Patch Notes #35 - weekly gaming digest
Welcome to the 35th edition of Patch Notes, let’s get this bad boy going.
This edition will cover the week from 4 August to 10 August.
What caught my attention this week
Nintendo Indie World showcases 18 games, with UFO 50 out on Switch. VG Chronicles
Nintendo has aired its newest Indie World Showcase, spotlighting 18 upcoming and newly released titles. The show opened with Mina the Hollower, the retro-style action game from Shovel Knight developer Yacht Club Games, launching October 31 with a demo out today. Also out now is the Switch port of UFO 50, the award-nominated compilation of 50 NES-style games from Spelunky creator Mossmouth, currently sitting at a 91 Metacritic score. Puzzle title Is This Seat Taken? also shadow-dropped. Other highlights included Little Kitty, Big City’s free update, Content Warning, and Glaciered.
TLDR
Nintendo Indie World showcases 18 games, with UFO 50 out on Switch today
Razer unveils AI centre in Singapore, plans to hire 150 specialists
Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack launches November 13, Ryza series has sold over 2.5 million copies
Here's how every Persona game runs on Switch 2 – Persona 5 Royal, Strikers, Tactica, P4G, P3P, and P4AU
Starfield reportedly targeting PS5 release in 2026 following ‘weak’ sales of first expansion
More than 240,000 of us were playing Old School RuneScape at once over the weekend, the most in the MMO's history
Nioh 3 is off to a great start, as over 90 percent of players praise the demo
Valve pushes back after Mastercard denies quashing adult content on game platforms
Battlefield 6 devs reflect on Battlefield 2042's poor launch and how it shaped the new game
Final Fantasy Tactics remake has free Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade
Silent Hill f is combat-heavy because 'challenging action games are gaining popularity among younger players nowadays'
One million people claim GOG's FreedomToBuy games in protest of the ongoing NSFW game censorship row
BioShock 4 undergoes 'narrative overhaul' after failing internal review – IGN Daily Fix
Call of Duty developer Raven Software has signed first union contract
Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 4 trailer reveals Power Rangers collaboration
Xbox Game Pass titles for August include Assassin’s Creed Mirage
Kirby and the Forgotten Land Switch 2 trailer showcases Star-Crossed World DLC
Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 3 is coming to Nintendo Switch in Asia this fall with English support
SNK World Championship 2025 $4m prize pool, location and games revealed
Notice on the removal and discontinuation of updates for Genshin Impact on PS4®
Blizzard opens pre-orders for Diablo II: Resurrected in China, no-wipe test begins August 27
PlayStation quarterly results | Q1 FY2026
Peregrino, a brutal isometric survival game, announced for PC
RedOctane Games established – rhythm game studio led by genre veterans
Sony's PlayStation 5 has sold 80.3 million units as it closes in on fifth anniversary
Microsoft Flight Sim 2024 will soon let you tour Jurassic World
Persona 3 Reload's Switch 2 version is yet another game key-card release
Monster Hunter Wilds event quest guide – every MH Wilds event quest, the full schedule, all rewards, and more
Konami releases Suikoden Star Leap battle trailer going over the game's normal battles, War Mode, and more
Titan Quest II sells over 300k copies within 72 hours of launching in early access on PC
Sony CFO says Marathon is expected to release before March, and Bungie’s independence is ‘getting lighter’
Mafia: The Old Country | reviews
Sony CFO says its live service shift is ‘not entirely going smoothly’ but pledges to carry on and learn from mistakes
Microsoft has stopped development on Avalanche Studios’ Contraband
PlayStation will move away from a "hardware-centric business model", Sony senior vice president says
Take-Two net bookings rise "significantly above guidance range" to $1.42bn in Q1 2026
Language app Duolingo acquires Beatstar developer NextBeat
Mina the Hollower adds Switch 2 version; limited-time demo now available for Switch 2 and Switch
Chained Echoes Ashes of Elrant DLC is now available for consoles and PC
Borderlands 4's new gameplay overview trailer showcases Amon the Forgeknight
Caves of Qud is coming to Nintendo Switch in Q4 2025
Warzone Season 5 patch notes: how does the update impact esports?
