Patch Notes #36 - weekly gaming digest
Welcome to the 36th edition of Patch Notes, let’s get this bad boy going.
This edition will cover the week from 11 August to 17 August.
What caught my attention this week
Building Azeroth: Crafting K'aresh World of Warcraft Youtube Channel
I played a bit of WoW’s new patch, and adored it so far. This BTS video gives a solid look at how they built this incredible world.
Can’t wait to (phase) dive in again, when my setup allows for it!
TLDR
Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter took a Falcom programmer twice as long to beat as Sky FC, Kondo reveals
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers patch messes the game's story all up, renders bosses technically unkillable, and it's all the Qing Dynasty's fault, apparently
Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion introduces its allies and enemies in new faction videos
Patapon’s delayed spiritual successor Ratatan gets a new early access release date
NSFW content row continues as Valve confirms PayPal no longer supports Steam purchases in some regions
Crimson Desert delayed to Q1 2026
Evidence of a Diablo 4 Paladin class may have just leaked
You'll soon be able to explore Sicily as Mafia: The Old Country is getting a free roam mode
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 will blend the campaign and multiplayer like never before - report
Jurassic Park Survival has finally returned with new gameplay after nearly two years
More than 50,000 Roblox players are petitioning for the CEO to be fired after a predator-catching "vigilante" was banned
Xbox Game pass-style subscriptions 'bad for the business' and turn developers into 'wage slaves,' former PlayStation boss Shawn Layden says
Dragon Age lead Mark Darrah says Origins was never intended to be the start of a series
Playstation Plus Game Catalog for August 2025 confirmed
Crimson Desert – 13 minutes of Gamescom 2025 gameplay
Ys vs. Trails in the Sky: Alternative Saga delayed “by a few months” in the west
Persona 5: The Phantom X Japanese & Western releases will have improved character acquisitions in Version 2.0
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers receives criticism after new ‘censorship’ patch prevents killing historical figures
Hands-On: Pokémon Legends Z-A proves Legends is still Pokemon’s most exciting series
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 will reportedly not be on Switch 2 at launch
GameSquare reports $3m loss for Q2 2025 amid web3 pivot
Chris Hansen is investigating Roblox predators alongside the YouTuber who was banned for "vigilantism"
This Oblivion fan figured out how to make the game look worse, and it's absolutely beautiful
Former BioWare producer Mark Darrah thinks the studio failed to 'prepare' fans for how different Dragon Age 2 was: 'People look at it and they're like, well this sure isn't Dragon Age: Origins 2, which it isn't'
Sea of Thieves' latest update slips The Smugglers' League in through the back door, offering high-risk, high-reward voyages for the most daring pirates
Wuthering Waves version 2.6 update ‘By Sun’s Scourge, By Moon’s Revelation’ launches August 28
To no surprise, Final Fantasy 10 was voted as the saddest RPG of all time
Biggest news of the week
Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter took a Falcom programmer twice as long to beat as Sky FC, Kondo reveals. RPG Site
Falcom president Toshihiro Kondo revealed that Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter takes about twice as long to complete as the original Trails in the Sky FC, with a programmer needing 80 hours compared to under 40 for FC due to expanded exploration, quests, and voiced events; while the remake fully covers FC’s story, it also adds more detailed elements, and will launch worldwide on September 19 for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC (Steam).
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers patch messes the game's story all up, renders bosses technically unkillable, and it's all the Qing Dynasty's fault, apparently. PCGamer
The newest patch for Wuchang: Fallen Feathers has stirred strong backlash from players, who feel that the game’s darker themes and intensity have been watered down. Major changes include bosses “resting” instead of dying, enemies appearing less hostile, and entire story arcs being softened or made incoherent compared to the original narrative. Many fans speculate that these adjustments stem from pressure by Chinese nationalist groups who had criticized the game’s portrayal of historical and cultural elements, though the developer Leenzee has not issued a clear explanation. While some players appreciate the attempt to make the experience less brutal, the majority feel that the changes strip away the identity and emotional weight of the game, leaving a less impactful story and gameplay loop.
Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion introduces its allies and enemies in new faction videos. RPG Site
Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion is ramping up excitement ahead of its September 5, 2025 launch on Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, with Marvelous USA releasing two new trailers introducing the factions Reclaimers and Neun. The Reclaimers are an underground resistance group wary of protagonist Nova’s Outer origins, while the Neun, known as the “Demons of Heaven,” are an elite Sovereign Axiom unit of nine genetically altered Outers. These new videos follow earlier showcases of the Heavy Armor and Fusion system, giving fans a closer look at the game’s expanded world and characters. Produced by Kenichiro Tsukuda with mecha designs by Shoji Kawamori, Titanic Scion promises high-octane mech action, deep customization, and multiplayer options, marking a bold new chapter for the franchise.
