charts—higher than any other individual title—and has surged in popularity following renewed listings of first-party Nintendo games. Preorders are also open for a matching amiibo featuring Donkey Kong and Pauline. With early hands-on impressions likening it to a spiritual successor to 3D Mario titles, excitement is building for DK’s next big adventure.

Riot shutters Hypixel Studios and cancels Hytale after a decade in development. Game Developer

After nearly a decade in development, Riot Games has officially canceled Hytale and is shutting down its subsidiary, Hypixel Studios. Despite early promise and strong community interest, the ambitious sandbox RPG struggled with shifting creative direction, technical hurdles, and rising expectations. Hypixel ultimately concluded that continuing would compromise the game’s original vision. Riot, which acquired the studio in 2020, is providing severance and transition support to affected staff. The popular Hypixel Minecraft server remains unaffected and will continue operating independently.

There's a fantastic, fan-made Sonic fighting game in the wild, and you can play it right now. EuroGamer

After nearly a decade in development, Riot Games has officially canceled Hytale and is shutting down its subsidiary, Hypixel Studios. Despite early promise and strong community interest, the ambitious sandbox RPG struggled with shifting creative direction, technical hurdles, and rising expectations. Hypixel ultimately concluded that continuing would compromise the game’s original vision. Riot, which acquired the studio in 2020, is providing severance and transition support to affected staff. The popular Hypixel Minecraft server remains unaffected and will continue operating independently.

WWE 2K25 DLC adds Shaq, Tyrese Haliburton, and more. GameSpot

The second DLC for WWE 2K25, titled the Dunk & Destruction Pack, adds NBA icons Shaquille O’Neal, Tyrese Haliburton, and Jalen Brunson to the game’s roster, alongside wrestling veterans Abyss and The Great Khali. This pack also introduces new MyFACTION content, including the Amethyst Token Market and a Bloodline card pack with special versions of Cody Rhodes, Alexa Bliss, and Nikki Cross. According to the season pass roadmap, three more DLCs are coming through November, each spotlighting a unique mix of wrestling legends, current stars, and celebrity guests.

PlayStation maintains that it still won’t release first-party games on PS Plus on day one. VG Chronicles

PlayStation has reaffirmed its stance against releasing first-party titles on PlayStation Plus at launch, opting instead to add them 12 to 18 months post-release. According to VP of global services Nick Maguire, this strategy—paired with the inclusion of four to five day-one indie games annually—has been “working really well” for the platform. While third-party titles like Stray and FBC: Firebreak have launched day-one on PS Plus, Sony remains committed to preserving the value of its marquee titles. On the retro front, the company aims to add at least one classic game per month to the Premium tier, though some older first-party titles have been removed to keep the catalog fresh and engaging.

Netflix delisting 20+ games, including Hades and Monument Valley. IGN

Netflix is set to remove over 20 mobile games from its subscription service in July 2025, including acclaimed titles like Hades, Monument Valley, and Carmen Sandiego—the latter having only joined the platform in January. The delisting affects 22 games in total, representing nearly 20% of Netflix’s mobile game library, with most titles disappearing around July 15. This move follows a turbulent period for Netflix’s gaming division, which included the closure of its AAA studio in late 2024 and the departure of several high-profile developers. While Netflix previously reported a surge in gaming engagement, the scale of these removals raises fresh concerns about the company’s long-term gaming strategy.

Everybody’s Golf: Hot Shots ‘Overview’ trailer. Gematsu

A decade after its original release, Nuclear Throne has received a surprise beta update on Steam, marking its first major refresh in eight years. The update introduces several quality-of-life improvements, including support for 120fps, expanded aspect ratio options, and a revamped controls menu. Developer Vlambeer, which had closed in 2020, has quietly returned under co-founder Jan Nijman to revisit the acclaimed roguelike. While the update is currently limited to PC, the studio hinted at potential console updates once the PC version is fully stabilized.

Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 gets a firm PS5 release date, and a 60fps mode at last. Eurogamer

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 Enhanced will officially launch on PS5 on August 12, 2025, bringing with it a long-awaited 60fps Performance Mode, haptic feedback support, and several new features. These include the return of the Dark Rot permadeath mode, an expanded Photo Mode with cinematic tools, and over four hours of developer commentary. The Enhanced edition will be available as a free update for existing owners on Xbox Series X/S and PC, while PS5 players can choose between a Standard Edition (£49.99) and a Deluxe Edition (£69.99) that bundles in Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice optimized for PS5 along with its soundtrack.

Nintendo Museum will open a new art gallery this fall. GameSpot

The Nintendo Museum in Kyoto is set to open a new art gallery on September 3, 2025, offering fans a curated look at five decades of game artwork, including character illustrations and concept art. This addition builds on the museum’s existing exhibits, which already celebrate Nintendo’s rich gaming legacy through interactive displays and playable minigames. While details on the specific pieces remain limited, the gallery promises to deepen the museum’s nostalgic appeal. Visitors can also browse exclusive merchandise—now limited per person to deter scalpers—and must register in advance to secure tickets.

