Gamesindustry
Jul 21, 07:44
Unity 7 to launch in Q1 2027; new engine is a "direct continuation" of Unity 6
Unity 7 will enter beta testing in December 2026, with its full release scheduled for Q1 2027. Read more
More:
Unity 7 to launch in Q1 2027; new engine is a "direct continuation" of Unity 6. Unity 7 will enter beta testing in December 2026, with its full release scheduled for Q1 2027.
TL;DR:
Unity 7 will enter beta testing in December 2026, with its full release scheduled for Q1 2027.
Kotaku
Jul 20, 22:46
Reported Director Of Obsidian’s Upcoming Fallout Game Says RPGS Are ‘At Their Best…When You Can’t Control Everything’
Josh Sawyer doesn't want to let players fight all their problems and solve everything
More:
Reported Director Of Obsidian’s Upcoming Fallout Game Says RPGS Are ‘At Their Best…When You Can’t Control Everything’. Josh Sawyer doesn't want to let players fight all their problems and solve everything
TL;DR:
Josh Sawyer doesn't want to let players fight all their problems and solve everything
Kotaku
Jul 20, 22:36
Mobile Doom Dev Alpha Dog Games Reemerges As An Independent Studio Two Years After Microsoft Closed It
Two years ago, Microsoft shut down Redfall developer Arkane Austin, Hi-Fi Rush developer Tango Gameworks, and the dev of mobile Doom game Mighty Doom , Alpha Dog Games, in a shocking and brutal move.
More:
Mobile Doom Dev Alpha Dog Games Reemerges As An Independent Studio Two Years After Microsoft Closed It. The game was shut down in 2024 following the studio’s closure. At the moment, it is unclear what this new independent revival will look like or who all from the previous studio will work there.
TL;DR:
Two years ago, Microsoft shut down Redfall developer Arkane Austin, Hi-Fi Rush developer Tango Gameworks, and the dev of mobile Doom game Mighty Doom , Alpha Dog Games, in a shocking and brutal move.
Pcgamer
Jul 20, 21:58
Ubisoft promises Ghost Recon news in August, and if you're hoping that means an update on the Splinter Cell remake then I admire your optimism but sorry, no
A week after cautioning fans about a "quieter year" in new game releases, Ubisoft is teasing an update to mark the series' 25th anniversary.
More:
Ubisoft promises Ghost Recon news in August, and if you're hoping that means an update on the Splinter Cell remake then I admire your optimism but sorry, no. A week after cautioning fans about a "quieter year" in new game releases, Ubisoft is teasing an update to mark the series' 25th anniversary.
TL;DR:
A week after cautioning fans about a "quieter year" in new game releases, Ubisoft is teasing an update to mark the series' 25th anniversary.
Kotaku
Jul 20, 21:30
14 Classic Xbox 360 Games Are On Sale For Dirt Cheap Right Now
The Witcher 2 and more are discounted to just a few bucks digitally
More:
14 Classic Xbox 360 Games Are On Sale For Dirt Cheap Right Now. The Witcher 2 and more are discounted to just a few bucks digitally
TL;DR:
The Witcher 2 and more are discounted to just a few bucks digitally
Pcgamer
Jul 20, 21:19
There's a dinosaur soulslike launching on Steam this week where you're a spinosaurus swinging a greatsword with your mouth who just might be able to parry the meteor
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Kotaku
Jul 20, 21:00
I Watched District 9′s Director’s New, Awful AI-Generated Movie So You Don’t Have To
A film made by a robot naturally has nothing interesting to say about humanity
More:
I Watched District 9′s Director’s New, Awful AI-Generated Movie So You Don’t Have To. A film made by a robot naturally has nothing interesting to say about humanity
TL;DR:
A film made by a robot naturally has nothing interesting to say about humanity
Pcgamer
Jul 20, 20:18
FBI arrests 21-year-old who allegedly stole $200,000 with malware-infected Steam games and spent the money on traceable UberEats gift cards
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Alleged cybercriminals have to eat, too.
Kotaku
Jul 20, 20:11
Nier: Automata’s Director Is Sad About PlayStation Discs, Too: ‘Don’t Assume Your Parents And Physical Media Will Always Be There’
Lots of people are sad about Sony killing discs. Metal Gear creator Hideo Kojima . Ex-PlayStation executive Shawn Layden . And over 10,000 commenters on the Wolverine trailer .
More:
Lots of people are sad about Sony killing discs. “Don’t assume your parents and physical media will always be there, so if you’re interested, be sure to check it out.” The veteran developer was still working on arcade games when Sony released the first PlayStation game on a disc.
TL;DR:
The beloved RPG designer is mourning the loss like everyone else
Bbc
Jul 20, 20:08
Thousands of websites taken down for illegal World Cup streams
More than 1,000 illegal streaming sites were shut down in the US during the tournament, with a similar amount blocked in Colombia.
More:
Almost 3,000 websites have been blocked or seized for illegally streaming World Cup matches, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) has said. The DOJ said at the end of last month it had taken down 400 webpages over illegal World Cup streaming.
TL;DR:
More than 1,000 illegal streaming sites were shut down in the US during the tournament, with a similar amount blocked in Colombia.
Pcgamer
Jul 20, 19:49
Steam's Train Fest sale means all 790 pieces of Train Simulator Classic DLC can be yours for a mere $6,993 instead of $15,621
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Steam's Train Fest sale means all 790 pieces of Train Simulator Classic DLC can be yours for a mere $6,993 instead of $15,621. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Pcgamer
Jul 20, 19:37
Path of Exile devs want it to be easier for new players, but still won't let you skip its 20-hour campaign every league—at least not yet: 'It feels very wrong to me'
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Game director Mark Roberts said skipping it would be a "very, very bad way to go."
Pcgamer
Jul 20, 19:33
Modern Warfare 4 beta dates set for August, and this year Game Pass subscribers get no special treatment
Pre-order players get one extra day of playtime.
More:
Modern Warfare 4 beta dates set for August, and this year Game Pass subscribers get no special treatment. Pre-order players get one extra day of playtime.
TL;DR:
Pre-order players get one extra day of playtime.
