Patch Notes #40 - weekly gaming digest
Welcome to the 40th edition of Patch Notes, let’s get this bad boy going.
This edition will cover the week from September 8 to September 14.
What caught my attention this week
Nintendo Direct was good, check the recap at the link.
Nintendo are also super kind to announce the GOTY 2026 (yes, I am a massive FE fan, and Three Houses is among my top 3 favs of the series, so this one is right up my alley).
I'm currently listening to this while working on the newsletter, and I'll probably do a new run soon.
TLDR
‘We have a story to tell’: MachineGames says Wolfenstein is a trilogy that isn’t yet finished.
Xbox’s Indie Selects Demo Fest starts this week, with more than 40 free game demos to download.
Mario Kart World returns to the top of the UK physical charts, NBA 2K26 and Everybody’s Golf miss the top 10.
Nintendo wins $2 Million settlement against Switch modchip seller who previously denied wrongdoing
2K has shared the Borderlands 4 launch week trailer, global release timings, and an endgame deep dive video.
Digimon Story: Time Stranger PC settings, button config, changing protagonists, and new spoiler-free info.
Silksong’s most popular mods are all about making the game easier
Yoshi-P confuses every Final Fantasy 14 fan, promises a "big update" to jobs but that "nothing is going to change"
To absolutely no surprise, Grand Theft Auto 6 will reportedly have an Uber parody.
Queasy, SwizzY and Merstach win the 2025 Fortnite Global Championship.
G2 Esports beats Team Vitality to win BLAST Open London 2025.
Fortnite reveals major FNCS 2026 events.
Ghost of Yotei ‘Journey through the edge of Japan’ video.
Atari launched its own Metroidvania on the same day as Silksong, but it’s only hit 12 concurrent players on Steam.
‘That was a great day’: Ghost of Yotei studio Sucker Punch celebrated GTA 6’s delay.
Sega and Atlus' Tokyo Game Show 2025 website reveals their booth lineup.
GungHo showcases the Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter combat system in a new trailer.
Ryu Ga Gotoku Summit and Direct 2025 streams will be broadcast online on September 23/24.
Star Ocean: First Departure R limited print physical edition announced
Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree ‘Story’ trailer.
Panzer Dragoon II Zwei: Remake confirmed for PS5, Xbox Series, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC; first details and screenshots.
How about a Destiny-style social hub for Helldivers 2? It's 'on the feature list for the next one,' dev says.
Bayonetta director Hideki Kamiya throws down the gauntlet, says if Hideo Kojima doesn't make another PT, 'Maybe I'll give it a go'.
Mina the Hollower is also launching on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S alongside the Switch, Switch 2, and PC versions.
All six RE Engine Resident Evil games, including Requiem, are reportedly coming to Switch 2
Acclaim marks its return by announcing 9 new games.
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is getting a single-player demo next week.
NetEase Games will feature Ananta and Sword of Justice at Tokyo Game Show 2025
Elden Ring Nightreign's Deep of Night high difficulty mode update gets an overview trailer ahead of its launch.
Grand Theft Auto 5 is the best-selling PlayStation game of all time
LEGO Voyagers adds the Switch 2 version.
Switch 2 games, upgrades, and ports: what to expect from the longest Nintendo Direct ever.
Putting Star Wars in Destiny 2 sounded like a slam dunk, but the morning after Renegade's release date was announced, players seem unhappier than ever.
Paradox apologizes for botching yet another DLC release: 'It hurts so much when we f**k up like this'.
Assassin's Creed Shadows gets a new update ahead of Claws of Awaji expansion.
Watch The Sims 4 Adventure Awaits gameplay here.
Blizzard brings Diablo 4's Developer Update livestreams back from the dead to reveal Season 10.
Biggest news of the week
‘We have a story to tell’: MachineGames says Wolfenstein is a trilogy that isn’t yet finished. VG Chronicles
MachineGames, the studio behind the Wolfenstein series and the recent Indiana Jones title, has confirmed that Wolfenstein was always envisioned as a trilogy. While two main entries—The New Order and The New Colossus—have been released, the third chapter remains unrealized. Studio head Jerk Gustafsson emphasized that the story of protagonist BJ Blazkowicz is incomplete, and the team still hopes to continue the narrative arc they began years ago. Despite mixed reactions to the spin-off Youngblood, the studio remains committed to completing what they started.
