Title: ‘Absolutely F*cking Not!’ Black Mirror Director’s Perfect Response To An Invite To Direct HBO’s Harry Potter Date: Fri, 14 Aug 2026 16:20:25 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/harry-potter-hbo-jk-rowling-ally-pankiw-kate-herron-transphobia-2000724485 After Ally Pankiw shared her response to the inquiry, fellow director Kate Herron also revealed she'd turned down the gig based on J.K. Rowling's books

Title: With The Shutdown Of Pokémon Bank, Some Cool Elements From Old Games Are Being Lost Date: Fri, 14 Aug 2026 16:04:37 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/pokemon-bank-transporter-shutdown-trading-features-2000724503 The shut down of Pokémon Bank is affecting a lot of little things across the old games

Title: Roblox Is Now Under Investigation By The U.S. Senate Over Child Safety Date: Fri, 14 Aug 2026 15:47:14 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/roblox-is-now-under-investigation-by-the-u-s-senate-over-child-safety-2000724465 'Roblox appears to prioritize revenue and engagement metrics over the safety and well-being of our children'

Title: It’s Time To Give Mario A Gun Date: Fri, 14 Aug 2026 15:03:29 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/its-time-to-give-mario-a-gun-2000724461 The only thing that can save Nintendo is leaving childish things behind

Title: Palworld’s Brand New Trading Card Game Is Out Of Stock And Plagued By Scalpers Date: Fri, 14 Aug 2026 14:36:53 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/palworld-official-card-game-tcg-pocketpair-bushiroad-scalpers-2000724457 The creator has issued an apology, and is looking for methods to address the issue

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: Watch God Of War Laufey Star Smash The Last Of Us Golf Club Prop On Her First Day Date: Fri, 14 Aug 2026 15:48:43 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/watch-god-of-war-laufey-star-smash-the-last-of-us-golf-club-prop-on-her-first-day/ Deborah Ann Woll plays Faye in the upcoming PS5 game God of War Laufey, and she had quite a memorable first day on set. At San Diego Comic-Con recently, she shared a story about how, on her very first day, she broke a famous prop from The Last of Us due to her strength and tenacity--only she didn't know the significance at the time. And now, footage of the event has arrived. "Unbeknownst to me, this was a very famous prop that they had used on The Last of Us," she said, going on to joke that it was "some sort of sporting equipment." It was actually a golf club prop, and you probably know what that means... "They gave it to me and I was supposed to use it like an axe. And I broke it," Woll said. Game director Ariel Lawrence added, "She swung it so hard, it cracked. And it echoed throughout the volume. And we were like, 'Hot damn, let's go.'" https://twitter.com/SonySantaMonica/status/2088280064974635337 God of War: Laufey is in the works now for PS5, and it's arriving in February 2027. Starring alongside Woll is The Boys actor Jack Quaid, who plays a gelatinous cube named Phranque. A new Kratos-led game is coming after that, and it will pick up where Laufey left off.

Title: Roblox Is Now The Target Of A Congressional Investigation: “Children Are Hurting” Date: Fri, 14 Aug 2026 14:49:40 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/roblox-is-now-the-target-of-a-congressional-investigation-children-are-hurting/ US Senators Josh Hawley and Dick Durbin have announced that Roblox will be the subject of a congressional investigation amid claims that the gaming platform is a threat to child safety. "You trumpet Roblox as a safe digital playground for children as young as five," the pair wrote in an open letter. "But the public record raises serious questions about this promise of safety. Over the past decade, police have arrested numerous individuals for committing serious acts of violence and harm against children they met via Roblox, including grooming, sexual abuse, kidnapping, rape, and even murder. Roblox is being used to trade child sexual abuse material, participate in sexually explicit--and often violent--virtual 'experiences' with children, bribe and extort children into producing explicit content, and lure children into in-person meetings. It is heartbreaking." "Roblox appears to prioritize revenue and engagement metrics over the safety and well-being of our children, and the alleged criminal activity on Roblox warrants congressional scrutiny. Let us be clear: children on your platform are hurting. Congress will not look the other way." Roblox Hawley (a Republican from Missouri) and Durbin (a Democrat from Illinois) added that Roblox reported 65,381 instances of suspected child sexual exploitation to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children in 2025, more than doubling what it reported in 2024. Headed by the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism, Roblox Corporation has been instructed to preserve its records and turn over certain documents by August 31. The investigation will also require Roblox CEO David Baszucki to provide evidence as to how Roblox will better police itself. "Roblox is built on the foundation of safety. We do not compromise on that commitment," Roblox’s chief safety officer Matt Kaufman said in a statement (via Politico). "We look forward to sharing the facts about how we protect children on the platform." Roblox has been the subject of significant scrutiny recently. Australian lawmakers have it in their crosshairs over reports of grooming and sexual content, Florida’s Attorney General has described it as a breeding ground for predators, and the Attorney General of Texas sued The Roblox Corporation over child-exploitation accusations. Earlier this year, Roblox Corporation agreed to pay more than $12 million to the state of Nevada as part of a move to create a safer environment for its young users, but other regions, such as the United Kingdom, have suggested drastic solutions to protect children online.