Patapon’s delayed spiritual successor Ratatan gets a new early access release date. VG Chronicles
Ratatan, the long-awaited spiritual successor to Patapon, will finally launch on Steam Early Access on September 19, 2025, after a delay from its original July release. Developed by Ratata Arts, the rhythm-based roguelite blends beat-driven battles with vibrant chaos, letting players recruit allies, march across Redo, and build Cobun armies. The game made headlines in 2023 as Kickstarter’s most-funded video game campaign, raising over ¥219.3 million ($1.5m) from nearly 15,000 backers and unlocking stretch goals including a console version and a guest track by Donkey Kong Country composer David Wise. Fresh off winning the Vermillion Gate award at BitSummit, Ratatan is poised to bring Patapon’s spirit back to a new generation of fans.
NSFW content row continues as Valve confirms PayPal no longer supports Steam purchases in some regions. GamesIndustry
Valve has confirmed that PayPal can no longer be used for Steam purchases in several regions after one of PayPal’s acquiring banks stopped processing transactions, cutting off the service for most currencies outside the Euro, British Pound, Yen, AUD, CAD, and USD. The move ties into the ongoing crackdown on explicit gaming content, echoing earlier disputes involving Mastercard, which Valve says pressured processors through rules citing brand risk. The development follows itch.io’s recent removal of NSFW titles from search and browse features after similar payment processor pressure, underscoring the growing financial restrictions surrounding adult content in gaming.
Crimson Desert delayed to Q1 2026. GamesIndustry
Pearl Abyss has delayed its open-world RPG Crimson Desert to Q1 2026, citing longer-than-expected development timelines tied to offline distribution, voice-overs, console certification, and other launch preparations. The game was originally set for late 2025, but the studio says the postponement is a strategic move to ensure a successful large-scale launch. A specific release date has not been announced, with Pearl Abyss noting it will reveal timing “at a more appropriate time” rather than during Gamescom next week.
Evidence of a Diablo 4 Paladin class may have just leaked. GameSpot
An internal build on Blizzard’s servers labeled “2.5.Xpaladin.67961” has fueled speculation that Diablo 4’s next class could be the long-awaited Paladin. First spotted by DiabloNext, the naming suggests possible ties to patch 2.5, which would align with Season 11. While it’s unclear if this points to a fully playable class or early testing, Paladin remains one of Diablo 2’s most-requested returns. Blizzard has not confirmed the leak, and the class may not arrive until the game’s next expansion in 2026.
You'll soon be able to explore Sicily as Mafia: The Old Country is getting a free roam mode. TheGamer
Mafia: The Old Country is set to receive a free “Free Ride” mode in the coming months, giving players a true free roam option for the first time in the game. The update will add new activities and gameplay elements, expanding on the story-driven structure the Mafia series is known for. While not dated yet, Hangar 13 confirmed the mode will be released as a free update, offering more post-launch content for fans who’ve already completed the campaign.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 will blend the campaign and multiplayer like never before - report. GameSpot
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 may feature a groundbreaking twist by blending its campaign with multiplayer. According to reports, the final mission will transform into a 32-player extraction-style match where progress is on the line if your squad is wiped. Progression is said to carry across campaign, multiplayer, and Zombies, letting players level weapons, characters, and the battle pass in any mode. Black Ops 7, co-developed by Treyarch and Raven Software, is set in 2035 and launches day one on Game Pass, with a full reveal expected at Gamescom on August 19.
Jurassic Park Survival has finally returned with new gameplay after nearly two years. TheGamer
Jurassic Park: Survival has resurfaced after nearly two years with a new behind-the-scenes trailer showing pre-alpha gameplay. The first-person single-player game from Saber Interactive lets players fully explore Isla Nublar, even areas not seen in the original film, with Saber working directly with Universal to ensure authenticity. The footage includes encounters with the T-Rex, but no release date was revealed, only a “Wishlist Now” prompt.
More than 50,000 Roblox players are petitioning for the CEO to be fired after a predator-catching "vigilante" was banned. TheGamer
More than 50,000 Roblox players have signed a petition calling for Roblox CEO David Baszucki to be replaced after YouTuber Schlep, who was attempting to catch predators on the platform, was banned for "digital vigilantism." Roblox Corp argued his actions could hinder moderation efforts and issued him a cease and desist, sparking backlash from the community. The petition, started by a 14-year-old, claims Roblox has failed to protect children and demands leadership change, though it remains unclear if the growing signatures will prompt an official response.
