Patch Notes #51 - weekly gaming digest
Welcome to the 51st edition of Patch Notes. Let’s get this bad boy going.
This edition will cover the week from 24 November to 30 November.
What caught my attention this week
A LOT of AI talk last week. Interesting to see. One thing remains: anyone optimistic about AI gets ganked.
TLDR
The upcoming Pokémon Pokopia may have a deeper link to classic games, fans believe - here’s what we know
Steam Machine’s price will be “more in line” with current PC market, Valve says
Report: RAM shortage could lead to another Xbox price increase
Gran Turismo World Series champion scores first Super Formula win
Gla1ve announces retirement from Counter-Strike esports
With its DLC on the horizon, fewer than half of players have vanquished all of Elden Ring Nightreign’s Nightlords
The Nintendo Switch 2 just got a new update, and it seems to have finally fixed a troubling Bluetooth issue
It’s really difficult to show people that it wasn’t like this - The Witcher 3 game director Konrad Tomaszkiewicz reflects on leaving CD Projekt Red under a dark cloud of workplace allegations
Roblox boss says problem of predators is an “opportunity” for the platform, in disastrous interview following latest child safety measures
Saudi Arabia’s investment fund reportedly low on cash and limiting investment, following EA acquisition
Far Cry anthology TV series in the works with Always Sunny in Philadelphia’s Rob Mac
Baldur’s Gate 3 publishing director rebukes “big budget = sh*t” but suggests “the public company model is broken”
Tekken’s Katsuhiro Harada says the big money of fighting tournaments isn’t reflected in game revenue
Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 director says AI can help, but not replace, creatives
It’s not going to solve all of the problems’: Dan Houser says he’s ‘dabbling’ with AI but it’s ‘not as useful’ as some say
Assassin’s Creed Shadows launches limited-time crossover with Attack on Titan anime series
Persona 5: The Phantom X version 2.5 update adds Masaki “Cherish” Ashiya and Tycoon card game
Sega finally admits low sales of games may have been impacted by players waiting for “definitive editions”, like Persona 5 Royal or SMT 5: Vengeance
Embracer sells yet more studios, as its restructuring programme limps on
Cyberpunk 2077 has sold 35 million copies worldwide
Death Stranding 2 looks set for quick PC release, after ESRB listing outs Kojima port
Stellar Blade studio Shift Up is teaming with Tencent to release its upcoming game Project Spirits
ENVY pauses Marvel Rivals esports operations
KOI parent company OverActive Media reports 14% revenue increase for Q3 2025
Ubisoft is still hiring for that Beyond Good and Evil sequel that apparently exists
2 months after being acquired by private equity, Splash Damage is making major layoffs so it can ‘remain agile,’ even though it hasn’t released a game since 2020
Epic boss Tim Sweeney thinks stores like Steam should stop labelling games as being made with AI: ‘It makes no sense,’ he says, because ‘AI will be involved in nearly all future production’
Want to know how Assassin’s Creed Shadows works on Switch 2? Here’s everything you need to know
Don’t expect a trailer for The Witcher 4 at The Game Awards this year, as development continues in earnest
World of Warcraft expansion Midnight gets a March 2026 release date
ByteDance reportedly looking to divest Mobile Legends developer Moonton Technology to PIF’s Savvy Games
Nintendo to buy Bandai Namco Studios Singapore
Paradox takes $37 million write-down after Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 misses targets
Phil Spencer says Xbox’s Game Pass cloud hours are up 45% YoY, making gaming “more accessible than ever”
Gentle Mates relocates Call of Duty League franchise to Paris, unveils 2026 roster
Clair Obscur creative director says he knew the game was going to be ‘cool,’ but he really didn’t expect it to be so ‘big’
Hytale will finally be launching early next year, after years of development woes
After 25 years, this unreleased N64 shooter is finally playable thanks to game preservation efforts
Made with AI - Let it Die sequel Inferno discloses substantial generative AI use
Kirby Air Riders tops the Japanese physical charts as Switch and Switch 2 games sweep the top 15
CS2 skin marketplace SkinBid announces bankruptcy
Since launch, Battlefield 6 has blocked a whopping 2.4 million cheat attempts
How League went from “just a game into a shared language and culture for multiple generations,” explained by the Head of Publishing in China
EXCLUSIVE: MIBR becomes first organisation with approved betting sponsorship for VALORANT
Biggest news of the week
The upcoming Pokémon Pokopia may have a deeper link to classic games, fans believe - here’s what we know. EuroGamer
Fans believe the upcoming Pokémon Pokopia may be set on Cinnabar Island from the Kanto region after a volcanic eruption that occurred between Generation 1 and Generation 2 games, as the game features a Generation 1 Pokédex, only a Pokémon Centre remains standing (matching post-eruption Cinnabar), and the player controls a Ditto—which could only be found in Pokémon Mansion on Cinnabar Island in Gen 1. Professor Tangrowth states he hasn’t seen humans in a long time, and the island shows ruins but no human life, supporting the theory of evacuation following the eruption seen in Gold, Silver, and Crystal. Some fans theorize the setting could explain new Pokémon variants as results of Pokémon Mansion experiments or natural evolution in human absence, while others suggest an alternate reality where Mewtwo removed humans from Kanto. Pokémon Pokopia launches in March 2026 on Nintendo Switch 2.
