Title: Xbox In Talks To Close Double Fine And Ninja Theory, Which Just Revealed Its New Game Date: Mon, 15 Jun 2026 20:27:55 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/psychonauts-hellblade-south-of-midnight-studios-negotiating-xbox-closure-2000706718 Though the studios could go independent, heavy job losses are still likely

Title: Call Of Duty Studio Treyarch Is Losing Its Studio Head Of Nearly A Decade Date: Mon, 15 Jun 2026 19:40:10 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/call-of-duty-studio-treyarch-loses-studio-head-mark-gordon-2000706712 Mark Gordon had been with the studio since 2005, and served as studio head since 2016

Title: Exploring Steam Next Fest With An AI-Blocking Extension Is Very Depressing Date: Mon, 15 Jun 2026 19:14:00 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/exploring-steam-next-fest-with-an-ai-blocking-extension-is-very-depressing-2000706695 The event has been flooded by games containing AI-generated content

Title: Santa Ragione Reveals That Horses Has Left The Studio In $42,000 Worth Of Debt Date: Mon, 15 Jun 2026 18:49:57 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/horses-game-steam-banned-epic-store-santa-ragione-debt-2000706693 Straight from the horse's mouth

Title: Pokémon Theme Song Singer Denies Scamming Kids Out Of Valuable Cards And Does ‘Gengar Dance’ In AI Diss Track Music Video Date: Mon, 15 Jun 2026 17:56:44 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/jason-paige-pokemon-song-gengar-card-ripoff-controversy-2000706689 Jason Paige was accused of ripping off kids for a Gengar at a card show

Title: Monopoly Go x The Simpsons crossover is almost here Date: Tue, 02 Jun 2026 08:41:21 +0000 Link: https://www.vg247.com/monopoly-go-the-simpsons-crossover-details Monopoly Go players have been looking forward to a major crossover event for what felt like months, and though most of the details ended up leaking, nothing actually beats official information. Read more

Title: Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.3 will take us deeper into the World in Canvas and make Mortenax Blade playable Date: Fri, 22 May 2026 13:43:44 +0000 Link: https://www.vg247.com/honkai-star-rail-version-4-3-all-details HoYoverse has today delivered full details on the next major update for Honkai: Star Rail. Version 4.3, dubbed The Lethe Below the Living, will be available for all players on June 1. The upcoming update adds a new chapter to the Planarcadia arc, and introduce a new playable character. Read more

Title: Forza Horizon 6 explodes on Steam even before it's officially out Date: Fri, 15 May 2026 11:00:02 +0000 Link: https://www.vg247.com/forza-horizon-6-steam-numbers-big-launch Steam is abuzz this week with a couple of long-anticipated launches, but in Forza Horizon 6’s case, at least, the game isn’t even out for what will be most of its players. The anticipated sequel in the open-world driving game series doesn’t officially launch until May 19, but owners of its most expensive version - the Premium Edition - can play it right now. Read more

Title: Mystic Messenger's most loyal players are getting banned in droves for seemingly playing the game too much Date: Fri, 15 May 2026 10:02:10 +0000 Link: https://www.vg247.com/mystic-messenger-ban-wave-thousands-of-hourglasses-anniversary Mystic Messenger, arguably one of the best dating sims around, has been dormant for about seven years. Despite not receiving new content or any meaningful updates in all that time, the game remains popular with its core fans, many of whom just woke up to some shocking news about their accounts. Read more

Title: Forza Horizon 6 review - The driving game for everyone still can’t seem to escape its car-collecting legacy Date: Thu, 14 May 2026 12:00:03 +0000 Link: https://www.vg247.com/forza-horizon-6-review There is this idea that, for a long-running series to remain as consistently popular as Forza Horizon has been, it needs to diminish itself somewhat with each new entry, gradually losing more and more of its edge in a bid to appeal to the widest possible audience. Read more

Title: Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis Preorders Are Live On PS5, Xbox, Switch 2, And PC Date: Mon, 15 Jun 2026 23:39:09 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/tomb-raider-legacy-of-atlantis-preorders-are-live-on-ps5-xbox-switch-2-and-pc/ Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis Standard Edition $60 | Releases February 12, 2027 Preorder at Best Buy View at other stores Preorder at Walmart Preorder at Target Preorder at GameStop Preorder at Amazon Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis Deluxe Edition $70 | Releases February 10, 2027 Preorder at Best Buy View at other stores Preorder at Walmart Preorder at Target Preorder at GameStop Preorder at Amazon Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis Collector's Edition (PS5, Xbox, Switch 2) $200 | Releases February 10, 2027 Preorder at Best Buy View at other stores Preorder at GameStop Preorder at Amazon (Sold Out) Lara Croft's original adventure is getting a ground-up reimagining with Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, launching for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC on February 12, 2027. Preorders are now live, with multiple physical and digital editions available on all platforms. While you can grab physical PS5 and Xbox copies of the game at all major retailers, Switch 2 preorders are only live at GameStop at the time of writing. The Switch 2 version is also a Game Key-Card release, meaning it doesn't include the game data on the cartridge. Instead, inserting the Game Key-Card into a Switch 2 lets you download the digital eShop version, which requires an internet connection and enough hard drive space to install the game. The Switch 2 version's file size has not been confirmed. Preordering any of the versions announced so far get you in-game bonuses, and some editions even include physical collectibles along with early access to the full game. Here's a look at each version of Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis available plus links for where to preorder. Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis Preorder Bonuses Preordering any physical or digital version of Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis unlocks Lara's Survivor Outfit as a bonus in-game skin. the outfit is based on Lara's appearance in the 2013 Tomb Raider reboot. Additionally, purchasing the physical Standard Edition of the game through Amazon nets you an exclusive Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis collectible poster. While not a preorder bonus, per se--the poster will be included in the Amazon physical edition even after launch--but it's worth grabbing ahead of time in case this version sells out. On top of these bonus items, the Deluxe or Collector's Editions also offer up to 48-hour early access to the full game starting on February 10, 2027. Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis Standard Edition $60 | Releases February 12, 2027 The Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis Standard Edition includes the base game and the Survivor Outfit preorder bonus. Purchasing the game at Amazon gets you an Amazon-exclusive fold-out poster.Physical PS5 and Xbox preorders are available at Best Buy, Walmart, Target, GameStop, and Amazon. Switch 2 Game Key-Card preorders are live at GameStop. Digital preorders are also available on all platforms Preorder at Best Buy Preorder at Walmart Preorder at Target Preorder at GameStop Preorder at Amazon Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis Deluxe Edition $70 | Releases February 10, 2027 The Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis Deluxe Edition includes the base game and up to access to play it 48 hours early, beginning on February 10. You also get the post-launch DLC story pack and the "Parisian Outfit" for Lara. Physical copies of the Deluxe Editions have a "Deluxe Edition" banner on the game case. Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis base game Post-launch DLC Story Pack Parisian Fugitive Outfit Survivor Outfit (preorder bonus) You can preorder the physical Deluxe Edition for $70 on all consoles. Digital preorders are also available on PC and console. Preorder at Best Buy Preorder at Walmart Preorder at Target Preorder at GameStop Preorder at Amazon Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis Collector's Edition (PS5, Xbox, Switch 2) $200 | Releases February 10, 2027 The Legacy of Atlantis Collector's Edition includes the base game and all the Deluxe Edition content, plus a selection of physical collectibles, including a statue depicting the iconic Lara vs. T-Rex fight. You also get 48-hour early access to the game starting February 10. Here's a look at everything in this version: Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis base game Lara Croft vs. T-Rex Statue Triumvirate Talisman Keychain Croft Signet Pin Steelbook game case Mini Art Book Post-launch DLC Story Pack Parisian Fugitive Outfit Survivor Outfit (preorder bonus) PS5 and Xbox Series X versions of the Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis Collector's Edition preorders are available at Best Buy and GameStop. GameStop also has Switch 2 Collector's Edition preorders. It's currently sold out at Amazon, but it's worth monitoring Amazon's listings for if its restocked. Physical PC Collector's Editions are also planned--though this version will include a Steam key as a code in a box--and we'll update this section once preorders are live. Preorder at Best Buy Preorder at GameStop Preorder at Amazon (Sold Out) Legacy of Atlantis was first announced during the 2025 Game Awards to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the original release of Tomb Raider. The new title is "a true reimagining of the original game" and will be co-developed by Crystal Dynamics and Poland-based developer Flying Wild Hog. According to the game's official description, the remake is "built from the ground up in Unreal Engine 5," and "features a gorgeous re-envisioning of iconic environments, immersive sound design, modern gameplay mechanics, and new surprises, all while honoring the spirit of the classic." GameSpot's own Jessica Cogswell recently sat down with the game's director, Daul Siquera, to learn more about this reimagined version of Lara and her inaugural adventure. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fn1EREGsdFg More Deals And Preorders Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis Preorders Are Live On PS5, Xbox, Switch 2, And PC Super Mario Lego Sets Are Up To 30% Off At Amazon All Three Xenoblade Chronicles Switch 2 Editions Are Up For Preorder Lies of P: Complete Edition Switch 2 Preorders Include Some Cool Collectibles Preorders For The Minecraft Dungeons 2 Deluxe Edition Are Live Star Wars Zero Company Preorders Are Live: Here’s What’s In Every Edition Persona 4 Revival Preorders Are Now Open, Including A Massive Collector’s Edition Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse Preorders Include An Alucard-Themed Bonus Costume Rayman Legends Retold Preorders Include Bonus Costumes Based On Rayman 3 Where To Preorder Control Resonant Silent Hill: Townfall Preorders Emerge At Amazon And Best Buy Fable Premium Edition Preorders Include 5-Day Early Access To The Full Game More Deals And Preorders Links (7)