Title: Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Beta Will Do Something No Previous CoD Beta Has Date: Fri, 14 Aug 2026 14:48:08 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-4-beta-will-do-something-no-previous-cod-beta-has/ Activision has announced that the upcoming Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 beta will have more than just multiplayer content. The MW4 beta will also include access to the campaign mission, Entrenched, along with the upcoming Warzone mode, Resurgence Zodiac. Activision will show off some of this content during the Call of Duty: Next event on August 21. As announced previously, the beta begins with an early access period August 21-25 for people who preorder, before opening up to everyone to try August 28-September 1. The early-access beta will not be available on Switch 2, as preorders for the Switch 2 version don't begin until August 28. The MW4 beta approaches. Activision also revealed all the maps, modes, and content in the beta. You can find the full details in GameSpot's rundown of the MW4 beta. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 releases on October 23 for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch 2, and preordering grants access to the campaign a week before launch. The game coming to Switch 2 is notable since the franchise hasn't appeared on a Nintendo platform since 2013's Call of Duty: Ghosts. MW4 is also the first entry since Ghosts in 2013 to skip PS4 and Xbox One. Infinity Ward is leading development on the game, which comes after back-to-back Black Ops releases, the latter of which, 2025's Black Ops 7, had the worst sales ranking in the US since 2008. Also noteworthy for Modern Warfare 4 is that it will not launch directly into Xbox Game Pass, as both Black Ops 6 and Black Ops 7 did.

Title: Disney Has 9 Gaming Franchises That Have Generated $1 Billion+ At Retail, Including Kingdom Hearts Date: Fri, 14 Aug 2026 14:26:23 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/disney-has-9-gaming-franchises-that-have-generated-1-billion-at-retail-including-kingdom-hearts/ Disney has outlined just how powerful and important video games are to the company's future. In a blog post ahead of D23--where Kingdom Hearts news is expected--the company's gaming boss, Sean Shoptaw, revealed that games are now a "fundamental part of the broader entertainment landscape." He said Disney has reaped the rewards, with nine of its gaming franchises grossing more than $1 billion at retail so far. "So, it’s about telling truly original stories that really are unique to this medium, specifically," he said. Some of these include Kingdom Hearts and Marvel Strike Force. Shoptaw added that more than half of the nine franchises have only appeared in the past 12 years. Disney runs multiple game outfits, including Disney Pixar Games, Marvel Games, Lucasfilm Games, and 20th Century Games, just to name a few, all of which live under the broader Disney Games banner. Disney Games has reached about $3.5 billion in consumer spend annually for the past four years, exceeding $4 billion in the past fiscal year alone. Shoptaw said this helps hammer home how gaming will be a "key part of Disney's storytelling strategy in the present and the future." He added that Disney isn't necessarily all that interested in doing things like movie tie-ins, which were popular in the '90s and early 2000s. Instead, he said Disney wants to create original games that tell new stories, with Shoptaw citing Marvel's Wolverine as a prime example. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0llQ8tuYRU One of Disney's biggest bets in gaming in recent years has been through its partnership with Epic Games and Fortnite. Disney has invested more than $1.5 billion into Epic Games, and Shoptaw said its partnership is a "really important one." “Our partnership with Epic is a really important one,” Shoptaw said. “What Epic has built with Fortnite has really created one of the most important social entertainment platforms in the world, and certainly for us, we see a ton of opportunity to bring our great characters, stories, and worlds into that universe and build something truly unique to Disney.” "Our ambition is to create something truly transformational. A space that people can come play, watch, and create, and a space that we bring all of Disney together in one connected universe." Disney has brought many of its franchises to Fortnite already, and its Simpsons collaboration was particularly successful. Looking ahead, Disney is planning even more in Fortnite, reportedly including an Arc Raiders-style game. Disney's new CEO, Josh D'Amaro, is a big believer in games and has suggested gaming could be Disney's next big growth-driver, after the company's stock price has been flat over the past decade. Some have theorized that Disney could buy Epic and Fortnite to help grow the business, but nothing has materialized as of yet. Disney was, at one point in history, a developer of games itself with its Disney Interactive Studios label. This unit of the entertainment giant produced a number of games over the years, including the Disney Infinity "toys-to-life" series. However, Disney shuttered Disney Interactive Studios and now focuses more on licensing. Former CEO Bob Iger spoke candidly about Disney’s struggles making and publishing games internally, admitting, “We haven’t been particularly good…”

