Patch Notes #49 - weekly gaming digest
Welcome to the 49th edition of Patch Notes. Let’s get this bad boy going.
This edition will cover the week from 10 November to 16 November.
What caught my attention this week
Nintendo revealed a new trailer for Mario Galaxy, revealing the actors playing Bowser Jr. and Rosalina. The first movie was incredible, and it evoked tons of emotions for me (just like Mario Odyssey did when it released on Switch in 2017), and this one is shaping up to be pretty damn good too.
Note to self: I should replay Mario Odyssey.
TLDR
The Elder Scrolls 6 is “still a long way off”, says Todd Howard, but development is his “everyday thing”
CD Projekt bolsters The Witcher 4 team with key Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 talent
Cygames settles Umamusume: Pretty Derby patent lawsuit with Konami
Starting a new event is scary: Head of LoL Esports discusses First Stand, third-party events and Esports Olympics
The finale of Black Ops 7’s campaign turns the FPS into an extraction shooter
Looks like we’ll be kicking off 2026 with the Elden Ring Nightreign DLC some of you already paid for
Korean president congratulates League of Legends World Champions on another dominant year
Destiny 2 hasn’t reached Sony’s expectations following $3.6bn Bungie acquisition, admits CFO
Ghost of Yōtei sells over 3.3m units in one month, which makes it about twice as popular as Astro Bot
Sony declines to comment on PlayStation 6 plans and claims PS5 is ‘only in the middle’ of its life
Sony is launching a Japan-only edition of the PS5 Digital for $355
Epic’s Tim Sweeney wades into the Arc Raiders AI row
PlayStation experiences H1 sales increase, PS5 reaches 84m in lifetime sales
Everything revealed during November’s PlayStation State of Play
Unacceptable and unlawful - GTA 6 developer Rockstar hit with legal claim from UK trade union following alleged unfair dismissal of staff
Judge postpones approval of Epic vs Google settlement, wonders why they’re ‘suddenly BFFs’
Monster Hunter Wilds is teaming up with KFC for exclusive in-game items
Sega is raising Japanese employees’ salaries again, three years after its previous increase
Valve announces 3 new Steam hardware devices: Steam Machine, VR headset Steam Frame, and a new Steam controller
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II has sold 4 million copies
The Rogue Prince of Persia for Switch 2, Switch launches December 16; PS5, Switch 2, and Switch physical editions launch April 10, 2026
PlayStation Plus Game Catalog and Classics Catalog lineup for November 2025 announced
The ePremier League returns with new format
Rainbow Six Mobile moves one step closer to global launch
Reggie Fils-Aimé says Nintendo won’t ever be a competitor to PlayStation
Steam’s new VR headset, Steam Frame, will support Android games
While Nexon says everyone uses AI, some devs claim they’d rather “cut off” their own arms than go near it
In the mirror world of mobile, AI outrage is remarkably absent
It may only be a spin-off, but Pokémon Pokopia has introduced new forms for Pikachu and Snorlax for the first time ever
We don’t work back from what’s happening in other spaces - Valve’s new Steam hardware stems from its PC gaming experience, not what console makers PlayStation and Xbox are doing
Monster Hunter Showcase announced for early December
Octopath Traveler 0 Prologue Demo now available, story trailer released
Red Dead Redemption is officially coming to Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X/S and mobile next month
Pokemon Legends Z-A is ‘the best-selling physical game of the year so far’ in the US
Kojima Productions has announced Death Stranding Isolations, an animated series coming to Disney+ in 2027
Horizon Steel Frontiers, an MMORPG from NCSoft, has been announced for PC and mobile
Hollow Knight: Silksong, Hades 2, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 lead Indie Game Awards 2025 nominations
Sony’s Horizon series was always thought about as a multiplayer game, says studio head, following MMO announcement
220 Rockstar North staff have signed a letter demanding their fired colleagues ‘are immediately reinstated’
Switch 2 owners claim the latest system update has stopped their third-party dock working
Ys X: Proud Nordics is coming to PlayStation 5 on February 19, 2026 with 4K 120fps support
Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road is now available worldwide, Switch 1/2 cross save patch also live
GDC Survey: average salary for US games professionals was $142,000 in 2025
Crystal Dynamics announces third round of layoffs this year, 30 workers affected
Hi-Fi RUSH publishing transferred to KRAFTON
Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition delayed to early 2026
South Korea’s ruling party leader calls for stronger esports policy
We need to move fast: Honor of Kings’ global esports strategy and expansion
Biggest news of the week
The Elder Scrolls 6 is “still a long way off”, says Todd Howard, but development is his “everyday thing”. EuroGamer
The Elder Scrolls 6 is “still a long way off”, though Todd Howard says its development is now his “everyday thing”. He urged fans to be patient and not feel anxious, noting that the team still has many people working on Fallout projects. Howard acknowledged that The Elder Scrolls has been away “too long” but said Starfield served as a needed creative reset. He also mentioned that his ideal scenario would be to shadow-drop the game when it’s ready, similar to how the Oblivion remaster was revealed and launched earlier this year.