Xbox’s Indie Selects Demo Fest starts this week, with more than 40 free game demos to download. VG Chronicles
Xbox has launched its Indie Selects Demo Fest, running from September 9 to 30, offering players early access to over 40 free game demos. These demos—many still in development—are designed to give a “showfloor” experience, allowing players to preview and provide feedback before final release. Featured titles include Yooka-Replaylee, Mina the Hollower, Echo Weaver, and The Jackbox Party Pack 11. The demos are only available during the event window, making this a limited-time opportunity for indie game enthusiasts to explore fresh content.
Mario Kart World returns to the top of the UK physical charts, NBA 2K26 and Everybody’s Golf miss the top 10. VG Chronicles
Mario Kart World has reclaimed the top spot in the UK physical game sales charts, overtaking Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, which dropped to third. The Switch 2 version of Star Wars Outlaws sparked a major comeback, landing it in seventh place. New entries Cronos: The New Dawn and Hell is Us debuted strongly at fourth and sixth, respectively, while NBA 2K26 and Everybody’s Golf Hot Shots failed to crack the top 10. Despite these rankings, the chart reflects only physical sales, with digital performance potentially telling a different story.
Nintendo wins $2 Million settlement against Switch modchip seller who previously denied wrongdoing. VG Chronicles
Nintendo has secured a $2 million settlement from Ryan Daly, a Michigan-based seller of modded Switch consoles and piracy-enabling devices, following a lawsuit filed in 2024. Despite initially denying wrongdoing and citing multiple legal defenses, Daly ultimately agreed to the payout and accepted a permanent injunction banning him from any future involvement with modded hardware or related services. Nintendo’s complaint detailed how Daly sold consoles preloaded with pirated games, including major titles like Super Mario, Zelda, and Metroid, and even offered mail-in modding services.
2K has shared the Borderlands 4 launch week trailer, global release timings, and an endgame deep dive video. RPG Site
2K and Gearbox Software have unveiled the launch week trailer, global release schedule, and an endgame deep dive for Borderlands 4, which officially launches on September 12, 2025 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, with a Nintendo Switch 2 release on October 3. The game will unlock at staggered times across regions and platforms, and pre-orders still qualify for the Gilded Glory Pack, featuring exclusive loot and cosmetics. The promotional push builds anticipation for the next chapter in the beloved looter-shooter franchise, as players prepare to explore the chaotic world of Kairos.
Digimon Story: Time Stranger PC settings, button config, changing protagonists, and new spoiler-free info. RPG Site
Digimon Story: Time Stranger is shaping up to be a major leap forward for the franchise, offering refined gameplay and deep customization options. In a hands-on preview at PAX West 2025, the game impressed with its polished mechanics and flexible PC settings—including support for frame rates up to 144fps. Players can freely switch between male and female protagonists (Dan or Kanan Yuki) and even change their name and appearance early in the game. The unchosen character becomes a chatty Operator, adding narrative depth. The article avoids story spoilers while teasing a separate deep dive into the game’s Digivolution system.
Silksong’s most popular mods are all about making the game easier. Kotaku
Hollow Knight: Silksong has finally launched after years of anticipation, and while fans are praising its expanded world and refined gameplay, many PC players are turning to mods to ease the difficulty. Popular mods on NexusMods include features like enemy health bars, reduced damage intake, automapping, and increased player damage—all with tens of thousands of downloads. The most downloaded mod is actually the framework required to run these tweaks. While not all mods focus on accessibility, the overwhelming trend shows players seeking ways to make the notoriously tough platformer more manageable.
Yoshi-P confuses every Final Fantasy 14 fan, promises a "big update" to jobs but that "nothing is going to change". TheGamer
Final Fantasy XIV continues to face criticism over job homogenization, with players feeling that roles like Healer, Black Mage, and Dragoon have lost their unique complexity over time. Director Naoki Yoshida (Yoshi-P) recently stated that a major update is in development to restore job individuality in future battle content. However, his comments have sparked confusion—he also reassured fans that current job experiences won’t change, suggesting new features will be layered on top rather than overhauled. This mixed messaging has left the community uncertain about whether meaningful job reworks are truly coming in the next expansion.
To absolutely no surprise, Grand Theft Auto 6 will reportedly have an Uber parody. TheGamer
Grand Theft Auto 6 is expected to continue Rockstar’s tradition of satirizing American culture through parody websites, with leaked domains like what-up.app (a WhatsApp spoof) and rydeme.app (an Uber parody) hinting at in-game internet features. Other domains, such as brianandbradley.com and hookers-galore.com, suggest humorous takes on legal firms and adult platforms, though some may be red herrings. This approach echoes past GTA entries, which featured fictional sites like Eyefind, Bleeter, and Lifeinvader, reinforcing the franchise’s signature blend of crime fantasy and social commentary.