Title: Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Beta: Dates, Content, And How To Get In Date: Mon, 20 Jul 2026 17:29:10 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-4-beta-dates-revealed-heres-how-to-get-in/ Activision has confirmed the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 multiplayer beta dates, which begin on August 21. The company also revealed how you can get it, what's in the beta, and when to expect more details. Read on to learn more. Modern Warfare 4 beta dates Early access to the open beta runs August 21-25 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. The multiplayer beta then opens for everyone, regardless of preorder status, from August 28-September 1. The open beta also brings in Switch 2 as a supported platform. How to get in The early access period is available for people who preorder Modern Warfare 4, but the open beta is free and available to everyone. The fine print also states that an "online multiplayer subscription" may be required. The early access period is not available on Switch 2 because Switch 2 preorders don't begin until August 26. The MW4 beta begins in August. What's in the beta? The Modern Warfare 4 multiplayer includes multiple maps and modes and a "wide selection" of playable characters. The beta includes "as many as" 19 different weapons, while some of the supported modes include Search & Destroy and Kill Block, and the Training Mobility Course to help players learn the ropes. On August 14, Activision announced the specifics of what's available in each weekend's beta, and, for the first time, it includes campaign content. Early Access Beta (August 21-25) Campaign mission: Entrenched Multiplayer maps: Rooftops, SIlkworm, Transit 213, Cachette, Lotus, Kill Block Multiplayer modes: Team Deathmatch, Domination, Hardpoint, Kill Confirmed, Inflation, Search and Destroy, Kill Block - 10 v 10 and 3v3 Gunfinight, Mobility Course. Open Beta (August 28-September 1) Campaign mission: Entrenched Multiplayer maps: Rooftops, Silkwork, Transit 213, Cachette, Lithium, Kill Block Ground War: Combat Outpost, Imjin Farmland & Wolves Stadium Warzone: Resurgence Zodiac Multiplayer modes: Hijack, Combat Outpost, Team Deathmatch, Domination, Hardpoint, Kill Confirmed, Inflation, Search and Destroy, Kill Block - 10v10 and 3v3 Gunfight, Mobility Course The beta also includes a "wide variety" of tacticals, lethals, field upgrades, perks, and killstreaks to try out ahead of launch. People who preorder the Vault Edition of Modern Warfare 4 can use the operators and weapons included in that version of the game during the beta. These include content from the Vault Edition preorder bundles below: Hostile Alliance Operator Pack Price Valeria Ghost Blix Special Forces Operator Pack COM SFT (France) KSK Amphibious (Germany) SK Special Forces (South Korea) SAS (United Kingdom) Signature Weapons Collection  Kastov 762 Assault Rifle and “Voltspine” Blueprint ISO Nightshade Submachine Gun and “La Sombra Venenosa” (“The Poisonous Shadow”) Blueprint Rezi 12 Shotgun and “Shattered Code” Blueprint Oris 8.6 Marksman Rifle and “Volt-Edge” Blueprint Combat Knife (Melee) and “Sombra Besada” (“Shadow’s Kiss”) Blueprint More announcements to come Activision said it will share more details on what it called an "unprecedented beta experience" in the weeks to come. This will include more details on beta rewards and "other surprises." Call of Duty Next The annual Call of Duty event, Call of Duty Next, returns on August 21, Activision announced. This live event will feature new gameplay footage, an "in-depth briefing" on Modern Warfare 4's multiplayer content, along with developer interviews and "new reveals."

Title: 'Lanterns' Review: 'Watchmen' Meets 'Yellowstone' in HBO's Brilliant New Sci-Fi Show Date: Fri, 14 Aug 2026 16:00:12 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/lanterns-review-hbo/ For the legendary Swiss folk hero William Tell, shooting an apple off his son’s head was the punishment for an act of rebellion. So when John Stewart’s father places an apple on his young son’s head in the opening scene of HBO’s Lanterns, it feels like that tall tale has been twisted into an act of child abuse. Then he pulls the trigger, shoots the apple cleanly, and reveals the act for what it really is: a cruel ritual designed to condition John’s fearlessness.

Title: Miracle 'Skyrim' Mod Adds Essential Feature That Was Impossible For Nearly 15 Years Date: Fri, 14 Aug 2026 15:58:54 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/skyrim-realistic-snow-deformation-mod-best-weather-why-impossible/ If something isn't in The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim, you probably assume someone, somewhere, has already made a mod for it. While you'd probably be right, there's one surprising element that has been missing from Bethesda's lauded RPG for years. In fact, up until recently, most people assumed a particular feature wasn't possible due to limitations inherent to the Creation Engine, which the game is built on.

Title: Marvel’s 'Alien vs. X-Men' Looks Like a Must Read Comic in New Preview Pages Date: Fri, 14 Aug 2026 15:43:56 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/marvel-alien-vs-x-men-crossover-series-release-date-covers/ The X-Men are about to face their most dangerous threat this September when they meet the Xenomorphs. Following last year's grimly delightful Alien Vs. Avengers, Marvel is pitting the Children of the Atom against the universe's perfect killing machine. A new preview of the upcoming limited series shows off just how bad things are about to get, and I couldn't be more excited.

Title: Modern Warfare 4 Beta Will Include Campaign and Warzone In Series First Date: Fri, 14 Aug 2026 15:39:32 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/modern-warfare-4-beta-campaign-mission/ With Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4’s October release fast approaching, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has revealed that the game’s upcoming betas will have an unexpected inclusion: single-player.