CD Projekt bolsters The Witcher 4 team with key Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 talent. EuroGamer
CD Projekt has strengthened The Witcher 4 team by hiring Karel Kolmann, a longtime Warhorse developer who worked on Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. Kolmann previously served as writer, scripter, senior game designer, and, most recently, lead gameplay designer for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2’s Hardcore mode. He joins CD Projekt as a senior quest designer for The Witcher 4. The game entered full-scale production last year, with Ciri confirmed as its new protagonist, though it won’t launch until after 2026.
Cygames settles the patent lawsuit over Umamusume: Pretty Derby with Konami. GamesIndustry
Cygames has settled its patent dispute with Konami over Umamusume: Pretty Derby. Konami filed suit in 2023, alleging that the game infringed 18 of its patents and seeking to halt its distribution, along with $26 million in damages. Cygames responded by requesting invalidation trials, arguing that no infringement occurred. Parent company CyberAgent said the settlement was made to resolve the issue quickly and ensure long-term stability for players. The terms of the agreement remain undisclosed due to confidentiality obligations.
“Starting a new event is scary”: Head of LoL Esports discusses First Stand, third-party events and Esports Olympics. Esports Insider
Riot Games is expanding its League of Legends international ecosystem in 2026, including updates to tournament formats, more global events, and the return of Brazil to First Stand. Worlds will be held across two U.S. cities, Texas and New York, to streamline logistics and reach more fans. Riot is exploring third-party events and nation-based competitions, though talks with the IOC on Esports Olympics remain uncertain. First Stand will feature eight teams and a full Best-of-Five format next year, continuing to experiment and grow its identity within the LoL esports ecosystem.
The finale of Black Ops 7’s campaign turns the FPS into an extraction shooter. TheGamer
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 launches on November 14, with its campaign finale, “Endgame,” introducing an extraction shooter mode. Players must complete the first 11 missions before accessing Endgame, where they explore Avalon, navigate toxin-exposed zones, and escape to keep their progress. The mode features four skill-level sections, customizable Operators, and abilities, with unified progression across campaign, Endgame, and multiplayer. This marks a first for the franchise, blending traditional FPS gameplay with extraction-style mechanics.
Looks like we’ll be kicking off 2026 with the Elden Ring Nightreign DLC some of you already paid for. TheGamer
FromSoftware’s Elden Ring Nightreign DLC, initially expected by the end of 2025, will now release by the end of FY2025, meaning anytime up to March 31, 2026. The expansion, available for a $15 upgrade, will include new Nightfarers, bosses, and digital extras like the soundtrack and artbook. Despite the delay, Nightreign maintains a strong player base, consistently hitting 30,000 concurrent Steam players. FromSoftware is also preparing Elden Ring’s Tarnished Edition for Switch 2 and the upcoming Duskbloods game for 2026.
Korean president congratulates League of Legends World Champions on another dominant year. TheGamer
T1 won the 2025 League of Legends World Championship, completing a historic three-peat and marking their sixth overall world title. Both T1 and runners-up KT Rolster are fully Korean teams, continuing South Korea’s dominance in LoL esports. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung officially congratulated the teams, praising their teamwork, resilience, and contribution to Korea’s esports reputation. The victory also highlights the longstanding rivalry between T1 and KT Rolster, known as the ‘Telecom Wars.’
Destiny 2 hasn’t reached Sony’s expectations following $3.6bn Bungie acquisition, admits CFO. EuroGamer
Destiny 2 has underperformed since Sony’s $3.6bn acquisition of Bungie, leading to impairment losses on some of Bungie’s assets. CFO Lin Tao cited changes in the competitive environment and lower-than-expected sales and engagement for the game. Sony has revised its business projections for Destiny 2, noting that live-service titles still account for over 40% of first-party software revenue. Meanwhile, the PS5 has exceeded 84.2 million shipments, and Ghost of Yotei sold over 3.3 million units in its first month.
