Patch Notes #39 - weekly gaming digest
Welcome to the 39th edition of Patch Notes, let’s get this bad boy going.
This edition will cover the week from 1 September to 7 September.
What caught my attention this week
Siksong has finally been released. Gud game honestly. The game launch was so big that it crashed most storefronts.
I’ve been following the “discourse” around it on socials, and as usual, I reached the same conclusion: people have too much time on their hands.
TLDR
Chrono Trigger 30th anniversary orchestra concert announced for January 2026 in Tokyo
NIS America had a playable demo build of R-Type Tactics I & II Cosmos running on a PS5 at PAX West 2025
Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles enhanced edition opening movie published
Hands-on with Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition and Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade on Switch 2 handheld
Kojima Productions to celebrate 10th anniversary this month with glimpse into future projects
Battlefield 6 won't support ray tracing as EA prioritises technical accessibility
Ubisoft Montpellier and Ubisoft Milan working together on the future of Rayman
One of the first Lego Pokémon sets will reportedly cost $650 and be the seventh biggest Lego build ever
PUBG announces major collaboration with G-Dragon
Garena reveals Free Fire Max India Cup (FFMIC) 2025 venue
Take-Two talks to save Xbox’s Perfect Dark reboot reportedly collapsed
Saudi firm acquires co-ownership of Evo fighting game tournaments
Paramount signs deal with Activision to produce live-action Call of Duty movie
Hollow Knight hits new peak of over 71,000 concurrent players on Steam
Blood Bowl's getting a new edition with teams for Bretonnians and Tomb Kings in the box
New James Bond game 007 First Light: release date, trailer, cast, and everything else we know
Pokémon Go August 2025 events: raid bosses, spotlight hours, community day, and more
Magical Vacation appears on Game Boy Advance Nintendo Classics for Switch in Japan
Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots review: a welcome return that brings solo play to the fore
Forsaken 64 becomes the 40th Nintendo 64 game to be added to Switch Online
Marvel Rivals is coming to your old, dying PS4 later this month
Octopath Traveler 0 details story of revenge, companions, and key systems
Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage cross-play closed beta test set for September 10 to 15
Which teams will compete in the first League of Legends Game Changers Rising event?
Square Enix announces TGS 2025 lineup and schedule
Koei Tecmo Tokyo Game Show 2025 booth will feature Nioh 3 and Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
Firaxis lays off dozens of devs after Civilization VII struggles
Warner Bros. sues Midjourney over turning Batman, Joker, and more into AI slop
Roblox says all players who communicate in-game will need an age check by the end of the year
Hollow Knight: Silksong causes server chaos on Xbox, Steam, and Nintendo as platforms grind to a halt
IO Interactive got the James Bond rights by sticking Daniel Craig's face on Agent 47
2K confirms a staff reduction at Civ and XCOM developer Firaxis
Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake gameplay overview trailer; scrolls and sigils detailed
Puzzle Quest: Immortal Edition announced for PS5, Xbox Series, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC
System Shock 2 deep dive video from Nightdive features Daniel Grayshon going over the remaster and more
Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion update roadmap revealed, new trailers released
Star Wars Outlaws on Switch 2 is a game-key card because of storage speed, not cost, dev says
Veteran Magic: The Gathering designer talks Avatar, Spider-Man, and working with Marvel
Civilization IV and a Ravenloft D&D collection are among the free games on Amazon Prime this month
Final Fantasy VII Remake Part Three and Kingdom Hearts IV development progressing smoothly, Tetsuya Nomura confirms
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater shipments and digital sales top one million
Final Fantasy 14 director Yoshi-P says the game needs a ‘major change in content hierarchy’
‘We’re making great progress’: Director provides updates on Kingdom Hearts 4, FF7 Remake Part 3
Hollow Knight: Silksong is being review-bombed in China
Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 to refund all PS5 Premium Editions following backlash over paywalled clans
Despite ending the console war, Gears of War: Reloaded apparently isn't selling well on PlayStation
I hope the Nod-Krai update brings players back to Genshin Impact
Amazon's God of War TV series will finally start filming early next year, new report claims
Biggest news of the week
Chrono Trigger 30th anniversary orchestra concert announced for January 2026 in Tokyo. RPG Site
Square Enix has announced a Chrono Trigger 30th Anniversary Orchestra Concert, scheduled for January 17–18, 2026, in Tokyo. The Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra will perform, with ticket prices set at 8,800 and 11,000 yen, and a lottery for tickets is already open. Concert artwork has been shared, and a full promotional trailer is expected soon. Chrono Trigger remains available on iOS, Android, and PC via Steam.