Title: Super Mario Lego Sets Are Up To 30% Off At Amazon Date: Mon, 15 Jun 2026 21:56:05 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/super-mario-lego-sets-are-up-to-30-off-at-amazon/ Numerous Lego Super Mario and Mario Kart sets are on sale at Amazon ahead of Prime Day, saving you as much as 30% off the MSRP price. The sale includes big price cuts on sets like the Mario Kart Standard Kit--which is down to its all-time lowest Amazon price of $16 (was $20)--and the popular Pirahna Plant for $42 (was $60), among several others, including some hard-to-find kits and a few that are set to retire soon. See all deals at Amazon If you're looking for a quick build, the aforementioned Mario Kart Standard Kart set is just 174 pieces. It's also one of the sets Lego is retiring soon, so it's a good opportunity to pick it up. The 512-piece Mario Kart Wario & King Boo is also planned to retire soon, but you can pick it up for $40 (was $50) thanks to Amazon's sale. For those looking for more challenging projects, the Super Mario World: Mario & Yoshi is the largest set in the sale at 1,215 pieces. The display is a faithful recreation of the iconic 16-bit sprite of Mario riding Yoshi in Super Mario World. It's on sale for $104 (was $130). Another large-scale build in the sale is The Bowser Express Train, which is down to $84 (was $120). The set features a train modeled after Bowser's head, two train stations, and a handcar. You also get a total of six minifigure characters: Hammer Bro, Boom Boom, two Goombas, and two Para-Biddybuds. It's currently out of stock at Lego, so this is a good chance to grab it at a discount. Amazon's sale also features several of the Lego Super Mario interactive playsets, such as the Super Mario Adventures with Interactive Princess Peach and Super Mario Adventures with Interactive Luigi, which are both marked down to $40 each from their standard $50 price tags. There are also Mario Kart playsets like the Interactive Mario & Standard Kart set, which is down to $44 (was $55) and The Mario Kart Baby Peach & Grand Prix Set Home Circuit for $56 (was $80). These set ship with interactive character figures that react to other pieces with expressions and sounds, like when collecting a coin or bouncing on a Koopa. You can check the full lineup of discounted Lego Mario sets below, or at Amazon. And be sure to check back regularly this month to catch all the early Amazon Prime Day deals like these. Amazon's Lego Super Mario & Mario Kart Sale The Bowser Express Train (1,392 pieces) -- $84 ($120) Mario Kart Baby Mario vs. Baby Luigi (321 pieces) -- $24 ($30) Retiring Soon Mario Kart Baby Peach & Grand Prix (823 pieces) -- $56 ($80) Retiring Soon Mario Kart Interactive Mario & Standard Kart (278 pieces) -- $44 ($55) Mario Kart Standard Kart (174 pieces) -- $16 ($20) Retiring Soon Mario Kart Toad's Garage (390 pieces) -- $32 ($40) Retiring Soon Mario Kart Wario & King Boo (512 pieces) -- $40 ($50) Retiring Soon Pirahna Plant (540 pieces) -- $42 ($60) Super Mario Adventures With Interactive Luigi (210 pieces) -- $40 ($50) Super Mario Adventures With Interactive Princess Peach (208 pieces) -- $40 ($50) Super Mario Party at Toad's House (276 pieces) -- $24 ($30) Super Mario Soda Jungle Maker (598 pieces) -- $50 ($55) Retiring Soon Super Mario World: Mario & Yoshi (1,215 pieces) -- $104 ($130) More Deals And Preorders Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis Preorders Are Live On PS5, Xbox, Switch 2, And PC Super Mario Lego Sets Are Up To 30% Off At Amazon All Three Xenoblade Chronicles Switch 2 Editions Are Up For Preorder Lies of P: Complete Edition Switch 2 Preorders Include Some Cool Collectibles Preorders For The Minecraft Dungeons 2 Deluxe Edition Are Live Star Wars Zero Company Preorders Are Live: Here’s What’s In Every Edition Persona 4 Revival Preorders Are Now Open, Including A Massive Collector’s Edition Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse Preorders Include An Alucard-Themed Bonus Costume Rayman Legends Retold Preorders Include Bonus Costumes Based On Rayman 3 Where To Preorder Control Resonant Silent Hill: Townfall Preorders Emerge At Amazon And Best Buy Fable Premium Edition Preorders Include 5-Day Early Access To The Full Game More Deals And Preorders Links (7)

Title: Hundreds Of Books Are On Sale In Amazon’s Buy 2 Get 1 Free Sale Date: Mon, 15 Jun 2026 21:31:00 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/amazons-b1g1-half-off-sale-books/1100-6538075/ Amazon's massive Buy Two, Get One Free sale is back as an early Prime Day deal just in time to stock up your summer reading list. To take advantage of this deal, add three eligible books to your cart; you'll then receive a discount on the lowest-priced item at checkout. Most eligible books are also seeing big price cuts in addition to the B2G1 promotion, meaning you can save quite a bit while the deal is available. Dozens of novels, comics, art books, and other reading material are eligible for the discount, so we've compiled a list of some of our favorite books that are on sale, as well as some trending picks and bestsellers if you're looking for recommendations. See all deals at Amazon If you're looking to pick up a few of the titles we mentioned in our Books You Should Read Based On Your Favorite Video Game story, you'll find Tress of the Emerald Sea, Six of Crows, and Throne of Glass are all included. The first book in the popular LitRPG series Dungeon Crawler Carl is also part of this deal, as are as classic fantasy series like Lord of the Rings and newer sci-fi releases like Red Rising. If you or someone special in your life is a Romantasy fan, several of the genre's most popular books and series are on sale. Sarah J. Maas fans can get the entire Throne of Glass box set right now for 43% off, dropping the price to $88 (normally $155), while From Blood and Ash, Fourth Wing, and The Knight and the Moth are all seeing steep discounts as well. Speaking of steamy romances Game Changer, the first book in the spicy Romance series that inspired HBO's Heated Rivalry, is part of the sale, as well as several other titles that have seen recent or upcoming screen adaptations, such as Project Hail Mary and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, while those looking for a new non-fiction book might want to check out Lena Dunham's new memoir Famesick. Check out the list below for even more of our recommendations, or check out Amazon's full Buy Two Get One Free sale to browse all the options. Game Changer, the first book in the spicy Romance series that inspired HBO's Heated Rivalry, is part of the sale, as well as several other titles that have seen recent or upcoming screen adaptations, such as Project Hail Mary and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. If you or someone special in your life is a Romantasy fan, several of the genre's most popular books and series are on sale. Sarah J. Maas fans can get the entire Throne of Glass box set right now for 43% off, while From Blood and Ash, Fourth Wing, and The Knight and the Moth are all seeing steep discounts as well. Amazon Buy 2 Get 1 Free Book Deals Alchemised -- $20.36 ($35) Artemis -- $10 ($21) Atomic Habits -- $18 ($27) The Butcher's Masquerade (Dungeon Crawler Carl) -- $21.29 ($35) Carl's Doomsday Scenario (Dungeon Crawler Carl) -- $18 ($30) A Court of Mist and Fury -- $12.82 ($19) A Court of Thorns and Roses -- $14.24 ($19) A Court of Silver Flames -- $11.49 ($19) Crown of Midnight -- $10.16 ($19) The Dungeon Anarchist's Cookbook (Dungeon Crawler Carl) -- $17 ($30) Dungeon Crawler Carl -- $15 ($20) Dungeon Crawler Carl Graphic Novel -- $15 ($20) The Eye of the Bedlam Bride (Dungeon Crawler Carl) -- $21.28 ($39) Famesick: A Memoir -- $27 ($32) Fourth Wing -- $11.80 ($21) Game Changer -- $10.61 ($19) The Gate of the Feral Gods (Dungeon Crawler Carl) -- $20.73 ($30) Heated Rivalry -- $13 ($19) Iron Flame -- $11.87 ($22) The Knight and the Moth -- $14.59 ($20) A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms -- $15 ($20) The Lost Bookshop -- $10 ($19) The Martian -- $9 ($19) The Midnight Library -- $14.52 ($18) Murdle: Volume 1 -- $12.48 ($16) A Parade of Horribles (Dungeon Crawler Carl) -- $22.38 ($32) Project Hail Mary -- $14 ($22) Red Rising -- $10 ($18) The Road -- $9 ($20) This Inevitable Ruin (Dungeon Crawler Carl) -- $22.47 ($39) Tower of Dawn -- $10 ($19) Throne of Glass -- $10.70 ($19) Six of Crows -- $7 ($16) Sunrise on the Reaping -- $15 ($28) Starside (Deluxe Limited Edition) -- $21 ($34) Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow -- $10.16 ($19) Tress of the Emerald Sea -- $15 ($20) When the Moon Hatched -- $12.81 ($22) Book Box Set Deals The Bloodsworn Saga Boxed Set -- $38.48 ($55) Crescent City Hardcover Box Set -- $64.88 ($99) George R. R. Martin's A Game of Thrones Five-Book Boxed Set (Leather Bound) -- $45 ($85) The Hunger Games Four-Book Paperback Box Set -- $33.30 ($62) J.R.R. Tolkien 4-Book Boxed Set -- $28 ($36) Mistborn Boxed Set -- $23 ($35) The Stormlight Archive Boxed Set, Books 1-3 -- $25 ($39) Throne of Glass Box Set -- $88 ($155) More Deals And Preorders Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis Preorders Are Live On PS5, Xbox, Switch 2, And PC Super Mario Lego Sets Are Up To 30% Off At Amazon All Three Xenoblade Chronicles Switch 2 Editions Are Up For Preorder Lies of P: Complete Edition Switch 2 Preorders Include Some Cool Collectibles Preorders For The Minecraft Dungeons 2 Deluxe Edition Are Live Star Wars Zero Company Preorders Are Live: Here’s What’s In Every Edition Persona 4 Revival Preorders Are Now Open, Including A Massive Collector’s Edition Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse Preorders Include An Alucard-Themed Bonus Costume Rayman Legends Retold Preorders Include Bonus Costumes Based On Rayman 3 Where To Preorder Control Resonant Silent Hill: Townfall Preorders Emerge At Amazon And Best Buy Fable Premium Edition Preorders Include 5-Day Early Access To The Full Game More Deals And Preorders Links (7) Sign up for GameSpot's Weekly Deals Newsletter: GameSpot's Weekly Deals, Straight to Your Inbox Join GameSpot's Weekly Deals newsletter and get the top game and gear discounts every week. 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Title: Double Fine, Ninja Theory, And More Reportedly Trying To Spin Off From Xbox Game Studios Date: Mon, 15 Jun 2026 21:19:30 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/double-fine-ninja-theory-and-more-reportedly-trying-to-spin-off-from-xbox-game-studios/ Earlier today, word broke that Microsoft is reportedly planning to close Compulsion Games--the studio behind South of Midnight, We Happy Few, and Contrast--as part of a larger round of layoffs and studio closures. Now, there's word that a handful of Xbox Studios' smaller developers are taking some steps to avoid that fate. Bloomberg is reporting that Compulsion, Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and "several other studios" have started negotiations with Microsoft to spin off their companies from Xbox Studios and avert full studio closures. Potentially, this would give the studios a chance to buy out Microsoft's stake in their companies or allow them to find financial backers who could become the new owners. However, that may not be enough to save every developer at the affected studios. Bloomberg notes that "many employees will likely lose their jobs as a result" of going independent. Consequently, employees at some of the studios have reportedly been cleared to begin looking for other work. It appears this process may be further along at Ninja Theory, with The Verge reporting Microsoft has already opted to close the studio. The scope of the potential layoffs isn't clear, and there have even been reports that Microsoft is considering spinning off Xbox itself into a new standalone company. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella recently stressed the need for the Xbox gaming division to pull its financial weight. Ahead of any big changes to Xbox itself, Craig Duncan, the head of Xbox Game Studios, has left the company after a 15-year stint with Microsoft. Duncan's chief of staff, Louise O’Connor, is also leaving Xbox.

