Title: Crunchyroll Guts Online Store Just As Anime Fans Feared Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2026 19:07:31 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/crunchyroll-guts-online-store-just-as-anime-fans-feared-2000725383 Many see this as yet another salvo in Sony's apparent war against physical media ownership

Title: Bethesda Dev Says Cuts Were Rare Before Xbox Took Over: ‘All Of A Sudden We Have Yearly Layoffs’ Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2026 18:42:22 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/xbox-layoffs-rallies-cwa-bethesda-employee-interview-2000725366 Xbox developers are holding a rally across the United States and Canada to bring attention to the widespread layoffs

Title: I Tried Krispy Kreme’s Hard-To-Get Pokemon Doughnuts, And One Of Them Was Actually Pretty Good Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2026 18:16:28 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/i-tried-krispy-kremes-pokemon-doughnuts-2000725327 But you're still hungry

Title: Thieves Discover A Completely Unique Way To Steal High-End GPUs Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2026 17:30:39 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/gpu-gtx-5080-3060-wuhan-police-esports-hotel-theft-heist-2000725380 The pair were swapping out RTX 5080s for RTX 3060s, and seemingly no one noticed the difference

Title: 12 Tips To Know Before You Start Playing Mortal Shell 2 Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2026 17:10:29 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/12-tips-to-know-before-you-start-playing-mortal-shell-2-2000725388 Here are the settings to change and the pitfalls to avoid

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: The Krispy Kreme x Pokemon Doughnuts As Reviewed By A Four-Year-Old Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2026 18:37:50 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-krispy-kreme-x-pokemon-doughnuts-as-reviewed-by-a-four-year-old/ In addition to being a Mario enthusiast, my four-year-old son is also a devoted Pokemon fan--one whose knowledge of the series is well on the way to surpassing my own. Being a four-year-old, he is also a big fan of anything covered in sugar, making him the perfect person to accompany me on my quest to try all six of Krispy Kreme's limited-edition Pokemon-themed doughnuts. After preordering a box of doughnuts late last week--yes, we somehow live in a timeline where you can preorder doughnuts--we secured the goods early this morning, then headed back home to begin our tasting. For added context, my husband and I decided to pair Krispy Kreme's offerings with coffee whereas my son opted for 2% lactose-free milk in his favorite Pokemon cup. Now, let's dig into our evaluations. Squirtle Doughnut Unsurprisingly, my lifelong, water-type enthusiast husband suggested we start with the very first Pokemon he ever chose: Squirtle. I cut the doughnut into thirds, and placed a small piece on each of our plates. Me: Do you want the piece with the picture of Squirtle on it? My four-year-old: Yep. Thank you. Me: Ooh, this is good. My four-year-old: Wait, can I eat this? He gestured to the image of Squirtle, which I then confirmed was edible. Me: You can eat it, mhm. My four-year-old: It tastes hard. It tastes hard, but yummy. Me: I'm honestly not sure what flavor this is supposed to be … It's very sweet but has something else going on. What do you think? My four-year-old: Blueberry. Vanilla. This one is very good. According to Krispy Kreme's website, the Squirtle doughnut features a "cotton candy buttercream frosting," and while this didn't quite come through as we were eating it, it makes sense upon reflection. This ended up being one of the doughnuts we liked the most. The presentation was super cute, the food coloring didn't alter the taste too much, and despite being cotton-candy flavored, it wasn't grotesquely sweet. Overall rating: 7/10 Bulbasaur doughnut Me: Oh, I like the cute leaves on this one. My four-year-old: I don't know what flavor this is. Me: Me either. Yeah, if it's supposed to be a certain flavor, I'm not getting it. My husband: Your mouth is extremely green. Me: Yeah. Oh yeah. This is … a lot. My four-year-old: I like Squirtle more. Me: Me too. This one tastes a bit too much like dye. I'm going to try the Bulbasaur picture. Oh, it kind of just tastes like fondant. It's inoffensive, but I wouldn't go out of my way to eat it. Apparently this doughnut was meant to taste like vanilla, but all I got--especially as time went on--was the weird, bitter tang of food coloring. I mean hell, even as I write this an hour later, I still feel as though the color green is coating my tongue and mouth. I suppose this could have been an issue with my Krispy Kreme specifically, as the color of the Bulbasaur doughnut I received was much, much darker than the image on the site. Regardless, this doughnut wasn't particularly good and dyed all of our mouths dark green. It ended up being our least favorite of the group. Overall rating: 3/10 Charmander doughnut Naturally, we decided to round out the Kanto starters with Krispy Kreme's Charmander doughnut, which features caramel icing and a chocolate marshmallow-flavored filling. Me: Oh this is good. My four-year-old: This is so yummy. My husband: It is. I like the chocolate mousse inside. I was expecting a raspberry filling, or something red, but it's still good. Me: The sprinkles are not crunchy? That's surprising. I expected some crunch, but I'm not mad about it. My four-year-old: There are a lot of doughnuts. Maybe we should save them for later. Me: Oh you definitely don't have to try these all. If you're too full, we can stop. Which one has been your favorite so far? My four-year-old: This one is the best one. I can eat more. Let's try the Poke Ball. Poke Ball, Poke Ball. Gotta catch 'em all, Poke Ball. Me: Not quite how it goes, but I love the enthusiasm! My four-year-old: No, that's how it goes. Me: Okay. Charmander ended up being one of our collective favorites. The chocolate marshmallow filling was an unexpected treat--it wasn't too dense or too sweet. We all agreed we actually wanted a bit more of it throughout the doughnut, as it was relegated to just a small burst in the very middle. Despite the pastry's orange exterior being vibrant, it didn't taste like dye. If I had closed my eyes, I would have assumed I was just eating a normal, caramel-frosted doughnut. Overall rating: 9/10 Poke Ball doughnut My four-year-old: I have sprinkles all over my pants. Sprinkle pants. Should I take off my pants? Me: You're still in pajamas, it's okay. We can change after we're done. But you're right, this one is messy. And nothing special, honestly. My four-year-old: I think we should try a regular one because it doesn't have toppings. Me: Are you all topping-ed out? My four-year-old: Yeah. It's too many sprinkles. Somehow, the Poke Ball doughnut had too many sprinkles for a four-year-old: a feat which I previously thought impossible. While the dye-flavored Bulbasaur remained our least favorite of the bunch, this doughnut was fairly underwhelming. It was a bit too heavily glazed and sprinkled, contributing to an overwhelming taste of plain sugar and a big ol' crumbly mess. Overall rating: 5/10 Jigglypuff doughnut Me: Oh wow, we have an actual flavor! My four-year-old: It tastes like strawberry. But …  Me: If you're getting full, please don't force yourself to eat, bud. My four-year-old: Maybe we can try more the next morning? Tell everyone not to eat the rest of my Jigglypuff. I will eat it tomorrow. It's good. It was here that we reached my four-year-old's sugar threshold. As a parent, I'll admit that I was proud to see him display such self-restraint around sweets--especially Pokemon-themed doughnuts. But all parental pride aside, this seemed to be a good one to end on for the lil' guy. It's the least intense of all of Krispy Kreme's Pokemon offerings, consisting of just a glazed doughnut with a small circle of strawberry-flavored buttercream. The whole concoction tasted light and fluffy, and the slight strawberry flavor was very welcome after how intensely sweet the last doughnut was. Overall rating: 8/10 Pikachu doughnut Though Pikachu might be the face of the franchise, we opted to save this doughnut for our finale. Fortunately, it did not disappoint. Me: Oooh, the custard is lemon! My husband: Wait, lemon? Me: Yeah, it's lemon. My husband: Oh that's the best one. Me: Yeah. That's the best for sure. My four-year-old: It's the best? Okay, I want to try. So much for self-restraint. Me: Yeah, it's super good. Do you want to just lick the lemon custard? My four-year-old: It tastes like lemon. But it's not sour. It's a little bit good. Me: What do you think? I think it's the best one. My four-year-old: All of them are the best one. Me: Okay. Would you recommend that people buy these doughnuts? My four-year-old: Yes, but I wish they had a Bonsly doughnut. Me: A Bonsly doughnut? My four-year-old: Yep. Also ghosts. They don't even have Gengar or Gastly or Haunter. Despite my son calling it just "a little bit good," I'd argue that Krispy Kreme's Pikachu doughnut is by far the best one. It featured more filling than the collaboration's other filled doughnut (Charmander), and the acidity of the lemon custard helped tremendously in dialing back the pastry's sweetness and giving it a bit of dimension. Much like the Jigglypuff doughnut, the Pikachu one felt a bit more light and fluffy than the rest of the Pokemon-themed offerings, but with just a bit more decadence than its strawberry counterpart. Overall rating: 10/10 There's a saying in the Pokemon community I absolutely adore: "Every Pokemon is somebody's favorite." It's a cute reminder that even those Pokemon we overlook have dedicated fans somewhere in the world--fans who gleefully collect their plushies and figurines like they're something truly precious, and would gladly preorder doughnuts as a means to celebrate their affection. Much like Pokemon, I suspect everyone will have their own favorite doughnut as well. But if you're looking for a bit of advice from two nerds--28-years apart in age, but equal in how fundamental a role Pokemon played/is playing in their childhoods--hopefully this review offers you a bit of guidance.