Death Stranding 2 was made in partnership with a Nintendo-owned studio. GameSpot

Nintendo Pictures, formerly known as Dynamo Pictures, contributed CG animation and motion capture work to Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, a PlayStation 5 exclusive published by Sony. While it may seem unusual for a Nintendo-owned studio to support a Sony title, the collaboration likely stems from legacy agreements or pre-acquisition contracts—Nintendo acquired Dynamo in 20221. This isn’t the first cross-industry partnership between the two gaming giants either, as Sony and Nintendo are also co-financing the upcoming live-action Legend of Zelda film.

Bandai Namco unveils Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree prologue movie. RPG Site

Bandai Namco has released a new five-minute prologue movie for Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree, offering a deeper look into the game’s narrative ahead of its September 19, 2025 launch. The video expands on the story beyond the previously shared synopsis, continuing the studio’s marketing momentum following the earlier debut of the opening cinematic and hands-on previews at Summer Game Fest. The game will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch.

First Resident Evil Requiem gameplay revealed, showing first and third-person views. VG Chronicles

Capcom has unveiled the first gameplay for Resident Evil Requiem, showcasing both first- and third-person perspectives and signaling a bold new direction for the franchise. Set 30 years after the events of Resident Evil 3, the game follows Grace Ashcroft—daughter of Outbreak's Alyssa—as an FBI analyst with minimal combat skills, gradually evolving through her investigation into eerie deaths in Raccoon City. With its gothic hospital setting and unsettling atmosphere, Requiem evokes classic survival horror, drawing comparisons to RE7 and Village while carving its own distinct identity. Launch is set for February 27 on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

PRAGMATA details story, puzzle and action combat. Gematsu

Capcom has shared an in-depth look at PRAGMATA, unveiling a gripping sci-fi narrative and the first extended gameplay footage. Set in a future shaped by Lunafilament—a powerful, replicative material—the story follows Hugh Williams, sent to the moon to investigate a vanished lunar research station. After a quake leaves him stranded and unconscious, Hugh is rescued by a mysterious android named Diana. Together, they must solve puzzles and battle rogue bots in a tense escape mission back to Earth. The footage highlights the game’s blend of cerebral challenges and dynamic action combat, teasing a uniquely atmospheric journey.

Sonic joins McLaren Racing in historic partnership with Sega. Eurogamer

Sega has teamed up with McLaren Racing in a multi-year partnership that makes Sonic the Hedgehog the official gaming face of the Formula 1 team. The collaboration, part of Sonic Team’s 2025 “Racing Around The World” campaign, aims to bridge motorsport and gaming audiences ahead of Sonic’s 35th anniversary and McLaren’s 1,000th Grand Prix in 2026. It also spotlights Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, Sega’s new arcade-style racer featuring mid-race world-hopping and a wild crossover roster including Hatsune Miku and Minecraft’s Steve. The partnership revives nostalgic ties, echoing the 1993 Sonic Grand Prix where F1 legend Ayrton Senna took the spotlight.

Jack Black returns for Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 and plays two characters this time. GameSpot

Jack Black returns to Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4, reprising his role as Officer Dick and voicing a new character—his British twin, Constable Richard. Both serve as comical antagonists, embodying authority figures out to kill the skating vibe. Activision is expanding their backstories with playful flair—Richard, for example, was bullied as a “poser” and now wields the law in revenge. Launching July 11, the game will be available on multiple platforms including Xbox Game Pass at release. A Taco Bell promo featuring Tony Hawk also ties in with bonus DLC items for fans.

New Mario Kart World patch is driving players up a wall (in a bad way). GameSpot

Patch 1.1.2 for Mario Kart World has stirred up community backlash, as players report frustrating changes to online matchmaking. While it includes fixes to course bugs and UI issues, the update also shifts preference toward “intermission races” over the standard three-lap format—especially when using the “Random” track option. This deviation from traditional race structure has sparked outcry on forums like ResetEra, with many saying it disrupts the classic experience. Despite some technical improvements, fans feel the patch has taken a wrong turn when it comes to core gameplay flow.

Chris Avellone joins the former Quantic Dream writer at Republic Games to work on an ambitious project inspired by "golden-age of RPGs". IGN

Capcom’s latest Resident Evil Requiem livestream offered a tense first glimpse at gameplay, highlighting both first- and third-person modes. Players control Grace Ashcroft, an FBI agent navigating dim, horror-filled corridors with only a lighter and limited weapons at hand. The first-person view heightens the atmosphere, while the third-person perspective caters to action-focused players. Set 30 years after Raccoon City’s destruction, the game pays tribute to the series’ legacy—hence the title “Requiem.” Though fans speculated on Leon Kennedy’s return, he was notably absent from this showcase. The game launches February 27, 2026, on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach ‘final’ trailer. Gematsu

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach has officially launched on PlayStation 5, accompanied by a final trailer that previews its eerie beauty and emotional weight. Hideo Kojima’s sequel continues Sam’s journey to reconnect a fractured world—this time with new companions, otherworldly threats, and existential questions about the cost of connection. Featuring sprawling open-world exploration, flexible combat, and the signature Social Strand mechanics, the game promises a rich narrative experience full of mystery and meaning. With its launch, Kojima once again invites players to walk the line between solitude and solidarity.