Title: Obsession Director Would Be Up For A Video Game Movie Date: Mon, 15 Jun 2026 21:17:59 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/obsession-director-would-be-up-for-a-video-game-movie/ Filmmaker Curry Barker is on top of the world right now thanks to the success of his horror movie Obsession. It's made more than $220 million against a reported $750,000 budget, and everyone wants to know what he's going to do next. He is making a new Texas Chainsaw Massacre movie, and plans to expand Obsession into possible sequels and a TV show, but what else? A video game movie, perhaps. He told Josh Horowitz on the Happy Sad Confused podcast that while he is not a big gamer himself, he would be open to making a video game movie one day. Asked if there was a specific game that he would jump at the chance to direct, if asked, he said, "Yeah, probably. I feel like video games are sometimes really good concepts for movies, and I'm like, 'Ah, man, I wish that was a movie.'" "I'm not a huge gamer, so I don't know. But Five Nights at Freddy's ... I probably would have went a different direction with it. But that would have been something cool [for me to do]," he added. Curry also talked about how he had dinner with Zach Cregger (Weapons, Barbarian) and he thinks Cregger is being really smart with his idea for Resident Evil and making a movie in the spirit of the games but not an adaptation of a specific title. Barker and Cregger have had similar career trajectories in some ways, having both started out with sketch comedy (That's A Bad Idea for Barker and Whitest Kids 'U Know for Cregger) before transitioning to making horror/psychological thrillers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J61DU21Q_N4 Barker also revealed his own personal favorite video game, calling out Naughty Dog's Uncharted--though he did not single out a specific entry. That movie was already adapted for a film starring Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg. Another director with a breakout movie this year, Kane Parsons (Backrooms), said he is also interested in making a video game movie, and it could be an adaptation of Valve's Portal.

Title: The Batman Part 2 casting rumor reveals an even darker movie than the original Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2026 03:30:13 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/rumored-casting-suggests-the-batman-part-ii-is-going-to-be-even-darker-than-its-predecessor/ From the tragic sci-fi horror of Mr. Freeze to the shadowy conspiracy of the Court of Owls, speculation has run rampant over the past several years regarding which villain director Matt Reeves might pluck from the pages of DC Comics for his The Batman follow-up. But recent reports surrounding The Batman Part II are beginning to pick up steam, and while none of them should be taken as fact just yet, they offer a compelling glimpse into what Reeves may have planned next for Gotham City.

Title: Summer Hikaru Died leads 2026 best manga awards nominees list Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2026 01:33:38 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/2026-best-manga-american-awards-nominees-list/ The American Manga Awards return for their third year in 2026, and the ceremony is shaping up to be its biggest yet. Produced by Anime NYC and Japan Society, the awards celebrate not only standout manga titles, but the broader ecosystem that makes English-language releases possible, including translators, letterers, and designers who make Japanese comics readable and beautiful for Western audiences. This year’s ceremony will take place on August 20, 2026, at Japan Society in New York City, the night before Anime NYC opens at the Javits Center.

Title: House of the Dragon season 3 might finally redeem itself with the Battle of the Gullet Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2026 00:00:20 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/house-of-the-dragon-season-3-premiere-battle-of-the-gullet/ Perhaps the single biggest battle in Westeros history is finally about to begin.

Title: Xbox ponders closing Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and more in 'reset' Date: Mon, 15 Jun 2026 22:44:47 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/xbox-ninja-theory-double-fine-studio-closure/ The situation at Xbox somehow keeps getting more grim. Following a report earlier today indicating Microsoft is considering shutting down Compulsion Games, the studio behind the award-winningSouth of Midnight, Bloomberg reported that several other celebrated studios at Xbox are on the chopping block as well.

Title: Disney's Marvel x Muppets crossover is about to put Avengers: Doomsday to shame Date: Mon, 15 Jun 2026 21:54:35 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/muppets-take-marvel-universe-crossover-news/ Don't get me wrong, I'm very excited to see the Avengers, the X-Men, and the Fantastic Four sharing the screen this December for Avengers: Doomsday, but earlier today Marvel announced an upcoming crossover event that speaks to my very soul. Coming this September, Marvel will be releasing the one-shot comic The Muppets Take the Marvel Universe, where Marvel's greatest heroes will team up with Jim Henson's greatest creations to celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Muppet Show.