Xbox Game pass-style subscriptions 'bad for the business' and turn developers into 'wage slaves,' former PlayStation boss Shawn Layden says. IGN
Shawn Layden, former PlayStation Worldwide Studios chairman, criticized subscription services like Xbox Game Pass as harmful to the games industry, arguing they devalue individual releases, reduce developers to "wage slaves," and create an unhealthy business model similar to how streaming changed music. Speaking to GamesIndustry.biz, he warned that day-one launches on such services hurt long-term value since games rely on launch sales, unlike music which can recover revenue from concerts, and said the focus should be on whether these models are healthy for developers rather than whether they appear profitable.
Dragon Age lead Mark Darrah says Origins was never intended to be the start of a series. TheGamer
Former Dragon Age lead Mark Darrah revealed that Dragon Age: Origins was never meant to start a franchise, as it was developed as a standalone game with unresolved storylines like the Brecilian Forest werewolves and Orzammar’s leadership conflict left intentionally unfinished. In an interview, he explained that financial success pushed EA to turn it into a series, despite initially doubting its long-term potential. This contrasts with EA’s later ambitions to make Dragon Age a “billion-dollar” franchise, though today the series struggles for funding compared to BioWare’s focus on Mass Effect.
Playstation Plus Game Catalog for August 2025 confirmed. IGN
Sony has confirmed the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog lineup for August 2025, adding 11 titles on August 19 for Extra and Premium subscribers, including Mortal Kombat 1, Marvel’s Spider-Man, Sword of the Sea, Earth Defense Force 6, Unicorn Overlord, Atelier Ryza 3, Indika, Harold Halibut, and Coral Island. Premium subscribers also gain access to classics Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3: Nemesis, along with a five-hour trial of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach.
Crimson Desert – 13 minutes of Gamescom 2025 gameplay. Gematsu
Pearl Abyss has released a 13-minute gameplay demo for Crimson Desert ahead of Gamescom 2025, showcasing first looks at large-scale battles, varied missions, and strategic combat on the continent of Pywel. Players follow protagonist Kliff as he searches for his scattered Greymane allies while facing a rebellion led by Cassius Morten and the Black Bears in Calphade. The demo highlights Kliff’s traversal options, elemental attacks via the Axiom Bracelet, artillery support, and intense boss fights, all set against Pywel’s richly detailed environments powered by the BlackSpace Engine. Crimson Desert is set to launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC in Q1 2026.
Ys vs. Trails in the Sky: Alternative Saga delayed “by a few months” in the west. Gematsu
Publisher refint/games and developer Falcom have delayed the crossover fighting game Ys vs. Trails in the Sky: Alternative Saga in the west by a few months, pushing it past its originally planned summer release. It will be available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Switch, and PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG. The delay is intended to give the team extra time to ensure gameplay and presentation meet their quality standards.
Stellar Blade's runaway success on PC proves South Korea is positioning itself to become a major force in global gaming, and experts agree. EuroGamer
Stellar Blade’s PC release has been a massive success, selling over a million copies in its first three days and highlighting South Korea’s growing influence in global gaming. The country’s industry, long focused on mobile and online games, is now expanding into single-player PC and console titles, with games like Lies of P and Woochi the Wayfarer exemplifying this shift. Developers and experts note that Korean studios are leveraging global markets, investing in premium action games, and exploring new genres, while government support and a focus on international appeal are fueling growth beyond traditional MMO and mobile titles.
Persona 5: The Phantom X Japanese & Western releases will have improved character acquisitions in Version 2.0. RPG Site
Sega announced that Persona 5: The Phantom X will receive major improvements in Version 2.0 for Japanese and Western releases, focusing on character acquisitions. Global players will get earlier access to guaranteed 5★ characters, expanded Thief’s Cognitite Shards for limited-banner characters, and new campaigns including free 5★ weapons and Cognitite. The update also introduces Lufel’s “Business” Plan EX, a new Contracts system, and various daily and login rewards, aiming to better align Japanese/Western servers with earlier Chinese/Asia releases while addressing player feedback. Version 2.0 is set for September 2025.