Queasy, SwizzY and Merstach win the 2025 Fortnite Global Championship. Esports Insider
Queasy, SwizzY, and Merstach triumphed at the 2025 FNCS Global Championship, claiming the world title and a $450,000 prize after outperforming 32 teams in Lyon-Décines, France. Despite a rocky finish in the final rounds, their early dominance secured a total of 697 points, shocking fans and surpassing top names like Clix. Their win marks a major leap from last year’s placements and highlights their growth. The event also broke viewership records, peaking at 954,473 viewers, making it the most-watched Fortnite esports event since 2019.
G2 Esports beats Team Vitality to win BLAST Open London 2025. Esports Insider
G2 Esports pulled off a dramatic comeback to win the BLAST Open London 2025, defeating Team Vitality in the Grand Final and claiming their first trophy of the year along with $150,000. Held at OVO Arena Wembley, the victory was especially sweet after a lackluster season and a near-loss on map 4. G2 also secured League of Legends Worlds qualification, capping off a stellar weekend. Despite the win, the event saw a drop in peak viewership compared to 2024, though longer airtime boosted total hours watched. The result is expected to shake up the VRS rankings, with G2 climbing and Vitality under pressure to rebound.
Fortnite reveals major FNCS 2026 events. Esports Insider
Epic Games has revealed the FNCS 2026 roadmap, introducing two new LAN tournaments and a $1 million mobile series, following the success of the 2025 Global Championship. The competitive format will shift from Trios back to Duos, requiring team reshuffles. Four LAN events are planned, including the Pro-Am, Global Championship, Mid-Season, and Road Elite Series—with the latter featuring a fast-paced "Reload" mode. A major ranked system overhaul is also on the horizon, and one LAN event will return to Europe, continuing the momentum from this year’s sold-out championship.
Ghost of Yotei ‘Journey through the edge of Japan’ video. Gematsu
Sony has released a 10-minute video for Ghost of Yōtei titled “Journey Through the Edge of Japan,” showcasing the game’s scenic Ezo landscapes. The footage is set to an extended version of the original track “The North” by composer Toma Otowa. The game is set to launch exclusively on PlayStation 5 on October 2, 2025.
Atari launched its own Metroidvania on the same day as Silksong, but it’s only hit 12 concurrent players on Steam. VG Chronicles
Atari’s Adventure of Samsara, a modern reboot of its 1980 classic, launched on the same day as Hollow Knight: Silksong, resulting in minimal visibility and only 12 concurrent players on Steam. Despite positive reviews from those who played it, the timing of its release—directly competing with one of the most anticipated Metroidvania titles—appears to have significantly impacted its momentum. Sales data from other platforms like PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch remain unclear.
‘That was a great day’: Ghost of Yotei studio Sucker Punch celebrated GTA 6’s delay. VG Chronicles
Sucker Punch Productions, the studio behind Ghost of Yōtei, openly celebrated the delay of Grand Theft Auto 6, which was pushed to May 2026. Creative director Nate Fox joked that the team had a “multi-month hangover” from the relief of not having to compete with Rockstar’s blockbuster in late 2025. The delay was seen as a strategic win for other developers aiming to launch games in the same window.
Sega and Atlus' Tokyo Game Show 2025 website reveals their booth lineup. RPG Site
Sega and Atlus have unveiled their Tokyo Game Show 2025 booth lineup, featuring playable demos for Persona 3 Reload (Switch 2), Borderlands 4, and Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O.. The booth will also showcase Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, Football Manager 26, and a mysterious new action RPG from Nippon Ichi Software, likely Kyouran. Four unannounced Sega titles are teased, with more updates expected as the event approaches.
GungHo showcases the Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter combat system in a new trailer. RPG Site
GungHo has released a new trailer for Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter, highlighting its blend of real-time and turn-based combat, including mechanics like Crafts, Arts, S-Breaks, and Brave Attacks. A Prologue demo is now available across major platforms ahead of the game’s September 19 worldwide launch on Switch, Switch 2, PS5, and PC. The trailer offers fresh gameplay insights as anticipation builds for this updated classic.
Ryu Ga Gotoku Summit and Direct 2025 streams will be broadcast online on September 23/24. RPG Site
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio will host its RGG Summit and RGG Direct 2025 livestreams on September 23–24, just ahead of Tokyo Game Show. The presentations will air globally via YouTube and Twitch, with time-zone-specific scheduling. With several “coming soon” slots in Sega’s TGS lineup and missing titles like Stranger Than Heaven, fans expect major announcements from RGG Studio during these broadcasts.