Ghost of Yōtei sells over 3.3m units in one month, which makes it about twice as popular as Astro Bot. EuroGamer
Ghost of Yōtei has sold over 3.3 million units within its first month, making it roughly twice as popular as Astro Bot during a similar launch period. The game topped the Japanese PlayStation Store in October, outperforming titles like Battlefield 6 and EA Sports FC. Sucker Punch plans to support the game with free post-launch content, including a co-op Legends mode, and may expand the story based on player feedback. The game, set 300 years after Ghost of Tsushima, received mixed reviews for its sidequests and open-world design.
Note: I thought it was a dead game like Pokémon, and a woke game bound to die? Damn.
Sony declines to comment on PlayStation 6 plans and claims PS5 is ‘only in the middle’ of its life. VG Chronicles
Sony says the PS5, which has sold over 84 million units, is “only in the middle” of its lifespan and continues to grow its installed base, citing strong ongoing PS4 usage. The company declined to comment on PlayStation 6 plans, emphasising instead a focus on expanding the current console’s ecosystem and enhancing player engagement. PS5’s lifecycle is tracking similarly to or longer than PS4’s, according to Sony executives. Reports suggest plans may include a Switch-style handheld with TV docking, though this remains unconfirmed.
Sony is launching a Japan-only edition of the PS5 Digital for $355. VG Chronicles
Sony is releasing a Japan-only PS5 Digital Edition priced at ¥55,000 ($355), discounted from the current ¥72,980 ($475) but still more expensive than its original launch price of ¥39,980 ($260). This edition is locked to Japanese-language support only and aims to make the console more accessible, especially for younger players. The move may be influenced by concerns that high console prices have affected game sales, such as Monster Hunter: World. Nintendo has also offered similar region-specific editions for the Switch 2.
Epic’s Tim Sweeney wades into the Arc Raiders AI row. GamesIndustry
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney defended the use of AI in games following criticism of Arc Raiders for employing AI-generated voices. He argued that AI, combined with human tuning, can vastly increase productivity and enable infinite, context-sensitive dialogue, potentially enhancing opportunities for voice actors rather than replacing them. Sweeney framed opposition to AI in gaming as primarily political and emphasised that technological advancements drive competition and better games. The debate follows broader industry concerns, including SAG-AFTRA strikes over AI voice replication and ethical considerations of replacing human performances.
PlayStation experiences H1 sales increase, PS5 reaches 84m in lifetime sales. GamesIndustry
Sony reported strong first-half fiscal results, with its Game & Network Services division seeing a 5.2% year-on-year increase in net sales to ¥2.1 trillion ($13.6 billion) and operating income up 31.3% to ¥268.3 billion ($1.7 billion). PlayStation 5 lifetime sales reached 84.2 million units, with 3.9 million consoles sold in Q2, and Ghost of Yōtei sold 3.3 million copies in its first month. Growth was driven by network services, including PlayStation Plus, which reached 119 million monthly active users, and by overall game software sales, both physical and digital. Sony also raised its full-year games revenue forecast to ¥4.4 trillion ($28.5 billion) while noting a Q2 operating income dip due to Bungie asset impairments.
Everything revealed during November’s PlayStation State of Play. TheGamer
During PlayStation State of Play Japan on November 11, Sony showcased a variety of upcoming games and updates, focusing on Japanese- and Asian-developed titles. Highlights included Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined (Feb 5, 2026), Fatal Frame 2 Crimson Butterfly Remake (Mar 12, 2026), Wandering Sword (May 28, 2026), and Elden Ring Nightreign DLC: The Forsaken Hollows (Dec 4, 2025), alongside numerous indie titles, DLC packs, and updates for games like Monster Hunter Wilds, Once Upon a Katamari, and Sonic Racing CrossWorlds. Additionally, PlayStation revealed a Japan-only, region-locked PS5 for ¥55,000, mirroring Nintendo’s localised hardware strategy. The showcase highlighted both major franchises and niche experiences, emphasising remakes, expansions, and new gameplay innovations across 2025–2026 releases.