NIS America had a playable demo build of R-Type Tactics I & II Cosmos running on a PS5 at PAX West 2025. RPG Site
At PAX West 2025, NIS America showcased a playable PS5 demo of R-Type Tactics I & II Cosmos, a remake of the PSP strategy games built on Unreal Engine 5. The remake marks the first official English release of R-Type Tactics II and features enhanced 3D visuals, detailed models, and expanded UI while keeping the original gameplay loop of deploying units, managing fuel, and navigating hexagonal grids. Missions from R-Type Tactics II were available, showing off upgraded battle animations, revamped character art, and modern visual effects. Performance on PS5 appeared smooth at 60fps, with the game scheduled for early 2026 on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series, Switch, and PC, supporting dual audio and multiple text languages.
Final Fantasy Tactics - The Ivalice Chronicles enhanced edition opening movie published. RPG Site
Square Enix has released the opening movie for Final Fantasy Tactics - The Ivalice Chronicles, which first premiered at PAX West 2025 and is now available separately online. According to the Japanese press release, this movie will play when the Enhanced edition is launched. The company has previously outlined the improvements coming to this updated version. The game will release worldwide on September 30 for PS4, PS5, Switch 1 & 2, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.
Hands-on with Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition & Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade on Switch 2 handheld. RPG Site
At PAX West 2025, several major RPGs were demoed on the Switch 2, including Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, and Borderlands 4. Elden Ring managed to run but struggled heavily with framerate drops as low as 13–18fps, though it introduces two new classes and includes the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade ran more steadily at 30fps with polished gameplay, though text readability was an issue on handheld. Meanwhile, Borderlands 4’s Switch 2 version suffered from severe stuttering, poor framerate, and downgraded visuals, raising doubts about how it will perform in co-op. Overall, the demos show promise in bringing big titles to Switch 2 but highlight major performance concerns.
Kojima Productions to celebrate 10th anniversary this month with "glimpse into future projects." EuroGamer
Kojima Productions will celebrate its 10th anniversary with the Beyond The Strand event on September 23 in Tokyo, hosted by Hideo Kojima and featuring guest appearances plus “a glimpse into future projects.” The announcement coincides with the 10th anniversary of Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain. Possible reveals could include updates on OD, Kojima’s Xbox horror project, or Physint, his action-espionage title still in early development. Kojima has also confirmed he has a concept for Death Stranding 3 but will not be making it himself.
Battlefield 6 won't support ray tracing as EA prioritises technical accessibility. TheGamer
Battlefield 6’s beta was a major success, reaching over 521,000 concurrent players on Steam during its first weekend. A significant portion of players joined on low-end hardware, prompting EA’s Battlefield Studios to focus on optimization instead of advanced features like ray tracing. Technical director Christian Buhl confirmed the team decided early not to include ray tracing in order to prioritize performance and accessibility. While this may disappoint high-end users, the strategy aligns with popular live-service games that run on a wide range of PCs. The game will still feature over 600 graphical options and launches October 10 for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
Ubisoft Montpellier and Ubisoft Milan “working together on the future of Rayman.” Gematsu
Ubisoft Montpellier and Ubisoft Milan are collaborating on the future of the Rayman franchise, as confirmed by brand producer Loic Gounon during the series’ 30th anniversary celebration. While details are scarce and news isn’t expected soon, Gounon assured fans that Rayman is “in good hands.” The project remains in its early stages, following Ubisoft’s October 2024 confirmation of an exploration phase and reports of a potential remake. Ubisoft Milan also posted job listings in May seeking talent for a prestigious AAA Rayman title. Alongside development news, Ubisoft will share behind-the-scenes stories, interviews, and concept art to celebrate Rayman’s 30-year history.