Title: Save Big and Play Bigger: GeForce NOW Summer Sale Brings Major Membership Savings Date: Thu, 11 Jun 2026 13:00:17 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-summer-sale-2026/ The GeForce NOW summer sale kicked off today with limited-time savings of up to $70 off a 12-month membership, making now the perfect time to upgrade to get the best of the cloud and see just how far Ultimate gaming can go. PC gamers are driven by one thing: the love of the game. But getting there can be complicated — setups take space, hardware takes planning and downloads take time. GeForce NOW removes the barriers and delivers instant access to games, high-performance GeForce RTX power in the cloud and the ability to play across nearly any device — all with one membership. Regular upgrades and new features continue to expand the experience, building the value of that membership over time.  Plus, GeForce NOW is always delivering new games — including epic adventures across Tyria. Guild Wars 3 is coming to GeForce NOW, bringing its next-generation massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) experience to the cloud at launch. While awaiting its arrival, the journey begins today with Guild Wars 2 and Guild Wars Reforged, along with limited-time exclusive rewards. Instantly Elevate Every Device PC gaming demands more from players than ever. Bigger game files and more frequent updates can turn the urge to play into a long list of to-dos. GeForce NOW streamlines that experience. Installs, patches and updates are handled in the cloud, so games are ready to launch in just a click. Time that would’ve been spent waiting on progress bars can go back into playtime, making it easier to fit gaming into quick breaks on busy days. High-performance NVIDIA GPUs in the cloud means access to always-ready GeForce RTX performance without having to purchase new hardware. Members can tap into powerful servers that meet rising game requirements and keep pace with today’s games. And memberships continue to improve with platform upgrades — like the free Ultimate upgrade to the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture — extending their value, as well as the life of gamers’ devices, over time. All of the gaming. Laptops, phones, tablets and TVs — devices most gamers have at home and already use for school, work and everyday life — can all act as gaming screens. Streaming means not having to worry about hard drive space for installs and updates, or needing the latest devices.  Level up playing on Linux. These benefits are reinforced by continuous quality-of-life improvements like smoother sign-ins, new platforms — like Linux and Amazon Fire TV — and refinements that make it faster and easier to get into a gaming session. Together, these benefits make GeForce NOW the easiest way to enjoy PC gaming both instantly and over time, while keeping the focus on what matters most to gamers: getting into the game. The Biggest Gaming Upgrade, the Best Price of the Year Sale-ing into summer with huge savings. For a limited time this summer, GeForce NOW memberships are available at some of the year’s best pricing — with major savings on 12-month memberships: $35 off a 12-month Performance membership $70 off a 12-month Ultimate membership The Performance membership delivers smooth, high-quality cloud gaming across devices, with streaming up to 1080p at 60 frames per second (fps) and access to RTX-powered servers for supported games. The Ultimate membership steps things up with RTX 4080‑ or 5080‑class performance in the cloud, supporting up to 4K and beyond on ultrawide displays, up to 120 fps, and advanced features like ray tracing, NVIDIA DLSS and NVIDIA Reflex for a more responsive, visually rich experience. These limited-time discounts won’t last long — beat the heat and jump into GeForce NOW.  A New Legend Rises One of the best things about the cloud is that every week, new games become available to stream — including new AAA games at launch and the latest content and rewards.  The land of Orr awaits. Guild Wars 3 marks the next adventure in Tyria — an action-adventure MMORPG where fluid combat, deep character building and a living world of magic and mystery shape every journey. Alliances are forged, spirits awaken and every step forward leaves a lasting mark on an untamed frontier. Be among the first to raise the banner. Gamers can add Guild Wars 3 to their wishlist today and stay up to date on every reveal as it marches toward launch. While the next chapter in Tyria prepares to unfold, its legacy is ready to be played today. Return to adventure in Guild Wars 2 and Guild Wars Reforged, and unlock exclusive in-game rewards for a limited time — available for GeForce NOW Premium members today through Saturday, July 11, and free to all members beginning Friday, June 12. Be on the lookout for an email with codes to redeem.  In Guild Wars 2, the “Masterpiece Emote Tome” turns every victory into a moment of flair — a chef’s kiss to triumph. Start playing by applying the code through an ArenaNet account or during account creation, then log in to access the emote. In Guild Wars Reforged, the “Vision of Lyssa” costume brings elegance and illusion to life and includes an account upgrade. Inspired by the twin goddess, this striking ensemble can be worn over any armor. Redeem by adding the code in game, then visit a Costume Maker NPC to claim the reward. But Wait, There’s More Duet Night Abyss from Hero Games makes a splash on GeForce NOW, plunging players into a submerged world where survival is shared. Control a synchronized duo tethered by fragile oxygen lines, navigate glowing reefs, drowned ruins and shadowy chasms where every move demands trust and timing. The game’s moody visuals and tense, cooperative focus give each dive the feel of a playable deep-sea thriller. GeForce NOW is kicking off a new Community Corner for the summer, spotlighting stories and creations from members across the globe. This week, a community story takes the spotlight as a Linux gamer on Reddit shares how GFN has helped them with accessibility gaming, saving storage space on massive titles and minimizing upgrades. In addition, members can look for the following: NBA THE RUN (New release on Steam, available on June 9) Witchspire (New release on Steam, available on June 10) SpaceCraft (New release on Steam, available on June 11) Duet Night Abyss (Launcher) DOOM Eternal (Epic Games Store) The Elder Scrolls Online (Xbox, available on Game Pass) Farever (Steam) World of Tanks: HEAT (Wargaming) Finally, Pro Cycling Manager 26 is now scheduled to launch on Monday, June 15, and Denshattack! is now expected to launch on Wednesday, July 15.  What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below.

Title: NVIDIA, KRAFTON, NC and Reigning ‘League of Legends’ Champions T1 Celebrate RTX Spark at Korea’s PC Bangs Date: Sun, 07 Jun 2026 07:00:15 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/krafton-nc-t1-korea-gaming-pc-bang-rtx-spark/ At GTC Taipei at COMPUTEX last week, NVIDIA unveiled RTX Spark, the superchip that reinvents Windows PCs for the era of personal AI agents. On the heels of this announcement, NVIDIA founder and CEO Jensen Huang headed to South Korea, where he introduced RTX Spark to the nation’s passionate gaming community. Leading game developers — including Korea’s KRAFTON and NC — are already working to bring their titles to RTX Spark-powered systems.  Designed for local AI, creating and gaming, RTX Spark brings together 30 years of NVIDIA innovation to slim Windows laptops with all-day battery life and small, ultraefficient desktop PCs.  With the superchip, gamers can play AAA games at 1440p resolution and over 100 frames per second with NVIDIA ray tracing, DLSS and Reflex technologies. In addition, RTX Spark supports all NVIDIA RTX technologies, including the recently announced DLSS 4.5 Ray Reconstruction, which features a second-generation transformer model for realistic image quality.  RTX Spark Ignites Korea’s Gaming Community Korea has played a major role in spearheading esports and driving the boom in PC bangs, or internet and gaming cafes. With longstanding collaborations rooted in the country, NVIDIA in October celebrated 25 years of GeForce in Korea with a free festival for gamers, highlighting the rich gaming ecosystem that has been built over decades.    On Friday, Huang headed to T1 Base Camp — a PC bang owned by T1, one of Korea’s top esports teams. There, he met with T1’s reigning League of Legends World Champion team, including six-time World Champion Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok to unveil RTX Spark.  NVIDIA and Riot Games — developer of League of Legends — are collaborating to bring the title as well as VALORANT to RTX Spark, expanding gamers’ access to high-performance gaming on slim laptops.  To mark the occasion, T1 Base Camp attendees had the chance to win RTX Spark laptops, League of Legends and T1 merch signed by Huang and Faker, as well as GeForce RTX 5090 GPUs.  Surprising PC-Bang Gamers  Later, Huang headed to Seoul’s Gangnam district, where he surprised PC-bang gamers with a first look at RTX Spark with KRAFTON and NC.  At the first stop, Optimum Zone PC, Huang and KRAFTON Chairman Byung-gyu Chang showcased PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS and Subnautica 2 on RTX Spark to a captivated crowd of gamers.  Gamers then got the surprise chance to play with the unreleased PUBG Ally, a co-playable character built with NVIDIA ACE technologies on RTX Spark laptops. PUBG Ally resulted from AI research and development at KRAFTON and NVIDIA, part of an initiative to create next-generation game characters that act like teammates and enable more meaningful, immersive engagements with players. Next, Huang stopped at another PC bang, Portal PC, where he showcased NC’s CINDER CITY and AION 2 on RTX Spark, with support from Taekjin Kim, co-CEO of NC.  NC and NVIDIA began working together in the early 2000s on the Lineage franchise and have since collaborated to integrate RTX technology into many of NC’s flagship games, including Lineage 2, AION, Blade & Soul, AION 2 and CINDER CITY.  Gamers at Portal PC were given the chance to play a demo of NC’s highly anticipated open-world massively multiplayer online tactical shooter CINDER CITY on GeForce RTX-powered PCs.   CINDER CITY will support the DLSS 4.5 Dynamic Multi Frame Generation and Super Resolution features at launch. Plus, gamers will be able to experience the title on slim RTX Spark laptops and compact desktops when the game is released later this year.  In addition to KRAFTON, NC, and Riot Games, 100+ Windows software providers and game developers are embracing RTX Spark. These partners include NetEase, Remedy Entertainment and XBOX.  Learn more about RTX Spark and its launch partners.