Title: 'Marvel Tokon' Reportedly Moves 500K Units In First Week, Kicking Off Sales Figures Debate Date: Fri, 14 Aug 2026 15:35:14 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/marvel-tokon-sales-debate-steam-ps5/ In a social media landscape increasingly obsessed with the phrase “dead game,” what exactly constitutes a success? This old debate resurfaced after Rhys Elliot of Alinea Analytics disclosed the first-week sales figures for Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls in his latest newsletter. As of Aug. 12, the Marvel fighting game had sold 485,000 copies. 74% of these sales came on PlayStation 5 and 26% on Steam. The game has brought in $33 million in revenue, according to the analyst.

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: Share of the Week: Big Walk Date: Fri, 14 Aug 2026 16:00:05 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/08/14/share-of-the-week-big-walk/ Last week, we asked you to grab some friends and explore the world of Big Walk, available now as a PlayStation Plus Monthly Game, using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this week’s highlights: rorottino shares them and some friends standing in a circular window by the sea darc262000 shares two friends holding hands on the ski lift call_me_xavii shares a sunny view of the valley and body paint station xenobitz shares a mirror selfie while changing body colors cenrice shares a friend sitting down and watching the sunset Search #PSshare #PSBlog on Twitter or Instagram to see more entries to this week’s theme, or be inspired by other great games featuring Photo Mode. Want to be featured in the next Share of the Week? THEME: KatanaSUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on August 19, 2026  Next week, unsheathe and wield a katana from the game of your choice and share using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured.

Title: Hands-on report: Marvel’s Wolverine Date: Thu, 13 Aug 2026 15:00:03 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/08/13/hands-on-report-marvels-wolverine/ It’s been a big week for fans of Marvel’s Wolverine, starting with the announcement of sharp-looking PS5 hardware and accessories. Now, with just over a month away until its September 15 launch, Insomniac is sharing a deep dive on the game’s story, combat, and exploration thanks to an extensive hands-on session with the game.   Our two-hour session kicked off with the game’s opening mission in the wilds of Telambang, where Wolverine has reunited with Team X to carry out a critical mission infiltrating the facility of anti-mutant industrialist Bolivar Trask. After slicing our way to a daring rescue, we jumped ahead in the game to a bombastic boss fight and a taste of Madripoor’s Lowtown. Between brutal barrages, stealthy scouting, and a range of rage-filled takedowns, we got to cut to the bone of the game’s story, flesh out Wolverine’s allies and foes, and uncover a piece of his buried past.   Taking on Trask  From the game’s opening moments flashing back to a feral, mangy-haired, and memory-wiped Wolverine, every sequence tested the balance between his rage and humanity. The first mission reunites him with Team X, a mutant task force formed by Nathaniel Essex to help protect mutants. Wolverine had stepped away from the group, something that has rankled his teammates, a wry Mystique and ever-savage Sabretooth.   Their mission takes them from the hidden facility of billionaire Bolivar Trask to the seedy backstreets of Madripoor, presenting Wolverine with the grim reality of what mutants in this world are facing. With mutants largely unknown by society, Trask has been spending his billions abducting, studying, and cruelly disposing of mutants with little regard for his victims in a quest to maintain human superiority. As the nefarious reality of the facility’s purpose becomes clearer, the horror Wolverine feels quickly pools into an unbridled rage. That rage drives him forward through throngs of Reaver enemies and a run in with Omega Red to eventually free Essex, who has been held captive by Trask.   Essex is the one who found Wolverine years before in that feral state, and formed Team X to protect mutants and build a world where mutants can be open. Between Essex and Trask, Wolverine is faced with the lengths some will go to protect the future of their kind, and will challenge him to face what kind of person he wants to be in this future.   Sink your claws in  Between storylines and set pieces, my biggest takeaway from my time with Marvel’s Wolverine was that it feels dang good to sink those claws in. Wolverine doesn’t just attack enemies, he catapults himself at them, targeting and launching himself from across the room to stun or barrage. Every combat encounter becomes a furious flurry, where my adrenaline feels directly tied to Wolverine’s increasing rage.  While a simple parry and barrage can get the job done, Wolverine can unlock a number of Special Techniques, skills that can be upgraded and mapped to the directional buttons for an extra flair in a fight. In my playthrough, I could cleave through a group surrounding me with Tornado Spin, or interrupt enemy attacks with Knee Breaker. Players can also unlock Adaptations, which upgrade long-term effects and skills like Logan’s health and rage meter.  That rage will come in handy. Successful combos build up Wolverine’s rage meter, which rises through three Rage Tiers to dramatically alter his fighting style. As Wolverine enters Rage Tier 2, his combos become more powerful and he unlocks Last Stand, which allows him to use his rage to heal his body if fully downed. But things really go over the edge when Wolverine’s meter fills to Rage Tier 3. His attacks become significantly more powerful, while brutal critical strikes become available. His vision seems to close in, his breathing getting louder and more primal as he darts between enemies, slicing and dicing with ease. Those critical strikes can lead to some dangerously fun takedowns, like snatching a member of The Hand’s katana or bow to slam back into them.   Sometimes, Wolverine needs a more methodical approach. He can use his Enhanced Senses to track and takedown enemies more stealthily. Trask also has Ability Inhibitors at his disposal that block Wolverine and his teammates from using their abilities. In these moments, he must work past the pain and fight without healing, focusing on taking enemies down with classic combat moves and destroying the Inhibitors before it’s too late.  It took all the skills I had gathered so far to take on the looming Sentinel Prototype towards the end of my preview. Built by Trask to detect and destroy mutants, this fight took all of Wolverine’s patience and strategy, dodging or parrying the Sentinel’s powerful attacks, while waiting for the perfect moments to strike. This sequence was thrilling both to use Wolverine’s abilities to their fullest potential, and to watch as he worked in tandem with Mystique and Sabretooth. By the time I was busting through the Sentinel’s head victorious, I had a wild grin on my face and felt amped and ready to take on anyone.   More to explore  Luckily after that fight, there was still more to explore. In Madripoor, surrounded by allies new and old, we took a moment of respite in Princess Bar (run by Tyger). Here we got to interact with newly acquired ally Jean Grey, and the mutant teens she has been protecting. Though they are still a mystery to one another, Jean and Wolverine’s connection is immediate. It’s with her that he can admit that his anger sometimes scares him and that he wants to be better.  I enjoyed that Wolverine also makes time here for his teammates Mystique and Sabretooth. Mystique stays focused and on mission during combat, shifting through identities when needed. Here in Princess Bar, she can just be herself, and encourages Wolverine to do the same through a friendly but vulnerable game of Never Have I Ever. Sabretooth spends most of the game’s opening antagonizing Wolverine and calling him a runt, which is fair enough given he stands about as tall as Sabretooth’s navel. But it’s clear their relationship runs deeper, and Sabretooth feels spurned by Wolverine’s original exit from the group.   While exploring the streets of Lowtown, I could take the time to check out some of Wolverine’s other looks and claw types, which ranged from a classic undershirt and jeans outfit to a Weapon X helmeted style. While walking around the Princess Bar, Wolverine’s Enhanced Senses could pick up on conversation or music that could guide him to specific rooms, or trail a teammate’s scent to find where they’ve run off to. Exploring each room sometimes led to a conversation, or finding easter eggs, like Mystique’s wedding pictures, or an IOU written on an ace of spades card from one Remy LeBeau.   Take the time to explore each new location, as Wolverine can discover hidden crates with raw upgrade materials or collectable whisky bottles. Logan can also stumble across Nightmare Doors, which transport him to a dreamlike cabin to take part in a Nightmare Trial. These timed speed trials reimagine different locations from the game into a vertical fever dream, where he can race to the end to unlock a forgotten memory from his past.   Players can sink their claws into Wolverine’s story and tap into his rage when Marvel’s Wolverine launches September 15 on PS5 consoles.