Title: Don’t Boycott GTA 6, Help Win Justice Instead, Fired Devs Say Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2026 18:28:08 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/dont-boycott-gta-6-help-win-justice-instead-fired-devs-say/ A group of former Grand Theft Auto 6 developers accusing Rockstar Games of union busting and currently engaged in a legal battle with the studio doesn't want players to boycott the game. In a video posted by the Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain, fired members of the union made clear how they would like fans to support them in their ongoing legal dispute with Rockstar. "We're going to make this easy for you," the former devs state. "Don't boycott GTA 6. Win justice for the people who helped make it." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhIESBAyDK8 As the devs go on to explain, they all worked on GTA 6 for years and poured their "hard work, skill, and creativity" into making it. Rather than boycotting their work, they want people to experience what they helped build. "But that doesn't mean we want you to let Rockstar off the hook," the devs said. Instead, workers are calling on supporters to help in other ways, like buying a custom t-shirt. The proceeds will go towards supporting fired workers and their legal case. That legal saga began on October 30, 2025, when 31 Rockstar employees at the studio's UK office were fired without warning or explanation. All of the employees in question were members of the IWGB, and were helping to organize a studio-wide union at Rockstar. Despite the firing of many of its organizers, the union survived and is currently asking Rockstar to voluntarily recognize it..  The fired employees accuse their former studio of union busting, while Rockstar alleges the developers were fired for "gross misconduct" that included leaking confidential company information in a public forum. Rockstar denies the firings were related to union membership or activity. A preliminary tribunal upheld the right of the workers to bring "blacklisting" allegations (the act of compiling information and discriminating against workers involved in union activity) against Rockstar in court, with the trial set to begin on September 10. It's perhaps for the best that former workers aren't calling for a boycott, as it seems many players have already preordered GTA 6. Rockstar's parent company Take-Two called GTA 6's preorder numbers "unprecedented," but doesn't want to reveal them out of concern that they could be "misleading."  With less than 100 days until release, we still have a lot of questions about GTA 6. An extended look at GTA 6 will debut on August 27 and will likely provide some answers.

Title: PlayStation Plus Is Removing 10 Games Soon, So Finish Them While You Can Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2026 18:10:22 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/playstation-plus-is-removing-10-games-soon-so-finish-them-while-you-can/ Last week saw several new games announced for the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog for Extra- and Premium-tier subscribers, and as you'd expect, a few games are also on their way out. In total, 10 more games are leaving soon, although Sony hasn't listed an exact departure date yet. For reference, nine games are leaving the Game Catalog today, so you'll likely have a few weeks left to play the ones listed below. As for what's only going to be around for a little while longer? Say goodbye to a fun Persona spin-off, some Toy Story adventures, and a few tactical-RPGs. PlayStation Plus Game Catalog games leaving soon Grab 'em before they're gone. EA Sports Madden NFL 26 Persona 5 Tactica Romance of the Three Kingdoms 13 Toukiden 2 Bubsy: The Woolies Strike Back Toy Story 2: Buzz Lightyear to the Rescue Toy Story 3 Shadowrun Returns Shadowrun Hong Kong: Extended Edition Shadowrun Dragonfall: Director's Cut The removal of Toy Story games makes sense, as both Toy Story 2: Buzz Lightyear to the Rescue and Toy Story 3 are part of the upcoming Toy Story: Retro Roundup compilation coming to PC and consoles on October 15. That collection also includes the original film tie-in game that was released for Sega Genesis, the Game Boy Color edition of Toy Story 2, the Buzz Lightyear of Star Command video game--which is based on the underrated animated series spin-off--Toy Story Racer, and the official A Bug's Life game as a bonus. The Shadowrun games are also pretty great, as developer Harebrained Schemes put a neat spin on the tabletop source material and followed up on the 2013 release with two well-received expansions. If you're a fan of the Persona series, you'll also want to check out Persona 5 Tactica for how it reimagines the Persona 5 crew as cute little warriors summoned to a strange land and tasked with saving the day. It's not too dissimilar to Fire Emblem with its focus on tactics and grid-based movement, but it features a much smaller number of units taking to the battlefield. The other notable exit is Madden NFL 26, but since a new game in the series launched earlier this month, you can imagine most people are focused on the newer release right now, as it introduces some sizable updates to gameplay. Next week, Sony is expected to reveal the next batch of free games for all PlayStation Plus subscribers in September, so don’t forget to check back to see what's on the way during the month when Green Day goes into hibernation. Best Open-World Games On PlayStation Plus Extra And Premium View Images

Title: Deus Ex And Immersive Sim Founding Father, Warren Spector, Retires From Game Development Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2026 18:05:16 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/deus-ex-and-immersive-sim-founding-father-warren-spector-retires-from-game-development/ One of the gaming industry's most notable icons, Warren Spector, has decided to retire and will no longer be actively involved in game development. Spector is credited as one of the founders of the immersive sim genre, with Deus Ex and Thief acting as his most recognisable projects while at Ion Storm. Spector went on to develop Epic Mickey and its sequel, eventually landing at Otherside Entertainment to develop a spiritual successor to Ultima Underworld, which he helped produce while at Looking Glass in the early 1990s. Announcing the news on LinkedIn, Spector, who is currently 70 years old, reflected on a career that spanned nearly 45 years, 17 game releases, board game and tabletop contributions, and more. Spector admits that he has mixed feelings over retirement, but says he no longer finds the same joy in the gaming industry that he once did and thinks a new generation of developers deserves its time to shine. "To all of you reading this I want you to remember that games are not a solved problem yet--there is, I hope, plenty of experimentation and innovation to come," Spector concluded in his post. "And to all you young developers out there, I've said it before and I'll say it again, your job is to make people forget people like me ever existed." Spector admits that there still three games he would love to make (and stops shy of naming them), but plans to write several books and provide valuable consulting work to those who need it. Spector began working on System Shock 3 over a decade ago before the project was seemingly abandoned several years later. Spector's final game, Thick as Thieves, launched earlier this year. It was announced as a PvPvE immersive sim, but was restructured as a single-player and co-op adventure instead. Otherside Entertainment announced that the game would no longer receive content updates after it failed to live up to expectations in the weeks following its launch.

