Patch Notes #34 - weekly gaming digest
Welcome to the 34th edition of Patch Notes, let’s get this bad boy going.
This edition will cover the week from 28 July to August 3.
What caught my attention this week
Here are all of the games revealed in the latest #NintendoDirect: Partner Showcase! Nintendo of Europe
I know people are upset that we don’t see many first-party games, but I’m somewhat happy with Switch 2 so far, considering the time I have, plus the immense backlog. For instance, I am playing a lot of TOTK at the moment (it is in my top 3 games this year, alongside Metaphor ReFantazio and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33), so there’s that, lol.
Plus, I’m hyped for Octopath Traveler 0, Persona 3, Shinobi, Hyrule Warriors, Romancing SaGa, Yakuza :)
TLDR
Nintendo Partners Showcase
Puzzle & Dragons studio considers shareholder group's request for a vote to dismiss its president
The studio behind Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants Unleashed brings in union after facing closure
"How Are We Going To Do That?": The Witcher 4 Dev On Topping The Witcher 3
Sony Interactive Entertainment files lawsuit against Tencent for Horizon ‘clone’ Light of Motiram
Microsoft announces Gamescom 2025 plans
Overwatch 2 hits all-time low for concurrent player peak
Marvel Rivals' New Fantastic Four Movie-Inspired Ability Is Being Used To Make The Thing's Life Hell
The Hundred Line -Last Defense Academy- patch 1.1.1 with Extreme & Despair battle mode is out now on Switch
PlayStation reveals details about its first wireless fight stick FlexStrike
Monster Hunter Wilds version 1.021 on August 13 to bring in new quest difficulty and talisman reward system
Fortnite OG Gets New Version Without SBMM Or Bots
CoD: Black Ops 6 And Warzone Season 5 Release Date And Details
Assassin's Creed Shadows' Latest Update Introduces New Game Plus, A Higher Level Cap, And More Fixes
Baldur's Gate 3 Honour Mode Player Loses Multiple Characters, Including A Companion, Because Of Bad AI
Lies of P will be on PlayStation Plus for PS5 and PS4 on August 5
Ys X: Nordics Switch Clear Save Data Can be Transferred to Ys X: Proud Nordics on Nintendo Switch
What's going on with Steam and itch.io's crackdown on adult content?
IGN launches Gaming Trends platform, shedding light on how mobile, Roblox, and more are reshaping the industry
Krafton reports record revenue, buoyed by PUBG and Inzoi
Grounded 2 Has Already Released A Massive Roadmap Full Of New Bugs, Biomes, And A Returning Fan Favorite Feature
The Game Was Not Up To Par: Krafton Insists Subnautica 2 Is Not Ready Despite What Co-Creators Say
Apex Legends Season 26 introduces new permanent mode, Elite weapons and Locked Hop-ups
6 of the 10 Best-Selling Games on PlayStation Last Quarter in the U.S. Were Published by Microsoft
Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution to debut ‘Mega Ultra Rare’ gold cards
Mario Kart World’s latest update makes CPU opponents easier
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 patch 1.4.0 is now live with battle retry option, DLSS & XeSS enhancements, & more
Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution launches August 19
IEM Cologne 2025 Playoff preview and predictions: Can Team Vitality walk out victorious?
VALORANT Mobile China open beta date will reportedly be announced in August
Exclusive: More Layoffs Incoming At ESLFACEIT Group
Square Enix Announces Octopath Traveler 0 for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2
Final Fantasy Tactics - The Ivalice Chronicles story trailer showcased during Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection announced for 2026 release on PS5, Xbox Series, Switch 2, and PC
Battlefield 6 Release Date Confirmed For October, Multiplayer Trailer Shows Off Chaos And Destruction
Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 4: Start Date, Battle Pass, And Everything Else We Know
Persona 3 Reload for Nintendo Switch 2 launches on October 23
Riot Games shares investigation results after Tier 2 NA VALORANT match-fixing accusations
Roblox reports "significant growth across key metrics" as revenue jumps 21% YoY in Q2 FY25
The Pokémon Company asks fans to stop "criticising" illustrator amidst Pokémon TCG Pocket plagiarism claims
Itch.io "re-indexes" free adult NSFW content, paid content to be "slowly" reintroduced
Nintendo Switch 2 sold 5.82 million units in Q1 2025
Battlefield 6 Battle Royale Mode: Trailer, Details, How To Sign Up For The Test
The whole Persona series has sold over 27 million units after July 2025
Titan Quest II is now available in early access on PC Steam and Epic
Gothic 1 Remake launches in early 2026, demo now available on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S
Nintendo Increasing Price Of Switch And Other Products In The US
EA Sports FC 26 Release Date, Trailer, Gameplay Changes, And Everything Else We Know
Pokemon Go August 2025 Events: Raid Bosses, Spotlight Hours, Community Day, And More
Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection physical editions announced
Darksiders 4 Officially Announced At THQ Nordic Showcase
Honkai: Star Rail Version 3.5 "Before Their Deaths" launches on August 13 with Hysilens & Cerydra playable
Fate/hollow ataraxia Remastered launches on August 7 for Nintendo Switch and Steam
New screenshots for Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake showcase characters, locations, and new additions
BioShock 4’s leadership replaced as 2K insists it’s ‘committed to delivering a great game’
Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising DLC character Wilnas launches August 5
Octopath Traveler 0 screenshots showcase new battle system, character creation, town-building, and first set of travelers
Hollow Knight: Silksong - The Story Behind the Insanely Long Wait For a Game We Demoed in 2019
Biggest news of the week
Puzzle & Dragons studio considers a shareholder group request for a vote to dismiss its president. VG Chronicles
Shareholders are urging Puzzle & Dragons publisher GungHo Online Entertainment to dismiss CEO Kazuki Morishita, citing years of poor performance, overreliance on a single title, and rising executive pay despite declining profits. Two investor groups—Strategic Capital and Intertrust Trustees—have requested a vote to lower the threshold for removing directors, followed by a proposal to oust Morishita. GungHo is reviewing the request and will announce its response soon.
