Title: Is Steam Down? Is It Tuesday? Great News, It’s Probably Just Maintenance Day Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2026 23:00:49 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/steam-down-tuesday-maintenance-2000725528 The more you know

Title: All The New Details We Spotted In The Leaked GTA 6 Videos: Six-Star Wanted Level, Gas Meter, Improved Combat, Boosting Stats With Basketball Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2026 22:49:48 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/all-the-new-details-we-spotted-in-the-leaked-gta-6-videos-six-star-wanted-level-gas-meter-improved-combat-boosting-stats-with-basketball-2000725524 Rockstar's massive open-world game has leaked once again and revealed some new details in the process

Title: Neverness To Everness Devs Forget To Remove Watermark For Free Trial Of AI Software Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2026 22:00:10 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/neverness-to-everness-devs-forget-to-remove-watermark-for-free-trial-of-ai-software-2000725370 NTE players in China spotted the watermark for a free version of the Doubao AI software on the artwork for a seahorse in the game's new update

Title: Ex-God Of War Writer Answers Why Japanese Video Game Devs Seem To Keep Their Jobs More Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2026 21:30:51 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/alanah-pearce-japanese-game-industry-difference-layoffs-2000725483 Short answer: their laws are much better

Title: The Creators Of Big Walk Break Down The GOTY Contender’s Development, Puzzles, And Stunning Ending Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2026 20:00:31 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/the-creators-of-big-walk-break-down-the-goty-contenders-development-puzzles-and-stunning-ending-2000725133 Big Interview

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: Epic Mickey Brought An Icon Back To Disney, And Warren Specter Doesn’t Want You To Forget Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2026 22:48:50 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/epic-mickey-brought-an-icon-back-to-disney-and-warren-specter-doesnt-want-you-to-forget/ After over four decades in video games, developer Warren Specter is retiring from the industry. But as Specter moves towards the door, he wants to make sure that the team behind his 2010 game Epic Mickey gets their due for bringing one of Walt Disney's earliest creations back home to Disney. In 2003, the development document for Epic Mickey reportedly spurred then-Disney president Bob Iger to eventually regain the rights to Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, a breakout animated character created by Disney and animator Ub Iwerks. When the Oswald property was taken from Disney, the latter created Mickey Mouse and the rest was history. In 2006, Iger was Disney's CEO when he made the deal to bring Oswald home in exchange for the rights to sportscaster Al Michaels. Subsequently, Epic Mickey was the first Disney project to bring Mickey and Oswald together. Sixteen years after Oswald appeared in Epic Mickey, the character is getting his own miniseries on Disney+.. On his LinkedIn account, Specter reacted to the recent D23 preview of Oswald's Disney+ show. He also noted that he that Epic Mickey's contributions to the character were being overlooked. "I'm seriously looking forward to [the miniseries], but it seems as if people are looking at it as the debut of the character," wrote Specter. "Call me small-minded but that ain’t right." Specter elaborated that the game marked Oswald's first Disney role since 1928, and added that the game's sequel, Epic Mickey: The Power of Two, gave Oswald a voice for the first time in a Disney story and fleshed out his love interest, Ortensia. "I have to admit that I’m a little bitter about the lack of credit the team gets for all this," Specter wrote. "I was blown away that Disney trusted us and saw fit to reintroduce the little guy in a game. But the team did a great job and deserves to be recognized for it before Hollywood makes people forget the games ever existed." In 2024, Epic Mickey got a modern remaster in Epic Mickey Rebrushed. Around that time, Specter acknowledged that Epic Mickey 3 was unlikely to happen, but he did say that he had some ideas for the unmade sequel.