Title: NBA 2K27 Just Rewrote The Sports Game Story Mode Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2026 18:00:00 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/nba-2k27-just-rewrote-the-sports-game-story-mode/ The launch of NBA 2K27 is quickly approaching, and 2K Sports has provided a deep dive into all of the new features and additions coming in this year's game. From gameplay-specific innovations to changes to some of NBA 2K's most iconic game modes, all areas of the game have been revamped for 2K27. The headlining features may be what's going on in MyCareer mode, but we're covering the full spectrum of new toys coming to the series in 2K27. Below, you can find all the new content and changes that 2K27 has in store when it launches on September 4, or even sooner on August 28 for Deluxe or Ultra Edition players. In This Article Gameplay ChangesMyTeam overhauls player XPMyCareer adds eras and co-opMyPlayer finally brings women into The CityMyNBA adds more GM optionsThe City adds casual modes to onboard new players Gameplay Changes First up, let's get into an area that 2K Sports has honed in on for 2K27: gameplay. All of the new gameplay changes are driven by another year of the series' ProPLAY technology, which allows the developers at Visual Concepts to take real NBA footage and turn it into gameplay animations. This has transformed the devs' ability to create realistic offensive and defensive moves that players can use in games. This is immediately noticeable on offense, as 2K27 adds some of the most popular and well-known moves to a player's skill set. Dribbling has been broken down further to allow for more freedom of movement, while the new Dynamic Layup Engine gives players a way to adjust their movement mid-air. All of this should make dribbling and driving to the hoop feel smoother and offer a higher skill ceiling when it comes to offensive moves. As for the defensive side of the ball, shot contests have been upgraded to be more aggressive, and there's now a system that shows you exactly how strong your contest was after it happens. You now also have more control over steals, as there's a new ball collision system that takes several factors into consideration when you go in for a steal. Outside of basic offense and defense, NBA 2K27 plans to implement a variety of new systems to general gameplay, including a new Takeover system that rewards players in five key areas: Shooting, Finishing, Playmaking, Defense, and Rebounding. As you play a game, a meter for each of these areas will increase or decrease, and once you max out a meter, the Takeover Ability will activate. You'll also find new Advanced Controls to help you out all over the court, as well as new and improved Rhythm Shooting mechanics and better AI logic in 2K27. MyTeam overhauls player XP MyTeam is one of the core modes in NBA 2K, and there are some notable changes and updates to the mode this year. This starts with a brand-new player XP system that gives you the opportunity to level up every Player Card you own. You can level up these cards through gameplay, and the more you level them, the more rewards they're given. Some of the card rewards include having a Takeover Ability active at the start of the game or extra attribute boosts. You'll still keep level progress on a card if it's sold and then reacquired, so there's no starting over involved. Speaking of which, The Exchange in MyTeam has been updated to now accept any Player Card in a player's collection. This essentially gives value to any card you acquire, and no card will be forced to sit around in your collection for the entire year. MyTeam is also adding a rotating list of multiplayer modes, including some fan-favorites, implementing a cross-platform Auction House across PS5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch 2, and expansions to both Breakout and Gauntlet. MyCareer adds eras and co-op There are a couple of massive additions to MyCareer in 2K27. Headlining the additions is the ability to now pick from one of five eras to start your career in, just like you can in MyNBA. These eras include the Magic vs. Bird Era (1984), the Jordan Era (1991), the Kobe Era (2003), the LeBron Era (2010), or the Steph Era (2016). Each era has its own identity, with the visuals changing depending on which one you pick. You'll even find era-specific broadcasts, HUDs, and on-screen filters to really immerse you. Last year, you could take your created player into MyNBA Eras, but it wasn't a mode that focused on your character like 2K27's now will. However, if you decide to take the modern path for MyCareer in 2K27 and not dive into one of the eras, you'll get to experience the "Fire & Concrete" story, which features 11 chapters that take your player from high school to college to the pros. During this journey, you can now potentially be the number one overall draft pick or hand-pick your team, as draft position is no longer fixed in MyCareer. Another first for MyCareer is the ability to take on the mode in co-op in 2K27. You can invite a friend to join your MyCareer playthrough as a teammate named Trace Miller, who will remain with your player through their entire career. Your multiplayer partner gets to choose a build for Trace Miller and even level them up with attributes and unique skills. MyPlayer finally brings women into The City MyPlayer is coming with a completely new look in 2K27, and it's the first bit of content you can experience. Starting on Aug. 21, the new NBA 2K HQ app goes live and gives players a chance to design their entire MyPlayer build from scratch before the game is released. Players can take advantage of the new Badge and Synergy systems or use one of 40 custom blueprints of NBA players to streamline their build. You can also decide to create a female MyPlayer, which is the first time ever that female MyPlayers can be built in NBA 2K. Female MyPlayers share all of the same traits as their male counterparts, and can be taken into The City. There are even new WNBA animations to use if you decide to take that path. Any build you create in the NBA 2K HQ app can be directly uploaded to your account and will be ready to use on launch day. MyNBA adds more GM options MyNBA has attempted to become even more realistic in NBA 2K27, and a majority of the changes in the mode are derived straight from community feedback. Some of the most notable changes include a way to pitch free agents during the Moratorium Period of the offseason, more realistic CBA mechanics, including First and Second Apron restrictions, and 10-day contracts for both the NBA and WNBA. You'll also find 20 changes surrounding roster control and league management, with a more expanded trading system, the ability to stash International players, and the option to acquire players via the buyout market. MyNBA now also features a 100-Year Dynasty sub-mode, where you can take control of both a player on the court and the front office over the course of 100 years. You can pick a current NBA player or a created player and use them as the foundation for your 100-year journey as the leader of a team. The City adds casual modes to onboard new players One of the major changes to The City in 2K27 is the ability for both male and female MyPlayers to interact with it. It's a true co-ed City, and all MyPlayers will share the same framework in 2K27, so there are no disadvantages in building a female player. As you're navigating The City, you'll find several new, rotating environments at The REC, The Theater, Ante-Up, and Seasonal Parks, as well as the new Crew HQ. The Crew HQ is the team version of MyCourt, as it provides a dedicated spot for teams to practice, invite other teams to play, and even throw tournaments. If you're not quite up for anything too sweaty in The City, you can now join matches at the Casual Corner. Here, you can find unranked matches in both 3v3 and 5v5 that are meant to be for newer players who might not be ready for ranked games yet.

Title: New Star Wars Series Officially Exposes a Dark Secret Behind the Sequel Trilogy Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2026 18:56:44 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/ahsoka-season-2-star-wars-canon/ The annual D23 fan event in Anaheim, California, is over, but not before it delivered several exciting new Star Warsannouncements, including an update on Star Wars: Starfighter. However, arguably the most exciting announcement was the reveal of the trailer and release date for Ahsoka season 2. It’s been three years since we last saw Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson) and her Mandalorian apprentice Sabine Wren (Natasha Liu Bordizzo) travel to the planet Peridea in search of Ezra Bridger (Eman Esfandi) and the Empire’s most cunning officer, Grand Admiral Thrawn (Lars Mikkelsen). While both Ezra and Thrawn ended up escaping back to the galaxy we all know and love, Ahsoka and Sabine ended up stranded.

Title: HBO’s Sci-Fi Detective Series With a Near-Perfect Rotten Tomatoes Score Is Officially #1 on Streaming Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2026 18:40:11 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/lanterns-popular-on-hbo-max-august-2026/ HBO has a little something for everyone. From grounded dramas like The White Lotus to comedies like The Chair Company, the network has a varied library of shows worth a binge. In 2026, HBO's lineup has been dominated by genre hits, specifically science-fiction and fantasy. Game of Thrones fans were treated to two series this year, the debut of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms in January and the return of House of the Dragon this summer. Both of them were hits with critics and audiences alike, and more of each is coming. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms season 2 is slated to premiere next year, while House of the Dragon's fourth and final season is likely two years away, in keeping with the show's release cadence so far. But, still on the way in 2026 are the second season of Dune: Prophecy and the premiere of HBO's Harry Potter series, which debuts on Christmas, so viewers will have no shortage of new TV to watch.

Title: Wolverine Director Explains Why the New PS5 Game Isn't Open-World Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2026 18:31:33 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/wolverine-linear-open-world-interview/ In other ways, it's not. The Spider-Man games are set in an open-world New York City and revel in the web-slinger's freedom to swing wherever he wants; they're crowded with treasure hunts, sidequests, and optional activities. Wolverine is a cinematic action game from the old school, all about charging headfirst through levels battling bad guys on the way to the next cutscene or boss fight. It's hardly alone in this genre among Sony-produced games — you could point to Uncharted and especially God of War as kindred spirits — but it does feel surprisingly lean for a modern AAA game, and it's even attracted some criticism online for its old-school design.

Title: What time does Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 4 release in your time zone? Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2026 18:30:28 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/fortnite-chapter-7-season-4-override-release-time-downtime-when-edt-pdt/ FortniteChapter 7 Season 4, officially titled "Override," will be released on Thursday, Aug. 20 — after a brief maintenance period, of course.