The studio behind Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants Unleashed brings in union after facing closure. GamesIndustry
Aheartfulofgames, the Madrid-based studio behind TMNT: Mutants Unleashed, has formed a union with CSVI to challenge parent company Outright Games’ plan to shut down the studio and lay off all 28 staff. Despite delivering the game on time and meeting expectations, the team has been excluded from key meetings while Outright outsources new projects. Outright confirms it’s in formal consultation and discussing support packages.
"How Are We Going To Do That?": The Witcher 4 Dev On Topping The Witcher 3. TheGamer
With the weight of The Witcher 3’s legacy looming, narrative director Philipp Weber admits even he wonders “how are we going to do that?”—but rather than chase subjective metrics, the team is focusing on preserving the series’ core philosophy of caring storytelling, creative chaos, and meticulous quest design while answering fresh narrative questions in The Witcher 4, trusting that staying true to what made the originals resonate will win over fans of the third entry too.
Sony Interactive Entertainment files a lawsuit against Tencent for Horizon ‘clone’ Light of Motiram. Gematsu
Sony Interactive Entertainment has sued Tencent in U.S. federal court, accusing its upcoming open-world title Light of Motiram of being a “slavish clone” of the Horizon series—alleging identical gameplay, story themes, and art—and seeking unspecified damages plus an injunction to block its release, after reportedly declining Tencent’s 2024 pitch to collaborate on a new Horizon game and despite earlier PS5 promotion of Light of Motiram by Sony’s Shanghai arm, now quietly removed amid the legal dispute.
Microsoft announces Gamescom 2025 plans. Gematsu
Microsoft will headline Gamescom 2025 in Cologne, Germany from August 20–24 with over 20 first- and third-party titles across 120+ gaming stations in Hall 7, offering hands-on demos of Hollow Knight: Silksong—including the first public trials on PC and the new ROG Xbox Ally handhelds—Grounded 2, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, NINJA GAIDEN 4, The Outer Worlds 2, and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, alongside playable third-party demos such as Borderlands 4, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, EA Sports FC 26, and Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater. Attendees can also experience World’s Edge’s Age of Empires and Age of Mythology: Retold and theater presentations of The Outer Worlds 2, while accessibility features like wheelchair-accessible areas, Xbox Adaptive Controllers, and adjustable-height stations ensure inclusivity. For those tuning in from home, Xbox will stream live broadcasts on August 20–21 featuring first looks at key titles, followed by Bethesda Softworks livestreams from August 22–24, complemented by Xbox FanFest community events and a World of Warcraft “Midnight” expansion showcase in Hall.
Overwatch 2 hits all-time low for concurrent player peak on Steam. Esports Insider
Overwatch 2’s Steam concurrent peak hit a new low of just 24,414 on July 28—its smallest audience since launching there in August 2023—down sharply from the mid-60,000s peaks of Seasons 15 and 16 and the 75,000+ all-time high, as Season 17’s lack of a standout feature, persistent meta imbalances (with heroes like Freja, Tracer, Zarya, and Ramattra dominating) and stiff competition have dampened player interest; Blizzard is banking on midseason map reworks, hero trials for the upcoming Wuyang, and competitive incentives from the OWCS Mid-Season Championship to help turn the tide, while noting that Battle.net, console participation, and the robust esports scene still sustain the game’s broader health.
Marvel Rivals' New Fantastic Four Movie-Inspired Ability Is Being Used To Make The Thing's Life Hell. GameSpot
Marvel Rivals’ latest update drops Fantastic Four: First Steps–themed skins and a new Human Torch + The Thing team-up move ripped straight from the movie, but while “First Steps” can lock down objectives with its flying dive-bomb slam and mobility disable, Human Torch players trolling their partners have made The Thing’s life hell by launching him off the map to his death. Season 3 kicked off July 11 with Jean Grey’s arrival and a summer event of swimsuit skins, and NetEase insists future Marvel Rivals content will follow its seasonal roadmap rather than MCU release dates.
The Hundred Line -Last Defense Academy- patch 1.1.1 with Extreme & Despair battle mode is out now on Switch. RPG Site
XSEED Games and Aniplex have released patch 1.1.1 for The Hundred Line – Last Defense Academy on Switch, introducing the punishing Extreme & Despair battle mode—where Special Attacks and Last Resorts now cost 2 AP and allies take 100 damage per hit. The update also includes quality-of-life improvements like a revamped Gift Machine interface and the option to hide the dialogue message window. Developers acknowledged a crash in Chapter 00_0_a-019 when skipping exploration and confirmed a fix is on the way. A free demo with save-transfer is available on both Switch and Steam, and the full game is out now.
PlayStation reveals details about its first wireless fight stick FlexStrike. Esports Insider
Sony has officially named its first wireless fight stick controller the FlexStrike—formerly Project Defiant—and while it’s slated for a 2026 launch, fans can get an early look at Evo in Las Vegas from August 1–3. Designed by Sony Interactive Entertainment’s Product Development VP Edwin Foo, the FlexStrike packs DualSense buttons and touchpad into a modular fight‐stick frame with toolless, swappable restrictor gates, a built-in directional lever, and layout-lock functionality to prevent stray inputs. It connects wirelessly via the PS Link USB-C adapter—enabling ultra-low-latency audio with PlayStation’s Elite wireless headsets or Pulse Explore earbuds—and supports up to two sticks per adapter while still allowing a DualSense pad to be used simultaneously. The package even includes a protective sling case with a raised gap to safeguard the digital stick during transport.