The game accused of being a Horizon Zero Dawn clone by Sony just quietly removed some evidence
Battlefield 6 requires Secure Boot to run and it's coming to more games soon, including Call of Duty Black Ops 7: here's what it is, why Linux gamers are mad about it, and how to enable it
The ROG Xbox Ally will reportedly launch in October, but I'm still not convinced there's a good enough reason to buy it yet
Total War: Shogun started out as 'a quick and cheerful B-grade RTS' to help Creative Assembly raise funds for its dream game—an RPG based on Monkey: Journey to the West
Nintendo announces My Mario, a range of products for young children including amiibo building blocks
Metal Gear Solid 3 Delta’s online multiplayer mode Fox Hunt gets a release window
Two years later, Starfield looks set to actually let you fly from one place to another, though not quite like No Man's Sky
Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar gets video introduction trailers for Jules and Freya
Kaiju No. 8 The Game launches on August 31 for iOS, Android, and PC Steam
Diablo boss Rod Fergusson leaves Blizzard
Disciples: Domination announced for 2026 release on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC
Biggest news of the week
Razer unveils AI center in Singapore, plans to hire 150 specialists . Tech in Asia
Razer is opening an AI center of excellence in Singapore, hiring 150 specialists in engineering, data science, and game development. The center will focus on AI research, talent development, and creating tools like Razer Game Co-AI (real-time player coaching) and QA Co-AI (automated game testing). This move is part of a global expansion with similar hubs planned in Europe and the US. The initiative aligns with rapid growth in the AI gaming market and reflects Razer’s evolution from a hardware maker into a broader technology platform provider.
Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack launches November 13, Ryza series has sold over 2.5 million copies. RPG Site
The Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy Deluxe Pack, launching November 13, 2025 for PS5, Switch 2, PS4, Switch, and PC, bundles all three “Secret” series games with new story episodes, additional playable characters, quality-of-life improvements, bundled DLC, and features like Custom Combat and the Wind Beast mount; it will be digital-only in the West, includes pre-order bonuses such as a “Summer” photo frame and Ryza’s “Thrilling” pose set, offers save data bonuses, but no save/trophy/DLC transfer, and celebrates the series’ milestone of over 2.5 million copies sold worldwide.
Here's how every Persona game runs on Switch 2 – Persona 5 Royal, Strikers, Tactica, P4G, P3P, and P4AU. RPG Site
Testing six Persona games on the Nintendo Switch 2 shows notable load time reductions and some stability improvements, but visual upgrades remain limited. Persona 5 Royal still struggles with low subnative resolutions despite steady performance, while Persona 4 Golden looks slightly softer yet benefits from quicker loading. Persona 5 Strikers gains stability but remains capped at 30fps, and Persona 5 Tactica’s main boost is dramatically shorter load times. Persona 4 Arena Ultimax loads much faster but still lacks rollback netcode, and Persona 3 Portable changes little beyond faster loads, retaining its visual flaws. The analysis suggests Switch 2 enhancements could focus on higher resolutions, 60–120fps targets, and improved online features.
Starfield reportedly targeting PS5 release in 2026 following ‘weak’ sales of first expansion. VG Chronicles
Bethesda’s sci-fi RPG Starfield is reportedly set to release for PlayStation 5 in spring 2026, following “weak” sales and mixed reception of its first expansion, Shattered Space. The PS5 launch is said to align with the game’s second expansion—possibly titled Starborn—and quality-of-life updates. Microsoft’s move follows its broader strategy of bringing Xbox titles to other platforms, with games like Pentiment, Hi-Fi Rush, Sea of Thieves, and Forza Horizon 5 already making the jump.
More than 240,000 of us were playing Old School RuneScape at once over the weekend, the most in the MMO's history. TheGamer
Old School RuneScape has set a new all-time concurrent player record with 240,756 players online at once, according to Misplaced Items. The milestone comes 12 years after the game’s 2013 re-release and reflects steady growth driven by regular updates and the retention of older content, making it accessible for new and returning players. This achievement follows recent controversy over developer Jagex’s decision to cancel the game’s pride event, citing risk and a shift in player priorities, a move that drew criticism from some team members.
Nioh 3 is off to a great start, as over 90 percent of players praise the demo. TheGamer
Team Ninja revealed that over 90 percent of players who tried the limited Nioh 3 alpha demo, which ran from June 5 to 18 following its surprise State of Play announcement, gave positive feedback. The demo showcased the new protagonist and combat system, with over 70 percent of participants enjoying the dual fighting styles, prompting planned improvements like separate inputs for Style Shift and Burst Break, re-bindable Martial Arts controls, and alternative button-based inputs. Team Ninja says the feedback will guide adjustments ahead of the game’s 2026 release, with no exact launch date yet.