“Unacceptable and unlawful” - GTA 6 developer Rockstar hit with legal claim from UK trade union following alleged unfair dismissal of staff. EuroGamer
Rockstar is facing a legal claim from the UK trade union, the IWGB, over the alleged unfair dismissal of 30–40 staff involved in union activities. The union claims the terminations amounted to victimisation and collective dismissal linked to trade union organising, while Rockstar maintains the staff were fired for gross misconduct. IWGB says Rockstar refused to negotiate, prompting the formal legal action, with union leaders warning that private spaces like Discord servers are legally protected. The case highlights ongoing tensions in the games industry around unionisation and workers’ rights, particularly ahead of the release of Grand Theft Auto 6.
Judge postpones approval of Epic vs Google settlement, wonders why they’re ‘suddenly BFFs’. VG Chronicles
A California judge has postponed approval of the proposed Epic Games vs. Google settlement, questioning why the two longtime rivals are now “suddenly BFFs.” The settlement would let alternative app stores register on Android more easily and reduce Google’s in-app purchase commissions. Still, Judge James Donato argued the changes aren’t significant enough to overturn the 2023 verdict that Google engaged in anti-competitive behaviour. Donato also rejected keeping the settlement details confidential, emphasising transparency, and highlighted that Google would still control which app stores could operate on Android. The delay shows that the court remains sceptical despite Epic and Google presenting the deal as an “exciting” resolution.
Monster Hunter Wilds is teaming up with KFC for exclusive in-game items. VG Chronicles
Monster Hunter Wilds is collaborating with KFC in Japan from November 19 to December 16, offering exclusive in-game items with special meals. Players who buy the Feast Set or Spice Up Set can redeem charms featuring Felyne characters dressed as Colonel Sanders, along with other in-game consumables. Select KFC locations will also feature life-sized Monster Hunter: World panels and themed music to enhance the experience. The promotion comes as post-launch sales of Wilds continue to decline, with Capcom reporting just 160,000 units sold in the latest quarter.
Sega is raising Japanese employees’ salaries again, three years after its previous increase. VG Chronicles
Sega is raising salaries for its Japanese employees again, three years after its last increase, with the changes taking effect on April 1, 2026. The average base salary for existing full-time employees will rise by around 10%, partly by incorporating bonuses into base pay. At the same time, new university graduates will see starting salaries increase from ¥300,000 ($1,937) to ¥330,000 ($2,130) per month. Sega cited rising prices and the need to attract and retain talent as reasons for the adjustment, alongside reforms to its compensation system and support programs like Fami+ and Job+. This follows similar moves by other Japanese game companies, including FromSoftware and Capcom, which have also raised salaries in recent years.
Valve announces 3 new Steam hardware devices: Steam Machine, VR headset Steam Frame, and a new Steam controller. GamesIndustry
Valve has unveiled three new hardware products: the next-gen Steam Machine, the Steam Frame VR headset, and an updated Steam Controller, all designed to optimise gaming on Steam while remaining open platforms. The Steam Controller features magnetic thumbsticks, trackpads, gyro, and grip buttons, compatible with PCs, Steam Decks, Steam Machines, and the Steam Frame. The compact Steam Machine is a 6-inch cube running SteamOS for big-screen PC gaming and works with the Steam Controller and other accessories. The Steam Frame VR headset offers lightweight, wireless VR experiences with full controller support, powered by a Snapdragon processor, and can run standalone or with a PC. Valve aims to begin shipping these devices in early 2026 across regions including the US, Europe, Japan, and more.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II has sold 4 million copies. RPG Site
Warhorse Studios has announced that Kingdom Come: Deliverance II has sold 4 million copies, following the release of its Mysteria Ecclesiae DLC, Royal Edition, and Saga Bundle. This milestone comes just months after the game reached 3 million sales in May. The game is available on PC (Steam, Epic, and GOG), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, and Warhorse thanked fans, modders, and creators for their support and contributions to its success.
The Rogue Prince of Persia for Switch 2, Switch launches December 16; PS5, Switch 2, and Switch physical editions launch April 10, 2026. Gematsu
Ubisoft and Evil Empire have announced that The Rogue Prince of Persia will launch on Switch 2 and Switch on December 16, 2025, with physical editions for PS5, Switch, and Switch 2—including a SteelBook, poster, and art cards—arriving April 10, 2026. The game initially released in Early Access on PC in May 2024, with full versions for PS5, Xbox Series, and PC launching in August 2025. This roguelite action-platformer challenges players to master acrobatics and combat while exploring a vibrant Persia, facing procedurally generated levels, collecting weapons and medallions, and uncovering the story of a Hun invasion. Pre-orders for both standard and Immortal editions open November 14.