Digimon Story: Time Stranger - Official system trailer. IGN

Digimon Story: Time Stranger takes the spotlight in a new system trailer that breaks down the game's core mechanics ahead of its October 3 launch. The turn-based RPG will let players collect, train, and battle with Digimon across timelines and parallel worlds. The footage showcases how to recruit and nurture creatures in the Digifarm, leverage agent skills, and navigate strategic combat encounters. Launching on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Steam, Time Stranger aims to blend classic monster-raising charm with a rich narrative twist on time travel.

Chained Echoes Ashes of Elrant DLC launches on August 7 for consoles and PC. RPG Site

The upcoming Chained Echoes: Ashes of Elrant DLC launches August 7 across PC and consoles, delivering a rich expansion packed with new content. Players can look forward to exploring a mysterious new land, battling over 40 fresh monsters and bosses, and uncovering deeper lore about Valandis and its characters. The DLC introduces the enigmatic White Wolf as a playable character, alongside new music tracks from Eddie Marianukroh and a surprisingly expansive fishing minigame. Set just before the original game’s finale, Ashes of Elrant reunites players with the Crimson Wings for one last epic call to adventure.

Super Mario Strikers is coming to Switch 2’s GameCube library next week. VG Chronicles

Super Mario Strikers is joining the Switch 2’s GameCube library on July 3, marking the fourth GameCube title on the service. Known in Europe as Mario Smash Football, this arcade-style street soccer game lets players create five-character teams from iconic captains like Mario and Waluigi, paired with sidekicks such as Toad or Birdo. The game features chaotic, power-up-filled stadiums and Super Strikes that count as double goals. It joins a growing lineup including F-Zero GX and Wind Waker, with more classics like Super Mario Sunshine and Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance on the horizon for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pass members.

WitchSpring R: The Follower's Fall DLC releases for free on PC Steam, Switch, and PS5 this August. RPG Site

KiwiWalks has announced that WitchSpring R: The Follower’s Fall, a free story-driven DLC, will launch this August on Steam, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 5. Expanding the lore of Pieberry’s world, the DLC includes several short epilogues—totaling 2–3 hours of gameplay—that explore the aftermath for Pieberry and her companions, as well as a poignant story about a left-behind follower. The teaser trailer is available in Korean and Japanese, with returning voice actors from the base game. To celebrate, a 35% discount on the main game and DLC is also rolling out across platforms.

Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter character trailer – Olivier Lenheim. Gematsu

Falcom has unveiled Olivier Lenheim in the latest Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter character trailer, spotlighting a flamboyant musician from the Erebonian Empire. Renowned for his mastery of instruments and eccentric, self-absorbed behavior, Olivier often baffles others with his unpredictable flair—though his sharp intuition makes him surprisingly perceptive. His arrival in the Liberl Kingdom is cloaked in mystery, adding intrigue to the narrative. The remastered RPG launches globally on September 19 for PS5, Switch, and PC.

Dear me, I was… is a new interactive adventure from Arc System Works for Nintendo Switch 2. RPG Site

Arc System Works has announced Dear me, I was…, an interactive adventure game coming to Nintendo Switch 2 in Summer 2025. Directed by Maho Taguchi and featuring art direction by Taisuke Kanasaki, the game uses a distinctive watercolor style blended with rotoscoping—live-action footage traced frame by frame—to craft emotionally resonant storytelling. Players will relive the life of a woman through moments of joy, sorrow, and self-discovery, all set within a deeply personal and interconnected narrative. The announcement trailer teases a poignant visual experience rooted in everyday humanity.

Square Enix posted a clip of the new tactical view in Final Fantasy Tactics The Ivalice Chronicles! Genki Twitter

Square Enix has revealed a new tactical view for Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, allowing players to shift to a more top-down camera perspective. This updated feature enhances battlefield visibility, making it easier to assess unit placement and terrain—an especially welcome addition for players who thrive on strategic precision. It's a modern tweak that stays true to the series’ tactical roots while offering improved clarity for combat planning.

Resident Evil Requiem continues the "overarching narrative" that began in Raccoon City. GameSpot

Resident Evil Requiem marks a return to the franchise’s horror-focused roots and its original setting—Raccoon City. Producer Masato Kumazawa revealed that the game continues the narrative threads tied to Umbrella Corporation and the city’s dark history, placing players in its ruins 30 years after its destruction. This installment introduces Grace Ashcroft, a vulnerable yet evolving protagonist meant to heighten immersion and fear. With “addictive fear” at its core, the game shifts away from recent action-heavy entries like Village and Resident Evil 4, aiming instead for pure survival horror—just in time for the series’ 30th anniversary in February 2026.

Biggest releases this week