Steam Machine’s price will be “more in line” with current PC market, Valve says. EuroGamer
Valve has stated the Steam Machine’s price will be “more in line with what you might expect from the current PC market,” aiming to be competitive with building a PC from parts that achieves the same performance level. Valve developers Lawrence Yang and Pierre-Loup Griffais explained on the Friends Per Second podcast that the device offers unique integration features like HDMI CEC, controller wake-up functionality, and a quiet small form factor that are difficult to replicate in custom PC builds. Griffais added the Steam Machine will serve as a “nice baseline offering” for users who don’t want to build PCs themselves, with Valve potentially open to developing a “Steam Machine Pro” in the future but currently focused on balancing affordability and power. Market analyst Rhyss Elliott suggested the ideal price point would be $400 with a controller to position it as an accessible living-room gaming option rather than an expensive niche PC.
Report: RAM shortage could lead to another Xbox price increase. GamesIndustry
Microsoft could reportedly increase Xbox console prices again due to an ongoing RAM shortage caused by the AI boom hoovering up hardware for data centers, according to Moore’s Law is Dead on YouTube. The shortage stems from deals like OpenAI’s massive agreement with Samsung and SK Hynix to create 900,000 RAM wafer starts per month, with Microsoft allegedly warning partners that supply could dry up or prices increase “sooner rather than later.” In contrast, Sony reportedly planned ahead and bought RAM near the bottom of pricing cycles, securing sufficient GDDR6 supplies for months and enabling PlayStation 5 Black Friday discounts. If Microsoft proceeds with the increase, it would be the third Xbox price hike in 2025, following a $100 Series X and $80 Series S increase in May, plus another US price hike in September.
Gran Turismo World Series champion scores first Super Formula win. Esports Insider
Gran Turismo World Series champion Igor Fraga won his first Super Formula race at Japan’s Suzuka Circuit in round ten of the championship, marking his debut year in the highest tier of Japanese single-seater motorsport after moving from Super Formula Lights. The 2018 Gran Turismo Nations Cup and two-time Manufacturers Cup champion started from the front row, passed polesitter Tadasuke Makino at the first corner, and led for the remainder of the race to win by two seconds, earning Nakajima Racing its first win in five years. Fraga has been crowned 2025’s Super Formula Rookie of the Year, with Gran Turismo playing a pivotal role in supporting his real-world racing career through sponsorship featuring on his racing overalls and helmet, alongside backing from sim racing hardware brand Fanatec.
Gla1ve announces retirement from Counter-Strike esports. Esports Insider
Four-time Counter-Strike Major winner Lukas ‘Gla1ve’ Rossander has announced his retirement from professional play and plans to transition into a coaching role, five months after being benched by ENCE following an 18-month stint with the team. Gla1ve is best known for his time with Astralis from 2016 to July 2023, where he captained one of Counter-Strike’s most dominant eras, winning four Majors and 16 tournaments between 2018 and 2019, plus achieving the Intel Grand Slam. His last competitive appearance came at the Tipsport Conquest of Prague 2025, a Tier 2 event where ENCE finished runners-up to Fnatic. Gla1ve becomes the third member of the iconic Astralis roster to retire, following Andreas ‘Xyp9x’ Højsleth in 2023 and Peter ‘Dupreeh’ Rasmussen in 2025, with his coaching transition following Xyp9x’s path who became MOUZ’s assistant coach in 2024.