Monster Hunter Wilds version 1.021 on August 13 to bring in new quest difficulty and talisman reward system. RPG Site
Capcom has moved up Monster Hunter Wilds version 1.021 to August 13, introducing a new tier of quest difficulty and an overhauled Talisman reward system that were originally slated for September, while extending the Festival of Accord Flamefete Summer Seasonal Event by one week; full patch notes—including weapon balance adjustments—will be published closer to release. Monster Hunter Wilds is available now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam).
Fortnite OG Gets New Version Without SBMM Or Bots. GameSpot
Epic has rolled out a new “Duo (Expert)” playlist for Fortnite OG that strips out both SBMM and bots, letting you relive the pure Chapter 1 throwback. Just pick OG mode (not Zero Build) and select Duo (Expert) from the group-size dropdown to dive into sweaty, unfiltered matchups—while the standard Duo queue remains for anyone wanting a more balanced experience. This nostalgia-driven tweak follows last weekend’s live rocket event and red rifts, giving longtime fans a true retro grind against the fiercest competition.
CoD: Black Ops 6 And Warzone Season 5 Release Date And Details. GameSpot
Call of Duty Season 5 launches on August 7 at 9 AM PT, kicking off a new battle pass headlined by operator Sims, the BlackCell DLC bundle (starring Solace), and over 100 unlockable items for Black Ops 6 and Warzone. Black Ops 6 multiplayer gains two all-new maps (Runaway, Exchange), remasters of WMD and Jackpot, three fresh modes—Aim High (instant headshot eliminations), Snipers Only, Cranked Moshpit—and the explosive Combat Bow scorestreak. Zombies wraps up its saga with Reckoning, set amid Liberty Falls’ Janus Towers. In Warzone, Verdansk’s Stadium rooftop opens up, debuting the rapid-fire Stadium Resurgence mode, plus the Satellite Hijack contract teasing a secret military base and looming map-wide upheaval—and it all may tie into Black Ops 7’s Gamescom Opening Night Live reveal.
Assassin's Creed Shadows' Latest Update Introduces New Game Plus, A Higher Level Cap, And More Fixes. GameSpot
Ubisoft’s 1.0.7 update for Assassin’s Creed Shadows adds a full New Game Plus mode—unlockable after you finish Naoe, Yasuke, and Junjiro’s stories—that carries over your skills, gear, allies, and hideout progress across up to eight increasingly challenging playthroughs (with the exclusive Whisper Gold long katana and Dragon’s Gold regular katana as ultimate rewards). The level cap has been raised from 60 to 80, and Knowledge Ranks now go up to 10, unlocking a broader suite of skills, passives, and combat techniques (with new trophies for hitting those milestones). On the balance side, you’ll need slightly more crafting materials for upgrades, allies get stronger as you level, and key bugs have been squashed—damage reduction perks now work on all projectiles, and assassination kills grant the proper adrenaline. For the full rundown, check Ubisoft’s blog, and get ready for the Claws of Awaji expansion later this year.
Baldur's Gate 3 Honour Mode Player Loses Multiple Characters, Including A Companion, Because Of Bad AI. TheGamer
A Baldur’s Gate 3 Honour Mode run went off the rails when party AI betrayed the player: during the Last Light Inn battle, Isobel foolishly moved into the waiting Winged Horrors and provoked fatal opportunity attacks on turn 1, getting herself killed and kidnapped—this released the shadow curse on the Inn, forcing the player to fight infected NPCs while Jaheira’s equally poor AI then led her to her death as well. As a result, the Reddit user AdvancedPerformer838 not only lost Isobel and Jaheira but also key NPCs like Alfira and Dammon, and now faces an Honour Mode campaign in which neither Minsc nor Karlach’s side quests (and romance) can be completed. This disaster underscores how unforgiving—and sometimes broken—BG3’s AI can be in its toughest playthrough.
Lies of P will be on PlayStation Plus for PS5 and PS4 on August 5. RPG Site
Sony has announced that Lies of P will join PlayStation Plus’ August lineup on August 5, landing as a free title for both PS5 and PS4 subscribers (base game only; the Overture DLC is sold separately). The macabre Soulslike from Neowiz and Round8 Studio—which sees Pinocchio navigating the Belle Époque–inspired city of Krat, battling killer puppets with swappable Legion Arms and mastering the art of deception to become human—joins two other August games across all PS Plus tiers. Lies of P is also available now on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC (Steam).
Ys X: Nordics Switch Clear Save Data Can be Transferred to Ys X: Proud Nordics on Nintendo Switch. RPG Site
An early Dengeki review reveals that clear save data from the Nintendo Switch version of Ys X: Nordics can be imported into the upgraded Ys X: Proud Nordics on Nintendo Switch 2. Proud Nordics bundles 29 non-consumable DLC packs from the original game and adds a Prioritize Performance mode—boosting gameplay up to 120 fps alongside the default 60 fps. Ys X: Nordics is available now on PS5, PS4, Switch, and PC (Steam), while Ys X: Proud Nordics launches July 31 in Japan and August 21 in Asia (Switch 2 and Steam via Clouded Leopard Entertainment).