Gamesindustry
Jul 20, 19:31
Valve suggests memory crisis is "still getting worse," admitting, "we're limited by memory capacity, for sure"
Steam Machine developer and gaming giant Valve has admitted that sourcing memory and storage supply for the Steam Machine - and beyond - is "still getting worse." Read more
More:
Steam Machine developer and gaming giant Valve has admitted that sourcing memory and storage supply for the Steam Machine - and beyond - is "still getting worse." In an interview with Bloomberg , engineers who worked on developing the Steam Machine admitted that while they "knew there was going to be an issue with sourcing" due to the AI industry's demand for data centers and…
TL;DR:
Steam Machine developer and gaming giant Valve has admitted that sourcing memory and storage supply for the Steam Machine - and beyond - is "still getting worse." Read more
Kotaku
Jul 20, 19:30
The Canceled Kingdom Hearts Spin-Off May Have Given Us Clues For The Fourth Game
Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link may not be coming out, but its leaked cinematic may hint at stories yet to come
More:
The Canceled Kingdom Hearts Spin-Off May Have Given Us Clues For The Fourth Game. Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link may not be coming out, but its leaked cinematic may hint at stories yet to come
TL;DR:
Kingdom Hearts: Missing-Link may not be coming out, but its leaked cinematic may hint at stories yet to come
Kotaku
Jul 20, 18:40
GTA Wiki Accuses Fandom Of Ripping Off Its Articles And Shares Evidence: ‘We Want Everyone To See How Shameless They Are About It’
Fandom's legal team claims some similarities are to be 'expected' when writing about GTA Online updates
More:
GTA Wiki Accuses Fandom Of Ripping Off Its Articles And Shares Evidence: ‘We Want Everyone To See How Shameless They Are About It’. Fandom's legal team claims some similarities are to be 'expected' when writing about GTA Online updates
TL;DR:
Fandom's legal team claims some similarities are to be 'expected' when writing about GTA Online updates
Kotaku
Jul 20, 18:25
Forza Horizon 5 Director Reacts To The Xbox Mess: ‘The Concept Of Game Pass Was Good…Unfortunately It Didn’t Work’
Clutch Forza Horizon 5 Game Pass Maverick Games Sarah Bond Xbox Mike Brown worked on Forza at Playground Games for nine years before leaving in 2022 to form his own studio, Maverick Games, and work o…
More:
Clutch Forza Horizon 5 Game Pass Maverick Games Sarah Bond Xbox Mike Brown worked on Forza at Playground Games for nine years before leaving in 2022 to form his own studio, Maverick Games, and work on his own open-world driving game, Clutch . We’ll have a really diverse selection of games on there.
TL;DR:
The developer also defended Sarah Bond's contributions
Gamesindustry
Jul 20, 18:00
Court orders Midgar Studio to liquidate after failing to secure a buyer
Edge of Eternity developer Midgar Studio is closing down. Read more
More:
Court orders Midgar Studio to liquidate after failing to secure a buyer. Edge of Eternity developer Midgar Studio is closing down.
TL;DR:
Edge of Eternity developer Midgar Studio is closing down.
Kotaku
Jul 20, 17:30
Over 300 New Pokémon And All Of The Other Leaks And Rumors Circulating About Winds And Waves
Pokémon Winds and Waves are still a year away, but anyone who’s ever paid attention to the series’ community knows that it is full of leakers, theory crafters, and a whole lot of misinformation.
More:
Pokémon Winds and Waves are still a year away, but anyone who’s ever paid attention to the series’ community knows that it is full of leakers, theory crafters, and a whole lot of misinformation. One of the biggest rumors circulating about Winds and Waves , allegedly based on an early build of the game, is that it will add more than 300 Pokémon to the Pokédex.
TL;DR:
The Switch 2 RPGs are still a year away, but fans have been gossiping about what the new Pokémon games may entail
Pcgamer
Jul 20, 17:02
The best Deus Ex sequel is a 2009 fan-mod set in a living forum where you attack enemies with sporks and foons, and no I am not joking
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Just look past the mid-2000s internet humour.
Kotaku
Jul 20, 17:00
League Of Legends Classic Makes Skins Free After A Big Fan Backlash
After being dubbed 'greedy' for locking League Of Legends Classic 's OG skins behind a paywall, Riot Games has announced that all 60 classic skins are now available for free
More:
Riot Games has announced that the original skins of the 60 champions in League of Legends Classic , a reworked version of League of Legends that is set to launch this month on July 29, will be available for free at launch, after the community derided the company for forcing them to pay for “classic” skins in the upcoming mode.
TL;DR:
After being dubbed 'greedy' for locking League Of Legends Classic 's OG skins behind a paywall, Riot Games has announced that all 60 classic skins are now available for free
Pcgamer
Jul 20, 16:55
Think gaming handhelds are too expensive? Ayaneo says 'hold my beer,' lists $5,000+ monster
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Think gaming handhelds are too expensive? Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Pcgamer
Jul 20, 16:54
If you're looking for ideas on how to mod your RTX 4060, maybe remove its fans and slap a ridiculously big heatsink on it like this person did
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
If you're looking for ideas on how to mod your RTX 4060, maybe remove its fans and slap a ridiculously big heatsink on it like this person did. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Pcgamer
Jul 20, 16:44
Streamer builds a battery powered PC with over 100 AAs, uses Hannah Montana Linux to benchmark their abomination
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Streamer builds a battery powered PC with over 100 AAs, uses Hannah Montana Linux to benchmark their abomination. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Theguardian
Jul 20, 16:35
Apple Crumble: a tasty Knives Out-inspired mystery that lets you snoop on your own family
The developer of Duck Detective reveals details of her ‘sad grandma game’ follow-up: a whodunnit – or who-plans-to-do-it? – with a darker edge Someone wants to kill grandma. In this Knives Out - inspired mystery game, each of your family members is suspicious in their own way: your stressed mum, your “midlife crisis uncle” and especially that stranger in your bedroom. Yikes! While Apple Crumble is still a mystery, it is mechanically different from Happy Broccoli Games’ previous game, Duck Detective , in which the player solves crimes in a small office. Here you are largely snooping through your family home. “I love the idea of having a walking sim where you can really open up every drawer, every door, and see what’s behind there,” says founder and creative director Annika Maar. As you learn more about the different grievances and troubles of your family members, the mystery slowly unwinds. Continue reading...
More:
Apple Crumble: a tasty Knives Out-inspired mystery that lets you snoop on your own family. In this Knives Out - inspired mystery game, each of your family members is suspicious in their own way: your stressed mum, your “midlife crisis uncle” and especially that stranger in your bedroom.
TL;DR:
The developer of Duck Detective reveals details of her ‘sad grandma game’ follow-up: a whodunnit – or who-plans-to-do-it?