Title: (For Southeast Asia) Ghost of Yōtei Complete Edition Comes to PS5 October 2 Date: Thu, 13 Aug 2026 04:24:15 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/08/12/20260813-goy/ We are so excited to announce that even more new content is coming to Ghost of Yōtei! On October 2, we’ll have a new narrative expansion, new single-player combat survival mode, and new quality of life updates all coming in Ghost of Yōtei Complete Edition!1 Play Video Before we dive in, we want to take a moment to thank everyone for an incredible year since Ghost of Yōtei launched. We are so proud of our incredible community, and grateful for all of the fan art, cosplays, virtual photographs, combat montages, Twitch streams, Jubei thirst posts…we promise we’ve seen it all and love to share it around the studio. Ghost of Yōtei Complete Edition will launch just in time for our 1-year anniversary, and we can’t wait for another year of new creations from all of you! In the coming weeks we’ll have much more to share, but wanted to give you a few early looks today at the new content in Ghost of Yōtei Complete Edition: View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Ghost of Yōtei: Echoes of Sekigahara is our new narrative expansion. Split between the present day and flashbacks to Atsu’s time on the mainland, you’ll meet Nagato, a figure from Atsu’s past who has arrived in Ezo. In the present, you’ll explore a previously unseen valley once inhabited by The Snake and his gang of loyal followers, the Vipers. In the past, you’ll experience Atsu’s time in the Battle of Sekigahara and a key moment in her life before she returned home for her quest for vengeance. You’ll meet new enemies and find new heavy weapons, new armor sets, new dyes, and more. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Ghost of Yōtei: Most Wanted is a brand new single-player combat survival mode, our spin on a roguelike. You’ll accept bounties in order to start new runs, where taking down enemies will earn you perks, as well as unlock additional characters to play as. We’ll have much more to show soon, but as you can see in the trailer today, Atsu is a master with the dual katana, while Oyuki excels with the kusarigama, and Nagato shines with a yari. We love to watch the amazing combat reels that have been shared with us on social media, and can’t wait to see you all try to perfect these runs. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image If you haven’t experienced Atsu’s journey yet, you can purchase Ghost of Yōtei Complete Edition for SGD 89.90 (Disc Version) / SGD 97.90 (Digital Version) / MYR 299 (Disc/Digital Version) / IDR 1,169,000 (Disc Version) / IDR 1,142,000 (Digital Version) / THB 2,290 (Disc/Digital Version) / PHP 4,099 (Disc Version) / VND 1,799,000 (Disc Version). In addition to Echoes of Sekigahara and Most Wanted, this includes the award-winning main Ghost of Yōtei game as well as Ghost of Yōtei Legends, our online co-op experience with support for up to four players and multiple gameplay modes culminating in a Raid.2 If you purchase the Complete Edition, you can immediately start playing the main game and Legends, and Echoes of Sekigahara and Most Wanted will arrive with a patch on October 2. Ghost of Yōtei Complete Edition also includes all of the in-game content previously included in the Ghost of Yōtei Digital Deluxe Edition, as well as the Charm of Hokkyokusei. If you purchase by September 30, you’ll also get an early unlock of the Sakai Armor on October 2 for Atsu to wear, a throwback to Jin’s family armor from Ghost of Tsushima.1 View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image If you already own Ghost of Yōtei, you can get Echoes of Sekigahara and Most Wanted by purchasing the Ghost of Yōtei Complete Edition Upgrade (Digital Only) for SGD 20.27 / MYR 60.11 / IDR 220,890 / THB 524 If you don’t already own the Digital Deluxe Edition and Charm of Hokkyokusei you’ll immediately unlock that content upon pre-ordering. And if you pre-order by September 30, on October 2 you’ll also get the early unlock of the Sakai Armor.  View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Beyond the new content listed above, Ghost of Yōtei Complete Edition includes new tracks for Watanabe Mode that will be available throughout the entire game when the mode is enabled. There’s also new photo mode stamps, additional cosmetics for New Game+, and new Trophies for both Echoes of Sekigahara and Most Wanted.  For anyone who owns Ghost of Yōtei, even without purchasing the Complete Edition upgrade, a new patch on October 2 will add the new Beauty of Yōtei mode, which allows for a screensaver-like view of the environments of Ezo to keep on and relax at home (and take stunning new Photo Mode captures). There will also be new quality of life features including the option to keep an armor set’s appearance while using a different set’s stats, as well as a new high contrast accessibility option.1  Thank you again to everyone for an amazing year since Ghost of Yōtei launched! We’ll have more to share about Most Wanted and Echoes of Sekigahara as we get closer to launch on October 2, so be sure to follow our social media channels and keep an eye out! 1 Available via patch v.2.0 on October 1, 2026 globally, and October 2, 2026 in some territories, including Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. Internet connection and account for PlayStation required to download. 2 Online multiplayer requires a PlayStation Plus subscription. PS Plus is subject to a recurring subscription fee taken automatically until cancellation. Full terms: play.st/psplus-usageterms.