One of the first Lego Pokémon sets will reportedly cost $650 and be the seventh biggest Lego build ever. VG Chronicles
Lego and The Pokémon Company will launch their first collaboration in 2026, aimed mainly at adult collectors. A new report claims the lineup will include a 587-piece set for $59.99, a 2,050-piece set for $199.99, and a massive 6,838-piece set for $649.99, which would rank as the seventh largest Lego set ever. The sets are expected to release on March 1, with Lego Insiders getting early access on February 27. Bonus Pokémon-related sets will reportedly be offered as gifts with purchase, along with a Nintendo-themed Insiders Reward costing 2,500 points. Lego has been expanding its Nintendo collaborations since 2020 with sets based on Mario, Zelda, Donkey Kong, and more.
PUBG announces major collaboration with G-Dragon. Esports Insider
PUBG publisher KRAFTON has announced a collaboration with Korean artist G-DRAGON for PUBG and PUBG Mobile, teased during his Las Vegas concert. The partnership will bring trailers, in-game content, and special events starting September 19, with more details to follow. A special offline event in Seoul and additional global fan gatherings are also planned. This marks G-DRAGON’s first gaming collaboration and continues PUBG’s growing list of K-pop partnerships, which have included aespa, PLAVE, BABYMONSTER, and Blackpink.
Garena reveals Free Fire MAX India Cup (FFMIC) 2025 venue. Esports Insider
Garena has announced that the Free Fire MAX India Cup (FFMIC) 2025 Grand Finals will take place on September 28 at the Ekana International Indoor Stadium in Lucknow. Sixteen qualified teams, including GodLike Esports, Total Gaming, and S8UL, will compete for the championship title and a share of the INR 8 million (~£67,000) prize pool. The finals will use the Champion Rush format, where the first team to reach 80 points and win a Booyah secures victory, or the highest-scoring team after 10 matches will be crowned champions. Tickets will be available via BookMyShow, and the event will be streamed live on YouTube, marking Free Fire’s official esports return in India since the 2022 ban.
Take-Two talks ‘to save Xbox’s Perfect Dark reboot’ reportedly collapsed. VG Chronicles
Take-Two was reportedly in talks to save Xbox’s canceled Perfect Dark reboot but negotiations with Microsoft and Embracer collapsed over disagreements about long-term ownership of the franchise. The collapse of the deal led to layoffs at Crystal Dynamics, which had been co-developing the game with The Initiative. Perfect Dark, a reboot of Rare’s classic spy shooter announced in 2020, was officially canceled in July as part of Microsoft’s broader layoffs. Neither Microsoft, Embracer, nor Take-Two provided comments on the failed negotiations.
Saudi firm acquires co-ownership of Evo fighting game tournaments. VG Chronicles
Qiddiya, a Saudi Arabia-backed firm tied to the Public Investment Fund, has acquired full ownership of RTS, making it a co-owner of the Evolution Championship Series (Evo). RTS previously co-owned Evo with Sony, which recently sold its stake to NODWIN, leaving Evo now jointly owned by Qiddiya and NODWIN. Qiddiya stated the move is meant to expand its esports business and support Evo’s continued growth as the world’s largest fighting game event. Evo, founded in 1996, remains a major global tournament with events held in Las Vegas, Tokyo, and an upcoming European edition in Nice, France.
Paramount signs deal with Activision to produce live-action Call of Duty movie. GamesIndustry
Paramount has signed a deal with Activision to develop, produce, and distribute a live-action Call of Duty movie. Paramount CEO David Ellison called the project “a dream come true,” citing his longtime love of the franchise. Activision president Rob Kostich said the partnership will bring Call of Duty’s action and storytelling to the big screen while honoring its legacy. Specific details about the deal or film have not yet been revealed, though the agreement may also cover TV projects.
Hollow Knight hits new peak of over 71,000 concurrent players on Steam. GamesIndustry
Hollow Knight hit a new peak of over 71,000 concurrent players on Steam on September 1, 2025, surpassing its previous high of 56,192 just days earlier. The surge came after the long-awaited Silksong announcement at Gamescom, which also led to nearly five million wishlists for the sequel. Developers Ari Gibson and William Pellen told Bloomberg the seven-year development was steady and rooted in creativity, not delays. They revealed Silksong started as an expansion before evolving into a full game.