Kotaku
Jul 20, 16:30
Fan Frees Gears Of War 2 From Xbox 360 Jail With Unofficial PC Port 18 Years Later
But, this new PC port isn't quite ready for primetime according to many who have played it
More:
Fan Frees Gears Of War 2 From Xbox 360 Jail With Unofficial PC Port 18 Years Later. But, this new PC port isn't quite ready for primetime according to many who have played it
TL;DR:
But, this new PC port isn't quite ready for primetime according to many who have played it
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 20, 16:29
"LawBreakers tripped so Concord could faceplant": Gears of War designer Cliff Bleszinski looks back on his career so far and struggle with alcoholism
Former Gears of War and Unreal Tournament designer Cliff Bleszinski has opened up about his struggle with alcoholism and how it's impacted his life and career in game development to this point, as he eyes a possible return to making games. Bleszinski's currently four months sober after suffering a drinking-related seizure in March this year. Read more
More:
Former Gears of War and Unreal Tournament designer Cliff Bleszinski has opened up about his struggle with alcoholism and how it's impacted his life and career in game development to this point, as he eyes a possible return to making games. Bleszinski's currently four months sober after suffering a drinking-related seizure in March this year.
TL;DR:
Former Gears of War and Unreal Tournament designer Cliff Bleszinski has opened up about his struggle with alcoholism and how it's impacted his life and career in game development to this point, as he eyes a possible return to making games.
Pcgamer
Jul 20, 16:00
Activision has confirmed the Call of Duty movie setting, and it's not what I'd have picked
If we're adapting generic shooters into movies, at least make it Black Ops.
More:
Activision has confirmed the Call of Duty movie setting, and it's not what I'd have picked. If we're adapting generic shooters into movies, at least make it Black Ops.
TL;DR:
If we're adapting generic shooters into movies, at least make it Black Ops.
Kotaku
Jul 20, 16:00
When Is Retro Studios No Longer Retro Studios?
Amid the rash of industry-wide mass layoffs over the last several years, which has seen studios shut down, sold off, split up, and gutted of experienced personnel one after another, I’ve been thinkin…
More:
What is a video game studio? What does it mean for a studio under a particular name to work on a game? But I don’t think the entertainment industry is quite as precious about studios as video games are.
TL;DR:
Game studios are Ships of Theseus, and some of them may soon be unrecognizable
Eurogamer
Jul 20, 16:00
Battlefield 6's newest and largest map is good, but I worry it will end up being nothing more than a curiosity
There's been one thought I haven't been able to shake during my time with Battlefield 6 's upcoming Tsuru Reef map - the game's biggest yet, which arrives tomorrow with Season 4 . Tsuru Reef is the item on a restaurant's menu that you tell yourself you'll try one day, yet you keep ordering the usual every time you visit. But just as that restaurant's menu is richer for having this delectable curiosity, Tsuru Reef is an asset to BF6's map line-up - even if I fear it's only going to get played occasionally. Read more
More:
Battlefield 6's newest and largest map is good, but I worry it will end up being nothing more than a curiosity. Tsuru Reef is the item on a restaurant's menu that you tell yourself you'll try one day, yet you keep ordering the usual every time you visit.
TL;DR:
There's been one thought I haven't been able to shake during my time with Battlefield 6 's upcoming Tsuru Reef map - the game's biggest yet, which arrives tomorrow with Season 4 .
Gamesindustry
Jul 20, 15:51
Union slams Microsoft for "unfair labor practice", alleging Xbox "unlawfully" laid off staff
Xbox has been accused of "unlawfully" laying off staff without giving notice to, or discussing it with, recognized unions. Read more
More:
As detailed on the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) website and reported by Game Developer , a ULP charge has been filed against Microsoft and its subsidiaries, including Xbox, ZeniMax Media, Inc, id Software, Bethesda Game Studios, for allegedly failing to provide information to labor union Communications Workers of America (CWA).
TL;DR:
Xbox has been accused of "unlawfully" laying off staff without giving notice to, or discussing it with, recognized unions.
Eurogamer
Jul 20, 15:47
After Doom director Hugo Martin denied reports that id Software had been gutted, "current and former employees" are disagreeing with his optimism
It's been two weeks since Microsoft announced 3,200 layoffs and sweeping cuts hit the Xbox division . Not even well-established institutions like Doom and Quake studio id Software were safe - with the first reports painting a very bleak picture - yet Hugo Martin, director on the latest Doom entries, pushed back against claims the iconic FPS developer had been turned into little more than a support studio . A few days later, "current and former employees" are saying they aren't as optimistic as Martin. Read more
More:
After Doom director Hugo Martin denied reports that id Software had been gutted, "current and former employees" are disagreeing with his optimism. Not even well-established institutions like Doom and Quake studio id Software were safe - with the first reports painting a very bleak picture - yet Hugo Martin, director on the latest Doom entries, pushed back against claims the ic…
TL;DR:
It's been two weeks since Microsoft announced 3,200 layoffs and sweeping cuts hit the Xbox division .
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 20, 15:43
FBI accuse Steam user of stealing over $220,000 via malware-infected games like BlockBlasters, Lunara and Dashverse
A Florida-based student has been arrested by the FBI after allegedly stealing over $220,000 in cryptocurrency by means of malware-packed free games on Steam. Read more
More:
The games in question include PirateFi, Dashverse, Lampy, Lunara, and BlockBlasters, all of which have now been removed from Steam. You might remember BlockBlasters from last September's story about streamer RastalandTV , who realised he had lost $32,000 while playing the game to raise funds for his own cancer treatment.
TL;DR:
A Florida-based student has been arrested by the FBI after allegedly stealing over $220,000 in cryptocurrency by means of malware-packed free games on Steam.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 20, 15:32
Samsung 990 review: a lower-spec SSD that’s weirdly great for games
Launching a new SSD in the current hardware climate , even a simple, DRAMless, QLC-packing SSD like the Samsung 990, may seem like starting up a roof thatching business during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius: innocuous idea, apocalyptically bad timing. Read more
More:
It’s the first drive in Samsung's current PCIe 4.0 series (which also counts the very good 990 Pro ) to only offer a three-year warranty, instead of the standard five. The 1TB 990, however, is £220 – still expensive, but much more competitive with older single-terabyters. That matches the all-time-low of WD’s PCIe 5.
TL;DR:
Launching a new SSD in the current hardware climate , even a simple, DRAMless, QLC-packing SSD like the Samsung 990, may seem like starting up a roof thatching business during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius: innocuous idea, apocalyptically bad timing.