PlayStation Plus Game Catalogue and Classics Catalogue lineup for November 2025 announced. Gematsu
Sony has announced its November 2025 PlayStation Plus lineup, available from November 18 for Extra and Premium subscribers. The Game Catalogue features a diverse selection, including Grand Theft Auto V, Pacific Drive, Insurgency: Sandstorm, Monster Jam Showdown, MotoGP 25, Still Wakes the Deep, The Talos Principle II, and Thank Goodness You’re Here!, offering action, racing, survival, horror, puzzle, and comedy experiences across PS5 and PS4. Premium subscribers can also access the Classics Catalogue, which includes PlayStation 2 titles like Tomb Raider: Anniversary, allowing players to relive Lara Croft’s original adventure on modern consoles. This month’s lineup provides a mix of both modern hits and nostalgic classics for PlayStation fans.
The ePremier League returns with a new format. Esports Insider
The ePremier League is returning for its eighth season with a revamped format, offering a £100,000 prize pool and spots at the 2026 FC Pro World Championship. Registrations are open to UK-based players aged 16 and above, who can represent their chosen clubs in EA FC 26. The season features three online Open Qualifiers in late November and December, followed by Playoffs in January 2026, a Group Stage in late February, and Knockouts and Finals in late March. Clubs can Fast Track players directly to the Group Stage, and their performance there will affect Knockout seeding. New clubs, including Leeds United, Burnley, and Sunderland, will also join this season, reflecting their real-life Premier League promotions.
Rainbow Six Mobile moves one step closer to global launch. Esports Insider
Rainbow Six Mobile is moving closer to its global launch as it enters Phase 3, following successful technical and engagement testing. In this stage, Ubisoft will focus on deploying data centres, balancing gameplay, upgrading infrastructure, and fixing bugs before submitting the final build to Apple and Google. Players can carry over their progress by linking their accounts to Ubisoft Connect. The free-to-play multiplayer shooter features 12 attacking and 12 defending operators and six confirmed maps, with more to come, and is compatible with most mid-range Android and iOS devices, positioning it for a broad player base and esports potential.
Reggie Fils-Aimé says Nintendo won’t ever be a competitor to PlayStation. TheGamer
Former Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aimé has stated that Nintendo will never directly compete with PlayStation in the hardware or third-party market. In an interview with The Game Business, he explained that Nintendo’s strategy focuses on first-party games and accessible hardware rather than chasing the latest technology. While the Switch 2 offers enough power for third-party titles like Assassin’s Creed or Call of Duty, Nintendo views its platform more as a middleware solution that can support third-party games without attempting to dominate the console wars. Notably, while many third-party releases have underperformed on Switch 2, exceptions like Cyberpunk 2077 have done well. Nintendo prioritises unique content and affordability over competing with Sony on hardware specs.
Steam’s new VR headset, Steam Frame, will support Android games. GamesIndustry
Valve has announced that its new Steam Frame VR headset will support Android games, allowing developers to bring their existing APKs directly to Steam without additional porting. Steam Frame runs on an ARM-based Qualcomm Snapdragon chip and SteamOS, enabling Android apps to run natively and seamlessly alongside traditional Steam titles. Valve is also launching a developer kit program to help creators adapt their Android games for the headset. This comes alongside the broader reveal of three new Steam hardware products: the Steam Frame, a next-gen Steam Machine, and an updated Steam Controller, all set to ship in early 2026 to regions including the US, Europe, Japan, and more.
While Nexon says everyone uses AI, some devs claim they’d rather “cut off” their own arms than go near it. TheGamer
Nexon claimed that “every game company is now using AI,” citing its use in Arc Raiders, but many developers quickly disputed this. Xalavier Nelson Jr. of Strange Scaffold and Necrosoft Games (Demonschool) emphasised they create games entirely without AI, with Necrosoft saying they’d “rather cut off our own arms” than use it. Other studios like KO_OP and Denkiworks also spoke out against the technology. Developers warn that management and investors are pressuring studios to adopt AI, but indie pushback shows the industry isn’t fully embracing it yet.