Blood Bowl's getting a new edition with teams for Bretonnians and Tomb Kings in the box. PCGamer
Games Workshop has announced Blood Bowl’s third season edition, launching later this year with updated rules and a new boxed set. Core gameplay remains unchanged, but tweaks include removing penalties for inaccurate passes, revising the kick-off table, and adding a new Secure the Ball action. Surviving small players thrown by larger teammates will now earn star player points. The set introduces the returning Tomb Kings and debuting Bretonnians, while Blood Bowl 3 will get these updates in 2026.
New James Bond game 007 First Light: release date, trailer, cast, and everything else we know. GameSpot
IO Interactive is developing 007: First Light, an origin story game for James Bond set to release on March 27, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2, and PC. Patrick Gibson will play Bond, joined by Priyanga Burford as M, Alastair Mackenzie as Q, Kiera Lester as Moneypenny, Lennie James as John Greenway, and Noemie Nakai as Miss Roth. The third-person action-adventure will feature both combat and social gameplay, with IO aiming to start a new trilogy and emphasizing it won’t just be about shooting. Built on the Glacier engine, the game will tell an original story not based on the films, while also promising a new lineup of villains.
Pokemon Go August 2025 events: raid bosses, spotlight hours, community day, and more. GameSpot
Pokémon Go is closing out its Delightful Days season in August 2025 with major events and new debuts, including Gigantamax Butterfree, Shadow Kyogre, and the return of Origin Form Dialga and Palkia. Lugia, Ho-Oh, and Necrozma headline five-star raids, while Mega Ampharos, Slowbro, Pidgeot, and Salamence appear in Mega Raids, and Shadow Regirock stars in weekend Shadow Raids. Spotlight Hours feature Swirlix, Plusle and Minun, Ralts, and Lechonk, while special events include a Fossil Research Day, Hatch Day for Munchlax, and the Rookidee Community Day. The season’s finale, Pokémon Go Fest: Max Finale on August 23–24, features Eternamax Eternatus and every Gigantamax Pokémon, followed by a Mega Gyarados Raid Day to close out the month.
Magical Vacation appears on Game Boy Advance Nintendo Classics for Switch in Japan. RPG Site
Nintendo has added Magical Vacation to the Game Boy Advance Nintendo Classics lineup on Switch in Japan for subscribers with GBA access. Originally released in December 2001, the game later appeared on Wii U Virtual Console in 2015 but never received an official localization. Its DS sequel, Magical Starsign (2006), did get a worldwide release. The Switch Classics version is a direct port of the GBA game, with multiplayer features like Amigo and Versus Battle still supported.
Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots review: a welcome return that brings solo play to the fore. VG Chronicles
Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots returns to the series’ classic style, combining its North American and global titles. The game focuses on unlockable characters, clubs, and outfits earned through gameplay, with no microtransactions. Its three-press shot system returns, with optional alternatives, and progression improves clubs and abilities over time. Solo play is emphasized with modes like World Tour and Challenge Mode, featuring story-driven content and character leveling. Overall, it’s a charming, old-school golf experience.
Forsaken 64 becomes the 40th Nintendo 64 game to be added to Switch Online. VG Chronicles
Nintendo will add Forsaken 64 to the Nintendo 64 library on Switch Online on September 4, 2025. The game will be available in the N64 Mature 17+ app, which separates mature-rated games from younger players. Published by Acclaim in 1998, it is a first-person shooter where players pilot a ship through zero-gravity labyrinths filled with robotic enemies. The game is known for its unusual North American box art featuring a woman’s face with a tear and a heart tattoo. Forsaken 64 marks the 40th Nintendo 64 title released on Switch Online in the West.
Marvel Rivals is coming to your old, dying PS4 later this month. Kotaku
Marvel Rivals is getting a PS4 port later this month, despite the console being nearly 12 years old. The announcement came alongside a trailer for the game’s fourth season, “Heart of the Dragon,” which launches on September 12 and adds Daredevil to the roster. Dataminers had previously spotted evidence of the PS4 version on the PlayStation Store, and the new teaser confirmed it. Fans find it surprising that the game is coming to PS4 while still lacking a Switch 2 release. The port highlights NetEase’s decision to bring the online superhero shooter to older hardware.