Eurogamer
Jul 20, 15:25
A religious war is raging right now, as people are dressing in robes and rushing into danger in Old School RuneScape
Do you ever get a hankering to bust out the fancy robes, grab a staff, and venture out into the wild with a gaggle of your friends? Well, good news! Religious war is back in a big way, in Old School RuneScape . Read more
More:
Do you ever get a hankering to bust out the fancy robes, grab a staff, and venture out into the wild with a gaggle of your friends? Well, good news! Religious war is back in a big way, in Old School RuneScape .
TL;DR:
Do you ever get a hankering to bust out the fancy robes, grab a staff, and venture out into the wild with a gaggle of your friends?
Gamesindustry
Jul 20, 15:23
"I'm not a creative. I like spreadsheets" – The low-profile team that runs servers for Marathon, Subnautica 2, NBA 2K, and more
This article concludes ExDev Week. You can find previous articles here . Read more
More:
I like spreadsheets" – The low-profile team that runs servers for Marathon, Subnautica 2, NBA 2K, and more. This article concludes ExDev Week. You can find previous articles here .
TL;DR:
This article concludes ExDev Week.
Pcgamer
Jul 20, 15:15
'With the power of illustration, we can capture the true, playful vibe of a kangaroo': Google explains the thinking behind its new 3D emojis
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
'With the power of illustration, we can capture the true, playful vibe of a kangaroo': Google explains the thinking behind its new 3D emojis. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Pcgamer
Jul 20, 15:13
Palworld is only growing more powerful, hitting nearly a million concurrents in its second weekend
This is just what happens when you give pokémon guns.
More:
Palworld is only growing more powerful, hitting nearly a million concurrents in its second weekend. This is just what happens when you give pokémon guns.
TL;DR:
This is just what happens when you give pokémon guns.
Kotaku
Jul 20, 15:09
Valve Promises No Steam Machine Exclusives After Months Of Fan Speculation About Half-Life 3
If the company ever does make a Half-Life 3 , it'll play on any PC that can run it
More:
Valve Promises No Steam Machine Exclusives After Months Of Fan Speculation About Half-Life 3. If the company ever does make a Half-Life 3 , it'll play on any PC that can run it
TL;DR:
If the company ever does make a Half-Life 3 , it'll play on any PC that can run it
Eurogamer
Jul 20, 14:59
Save-game carry-overs and time-leaping sequels: medieval vampire RPG The Blood of Dawnwalker has some bold ideas for the future
It's Mass Effect all over again, maybe. You'll be able to carry your save from The Blood of Dawnwalker into future Dawnwalker games, developer Rebel Wolves and publisher Bandai Namco have confirmed. Read more
More:
Save-game carry-overs and time-leaping sequels: medieval vampire RPG The Blood of Dawnwalker has some bold ideas for the future. It's Mass Effect all over again, maybe. You'll be able to carry your save from The Blood of Dawnwalker into future Dawnwalker games, developer Rebel Wolves and publisher Bandai Namco have confirmed.
TL;DR:
You'll be able to carry your save from The Blood of Dawnwalker into future Dawnwalker games, developer Rebel Wolves and publisher Bandai Namco have confirmed.
Eurogamer
Jul 20, 14:36
Modern Warfare 4 gameplay debut reignites community debate about how fast Call of Duty movement should be
Our first look at Modern Warfare 4 multiplayer gameplay arrived, not as part of a Call of Duty: Next event, as is tradition , but through a handful of livestreams from a select few who got to play the game at Fanatics Fest NYC, which took place 16th-19th July. Read more
More:
As developer Infinity Ward revealed prior to the event's start, the demo was of the new Kill Block game mode , which dynamically creates maps from pre-set fabs based on Modern Warfare series maps, resulting in an ever-changing arena that reassembles itself after each two rounds.
TL;DR:
Our first look at Modern Warfare 4 multiplayer gameplay arrived, not as part of a Call of Duty: Next event, as is tradition , but through a handful of livestreams from a select few who got to play the game at Fanatics Fest NYC, which took place 16th-19th July.
Pcgamer
Jul 20, 14:08
One of Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's leather jackets has fetched an auction price of $960,000: 'It has become a symbol for the vision at the forefront of the AI revolution'
And now I have it I'm going to frame it and stick it up on my wall.
More:
One of Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's leather jackets has fetched an auction price of $960,000: 'It has become a symbol for the vision at the forefront of the AI revolution'. And now I have it I'm going to frame it and stick it up on my wall.
TL;DR:
And now I have it I'm going to frame it and stick it up on my wall.
Eurogamer
Jul 20, 13:53
EA Sports FC simulations correctly predicted the FIFA World Cup winner would be Spain, and it's not the first time it has happened
Spain is the new FIFA World Cup winner after defeating Argentina one to zero last night, and once again, the EA Sports FC game correctly predicted the result in advance. Read more
More:
Obviously, this match was a perfect opportunity to drum up excitement for the games, and nailing the World Cup's end result for the fifth time in a row is impressive. If we go all the way back to 2010, it also said Spain would win its first World Cup.
TL;DR:
Spain is the new FIFA World Cup winner after defeating Argentina one to zero last night, and once again, the EA Sports FC game correctly predicted the result in advance.
Eurogamer
Jul 20, 13:35
UK games retailer Game entered administration owing £16m, thanks to fierce competition, consumer trends, and "uncertainty associated with Brexit"
Insight into the fall of British high street video game retailer Game going into administration has been brought to light in a new report. After years of business troubles and challenges, this write-up claims the company's liquidation was caused by changing consumer behaviour, fierce competition, and "uncertainty associated with Brexit". Read more
More:
UK games retailer Game entered administration owing £16m, thanks to fierce competition, consumer trends, and "uncertainty associated with Brexit". Insight into the fall of British high street video game retailer Game going into administration has been brought to light in a new report.
TL;DR:
Insight into the fall of British high street video game retailer Game going into administration has been brought to light in a new report.