Title: It’s Time To Accept Madden Is Good Again Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2026 21:46:04 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/its-time-to-accept-madden-is-good-again/ For my entire life, sports games have lived under the shadow of a particular criticism: "same game, different year." It was never literally true, of course, but has often reasonably captured the sentiments of millions of players who jump into annualized sports sims year after year. EA's NFL sim Madden may be the most common target of this flavor of feedback. There have been years when I, too, was very disappointed with Madden. It was taking the sport I love most and fumbling it every August. But for five years now, it's felt less true, and at this point, with Madden NFL 27, we just have to admit Madden is good again. To be fair, I had even higher praise for Madden 26 than you'll find in this Madden 27 review, which takes a slight step back in some ways, but none of those shortcomings can be found on the virtual field itself. It's the continued gameplay improvements that keep Madden from succumbing once more to formerly reliable memes and criticisms. The Tiburon team has been building and iterating on its foundational gameplay in clear and beneficial ways on a timeline that, to my mind, began with Madden 23. It culminates with this year's game, which feels better than ever when you step onto the gridiron. Defense is the key. Despite my career-high praise of last year's game, something shook it to its core a month or two after launch, breaking the pass rush for the duration of the game's time in the sun. It resulted in a Madden experience where games routinely went over 90 total points scored. In my competitive Madden league, I even saw some players score upwards of 70+ several times. Defense was sickly. Madden 27 is medicine.  This year's game focuses intensely on giving players more control over their players and improving things like zone coverage and pass rushing, in particular. In last year's game, it felt like you needed a sixth sense as the user on D to make a stop. With smarter zone coverage, you can rely on AI defenders. Players won't spectate from the middle of their zone anymore, as they now "look for work," diagnosing a play's progression and playing proactively rather than reactively. Along with new tools to play conservatively, aggressively, or their ultra variants, you can now better prepare for what you think you know before the ball is snapped.  These new shoulder-button commands are part of a complete remap of the pre-play adjustments. These take some getting used to, as they reconfigure years of muscle memory for longtime Madden players, but it's a worthy learning curve to run down, because the end result gives you not just more options, but options that are much quicker to activate.  Things that may have taken four or five button presses in past games now take just two, and with new custom adjustments, you can create your own macro adjustments, bundling a set of would-be individual changes all in one go. For example, if you think you know what play your opponent is running, you can quickly activate a macro that adjusts your defensive line spacing, cornerback shading, and LB zone depth in ways that you feel counter that play correctly, all with the press of two buttons. Macro adjustments and a streamlined controller remap are changes made for the diehards, and I love them. It's truly revolutionary and speaks to Madden's renewed energy spent on serving the diehard community first and foremost. Even if macros sound too sweaty, you can use those provided by default, never having to jump into the game's menus to create your own. It's not as sexy a feature as the awesome new holiday game presentation, but in my mind, these new tools are the defining feature of Madden 27. As deep as these new tools go to help defense, many of them work on both sides of the ball, and the offense actually gets an exclusive new toy, too. Timing-based catching came to both of EA's American football games this summer, and Madden has the benefit of learning from College Football's launch-week struggles. Similarly to timing your NBA 2K shot release in the green zone, timing-based catching asks Madden players to snag the ball at the moment it hits your hands. I've taken about two weeks to make up my mind on this optional new mechanic, which you can toggle off. I was skeptical and worried at first, but I've settled on using it. It adds more player input to plays, removing some of the Madden Math--as those in my league like to call it when the game's attributes algorithm calculates who wins or loses any scuffle on a play. My only concern right now is that finding the sweet spot will be a months-long quest for the studio, as it reacts to players saying it's too powerful or not powerful enough. I hope it can settle into something predictable and reliable. If it does, I believe we'll see the team iterate on the feature in welcome ways for years to come. If it never quite lands right with the wider community, it may go the way of QB Vision: quickly swept out of the game. But for me, and for now, I like it. For many, including me, Franchise is the destination mode, and for the second straight year, the mode actually delivers some big changes that I enjoy. The marquee addition here is the Persona Engine, which assigns every player a number of personality traits, then makes dealing with them on your roster an interpersonal minigame. Players may have a team-first mindset, or they may be driven by money over all things. They may be quick to annoy or helpfully patient. They may be near the end of their career and seeking to close it out with a title, or they might demand a trade because you didn't offer them a contract that they felt respected their efforts.  Something like this has been in Madden in recent years, but it's only been relevant during free agency, and even then, hasn't been very influential. This year, it's actually a big deal and will undoubtedly reshape your roster in unpredictable ways. A football team is 53 players, and for the first time ever, you'll feel like you're coaching 53 unique individuals.  