Octopath Traveler 0 details ‘story of revenge,’ companions, and key systems. Gematsu
Octopath Traveler 0, developed by Square Enix and Dokidoki Grooveworks, tells a story of revenge against those who destroyed the protagonist’s hometown on the continent of Orsterra. The protagonist meets allies including Celsus the Thief, Macy the Apothecary, Alexia the Scholar, Viator the Warrior, and Ludo the Merchant, each with unique Ultimate Techniques. The game features Town Building, allowing players to construct facilities and assign residents to expand resources. Action Skills can be trained and equipped to companions for customization, while Ultimate Techniques provide powerful tactical options in battle. The protagonist can choose from eight jobs—Warrior, Merchant, Thief, Apothecary, Hunter, Cleric, Scholar, and Dancer—each with different weapons and skills.
Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage cross-play closed beta test set for September 10 to 15. Gematsu
SEGA and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio will hold a cross-play closed beta for Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage from September 10 to 15, available on PS5, Xbox Series, and PC via Steam. Registration is open through the official website. Participants will receive a special in-game title for use in the full game.
Which teams will compete in the first League of Legends Game Changers Rising event? Esports Insider
The first League of Legends Game Changers Rising event will feature eight teams: G2 Hel, SK Avarosa, Vitality Rising Bees, Solary Academy, Nexus Reapers, Galions Pearl, Eterna, and Zerance Bloom. The group stage runs from September 13 to 28, with playoffs starting October 13 and the finals at Paris Games Week on October 30. Participation is exclusively for players who identify as women, creating a competitive and respectful space for the female scene. G2 Hel and Solary Academy are considered the top contenders, while Vitality Rising Bees and Nexus Reapers are also strong teams.
Square Enix announces TGS 2025 lineup, schedule. Gematsu
Square Enix revealed its Tokyo Game Show 2025 lineup, running from September 25 to 28 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan. Featured titles include Dragon Quest I–III HD-2D Remakes, Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, Final Fantasy XIV Online, KILLER INN, Octopath Traveler 0, and The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales. Attendees can participate in hands-on demos, photo spots, stage events, and receive freebies like stickers and cards. Special stage broadcasts include developer presentations, gameplay showcases, and behind-the-scenes content for Octopath Traveler 0, Dragon Quest, and Final Fantasy series. Guest appearances include Yuji Horii, Shinnosuke Tachibana, and Naoki Yoshida, among others.
Koei Tecmo Tokyo Game Show 2025 booth will feature Nioh 3 and Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment. RPG Site
Koei Tecmo’s Tokyo Game Show 2025 booth will highlight three games: Nioh 3, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, and Ninja Gaiden 4, all with playable demos. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment for Nintendo Switch 2 is scheduled for release this Winter, while Nioh 3 is set for Early 2026 on PS5 and PC via Steam. Koei Tecmo will provide more details about the demo content closer to the event, which runs from September 25 to 28. The Nioh 3 demo features two modes: exploring the Heian Era field and a Boss Battle against Takeda Shingen in the Sengoku Era, with an exclusive T-shirt reward for winning the boss fight. The Heian Era exploration expands the game’s scope, as this era was previously only included in Nioh 2 DLC.
Firaxis lays off ‘dozens’ of devs after Civilization VII struggles. Kotaku
Firaxis has laid off “dozens” of developers following the release of Civilization VII, which struggled with critics and fans after its February launch. 2K described the layoffs as part of a “staff reduction” to restructure and optimize Firaxis for better collaboration, creativity, and adaptability, though the exact number of affected employees was not confirmed. Several developers, including Bryan Twomey and Erika Ward, shared on LinkedIn that they were impacted, expressing gratitude for their time at the studio. This is at least the third round of layoffs at 2K-owned studios this year, following cuts at Cloud Chamber in August and Cat Daddy Games in July. Despite Civilization VII selling reasonably well, it failed to resonate with fans due to changes in series structure and pacing, and received mixed reviews from critics.