Hands-On: Pokémon Legends Z-A proves Legends is still Pokemon’s most exciting series. VG Chronicles
Pokémon Legends Z-A, set in Lumiose City, introduces a real-time combat system and the return of Mega Evolved Pokémon, offering a bigger departure from the mainline series than Legends: Arceus. In a hands-on demo, players experienced the Z-A Royale ranking system and Rogue Mega battles, where both player and Pokémon movement are key to success. The new mechanics add depth and challenge, showcasing the series’ continued innovation and potential for exciting gameplay.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 will reportedly not be on Switch 2 at launch. VG Chronicles
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 will not launch on Switch 2, according to insider reports, though it will release on Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Xbox One, PS4, and PC on November 14. The delay on Switch 2 is likely due to time constraints for porting, not a business decision, as Microsoft signed a binding 10-year deal to bring Call of Duty to Nintendo platforms with full content parity. Support for Switch 2 is expected in the future once a port is ready.
GameSquare reports $3m loss for Q2 2025 amid web3 pivot. Esports Insider
GameSquare Holdings reported Q2 2025 revenue of $15.9m with a net loss of $3m. The company is restructuring operations and pivoting toward Ethereum-based treasury management, holding 15,630 ETH and CryptoPunk #5577. Partnerships with Animecoin, Ubisoft, and GGTech aim to boost revenue and Web3 initiatives, while divesting FaZe Media and cutting operational costs helped reduce losses. CEO Justin Kenna described 2025 as a transformative year focused on media, esports, and onchain finance.
Chris Hansen is investigating Roblox predators alongside the YouTuber who was banned for "vigilantism". TheGamer
Roblox has banned a YouTuber named Schlep, who was targeting adult predators on the platform, calling his work “digital vigilantism.” In response, Chris Hansen, known for To Catch a Predator, announced he is investigating the issue alongside Schlep through his streaming service TruBlu. Schlep’s videos have led to arrests, but some question Hansen’s involvement due to past controversies. Meanwhile, Roblox faces criticism for its moderation and handling of predators, with a petition to remove CEO David Baszucki gaining over 94,000 signatures.
This Oblivion fan figured out how to make the game look worse, and it's absolutely beautiful. TheGamer
A Reddit user named mufb created a “demake” of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, called Oblivion Unmastered Edition, making the game look lower-quality, similar to PS1 graphics. Using texture overhauls and other settings tweaks, mufb pushed the retro aesthetic further than the mod alone. They also shared a retro soundtrack to complement the demake. The mod offers a nostalgic, early-2000s experience for players who find Oblivion Remastered too modern.
Former BioWare producer Mark Darrah thinks the studio failed to 'prepare' fans for how different Dragon Age 2 was: 'People look at it and they're like, well this sure isn't Dragon Age: Origins 2, which it isn't'. PCGamer
Former BioWare producer Mark Darrah reflected on Dragon Age 2, saying the studio failed to properly prepare fans for how different it was from Dragon Age: Origins. With a tight 16-month development cycle, DA2 reused environments and featured wave-based combat, but excelled in character development and storytelling. Darrah sees it as more of a side story spanning 10 in-game years, with Kirkwall feeling alive and the cast among BioWare’s best. He believes its reputation has improved over time as players revisit it with fresh eyes, appreciating it as its own experience rather than a direct sequel.
Sea of Thieves' latest update slips The Smugglers' League in through the back door, offering high-risk, high-reward voyages for the most daring pirates. PCGamer
Season 17 of Sea of Thieves introduces The Smugglers’ League, a secretive new faction offering high-risk, high-reward Smugglers’ Route Runs, hidden message-in-a-bottle quests, rare shipwrecks, and skeleton ship raids. The update raises the Renown cap by 100 levels, improves controller keybinds, cross-region matchmaking, and performance, and rebalances the Devil’s Roar volcano timing for safer navigation.
Wuthering Waves version 2.6 update ‘By Sun’s Scourge, By Moon’s Revelation’ launches August 28. Gematsu
Kuro Games will release Wuthering Waves version 2.6, titled “By Sun’s Scourge, By Moon’s Revelation”, on August 28, adding new main quests, a new location (Sanguis Plateaus), Echoes, Resonators, weapons, and special events. The update also introduces gameplay and interface optimizations, including improved flight mechanics, exploration tracking, gallery enhancements, one-click reward collection, and extended graphics performance support for DLSS 4, FSR 3, and XeSS2. It will be available on PS5, PC (client & Epic Games Store), iOS, and Android, with Steam support starting April 29.
To no surprise, Final fantasy 10 was voted as the saddest RPG of all time. TheGamer
A survey by Dengeki Faminico Gamer of over 4,700 Japanese players ranked Final Fantasy 10 as the saddest RPG of all time, marking the second time it has received such recognition. The list of 40 sad RPGs also features multiple Final Fantasy titles, along with Persona 3, Nier: Automata, Dragon Quest V, and Kingdom Hearts entries, highlighting games known for emotionally impactful stories that leave players feeling deeply moved.
Biggest releases this week
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