Title: (For Southeast Asia) Helldivers 2 joins PlayStation Plus Game Catalog today, Devoid of Liberty update out now Date: Thu, 13 Aug 2026 04:13:22 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/08/12/20260813-helldivers2/ We have watched the Void stretch across the galaxy for too long. The threat posed to our Liberty is too great and we can no longer stand by as the Illuminate gain ground. Helldivers, you are needed on the battlefield of a new frontier–one more wild and uncertain than any we have faced prior. We must venture into their haunted abyss, the Void, and liberate it back into Super Earth’s control.Today’s Devoid of Liberty release also coincides with Helldivers 2 entering the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog. Starting today, Helldivers 2 will be available to PlayStation Plus Extra and Deluxe members. Journey to the Void Getting into the Void presents a unique challenge. High Command has ordered reconnaissance missions to gather as much intel as possible in order to give us an advantage. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image The planets within the Void’s reach have been altered–strange mutations have left a permanent mark on planets, and intelligence reports suggest that these changes are even more significant the closer the planets are to the Void itself. What lies inside? View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Complete new missions You will be given new objectives to conquer–destroy Illuminate spires and gateways, complete data reconnaissance, and infiltrate Illuminate structures with your team. New secondary objectives will also become available, from eradicating Void mutations to extracting materials for research, as well as the opportunity to open a secondary extraction zone on the map to potentially evacuate your squad faster. Exterminate new threats As you fight your way toward the Void, you’ll encounter new, hideously mutated organisms. We have received intelligence reports that indicate these metamorphosed creatures are emerging from the heart of the Void–they are ghoulish diversions wrought into existence by the Illuminate scourge to threaten our freedom. The Wretch View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image The nimble Wretch moves fast and can easily overwhelm weaker fighters and dodge their counter-attacks–don’t let it get the jump on you. The Crusher View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image On a relentless death march, the Crusher can take heavy damage and also dish it out. Wear it down before it regenerates. Dive with more impact We aren’t sending you in without backup. You may now gain all 300 ranks of security access and privileges, as well as new rank titles.  We have commissioned SEAF platoons to aid in completing operations. They’ll arrive on dropships to fight alongside you and your squad, offering medical support via stims, but also give a boost to your morale when you salute, shake hands, and–of course–hug them. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image This is our opportunity to strike and avenge the citizens, SEAF, and Helldivers lost in the Battle for Super Earth. PlayStation Plus Join the fight for galactic freedom as acclaimed co-op shooter Helldivers 2 arrives in the Game Catalog – included with PlayStation Plus Extra and Deluxe*, starting today. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Want more good news? The Helldivers 2 community is about to take on an epic collective challenge: eliminate 500 million enemies by August 18 to unlock four Helldiver PlayStation avatars. Join the fight and help the community reach the goal! The latest update, Devoid of Liberty** is live now! Take back the galaxy, divers–give these squids hell. *PlayStation Plus Game Catalog and PlayStation Plus Premium/Deluxe lineups may differ by region. Please check PlayStation Store on release day. Digital PS5 games available to stream from your library will vary over time, region, and country. PlayStation Plus is subject to a recurring subscription fee taken automatically until cancellation. Terms apply: play.st/psplus-usageterms**Gameplay requires internet access and paid-for subscription on console (sold separately).