Valve pushes back after Mastercard denies quashing adult content on game platforms. Game Developer
Valve and indie marketplace Itch.io recently restricted some adult content, saying payment processors required compliance with rules against certain explicit material, allegedly influenced by pressure group Collective Shout. While Itch has begun reindexing some free adult titles, it initially acted to protect relationships with payment partners. Mastercard publicly denied evaluating games or mandating such restrictions, stating it permits all lawful purchases but requires controls to block illegal adult content. Valve disputed Mastercard’s denial, claiming the company indirectly pressed concerns through intermediaries, rejecting Steam’s existing policy, and citing Mastercard’s Rule 5.12.7, which allows the company to block transactions that could harm its brand or involve material it deems unacceptable.
Battlefield 6 devs reflect on Battlefield 2042's poor launch and how it shaped new game. GameSpot
Battlefield 2042’s rocky 2021 launch, despite strong sales, disappointed fans and EA, prompting major leadership changes and the creation of Battlefield Studios. Developers Alexia Christofi and David Sirland said lessons from 2042 shaped Battlefield 6, with a renewed focus on the franchise’s core pillars—destruction, classes, and vehicles—and a clearly defined vision to guide future development. Under Vince Zampella’s leadership, the new game will feature multiplayer, a campaign, and a battle royale mode, with an open beta starting August 7 and full release set for October 10, 2025.
Final Fantasy Tactics remake has free Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade. GameSpot
Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles launches September 30, with the Nintendo Switch physical edition including a free Switch 2 upgrade for enhanced visuals and performance. While Switch 2 won’t have a physical version, owners can claim the upgrade now on the eShop. The $50 Amazon Exclusive Edition for Switch and PS5 comes with a double-sided poster featuring character art and a job class flowchart, and all preorders include in-game items such as White Equipment for Ramza, Spiked Boots, Mythril Knife, and consumables. A $200 Collector’s Box (or $250 with the game), now sold out, featured a special art box, Ramza figure, mini Chocobo plush set, Zodiac Stones magnets, a pop-up diorama, and art prints. The game will also be available physically for PS5, digitally for PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PS4, and a digital-only Deluxe Edition will offer additional in-game gear.
Silent Hill f is combat heavy because 'challenging action games are gaining popularity among younger players nowadays'. IGN
Silent Hill f, set in 1960s Japan and releasing September 25 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series, will feature more combat than past entries to appeal to younger players and avoid repeating Silent Hill 2’s formula. Producer Motoi Okamoto and director Al Yang say developer NeoBards’ action expertise influenced the change, aiming for a mix of beauty and terror in visuals, music, and monster design, along with puzzles rooted in psychological anguish. Written by Ryukishi07, the standalone story follows teenager Hinako Shimizu, blending supernatural and psychological horror in what the writer likens to “salad dressing.”
One million people claim GOG's FreedomToBuy games in protest of ongoing NSFW game censorship row. GamesIndustry
Over one million people have claimed free games through GOG’s FreedomToBuy.Games initiative, a 48-hour campaign protesting NSFW content restrictions on platforms like Steam and itch.io due to payment processor pressure. GOG stated that if a game is legal and responsibly made, it should remain accessible for decades, warning that “any game that disappears today becomes exponentially harder to revive later.” The initiative features explicit titles such as Postal 2, Agony, and House Party to raise awareness about gaming censorship.
BioShock 4 undergoes 'narrative overhaul' after failing internal review – IGN Daily Fix. IGN
BioShock 4 has reportedly failed an internal review at publisher 2K, leading to a leadership change at developer Cloud Chamber Games, while a rumored remake of the original BioShock has allegedly been canceled. Larian Studios marked the second anniversary of Baldur’s Gate 3 and teased a new, non-DnD project. Nintendo reaffirmed a 2025 release for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, which will be playable at this year’s Fan Expo in Canada.
Call of Duty developer Raven Software has signed first union contract. GameSpot
Call of Duty developer Raven Software has secured its first union contract after three years of organizing and bargaining. Workers unanimously voted to ratify the agreement between Game Workers Alliance-CWA members and Microsoft. The contract includes a 10% wage increase over two years, protections against excessive overtime, flexible scheduling, fair promotion processes, expanded disability accommodations, layoff protections, and recognition of prior contract and temp work. QA tester Erin Hall said the deal delivers better pay, real career paths, and protection from burnout, hoping it inspires other game workers to organize. Despite recent mass layoffs at Microsoft, this marks a significant milestone for unionized game developers.
Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 4 trailer reveals Power Rangers collaboration. VG Chronicles
Epic Games has unveiled the Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 4 trailer, highlighting a Mighty Morphin Power Rangers collaboration. The new season, titled Shock ‘N Awesome, launches August 7, 2025, featuring a bug invasion on the island. Players can purchase the Mighty Morphin Bundle with various Ranger outfits and accessories, while Battle Pass holders can unlock the Dino Megazord Outfit starting September 16. Additionally, Spartans from the Halo series will join the fight. Epic is also working with Disney on a connected universe for Fortnite, codenamed Bulldog, planned for release in late 2026.
Xbox Game Pass titles for August include Assassin’s Creed Mirage. VG Chronicles
Microsoft has announced the next batch of titles coming to Xbox Game Pass for console, PC, and Cloud Gaming in August. The headline addition is Assassin’s Creed Mirage, arriving on August 7. Several other games, including Rain World and Aliens: Fireteam Elite, will also join throughout the month. Meanwhile, three titles—Anthem, Farming Simulator 2, and Persona 3 Reload—will leave Game Pass on August 15. Gamescom 2025, from August 20 to 24 in Cologne, will feature playable demos like Hollow Knight: Silksong and Ninja Gaiden 4 at the Xbox booth.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land Switch 2 trailer showcases Star-Crossed World DLC. VG Chronicles
Nintendo has released a trailer for Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World, launching on August 28. This edition features improved graphics and frame rates, and adds a new story campaign, Star-Crossed World. Players who own the original game can buy an upgrade pack including this new content and enhancements. The expansion involves collecting Starries and exploring transformed locations affected by a meteor crash. New gameplay elements include three Mouthful Modes, new activities like collecting Starry Coins, and a challenging boss rush mode. The Switch 2 Edition offers upgraded visuals and performance. The original game received a 4/5 star review from VGC and is the franchise’s best-selling entry.
Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 3 is coming to Nintendo Switch in Asia this Fall with English support. RPG Site
Eastasiasoft announced it will release Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 3: V Generation for Nintendo Switch in Asia this Fall, including English support. Physical pre-orders start this week. After the western Nintendo Switch release was canceled by Idea Factory International, the trilogy is coming to PS4 in the West, while Eastasiasoft handles the Switch version only in Asia. The game is a remake of the third title in the series, featuring English and Traditional Chinese text and voiceovers in English and Japanese, plus previous downloadable content. Pre-orders for the physical and limited editions go live August 7 on Playasia. The Limited Edition is capped at 2000 copies and includes collectibles for US$59.99, while standard editions cost US$39.99. The game will also be available through select Asian retailers.
SNK World Championship 2025 $4m prize pool, location and games revealed. Esports Insider
SNK has announced the SNK World Championship 2025 (SWC 2025), scheduled to take place at DreamHack Atlanta from October 31 to November 2. The tournament will feature Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, King of Fighters XV, Samurai Shodown, and Art of Fighting 3, with a combined prize pool of $4.1 million—surpassing the Capcom Cup Pro Tour’s $2 million. Notably, Fatal Fury has a record-breaking $2.5 million prize pool, including $1.5 million for the champion. Regional qualifiers start August 9, with the first North America Fatal Fury qualifier. Matches will be streamed on SNK’s official Twitch and YouTube channels, while DreamHack Atlanta will host other esports events and activities at the Georgia World Congress Center.
Notice on the removal and discontinuation of updates for Genshin Impact on PS4®. Genshin Impact Official
Genshin Impact will end support and updates on PS4 due to hardware and platform limitations. Starting September 10, 2025, the game will be removed from the PlayStation Store for new downloads, but existing users can still re-download it. In-game purchases on PS4 will be delisted on February 25, 2026, and update support will end on April 8, 2026, after which PS4 players can no longer log in. Unclaimed purchases can be redeemed on PS5 after that date. From December 17, 2025, PS4 players will receive prompts to bind other login methods. Players are encouraged to switch to PS5 or other platforms to continue playing without losing progress.
Blizzard opens pre-orders for Diablo II: Resurrected in China, no-wipe test begins August 27. TechNode
Blizzard has opened pre-orders for Diablo II: Resurrected in China, offering three editions priced at $23 (standard), $40 (deluxe), and $64 (ultimate). A no-wipe technical test is set to begin on August 27. The remastered game features updated 3D models, improved visual effects, and new gameplay elements like Rune Words equipment and Terror Zones. Blizzard also promises strict anti-cheat measures to ensure fair play.