Title: Forecast: Fun Ahead — 18 Games Join in June to Stream on GeForce NOW Date: Thu, 04 Jun 2026 13:00:27 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-june-2026-games-list/ June’s forecast with GeForce NOW: 100% chance of gaming. GeForce NOW is lining up new adventures for the month, from big-name blockbusters to quirky indies ready for the spotlight. Members can dive into fresh worlds, squad up in new playlists and discover “just one more run” favorites — all streaming from the cloud, no downloads or upgrades required.  Eighteen games are coming this month, starting with the 10 games arriving this week with the highly requested Neverness to Everness.  A World Beyond City limits end where reality bends. Step into a surreal, supernatural open world in NTE: Neverness to Everness from Hota Studio. Reality bends, streets twist into impossible angles and the uncanny waits around every corner. Play as an anomaly hunter drawn into a strange metropolis alive with anomalies, cosmic oddities and dreamlike encounters. Explore the city’s districts at street level or from impossible heights, uncovering secrets, side stories and hidden paths woven through the tangled skyline. Combat and exploration blend together as players move between quiet, eerie spaces and sudden bursts of action.  Every alleyway and rooftop hides something strange and new, from bizarre characters to otherworldly phenomena that reshape the environment in unexpected ways. Streaming with GeForce NOW lets the game’s distinctive art direction and atmospheric lighting shine, keeping the city’s moody glow, deep shadows and supernatural effects crisp and sharp.  Whether wandering its streets on a big screen or checking in from a laptop, NTE: Neverness to Everness stays fluid and immersive — powered by the cloud. June Games Juicing Up the Cloud A legend returns. Return to the Valley of Mines in Gothic 1 Remake, a faithful rebuild of the original experience that expands the world with more detailed questlines, additional nonplayer character routines and reactions, new traversal abilities and a fully modernized combat system. Step into the role of the Nameless Hero and explore a dangerous prison colony filled with rival factions, ancient magic, deadly creatures and choices that shape the journey ahead.  Whether revisiting a classic or discovering it for the first time, GeForce NOW makes it easy to jump into the adventure instantly across nearly any device, no downloads required. Check out what all is available this week: Jurassic World Evolution 3 (New release on Xbox, available on Game Pass) Fatekeeper (New release on Steam, available June 2) House Flipper Remastered Collection (New release on Steam, available June 4) Pro Cycling Manager 26 (New release on Steam, available June 4) GOALS (New release on Steam, available June 4) Gothic 1 Remake (New release on Steam, available June 5) NTE: Neverness to Everness (Launcher) The Outer Worlds: Spacer’s Choice Edition (Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass) Tomb Raider I-III Remastered (Epic Games Store) XCOM: Enemy Unknown (Steam) And look forward to the games coming throughout the month: STARSEEKER: Astroneer Expeditions (New release on Steam, June 11) SpaceCraft (New release on Steam, June 11) Denshattack! (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass, June 17) The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales (New release on Steam, June 18) Dark Scrolls (New release on Steam, June 22) Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs. Villains (New release on Steam and Ubisoft, June 30) Farever (Steam) FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves (Steam)  More From May In addition to the 16 games announced last month, 18 more joined the GeForce NOW library: Alchemy Factory (Steam) Battlestar Galactica: Scattered Hopes (Steam) Blades of Fire (Steam) BeamNG.drive (Epic Games Store) Directive 8020 (Steam) Disco Elysium (Xbox, available on Game Pass) Oddsparks: An Automation Adventure (Epic Games Store) Ostranauts (Steam) Planet Coaster 2 (Epic Games Store) PowerWash Simulator 2 (Xbox, available on Game Pass) Resident Evil Requiem Demo (Steam) Romestead (Steam) SPLITGATE: Arena Reloaded (Xbox, available on Game Pass) Subnautica 2 (Steam, Epic Games Store and Xbox, available on Game Pass) Sunderfolk (Epic Games Store) TerraTech Legion (Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass) Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus II (Steam) World of Tanks: HEAT (Steam) What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know X or in the comments below.

Title: The Name’s Gaming … Cloud Gaming: ‘007 First Light’ Launches on GeForce NOW Date: Thu, 28 May 2026 13:00:37 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-007-first-light-launch/ License to stream, shaken and stirred. GeForce NOW is dialing up the espionage with the launch of 007 First Light, letting members slip into James Bond’s reimagined origin story from almost any device — no tux or preloads required.  For a limited time, the game is included with the purchase of a 12‑month GeForce NOW Ultimate membership, letting members lock in Bond’s next mission and a year of top-tier cloud gaming in one shot. And for those stepping into the role, the look comes with it. Daring Elite Outfit, a signature look capturing the spirit of a rising agent, is now available for Ultimate members — equal parts discipline, ambition and edge. And catch Capcom’s Resident Evil Requiem demo in the cloud — catch an early portion of the game and discover its two sides: terrifying survival horror with Grace Ashcroft, and pulse-pounding action with Leon S. Kennedy This GFN Thursday also brings eight new games to the cloud, expanding the library with even more ways to play across genres. Mission Assigned First light, first mission. The mission begins before the legend. 007 First Light puts players in the shoes of James Bond at the dawn of his career, when instincts are sharp, rules are flexible and every decision shapes the agent he’s destined to become. This is a Bond who’s still earning his “00” — unpolished, dangerous and learning when to trust a plan and when to improvise under fire. A cinematic spy thriller unfolds with high-stakes infiltration, tense encounters and stylish set pieces. One moment brings thrills working undercover at an opulent event — the next, white‑knuckle chases and close‑quarters confrontations where timing and composure are everything. Approaches to each mission — quiet and calculated, bold and aggressive, or something in between — define Bond’s path and the allies and enemies that cross it. Stream it all with GeForce RTX 50 Series GPU power in the cloud, with up to 5K high dynamic range and cinematic-quality streaming for Ultimate members. Experience Bond’s origin story in razor-sharp detail across devices — no high-end PC required. Keep It Daring Tailored. Tactical. Dangerously sharp. Looks speak first. A new 007 First Light reward drops today on GeForce NOW, delivering Ultimate members a refined,  unmistakably bold way to step into the world of espionage. The Daring Elite Outfit blends calculated precision with effortless style — the kind that turns heads before the mission even begins. Sleek, confident and just a little dangerous, it’s built for agents who understand that presence is a part of the playbook. All rewards are available starting now through Saturday, June 27, or while supplies last. To claim, log in to a GeForce NOW account, head to the rewards section in the account portal and redeem. Keep It Heated Time to get heated. Armored battles get hero-driven in Wargaming’s free-to-play, player vs. player vehicle shooter, World of Tanks: HEAT, now streaming on GeForce NOW. World of Tanks: HEAT is the franchise’s first hero-driven tank action game, where powerful Agents and their experimental machines shape every fight. Fast-paced 5v5 and 10v10 matches erupt into high-velocity brawls as hero-enhanced tanks trade explosive bursts, clutch escapes and momentum-shifting abilities. Each Agent brings a unique tool kit and vehicle lineup, layering team roles and synergy on top of sharp aim and smart positioning. It’s classic steel-on-steel combat with a hero-shooter twist, now available in the cloud. The next match is always just a quick deployment away on GeForce NOW. Keep It Playing Community stories take the spotlight this week as an Ultimate member on Reddit shares a heartfelt note about what GeForce NOW means to daily gaming. In addition, members can look for the following: Romestead (New release on Steam, May 26) World of Tanks: HEAT (New release on Steam, May 26) 007 First Light (New release on Steam, Epic Games Store and Xbox, available on the Microsoft store, May 26) Starminer (New release on Steam, May 27) Resident Evil Requiem Demo (New release on Steam, May 27) Alchemy Factory (Steam) BeamNG.drive (Epic Games Store) Ostranauts (Steam) What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below. nvidia geforce now delivers such flawless performance, it is possible to exert dominance upon the squad ‘w/ absolute precision & @ ease' ♡ more about @nvidiagfn @ https://t.co/pFHAv1zXRS https://t.co/q67SOJNpbO #nvidiapartner #geforcenow pic.twitter.com/NsiK3FIX6v — airie (@airiesummer) May 22, 2026

Title: License to Stream: ‘007 First Light’ Coming to GeForce NOW With an Ultimate Bundle Date: Thu, 21 May 2026 13:00:22 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-007-first-light-ultimate-bundle/ The mission begins now. GeForce NOW is dialing up the action with a blockbuster mix of spy thrills, high-speed racing and member rewards — plus eight new games joining the cloud this week, all ready to stream instantly. Leading the drop: the 007 First Light Ultimate Membership Bundle, which brings a brand-new way to jump into one of the year’s biggest releases and discover James Bond’s reimagined origin story. Rev the engines — the Horizon Festival is calling. Forza Horizon 6 is now available on GeForce NOW — bringing the series’ signature open-world racing and festival energy directly to members, wherever they play. Stream a world built for speed, style and freedom instantly across devices, with no downloads required. Step Into the Cloud of Espionage A license to stream. A mission worth accepting arrives. Starting today through Wednesday, June 10, 007 First Light is included with the purchase of a 12-month GeForce NOW Ultimate membership. Lock it in before the game’s launch, and it’ll be ready to play the moment it goes live on Wednesday, May 27 — no preloads, no waiting, no mission briefings required. This is a new, original take of Bond’s story — before the tux fit perfectly and the martinis got specific. 007 First Light drops players into a sharp, cinematic origin story packed with globe-trotting espionage, close calls and choices that shape how the world’s most famous agent takes form. Expect stealth, spectacle and just enough chaos to keep things interesting. Stream it all with GeForce RTX 50 Series GPU power in the cloud, with up to 5K high dynamic range and cinematic-quality streaming for Ultimate members. It’s high-end PC gaming, minus the high-end PC. Redeeming the mission is simple: After purchase, get the game by going to the “Available to Redeem” section in the account portal, signing in to a Steam account and completing the redemption. The game is for members to keep — and ready to play across devices at launch with GeForce NOW. Welcome to the Festival Engines roar. Crowds surge. The road stretches endlessly forward. Forza Horizon 6 is the ultimate automotive playground — a shared world where racing, exploration and creativity come together. Every road, trail and skyline is designed to be driven, discovered and mastered. Take on a wide range of events, from high-speed street races to off-road expeditions, or drop into live activities happening across the world. Build a garage of iconic cars spanning decades of automotive history, each brought to life with incredible detail and customization. The Horizon Festival is more than competition — it’s a celebration of car culture and music. Seamless online features connect players across events and challenges, making every session feel alive and unpredictable. Powered by the cloud, GeForce NOW delivers the festival in stunning detail. Members experience ultrasmooth performance and vivid environments without needing to wait for installs or upgrading hardware. With technologies like NVIDIA DLSS enhancing performance and visual fidelity, every reflection, speed blur and finish-line sprint hits at full intensity. Community Spotlight Community-created content takes the spotlight this week, as GeForce NOW ambassador Cloud Gaming Battle sits down with Andrew Fear, GeForce NOW product manager director at NVIDIA, to dive into what makes the service tick. The conversation covers how GeForce NOW brings high-performance PC gaming from the cloud to a wide range of devices, giving a closer look at the tech, thinking and passion behind the platform. It’s a conversation that the GFN Reddit community is calling “genuinely inspirational.” In addition, members can look for the following: Forza Horizon 6 (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass, May 19) Deep Rock Galactic: Rogue Core (New release on Steam, May 20) Luna Abyss (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass, May 21) Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus II (New release on Steam, May 21) ZERO PARADES: For Dead Spies (New release on Steam, May 21) Splitgate Arena Reloaded (Xbox, Available on Game Pass) Sunderfolk (Epic Games Store) TerraTech Legion (Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass) What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below. Rev your engines — the Horizon Festival is calling. @ForzaHorizon 6 is now streaming on GeForce NOW – stream a world built for speed in the cloud today. pic.twitter.com/hJuKFT2GZp — NVIDIA GeForce NOW (@NVIDIAGFN) May 19, 2026