Every negotiation is its own experience. This is made better by an overhaul to how contracts are offered. For a long time, Madden's deals would reflect only one format: year-over-year pay increases. That might sound typical at your job, but it's not nearly true of the NFL, and now Madden captures these nuances. You can negotiate to add void years, rearrange the salary versus bonus money, apply no-trade clauses, and a number of other options that dynamically become available during contract talks, which now happen all throughout the season, rather than having a bunch of guys ready to discuss contracts in Week 3 like the old way Madden did deal-making. It's important to note that, though I didn't see many head-scratching deals in my Franchise sessions, social media has featured several in the first few days since Madden's release. Computer-controlled teams are signing too many players at one position, re-signing much of their roster for mega-deals that would break the salary cap, and doing other things that suggest Madden's new Persona Engine logic is causing some headaches. It's a tricky thing for me, as I didn't see them myself, so it can't color my firsthand experience--and playing in a 32-player league means I'll be insulated from CPU tomfoolery such as this--but I see these stories and ingest them like headlines of viruses somewhere else in the world. For now, I'm apparently safe, but I'm mindful that such dangers are lurking elsewhere. Kids would call this next part of my review a vibe shift. While the on-field and Franchise additions are great, if you're most interested in other modes, you'll be left wanting. Despite some fun in the custom-avatar career mode, Superstar, it was a frustrating experience overall. I played my career as a free safety, one of the new positions you can take on. But the play-by-play scoring system--a load-bearing pillar of this mode--is routinely faulty. When I'd make a tackle, it would score me as having made a tackle assist. When I'd engage in a block, it would downgrade me for having been pancaked, even as I remained upright. Even weirder, it would get game results wrong. With the Chargers, I beat the Rams to go 6-1, but after the game it said we were 5-2. Then next week, when I lost to the Texans, it gave me a win.  Off the field, Superstar is still a fatigue-inducing affair of menus, corny brand inserts, and false choices. Often, dialogue options let me choose what to say in a text message or to the media, and the difference in outcomes is negligible. This mode also gets to something that is becoming worse in Madden, and probably only going to get even worse once the long-rumored PvPvE social mode, akin to NBA 2K's The City, finally arrives. Monetization is everywhere, and it's affecting gameplay. You can buy levels to improve your avatar faster than playing, but you can also buy a Superstar Pass, which is just a battle-pass-style system that gives you even more skill points for leveling up. Neither precludes you from the other, and in fact EA seems all too happy to let you double-dip, since progression is slow either way, and especially painful if you try to play for free, even if you stick to the single-player story.  You could play Superstar without buying anything extra, but the game really prefers you spend money. The blowback NBA 2K gets over similar tactics hasn't really hit Madden yet because its half-measure of a social mode, Superstar Showdown, is largely ignored by the game's diehard players, whereas in NBA 2K, The City is the point for most players. But if predatory progression slowdowns like this still exist when that mode finally arrives, it'll be EA willfully stepping on a rake after having surely heard about these issues for years beforehand. At the very least, NBA 2K charges players a lot but delivers a fun game mode. For EA to both ask for so much of your money after the initial $70 (or even $150) and still not offer something enjoyable in exchange is mind-boggling. All that spending doesn't even account for the mode-agnostic Team Pass, which is another $10 every few weeks if you want it. Like last year's game, the Team Pass includes some recycled rewards from the previous Madden, which is frustrating for paid content anyway, but especially bad when it means my Tennessee Titans cosmetics include the team's outdated branding, since they overhauled their logo and uniforms last winter. Of course, you can't talk about overly monetized design without speaking to Ultimate Team, the decades-long undisputed champion of pay-to-win tactics in a fully priced game. For what it's worth, Ultimate Team (MUT) doesn't get much focus in Madden 27, which is what many Franchise and Superstar fans always hope for, as they feel it means more resources went to their preferred landing spots instead.  What MUT does add this year is a bit more flexibility in how player cards crystallize, with "Evo" cards allowing you to over-level cards, change their archetypes, and more. To my eyes, this mode is a chore each year that demands you spend your free time playing nothing but MUT. I don't find that fun or rewarding and probably never will, so long as they keep throwing me into games against credit-card warriors who spend hundreds or thousands of dollars to shred people online using the same small handful of glitched plays that emerge every year. Hard pass. On top of the awesome holiday presentation packages that decorate broadcast-style elements to fit Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, Madden 27's presentation adds a few other welcome touches. This includes more numerous and detailed alternate field designs that are rolled out to match throwback and alternate jerseys whenever the home team equips them. The weekly recap and halftime shows go deeper than before, adding a Player of the Week segment. It's all still handled by Scott Hanson, too, who brings authenticity and electricity to each instance.  The holiday broadcasts are a relatively small addition that go a long way toward improving the game. With all of these new bells and whistles over the past two Maddens, I do wish players in PvP could opt into what the game calls "full" presentation. By default, if you're playing someone online, the game skips a lot of these awesome displays, like pre-game run-outs and highlights that mimic fading to commercial. These go a long way toward giving the game a more authentic feel, and it's too bad I rarely get to see them once my review sessions are over and the rest of my games are played in PvP league games. Presentation is right up there with gameplay and Franchise as the three key pillars that determine whether I enjoy a Madden installment. While the gains here have been smaller than those on the field, in particular, they are still very noticeable, very appreciated, and very cool. Madden 27 is the fifth consecutive year in which the on-field experience has been foundationally sound and improves on its predecessor. It's a heartening trajectory for a series I've spent my life playing, through both good and bad eras. Despite the still-glaring issues in arenas like Superstar and MUT, Madden feels cool again. It's past time we stopped applying outdated perspectives to a game that has evolved significantly over the past half-decade. Madden will continue to frustrate at times, patches will sometimes be slow to arrive, and monetization is still way too intrusive and seems likely to get worse. But if you stick to Franchise and take advantage of the many new tools at your disposal on the field, there's a game worth celebrating here.