Title: 'Dune 3' Tickets On Sale Now With Early Screenings, But There's a Catch Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2026 18:20:29 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/dune-3-tickets-on-sale-early-screenings/ Dune: Part Three is fast approaching, and tickets are now on sale ahead of the film’s Dec. 18 release date. There are screenings available in IMAX, 70MM, D-Box (motion-enabled seats), Dolby, Premium Large Format, and IMAX 70MM theaters.

Title: Class Is in Session: GeForce NOW Levels Up Linux, Chromebooks and More Date: Thu, 13 Aug 2026 13:00:33 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-linux-native-app/ GeForce NOW is giving cloud gaming an extra-credit upgrade just in time for back-to-school season. The native Linux app for GeForce NOW is officially out of beta. GeForce NOW is also delivering new cloud optimizations that make Frame Generation feel even more responsive while streaming. On top of that, Performance members will see higher frame rates in demanding games thanks to a CPU performance adjustment.  Plus, learn how GeForce NOW can add high-performance GeForce RTX gaming to the Chromebooks students already rely on for school – and how eligible new owners can take advantage of Chromebook Fast Pass. It all adds up to more ways to move from assignments to adventures across nearly any device. The only homework left is to decide what to play. This week, nine new games join the GeForce NOW library. The Cloud Gets Extra Credit GeForce NOW keeps getting better. The native Linux app for GeForce NOW has officially graduated from beta. Built on months of community feedback, the release focuses on performance, stability and polish while continuing to support Ubuntu 24.04 and later. A new Flatpack repository makes getting started and receiving future updates even easier. Visit the download page for more information and instructions. The cloud handles the rendering, so Linux gamers can tap into the latest GeForce RTX performance while staying on their preferred setup — without local hardware upgrades, compatibility headaches or complicated workarounds. Smooth gameplay makes the grade. GeForce NOW has also optimized DLSS Frame Generation in the cloud, reducing latency and making games feel more responsive. The improvements are especially noticeable when streaming at 60 or 120 frames per second in 1440p and 4K, helping every mouse movement and camera pan feel more immediate. Performance members will also enjoy additional server software optimizations to improve frame rates in select CPU-intensive games, helping demanding titles run more smoothly while delivering an even better gameplay experience. The cloud-side upgrade happens automatically, with nothing for members to install or configure, and at no additional cost. From Class Mode to Game Mode Class dismissed. Game on. Chromebooks already in backpacks can double as a PC gaming powerhouse, with GeForce NOW giving everyday school setups extra credit.  Chromebooks handling lectures, group projects and browser tabs can transform into high-performance GeForce RTX gaming PCs in just a few clicks. When class is out, open a supported browser or app and stream more than 2,000 supported PC games from existing libraries, with the cloud handling the heavy lifting. The same flexibility extends to Macs, Surface devices, everyday laptops, Steam Deck and mobile devices. Plus, eligible new Chromebook and Chromebook+ owners can claim a year of GeForce NOW at no cost with Chromebook Fast Pass, with priority access and no ads.  Study. Stream PC games. Same device.  Ready for the Weekend Follow the chain of command, streaming from the cloud. In addition, members can look for the following new games streaming this week: Car Wash Simulator (New release on Steam, Aug. 10) Pax Autocratica (New release on Steam, Aug. 10) Clawed (New release on Steam, Aug. 13) Hell Let Loose: Vietnam (New release on Steam, Aug. 13) Sandustry (New release on Steam and Xbox, Aug. 13) Cat Mail Co. (Steam) Misery (Steam) Monster Hunter Wilds Prologue Demo (Steam) Pratfall (Steam) To cap things off, a creator known as “Madelyn” recently shared how GeForce now makes cloud gaming affordable and accessible across nearly all her devices, calling it “a game changer” in her video: What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below.

Title: GeForce NOW Shakes Up August With 26 New Games Date: Thu, 06 Aug 2026 13:00:11 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-august-2026-games-list/ August is here, bringing 26 new games for GeForce NOW members.  Command the seas in World of Warships: Legends and discover what’s next in the GeForce NOW library, starting with the eight newly added games this week.  In addition, GeForce NOW is at the QuakeCon gaming conference this week in Grapevine, Texas, with hands-on experiences awaiting attendees. Return to QuakeCon  Visit the NVIDIA booth at QuakeCon to experience GeForce RTX 5080-powered Ultimate cloud gaming in action, with demos showcasing stunning visuals at up to 5K 120 frames per second on an ultrawide display, as well as seamless gameplay on the Lenovo Legion Go S handheld device. Conference attendees can see how thousands of PC games, including fan-favorite Bethesda titles, can move effortlessly across laptops, Macs, handhelds, mobile devices, TVs and more — letting members pick up where they left off on nearly any supported screen. Gamers not at the show can try out Ultimate cloud gaming in action with a day pass and jump into Bethesda titles from any device. All Games on Deck Sail the seas from nearly any screen. World of Warships: Legends drops anchor on GeForce NOW this week, bringing free-to-play naval combat. Captains can command destroyers, cruisers and battleships across massive multiplayer battles while exploring the latest update, featuring the Pacific Hammer Campaign, a new line of U.S. destroyers and more. Chart a course straight into the latest content across devices today without any installs needed, and check out all the games available this week: Big Walk (New release on Steam Aug. 4) Beacon Pines (Free on Epic Games Store Aug. 6) Sovereign Tower (New release on Steam Aug. 6) Expeditions: Samurai (New release on Steam Aug. 7) The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales (Xbox, available on the Microsoft Store) The Incident at Galley House (Steam) Machine Party (Steam) World of Warships: Legends (Steam) And look forward to the games coming throughout the month: Pax Autocratica (New release on Steam Aug. 10) Car Wash Simulator (New release on Steam Aug. 10) Clawed (New release on Steam Aug. 13) Hell Let Loose: Vietnam (New release on Steam Aug. 13) Sandustry (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass, Aug. 13) The Sinking City 2 (New release on Steam Aug. 18) Mortal Shell II (New release on Steam Aug. 20) Gallipoli (New release on Steam, Aug. 20) Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 (New release on Steam Aug. 25) Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass, Aug. 27) Breathedge 2 (New release on Steam Aug. 30) World of Warships: Legends (Steam) High on Life (Steam) High on Life 2 (Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass) Paradise Killer (Steam) Misery (Steam) Pratfall (Steam) Starvester (Steam) Extra Joy From July In addition to the dozen games announced last month, 15 more joined the GeForce NOW library.  Breath of Fire IV (Steam) Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (Ubisoft Connect) CloverPit (Xbox, available on Game Pass) Dinoblade (Steam) Dino Crisis (Steam) Dino Crisis 2 (Steam) Esports Manager 2026 (Steam) Funnel Runners (Steam) Granblue Fantasy: Relink – Endless Ragnarok Demo (Steam) Halo: Campaign Evolved (Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass) Mistfall Hunter (Steam) Onimusha: Way of the Sword DEMO (Steam) Pathogenic (Steam) Sudden Attack Zero Point (Steam) The Life and Suffering of Prince Jerian (Steam) Mistfall Hunter didn’t make it this month. Stay tuned to GFN Thursday for the latest updates. What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below. Share a game screenshot or clip that perfectly sums up your day so far. — NVIDIA GeForce NOW (@NVIDIAGFN) August 4, 2026