Title: Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ final update features Animus-bending endgame content Domains Date: Mon, 15 Jun 2026 16:00:36 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/06/15/assassins-creed-shadows-final-update-features-animus-bending-endgame-content-domains/ Assassin’s Creed Shadows will launch its final update on June 16, featuring a final story quest which sees Naoe and Yasuke face off against a mysterious pair of Templars and includes a few narrative connections to the upcoming Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced. Plus, a whole new endgame feature called Domains will bring new ways for players to test their skills and builds in the ultimate arena. We sat down with Associate Game Director Simon Lemay-Comtois to dig into what Domains is and how it’s designed to break your beloved gear builds. Play Video What is Domains? Simon: Domains is a new Animus-bending activity that remixes some parts of Shadows and puts them into a very different, more fantastical context. It’s basically the final exam for Shadows players who love the RPG elements of the game. It features five maps, known as Domains, and each time you play there will be different modifiers thrown in. You’ll need to switch up your build to suit the map, the challenges, and the modifiers. What kinds of challenges can players expect? Simon: Killing the Daishos in each map will unlock the final boss arena where you will take on one of three corrupted, Animus-altered boss fights, all while dealing with the modifiers. The harder the difficulty, the more modifiers you’ll have to deal with at once, and the more negative modifiers you are likely to get. For example, in the easier challenges maybe you’ll get a health boost, but as you progress the deck becomes stacked against you. We also have Animus Exploits which you can use to nullify some of those modifiers, but if your build and skills aren’t on point, then you’re still going to have a rough time. Are builds unique to Domains? Simon: Builds carry over from the main game and anything you create in Domains will be usable there too, since it uses the same interface. The Animus Exploits can’t be used anywhere else, but equipment that you already have will be accessible in Domains and rewards you get will be accessible in the main game. Although, you might find your existing builds need some tweaking, especially as you get to the higher difficulties. Which modifier is your favorite? Simon: So, there’s one called “Like a Prayer” that creates a circle around you. That circle does damage over time, and breakable objects that end up inside the circle get destroyed: doors, barrels, everything just tearing itself to shreds as you advance through the world. It’s super cool. What rewards can players earn in Domains? Simon: There are a bunch of weapons and equipment that are completely unique to Domains, and you can’t get them any other way than completing the challenges. They’re not for purchase and they’re really a badge of honor for players who meet the challenges. And you won’t want to miss them, especially if you’re a fan of the Assassin’s Creed series. This isn’t a narrative-driven feature, but it does fit within the context of the modern-day, real-world Animus setting. In Domains, you are dealing with a human rather than the AIs you interact with in the main game. MOD is a hacker who breaches the Animus and creates Domains, and if you dig around, ask some questions, and find a few little clues, you will get more context and lore about her and what the future might hold. There’s second-degree knowledge to gain from Domains, even though it’s not a narrative-heavy feature. Is there any map that you think is more challenging than the others? Simon: Oh, they’re all very challenging in different ways. For example, if you’re anxious about limited visual distance, the Whiteout Domain is inspired by the harsh winters of Canada, and it can be somewhat tricky to find your way around. I know Quebec City like the back of my hand, but in a blizzard that all goes out the window. But as you kill more and more Daishos, the weather should react and clear up which is a nice feature I wish I had during those Quebec blizzards. Do you have any advice to help players master Domains? Simon: Don’t sleep on Yasuke – a lot of players have put a ton of time into Naoe, but not so much into Yasuke builds. Sometimes he’s the only valid answer to certain modifiers. The power fantasy of Yasuke maxed out, being able to do everything with all his weapons, is definitely a good strategy for some of those domain runs. Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ final update launches completely free on June 16 on PS5. Make sure to download the latest content to dive into the final chapter of Naoe and Yasuke’s tale and challenge yourself to unlock the exclusive rewards (and associated bragging rights) from Domains.

Title: Share of the Week: Duality Date: Fri, 12 Jun 2026 16:00:26 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/06/12/share-of-the-week-duality-2/ Last week, we asked players to share Duality using reflections, opposites, or anything that comes in pairs using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here’s are this week’s highlights: Crimsonashtree shares two different Conor’s in Detroit: Become Human ContinuousGojo shares Cal Kestis undercover in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Mur4dQ shares Mio and Zoe escaping a city in Split Fiction Rorottino shares Sam in a climactic battle in Death Stranding Call_me_xavii shares Atsu and her mother in Ghost of Yōtei Parmindernangla shares Miles and Peter in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Search #PSshare #PSBlog on Twitter or Instagram to see more entries to this week’s theme, or be inspired by other great games featuring Photo Mode. Want to be featured in the next Share of the Week? THEME: SarosSUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on June 17, 2026  Next week, Saros takes the spotlight. With the new photo mode update share your favorite moments from exploring Carcosa using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured.

Title: Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis hands-on report Date: Thu, 11 Jun 2026 13:00:07 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/06/11/tomb-raider-legacy-of-atlantis-hands-on-report/ Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis is a fresh, reimagined take on Lara Croft’s first adventure. I recently played about an hour of Legacy of Atlantis at Summer Game Fest 2026, and saw first-hand how developers Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog are bringing elements from the original game and its first remake, 2007’s Tomb Raider Anniversary, into the modern era. The preview took me to the Lost Valley area in Peru, where I was tasked with solving a new version of Tomb Raider’s iconic cog puzzle. Here, two cogs are needed to reconnect a mechanism that can stop the flow of a nearby waterfall, revealing the door that will let her deeper into the hidden jungle. The mechanism sits in a small pond, and while the first cog is easy to come by, you’ll have to discover the second on your own. Play Video This first portion of the Lost Valley contains no combat, instead putting an emphasis on finding your way through an area full of side paths that can lead you to collectibles and hidden items. Pointedly, Legacy of Atlantis provides little guidance on where to find your missing cog. Instead, you have to use clues in the environment to figure out where to go for yourself. It’s an intentional choice that plays into Lara’s character as an archaeologist and explorer — and finding the right path through the area was, at times, pretty difficult. “If we put you in the boots of Lara Croft, and then hand you a map, or give you Waze directions on where to go, you’re going to feel like, ‘Where’s the challenge in that? Where’s the connection to the character and the headspace that she’s at?'” said Jeff Adams, Experience Director at Crystal Dynamics, during an interview after my session. But Game Director Raul Siqueira at Crystal Dynamics also noted that the team didn’t want to give the impression that Legacy of Atlantis is meant to be a difficult game. Instead, he said, it’s meant to give players the tools they need to create the experience they enjoy, including the ability to increase guidance, and to set the difficulty of puzzles and combat independent from one another. Exploring is its own reward, too. You can find caves by diving down into the pool by hitting Circle while you’re swimming, or discover handholds in walls that lead into ruined buildings, and more. Many of the items to be found yielded rare materials that suggested crafting will be a big part of Lara’s experience, too, although it wasn’t part of the demo.  As in the past, Lara is an acrobatic explorer, hanging off and leaping between ledges with X and using a grappling hook to cross large gaps with Triangle. You’ll even sometimes swing between horizontal poles, timing when to hit X to let go at just the right moment. Though it took a while of searching, I eventually found my way to the last gear, stuck to an ancient wooden contraption. I found a path to climb up and swing across to the gear so Lara could kick it loose, knocking it down into the stream so it would flow down to the mechanism below. After aligning the cogs, the ancient machine started working, the waterfall closed off, and Lara made her way through the doors. Moments later, I stepped back into the jungle — only for velociraptors to leap from the foliage and attack. Here, I finally got to fire away with Lara’s classic dual pistols, which unload as you hold down R2. You can either fire the guns one at a time while on the run, or tighten your aim and go full bore by holding L2 while you shoot. The raptors are quick, fearsome predators, heaving themselves at Lara with vicious attacks, and it quickly became clear that the key to combat in Legacy of Atlantis is to stay mobile and aggressive yourself. When you press Circle, Lara will dive, roll, and cartwheel to deftly escape incoming attacks. Between the exploration elements like swinging from poles, Lara’s long jumps, and the acrobatic dodges and dives in combat, Legacy of Atlantis takes on a bit of a throwback feel. Lara has a slight floatiness that gives the impression of how she felt to control in older Tomb Raider games. It’s a fun melding of modern game design and old-school game feel.  Verify your age to view this content. Verify your age to view this content. “We did look at combat from the lenses of, like, what did we do during the Survivor era [during the last three games] that made sense for Lara at that time in her life, that may not make sense for Lara at the top of her game, which is where we find her in Legacy of Atlantis?” Siqueira told me. “So we were very conscious of, Lara in combat needs to move the same way that she moves in traversal, she needs to move the same way that she does with her puzzles, it needs to be distinctively hers, it needs to have like all the flourishes that you expect, the acrobatics — everything that you want that power fantasy of Lara Croft to be needs to be present.” Verify your age to view this content. Verify your age to view this content. As you attack enemies, you’ll earn Focus, which you can then spend by hitting R1. Doing so lets Lara do a gymnastic flip while time briefly slows, allowing you to fire your guns while dodging. Siqueira said the developers used Focus to help give players an advantage over enemies, so they wouldn’t feel like Lara’s distinct, acrobatic movements were leaving them vulnerable. After pushing down the path and fighting off a few more groups of dinosaurs, things really took a turn. A massive tyrannosaurus rex burst through the trees, triggering a chase scene as Lara and the raptors both went sprinting away from its snapping jaws. While this was a set piece moment, it was still challenging, requiring me to make a careful leap as Lara went sliding down a muddy hill, or to quickly climb a wall, to avoid becoming a snack. The demo ended soon after on a heart-pumping cliffhanger as the T-rex closed in. During my brief time with it, Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis did a lot to capture the old-school feeling of the Tomb Raider series, but with a lot of modern sensibilities. You can leap into Lara Croft’s first adventure yourself when Legacy of Atlantis launches on February 12, 2027.