PlayStation quarterly results | Q1 FY2026. Shinobi602 Twitter
Sony reported strong Q1 FY2026 results for PlayStation, with over 80.3 million PS5 consoles shipped to date. PS5 hardware sales rose 4.1% this quarter to 2.5 million units, while game and network services sales increased 8% year-over-year. Operating income more than doubled, climbing 127%, and software sales grew 23% to 65.9 million. Additionally, PlayStation Network’s monthly active users rose 6%, from 116 million to 123 million players compared to the previous fiscal year period.
Peregrino, a brutal isometric survival game, announced for PC. IGN
Spanish developer Inverge Studios announced Peregrino, a brutal, isometric 19th-century gothic survival game for PC (Steam and Epic Games Store). Players lead a band of pilgrims through a dark purgatory in search of New Eden, managing resources like food, shelter, and faith. Combat, hunting, and scavenging are essential, and death is permanent for fallen pilgrims, each with unique names and stories. Players must upgrade wagons, fortify shelters, and carefully choose paths to survive the harsh journey.
RedOctane Games established – rhythm game studio led by genre veterans. Gematsu
RedOctane Games, a new rhythm game studio under Embracer Freemode, has been established by veterans who worked on Guitar Hero and DJ Hero. Led by Simon Ebejer, former production director for Guitar Hero and ex-Vicarious Visions and Blizzard exec, the studio aims to advance the rhythm game genre by blending its heritage with future innovation. The original Guitar Hero founders, Charles and Kai Huang, will serve on an advisory board. The studio is currently developing its first game, set to be announced later in 2025.
Sony's PlayStation 5 has sold 80.3 million units as it closes on in on fifth anniversary. EuroGamer
Sony announced that the PlayStation 5 has sold 80.3 million units since its November 2020 launch. In Q1 2025, PS5 hardware sales rose slightly to 2.5 million units, while combined software sales for PS4 and PS5 jumped to 65.9 million copies, up from 53.6 million the previous year. PlayStation Plus monthly active users increased to 123 million from 116 million. Despite earlier supply challenges and economic conditions, the PS5 is selling at a pace comparable to the PS4’s early years, showing steady growth across hardware, software, and online engagement.
Microsoft Flight Sim 2024 will soon let you tour Jurassic World. GameSpot
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 will soon feature the Jurassic World: Archipelago DLC, adding the Muertes Archipelago islands from the Jurassic Park and Jurassic World films off Costa Rica’s coast. Available in late August or early September, players can fly between five islands and parts of Costa Rica, encountering dinosaurs like T. rex, Velociraptor, and Stegosaurus. The DLC is set just before Jurassic World’s 2015 opening and includes iconic park structures and a monorail system, plus flybys over Isle Sorna. Developed by Orbx Studios, it will be sold via the Orbx Direct website and in-game marketplace. While Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is expected on new consoles, no official announcements have been made yet.
Persona 3 Reload's Switch 2 version is yet another game key-card release. GameSpot
Persona 3 Reload is coming to Switch 2 on October 23, with preorders now open for a $60 physical standard edition and a $90 Digital Premium Edition. The physical version uses a Game Key-Card, requiring a digital download, and may run at 30fps compared to 60fps on other platforms. Preordering grants access to the Persona 4 Golden BGM Set as a bonus. The Digital Premium Edition includes additional DLC content, such as costumes and soundtracks inspired by Persona 4 Golden and Persona 5 Royal. Notably, the Episode Aegis DLC expansion will be sold separately after launch for $35. Persona 3 Reload is a remake of the 2006 original with updated graphics, UI, soundtrack, voice cast, and new story content. Additionally, Persona 3 Portable, a distinct version with unique features and playable female protagonist, is available on Switch and other platforms. Fans can also preorder a detailed McFarlane Toys action figure of the protagonist, releasing January 2026 for $60.
Monster Hunter Wilds event quest guide – every MH Wilds event quest, the full schedule, all rewards, and more. RPG Site
Monster Hunter Wilds features a variety of Event Quests, including permanent and limited-time challenges. Some notable quests include Kut-Ku Gone Cuckoo, Stalking Supper, Ballet in the Rain, Congalala Cravings, Gravios Blockade, Peak Nerscylla, and Wreaking Havoc in Wyveria. The full list is regularly updated by Capcom with new schedules, offering diverse hunts and challenges for players.
Konami releases Suikoden Star Leap battle trailer going over the game's normal battles, War Mode, and more. RPG Site
Konami released a new trailer showcasing Suikoden Star Leap’s combat system, including Normal Battles with a timeline turn-based system, a real-time strategy War Mode, and party composition features. The free-to-play game features pixel art, 108 characters to befriend, and allows use of characters from previous Suikoden titles. It’s in development for iOS, Android, and PC (Steam), with no confirmed release date yet.