Title: Best in Class: Stream PC Games and Study on the Same Laptop With GeForce NOW Date: Thu, 30 Jul 2026 13:00:20 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-back-to-school-2026/ Back to school means balancing assignments, deadlines and downtime. GeForce NOW makes it easy to have it all. With cloud gaming, everyday laptops used for class can also become GeForce RTX-powered gaming setups.  When it’s time to switch from studying to gaming, members can jump into Halo: Campaign Evolved, as GeForce NOW is bringing one of the gaming world’s most celebrated titles to nearly any device through the cloud, alongside eight total games joining the GeForce NOW library this week. From A+ to AAA Gaming  This back-to-school season, the easiest upgrade isn’t replacing laptops in backpacks. It’s unlocking even more from these same laptops, from creating to gaming. With a GeForce NOW membership, Chromebooks, Macs and Surface devices can become GeForce RTX-powered gaming PCs in the cloud. The GeForce NOW library features thousands of supported PC games, letting members stream titles they already own from digital stores like Steam, Xbox PC Game Pass and Epic Games Store in just a few clicks. The cloud keeps games up to date and ready to play, making it easy to jump into a match between classes, after homework or whenever there’s free time. Time spent waiting on downloads, patches and installs becomes time spent in game instead. The Ultimate membership enables best-in-class experiences by delivering 5080-class performance in the cloud with NVIDIA DLSS, ray tracing and NVIDIA Reflex technologies for responsive, visually rich gameplay — all on the hardware gamers already own. A creator known as “Menguiny” recently put this to the test after picking up a MacBook Neo. GeForce NOW turned the laptop — usually the creator’s go-to for editing videos and everyday work — into a top-notch gaming machine, too. Another creator, “TechWithSeong” highlighted that same versatility GeForce NOW offers. Rather than juggling separate devices for work and gaming, he used GeForce NOW Ultimate to stream supported PC games across the devices he already owns — from a MacBook used for editing to gaming on the go with handheld devices. Gamers can start with a day pass and experience all the premium benefits without a monthly commitment. Plus, the cost of a day pass can be applied toward a first membership purchase — it’s like earning a little extra credit along the way. Everyone, at Their Stations Needlers never looked so sharp. Experience the Master Chief’s iconic journey on GeForce NOW in Halo: Campaign Evolved — a modernized remake of Halo: Combat Evolved’s campaign — rebuilt with high-definition visuals, updated cinematics and refined gameplay. Whether discovering Halo for the first time or returning after 25 years to finish the fight, it’s as the Master Chief says: “We’re just getting started.” Crash-land on the mysterious ringworld alongside Cortana and uncover great secrets while battling overwhelming Covenant forces. Fight through the rebuilt campaign, then continue the adventure with three brand-new missions featuring the Master Chief and Sergeant Johnson. Expanded weapons, iconic vehicles, hijackable Wraith tanks and optional Skull modifiers offer even more ways to play. Suit up across PCs, Macs, Chromebooks, handhelds, mobile devices, TVs and more with GeForce NOW Ultimate, powered by GeForce RTX 5080-class performance in the cloud. Experience Halo with NVIDIA DLSS, ray tracing and NVIDIA Reflex technologies delivering higher frame rates and ultralow latency that keep every firefight feeling responsive and worthy of a Spartan. From solo gaming to online co-op modes, GeForce NOW cloud saves let members log in and pick up exactly where they left off across supported devices — no lengthy downloads, extra storage space or expensive hardware upgrades required. The only thing left to carry is the mission. Let’s Play Today In addition, members can stream the following games this week: Halo: Campaign Evolved (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass July 28) Mistfall Hunter (New release on Steam July 29) Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (New release on Ubisoft Connect July 30) Sudden Attack Zero Point (New release on Steam, July 30) The Ranchers (New release on Steam, available July 30) Corsair Cove (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass July 31) Funnel Runners (Steam) Pathogenic (Steam) What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below. Which game lore are you so familiar with that you can give a school presentation on it? — NVIDIA GeForce NOW (@NVIDIAGFN) July 29, 2026

Title: GeForce NOW Sets Sail With ‘Path of Exile: Curse of the Allflame’ Joining the Cloud Date: Thu, 23 Jul 2026 13:00:16 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-path-of-exile-allflame/ Lock in and load up the cloud. GFN Thursday brings fresh updates and new adventures, all ready to play without waiting for downloads. Set sail in Path of Exile: Curse of the Allflame and charge in Battlefield 6 Season 4 both launching major content for members this week. Then revisit Capcom legends like Breath of Fire IV, Dino Crisis and Dino Crisis 2, jump into Halo: Campaign Evolved Advanced Access and discover nine titles arriving on GeForce NOW. The Curse Calls Prepare to brave the unforgiving waters of Wraeclast. Path of Exile: Curse of the Allflame launches Friday, July 24, sending Exiles into the perilous Frozen Seas. Guided by formidable corsair captain Valerie and her cursed navigator Vesper, gamers must piece together scattered treasure charts, board the legendary vessel — the Sovereign — and chart a course into the abyss. Descend into the depths using Allflame Lanterns to uncover valuable relics while surviving the dangers lurking beneath the waves. The update introduces sweeping changes, including a complete rework of sockets and links. The Scion also gains the all-new Luminary Ascendancy, the Mercenaries of Trarthus return alongside mysterious Atlas Anomalies, and the preexisting Abyss, Legion and Talisman mechanics receive revitalized gameplay and exclusive rewards. GeForce NOW members can dive in the moment it launches across their devices, no downloads needed. Learn more about the latest additions on the Path of Exile website. Rise Through the Ranks The next operation begins. Battlefield 6 takes the fight further with Season 4, bringing new battlegrounds, expanded progression and new ways to play.  Take to the land, air and sea with the massive Tsuru Reef and the return of the fan-favorite Wake Island, coming in phase two. Both feature aircraft carriers with operational flight decks, new naval vehicles and a dynamic wave system that helps move every match. The update also introduces Custom Lobbies and Spectator Mode, delivering more ways to play. From large-scale multiplayer battles to intense vehicle combat, GeForce NOW lets members deploy across nearly any device. Ultimate members can stream with GeForce RTX 5080-powered performance across PCs, Macs, handhelds, mobile devices, TVs and more. Whether returning to the frontlines or enlisting for the first time, members can leap into the latest Battlefield update the moment it arrives on GeForce NOW — without waiting for patches. Dragons and Dinosaurs — on Any Device Classic adventures, now in the cloud. Three iconic Capcom adventures arrive on GeForce NOW this week, ready for longtime fans to revisit and new players to discover. Journey through the rich fantasy world of Breath of Fire IV, a role-playing game following the intertwining stories of Ryu and Fou-Lu. Master an array of skills and magic to unlock strategic victories in battle and go head to head with unique enemies using powerful Dragon Transformations.  Raw instinct takes over in Dino Crisis and Dino Crisis 2, the survival-horror series that combines pulse-pounding action, resource management and thrilling dinosaur encounters. Pursued by a relentless prehistoric terror, players fight to survive from the facility to the world of the Cretaceous Period. Whether reliving unforgettable moments or discovering these legendary titles for the first time, gamers on GeForce NOW can experience gaming history on supported devices like Chromebooks, Fire TV and Steam Deck — no legacy hardware required. Spartans — Start Early Spartans don’t have to wait. Players who prepurchase the Premium Edition of Halo: Campaign Evolved can suit up for Advanced Access before the game’s global launch on Tuesday, July 28.  Start the weekend with all the new games arriving on GeForce NOW: ZeroSpace (New release on Steam, available July 20) The Life and Suffering of Prince Jerian (New release on Steam, available July 20) The Planet Crafter (New release on Xbox, available on Game Pass July 21) Carnival Hunt (New release on Steam, available July 23) Dinoblade (New release on Steam, available on July 23) Breath of Fire IV (Steam) CloverPit (Xbox, available on Game Pass) Dino Crisis (Steam) Dino Crisis 2 (Steam) The last word goes to the Community Corner. One GeForce NOW member recently shared they found themselves back on GeForce NOW Ultimate because they missed the flexibility of gaming across devices like Steam Deck. Their post sparked a discussion about why members tap into cloud gaming, whether as a backup, a travel companion or their primary way to play. What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below.