Kotaku
Jul 20, 13:28
Avengers: Doomsday Has Released Its First Trailer, And It’s Stacked
Two-and-a-half minutes of superheros proving they're in the Marvel movie
More:
Avengers: Doomsday Has Released Its First Trailer, And It’s Stacked. Two-and-a-half minutes of superheros proving they're in the Marvel movie
TL;DR:
Two-and-a-half minutes of superheros proving they're in the Marvel movie
Kotaku
Jul 20, 13:27
RAMageddon Is Even Ravaging Retro Gaming Hardware Makers: ‘This Is Vastly Different To Everything Else We’ve Ever Seen’
The makers of Evercade are buying up every component they can way in advance
More:
RAMageddon Is Even Ravaging Retro Gaming Hardware Makers: ‘This Is Vastly Different To Everything Else We’ve Ever Seen’. The makers of Evercade are buying up every component they can way in advance
TL;DR:
The makers of Evercade are buying up every component they can way in advance
Eurogamer
Jul 20, 12:45
"Honestly, it’s still getting worse" - Valve Steam Machine engineer says component prices are still rising, potentially paving the way for a price increase
There is no end seemingly in sight for the memory crisis, or of how much higher the price of consumer electronics could go. Valve, which recently shipped its expensive Steam Machine, has learned this the hard way. Read more
More:
"Honestly, it’s still getting worse" - Valve Steam Machine engineer says component prices are still rising, potentially paving the way for a price increase. There is no end seemingly in sight for the memory crisis, or of how much higher the price of consumer electronics could go. Valve, which recently shipped its expensive Steam Machine, has learned this the hard way.
TL;DR:
There is no end seemingly in sight for the memory crisis, or of how much higher the price of consumer electronics could go.
Eurogamer
Jul 20, 12:29
"Professional lurker" Todd Howard reappears on internet forums following Bethesda's Fallout and Elder Scrolls announcements to thank fans for their support
Following sweeping layoffs across the entire Xbox division earlier this month, Bethesda shared a surprisingly transparent roadmap about the Fallout and The Elder Scrolls projects it's making. Now, Bethesda Game Studios leader Todd Howard has returned to Reddit after a six-month hiatus to thank fans for their support. Read more
More:
"Professional lurker" Todd Howard reappears on internet forums following Bethesda's Fallout and Elder Scrolls announcements to thank fans for their support. Following sweeping layoffs across the entire Xbox division earlier this month, Bethesda shared a surprisingly transparent roadmap about the Fallout and The Elder Scrolls projects it's making.
TL;DR:
Following sweeping layoffs across the entire Xbox division earlier this month, Bethesda shared a surprisingly transparent roadmap about the Fallout and The Elder Scrolls projects it's making.
Pcgamer
Jul 20, 12:10
'AI is a Trojan horse that everybody knows the Greeks are inside' says The Odyssey director Christopher Nolan: 'It's a transparent horse. It's made of glass. Everybody can see what's going on inside'
Which ancient civilization was famous for scepticism? I can't think.
More:
Which ancient civilization was famous for scepticism? I can't think.
TL;DR:
Which ancient civilization was famous for scepticism?
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 20, 11:43
Valve see the great RAM shortage "getting worse," just in case you were clinging to hopes of a cheaper Steam Machine
As Oisin reported over the weekend , Steam Machine engineers Yazan Aldehayyat and Pierre-Loup Griffais gave a big Valve thumbs-down to the practice of platform exclusives – a hot topic in the context of Xbox owners Microsoft retreating back into whatever kind of shrivelled, joyless husk Xbox is nowadays. The same interview, with Bloomberg scoopsmith Jason Schreier, also touched on the acutely PC-spoiling subject of RAMnarök and its subsequent, en-masse embiggening of hardware prices. Good news? No! Obviously it’s all terrible! Read more
More:
As Oisin reported over the weekend , Steam Machine engineers Yazan Aldehayyat and Pierre-Loup Griffais gave a big Valve thumbs-down to the practice of platform exclusives – a hot topic in the context of Xbox owners Microsoft retreating back into whatever kind of shrivelled, joyless husk Xbox is nowadays.
TL;DR:
As Oisin reported over the weekend , Steam Machine engineers Yazan Aldehayyat and Pierre-Loup Griffais gave a big Valve thumbs-down to the practice of platform exclusives – a hot topic in the context of Xbox owners Microsoft retreating back into whatever kind of shrivelled, joyless husk Xbox is nowadays.
Gamesindustry
Jul 20, 11:39
"The market is becoming much more diverse" – Will the proliferation of football video games last?
Since 2022, when FIFA and Electronic Arts ended their almost 30-year partnership , a wide range of new football video games have emerged, including the free-to-play title UFL and the Netflix exclusive FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition from Delphi Interactive. Read more
More:
In other words, offering more games for more gamers," says Delphi founder and CEO Casper Daugaard. "We now have a few full simulation games, arcade football, social football, mobile-first products, manager and fantasy games, and experimental platform-based experiences. Football is an attractive genre in gaming, but also one of the hardest to execute well."
TL;DR:
Since 2022, when FIFA and Electronic Arts ended their almost 30-year partnership , a wide range of new football video games have emerged, including the free-to-play title UFL and the Netflix exclusive FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition from Delphi Interactive.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 20, 11:04
Bethesda's Fallout 3 and New Vegas remasters won't stop the modders who've already spent years recreating the RPGs in Fallout 4
With Bethesda having begun to dip their fingers into the remaster bucket in recent years, some modders who'd decided long before that to get the ball rolling on such things themselves have had to reckon with the idea that official siblings of their passion projects could be in the works. It happened last year with Skyblivion and Oblivion Remastered, now it's happened for the crew behind The Capital Wasteland Project, an effort to recreate Fallout 3 in Fallout 4 , and Fallout 4: New Vegas. Thankfully, both teams of modders have made clear they plan to keep on trucking with their efforts following the confirmation of the official remasters. Read more
More:
Bethesda's Fallout 3 and New Vegas remasters won't stop the modders who've already spent years recreating the RPGs in Fallout 4. With Bethesda having begun to dip their fingers into the remaster bucket in recent years, some modders who'd decided long before that to get the ball rolling on such things themselves have had to reckon with the idea that official siblings of their p…
TL;DR:
It happened last year with Skyblivion and Oblivion Remastered, now it's happened for the crew behind The Capital Wasteland Project, an effort to recreate Fallout 3 in Fallout 4 , and Fallout 4: New Vegas.
Kotaku
Jul 20, 11:00
Too Many Sales Have Broken One Of The Best Parts Of Gaming: The Budget Label Re-Release
Hear my heartfelt plea for a return to the days of the discounted relaunch
More:
Too Many Sales Have Broken One Of The Best Parts Of Gaming: The Budget Label Re-Release. Hear my heartfelt plea for a return to the days of the discounted relaunch
TL;DR:
Hear my heartfelt plea for a return to the days of the discounted relaunch
Gamesindustry
Jul 20, 10:53
Netflix Playground drives 600% surge in kids games engagement
Since Netflix Playground's global launch in April , the platform's dedicated mobile app for kids games has tripled its daily player count, leading to a 600% year-on-year increase in kids engagement. Read more
More:
Netflix Games GM (Kids) Lisa Burgess told GamesIndustry.biz the company plans to develop more titles for children aged six to eight . It has no in-app purchases, fees, or ads, and all games can be played offline. Peters noted monthly active players for cloud games increased elevenfold over eight months and that the company is "focused on scaling up cloud games."