Titan Quest II sells over 300k copies within 72 hours of launching in early access on PC. RPG Site
Titan Quest II sold over 300,000 copies on PC within 72 hours of its early access launch on Steam and Epic, announced during the THQ Nordic Showcase 2025. The game is currently priced at $29.99 with a 20% discount until August 8, while the full launch will be $49.99. Titan Quest II is planned to exit early access by the end of 2026 and will release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Sony CFO says Marathon is expected to release before March, and Bungie’s independence is ‘getting lighter’. VG Chronicles
Sony’s CFO Lin Tao expects the game Marathon to launch before March 31, 2026, within the current fiscal year, though no official date is set. Development is ongoing, with a clearer timeline expected by autumn. Sony is also gradually integrating Bungie into PlayStation Studios, reducing its independence as part of structural reforms. While Marathon was delayed from its original September 23 release to allow more time for polishing, Tao does not foresee its cancellation and remains confident in its eventual launch.
Sony CFO says its live service shift is ‘not entirely going smoothly’ but pledges to carry on and learn from mistakes. VG Chronicles
Sony CFO Lin Tao acknowledged that the company’s shift to live service games is “not entirely going smoothly” due to setbacks like the shutdown of Concord and delay of Marathon, but emphasized progress has been made with successful titles like Helldivers 2, MLB The Show, Gran Turismo 7, and Destiny 2 contributing steadily to revenue. She highlighted that live service games accounted for around 40% of first-party software revenue last quarter and pledged to learn from mistakes to improve future live service content.
Microsoft has stopped development on Avalanche Studios’ Contraband. VG Chronicles
Microsoft has stopped active development on Avalanche Studios’ open-world co-op game Contraband, announced four years ago but unseen since its E3 2021 reveal. Avalanche confirmed development is on hold while they evaluate the project’s future. The studio, known for Just Cause, called Contraband their most ambitious game yet. Microsoft recently made layoffs and canceled other projects like Everwild and Perfect Dark.
PlayStation will move away from a "hardware-centric business model", Sony's senior vice president says. TheGamer
Sony Senior Vice President Sadahiko Hayakawa said PlayStation is shifting from a hardware-centric model to a broader engagement-focused strategy, with more emphasis on multiplatform reach and live-service offerings. Five years into the PS5’s life cycle, PlayStation has 124 million monthly active users, but only 62.9 million are on PS5, with many still on PS4 or PC. Hayakawa noted that this transition, similar to shifts in other Sony divisions, has increased stability, profitability, and productivity, and suggests future console cycles may see slower adoption as players remain on existing hardware.
Take-Two net bookings rise "significantly above guidance range" to $1.42bn in Q1 2026. GamesIndustry
Take-Two Interactive reported Q1 2026 net bookings of $1.42 billion, up 16% year-over-year and above its $1.25–$1.3 billion guidance range, with net revenue at $1.5 billion and a net loss of $12 million. The results were driven by better-than-expected performance from several mobile titles and Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto franchise, with GTA 6’s second trailer surpassing 475 million views, boosting GTA Online engagement and new accounts by 50%. Recurrent consumer spending grew 17% (83% of net bookings), NBA 2K25 sold over 11.5 million units with a 48% rise in spending, and mobile titles like Color Block Jam and Toon Blast exceeded expectations. Take-Two raised its Q2 outlook to $6.05–$6.15 billion in net bookings, expects recurrent spending to grow about 4%, and forecasts record net bookings in fiscal 2027, citing upcoming releases Mafia: The Old Country, NBA 2K26, and Borderlands 4.
Language app Duolingo acquires Beatstar developer NextBeat. GamesIndustry
Duolingo has acquired UK-based music game developer NextBeat, maker of Beatstar, to boost its gamified learning experiences—particularly its music course. The deal brings NextBeat’s 23-person team with expertise in mobile game design, user engagement, monetization, sound design, and music licensing. This marks Duolingo’s first official UK presence. Both companies cited shared values in design and learner focus. NextBeat, spun out from Space Ape Games earlier in 2025, is expected to retain its existing titles like Beatstar and Country Star.
Mina the Hollower adds Switch 2 version; limited-time demo now available for Switch 2 and Switch. Gematsu
Yacht Club Games’ 8-bit action-adventure Mina the Hollower will now launch on Switch 2 alongside PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC (Steam) on October 31, 2025. A limited-time demo for Switch 2 and Switch is available until August 21. Players control Mina, a whip-wielding Hollower on a mission to save a cursed island, exploring a vast, interconnected world with Game Boy Color-inspired visuals, modern refinements, sidearms, trinkets, and a chiptune soundtrack by Jake Kaufman.