Title: Sharpen the Sword, Skip the Downloads — ‘Onimusha: Way of the Sword’ Is Coming to GeForce NOW Date: Thu, 16 Jul 2026 13:00:34 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-onimusha-coming/ Onimusha: Way of the Sword is coming to GeForce NOW at launch, with the playable demo available this week. It’s joined by Denshattack! rolling in with five new games arriving in the cloud. Plus, GeForce NOW officially launches in India, moving from beta to public availability — meaning gamers can sign up without a waitlist. Pick Up the Oni Gauntlet Cloud-powered. Samurai-approved. Capcom’s next legendary action adventure is coming to GeForce NOW. Onimusha: Way of the Sword will arrive on the cloud at launch on Thursday, Sept. 3.  Members can jump into the action even sooner with the demo now available to stream. Set in a dark fantasy vision of Edo Japan, follow a lone samurai wielding the legendary Oni Gauntlet against relentless demonic Genma. Master precise swordplay, unleash powerful abilities and absorb the souls of fallen enemies as supernatural battles unfold across a haunting world filled with mystery and danger. Ultimate members can experience every clash with GeForce RTX 5080-class performance in the cloud across PCs, Macs, handhelds, mobile devices and TVs. From the first swing in the demo through launch day, GeForce NOW lets members step into battle the moment it’s available — no downloads, storage space or expensive hardware required. Gamers can find the demo in the GeForce NOW app demo row and add the title to their wishlists today to be ready when the blade is drawn.  India Levels Up The wait is over. GeForce NOW has officially exited beta in India, bringing the world’s highest-performance cloud gaming service to more gamers across the country.  This week, gamers can choose from monthly Performance and Ultimate memberships, flexible day passes or the basic, free offering — making it easier than ever to experience GeForce RTX-powered cloud gaming. GeForce NOW now supports UPI payments, giving gamers across India a fast, secure and convenient way to purchase memberships and day passes.  Premium memberships unlock GeForce RTX-powered features like ray tracing, NVIDIA DLSS and NVIDIA Reflex, along with higher resolutions, faster frame rates and priority access to streaming. With thousands of supported games — from blockbuster releases and free-to-play favorites to indie hits — members can enjoy PC games they already own without the cost of upgrading to high-end gaming hardware. Join the conversation with the GeForce NOW community on Reddit.  Go Off the Rails This Weekend “Denshattack!” is pulling into the cloud. Denshattack! — the off-the-rails, train‑wrecking action game — is now available to stream on GeForce NOW, letting members embrace pure chaos from almost any device.  Take control of runaway trains and send them barreling through crowded tracks, explosive obstacles and delightfully destructive layouts, chaining spectacular crashes with just the right mix of precision and pandemonium. Its colorful, tongue‑in‑cheek presentation and physics‑driven mayhem turn every run into a highlight reel of derailments — perfect for quick sessions, score‑chasing and laughing at just how wrong a single turn can go when the throttle never lets up. In addition, members can look for the following to play this week: Denshattack! (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass on July 15) The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu (New release on Steam, available July 15) Heave Ho 2 (New release on Steam, available July 16) Fogpiercer (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass on July 17) Onimusha: Way of the Sword DEMO (Steam) The GeForce NOW community keeps discovering new games to play, with members discussing the most beautiful games on the service. What game has impressed you most on GeForce NOW? Let us know on X or in the comments below.

Title: New NBA 2K27 gameplay details on The City, co-op, MyNBA eras, and more Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2026 18:00:23 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/08/18/new-nba-2k27-gameplay-details-on-the-city-co-op-mynba-eras-and-more/ Enter the World of 2K and get your competitive fix with the NBA 2K27 Preseason Breakdown: Game Reveal recap! Live from the Inuit Dome in Los Angeles, CA, NBA 2K hosted a 45-minute livestream detailing the most exciting updates and in-game enhancements coming in NBA 2K27. In case you missed it, we’ve got you covered. Read on to learn more about what you missed from the August 18 showcase. Play Video Balanced gameplay Gameplay in NBA 2K27 strives for the most balanced experience to date, introducing meaningful new offensive tools like Step-Through Up-and-Unders and reworked defensive systems like improved Hands-Up Shot Contests to deliver a rewarding experience on both ends of the floor.  Powered by ProPlay, the game continues to push the limits of courtside authenticity by leveraging advanced machine learning capabilities. When you take the hardwood in 2K27, you’ll see heightened fidelity in animations and the real-time evolution of on-court adjustments. As players around the league find new ways to create separation, we’re finding new ways to innovate, giving hoopers of all skill levels the ultimate playground to prove they belong. Introducing a co-ed City For the first time, we’re introducing a co-ed City, where you can create a female MyPlayer and compete in The City alongside our global community of hoopers. All MyPlayers, male and female, are built on the exact same framework. Your height, badges, attribute ratings, and wingspan are strictly determined by the MyPlayer build you create, not your appearance. All game modes within The City are completely co-ed, with full access to The REC, The Theater, Street Kings, Park, Proving Grounds, Ante-Up, Starting Five, plus the all-new Crew HQ and Casual Corner. One thing to note: Female MyPlayers are a City-only experience. New environments to hoop in The Rec, The Theater, Ante-Up, and Seasonal Parks all feature brand-new environments. Based on community feedback, The Rec now rotates randomly between five unique environments available right at launch: High School Gym Outdoor Court Private Gym Crowded Arena Season-Themed Venue Builder customization & new Badge Tokens The biggest game-changer is the introduction of Badge Tokens, which you’ll use to equip Badges. In the Builder, you can see in real time how your selected size and position affect which Badges you qualify for and how many tokens each Badge will cost. The Builder provides real-time feedback, showing you the exact tokens required as you adjust your attributes.  There are 53 Badges in 2K27, including 19 brand-new Badges built to create a more balanced playing field. Badge synergy Unleash your full potential with the all-new Synergy system, the next evolution of Badges and boosts.  Synergy slots provide a +1 boost, or a massive +2 boost to your Badges. They are broken into two parts: Fuse and Reaction. Fuse Badges receive a permanent +1 or +2 boost for the entire game, pushing that Badge beyond its current tier to maximize its potential, even up to Legend tier.  Reaction Badges are directly paired with Fuse Badges. The effect is triggered automatically once you’ve activated your Fuse Badge a set number of times during a game. Once triggered, the Reaction Badge receives the same +1 or +2 boost for the rest of the game. Exchange without limits For the first time in MyTeam, you can exchange any of your Player Cards (Free Agent cards excluded), even cards earned from Season level rewards, for elite rewards. Every single card you earn, pull, or unlock is a meaningful asset toward building an unstoppable lineup. Even when you complete a Collection for a Collection Reward, cards will now become unauctionable rather than locked in, meaning they can still be used in The Exchange after being used to get a Collection Reward. MyNBA Legacy: Build a 100-Year Dynasty The headline addition to MyNBA in NBA 2K27 is MyNBA Legacy, a single-player, player-locked mode that bridges the gap between running the front office and dominating on the hardwood. Choose any player in the Modern Era, earn experience to upgrade their Attributes and Badges, and create a legend. Whether you’re committed to writing the next century of NBA history, or looking for a casual sandbox experience, MyNBA Legacy has something for everyone. MyCareer Eras For the first time in MyCareer, you can choose to step outside the modern NBA and build your career in one of five historical eras. We took the foundation of MyNBA Eras and brought it directly into MyCareer, allowing you to insert your MyPlayer into the exact moments that defined basketball history. Compete across five iconic eras: The Magic vs. Bird Era The Jordan Era The Kobe Era The LeBron Era The Steph Era Co-op MyCareer We’re bringing a massive community request to life: for the first time ever, you can invite a friend with NBA 2K27 to play co-op multiplayer directly in your MyCareer. This is made possible by your Running Mate, Trace Miller—a custom teammate you meet in the G League who stays with you all the way through your NBA career. When Trace is introduced, you choose one of nine build templates that feature shades of NBA superstars and earn points through gameplay to upgrade his attributes, Badges, and playstyle.  Your co-op partner takes control of Trace exactly as you’ve built him, and you both earn your own separate, full amounts of VC and Season XP.  Trace is the ultimate Running Mate, helping you unlock your full potential on the court. Grab your Crew and hit the courts in The City early by pre-ordering NBA 2K27 Deluxe Edition or Ultra Edition to receive up to 9 days of Early Access*, starting August 26. *Early access begins at 9:00am PT, August 26. Availability may vary by region and time zone. 