With its DLC on the horizon, fewer than half of players have vanquished all of Elden Ring Nightreign’s Nightlords. TheGamer
Fewer than half of Elden Ring Nightreign players have defeated all eight of the game’s Nightlords almost six months after launch, with achievement data showing 48.7% on Steam, 45.9% on PlayStation, and only 34.19% on Xbox completing the feat. Steam data reveals Tricephalos is the most-defeated Nightlord at 82% (being the first mandatory boss), followed by Gaping Jaw at 69.4% and Sentient Pest at 64.7%, while Night Aspect proves most difficult with only 52.2% of players achieving victory. The roguelike Elden Ring spin-off launched to excellent critical reviews and strong Steam numbers, with players surviving three days to face one of eight Nightlords as the final challenge. Players have only a couple of weeks remaining before FromSoftware releases the first major expansion, The Forsaken Hollows, which will add two new Nightfarers, two new bosses, and a new Shifting Earth.
The Nintendo Switch 2 just got a new update, and it seems to have finally fixed a troubling Bluetooth issue. EuroGamer
The Nintendo Switch 2 has received firmware update version 21.0.1, fixing a Bluetooth connection issue where the console would fail to connect with Bluetooth controllers or audio devices when waking from sleep mode or leaving airplane mode. The update also includes general stability improvements for the overall console experience. The original Nintendo Switch received the same version 21.0.1 update, fixing Error Codes 2011-0301 and 2168-0002 that appeared repeatedly when using the system transfer feature, along with its own stability tweaks. The Switch 2 is reportedly outpacing even the PS4 in early sales performance.
“It’s really difficult to show people that it wasn’t like this” - The Witcher 3 game director Konrad Tomaszkiewicz reflects on leaving CD Projekt Red under a dark cloud of workplace allegations. EuroGamer
The Witcher 3 game director Konrad Tomaszkiewicz has reflected on leaving CD Projekt Red in 2021 under workplace bullying allegations, stating “it’s really difficult to show people that it wasn’t like this” despite a four-month external investigation clearing him of charges. Tomaszkiewicz believes problems arose when CD Projekt Red grew rapidly from an average of 160 people working on The Witcher 3 to over 1,000 by 2021, making it hard to know coworkers personally and creating anonymity that made stressful development periods more difficult. He co-founded Rebel Wolves in 2022 with former CD Projekt Red staff, deliberately keeping the team at 155 people—nearly identical to The Witcher 3’s core team size—to maintain personal connections with everyone. Tomaszkiewicz emphasized wanting to be “the leader not the boss,” working hands-on with the team on their debut game The Blood of Dawnwalker, scripting quests and combat to maintain the “crazy fire” he felt on earlier Witcher projects before the team grew too large.
Roblox boss says problem of predators is an “opportunity” for the platform, in disastrous interview following latest child safety measures. EuroGamer
Roblox CEO David Baszucki called the problem of predators on the platform an “opportunity” during a New York Times Hard Fork podcast interview, as the company rolls out mandatory age verification checks using AI video selfies for all users. When asked if he’s confident safety measures are working, Baszucki avoided the question and stated “I think we’re doing an incredible job at innovating relative to the number of people on our platform,” despite Roblox reporting 13,316 instances of child exploitation last year and facing lawsuits from Louisiana, Kentucky, and Texas over child safety issues, plus over 20 federal lawsuits alleging the platform enables sexual exploitation. Throughout the interview, Baszucki appeared more focused on promoting technological advancements and user numbers rather than child safety, dismissing a Hindenburg Research report claiming Roblox “compromises child safety in order to report growth to investors,” and even suggesting he’d be “a big fan” of adding prediction markets (essentially gambling) to Roblox if done “in an educational way that’s legal.” The disastrous interview follows previous controversial statements, including telling Eurogamer in 2024 that children making money on Roblox isn’t exploitation but “a gift,” and telling the BBC earlier this year that parents shouldn’t let children play if they’re “not comfortable” about safety.
Saudi Arabia’s investment fund reportedly low on cash and limiting investment, following EA acquisition. EuroGamer
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is reportedly low on cash after investing in projects facing financial difficulties, including Neom, a coffee chain, a cruise line, and an electric vehicle start-up. Although the PIF claims nearly $1 trillion in assets, much of it consists of hard-to-sell holdings with no public valuation, leading international investors to be told no further funds are available for now. The fund has made significant gaming industry investments, including its private acquisition of EA, support for EVO, Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Mirage DLC, and Niantic. Prince Mohammed’s personal interest in gaming has motivated these investments. The financial strain raises questions about the stability and future of these gaming projects.
Far Cry anthology TV series in the works with Always Sunny in Philadelphia’s Rob Mac. EuroGamer
An anthology TV series based on Ubisoft’s Far Cry games is in development for FX, featuring a new cast and setting each season. Rob Mac (from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia) and Noah Hawley (Alien Earth, Fargo) will produce the series, with Mac also set to star in an undisclosed role. FX praised the collaboration, highlighting the producers’ track record and Ubisoft’s support in adapting the iconic game franchise. The show aims to maintain the anthology format of the games, exploring chaotic action and human nature with a fresh story each season. The project was first leaked by Ubisoft earlier this year.