TL;DR:
Since Netflix Playground's global launch in April , the platform's dedicated mobile app for kids games has tripled its daily player count, leading to a 600% year-on-year increase in kids engagement.
Eurogamer
Jul 20, 10:44
"The Gears of War trilogy was largely developed hungover by me" - Cliff Bleszinski reckons with a difficult past while plotting a return to games and a brighter future
Cliff Bleszkinski, the designer instrumental in the creation of Gears of War - the face of the series for three games - has opened up about a career-long struggle with alcohol which he's now reckoning with, while also teasing a potential return to creating games. Read more
More:
"I was, at that point, a functioning alcoholic." But as time wore on, things inevitably began to change. A rushed battle royale game Radical Heights a year later couldn't change the studio's fortunes so Boss Key closed in 2018, taking Bleszinski's sense of purpose with it. "I basically got to the point where I didn't have anything to get out of bed for," he said.
TL;DR:
Cliff Bleszkinski, the designer instrumental in the creation of Gears of War - the face of the series for three games - has opened up about a career-long struggle with alcohol which he's now reckoning with, while also teasing a potential return to creating games.
Pcgamer
Jul 20, 10:42
Meet GigaWiper, a tricksy new malware that can wipe your PC's storage drives squeaky clean and spy on your desktop all at once
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
I guess I could do with the free space...
Pcgamer
Jul 20, 10:41
That Game of Thrones RTS is still coming, still very HBO, but no longer due out this year
They're checking the stables for Tyrek Lannister.
More:
That Game of Thrones RTS is still coming, still very HBO, but no longer due out this year. They're checking the stables for Tyrek Lannister.
TL;DR:
They're checking the stables for Tyrek Lannister.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 20, 10:37
This week in PC games: a Mass Effect-style RTS, a gamebook RPG for back-stabbing nobles, and a civilisation builder that offers to teach you kanji
Hello all! This week, there are a lot of new cat-themed games for some reason. One suspects that some dire cat anniversary is underway. Maybe week of 20th July 2026 marks 30 million years since the invention of cats? Or since cats invented us? In any case, there is already far too much cat discourse round these parts, so I've only allowed one of those sinister feline diversions into the Maw. Without further ado, the list. Read more
More:
This week in PC games: a Mass Effect-style RTS, a gamebook RPG for back-stabbing nobles, and a civilisation builder that offers to teach you kanji. One suspects that some dire cat anniversary is underway. Maybe week of 20th July 2026 marks 30 million years since the invention of cats?
TL;DR:
This week, there are a lot of new cat-themed games for some reason.
Eurogamer
Jul 20, 09:23
Call of Duty voice chat lobbies turned into ASMR app that takes veterans back to the cacophonies of the MW2 and BO1 days
Whereas some people fall asleep to white noise or calm soundscapes, others can apparently do so while in the middle of noisy online matches. At least, that's what one app developer who was nostalgic for the olden Call of Duty days seems to think, as they have shaken the ASMR scene up with a lobby voice chat 'ambience' website. Read more
More:
Call of Duty voice chat lobbies turned into ASMR app that takes veterans back to the cacophonies of the MW2 and BO1 days. Whereas some people fall asleep to white noise or calm soundscapes, others can apparently do so while in the middle of noisy online matches.
TL;DR:
Whereas some people fall asleep to white noise or calm soundscapes, others can apparently do so while in the middle of noisy online matches.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 20, 09:00
Game Of Thrones: War For Westeros delayed to 2027, as PlaySide take more time before playing their turn to ensure the RTS hits a "high level of quality"
Game Of Thrones: War For Westeros , the Age of Empiresy RTS teeming with Targaryens and laced with Lannisters, has been delayed to 2027. Developers PlaySide have decided that while development's "progressing well", they need a bit more time to nail their strategical rendition of the Seven Kingdoms. Read more
More:
Game Of Thrones: War For Westeros , the Age of Empiresy RTS teeming with Targaryens and laced with Lannisters, has been delayed to 2027. Developers PlaySide have decided that while development's "progressing well", they need a bit more time to nail their strategical rendition of the Seven Kingdoms.
TL;DR:
Game Of Thrones: War For Westeros , the Age of Empiresy RTS teeming with Targaryens and laced with Lannisters, has been delayed to 2027.
Eurogamer
Jul 20, 08:58
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced sold 3 million in its first week
After its big 2m sales opening , Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced has reached a new sales milestone: Ubisoft announced that the remake has sold over 3m units in a week across all platforms. Read more
More:
Before Black Flag Resynced, Shadows was Ubisoft's best-selling game on Valve's platform. Given this momentum, Black Flag Resynced could end up being the best-selling game in the series. The game was review bombed on Steam for a while , before the overall rating recovered in the days since.
TL;DR:
After its big 2m sales opening , Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced has reached a new sales milestone: Ubisoft announced that the remake has sold over 3m units in a week across all platforms.
Eurogamer
Jul 20, 08:48
Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link may have been cancelled, but that hasn't stopped footage of Keyblade-wielding astronauts from leaking online
Footage of the cancelled Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link has appeared online, just over a year since development on the game ended. Read more
More:
Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link may have been cancelled, but that hasn't stopped footage of Keyblade-wielding astronauts from leaking online. Footage of the cancelled Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link has appeared online, just over a year since development on the game ended.
TL;DR:
Footage of the cancelled Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link has appeared online, just over a year since development on the game ended.
Gamesindustry
Jul 20, 08:47
"There has to be a reason for people to buy an Xbox" – Senior leadership reinforces commitment to console exclusivity
Following the recent restructure at Xbox , senior leadership has emphasised the firm's focus on keeping games exclusive to its platform. Read more
More:
"There has to be a reason for people to buy an Xbox" – Senior leadership reinforces commitment to console exclusivity. Following the recent restructure at Xbox , senior leadership has emphasised the firm's focus on keeping games exclusive to its platform.
TL;DR:
Following the recent restructure at Xbox , senior leadership has emphasised the firm's focus on keeping games exclusive to its platform.