Title: Welcome To GameSpot Cheap Week Date: Mon, 17 Aug 2026 16:00:00 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/welcome-to-gamespot-cheap-week/ Gaming is expensive. That's always been true, even if other hobbies could be worse in that regard, but recent years have seen the situation only become more extreme. Enter GameSpot Cheap Week. All this week, we'll be publishing assorted features looking at how we got here--why are consoles so expensive, what goes into game pricing--and ways in which you can play more while spending less, be it through mods, libraries, or games that just don't cost an arm and a leg. Check back with this page as we publish more all throughout the week! Why Are Video Game Consoles So Expensive These Days (And Games Historically Cheap)? The Best Games Under $10 Looking To Save Money? Here’s How (And Why) You Should Finally Tackle Your Backlog Game Subscriptions You Might Secretly Already Have https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FatSqS3VYY

Title: Game Subscriptions You Might Secretly Already Have Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2026 20:00:00 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/game-subscriptions-you-might-secretly-already-have/ Gaming has never been more expensive. We're here to investigate why, and help you play more while spending less. Welcome to GameSpot Cheap Week. As part of GameSpot's Cheap Week, we're running through why games and consoles are so expensive these days (hint: it's a lot of AI and tariffs). We're also providing some tips for how to save some money. One way of playing games that has become more popular and commonplace these days is by way of a subscription service. Maybe you don't want to sign up for yet another membership--that's entirely understandable--but it's possible you already have a subscription that includes games that you might not have known about. Below, we run through some of the subscription services you might not immediately associate with gaming, so it doesn't include popular programs like Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, and Nintendo Switch Online, but those are all solid options for playing more games without buying titles outright.  You may already subscribe to a service with games. Netflix  If you are one of the many millions of Netflix subscribers, you also get access to a growing collection of video games. A nice perk of playing games through your Netflix subscription is that it doesn't cost anything extra and there are no in-game ads or microtransactions. Netflix's library of games includes mobile titles and games you can stream to your PC or TV. Some of the available titles on Netflix include ports of existing games like Street Fighter IV Champion Edition, Into the Breach, Sonic Mania Plus, Dead Cells, and Red Dead Redemption. The Netflix Games library also includes games based on Netflix IP, including Money Heist: Ultimate Choice, Love Is Blind Stories, Narcos: Cartel Wars Unlimited, and Stranger Things 1984. Netflix also creates entirely original games, including the recently released horror game Unhinged. Filmmakers David Fincher (Fight Club, Zodiac) and Zach Cregger (Barbarian, Weapons) collaborated with developer Night School Studios on the project. The New York Times The esteemed publication The New York Times has grown and expanded in a lot of cool ways in recent years, including inroads in lite gaming. The company bought Wordle years ago, and that game continues to be free for everyone. However, if you're a NYT subscriber, you get a lot more than just Wordle for your money. The standalone "games only" NYT subscription also includes Spelling Bee, The Crossword, Spelling Bee, Crossplay, Connections, and more. If you subscribe to "All of The Times," you also get these games, along with NYT's news coverage, cooking content, and The Athletic. GTA+ Maybe you subscribed to GTA+ for the numerous in-game perks for GTA Online, but did you know this membership also includes a library of games at no extra charge?  Some of the titles included with GTA+ include GTA V's story mode, Red Dead Redemption, Bully, and LA Noire, along with older GTA games like Chinatown Wars and Liberty City Stories. GTA: The Trilogy - The Definitive Edition--which includes updated versions of GTA 3, Vice City, and San Andreas--is included with GTA+ as well.  GTA+ is bundled with GTA 6 preorders, so Rockstar is obviously planning to keep the subscription service around for the time being. It remains to be seen, however, what kinds of additional perks might be available when GTA 6 launches in November. Luna/Prime Amazon Prime members get access to the company's Luna streaming service for games at no extra cost with the Amazon Luna Standard plan. This includes a selection of games that currently include FC 26, Dispatch, Hogwarts Legacy, Goat Simulator 3, Fortnite, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, SpongeBob: Battle for Bikini Bottom Rehydrated, Skyrim, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Dead Stranding, Alan Wake II, Fallout: New Vegas, and more. (An Amazon Prime subscription also gets you free games each month through services like GOG and Epic Games Store, but you need to claim them individually.) Alternatively, people can subscribe to Luna Premium standalone for $10/month or add it on top of their existing Prime membership to get an even bigger library of games. Some of the titles included in Premium that aren't in the standard version currently include Batman: Arkham Knight, Mafia: Definitive Edition, Madden NFL 26, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, and Star Wars Outlaws, among others.  Luna is a streaming service, so no dedicated local hardware is required beyond a computer to stream to. As of July 23, Luna games are now hosted in the Prime Video app alongside movies and TV shows under the "Games" tab. Epic Games Although it's not a subscription, as part of its bid to get people to come over from Steam and to acquire new users, the Epic Games Store gives out a new free PC game (or multiple games) each week, as well as one or more free mobile games. These games are yours to keep, even after the freebie week ends.  In its 2025 Year in Review post, Epic said its "Free Games Program" helped drive discovery and engagement with the Epic Games Store. During the year, people claimed 662 million games via the program, with more than 77% of the freebies setting new all-time peak concurrent-user records on the Epic Games Store during the week they were made free. This created a "halo effect" across the PC category overall, Epic said, with player numbers rising on Steam as well.