Chained Echoes Ashes of Elrant DLC is now available for consoles and PC. RPG Site
Chained Echoes: Ashes of Elrant DLC is now available for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch, and PC (Steam). Developed by Deck13 and Matthias Linda’s Umami Tiger studio, the expansion adds a new playable character—the White Wolf—plus new areas, over 40 monsters and bosses, 15 tracks from Eddie Marianukroh, sidequests, secrets, and a fishing mini-game. The DLC offers 10–15 hours of content, explores the Order of Leonar’s origins, and is priced at €9.99.
Borderlands 4's new gameplay overview trailer showcases Amon the Forgeknight. RPG Site
Borderlands 4’s latest gameplay overview trailer introduces Amon the Forgeknight, a new Vault Hunter who uses Forgedrones, Forgeaxes, and a Forgeshield for offense and defense. Amon offers complex action skills for varied playstyles. The game launches September 12, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam, Epic Games Store), and October 3, 2025, for Nintendo Switch 2.
Caves of Qud is coming to Nintendo Switch in Q4 2025. RPG Site
Caves of Qud from Freehold Games and Kitfox Games is coming to Nintendo Switch in Q4 2025, as revealed during the Nintendo Indie World showcase. The science fantasy turn-based roguelike with RPG elements, which launched its 1.0 version on PC last December after an extended early access period, will arrive as a “system exclusive” launch for Switch. The game is currently available on PC via Steam.
Warzone Season 5 patch notes: How does the update impact esports? Esports Insider
The Call of Duty: Warzone Season 5 update, released August 7, 2025, by Raven Software, opens Verdansk’s stadium roof for the first time since the map’s return, adds new vertical structures, relocates Buy Stations across the map, and introduces two new weapons — the PML 5.56 light machine gun and the ABR A1 burst rifle. Several SMGs, including the LC10, receive buffs to maximum range to expand close-range options. The update launches during Warzone’s appearance at the Esports World Cup in Riyadh, though it’s unclear if the event will switch to Season 5 or remain on Season 4.
The game accused of being a Horizon Zero Dawn clone by Sony just quietly removed some evidence. TheGamer
In July 2025, following Sony’s lawsuit against Tencent and developer Polaris Quest over Light of Motiram for its similarities to Horizon Zero Dawn, Tencent altered the game’s Steam page by replacing its old description — which referenced a world overrun by colossal machines, building technology, and training “Mechanimals” — with a more generic survival-focused blurb, and swapping out promotional images that prominently featured dinosaur-like robots for ones showing wooden houses, farms, and less-visible enemies, though some large robots remain.
Battlefield 6 requires Secure Boot to run and it's coming to more games soon, including Call of Duty Black Ops 7: here's what it is, why Linux gamers are mad about it, and how to enable it. PCGamer
Battlefield 6 now requires Secure Boot—a Windows security feature—to run, as part of EA’s kernel-level anti-cheat system, EA Javelin. This has sparked backlash, especially among Linux users and those with older PCs lacking UEFI or TPM support, since Secure Boot blocks them from accessing the game. The feature enhances protection against cheats but raises concerns over privacy and system stability due to its deep access. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 will also adopt this requirement, signaling a broader industry shift. Players can enable Secure Boot via BIOS settings, though the process varies by motherboard and may require restoring factory keys to activate it fully.
The ROG Xbox Ally will reportedly launch in October, but I'm still not convinced there's a good enough reason to buy it yet. PCGamer
The ROG Xbox Ally is reportedly launching on October 16, with pricing set at €599 ($699) for the base model and €899 ($1,050) for the Xbox Ally X, according to a leak by billbil-kun via Dealabs. While the leak aligns with previous reports and may coincide with Gamescom 2025, it lacks official confirmation from Microsoft or Asus. The device features a Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme APU, which shows modest performance gains but faces memory bandwidth concerns. Despite Xbox president Sarah Bond confirming Hollow Knight: Silksong will be available on Game Pass at launch, skepticism remains due to high pricing, stiff competition from other handhelds like the Legion Go and MSI Claw 8 AI+, and broader concerns about Xbox’s shifting hardware strategy and recent corporate controversies.