Baldur’s Gate 3 publishing director rebukes “big budget = sh*t” but suggests “the public company model is broken”. GamesIndustry
Baldur’s Gate 3 publishing director Michael Douse rejected the idea that big budgets inherently lead to poor games, instead blaming traditional “product pipeline” structures and the public company model for stifling creativity. He argued that connecting with audiences is easier than ever, but corporate risk aversion and investor pressures prevent teams from fully pursuing innovative projects. Douse suggested that the lack of alignment among all stakeholders, combined with outdated business structures, hampers originality in AAA development. Industry figures like George Broussard agree that rising production costs have limited risk-taking and originality for decades, with AAA franchises increasingly relying on sequels. The discussion also touches on cautious industry adoption of AI, with Dan Houser noting its limited usefulness so far.
Tekken’s Katsuhiro Harada says the big money of fighting tournaments isn’t reflected in game revenue. GamesIndustry
Tekken executive producer Katsuhiro Harada stated that while the fighting game genre is thriving and tournament streaming generates significant money, this revenue doesn’t directly benefit game sales. He highlighted the growing ecosystem around fighting games, including increased participation and influencer-driven streams, as indicators of the genre’s popularity. Harada noted that most tournaments are freely licensed, though some events now use pay-per-view models, which could influence future revenue distribution. At Evo France, a new Tekken 8 character, Miary Zo, was revealed, with development involving over a year of research, including a visit to Madagascar for cultural accuracy. Tekken 8, released in February 2024, sold over three million copies in its first year.
Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 director says AI can help, but not replace, creatives. GamesIndustry
Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, veteran of CD Projekt Red, stated that AI can assist but should not replace human creatives in game development. His new studio, Rebel Wolves, used AI to test voice lines for the upcoming RPG The Blood of Dawnwalker, but actors recorded final performances. Tomaszkiewicz emphasized that AI should act as a helpful tool, similar to Google Translate, rather than infringing on creative rights or fully generating content. He expressed skepticism that games created solely with AI could possess soul or authenticity. Tomaszkiewicz left CD Projekt in 2021 after over 17 years and co-founded Rebel Wolves in 2022 with investment from NetEase.
‘It’s not going to solve all of the problems’: Dan Houser says he’s ‘dabbling’ with AI but it’s ‘not as useful’ as some say. VG Chronicles
Former Rockstar writer Dan Houser said he is “dabbling” with AI in the development of his next game at Absurd Ventures, but believes it is not yet as transformative as some claim. He explained that while AI is useful for certain tasks, it cannot solve all problems and is still limited compared to human creativity. Houser emphasized that some AI hype is misleading, with much of it performing processes computers could already do, while genuinely innovative aspects remain rare. He also highlighted the challenge of perfecting AI, noting that the last 20% of technological innovation is particularly difficult. His upcoming game, featuring AI characters, has been in development for 18 months and is still several years from release.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows launches limited-time crossover with Attack on Titan anime series. RPG Site
Ubisoft has launched a limited-time crossover event between Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Attack on Titan, available on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Mac, and the Nintendo Switch 2 edition from December 2, 2025. The event features a new in-game adventure where Naoe and Yasuke face Titans and explore Attack on Titan-inspired locations, unlocking exclusive rewards including a new weapon. Players can also purchase themed outfits and mounts inspired by the Survey Corps and the Colossal Titan. Alongside the crossover, Title Update 11 adds a story quest called “A Puzzlement,” where Naoe and Yasuke teach each other new combat skills. The event runs for approximately four weeks, ending between December 15 and 22, 2025.
Persona 5: The Phantom X version 2.5 update adds Masaki “Cherish” Ashiya and Tycoon card game. RPG Site
Atlus released Persona 5: The Phantom X version 2.5 update, adding Masaki “Cherish” Ashiya as a recruitable party member and introducing the Tycoon card game from Persona 5 Royal. The update also includes new Synergy episodes featuring Miyu Sahara, a City Life episode with Tetsunojo Shishida, 10 new Technician stages in Velvet Trials, and three new Rank VIII Personas: Vishnu, Shiva, and Sandalphon. New weapons and gacha banners tied to these characters were added, along with high-difficulty bosses Seth and Trumpeter. Players can also participate in the Thieves’ Secrets event for additional rewards. The next version 2.6 update, scheduled for December 6, will add Haru “Noir” Okumura and a crossover story episode.