Warner Bros. sues Midjourney over turning Batman, Joker, and more into AI slop. Kotaku
Warner Bros. has filed a lawsuit against Midjourney, claiming the AI company allows users to create images and videos of copyrighted characters like Batman, Joker, Superman, and Wonder Woman without authorization. The lawsuit argues that Midjourney profits from these “infringing” creations and is aware of the scope of its copyright violations. WB provides examples of AI-generated near-identical recreations of its characters, including content shared on Midjourney’s Discord server. The company asserts that Midjourney’s service reproduces, publicly displays, and distributes unauthorized derivatives without consent. This follows similar legal action earlier this year from Disney and NBCUniversal against Midjourney over copyright concerns.
Roblox says all players who communicate in-game will need an age check by the end of the year. VG Chronicles
Roblox announced that by the end of 2025, all players who use in-game communication will need to undergo an age check. The platform currently uses methods like ID verification, parental consent, and facial age estimation, which will now be expanded to all users accessing communication features. This system will allow Roblox to limit interactions between adult and child players unless they know each other in real life. The goal is to provide safer, developmentally appropriate experiences and set a standard for other platforms. The move follows past concerns about safeguarding young users, leading to stricter rules for children under 13 and enhanced parental controls.
Hollow Knight: Silksong causes server chaos on Xbox, Steam, and Nintendo as platforms grind to a halt. EuroGamer
Hollow Knight: Silksong’s release caused major disruptions across Xbox, Steam, PlayStation, and Nintendo platforms. Many players experienced errors when trying to purchase or add the game to their carts, with Steam showing payment issues and Xbox/PS stuck on loading or wishlisted screens. The high demand for the sequel overwhelmed servers, leading to widespread access problems. Switch 2 users also reported difficulties acquiring the game. Overall, the launch triggered platform-wide chaos as fans rushed to play.
IO Interactive got the James Bond rights by sticking Daniel Craig's face on Agent 47. TheGamer
IO Interactive secured the rights to make 007 First Light, the first James Bond game in over a decade, by creatively using Daniel Craig’s likeness in a demo. The team modeled Craig’s head onto Agent 47 from Hitman to showcase gameplay that reflected the Bond fantasy, particularly using social interactions and charm over violence. The demo was set in the Sapienza level, chosen for its immersive environment that demonstrated how a charming Bond could operate within a mission. The approach was well received by the Broccoli family, helping IO Interactive land the license. The game is scheduled for release on March 27, 2026, with IO aiming to put its own mark on the franchise rather than using Craig in the final game.
2K confirms a "staff reduction" at Civ and XCOM developer Firaxis. GamesIndustry
2K has confirmed a staff reduction at Firaxis, the developer of Civilization and XCOM. Dozens of workers were reportedly affected, with some sharing the news on LinkedIn. The layoffs are part of a restructuring to improve adaptability, collaboration, and creativity at the studio. It is unclear how these cuts will affect Civilization VII, which launched earlier this year.
Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake ‘gameplay overview’ trailer; scrolls and sigils detailed. Gematsu
Square Enix and Artdink have released a gameplay overview trailer for Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake, highlighting new features like scrolls and sigils. Players can engage in turn-based battles using weapons, spells, and skills, with suggested actions showing weaknesses for more strategic combat. Scrolls are a new item that allow characters to learn additional spells and skills, with certain abilities limited to specific party members. The five sigils from the original Dragon Quest II return, providing various effects in battle, including enhanced abilities like Double Dragon Slash. The game launches on October 30 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Switch 2, Switch, and PC.
Puzzle Quest: Immortal Edition announced for PS5, Xbox Series, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC. Gematsu
Puzzle Quest: Immortal Edition has been announced by 505 Games and Infinity Plus 2, launching on September 18 for PS5, Xbox Series, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC. This definitive edition includes all content from the previous Puzzle Quest games over nearly 20 years. Players engage in match-three battles to gain mana, cast spells, battle opponents, and advance through quests. The game features hero customization, companions, citadel building, creature capturing, and siege mechanics. It combines classic match-three gameplay with RPG progression and strategic depth.