Title: Kinetic Publishing Showcase recap: 5 new indie games coming to PS5 Date: Wed, 12 Aug 2026 19:30:04 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/08/12/kinetic-publishing-showcase-recap-5-new-indie-games-coming-to-ps5/ You may have heard of Kinetic Games through our horror title, Phasmophobia. It’s sold over 27 million copies, and thanks to this success, in January of this year we established our very own publishing label, Kinetic Publishing. Our aim at Kinetic Publishing is to support and empower indie devs to create incredible games, giving them the level of support that our founder, Daniel Knight, would have benefitted from when he was first creating Phasmophobia. Today we debuted our Kinetic Publishing showcase, where we got to reveal the first five games we’ll be publishing throughout 2027 and 2028. These dev teams all have unique, inspiring stories and just as equally exciting games. From a true sci-fi horror to a witch-tech delivery adventure, and everything in between, we’ve curated a selection of games we hope players are going to love, and of course, they will all be available on PlayStation 5. Contact Protocol  Can you make the right decisions under pressure? That’s the question the team behind Contact Protocol wants the answer to. In this sci-fi starship job simulator, you are tasked with the scourge that is corporate admin as you assess the intentions of incoming ships on the Pale Horse’s voyage to Jupiter’s largest moon. Compare incoming information against company records and do your best to determine whether ships are friend or foe. But make the wrong decision and all it takes is one torpedo to guarantee your safety – while sending the other crew to their death in the vacuum of space. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image In Contact Protocol, players’ cognitive load is gradually ramped up while being offered near-impossible decisions, and we found the combination of this stressful gameplay combined with allocated downtime and the incredible yet somewhat unsettling art style, to be something really special. It’s high stakes, it’s intense, but it’ll leave you coming back for more, as players will soon find out when Contact Protocol launches on PlayStation 5 in Spring 2027. Crescent County  Crescent County is a game that sings with sunset-soaked, dreamy graphics from the mind of creative director and illustrator, Anna Hollinrake. Based on her own lived experience moving to the Isle of Wight, players will discover what it means to find home on this magical crescent isle. From crunchy, flow-state motorbroom driving, to messy, gossip-fuelled local drama and flirty relationships, Crescent County aims to offer the experience of Kiki’s Delivery Service meets the bikes of Akira set on a rural, witch-tech island. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image We couldn’t deny how much we loved the gorgeous, painterly world of Crescent County, a down-to-earth passion project that oozes good vibes. Celebrating queerness, found-family and community in a way we couldn’t ignore, get ready to lose yourself in the beauty of Crescent County when it comes to PlayStation 5 in Summer 2027. Shellbound  Shellbound has taken the best bits of a metroidvania and set them on a ‘big ass snail’. Giving real meaning to the phrase ‘living world’, players take on the role of a parasite exploring an environment where organs are labyrinths and the snail’s very biology can reshape the paths available to them. The combination of combat and platforming provides the much-loved metroidvania challenge, proving simple to learn but satisfyingly difficult to master. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image But Shellbound is pushing the limits of the genre, giving players parasitic powers that allow them to take control of enemies and NPCs and each creature offering unique movement, combat, and traversal skills. Harnessing these abilities is the key to reaching hidden areas, unlocking new routes, and defeating powerful bosses – which players will learn when Shellbound launches on PlayStation 5 in Summer 2028. Aether Wizard Life  The creativity and ambition of the team at Vonder Games is truly something to behold, as they combine town-building, platforming and exploration with action-RPG combat, farming, and dating in Aether Wizard Life. Players take on the role of an apprentice mage in the haunted town of Starfall, and must uncover the secrets of mysterious wizard kidnappings. Along the way, you are free to choose what tasks to take on each day, whether that’s growing magical crops, caring for exotic creatures, venturing into deep and twisting dungeons to fight monsters, or talking with the townsfolk to discover new side quests and problems to solve. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image From the Ghibli-inspired art style, to the story behind the town’s mystery taking inspiration from the fascinating, real history of witches – we were captivated by the team’s attention to detail in Aether Wizard Life. This new cozy wizard life sim launches on Playstation 5 in Autumn 2028. Precognition  We are beyond excited to announce that we will be partnering with Half Mermaid Productions on their newest game, Precognition. Originally teased under the name ‘Project C’, Precognition is a sci-fi horror being created by Immortality and Her Story creator Sam Barlow in collaboration with acclaimed horror director Brandon Cronenberg. At Kinetic, we’ve played (and gotten hooked on) Sam’s previous FMV games like Immortality and Her Story, and jumped at the chance to work with such a talented team. Of course, Kinetic is best known for its own horror title, so we’re very happy to have an equally thrilling game in our publishing lineup. And Precognition aims to go one step further than Sam’s previous games, giving players a real sense of agency and freedom in choosing where the story goes. Be sure to interrogate the smallest of details, and get ready to face the consequences that await when you meddle with the flow of time, when Precognition launches on PlayStation 5 in Spring 2028.