What's going on with Steam and itch.io's crackdown on adult content? GamesIndustry
In recent weeks, Steam and itch.io have removed or hidden hundreds of adult-themed games after payment processors (like Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, and Stripe) raised fraud, chargeback, and reputational concerns following a campaign by advocacy group Collective Shout. Valve quietly updated its content rules to ban “certain kinds of adult-only content,” leading to mass delistings on Steam, while itch.io deindexed all NSFW titles pending a compliance audit. The move highlights how financial gatekeepers can effectively force digital storefronts to self-censor in order to keep their payment channels open.
IGN launches Gaming Trends platform, shedding light on how mobile, Roblox, and more are reshaping the industry. GamesIndustry
IGN’s free Gaming Trends platform taps its massive 500-million-visitor audience to reveal six key shifts reshaping gaming. Mobile continues to dominate, with 93% of Gen Alpha and a growing share of Millennials preferring phones. User-generated worlds in Fortnite and Roblox are surging, with Roblox now reaching over 25 million daily concurrents. Games are driving pop culture through blockbuster films like Minecraft and Five Nights at Freddy’s. Player loyalty is shifting toward individual experiences rather than platforms. Nostalgic revivals and breakthrough new IP are both thriving, while subscription services turn classic catalogs into fresh offerings—even as hundreds of major new titles flood the late-2025 release window.
Krafton reports record revenue, buoyed by PUBG and Inzoi. GamesIndustry
Krafton reported record revenue of ₩1.54 trillion ($1.1 billion) in the first half of 2025, up 11.5% from the previous year, driven by strong performances from PUBG: Battlegrounds and the life sim Inzoi, which became the fastest-selling Korean premium title to surpass 1 million units. Mobile gaming led the charge with ₩960 billion ($690 million) in revenue, while PC and console brought in ₩543 billion and ₩33 billion, respectively. The company is investing heavily in AI, introducing the "Orak" benchmark and partnering with SK Telecom to enhance game-related inference. It has expanded its portfolio through acquisitions of Neptune, ADK Group, and Eleventh Hour Games. With 13 new games in development and plans to grow the PUBG universe—including the upcoming Blindspot and Project Black Budget—Krafton is ramping up efforts to build global franchises, despite facing a legal dispute with former Subnautica 2 developers.
Grounded 2 Has Already Released A Massive Roadmap Full Of New Bugs, Biomes, And A Returning Fan Favorite Feature. TheGamer
Grounded 2 has launched in early access with a robust roadmap from Obsidian Entertainment, promising a year of major updates and long-term content expansion. The Fall Update introduces the venomous AXL Park Boss—likely a tarantula—alongside themed weapons, armor, and furniture, plus a Building Grid and quality-of-life improvements. Winter brings new insects like crickets and earwigs, Steam Deck and ROG Ally support, Tier 3 gear, and a mysterious new biome. The Summer Update teases the return of fan-favorite ziplines, watery buggies and creatures, and aquatic base-building features. Beyond summer, Obsidian plans to add two new biomes, passive mutations, new bosses, and something ominously named “Colossi,” hinting at massive future threats.
The Game Was Not Up To Par: Krafton Insists Subnautica 2 Is Not Ready Despite What Co-Creators Say. TheGamer
Krafton has delayed Subnautica 2 to 2026, sparking controversy after firing the game's co-creators—Ted Gill, Charlie Cleveland, and Max McGuire—who claim the game was ready and allege the delay was intended to avoid paying a $250 million bonus tied to its 2025 release. Krafton insists the game was “not up to par” and that the decision reflects rigorous internal milestone management, not mismanagement. The company maintains that the delay is meant to ensure the game meets high player expectations, while the former leads have filed a lawsuit, escalating the dispute.
Apex Legends Season 26 introduces new permanent mode, Elite weapons and Locked Hop-ups. EuroGamer
Season 26 introduces Wildcard, a fast-paced permanent mode for 30 players on a remixed Kings Canyon, featuring compressed rings, auto-loot, Evo Orbs, and Wildcard Replicators that grant randomised perks and allow Legend stacking for the first time. The Battle Royale experience sees major updates to E-District’s visibility and layout. At the same time, Caustic and Bangalore receive powerful reworks—Caustic’s gas now disables movement abilities, and Bangalore’s electrified abilities emit EMP effects. New mechanics include Elite Weapons like the energy-based RE-45 Burst, Locked Hop-Ups that unlock through damage dealt, and Amps for passive boosts. Ranked mode gets a major overhaul with Drop Zones replacing Jumpmaster, Ranked Auras as visual rank indicators, and adjusted RP gains to encourage strategic play. Arenas mode has been removed, and the season launches August 5 across all platforms.
6 of the 10 Best-Selling Games on PlayStation Last Quarter in the U.S. Were Published by Microsoft. IGN
In a surprising twist, Microsoft published six of the top ten best-selling games on PlayStation in the U.S. during Q2 2025, including Forza Horizon 5, Oblivion Remastered, Doom: The Dark Ages, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, and Minecraft2. This cross-platform success helped boost Xbox’s gaming revenue by 10% year-over-year, with content and services up 13% thanks to strong first-party sales and Game Pass growth. While Sony had only two first-party titles in the top ten—MLB: The Show 25 and Death Stranding 2—Microsoft’s strategy of releasing former exclusives on rival platforms is proving commercially effective, even as the company faces internal challenges like layoffs and canceled projects.
Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution to debut ‘Mega Ultra Rare’ gold cards. VG Chronicles
The upcoming Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution set, launching globally on September 26, 2025, will introduce a brand-new card rarity: Mega Ultra Rare (MUR)2. First revealed in Japan’s Mega Brave and Mega Symphonia sets, these MUR cards feature exclusive gold designs with original artwork, not just gold variants of existing cards. So far, Mega Lucario and Mega Gardevoir have been confirmed as MUR cards. The set marks the beginning of a new era for the Pokémon TCG, following the end of the Scarlet and Violet series, and ties into the return of Mega Pokémon in the upcoming video game Pokémon Legends Z-A. Pre-orders have already sold out on The Pokémon Center, signaling high demand among collectors.
Mario Kart World’s latest update makes CPU opponents easier. VG Chronicles
Nintendo’s Mario Kart World Version 1.2.0 update introduces several gameplay improvements and quality-of-life features, most notably weaker CPU opponents across all modes except Battle, making Grand Prix and Knockout Tour more accessible. Players can now enjoy Mushrooms-only item rules, No COM options, and replay viewing for Time Trial ghosts. Spectator controls have been enhanced, and lap-type races will appear more frequently in VS and wireless modes. In Free Roam, collectible counters now change color when fully completed, aiding completionists. Additional tweaks include reduced Boomerang homing, adjusted item probabilities, and a new wheel-spin animation at race start. The patch also fixes over 30 bugs affecting gameplay, visuals, and online features.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 patch 1.4.0 is now live with battle retry option, DLSS & XeSS enhancements, & more. RPG Site
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has released its version 1.4.0 update, introducing several highly requested features and performance upgrades. The standout addition is the Battle Retry Prompt, allowing players to retry battles after defeat instantly. The update also enhances visuals with DLSS and XeSS Frame Generation and Low Latency Mode for smoother gameplay on compatible NVIDIA and Intel GPUs. Quality-of-life improvements include autoplay dialogue, Lumina cost display in the Pictos menu, and separate volume sliders for exploration and combat. Accessibility updates improve readability for colorblind players, while combat fixes address unintended immortality and skill exploits. Numerous bugs have been resolved, including achievement unlock issues and environmental glitches, with developers promising more updates to come.
Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution launches August 19. Gematsu
Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution launches digitally on August 19, 2025, for $24.99 across PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC, with a $34.99 Deluxe Edition that includes three exclusive ability-enhancing costumes. Initially developed for the Game Boy Advance, this long-lost entry features classic 2D side-scrolling gameplay, terrain-shifting mechanics, six creature transformations, and introduces a four-player Battle Mode in the series. Physical editions from Limited Run Games will include the Deluxe content, with pre-orders starting August 8.
VALORANT Mobile China open beta date will reportedly be announced in August. Esports Insider
VALORANT Mobile China will officially enter open beta on August 3, 2025, coinciding with the ChinaJoy Gaming Festival in Shanghai. Riot Games and Tencent will showcase the game with exhibition matches, performances, and esports showmatches featuring top Chinese players. The mobile version, co-developed by Riot and Lightspeed Studios, has already garnered over 30 million pre-registrations, highlighting massive anticipation. While the beta is currently exclusive to China, Riot has yet to announce plans for a global release. It remains unclear whether players will need to register or can download the game directly from app stores.
Exclusive: More Layoffs Incoming At ESLFACEIT Group. Richard Lewis Substack
ESLFACEIT Group (EFG), formed by the merger of ESL and FACEIT under Savvy Games Group, is undergoing another significant round of layoffs affecting approximately 250–350 employees across both platforms, targeting departments like growth, integrity, and marketing. This marks the third wave of cuts since the 2022 acquisition, driven by mounting financial pressure and a revised goal to achieve profitability by 2026 instead of the original ten-year plan. While the company focuses on high-profile events like the Esports World Cup in Riyadh, morale among staff is reportedly low, with some viewing this period as the final chapter for ESL as they knew it. EFG has offered generous severance packages and potential contractor roles, and stated the layoffs are part of a strategic realignment to ensure long-term success.
Square Enix Announces Octopath Traveler 0 for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. IGN
Square Enix has officially announced Octopath Traveler 0, a prequel to the beloved HD-2D RPG series, launching December 4, 2025 across Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, PC, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. Revealed during the Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase, the game introduces a customizable protagonist whose journey begins after their hometown, Wishvale, is destroyed. Players will rebuild the town through a new base-building mechanic, recruit over 30 party members, and engage in turn-based battles using the familiar Break & Boost system. Inspired by the mobile spin-off Champions of the Continent, Octopath Traveler 0 is designed as a full-fledged console RPG with expanded narrative content, voice acting, and fresh character backstories, promising a rich experience for both newcomers and series veterans.
Final Fantasy Tactics - The Ivalice Chronicles story trailer showcased during Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase. RPG Site
Square Enix unveiled a new story trailer for Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles during the July 2025 Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase, highlighting its enhanced voice acting, updated gameplay, and rich narrative ahead of its September 30 release across all major platforms. The game, a full rebuild of the 1997 classic due to the loss of its original code, features both an enhanced version with modern upgrades and a classic mode that preserves the original experience. Set in the politically charged Kingdom of Ivalice, the story follows Ramza and Delita—childhood friends torn apart by war and ambition—offering players a deeply immersive tactical RPG with strategic combat, character progression, and quality-of-life improvements designed for both veterans and newcomers.
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection announced for 2026 release on PS5, Xbox Series, Switch 2, and PC. RPG Site
Capcom has officially announced Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection, the next entry in its turn-based RPG spin-off series, set to launch in 2026 for Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC2. Revealed during the July 2025 Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase, the game follows the heir of Azuria and Princess Eleanor of Vermeil as they confront a mysterious crystal encroachment threatening their lands. The story centers around twin Rathalos born from a legendary egg, reviving ancient tensions tied to a civil war 200 years ago. With a darker narrative tone, expanded character development, and cinematic presentation, Twisted Reflection aims to deliver a more mature and emotionally resonant experience while maintaining the series’ signature monster bonding and turn-based combat.