Title: Meet the Lovecraftian monstrosities of The Sinking City 2, out today on PS5 Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2026 14:00:44 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/08/18/meet-the-lovecraftian-monstrosities-of-the-sinking-city-2-out-today-on-ps5/ Hi everyone, my name is Evgeny Maloshenkov, and I’m responsible for creature design at Frogwares, the team behind The Sinking City 2. When we started working on the sequel back in 2023, we knew we wanted to take the series in a new direction. The original The Sinking City was an open-world Lovecraftian detective adventure. But for the sequel, we went full force into semi-open-world survival horror, putting a much greater emphasis on combat, exploration, and survival, and of course, all still wrapped in that Lovecraft gloom. Play Video Investigation is still present, but now it’s an optional layer for players who want to dig deeper into Arkham’s mysteries. And those who do will be rewarded with useful knowledge, resources, shortcuts, and other useful rewards. The new stand-alone story – so you don’t need to know the original to enjoy this one-  takes place in Arkham after a mysterious flood engulfs the city. Eventually, with waters rising relentlessly, the population had to be evacuated, leaving behind only a handful of barely sane survivors and the Eldritch abominations that arrived with the flood. So with combat playing such an important role in The Sinking City 2, we thought it would be fun to take a closer look at five of our favourite enemies and how they evolved from early concepts into the creatures you’ll encounter in the game. Slither Worms and Abominations The Slither are among the most common enemies you’ll encounter in Arkham, and they were one of the first creatures we defined for the game. From the beginning, we knew we didn’t want “just another zombie.” Instead, we imagined the Slither as worm-like deep-sea parasites, ranging from finger-sized creatures to worms as long as an arm. Individually, they are barely sentient, but when they gather into colonies, they form a hive mind capable of controlling human corpses in service of Yog-Sothoth. One of our biggest design questions was: What does a corpse look like when it is being controlled by something that has never used a human body before?The worms control the body indirectly, moving muscles themselves from the inside and so they do so with less than 100% precision. We tried to show that through animations and behaviour  shoulders become dislocated, and limbs move in awkward, erratic ways.We also imagined the colony gradually “learning” how to operate its new body, resulting in tangled legs, overextended arms and strange little practice movements. Those ideas became the foundation for the two stages of Slither infestation, with the creature’s appearance and behaviour changing as the colony grows stronger and more confident. Stygian Harvester It might be small and relatively fragile, but that doesn’t make it harmless. Stygian Harvesters are dangerous because of their speed, numbers and ability to surprise the player. They dodge attacks, set up ambushes, and retreat into hiding when threatened, waiting for the right moment to strike again. The creature moves using long human arms ending in hands. This allows it to squeeze through tight spaces, cling to its surroundings and move in ways that feel distinctly wrong. It prefers darkness, where it can remain hidden and turn the environment itself into part of the ambush. Acheronian Juggernaut The Acheronian Juggernaut returns from the original game, and for a very simple reason: we still love its design. The creature looks like multiple bodies have been fused into one enormous, grotesque mass. It has six arms, six legs, and a huge open maw stretching from its head down through its torso. It can even swallow an entire human body and hold it inside while it slowly decomposes. The Acheronian is incredibly powerful and resilient, although its size makes it one of the slower enemies. Originally found in Oakmont, the largest Wylebeast in the city has now made its way to Arkham. Because we were already so happy with its visual design, we kept the changes relatively minimal. Instead, we totally redesigned its behaviour and attacks, with this version much better suited for creating a formidable enemy that will make you sweat in combat. Lethian Revenant Originally known simply as the Lethian, the Lethian Revenant is a human that transforms into a humanoid Wylebeast. The infection leaves the creature visibly diseased and unstable, but its most disturbing feature is its head. It splits open vertically, allowing the Revenant to spit blobs of bacterial fluid at the player from a distance. Its behaviour reflects its physical condition. The Revenant appears to be in constant pain and avoids direct confrontation whenever possible, relying on ranged attacks and retreating behind cover. For The Sinking City 2, we rebuilt the creature from scratch. Its model and textures were completely remade, while some animations from the original game were reused and expanded. We also reworked its wounds to create a much more fleshy appearance, with torn skin, exposed muscle, and dark pus oozing from its body. Deep One Raider No Lovecraftian game would be complete without Deep Ones! These ocean-dwelling creatures are humanoid in shape but distinctly fish-like in appearance. They can survive on land for extended periods and are biologically immortal, dying only through violence or accident. ​​ The Deep One Raider is a terrifying close-range opponent. It possesses immense physical strength and devastating claw attacks, but what makes it particularly unsettling is the way it moves. It can dodge in strange, inhuman ways, drop onto all fours and suddenly burst into a sprint before knocking its victim to the ground. Welcome to the Flood We’re so happy to say that The Sinking City 2 is out now on PlayStation 5! Getting here has been quite a journey. Making a game is difficult under normal circumstances, and doing it with a team in Ukraine while a war continues around us has presented challenges we could never have anticipated. There have been struggles along the way, but seeing the game finally in players’ hands makes us incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished. Thank you so much for reading, and we hope to see you in the flood!

Title: Helldivers 2: A deep dive into the Illuminate Void Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2026 12:00:04 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/08/18/helldivers-2-a-deep-dive-into-the-illuminate-void/ Helldivers, we have entered the unknown at last to face the unthinkable. Our elite peacekeepers are looking into the corruption and shining Liberty’s light onto the heart of darkness. The Gateway is constructed and we have crossed into the new frontier. The Illuminate may have broken through but Super Earth will push back. Now is the time to mount the counteroffensive! You must work together to destroy their unnatural mutations in the name of Managed Democracy. The Gateway is now open During the ‘Census Thunder’ campaign, the Helldivers secured large reserves of Voteless tissue samples from the Void to aid in the study of this menace. Super Earth’s Ministry of Science determined a way into the Void by opening and stabilizing a wormhole on Rirga Bay using the research you helped secure: the Gateway is now open. We’re sending our best, Helldivers. And that means you. Liberate The Source Planet Space inside the Void is strange, divers. There are no stars, no marvelous skies to behold from the planet’s surface. The planets pulled into the Void have been transformed, mutated, and reborn inside it. These worlds hold Illuminate ruins and ancient technologies that you must document and destroy. You must navigate these strange worlds and find the Source Planet, formerly known as Seasse, and liberate it. But beware: Seasse is a shade of its former glory, now consumed by the haunting flora from the Void, and filled with Illuminate horrors (the Wretch, the Crusher and the abominable lands in which they dwell) Document the Corruption Inside the Void, you have new objectives to complete on the planets, and–unlike previously more linear dives–you will have several randomized primary objectives for every operation. This brand new arrangement requires you to think fast and work together to dive and extract safely. Document your discoveries inside the Void with the tactical video camera, destroying Illuminate structures, conducting reconnaissance missions, and more. Document their war crimes and end their foul corruption. Extract the Squad The Void is dangerous and time is of the essence: complete objectives and extract. To give your squad a fighting chance at making it back to the Destroyer, Helldivers will be able to unlock secondary extraction zones on the Void planets. You won’t be facing these new challenges alone. Push forward with the help of SEAF support squads to unravel the secrets of the Void. Reveal the hidden truths, uncover the source of the anomaly… and put Freedom’s foot clean through its face. The fight for a safer tomorrow begins today. The latest update, Devoid of Liberty***, is live now. Take back the galaxy, divers–give these squids hell. ***Gameplay requires internet access and paid-for subscription on console (sold separately).