Gamesindustry
Jul 20, 07:13
32 workers at ZA/UM laid off following release of Zero Parades: For Dead Spies
ZA/UM has announced layoffs impacting 32 employees across all departments. Read more
More:
32 workers at ZA/UM laid off following release of Zero Parades: For Dead Spies. ZA/UM has announced layoffs impacting 32 employees across all departments.
TL;DR:
ZA/UM has announced layoffs impacting 32 employees across all departments.
Pcgamer
Jul 20, 04:28
The FMV game where you're a hamster being doted on by three Japanese sisters was inspired by its creator's job as an animal mascot, and Grand Theft Auto 5
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
They're calling Sweet Hamster Days a "being-taken-care-of adventure game."
Pcgamer
Jul 20, 04:02
Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed review (2018)
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. Find out more about how we evaluate games and hardware.
TL;DR:
Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed review: 'I can’t express how happy I am that somebody decided to make this'
Pcgamer
Jul 20, 04:00
There's an unofficial PC port of Gears of War 2 based on a leaked build from 2008
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
There's an unofficial PC port of Gears of War 2 based on a leaked build from 2008. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Pcgamer
Jul 20, 03:35
Steam Week in Review: Take cover, because it looks like more than half of Steam games will have an AI-disclosure by 2027-2028
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
All the interesting Steam facts for the week ending July 19.
Kotaku
Jul 19, 21:53
Truth Be Told The Fallout I’m Most Looking Forward To Is Bakersfield
This week, as distress, disgust and distrust mounted from Xbox’s decimation of their studios, the company pushed Bethesda on stage to quell anger.
More:
This week, as distress, disgust and distrust mounted from Xbox’s decimation of their studios, the company pushed Bethesda on stage to quell anger. At the time, the Berezins said the game was 60% released, and could make groundfall as soon as 2027.
TL;DR:
As Xbox tries to quell critics by replaying the hits, it’s a fan-made game that has me optimistic for the wasteland
Kotaku
Jul 19, 20:55
The New England Road Trip Haunted By Pokémon Go And The AR Game That Made A Summer Stranger
Ten years ago Niantic unleashed the most popular augmented reality game of all time, and I happened to be driving along the coast to see the transformation in real time
More:
The New England Road Trip Haunted By Pokémon Go And The AR Game That Made A Summer Stranger. Ten years ago Niantic unleashed the most popular augmented reality game of all time, and I happened to be driving along the coast to see the transformation in real time
TL;DR:
Ten years ago Niantic unleashed the most popular augmented reality game of all time, and I happened to be driving along the coast to see the transformation in real time
Kotaku
Jul 19, 18:45
Nintendo Guarded The Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom Reveal So Closely ‘Less Than 10 People’ Knew About The Secret
In stark contrast to the upcoming The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake on the Nintendo Switch 2, a game that everyone in the world knew about before its official announcement, The Legend of Ze…
More:
In stark contrast to the upcoming The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake on the Nintendo Switch 2, a game that everyone in the world knew about before its official announcement, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom was such a secret that, according to two ex-PR leads, “less than 10 people” at Nintendo of America knew about it before it was announced at E3 2019.
TL;DR:
The announcement wasn't the only closely guarded secret at the company
Pcgamer
Jul 19, 17:23
Cliff Bleszinski says ego played a role in LawBreakers' failure: 'People are loyal to the game, but they're not necessarily loyal to the person'
"I wanted it to be my show, and that was the first step of my ego creeping in right there."
More:
Cliff Bleszinski says ego played a role in LawBreakers' failure: 'People are loyal to the game, but they're not necessarily loyal to the person'. "I wanted it to be my show, and that was the first step of my ego creeping in right there."
TL;DR:
"I wanted it to be my show, and that was the first step of my ego creeping in right there."
Pcgamer
Jul 19, 17:00
What's the best summer-themed videogame track?
Get your ukuleles and steel pan drums at the ready.
More:
What's the best summer-themed videogame track?. Get your ukuleles and steel pan drums at the ready.
TL;DR:
Get your ukuleles and steel pan drums at the ready.
Eurogamer
Jul 19, 16:57
Baldur's Gate 3, Clair Obscur actor Jennifer English withdraws from Tides of Annihilation to "look after her mental and physical health"
The award-winning actor, Jennifer English, has withdrawn from Eclipse Glow Games' action game Tides of Annihilation to "look after [her] mental and physical health". Read more
More:
English said it had been a "difficult yet personally necessary decision" as the game moves on "into its next phase". "I'm really grateful to have been part of Tides of Annihilation since the game's inception and to have worked with such a lovely team," English wrote in a story on her Instagram account.
TL;DR:
The award-winning actor, Jennifer English, has withdrawn from Eclipse Glow Games' action game Tides of Annihilation to "look after [her] mental and physical health".
Eurogamer
Jul 19, 16:21
Game of Thrones: War for Westeros RTS delayed to 2027 to "ensure the game reaches the high level of quality we are aiming for"
Bad news, Game of Thrones fans - PlaySide Studios' RTS based on the hugely successful book and TV series has been delayed to 2027. Read more
More:
While at first insisting that development "has been progressing well", an update posted to the Game of Thrones: War for Westeros' development blog later revealed the team has decided to push the game back from its original 2026 release date as it "gives us the time needed to continue building towards that goal and ensure that the game reaches the high level of quality we are a…
TL;DR:
Bad news, Game of Thrones fans - PlaySide Studios' RTS based on the hugely successful book and TV series has been delayed to 2027.
Kotaku
Jul 19, 16:14
Cliff Bleszinski Blames Personal Ego And Alcohol Issues For Boss Key’s Failure
Following a seizure this year, the former rock star of game development opens up about his infamous exit from the industry, taking responsibility for the studio’s inability to create a hit
More:
Once upon a time Cliff “CliffyB” Bleszinski was the rock star of the gaming world. I was looking forward to the drink afterwards.” Bleszinski co-founded Boss Key Productions with fellow Jazz Jackrabbit creator and Guerrilla Games founder Arjan Brussee.
TL;DR:
Following a seizure this year, the former rock star of game development opens up about his infamous exit from the industry, taking responsibility for the studio’s inability to create a hit
Eurogamer
Jul 19, 15:51
Palworld is once again dominating Steam this weekend, clocking up almost 1m concurrent players
Palworld is once again one of the most played games on Steam this weekend. Palworld finally released in full on PC and consoles on 10th July , and while it still hasn't quite managed to top its massi…
More:
Palworld finally released in full on PC and consoles on 10th July , and while it still hasn't quite managed to top its massive 2.1m concurrent player peak from early 2024, according to SteamDB this is the second time it's almost topped the charts as the most played game on Steam of the entire weekend, second only to Counter-Strike 2 .