Title: Apparent GTA 6 Footage And Map Leak As Rockstar Issues Takedowns Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2026 19:45:17 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/apparent-gta-6-footage-and-map-leak-as-rockstar-issues-takedowns/ New footage and details about Rockstar Games' Grand Theft Auto 6 appear to have been leaked online. While the full veracity of the intel has yet to be confirmed, Rockstar's DMCA takedown requests suggest that some of it could be legitimate.. And the person or persons behind the leak has issued some biblical demands if the company wants to avoid any additional unauthorized disclosures. The leaker, who goes by Cyberleek, has issued the following "commandments" to Rockstar and other game publishers: Thou Shalt Not Sell Digital Preorders Thou Shalt Not Sell Fake Single-Player DLC Thou Shalt Preserve Single-Player Content Those demands have been shared on social media with a further warning that, "These commandments are the floor--not the ceiling--of what is acceptable." The statement also threatens to target publishers for additional leaks if the commandment are violated. The first game footage clip--which is already becoming scarce online--features GTA 6 co-lead Jason hanging out at home and playing a little basketball. It also features a look at the game's modified HUD and a basketball tutorial that goes over the minigame's controls. The clip is only about a minute long, and some viewers have suggested that it's from a much earlier build of the game than the one heading to stores in a few months. In the second video from the leaker, Jason is behind the wheel of a car as the game shows off its driving gameplay. After crashing into several vehicles, Jason angers a delivery driver who challenges him to a fight. The subsequent encounter utilizes the game's combat engine. And the aftermath of the fight attracts some unwanted attention from the cops. A map of GTA 6's Leonida setting was also part of the leak, but it's unclear if it came from Rockstar or if it was a fan creation. The leak comes just over a week before GTA 6 is scheduled to get an extended showcase on Netflix. That special will debut on August 27, and it's expected to have an in-depth preview of some of the game's features. GTA 6 will be released on November 19 for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. While the game's physical copies will only feature codes in the box, Take-Two hasn't entirely ruled out a disc release.