Star Ocean: First Departure R limited print physical edition announced. Gematsu
Limited Run Games has announced a limited physical release of Star Ocean: First Departure R for PS4 and Switch, with pre-orders opening September 12 and closing October 26. Three editions will be available: a Standard Edition ($39.99), a SteelBook Bundle ($79.99), and an Ultimate Edition ($199.99) packed with collectibles like a soundtrack CD, display cube, and certificate of authenticity. The game is already available digitally on both platforms.
Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree ‘Story’ trailer. Gematsu
Bandai Namco and Brownies released a story trailer for Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree, a roguelite action game launching September 19 on PS5, Xbox Series, Switch, and PC. Players take on the role of Towa, a priestess leading eight guardians to protect Shinju Village from the dark forces of Magatsu. The game features duo-based combat, evolving timelines, and emotional storytelling set in a mystical world.
Panzer Dragoon II Zwei: Remake confirmed for PS5, Xbox Series, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC; first details and screenshots. Gematsu
Panzer Dragoon II Zwei: Remake has been confirmed for release on PS5, Xbox Series, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC, priced at $24.99, though no launch date has been announced. The game will be playable for the first time at Tokyo Game Show 2025, offering fans a hands-on preview. This refreshed rail shooter follows Jean Jacque Lundi and his dragon Lagi on a perilous journey through a world shaped by ancient ruins and imperial conflict.
How about a Destiny-style social hub for Helldivers 2? It's 'on the feature list for the next one,' dev says. IGN
Arrowhead CEO Shams Jorjani confirmed that a Destiny-style social hub is “on the feature list” for the next Helldivers game, though it won’t be added to Helldivers 2. The studio plans to support Helldivers 2 for years, recently expanding it to Xbox and releasing the Into the Unjust update with Hive Worlds. Developers are focused on evolving the live-service experience while staying true to the game’s identity, hinting at ambitious future systems and features.
Bayonetta director Hideki Kamiya throws down the gauntlet, says if Hideo Kojima doesn't make another PT, 'Maybe I'll give it a go'. PCGamer
Hideki Kamiya praised Hideo Kojima’s influential horror demo P.T. and joked about making a similar game himself, despite disliking horror. Kojima’s upcoming title OD, developed with Jordan Peele, aims to push boundaries in fear-based gameplay and may serve as a spiritual successor to P.T.. Kamiya also highlighted The Exit 8 as part of a growing genre he believes should be called “P.T.-like” due to P.T.’s lasting impact.
Mina the Hollower is also launching on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S alongside the Switch, Switch 2, and PC versions. RPG Site
Mina the Hollower, the upcoming top-down action-adventure from Yacht Club Games, will launch on October 31 across PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, Switch 2, and PC. Initially announced for Nintendo and PC platforms, the game is now confirmed for PlayStation and Xbox, with a limited-time Xbox demo available until September 30, allowing progress to carry over to the full release. The demo is part of Xbox’s Indie Selects Demo Event and features the opening stage and first major boss fight.
All six RE Engine Resident Evil games, including Requiem, are reportedly coming to Switch 2. VG Chronicles
Capcom is reportedly developing native Switch 2 ports for all six Resident Evil games built on the RE Engine, including Resident Evil 2, 3, 4, 7: Biohazard, Village, and the upcoming Requiem. Leaker Dusk Golem, known for accurate insider info, claims these titles will run directly on Switch 2 hardware—unlike the cloud-based versions previously released for the original Switch. While no official announcement has been made, rumors suggest Resident Evil 7 may be revealed during an upcoming Nintendo Direct as part of Capcom’s 30th anniversary plans.
Acclaim marks its return by announcing 9 new games. VG Chronicles
Acclaim has officially returned after two decades, unveiling nine new indie titles during its Play Acclaim Showcase, led by CEO Alex Josef. The lineup spans genres from roguelites and rhythm dungeon crawlers to retro sports and Metroidvania-style adventures, including standout titles like GRIDbeat, Talaka, Tossdown, and The Prisoning: Fletcher’s Quest. Josef emphasized this is just the beginning of Acclaim’s mission to deliver bold, creative experiences and redefine fun for a new generation of players.
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is getting a single-player demo next week. VG Chronicles
Sega will release a single-player demo for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds on September 17, available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, Epic, and Nintendo Switch—but not on PS4 or Xbox One. The full game launches September 25, with a Switch 2 version and upgrade pack arriving later in the holiday season. Early previews praise CrossWorlds as a strong alternative to Mario Kart, thanks to its arcade-style racing, character crossovers, and ongoing content updates.