System Shock 2 deep dive video from Nightdive features Daniel Grayshon going over the remaster and more. RPG Site
Nightdive Studios released a deep dive video for System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster, featuring Lead Producer Daniel Grayshon discussing the remaster, multiplayer, and Vault content. Patch 1.2 is live on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, with Switch support pending. The remaster is available on PC, PlayStation 5/4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion update roadmap revealed, new trailers released. RPG Site
Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion launched worldwide for Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC on September 5. Marvelous released new trailers showcasing Side Missions & Exploration, Sovereign Axiom Special Facilities, and the launch. Players can carry over progress from the free demo to the full game. Launch DLC includes free hairstyles and emotes, plus paid equipment and Arsenal skin sets. The first post-launch update arrives October 2 with a free rematch mission, new equipment, and additional cosmetic items.
Star Wars Outlaws on Switch 2 is a game-key card because of storage speed, not cost, dev says. VG Chronicles
Ubisoft developer Rob Bantin clarified that Star Wars Outlaws will use a Game-Key Card on Switch 2 due to cartridge speed limitations, not cost concerns. Game-Key Cards don’t contain game data but instead unlock a download from the Nintendo eShop, which has caused some backlash over long-term usability. Bantin explained that the Snowdrop engine, which powers the game, requires high disk streaming performance for its open-world environments—something Switch 2 cartridges couldn’t provide. To maintain consistent quality and ensure optimal performance, Ubisoft decided all players must run the game from internal storage. He emphasized that manufacturing costs weren’t a factor in the decision.
Veteran Magic: The Gathering designer talks Avatar, Spider-Man, and working with Marvel. TheGamer
Max McCall, a veteran Magic: The Gathering designer and current director of production, discussed upcoming Universes Beyond sets featuring Spider-Man and Avatar: The Last Airbender, confirming that development pipelines remain smooth despite the fast release schedule. McCall emphasized that crossovers are driven by both passion and business, with designers often pushing for collaborations they genuinely care about—such as Warhammer, Avatar, and Marvel projects. He addressed concerns about creative compromises, noting Marvel has been collaborative, though licensing restrictions mean digital versions of Spider-Man cards had to be altered. The lack of Commander decks for the Avatar set stems from difficulty aligning characters’ evolving arcs with Magic’s rigid color pie system, making single-color representation limiting. Despite debates among fans, Universes Beyond has been a commercial success, and with only one Infinity Stone revealed so far, McCall confirmed that the Marvel collaboration will continue expanding.
Civilization IV and a Ravenloft D&D collection are among the free games on Amazon Prime this month. TheGamer
Amazon Prime Gaming is offering 11 free games throughout September 2025, starting with highlights like Sid Meier's Civilization 4 and the Dungeons & Dragons: Ravenloft Series. These titles are available now, alongside Into The Breach, for Prime members to claim and keep permanently. Additional games will be released in weekly drops, including Afterimage and Tower of Time on September 11, Residual on September 18, and Pixel Cafe on September 25. Prime Gaming continues to be a strong value, offering subscribers full access to a rotating library of free games with no ongoing requirement to maintain the subscription to keep them.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Part Three and Kingdom Hearts IV development ‘progressing smoothly,’ Tetsuya Nomura confirms. Gematsu
Tetsuya Nomura confirmed that both Final Fantasy VII Remake Part Three and Kingdom Hearts IV are progressing smoothly in development. During the Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis 2nd Anniversary broadcast, he acknowledged fan curiosity and reassured that both projects are advancing on schedule. While he withheld specific details, he emphasized that release timing has already been decided for the next FFVII installment. Kingdom Hearts IV is also moving forward steadily, though no new updates were shared beyond that. Neither game has an announced release date or confirmed platforms as of now.
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater shipments and digital sales top one million. Gematsu
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater surpassed one million units in shipments and digital sales globally on its release day, August 28, 2025. The game launched on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC via Steam, marking a strong debut for the remake. It retains the original 2004 story but features enhanced graphics, 3D audio, and an upgraded damage system that reflects Snake’s injuries in real time. Players can choose between modern and classic control styles for a tailored experience. Additional content includes mini-games like Snake vs. Monkey, Snake vs. Bomberman, the upcoming Fox Hunt multiplayer mode, a comedic Secret Theater, and the reimagined Guy Savage Delta bonus mode.