Sega finally admits low sales of games may have been impacted by players waiting for “definitive editions”, like Persona 5 Royal or SMT 5: Vengeance. EuroGamer
Sega acknowledged that lower-than-expected sales for some of its games may be due to players waiting for “definitive editions,” similar to previous releases like Persona 5 Royal or Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance. The company cited marketing shortcomings, initial pricing, and competition as additional factors affecting sales. While no specific titles were named, the comments likely refer to Atlus RPGs, which often release enhanced editions after launch. Metaphor: ReFantazio, despite strong initial sales, may have seen slower post-launch sales as players anticipated potential updates. Director Katsura Hashino’s remarks about creating “JRPG 3.0” have also fueled speculation about the next Persona game.
Embracer sells yet more studios, as its restructuring programme limps on. EuroGamer
Embracer is continuing its restructuring by selling Arc Games and Cryptic Studios for $30 million to Project Golden Arc. Arc Games had published Star Trek Online, Neverwinter, and Remnant: From The Ashes, while Cryptic Studios developed Star Trek Online and Neverwinter. Embracer will retain publishing rights for the Remnant franchise, and the MMO Fellowship will move to Coffee Stain Group. The divestment aligns with Embracer’s focus on core IPs and improving profitability following a failed $2 billion investment and prior acquisition spree. Since 2023, the company has closed 44 studios, cut over 4,500 employees, and sold off other studios including Saber and Gearbox.
Cyberpunk 2077 has sold 35 million copies worldwide. RPG Site
CD Projekt Red reported that Cyberpunk 2077 has sold 35 million copies worldwide as of November 26, 2025, including both the base game and Ultimate Edition. This milestone follows the game surpassing 30 million copies in November 2024. Notable 2025 releases contributing to sales include the Nintendo Switch 2 and macOS versions. Cyberpunk 2077 remains available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC.
Death Stranding 2 looks set for quick PC release, after ESRB listing outs Kojima port. VG Chronicles
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach has been rated for PC by the ESRB, suggesting a PC port is forthcoming. The ESRB listing identifies Sony Interactive Entertainment as the publisher, differing from the original Death Stranding PC release handled by 505 Games. The original game’s PC version included features like a photo mode, ultrawide support, and crossover content, hinting similar additions could appear in the sequel. Kojima Productions has multiple Death Stranding projects in development, including an animated movie, Disney+ series, and live-action film. The game is nominated in eight categories at The Game Awards 2025, including Game of the Year and Best Game Direction.
Stellar Blade studio Shift Up is teaming with Tencent to release its upcoming game Project Spirits. VG Chronicles
Shift Up, the studio behind Stellar Blade, has partnered with Tencent to publish its upcoming cross-platform game Project Spirits through Tencent’s Level Infinite brand. The game, previously called Project Witches, is co-developed with Tencent affiliate Yongxing Interactive using Unreal Engine 5 and is described as an “Eastern fantasy” inspired subculture title. Level Infinite’s partnership with Shift Up includes both publishing and joint development, building on Shift Up’s success with Goddess of Victory: Nikke and Stellar Blade. A sequel to Stellar Blade is also in development, with a projected release by the end of 2027, reportedly before Project Spirits.
ENVY pauses Marvel Rivals esports operations. Esports Insider
North American esports organisation ENVY has announced it is pausing its competitive operations in Marvel Rivals. The team praised its roster’s efforts and allowed players to pursue opportunities with other organisations, while expressing hope to return in the future as the competitive ecosystem develops. ENVY’s 2025 season included winning The Shroud Gauntlet and finishing as runner-up in the Mid-Season Finals. The pause follows similar moves by other teams, like Sentinels, amid uncertainty about the long-term viability of Marvel Rivals esports. Concerns include a lack of communication from developer NetEase Games and insufficient financial incentives for teams.
KOI parent company OverActive Media reports 14% revenue increase for Q3 2025. Esports Insider
OverActive Media, parent company of KOI and Toronto KOI, reported a 14% revenue increase in Q3 2025, reaching CAD$7.8m (~£4.2m) compared to the same quarter in 2024. Despite higher revenue, the company posted a comprehensive loss of CAD$3m (~£1.6m), partly due to its VCT agreement being written off after KOI was removed from the EMEA 2026 VALORANT season, as well as lower gross margins and foreign currency translation gains. Operating expenses fell 3% following efforts to consolidate brands, including rebranding Toronto Ultra as Toronto KOI. Year-to-date, revenue rose 24% and operating expenses decreased 8%, reflecting the company’s efforts to scale and integrate acquisitions efficiently. OverActive Media also announced CFO Rikesh Shah’s departure, with Louis Zhang stepping in as interim CFO, and continued investments in projects like the AI-powered content localisation platform ActiveVoices.