NetEase Games will feature Ananta and Sword of Justice at Tokyo Game Show 2025. RPG Site
NetEase Games will showcase two titles at Tokyo Game Show 2025: Ananta, a free-to-play urban RPG from Naked Rain, and Sword of Justice, an open-world MMORPG set in Northern Song-era China from Zhurong Studio. Ananta will be featured at booth C06 in Hall 6, and is slated for PS5, PC, Android, and iOS, marking its return after months of silence. Sword of Justice will appear at booth C02 in Hall 8, with confirmed mobile platforms and a potential PC release via Steam still pending.
Elden Ring Nightreign's Deep of Night high difficulty mode update gets an overview trailer ahead of its launch. RPG Site
Bandai Namco and FromSoftware released an overview trailer for Elden Ring: Nightreign’s Deep of Night update, which introduces a new high-difficulty mode launching on September 11. The trailer showcases intense gameplay changes, including tougher enemies, strategic combat challenges, and exclusive relics. The update is available across PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC, offering seasoned players a brutal new layer of depth.
Grand Theft Auto 5 is the best-selling PlayStation game of all time. GamesIndustry
Grand Theft Auto V is officially the best-selling PlayStation game of all time in the US, topping both revenue and unit sales charts across all console generations. According to Circana’s Mat Piscatella, Call of Duty dominates the rest of the top 20, with 11 titles in the revenue list and 9 in the units sold list, followed by hits like Minecraft, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Marvel’s Spider-Man. The rankings were released to celebrate PlayStation’s 30th anniversary, with Sony marking the occasion through special events and limited-edition PS5 products.
LEGO Voyagers adds the Switch 2 version. Gematsu
LEGO Voyagers, a two-player cooperative adventure from Annapurna Interactive and Light Brick Studio, will launch on September 15 for Switch 2, alongside its previously announced versions for PS5, Xbox Series, PS4, Switch, and PC. The game invites players to explore poetic brick-built worlds, solve challenges together, and experience a story about friendship and connection. A Friend’s Pass allows one owner to play the full co-op experience with a friend online or locally.
Putting Star Wars in Destiny 2 sounded like a slam dunk, but the morning after Renegade's release date was announced, players seem unhappier than ever. EuroGamer
Bungie is facing one of its lowest points with Destiny 2 as player numbers and satisfaction continue to decline, even after announcing a major Star Wars crossover. The new expansion, Renegades, was expected to excite fans but has instead been met with widespread apathy and criticism, with many players frustrated by repetitive content, poor design choices, and a punishing grind. Understaffing, leadership issues, and a disconnect from the player base are further fueling discontent, leaving Bungie struggling to regain trust ahead of the expansion’s launch in December.
Paradox apologizes for botching yet another DLC release: 'It hurts so much when we f**k up like this'. PCGamer
Paradox Interactive has apologized for the poor reception of Crusader Kings 3: Coronations, which launched to mostly negative reviews on Steam due to minimal content and game-breaking bugs. Players criticized the DLC for offering little more than what a free update or mod might provide, sparking backlash over its value. The studio acknowledged the misstep, with their QA manager admitting, “It hurts so much when we f**k up like this,” and promised to improve future releases.
Assassin's Creed Shadows gets a new update ahead of Claws of Awaji expansion. GameSpot
Ubisoft released the 1.1.1 update for Assassin’s Creed Shadows ahead of the Claws of Awaji expansion, adding a new bo staff weapon for all players, even those without the DLC. The update raises the level cap to 100, introduces new gear tiers, hideout upgrades, and time-skipping mechanics, along with Ezio-themed rewards via the Animus Hub. It also includes extensive bug fixes across gameplay, visuals, quests, and platform-specific issues.
Watch The Sims 4 Adventure Awaits gameplay here. VG247
EA has released the official gameplay trailer for The Sims 4: Adventure Awaits, just days after its initial reveal. The expansion introduces new vacation-themed features, imaginative gameplay elements, and fresh activities for Sims to explore.
Blizzard brings Diablo 4's Developer Update livestreams back from the dead to reveal Season 10. VG247
Blizzard is reviving its Diablo 4 Developer Update livestreams to preview Season 10: Infernal Chaos, airing on September 16 with new content like Chaos Armor, Chaos Rifts, and revamped Infernal Hordes. This marks a shift from the more casual Campfire Chats, signaling a more structured and serious approach to re-engage players after a disappointing Season 9. Viewers who tune in on Twitch for 30 minutes will earn a free cosmetic item, and the season—Diablo 4’s last for 2025—is set to launch on September 23.
Biggest releases this week