In the mirror world of mobile, AI outrage is remarkably absent. GamesIndustry
InnoGames has embraced AI in mobile game development, using it to expand content without replacing human artists or staff. Chairman Hendrik Klindworth says AI supports creativity and live ops, enabling smaller teams to produce more high-quality content for casual players. Unlike the backlash seen in PC and console games, mobile audiences largely accept AI as long as humans guide the final quality. InnoGames balances innovation with proven mechanics, experimenting with new titles like Cozy Coast while maintaining successful franchises like Forge of Empires. Klindworth emphasises efficiency and adaptability in the competitive mobile market, with AI as a tool rather than a replacement.
It may only be a spin-off, but Pokémon Pokopia has introduced new forms for Pikachu and Snorlax for the first time ever. EuroGamer
Nintendo’s new spin-off Pokémon Pokopia introduces unique forms for Pikachu and Snorlax—Peakychu, a ghostly Pikachu, and Mosslax, a moss-covered Snorlax. Players control a Ditto girl tasked with regenerating a deserted island, using Pokémon moves like Water Gun, Cut, and Vine Whip to help plants and complete mini-quests. The game features life-sim mechanics similar to Animal Crossing and Minecraft, with crafting, habitat building, and cooperative play for up to four players. Ditto can also transform using other Pokémon and travel to new islands with abilities from Lapras or Dragonite. Pokémon Pokopia launches on March 5, 2026, as a Game-Key Card for Switch and Switch 2.
“We don’t work back from what’s happening in other spaces” - Valve’s new Steam hardware stems from its PC gaming experience, not what console makers PlayStation and Xbox are doing. EuroGamer
Valve’s new Steam hardware—including the Steam Frame VR headset, Steam Machine console, and Steam Controller—has been designed with PC gaming experience in mind rather than to compete with PlayStation or Xbox. Valve focuses on what PC gamers want and the possibilities of an open platform, rather than copying other consoles. The company views other entrants, like Microsoft’s ROG Ally X, as validation of the PC handheld market and expansion of player options. Release dates for the hardware are set for next year, with Valve handling self-distribution, as with the Steam Deck.
Monster Hunter Showcase announced for early December. RPG Site
Capcom will hold a Monster Hunter Showcase in early December to reveal details on Monster Hunter Wilds Title Update 4 and Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection. Title Update 4, releasing December 16, adds Gogmazios, new endgame content, weapon buffs, a seasonal event, and performance improvements. Monster Hunter Stories 3 will launch on March 13, 2026, for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Steam), and Nintendo Switch 2. Monster Hunter Wilds is already available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Octopath Traveler 0 Prologue Demo now available, story trailer released. RPG Site
Square Enix has released the Octopath Traveler 0 Prologue Demo, offering up to three hours of content on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, and PC (Steam). The demo lets players create a custom protagonist and experience the Prologue and Chapter 1 of several story arcs, including the new Town Building feature in Kindlers of the Flame. All save data from the demo carries over to the full game, which launches on December 4, 2025. A new story trailer was also released alongside the demo.
Red Dead Redemption is officially coming to Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X/S and mobile next month. VG Chronicles
Red Dead Redemption is officially coming to Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and mobile on December 2, including the Undead Nightmare expansion and Game of the Year Edition content. Current-gen console versions will support up to 4K at 60 FPS with HDR, while Switch 2 also gets 60 FPS, HDR, DLSS, and optional mouse controls. Players who already own the game on PS4, Switch, or Xbox One can upgrade for free and carry over save data. The mobile versions will feature optimised controls and be available to Netflix subscribers, while PS5 owners can access it via PlayStation Plus. Rockstar emphasises enhancements, free upgrades, and cross-gen save continuity.
Pokémon Legends Z-A is ‘the best-selling physical game of the year so far’ in the US. VG Chronicles
Pokémon Legends: Z-A is the best-selling physical game of 2025 so far in the US, according to Circana’s Mat Piscatella. Its first-week physical sales were the highest since The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom in 2023, and the game sold 5.8 million copies globally in its opening week across physical and digital formats, with about half on Switch 2. Pokémon remains a leading IP in toys, trading cards, and games, and Z-A is expected to be a major driver for the holiday quarter. While Circana tracks only physical sales, the game’s strong performance highlights its popularity among both new and longtime fans.