Ubisoft is still hiring for that Beyond Good and Evil sequel that apparently exists. TheGamer
Ubisoft is still actively hiring for Beyond Good & Evil 2, confirming that the project is ongoing despite little news since 2024. Current open positions include lead quest designer, technical sound designer, and technical lead network programmer. Job listings describe the game as an open-world action-adventure prequel set in a space opera universe, featuring space exploration, piracy, multiplayer, and exotic locations. The project has faced setbacks over the years, including the death of former director Emile Morel, but remains in development. No release timeline or upcoming showcase is currently confirmed.
2 months after being acquired by private equity, Splash Damage is making major layoffs so it can ‘remain agile,’ even though it hasn’t released a game since 2020. PCGamer
Two months after being acquired by a private equity firm, UK-based studio Splash Damage has announced a studio-wide consultation process ahead of expected layoffs, citing the need to “remain agile and adaptable in a challenging market.” The studio has not released a game since the 2020 Stadia-exclusive Outcasters, and previous projects—including Transformers Reactivate and the streamer-partnered Project Astrid—were either canceled or remain in limbo. Splash Damage acknowledged the emotional impact on employees and promised support during the process, but the move highlights ongoing struggles at the studio and reflects broader challenges in the gaming industry.
Epic boss Tim Sweeney thinks stores like Steam should stop labelling games as being made with AI: ‘It makes no sense,’ he says, because ‘AI will be involved in nearly all future production’. PCGamer
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has argued that digital storefronts like Steam should stop labelling games as being made with AI, calling the practice unnecessary because “AI will be involved in nearly all future production.” Speaking on X, Sweeney said AI tags are relevant for art exhibits or licensing marketplaces to clarify authorship and rights, but are meaningless for games where generative AI is expected to become ubiquitous. He has previously expressed support for generative AI, imagining games with “infinite, context-sensitive, personality-reflecting dialog based on and tuned by human voice actors,” but the move raises questions about transparency, as AI in games can sometimes involve uncredited use of existing creative works.
Want to know how Assassin’s Creed Shadows works on Switch 2? Here’s everything you need to know. EuroGamer
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is launching on Nintendo Switch 2 on 2nd December 2025, bringing the 16th-century Japan adventure of Yasuke and Fujibayashi Naoe to the platform. Ubisoft confirms the Switch 2 version will include all previous updates (except the 2026 Claws of Awaji expansion) and will receive future updates in line with other platforms. The game targets a stable 30fps in both docked and handheld modes, achieved through extensive code-level optimizations. Some compromises were made: baked global illumination replaces ray-tracing for RAM efficiency, NPC density in crowded areas is reduced, and level of detail, draw distances, and texture resolution have been carefully adjusted. Handheld mode sees further tweaks for GPU limitations, though HDR and variable refresh rate support remain. Exclusive Switch 2 features include touchscreen navigation for maps and menus and cross-progression via Ubisoft Connect, allowing seamless play across platforms. DLSS is supported to smooth performance, and environmental richness is largely maintained despite optimizations.
Don’t expect a trailer for The Witcher 4 at The Game Awards this year, as development continues in earnest. EuroGamer
CD Projekt Red has confirmed that The Witcher 4 will not receive a new trailer at The Game Awards 2025, despite being nominated in the Most Anticipated Game category. Co-CEO Michał Nowakowski thanked fans for their support but clarified that no new content will be shown this year. Development is progressing steadily, with CDPR hiring new talent to advance the project. The last public demo, shown in June, was a tech demonstration rather than actual gameplay, though it highlighted the northern setting and the performance targets for the game. Fans will need to wait longer for substantive updates, but anticipation remains high.
World of Warcraft expansion Midnight gets a March 2026 release date. EuroGamer
Blizzard has announced that the next World of Warcraft expansion, Midnight, will release on 2nd March 2026 as the second part of the Worldsoul Saga trilogy. The expansion introduces a new player housing system, allowing customizable homes and neighbourhood arrangements, with early access for pre-orders starting 2nd December. A new real-money currency called Hearthsteel will let players purchase furniture and cosmetics for housing. Additional features include a subterranean-themed Alliance race, the Haranir, a darkness-themed Demon Hunter specialization called the Devourer, and the restoration of Quel’Thalas and Silvermoon City. Midnight also adds a new open-world PvE Prey system, enabling a hunt-and-be-hunted mechanic with roaming bosses of varying difficulty.