Title: Sega's 84-Hour Open-World Masterpiece Has Aged Like Fine Wine Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2026 23:00:14 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/like-a-dragon-infinite-wealth-hawaii-rec/ 2024 was a stellar year for fans of role-playing games, with the launch of Metaphor: ReFantazio, Dragon's Dogma 2, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, Persona 3 Reload, and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. So it's understandable that you might not have had the time for Sega's 80-hour romp through Honolulu, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. The ninth mainline installment of the Yakuza / Like a Dragon series has a sprawling ensemble cast that pulls from numerous installments of the series, but don't let that intimidate you.

Title: Peacock Just Raised Its Prices for the Fourth Straight Year Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2026 21:49:15 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/peacock-price-increase-august-2026/ Streaming service Peacock is getting more expensive — again.

Title: 32 Years Later, The Single Best 'X-Files' Quote Of All Time Still Haunts Me Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2026 21:30:14 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/best-x-files-quote/ The X-Files became a landmark show in the 1990s for a lot of reasons. First of all, the concept was incredibly intriguing and original. The idea of FBI agents investigating things like aliens and urban legends was unlike anything that came before it and allowed for wildly different kinds of episodes every week, from sci-fi to horror to even the occasional comedy.

Title: 'GTA 6' Hackers Are Targeting Rockstar's Controversial Decisions Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2026 21:09:31 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/gta-6-hackers-cyberleek-physical-discs/ When some 50 gameplay clips of Grand Theft Auto 6 leaked a few years ago, it was largely the work of a devil-may-care hacker who seemed to do it because he could. However, the most recent leak that's spreading ahead of Rockstar Games and Netflix's extended GTA 6 reveal is pointed. The group, which goes by the name Cyberleek, also provided a press release with their leak that outlines three guiding "commandments."

Title: Marvel's Wolverine Is At the Center of the Most Complex Online War In Years Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2026 20:16:27 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/marvels-wolverine-backlash/ This September is jam-packed with new games, and Marvel’s Wolverineis the biggest of the bunch. Insomniac’s PS5-exclusive superhero game looks to deliver a brutal take on Wolverine that’s suitably faithful to the character. Given Insomniac’s sterling track record (which includes Marvel’s Spider-Manand Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart), it should be riding your typical big-budget hype train right now ahead of the game’s Sept. 15 release date. So why are so many people so angry about it right now?

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: Clipmatrix is a Counter-Strike-like, bunny hopping, platforming romp through surreal and industrial locales Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2026 21:52:28 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/clipmatrix-is-a-counter-strike-like-bunny-hopping-platforming-romp-through-surreal-and-industrial-locales A thing that always tickles me in a particular way is when a game takes a beloved mechanic from an iconic game that doesn't technically exist. By not existing I'm talking about something like wavedashing in Super Smash Bros. Melee. You can't play that game professionally without doing it, and yet it's just an exploit as opposed to something purposeful, but there are derivatives that directly bake it in. So, despite never playing its source (pun intended (you'll see what I mean in a second)) of inspiration, I'm quite intrigued by Clipmatrix, a momentum platformer set in surreal, industrial locales built around Source Engine bunny hopping found in the likes of Counter-Strike. Read more

Title: GTA 6 footage once again appears to leak online, this time because of a group that wants games like The Crew to have offline modes and the end of digital preorders Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2026 20:31:08 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/gta-6-footage-once-again-appears-to-leak-online-this-time-because-of-a-group-that-wants-games-like-the-crew-to-have-offline-modes-and-the-end-of-digital-preorders Yeah, it's happened again: some GTA 6 bits appear to have leaked. I'm not going to link to any of them for I hope obvious reasons, as well as the fact I don't want John Rockstar to send me an email wagging their virtual finger at me. But, having seen them, they do seem to be legit, consisting of a couple of clips and a handful of screenshots showing the in-game map. Read more

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