Title: PlayStation Plus Game Catalog for June: Final Fantasy XVI, Sonic X Shadow Generations, Kingdom Come: Deliverance, and more Date: Wed, 10 Jun 2026 15:30:33 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/06/10/playstation-plus-game-catalog-for-june-final-fantasy-xvi-sonic-x-shadow-generations-kingdom-come-deliverance-and-more/ This month, explore the once-prosperous dark fantasy world of Valisthea in the grip of a blight in Final Fantasy XVI, spin dash through the dark past of the one known as the ultimate lifeform in Sonic X Shadow Generations, work your way up from a humble blacksmith’s forge in medieval Bohemia in Kingdom Come: Deliverance, or forge allies and pursue suspects across two versions of reality in Life is Strange: Double Exposure. All these titles and more are available in June’s PlayStation Plus Game Catalog lineup*. Meanwhile, PlayStation Plus Premium welcomes rhythm classic Gitaroo Man.  We’re exploring new ways to deliver PlayStation Plus Game Catalog titles in select markets. Games will be available on varying dates as noted below in the US, the UK and Japan. The full lineup will be available to play on June 16 in all other regions. PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium | Game Catalog  View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Final Fantasy XVI | PS5   The 16th standalone entry in the legendary Final Fantasy series marks a darker turn for the RPG franchise, with a complex tale of revenge, power struggles and unavoidable tragedy. Play as Clive Rosfield, First Shield of Rosaria and guardian of his younger brother Joshua, the Dominant of the Eikon Phoenix, in the first fully-fledged action-RPG in the mainline Final Fantasy series. Explore the diverse land of Valisthea and use the spectacular Eikonic powers at your disposal to overcome powerful enemies. Final Fantasy XVI will be available globally June 16.  View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Sonic X Shadow Generations | PS5, PS4 When Shadow’s old nemesis, Black Doom, reemerges and threatens to take over the world, Shadow must journey into his own past, confront painful memories, face familiar foes and unlock new powers to save the world and prove why he’s known as the Ultimate Lifeform. Play a complete campaign as Shadow to dive into his dark past and confront familiar foes to save the world and prove why he’s known as the ultimate lifeform. Sonic X Shadow Generations also includes a complete remaster of the classic hit Sonic Generations, featuring newly remastered versions of iconic 2D and 3D stages with upgraded visuals and bonus content. Sonic X Shadow Generations will be available today, June 10 in the US and the UK, and June 11 in Japan. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Kingdom Come: Deliverance | PS5, PS4 (Re)discover Henry’s saga from the start in Kingdom Come: Deliverance, the story-driven open-world RPG set in medieval Bohemia. You are Henry, son of a blacksmith, thrust into a raging civil war that took away your family and entire village. Narrowly escaping this brutal attack, you grab your sword to fight back. Avenge your parents’ death as you battle invading forces, go on game-changing quests, and make influential choices that will have an everlasting impact. The PS5 version of Kingdom Come: Deliverance now features graphical updates including 4K resolution, improved framerate, high-resolution textures and more. Medieval Bohemia has never been so beautiful. Kingdom Come: Deliverance will be available June 23 in the US, the UK and Japan. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Life is Strange: Double Exposure | PS5 Step into an all-new adventure in the Life is Strange series starring the original game’s protagonist Max Caulfield. Photographer-in-residence at the prestigious Caledon University, she discovers her closest new friend, Safi, dead in the snow. Murdered. To save her, Max tries to rewind time – a power she’s not used in years. Instead, she opens the way to a parallel timeline where Safi is still alive, and still in danger. Forge allies and pursue suspects across two versions of reality, shaping both timelines through unforgettable choices. Life is Strange: Double Exposure will be available June 23 in the US, the UK and Japan. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Farming Simulator 25 | PS5 Whether you build your legacy single-handedly or cooperatively in multiplayer – you decide: Farming Simulator 25 invites you to join the rewarding farm life. With the introduction of rice farming, spinach and other crops, as well as new environments in East Asia, North America and Central Europe, the family-friendly series takes another giant leap forward. Expand your ever-growing farm empire with new animals, production chains, construction missions, and more than 400 authentic machines from 150 top agricultural brands. Enjoy improved graphics and physics for a more immersive, atmospheric and relaxing virtual farming experience. Farming Simulator 25 will be available June 30 in the US, the UK and Japan. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Blades of Fire | PS5 You are Aran de Lira, the last warrior capable of forging true steel in a world where metal turns to stone. Your journey is not about collecting weapons, but about forging them through intent, sacrifice, and consequence, and surviving long enough to master their weight. Combat is deliberate and unforgiving. Every strike commits you. Every mistake costs you. Victory is earned through patience, positioning, and understanding both your enemy and the blade you forged to face them. Weapons are forged at the anvil through deliberate choices that permanently shape their behavior, balance, and purpose.  Blades of Fire will be available June 30 in the US, the UK and Japan. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Black Desert | PS5 Fight back the forces that threaten the world or test your might against other adventurers in Black Desert, Pearl Abyss’s open-world MMORPG. From the scorching heat of a desert metropolis to the serene peace of hidden forest enclaves, a thrilling story follows wherever your footsteps take you. Lead your guild to victory in battle to earn great renown and greater wealth. With everything from breathtaking combat and siege wars, to exploration and a variety of life-skill content such as trade, fishing, horse training, alchemy, cooking, and gathering – embark on the adventure you’ve truly been longing for. Black Desert will be available June 30 in the US, the UK and Japan. PlayStation Plus Premium View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Gitaroo Man | PS5, PS4 The classic PlayStation 2 rhythm game is back to rock your world! Rhythm game hero Gitaroo-Man comes to PS4 and PS5 for the very first time. Go from loser to legend with the mythical Gitaroo, an instrument-turned-weapon that can take down any enemy with the power of music. Press, pitch, and play to the rhythm as the young protagonist U-1 fights his way through enemies and gains confidence in himself along the way. Enjoy the unique and heartwarming atmosphere, rock out to the classic soundtrack, and lose yourself in the iconic, colorful designs created by famed Japanese illustrator 326. Gitaroo Man will be available globally June 16. *PlayStation Plus Game Catalog and PlayStation Plus Premium/Deluxe lineups may differ by region. Please check PlayStation Store on release day. Digital PS5 games available to stream from your library will vary over time, region, and country.