Battlefield 6 Release Date Confirmed For October, Multiplayer Trailer Shows Off Chaos And Destruction. GameSpot
EA and Battlefield Studios have officially announced that Battlefield 6 will launch on October 10, 2025 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC2. Revealed during a dedicated event, the multiplayer trailer—set to Limp Bizkit’s “Break Stuff”—showcased the return of classic Battlefield classes like Assault, Medic, Support, and Recon, alongside new features such as a squad-based vehicle system and a “Drag and Revive” mechanic. The game will launch with nine maps, including a remake of Operation Firestorm from Battlefield 3, and modes like Conquest, Rush, Team Deathmatch, and a new one called Escalation. Two open beta weekends are scheduled for August 9–10 and August 14–173, giving players an early taste of the chaos and destruction that defines the franchise.
Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 4: Start Date, Battle Pass, And Everything Else We Know. GameSpot
Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 4, titled Shock N Awesome, kicks off on August 8, 2025, following the dramatic live event featuring Superman and the Supernova Kids. The new season introduces a bug invasion theme, with Halo’s Spartans joining the fray as part of a major collaboration, and rumors pointing to Power Rangers and Peacemaker also appearing in the Battle Pass. Gameplay additions include bug gauntlets, the return of mud mechanics for stealth, and new items like Halo’s Energy Sword. Fortnitemares 2025 is expected to bring horror-themed crossovers in October, while map changes will likely swap out older POIs and add new ones inspired by the season’s collabs. Season 4 is not expected to be the final chapter, with a mini-season—possibly featuring The Simpsons—rumored for November.
Persona 3 Reload for Nintendo Switch 2 launches on October 23. RPG Site
Atlus has announced that Persona 3 Reload, the full remake of the classic RPG, will launch for Nintendo Switch 2 on October 23, 2025, following its earlier release on other platforms. The Switch 2 version retains the game’s modernized visuals, revamped battle system, and enhanced audio with new English voice acting. Players step into the role of a transfer student navigating the mysterious “Dark Hour” and battling supernatural threats in Tartarus. Pre-orders are now live, with early buyers receiving a bonus Persona 4 Golden BGM set. While physical release details remain unclear, the game promises a deeply emotional journey with strategic combat and stylish presentation.
Riot Games shares investigation results after Tier 2 NA VALORANT match-fixing accusations. Esports Insider
Riot Games has concluded its investigation into match-fixing and cheating allegations in the Tier 2 North American VALORANT scene, finding no evidence of misconduct. The inquiry was prompted by claims from Shopify Rebellion’s GM Sean “sgares” Gares, who alleged the existence of underground gambling rings and suspicious behavior. Riot collaborated with integrity partners including IBIA, GRID, and Sportradar to review gameplay, betting markets, and viral betting slips, but found nothing suspicious. Allegations involving Riot staff were also investigated and dismissed due to lack of credible evidence. Riot emphasized the importance of whistleblowers while warning against the damage caused by unfounded accusations.
Roblox reports "significant growth across key metrics" as revenue jumps 21% YoY in Q2 FY25. GamesIndustry
Roblox reported strong Q2 FY25 financial results, with revenue rising 21% year-over-year to $1.08 billion and bookings surging 51% to $1.44 billion, driven by viral experiences and platform-wide engagement. Key metrics showed robust growth: Daily Active Users (DAUs) reached 111.8 million (up 41%), Hours Engaged hit 27.4 billion (up 58%), and Monthly Unique Payers rose 42% to 23.4 million, with average bookings per payer at $20.48. Despite a net loss of $278.4 million and a 25% increase in infrastructure and trust & safety costs, CEO David Baszucki emphasized Roblox’s momentum and its goal to capture 10% of the global gaming content market. CFO Naveen Chopra highlighted the company’s strong cash flow and balance sheet as foundations for long-term growth. Notably, Chief Product Officer Manuel Bronstein will step down in September, remaining as an advisor through April 2026.
The Pokémon Company asks fans to stop "criticising" the illustrator amidst Pokémon TCG Pocket plagiarism claims. GamesIndustry
The Pokémon Company has taken full responsibility for the alleged plagiarism in Pokémon TCG Pocket, where immersive card artwork for Ho-Oh and Lugia closely resembled fan art by lanjiujiu. Following backlash, the company clarified that the illustrator, SIE NANAHARA, had been given incorrect concept sketches by the card production team, which included unauthorised references. Both cards have been pulled and replaced with placeholders while new artwork is being developed. In a public statement, The Pokémon Company urged fans to stop criticising the illustrator, emphasising that she followed instructions faithfully, and promised stricter quality control to prevent future incidents.
Itch.io "re-indexes" free adult NSFW content, paid content to be "slowly" reintroduced. GamesIndustry
Itch.io has begun reindexing free adult NSFW content after previously removing it from search and browse pages due to pressure from payment processors like Stripe, which stated it cannot support content “designed for sexual gratification.” Platform creator Leaf Corcoran confirmed that paid adult content will be reintroduced gradually, and developers must mark their projects as free to be eligible for reindexing. A new content warnings system is also being implemented, and Itch.io is actively seeking alternative payment processors to support adult content in the future. The move follows broader scrutiny of adult games across platforms, including similar crackdowns by Steam.