Kojima Productions has announced Death Stranding Isolations, an animated series coming to Disney+ in 2027. VG Chronicles
Kojima Productions has announced Death Stranding Isolations, an animated series coming to Disney+ in 2027. The series, using hand-drawn 2D animation, will tell a new story set in the Death Stranding universe, focusing on a young man and woman navigating isolation as Sam Bridges traverses North America. Hideo Kojima is executive producing, with Takayuki Sano directing and Ilya Kuvshinov handling character design. This project is separate from the previously announced animated film, Death Stranding: Mosquito, and the live-action film being produced by A24.
Horizon Steel Frontiers, an MMORPG from NCSoft, has been announced for PC and mobile. VG Chronicles
NCSoft has announced Horizon Steel Frontiers, a new MMORPG set in the Horizon universe, for PC and mobile via its Purple app. Developed in collaboration with Guerrilla, the game will feature Horizon’s hunting-action gameplay alongside advanced MMORPG systems with customizable combat and player freedom. No release date or PlayStation version has been confirmed, marking the first time a Horizon title may skip its debut platform. The project is part of a broader strategy to expand Horizon online and reach a wider audience beyond consoles.
Hollow Knight: Silksong, Hades 2, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 lead Indie Game Awards 2025 nominations. GamesIndustry
The Indie Game Awards 2025 nominations highlight Hollow Knight: Silksong, Hades 2, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 across multiple categories, including Game of the Year. Returning for its second year, the awards feature 18 categories, region-specific spotlights, community-voted awards, and the new Indie Vanguard Class, which recognises five developers shaping the future of the indie scene. The ceremony will be held on December 18 and streamed on YouTube, Twitch, IGN, and GameSpot. Notable categories include Solo Development, Achievement in Accessibility, Emotional Impact, Innovation, and Women-led Indie Game Award.
Note: My GOTY is Clair Obscur, by far. The only game this year where I had a hard time dropping the pad (well, alongside TOTK and WoW, but hey)
Sony’s Horizon series was always thought of as a multiplayer game, says studio head, following MMO announcement. EuroGamer
Guerrilla Games studio head Jan-Bart van Beek revealed that the Horizon series was originally envisioned as a multiplayer experience, despite its success as a single-player franchise. His comments follow the announcement of Horizon: Steel Frontiers, an MMO from NCSoft that Guerrilla helped support. Van Beek noted that Lego Horizon Adventures was the studio’s first small step toward multiplayer, with more multiplayer projects on the way. Bloomberg reports that NCSoft’s MMO is separate from Guerrilla’s own in-development multiplayer Horizon title. Steel Frontiers is described as a survival-focused MMO for PC and mobile, with no PlayStation version currently announced.
220 Rockstar North staff have signed a letter demanding their fired colleagues ‘are immediately reinstated’. VG Chronicles
More than 220 Rockstar North employees have signed a letter demanding the immediate reinstatement of 31 colleagues who were recently fired. Rockstar claims the dismissals were due to “gross misconduct” involving the leaking of confidential information, while the IWGB union argues the firings were illegal retaliation for unionising efforts. The union has filed a legal claim, calling the move a “vicious act of union busting”. Fired staff say they’re encouraged by the support from remaining employees, who delivered the letter directly to management. Protests are planned outside Take-Two and Rockstar offices in London, Paris, and Edinburgh in the coming days.
Switch 2 owners claim the latest system update has stopped their third-party dock from working. VG Chronicles
Some Switch 2 owners say the new 21.0.0 system update has stopped their third-party docks from working, leaving the console unable to enter docked mode. While a few official Switch 2 docks temporarily malfunctioned after the update, users report that a full reboot fixed those—but third-party docks remain unusable, with only passthrough charging still functioning. Players on Reddit shared identical experiences worldwide, noting their docks stopped working immediately after updating. Nintendo hasn’t explained the issue yet, but the Switch 2 dock requires a 60W power supply, which may make some third-party accessories incompatible.
Ys X: Proud Nordics is coming to PlayStation 5 on February 19, 2026 with 4K 120fps support. RPG Site
Falcom has confirmed that Ys X: Proud Nordics is coming to PlayStation 5 on February 19, 2026, as revealed in its latest financial report. This PS5 version will support 4K resolution and 120fps, with new commercials showcasing the upgrade. Although the Western release was initially announced only for Switch 2 and PC, the report indicates that PS5 will be included for the West as well. The game is already available on multiple platforms in Japan, and the Western launch remains scheduled for early 2026.
Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road is now available worldwide. The Switch 1/2 cross-save patch is also live. RPG Site
Level-5 has officially launched Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road worldwide across Switch 2, Switch, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series, and PC, with full cross-save functionality now live. A new patch enables Steam saves to sync to Switch and Switch 2, with updates also rolling out on PlayStation and Xbox. The game features Story Mode set 25 years after the original, Chronicle Mode covering the series’ full history, and Kizuna Station for online town-building. With upgraded visuals and massive content across modes, Victory Road marks a significant new chapter for the Inazuma Eleven franchise.
GDC Survey: average salary for US games professionals was $142,000 in 2025. GamesIndustry
The 2025 GDC survey reports that US games industry professionals earned an average salary of $142,000, with management and operations roles topping $160,000 and visual artists at $124,000. While 80% said their salary meets basic needs, over half felt undercompensated, especially women, non-binary workers, and people of colour. Pay gaps remain notable: women earn 24% less than men, and people of colour 27% less than their white peers. Only 33% of employers reportedly address pay disparities, while 1/10 make no effort. The survey also highlighted industry instability, with 25% experiencing layoffs in the past two years.
Crystal Dynamics announces third round of layoffs this year, 30 workers affected. GamesIndustry
Crystal Dynamics has announced its third round of layoffs in 2025, affecting 30 employees across various departments. The studio stated the decision was made to optimise development of its upcoming Tomb Raider game and future projects as industry conditions evolve. Previous layoffs occurred in March (17 employees) and in August (an unspecified number). Crystal Dynamics emphasised support for affected staff and expressed gratitude for their contributions. The studio co-developed the Perfect Dark reboot with The Initiative, which was later cancelled amid wider Microsoft layoffs. Earlier, in September 2023, 10 employees were laid off following restructuring at parent company Embracer.
Hi-Fi RUSH publishing transferred to KRAFTON. Gematsu
Publishing of Hi-Fi RUSH has moved from Bethesda Softworks to KRAFTON, effective November 14, 2025. A patch updating in-game elements to reflect this change is scheduled for December 4. The transition will not affect gameplay, save data, achievements, or downloadable content. During the update period, the Bethesda.net connection may be temporarily disabled. Players using Game Pass or Steam can continue playing normally, though a brief update may be required.
Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition delayed to early 2026. Gematsu
Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition has been delayed to early 2026 to allow for a simultaneous physical release and the addition of a Switch 2-exclusive “Gun Shooting Mode.” This new mode equips Juliet with her Chainsaw Blaster and features wave-based zombie combat, ride-rail shooter elements, and mouse-style controls. It unlocks after completing Original or RePOP Mode. The original game launched in 2024 across multiple platforms and has sold over 300,000 units. Dragami Games apologised for the delay and aims to deliver an enhanced experience.
The leader of South Korea’s ruling party calls for a stronger esports policy. Esports Insider
South Korea’s Democratic Party leader Jung Chung-rae called for stronger esports policies during G-STAR 2025 in Busan, highlighting the sector as a key future growth engine. He recalled his past efforts, including passing Korea’s first Game Industry Promotion Act, forming a National Assembly esports caucus, and supporting professional teams. Jung emphasised the need to revise the law to better support developers and esports businesses, while noting that ministries remain hesitant about tax incentives. He also underscored esports’ role in Korea’s soft power, citing exemptions from military service and international exchanges. The G-STAR 2025 event continues through November 17, showcasing games and esports initiatives.
“We need to move fast”: Honor of Kings’ global esports strategy and expansion. Esports Insider
Honor of Kings is rapidly expanding its global esports ecosystem following its worldwide launch in 2024. Level Infinite invested $15 million in 2025 to build professional leagues across Southeast Asia, the West, and other regions, alongside initiatives such as the Power-Up Program, international bootcamps, and the China Coach Initiative to address the skill gap relative to China’s King Pro League. The Honor of Kings International Championship 2025 excludes KPL teams to maintain competitive balance, while top KPL teams will compete in the Challenger Cup and the World Cup. Level Infinite aims to develop global teams capable of matching KPL’s level within a decade, growing mobile esports internationally. KIC 2025 runs in the Philippines through November 30 and is available on multiple streaming platforms.
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