ByteDance reportedly looking to divest Mobile Legends developer Moonton Technology to PIF’s Savvy Games. GamesIndustry
ByteDance is reportedly in negotiations to sell Mobile Legends developer Moonton Technology to Savvy Games Group, part of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). The talks come despite reports that PIF may have limited funds for new investments after extensive spending in gaming and esports. Sources caution that the negotiations might not lead to a completed sale. Neither ByteDance nor Savvy Games have commented on the reports.
Nintendo to buy Bandai Namco Studios Singapore. GamesIndustry
Nintendo plans to acquire Bandai Namco Studios Singapore, purchasing 80% of its shares on April 1st, 2026, with the remainder to be acquired later. The studio, which contributed to titles like Splatoon 3, Hirogami, Ace Combat 7, and Soul Calibur 6, will be rebranded as Nintendo Studios Singapore. Nintendo cited the studio’s expertise in game development and its ongoing relationship with Nintendo as reasons for the acquisition. This move is part of Nintendo’s broader strategy to strengthen its internal development capacity through acquisitions.
Paradox takes $37 million write-down after Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 misses targets. GamesIndustry
Paradox Interactive is taking a $37 million write-down for Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 after early sales of around 121,500 Steam copies fell short of expectations and reviews were mixed. CEO Frederik Wester emphasised that the responsibility lies with the publisher, praising the developer’s work while noting the game falls outside Paradox’s core areas. Despite the write-down, the company plans to release the two expansions already planned for the title. The project faced multiple development changes, initially with Hardsuit Labs and later The Chinese Room, resulting in a more focused narrative than the original 2004 game. Paradox intends to focus future capital on its core segments while exploring the best way to develop the World of Darkness IP.
Phil Spencer says Xbox’s Game Pass cloud hours are up 45% YoY, making gaming “more accessible than ever”. GamesIndustry
Microsoft reports that Xbox Game Pass cloud hours have increased 45% year-over-year, with console players streaming 45% more on consoles and 24% more on other devices, according to Phil Spencer. He highlighted this growth as part of Xbox’s effort to make gaming “more accessible than ever” by offering more choice for players across devices. Xbox Cloud Gaming has also expanded to new regions, including India, Argentina, and Brazil, with improved streaming quality. The increase follows a recent price hike for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, justified by additional content like Fortnite Crew, Ubisoft+ Classics, and over 75 day-one releases annually.
Gentle Mates relocates Call of Duty League franchise to Paris, unveils 2026 roster. Esports Insider
French esports organization Gentle Mates has relocated its Call of Duty League franchise from Los Angeles to Paris for the 2026 season and unveiled its all-American roster: Dylan ‘Envoy’ Hannon, Daniel ‘Ghosty’ Rothe, Travis ‘Neptune’ McCloud, and Daunte ‘Sib’ Gray. The team, now competing as Paris Gentle Mates, finished second in a pre-season tournament under the name Still Orgless. The franchise will also host the fourth Major of the Black Ops 7 season in Paris from June 25–28, featuring a $365,000 prize pool. This relocation and roster update mark a fresh start after a challenging Black Ops 6 season where the team ended 11th overall.
Clair Obscur creative director says he knew the game was going to be ‘cool,’ but he really didn’t expect it to be so ‘big’. PCGamer
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has sold over five million copies and dominated the 2025 Golden Joystick Awards, but creative director Guillaume Broche admitted he never expected the game to become so big. The team initially aimed for a “cool” game, not a cultural phenomenon, and has been overwhelmed by the positive reception from players. Actor Ben Starr echoed this sentiment, noting that its success surprised everyone given its origins as a small game. The developers are now preparing a major thank-you update with new content, and the game is also the most-nominated title for The Game Awards 2025 on December 11.
Hytale will finally be launching early next year, after years of development woes. EuroGamer
Hytale will launch into Early Access on January 13th, 2026, after years of development issues and being reacquired by co-founder Simon Collins-Laflamme. Prepurchases begin on December 13th, though the team warns players that the Early Access version will be unfinished and buggy. The game’s development faced setbacks when Riot Games, its former publisher, pulled support earlier this year. Despite these challenges, the developers are committed to completing Hytale as envisioned, marking a major milestone for a project in development since 2015.
After 25 years, this unreleased N64 shooter is finally playable thanks to game preservation efforts. EuroGamer
N64 shooter Viewpoint 2064, which was never released after its 1999 Spaceworld showing, is now playable thanks to preservation efforts. Game preservation channel Hard4Games received a beta in 2020 and has since obtained a final “master” cart, allowing the game to be played and downloaded. The shooter features a behind-the-spacecraft perspective similar to Star Fox, with planetary and space environments, large bosses, and branching progression. Developed by Racjin (formerly Racdym), the game blends classic shmup mechanics with early 3D approaches.