Title: Rideshare Stimulator finally gets its genAI disclosure after much Saber-rattling, and it turns out the game also uses the tech for in-game music Date: Fri, 14 Aug 2026 15:26:30 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/rideshare-stimulator-finally-gets-its-genai-disclosure-after-much-saber-rattling-and-it-turns-out-the-game-also-uses-the-tech-for-in-game-music Saber Interactive have belatedly updated the Steam page for Unigine's chatty gig-work game Rideshare Stimulator with a disclosure about generative AI usage, following a withering back-and-forth between the game's former writer Stella Sacco and Saber CEO Matthew Karch. To catch you up, in case you had the good fortune to miss all the yelling earlier in the week: Sacco was lead writer at Saber from July 2023 to July 2024. On Tuesday 11th, responding to Rideshare Stimulator's announcement trailer, she posted on Bluesky that "Saber replaced me with ChatGPT midway through development", adding that the game makes of generative AI tools for passenger voices. Read more

Title: Have your say on the RPS Supporter program with this short, yet deeply opinion-absorbent survey Date: Fri, 14 Aug 2026 12:28:06 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/have-your-say-on-the-rps-supporter-program-with-this-short-yet-deeply-opinion-absorbent-survey You’ve heard our ideas on how to make the RPS Supporter program more betterer, now we want to hear yours. Everyone, regardless of whether you’re already signed up or not, is invited to take the RPS Supporter survey: a succinct questionblast where you can tell us, to our wretched faces, what you think of the program. Read more

Title: I love the Dark Soulful architecture of The Canon of Balls, a rolling open world game inspired by Sega, Fumito Ueda and Minecraft parkour Date: Fri, 14 Aug 2026 11:22:54 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/i-love-the-dark-soulful-architecture-of-the-canon-of-balls-a-rolling-open-world-game-inspired-by-sega-fumito-ueda-and-minecraft-parkour What do Dark Souls, Super Monkey Ball, Shadow of the Colossus, and Minecraft have in common? They are all explicit inspirations for The Canon of Balls, a spooky and unforgiving new open world platformer in which you are a horrified statue's face with a fleshy pink tongue, floating inside a rolling cage. You can use your tongue as a springboard. Look, stay with me on this. I think The Canon of Balls could be good. Yes, I know that we've done "Dark Souls in a ball" already this month, but I think this game stands apart. It reminds me a little of Straftat in being a very specific, even obstinate throwback project that's less about nostalgia - less about sheer recreation, and more the feeling that a deserted vein of weirdness has more to give, that there's another future down here somewhere. Read more

Title: Total War: Warhammer 3 is getting a big free vampiric update in September, alongside the epithet-stuffed Lords of the End Times DLC Date: Fri, 14 Aug 2026 09:28:33 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/total-war-warhammer-3-is-getting-a-big-free-vampiric-update-in-september-alongside-the-epithet-stuffed-lords-of-the-end-times-dlc Creative Assembly have announced a release date for Total War: Warhammer 3 expansion Lords of the End Times. Consisting of four new legendary lords, each with a distinct retinue, campaign and battle map abilities, it's billed as "the biggest DLC that we’ve ever released in the series 10-year history". It'll accompany another, reportedly gargantuan free update with yet another legendary lord, the Vampire Queen Neferata, together with a rework for the Vampire Counts and Archaon The Everchosen, some new endgame scenarios, and updated victory conditions. There are over a hundred legendary lords in Twarhammer 3 at this point. I feel like the legendariness is at risk of being diluted. Can we organise some kind of spin-off game where every Warhammer army consists entirely of legendary lords? How about the legendary lords all go live on a big New England college campus and solve mysteries together? How about a Warhammer legendary lord adaptation of Guess Who? Read more

Title: Invisum Piscium 嫌魚 is a dreamlike walking sim about fragments of conversations and a deep craving for water fish haven't procreated in Date: Thu, 13 Aug 2026 21:54:43 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/invisum-piscium-is-a-dreamlike-walking-sim-about-fragments-of-conversations-and-a-deep-craving-for-water-fish-havent-procreated-in I won't dive into why this is happening to me at the moment, you'll either need to pay me £20 or let me pay you to be my therapist to get that explanation, but I've been having some odd dreams lately. They're frequently temporally confused, mixing and matching people from across my life that should never have crossed paths. This has left me looking to ground myself a touch, so of course I decided to take a look at Invisum Piscium 嫌魚, a walking sim that's not quite about dreaming, but is about looking for distilled water that's free from fish sex contamination. Read more