Nintendo Switch 2 sold 5.82 million units in Q1 2025. GamesIndustry
Nintendo reported a blockbuster Q1 FY25, with Switch 2 selling 5.82 million units between its June 5 launch and June 30, making it the fastest-selling console in U.S. history and surpassing company expectations. The strong demand drove net sales up 132% year-over-year to ¥572 billion ($3.8 billion), while Mario Kart World, a launch title often bundled with the console, sold 5.63 million units. Nintendo is now ramping up production to meet global demand and maintain momentum through upcoming releases like Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Despite the surge, digital and IP-related revenues declined slightly, and the company kept its full-year forecast unchanged, aiming to sell 15 million Switch 2 units by March 2026.
Battlefield 6 Battle Royale Mode: Trailer, Details, How To Sign Up For The Test. GameSpot
Battlefield Studios has announced a new Battlefield battle royale project, teased during the Battlefield 6 multiplayer reveal event with a trailer showing chaotic action in a tropical setting and a massive firestorm—hinting at a lighter tone than the main game. Developed by Ripple Effect, known for Battlefield 2042’s Portal mode, the game marks a return to the battle royale genre after 2018’s Firestorm, though its business model remains unconfirmed. Testing will begin through the Battlefield Labs program, which is currently closed to new sign-ups but will reopen later. With competition from Fortnite, Warzone, and PUBG, EA faces a challenge in carving out space for this new entry, and its future remains uncertain.
The whole Persona series has sold over 27 million units after July 2025. RPG Site
Atlus has officially announced that the Persona series has surpassed 27 million units sold worldwide as of the end of July 2025. This milestone includes the success of Persona 3 Reload, which has individually sold over 2 million copies across platforms. The announcement follows earlier leaks from Sega Sammy’s management slides, which had already hinted at these figures. To celebrate, Atlus released new artwork of the Persona 3 protagonist by Shigenori Soejima and confirmed the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 release of P3R on October 23, 2025. Interestingly, while the Japanese announcement included the full series milestone, the English version only highlighted P3R’s sales.
Titan Quest II is now available in early access on PC Steam and Epic. RPG Site
Titan Quest II has officially launched in Early Access on Steam and Epic Games Store as of August 2025, priced at $29.99 with a limited-time 20% discount until August 8. Developed by Grimlore Games and published by THQ Nordic, the mythological ARPG sequel is set for full release on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S by late 2026 at $49.99. Early Access includes substantial content and teases future additions like a character creator, crafting and transmogrification, and new mastery paths, all shaped by community feedback. Multiplayer is planned but currently in an unpolished state, with developers emphasising that Early Access marks the beginning of a long journey toward a refined final release.
Gothic 1 Remake launches in early 2026, demo now available on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. RPG Site
Gothic 1 Remake is officially set to launch in early 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, as revealed during the THQ Nordic Showcase 2025. A playable demo titled Nyras Prologue is now available on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, offering a standalone prequel experience that introduces players to the gritty world of the Valley of the Mines. Developed by Alkimia Interactive, the remake modernises the cult-classic RPG with updated visuals, enhanced combat, and expanded questlines, while preserving the dark fantasy tone and faction-driven gameplay that defined the original. Players will once again take on the role of the Nameless Hero, navigating a brutal prison colony shaped by magic, danger, and choice.
Nintendo Increasing Price Of Switch And Other Products In The US. GameSpot
Nintendo has announced price hikes for the original Switch, Switch OLED, Switch Lite, and select accessories in the US, effective August 3, 2025, citing “market conditions” likely tied to newly imposed tariffs. Updated prices include $230 for Switch Lite, $340 for the standard Switch, and $400 for the OLED model, with Pro Controllers and Joy-Con pairs now at $80. While Switch 2 console and game prices remain unchanged for now, Nintendo warned that future adjustments may be necessary. Some Switch 2 accessories, select Amiibo, and the Alarmo clock (now $110) are also seeing increases. The announcement coincided with Nintendo’s quarterly earnings, which showed a sharp decline in original Switch sales, while Switch 2 has surpassed 6 million units sold globally.
EA Sports FC 26 Release Date, Trailer, Gameplay Changes, And Everything Else We Know. GameSpot
EA Sports FC 26 launches on September 26, 2025, with early access starting September 19 for players who preorder the Ultimate Edition. Available on all major platforms—including PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Nintendo Switch, and Switch 2—the game introduces two new gameplay presets: Competitive for fast-paced online play and Authentic for realistic offline experiences like Career Mode. EA has refined core mechanics based on community feedback, improving dribbling, AI positioning, animations, and goalkeeper behaviour. All classic modes return, including Ultimate Team, Career, Clubs, and Live Events, with preorder bonuses offered across both Standard and Ultimate Editions.
Pokémon Go August 2025 Events: Raid Bosses, Spotlight Hours, Community Day, And More. GameSpot
Pokémon Go is wrapping up its Delightful Days season with a packed August 2025 event lineup, featuring the debut of Gigantamax Butterfree, Shadow Kyogre, and a special Origin Raid Day with Dialga and Palkia. Weekly Spotlight Hours highlight Pokémon like Swirlix, Ralts, and Lechonk, while Fossil Research Day, Sweet Swarm, and Cozy Companions events offer themed encounters and bonuses. The month also includes Munchlax Hatch Day, Shadow Raid Weekend, and the massive Go Fest 2025: Max Finale introducing Eternatus. August closes with Rookidee Community Day and a Mega Raid Day, making it one of the most content-rich months of the year.
Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection physical editions announced. Gematsu
Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection is getting physical editions for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch, Switch 2, and PC, launching December 12, 2025. Developed by Digital Eclipse and published by Atari, the collection includes classic titles like Mortal Kombat Trilogy, playable for the first time at EVO 2025. Three editions are available: the Standard Edition ($49.99–$59.99), the Deluxe Edition ($69.99–$79.99) with collectible extras, and the Kollector’s Edition ($149.99) featuring a Goro controller holder statue, art book, and more. The digital release date is still to be confirmed, but pre-orders are live now via Atari and Limited Run Games.
Darksiders 4 Officially Announced At THQ Nordic Showcase. TheGamer
Darksiders 4 has been officially announced during the THQ Nordic Showcase 2025, marking the franchise’s return after a six-year hiatus. Developed by Gunfire Games, the new entry will feature all four Horsemen of the Apocalypse—War, Death, Fury, and Strife—as playable characters, with support for single-player, split-screen, and online co-op for up to four players. While gameplay details remain under wraps, the teaser hints at a return to the series’ signature cinematic combat, traversal, and puzzle-solving set in a post-apocalyptic Earth. No release date has been confirmed yet, but the game is in development for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Honkai: Star Rail Version 3.5 "Before Their Deaths" launches on August 13 with Hysilens & Cerydra playable. RPG Site
Honkai: Star Rail Version 3.5, titled “Before Their Deaths”, launches globally on August 13, 2025 for PC, PS5, iOS, and Android, introducing two new 5-star characters: Hysilens, a Physical-Type DoT specialist, and Imperator Cerydra, a Wind-Type strategist who buffs allies with evolving “Military Merit” effects. The update continues the Amphoreus storyline, adds a new map called Styxia, and features rerun banners for Kafka and Silver Wolf. Players will face off against the dual-form boss Lygus, and enjoy themed events like Chrysos Maze Grand Restaurant and Old Brews & New Friends, plus a new voice toggle feature for collaboration characters.
Fate/hollow ataraxia Remastered launches on August 7 for Nintendo Switch and Steam . RPG Site
Fate/hollow ataraxia Remastered, the sequel to Fate/stay night, launches digitally on August 7, 2025 for Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam, featuring English, Japanese, and Simplified Chinese support for the first time. Based on the 2014 PS Vita release, this remaster includes HD visuals, a branching narrative set after the Fifth Holy Grail War, and a suite of quirky minigames—though Capsule Servant is excluded. Players will follow Bazett Fraga McRemitz and Avenger in a mysterious new Holy Grail War, while revisiting familiar characters like Shirou Emiya in a four-day loop of destiny.
New screenshots for Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake showcase characters, locations, and new additions. RPG Site
Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake launches worldwide on October 30, 2025 for Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, combining the first two entries of the Erdrick Trilogy into a single enhanced package. Square Enix has revealed new screenshots, character details, and world locations, including voiced cutscenes and orchestral music. Notable additions include new scenarios, extra towns, and the debut of the Princess of Cannock as a fourth party member in DQ II. The remake builds on the 2014 PS Vita version and connects narratively to Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, offering both longtime fans and newcomers a fresh, visually rich experience.
BioShock 4’s leadership replaced as 2K insists it’s ‘committed to delivering a great game’. VG Chronicles
BioShock 4 is undergoing major internal changes after reportedly failing a development review at 2K Games, prompting the departure of Cloud Chamber studio head Kelley Gilmore and the reassignment of creative director Hogarth de la Plante to a publishing role. The game’s narrative direction was flagged as needing significant improvement, and plans for a BioShock 1 remake were also quietly cancelled earlier this year. Despite concerns over possible layoffs, 2K insists it remains fully committed to delivering a BioShock title that meets fan expectations, stating, “We have a good game, but we are committed to delivering a great one”
Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising DLC character Wilnas launches August 5. Gematsu
Wilnas, the fiery brawler from Granblue Fantasy, joins the roster of Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising as a Season 2 DLC character on August 5, 2025, priced at $7.99, alongside the version 2.20 update. Developed by Arc System Works and published by Cygames, the update also introduces EX Characters—remixed versions of classic fighters like Gran, Djeeta, and Narmaya—along with balance changes across all platforms. Wilnas brings a powerful, flame-infused moveset to the battlefield, debuting just in time for EVO 2025.
Octopath Traveler 0 screenshots showcase new battle system, character creation, town-building, and first set of travelers. RPG Site
Octopath Traveler 0, the newest entry in Square Enix’s HD-2D RPG series, launches on December 4, 2025 for Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, introducing a fully customizable protagonist, a revamped 8-character battle system, and a new town-building mechanic. Set in Orsterra, the game follows a story of revenge and restoration tied to the divine rings, with over 30 recruitable travelers including new characters like Stia, Phenn, and Laurana. Players can use Path Actions, unlock Ultimate Techniques, and rebuild their hometown by placing buildings and inviting NPCs.
Hollow Knight: Silksong - The Story Behind the Insanely Long Wait For a Game We Demoed in 2019. IGN
Hollow Knight: Silksong, originally announced in 2019 as a standalone sequel to Hollow Knight, has become a symbol of prolonged development cycles in modern gaming. Initially planned as DLC, the game evolved into a full release starring Hornet, with a playable demo shown at E3 2019. Despite early optimism, Team Cherry went silent for years, missing multiple showcase opportunities and delaying the game without ever confirming a release date. After resurfacing in 2022 with an Xbox Game Pass announcement and a vague 12-month window, the game was officially delayed in 2023. Now, in 2025, Silksong has reappeared in trailers and will be playable at Gamescom, with a release expected before the holiday season, finally giving fans hope that the six-year wait may soon end.
Biggest releases this week