Made with AI - Let it Die sequel Inferno discloses substantial generative AI use. EuroGamer
The upcoming sequel Let it Die: Inferno, releasing on December 4th, discloses substantial use of generative AI in voices, music, graphics, and other content, which were then edited by the development team. Developed entirely by Supertrick Games, the game shifts to a PvEvP focus with real-time multiplayer, unlike the original. AI use appears across major in-game assets like signboard textures, illustrations, infocast videos, and audio. The disclosure comes under Steam’s AI policy, as the project had a short marketing window following its September announcement.
Kirby Air Riders tops the Japanese physical charts as Switch and Switch 2 games sweep the top 15. VG Chronicles
Kirby Air Riders has debuted at number one on Japan’s physical sales charts, selling 194,594 copies in its first week. Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 titles dominate the charts, with 18 of the top 20 games released on Nintendo consoles and the top 15 being entirely Switch or Switch 2 releases. Mario Kart World and Pokémon Legends: Z-A follow, with cumulative sales of over 2.2 million and 1.2 million copies, respectively, across physical and bundle sales. Famitsu’s data counts physical copies, retail download cards, and bundled games, but excludes digital purchases from online stores. This week reinforces Nintendo’s continued stronghold on the Japanese gaming market.
CS2 skin marketplace SkinBid announces bankruptcy. Esports Insider
Counter-Strike 2 skin marketplace SkinBid has declared bankruptcy, four years after its launch, with bankruptcy proceedings starting on November 21, 2025, under Danish law. Co-owners Mark ‘ohnePixel‘ Zimmerman and Oliver ‘zipeL‘ Behrensdorff said the site will remain open until December 5 for users to withdraw remaining balances and items. The closure follows turbulence in the CS2 skin market, including a Valve Trade-up contract update that halved the market’s value, though it has since partially recovered to a $5.4 billion market cap. Both owners expressed regret over the closure, citing that the EU-compliant marketplace ultimately wasn’t sustainable. Despite SkinBid’s shutdown, opportunities remain in CS2’s skin economy through other marketplaces and esports partnerships.
Since launch, Battlefield 6 has blocked a whopping 2.4 million cheat attempts. TheGamer
Since its launch, Battlefield 6 has blocked approximately 2.39 million cheating attempts across all platforms. EA’s Battlefield Studios reported that during launch week, the Match Infection Rate (MIR)—the likelihood of a cheater affecting a game—was 98%, meaning most matches remained fair. Out of 193 identified cheat programs, vendors, and communities, 183 have either been detected, shut down, or voluntarily removed themselves. The studio plans to continue enhancing security, targeting cheating hardware, and improving reporting systems, acknowledging that cheat developers constantly evolve. EA emphasizes its commitment to fair play, highlighting the scale and sophistication of modern cheating efforts in online games.
How League went from “just a game into a shared language and culture for multiple generations,” explained by the Head of Publishing in China. Sheep Esports
League of Legends has become a cultural phenomenon in China, transforming from “just a game into a shared language and culture for multiple generations,” according to Sally Zong, Head of Publishing for Riot Games in China. Tencent operates as the primary publisher in China, enabling League to reach players through unique platforms while fostering a massive, engaged fanbase that supports both gameplay and esports. Popular modes like ARAM and diverse gameplay options help retain players, while cross-platform content, creator-driven media, and international tournaments reinforce LoL’s presence and community engagement. The game’s simple rules combined with strategic depth allow both new viewers and long-term fans to enjoy the esports scene. Ongoing updates, IP content, and monetization systems sustain the live service, though some players have raised concerns over loot-box-like mechanics in recent monetization changes.
EXCLUSIVE: MIBR becomes first organisation with approved betting sponsorship for VALORANT. Esports Radar
Brazilian esports organisation MIBR has become the first team worldwide to secure Riot Games’ approval for a betting sponsorship in VALORANT, partnering with 1xBet. The deal expands an existing partnership from MIBR’s Counter-Strike team and includes streamer Gustavo “Sacy” Rossi as ambassador, though 1xBet branding will not appear on jerseys during official Riot events. Approval reflects MIBR’s operational standards and governance, emphasizing competitive integrity. This milestone coincides with MIBR’s recent full acquisition by media group Spun Mídia and the launch of EZOR, a gaming and esports brand house backed by R$100 million, supporting both MIBR and LOS. Riot’s framework for betting partnerships mandates strict vetting, use of official data, and team integrity programs.
Biggest releases this week