Title: (For Southeast Asia) PlayStation Store: July 2026’s top downloads Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2026 03:11:45 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/08/17/20260818-top/ It’s time to see which PS5, PS4, PS VR2, and free-to-play games topped last month’s download charts in Asia.  In July, EA SPORTS FC 26 and Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced topped Asia PS5 download charts, while Call of Duty: Black Ops II dominated the charts for PS5 and PS4 in the US and EU.  Check out the full listings below. What titles are you playing this month? PS5 Games AsiaUS/CanadaEA SPORTS FC 26Call of Duty: Black Ops IIAssassin’s Creed Black Flag ResyncedCall of Duty: Black OpsNBA 2K26EA Sports College Football 27PalworldAssassin’s Creed Black Flag ResyncedeBaseball: PRO SPIRIT 2026EA Sports FC 26Resident Evil 4Halo: Campaign EvolvedIt Takes TwoPalworldSplit FictionNBA 2K26Gran Turismo 7MinecraftForza Horizon 5Escape the BackroomsPersona 5 the RoyalUFC 6DAVE THE DIVERThe Mound: Omen of CthulhuFINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH007 First LightGhost of YōteiEchoes of AincradCall of Duty: Black Ops IIMLB The Show 26The Witcher 3: Wild HuntGrand Theft Auto VCyberpunk 2077Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game007 First LightBattlefield 6Dead Island 2Call of Duty: Black Ops 7Stellar BladeIt Takes Two *Naming of products may differ between regions *Upgrades not included PS4 Games AsiaUS/CanadaCall of Duty: Modern WarfareCall of Duty: Black Ops IIRed Dead Redemption 2Call of Duty: Black Ops IIIBloodborneBatman: Arkham KnightEA SPORTS FC 26Red Dead Redemption 2God of WarCall of Duty: Black OpsAssassin’s Creed OdysseyGang BeastsSEKIRO: SHADOWS DIE TWICECall of Duty: Modern WarfareMarvel’s Spider-Man Game Of The Year EditionEA Sports FC 26Watch Dogs 2The ForestA Way OutDestiny – The CollectionBatman: Arkham KnightMortal Kombat XThe Last of Us RemasteredNBA 2K26Tomb Raider: Definitive EditionA Way OutShadow of the Tomb RaiderMinecraftAce Combat 7: Skies UnknownGod of WarResident Evil 6Devil May Cry HD CollectionCall of Duty: WWIIDying LightRise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year CelebrationMiddle-earth: Shadow of WarMetal Gear Solid V: The Definitive ExperienceBloodborneOvercooked! 2Resident Evil 5 *Naming of products may differ between regions PS VR2 Games* AsiaUS/CanadaHorizon Call of the MountainI Am CatBeat SaberSynapseMaestroBeat SaberAlien: Rogue Incursion VRJob SimulatorSmash DrumsThe Walking Dead: Saints & SinnersThe Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners – Chapter 2: RetributionCreed: Rise to Glory – Championship EditionKayak VR: MirageAlien: Rogue Incursion VRArizona Sunshine VR RemakeAmong Us 3D: VRMetro AwakeningZero Caliber VRArizona Sunshine VR 2Arizona Sunshine VR Remake *PlayStation Store purchases only. Game upgrades or games bundled with hardware not included Free to Play (PS5 + PS4) AsiaUS/CanadaeFootballRobloxRobloxFortniteNTE: Neverness to EvernessMarvel RivalsDelta Force (F2P)Rocket LeagueWhere Winds Meet (F2P)Call of Duty: WarzonePUBG: BATTLEGROUNDSTom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege – Free AccessGenshin ImpacteFootballAsphalt LegendsApex LegendsFall GuysFall GuysFortniteAsphalt Legends

Title: Phantom Blade Zero State of Play dives deep into combat and the Wulin world  Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2026 02:22:34 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/08/17/phantom-blade-zero-state-of-play-dives-deep-into-combat-and-the-wulin-world/ Phantom Blade Zero is set to release on October 29*. In our deep dive gameplay State of Play episode, we share more about the world of Phantom Blade Zero, its gameplay systems, and the involvement of kung fu legend Donnie Yen. Play Video We’ve kept some of our deeper gameplay systems under wraps until now, and today’s State of Play offers a closer look at how you can shape your combat setup and express your own style of play in our dark wuxia action game. We’ve been looking forward to sharing more of the Wulin and Donnie Yen’s involvement in the game, and we hope you’re as excited as we are! The Wulin world and combat options The Wulin, our dark wuxia world, is a place rife with conflict and intrigue, where our protagonist, Soul, will encounter citizens in need along his journey. Interacting with them and completing some of the side quests might even open up new story paths and deepen your understanding of this perilous martial world. Secrets are hidden throughout the Wulin, waiting to be uncovered as you learn the truth behind the events that set the story of Phantom Blade Zero in motion. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image While exploring the Wulin, you’ll unlock more than 30 main weapons, plus 25 secondary weapons known as Phantom Edges. You can upgrade your weapons and pair them with different accessories to create the build you want. Want to take down enemies from afar? Use summons to assist you in battle? You’ve got plenty of options. Express yourself freely through combat as you fend off assassins, those who have succumbed to darkness, and martial arts masters who plot against you. Defeating some enemies expands your arsenal, giving you even more ways to take on challenging foes. Don’t worry if you second guess a weapon you’ve upgraded or want to switch up your build. You can always reforge it, get those materials back, and reinvest them in another.  Verify your age to view this content. Verify your age to view this content. Difficulty options Our range of difficulty options lets new players and even the most experienced action game veterans tailor the experience to their liking. If you’d simply like to enjoy the story, Wayfarer mode is for you. But if you want to ramp up the challenge, try Hellwalker to face more advanced and adaptive enemy intelligence or take on Sixty-Six Days mode, which isn’t for the faint of heart. Verify your age to view this content. Verify your age to view this content. Kung fu consultant Donnie Yen To capture the spirit of authentic kung fu, Donnie Yen serves as our Creative Consultant while also bringing Mó Yuan to life through facial and motion capture. Through his likeness, performance, and creative guidance, Donnie has helped bring the essence of kung fu cinema into your hands. This has been one of the most exciting parts of developing Phantom Blade Zero, and we’ve been dying to share it for a long time. Crossing paths with Mó Yuan will keep you on your toes. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Verify your age to view this content. Verify your age to view this content. We hope you’ll enjoy Phantom Blade Zero when it launches on October 29*, for PlayStation 5. *October 28 in the US and select regions.

Title: Entropy, a deliciously miserable Final Fantasy-esque RPG where your party members can permanently die, is now out in early access Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2026 18:07:12 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/entropy-a-deliciously-miserable-final-fantasy-esque-rpg-where-your-party-members-can-permanently-die-is-now-out-in-early-access I was already aware of Entropy before Edwin called it a game that looked like a PS1 game fished from a toilet, primarily thanks to the stellar work developer Lovely Hellplace carried out in their previous game Dread Delusion, but I'm sure that would have hooked me in conceptually just as easily. And now you can dive into this turn-based, post-apocalyptic RPG yourself, as it's launched into early access. Read more

Title: Subnautica 2's Buddy System update brings in the promised proximity chat, easier trading, and emotes so you can sarcastically applaud your friends Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2026 17:15:38 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/subnautica-2s-buddy-system-update-brings-in-the-promised-proximity-chat-easier-trading-and-emotes-so-you-can-sarcastically-applaud-your-friends Another month, another Subnautica 2 update! Last month's focus was on changing creature behaviours to make it a bit less frustrating for those of you that just wanted to go on a killing spree. This month puts the focus on your friends, with the 1.2 update being titled "Buddy System," adding in some neat new features that'll mean you'll have a smoother time playing with your pals. Read more

Title: The Lantern of the Laughless Saint, a Morrowind-inspired RPG weirdfest out this week in early access, has immediately seduced me with dialogue camera hijinks Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2026 16:14:29 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/the-lantern-of-the-laughless-saint-a-morrowind-inspired-rpg-weirdfest-out-this-week-in-early-access-has-immediately-seduced-me-with-dialogue-camera-hijinks I've woken up on a beach. I'm staring up into the nostrils of a bald man whose face looks to be made of wet clay. He's saying vaguely threatening things about a tower and my race and an island and the fact I'm far from home. The dialogue camera of The Lantern of the Laughless Saint clearly picks up on how unnerved this introduction to its adventure has made me. Read more

Title: Marathon's limited time Ordnance Heist is a multi-run and map event that nets you a cool gun you can't keep Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2026 16:09:20 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/marathons-limited-time-ordnance-heist-is-a-multi-run-and-map-event-that-nets-you-a-cool-gun-you-cant-keep Marathon's Vault Breaker, an experimental PvE mode that allowed even solo folks to take on the endgame map Cryo Archive, is wrapping up today, but Bungie does at least have a new event for you to have a go at in kind. It's called Ordnance Heist, and while it doesn't offer any major new features or radical changes, the big thing it does focus on is completing multiple runs across multiple maps, netting you an explosive weapon called the Firestorm. Read more

Title: Trainwatch is a life sim, a horror game, and a time management experience rolled up into a haunting story about the eerie places you see from a speeding carriage Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2026 15:24:19 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/trainwatch-is-a-life-sim-a-horror-game-and-a-time-management-experience-rolled-up-into-a-haunting-story-about-the-eerie-places-you-see-from-a-speeding-carriage Recently, RPS has seen a mighty renaissance of train game reporting. Look to east, and you will find James doing locomotive kickflips in Denshattack, a J-pop stunt racer turbocharged by the hope of a better world. Look to west, and you'll witness Julian bopping bandit Pullmen in Fogpiercer, or chuffing gaily between the plumpest asteroids in Profits 2167. Read more