Final Fantasy 14 director Yoshi-P says the game needs a ‘major change in content hierarchy’. VG Chronicles
Final Fantasy 14 director Naoki Yoshida says the game needs a major change in its “content hierarchy” to better engage all players. Currently, content is divided into hardcore, mid-core, and casual segments, but new releases often appeal only to one group. The plan is to design future content so that it offers value to all players, regardless of experience. Patch 7.35 will introduce this new approach with content called Pilgrim’s Traverse, and player feedback is encouraged. Yoshida emphasizes that while content for both hardcore and casual players will continue, the goal is a more unified experience across the player base.
‘We’re making great progress’: Director provides updates on Kingdom Hearts 4, FF7 Remake Part 3. VG Chronicles
Tetsuya Nomura has provided updates on Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 and Kingdom Hearts 4, confirming that both games are progressing well. FF7 Remake Part 3, closing out the remake trilogy, has been in development for over two years, with an announcement planned around the second anniversary of FF7 Ever Crisis. Nomura emphasized that the team is on schedule and making great progress. For Kingdom Hearts 4, he stated that development is also proceeding according to plan, though further details remain pending. Fans are asked to be patient for official news on both titles.
Hollow Knight: Silksong is being review-bombed in China. EuroGamer
Hollow Knight: Silksong is facing review-bombing in China due to issues with its Simplified Chinese translation. While 82% of overall Steam reviews are positive, Chinese-language reviews have a Mixed rating, with only 44% positive among over 16,000 reviews. Players criticized the translation as low-quality and inconsistent with the game’s tone. Team Cherry’s Matthew Griffin acknowledged the issue on X/Twitter and promised improvements in the coming weeks. Despite this, the game has broken its own Steam concurrent player record, reaching 562,814 players.
Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 to refund all PS5 Premium Editions following backlash over paywalled clans. EuroGamer
Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 will refund all PS5 Premium Edition pre-orders following backlash over paywalled clans. The decision comes after community feedback on the planned £20 extra charge for two of the six playable clans. Refunds start on September 8, with full details of the content adjustments to be shared on September 17. The changes only affect the PlayStation edition; other platforms are not impacted. The move may also hint that all clans could eventually be included in the base game.
Despite ending the console war, Gears of War: Reloaded apparently isn't selling well on PlayStation. TheGamer
Gears of War: Reloaded, the first Gears game remastered for PlayStation, isn’t selling as well as expected. While the game has crossed 1.3 million players, only about 259,000 copies were sold on PlayStation, with the majority coming from Xbox, partly due to Game Pass. Analysts suggest factors like the complex multiplayer, dated mechanics, and a short single-player campaign might have affected interest on Sony consoles. There’s speculation that releasing all three original Gears games together could have boosted sales. Microsoft’s strategy for Gears on PlayStation going forward remains uncertain.
“I hope the Nod-Krai update brings players back to Genshin Impact”. TheGamer
The upcoming 7.0 update for Genshin Impact introduces Nod-Krai, a preview region of the long-anticipated Snezhnaya, which HoYoverse hopes will re-engage veteran players. Player counts have been declining over the past year and a half, with spikes only appearing during major updates or events. Nod-Krai offers a taste of the icy, Russian-inspired homeland of the Fatui, featuring new characters, quests, and challenges. The update aims to draw back players who have completed most of the existing content and generate excitement for the full Snezhnaya region. Fans are optimistic that this teaser will reignite interest and increase long-term engagement.
Amazon's God of War TV series will finally start filming early next year, new report claims. EuroGamer
Amazon’s God of War TV series is set to begin filming in March 2026 in Vancouver, Canada. The show will follow Kratos and his estranged son Atreus as they fulfill the late wife’s wish to spread her ashes from the highest peak. Casting for the series is currently underway. Series showrunner Ronald D. Moore confirmed the adaptation will stay largely faithful to the 2018 game, though it won’t be an exact frame-by-frame remake. Despite early production changes, Amazon has already greenlit a second season.
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