Total War: Shogun started out as 'a quick and cheerful B-grade RTS' to help Creative Assembly raise funds for its dream game—an RPG based on Monkey: Journey to the West. PCGamer
Total War: Shogun began as a modest, quick RTS project intended to fund Creative Assembly’s original ambition—an RPG based on Monkey: Journey to the West. In the late 1990s, the studio was known for sports games, and the pivot to strategy was seen as risky. Former producer Mike Simpson joined to lead the RPG effort, but instead, the team developed Shogun after seeing the success of Command & Conquer. Interestingly, tech from their Australian Rules Football game helped simulate large-scale battles in Shogun. The game’s success shifted Creative Assembly’s focus entirely to the Total War series, leaving the Monkey RPG unrealized.
Nintendo announces My Mario, a range of products for young children including amiibo building blocks. VG Chronicles
Nintendo has announced "My Mario," a Japan-only product line launching August 26 in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto stores, aimed at young children and featuring Mario-themed items. Key products include amiibo-compatible wooden blocks sold in small and large sets, a board book titled Hello, Mario! from Shogakukan, and a companion app for smart devices and Nintendo Switch that mimics the Super Mario 64 title screen. The range also includes stop-motion shorts called It’s Me, Mario!, plus clothing, tableware, and baby toys from Bandai and Happinet. Select items will be released internationally next year.
Metal Gear Solid 3 Delta’s online multiplayer mode Fox Hunt gets a release window. VG Chronicles
Konami has announced that Fox Hunt, a new online multiplayer mode for Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, will launch in Fall 2025. Developed by veteran MGS designer Yu Sahara, the mode is described as a completely original experience inspired by popular rules from Metal Gear Online but updated with modern sneaking gameplay and enhanced graphics for heightened tension. Metal Gear Solid Delta, a remake of the 20-year-old third game in the series, will release on August 28, 2025 for PS5, Xbox Series, and PC, with refinements aimed at making it feel like a contemporary title for both new and returning players.
Two years later, Starfield looks set to actually let you fly from one place to another, though not quite like No Man's Sky. IGN
Two years after its launch, Starfield may finally introduce direct space travel between planets, addressing long-standing player complaints about loading screens replacing actual flight. Fans discovered references to a new “Cruise Mode” in the game’s code, suggesting streamlined travel within star systems, though not full interstellar flight or seamless takeoff from planetary surfaces like in No Man’s Sky. Bethesda has since patched out these hints, and while the feature hasn’t been officially confirmed, it may be part of the “exciting things” teased for the game’s future. Starfield’s second expansion and PlayStation 5 port are now expected in 2026, following a lukewarm response to its first add-on, Shattered Space.
Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar gets video introduction trailers for Jules and Freya. RPG Site
Marvelous USA has released new character introduction trailers for Jules and Freya from Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar, ahead of the game’s launch on August 27 for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. Jules is portrayed as a devoted teacher and older brother who might open up to someone special, while Freya balances a busy city job with relaxing evenings at the café, hinting at a potential romance with the player’s character.
Kaiju No. 8 The Game launches on August 31 for iOS, Android, and PC Steam. RPG Site
Akatsuki Games has announced that Kaiju No. 8 The Game, a free-to-play turn-based RPG based on the popular manga and anime series, will launch on August 31 for iOS, Android, and PC via Steam. The game features squad-based combat where players control customizable officers from the Japan Anti-Kaiju Defense Force, each with unique weapons and skills, battling colossal Kaiju in visually striking environments. A new trailer highlights the game’s strategic mechanics, character abilities, and voice cast, including Masaya Fukunishi as Kafka Hibino and Fairouz Ai as Kikoru Shinomiya.
Diablo boss Rod Fergusson leaves Blizzard. EuroGamer
Rod Fergusson, head of the Diablo franchise since 2020, has announced he is stepping away from Blizzard/Microsoft after five years and four major Diablo launches, saying the teams are well-positioned for future success and expressing pride in their work; Blizzard president Johanna Faries and Xbox boss Phil Spencer praised his leadership and contributions, though no successor has been named, and his departure follows recent controversy over AI-generated art in a Diablo Immortal crossover event and news of large-scale Microsoft layoffs.
Disciples: Domination announced for 2026 release on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. RPG Site
Kalypso Media and Artefacts Studio have announced Disciples: Domination, the next entry in the dark fantasy strategy RPG series, set for release in 2026 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Taking place fifteen years after Disciples: Liberation, players return to Nevendaar as Avyanna, whose rule is unraveling amid rising faction tensions. The game features real-time exploration, refined turn-based combat, and strategic decision-making that affects relationships with five distinct factions, including the returning Mountain Clans.
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