Title: Gran Turismo 7 free update 1.70: choose Your Le Mans Hypercar Date: Wed, 10 Jun 2026 13:00:35 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/06/10/gran-turismo-7-free-update-1-70-choose-your-le-mans-hypercar/ Gran Turismo 7 is about more than finishing 1st — it’s about mastering what you love. Today marks the start of Endurance racing’s biggest stage: The 24-hour Le Mans race. To help players get into the feeling, this game update drops a stacked grid of modern legends, from the Ferrari 499P that brought the Prancing Horse back to glory, to Porsche’s title winning 963, BMW’s hybrid V8 powerhouse, and Peugeot’s boundary pushing 9X8, plus a 911 Turbo S Safety Car to keep it all in line. Also arriving in Update 1.70, a new Menu, five new World Circuits events including the legendary 24 Heures du Mans Racing Circuit. All of this will be available for free beginning today at 11:00pm PDT / June 11 at 7:00am BST / 3:00pm JST*.   Want to know which Hypercar from this update best suits your personality? Answer a few quick questions and keep track of your answers. We’ll match a Hypercar built for your style. Play Video New Cars**  The Quiz (5 Questions)  Q1) Your favorite “win” in GT is…  Setting a clean lap and watching the delta go green Out-strategizing everyone over a long race A fearless pass that makes the replay look unreal Nailing the perfect photo/livery and sharing it Keeping the race clean, controlled, and penalty‑free  Q2) You’d rather drive a car that feels…  Surgical and precise Unshakeable and stable Aggressive and alive Weird, unique, and totally different Predictable, stable, and trustworthy  Q3) Your ideal track is…  Technical with rhythm sections A long endurance test (practice → qualify → race) High-speed with heavy braking zones Anything cinematic with great lighting (sunset/night) Clear visibility, strong flow, and consistency  Q4) When the car feels “off,” you…  Adjust brake balance and keep pushing Think tires/fuel/consistency first Crank the setup and send it Build a new livery and try again Slow things down until everything feels right again  Q5) Your “one more run” trigger is…  “I can find 0.2s.” “I can go longer without mistakes.” “I can take that corner faster.” “I can make this look cooler.” “I can make this cleaner.”  1) Majority A answers  Your car Ferrari 499P  *Can be purchased from Brand Central View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Playstyle You love precision, rhythm, and that “factory team” feeling.  Trademark The Ferrari 499P is rear wheel drive… until it isn’t: The car runs as RWD most of the lap, but becomes four-wheel drive above ~118 mph, giving it extra grip in fast corners like Nürburgring and the Porsche Curves at Le Mans.   Drive challenge Practice: World Map >> World Circuits >> Asia-Oceania >> Suzuka Circuit   Mission: Drive clean, stay on track, and finish the race without crashing — even if you’re not fast.   Advanced Testing: World Map >> World Circuits >> Sardegna – Road Track → World Touring Car 800   2) Majority B answers  Your car Porsche 963  *Can be purchased from Brand Central View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Playstyle You want stability, confidence, and a car that rewards discipline.  Trademark Porsche’s 963 is the result of racing royalty evolving. It blends hybrid tech with decades of Le Mans dominance to deliver a modern prototype that keeps winning when it matters most Drive challenge Practice: World Map >> World Circuits >> Americas >> Daytona Road Course   Mission: Don’t rush at the start. When it’s time to move, be clear and decisive.  Advanced Testing: World Map >> World Circuits >> Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta 3) Majority C answers Your car BMW M Hybrid V8  *Can be purchased from Brand Central View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Playstyle You like aggression, heavy braking, and cars that feel powerful and physical.  Trademark This car’s legend started with a breakthrough win — and it’s built to stay calm when the race turns messy. At Indianapolis, BMW scored a historic 1‑2 finish, and reporting specifically calls out the final laps happening in dense lapping traffic. This car was built to thrive in chaos.   Drive Challenge Practice: World Map >> Missions >> The Passing Challenges  Mission: Pass other cars cleanly without hitting them before time runs out  Advanced Testing: World Map >> Missions >> Watkins Glen  4) Majority D answers  Your car Peugeot 9X8  *Can be purchased from Brand Central View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Your Playstyle You want something different, you enjoy learning curves, and you like mastering the unusual.  Trademark A century‑long rule broken. The 9X8 launched without a rear wing, something unseen in top‑level endurance racing for more than 50 years. The rear wing on a hyper car is its stability dial: more grip in corners, less speed in a straight line. Without a rear wing, all of the 9X8’s downforce came from underbody aero and body shaping. Thankfully, there’s one on this version for you.    Drive Challenge Practice: Garage >> Car Settings >> Brake Balance  Mission: Race at an event, try Monza Circuit Experience. Then go your Garage and move the Brake Balance one or two steps forward. Finally, drive the same event again and try to notice the difference.  Advanced Test: World Circuits >> Europe-Middle East >> Monza 5) Majority E answers  Your car  Porsche 911 Turbo S Safety Car   *Can be purchased from Brand Central View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Playstyle You value discipline, clarity, and clean racing. You don’t chase chaos — you manage it.  Trademark Manthey is Porsche’s partner responsible for running and maintenance of the WEC safety cars, and they help integrate the specialized systems that a world‑championship safety car needs. Manthey turns a fast road car into a reliable mobile control room; meaning it’s built to communicate, react, and lead the field safely under pressure.  Drive Challenge Practice: World Map >> World Circuits >> Trial Mountain >> Free Practice  Mission: Exercise “Perfect Control” by running consistent laps with zero penalties, zero contact, and smooth inputs from lights to flag.  Advanced Test: Pick any Free Practice or Time Trial where you want to feel confident before racing.  Want to learn more about June Update 1.70? Then head over to gran-turismo.com.   If you’re new to GT and want to get a feel for it, download My First GT on the PlayStation store for free and hop into the game!*Internet connection required for update. **Credits (paid or via game progression) required to purchase vehicles.

Title: Control a huge drilling vessel rife with bloody religious symbolism in Mole, a horror sim from former GTFO developers Date: Mon, 15 Jun 2026 16:43:27 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/control-a-huge-drilling-vessel-rife-with-bloody-religious-symbolism-in-mole-a-horror-sim-from-former-gtfo-developers "There is a hole in the world," writes Ursula K Le Guin in The Farthest Shore, "and the light is running out of it." Alas, The Farthest Shore contains no terrible mechanical instruments of hole-digging. For that, we must turn to MOLE, "a psychological horror experience with tactile simulation elements about madness, faith, and the depths we choose to dig". Out now on Steam, it makes me think of Mike Klubnika's clicky torture instruments, of Iron Lung's unseen exteriors, and of Mouthwashing's workaday cabin fever. In brief, it seems like an effective delivery system for some extraordinarily bad vibes. Read more

Title: Xbox Games Studios loses two top execs, days after Microsoft gaming CEO calls for company "reset" Date: Mon, 15 Jun 2026 15:51:47 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/xbox-games-studios-loses-two-top-execs-days-after-microsoft-ceo-calls-for-company-reset Xbox Games Studios boss Craig Duncan and chief of staff Louise O'Connor have left Microsoft, according to reports, with all the studios under Duncan's watch now operating under Xbox chief content officer Matt Booty until a replacement is found. Read more

Title: The UK's dramatic under-16 social media ban will also apply to "gaming services", but at least they're not coming for multiplayer Date: Mon, 15 Jun 2026 15:06:19 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/the-uks-dramatic-under-16-social-media-ban-will-also-apply-to-gaming-services-but-at-least-theyre-not-coming-for-multiplayer The UK government have announced a ban on social media platforms for British people under the age of 16, encompassing Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X.com (known hereabouts as MechaHitler.com or Xitter, among other lousy putdowns). The ban is expected to come into force in spring 2027, and will have far-reaching impacts on ye olde videogame discourse, because people do so love to share and talk about games on social media. The under-16s ban will also directly apply to certain gaming "services", though prime minister Keir Starmer and his minions have yet to specify which. It won't, apparently, "affect the ability for children to participate in multiplayer games online". Read more

Title: Nvidia G-Sync Pulsar monitors can successfully beat biology to hone motion clarity in games - though they're not yet worth the price Date: Mon, 15 Jun 2026 13:50:55 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/nvidia-g-sync-pulsar-monitors-can-successfully-beat-biology-to-hone-motion-clarity-in-games-though-theyre-not-yet-worth-the-price Back when I first tried a G-Sync Pulsar monitor at an Nvidia shindig in February, I clung to the hope that maybe, finally, gaming display tech had made its first real breakthrough in years. Dozens, if not hundreds of samey screens would be revealed as incompetent fools in the searing light of Pulsar’s innovative genius; Nvidia’s own frame generation systems would weep in shame that they once tried to mock up the fluidity and motion clarity that Pulsar could deliver for real. Now, I have one such Pulsar monitor – an identical 1440p, 360Hz Asus ROG Strix XG27AQNGV to the one from that demo – to test at length, and can at last say with certainty: yeah, s'alright. Pretty decent. Doesn’t make much of a difference in some games but it can look quite nice. Probably too expensive, mind. Why can’t I hear any weeping? Read more

Title: This week in PC games: a trio of surreal shooters, a big Stellaris expansion, and a new RPG from Octopath Traveller devs Date: Mon, 15 Jun 2026 11:15:10 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/this-week-in-pc-games-a-trio-of-surreal-shooters-a-big-stellaris-expansion-and-a-new-rpg-from-octopath-traveller-devs "The mid-summer dry spell"? My friend, your naivete is exceeded only by your boorishness. You should be ashamed of yourself! This week is anything but dry. It's the week of another Steam Next Fest – a period of carefully abbreviated, wishlist-baiting bounty, in which we cram the Maw's many jaws with demos and playtests. Read more