TL;DR:
Palworld is once again one of the most played games on Steam this weekend.
Pcgamer
Jul 19, 15:00
'The mid-2000s was the golden era of first-person shooters': David Syzmankski, creator of Dusk and Iron Lung, discusses the games on his PC
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
The New Blood dev guides us through the games in his Steam library.
Eurogamer
Jul 19, 14:50
Marathon director Joe Ziegler leaves Bungie just four months after launch
Marathon director Joe Ziegler has left Bungie after three and a half years at the studio. In an update posted to Twitter on Friday, Ziegler announced Friday 17th July was his last day at the studio,…
More:
In an update posted to Twitter on Friday, Ziegler announced Friday 17th July was his last day at the studio, and that he was "passing the torch of game director" to Del Chafe III and Julia Nardin, insisting: "both of them have been operating in a strong leadership capacity for the team and are ready to guide Marathon into the next chapter with an even better and brighter futur…
TL;DR:
Marathon director Joe Ziegler has left Bungie after three and a half years at the studio.
Kotaku
Jul 19, 14:38
How The PS2 Hardware And Lord Of The Rings Shaped The Development Of Final Fantasy 10
Square Enix veterans recently reflected on a key decision in the game's development
More:
How The PS2 Hardware And Lord Of The Rings Shaped The Development Of Final Fantasy 10. Square Enix veterans recently reflected on a key decision in the game's development
TL;DR:
Square Enix veterans recently reflected on a key decision in the game's development
Pcgamer
Jul 19, 13:41
God of War Laufey star Deborah Ann Woll isn't phased by the negative reactions to its announcement: 'I feel totally unbothered'
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
God of War Laufey star Deborah Ann Woll isn't phased by the negative reactions to its announcement: 'I feel totally unbothered'. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Kotaku
Jul 19, 13:36
Xbox Promises A Third Upcoming Exclusive As It Tries To Explain A Confusing Reversal
Why is Halo coming to PS5 but Gears of War: E-Day isn't?
More:
Xbox Promises A Third Upcoming Exclusive As It Tries To Explain A Confusing Reversal. Why is Halo coming to PS5 but Gears of War: E-Day isn't?
TL;DR:
Why is Halo coming to PS5 but Gears of War: E-Day isn't?
Pcgamer
Jul 19, 11:43
Gears of War's creator is considering returning to game development, but whatever he makes won't be PvP like his last efforts: "Good look to anyone in that space."
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. It's been during his sobriety that Bleszinski says he rediscovered his love for games—and the desire to make them:
TL;DR:
"Players just want to hop online with friends and shoot some stuff."
Pcgamer
Jul 19, 11:00
'GTA 6 needs this': This GTA 5 prison mod turns one of roleplay's most enduring staples into a game within a game
With flavours of Shawshank , this player-made masterstroke is a world unto itself.
More:
'GTA 6 needs this': This GTA 5 prison mod turns one of roleplay's most enduring staples into a game within a game. With flavours of Shawshank , this player-made masterstroke is a world unto itself.
TL;DR:
With flavours of Shawshank , this player-made masterstroke is a world unto itself.
Eurogamer
Jul 19, 09:00
Forbidden Solitaire is a wonderful reminder games are powerful cultural artefacts that demand to be preserved
Not so long ago, I found a stash of my old ZX Spectrum games in the attic. And rummaging through those tatty boxes - the old half-forgotten bargain bin bangers, the illicit passed-around-the-playground compilation tapes - it wasn't the games I found myself thinking about, it was the memories around them. My mind leapt back to evenings spent poring over stamp-sized magazine screenshots; the Friday night trips to Tescos and the exotic box art tempting me to part with my £2; the POKE codes and the dog-eared anti-piracy sheets; the wild classroom rumours of in-game secrets that would only reveal themselves when elaborate steps were performed. But they're not just my memories, of course; they'll be familiar to many of a certain place and time. And it's this sense of cultural nostalgia that Forbidden Solitaire captures so well. Read more
More:
Forbidden Solitaire is a wonderful reminder games are powerful cultural artefacts that demand to be preserved. And rummaging through those tatty boxes - the old half-forgotten bargain bin bangers, the illicit passed-around-the-playground compilation tapes - it wasn't the games I found myself thinking about, it was the memories around them.
TL;DR:
Not so long ago, I found a stash of my old ZX Spectrum games in the attic.
Pcgamer
Jul 19, 03:38
Grab a free Steam game full of misery and decision-making for a limited time
The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante seems like it lives up to its name.
More:
Grab a free Steam game full of misery and decision-making for a limited time. The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante seems like it lives up to its name.
TL;DR:
The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante seems like it lives up to its name.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 18, 21:55
"During the training sequence, we make a false promise": IO Interactive on the ensemble James Bond game that 007 First Light never was
It sounds like IO Interactive's take on the world of James Bond in 007 First Light was going to be quite different at first. Where the game as it currently is focuses on just Mr. Bond, once upon a time there was an idea for it to be something of an ensemble cast, where he would have been working with a number of double-O agents across his missions. Spoilers ahead ! Read more
More:
"During the training sequence, we make a false promise": IO Interactive on the ensemble James Bond game that 007 First Light never was. Where the game as it currently is focuses on just Mr. Bond, once upon a time there was an idea for it to be something of an ensemble cast, where he would have been working with a number of double-O agents across his missions.
TL;DR:
It sounds like IO Interactive's take on the world of James Bond in 007 First Light was going to be quite different at first.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 18, 20:29
You're probably not going to see everything your friend does in The Blood of Dawnwalker, and its director is just fine with that
The Blood of Dawnwalker is, if done well, a game that might not land with everybody. For one, there's the lack of a traditional main story quest , and then there's the fact that you only have 30 in-game days and nights to beat it . Neither are necessarily massively novel, the brilliant Unsighted , for example, also forces a timer upon you, but this is still a notable AAA game taking a risk. This thing likely won't have been cheap to make, and crafting a scenario where not everyone is going to experience the entirety of what it offers, on purpose, is certainly a touch bold at the very least. So it's a good thing its director is happy with people missing things. Read more
More:
You're probably not going to see everything your friend does in The Blood of Dawnwalker, and its director is just fine with that. For one, there's the lack of a traditional main story quest , and then there's the fact that you only have 30 in-game days and nights to beat it . So it's a good thing its director is happy with people missing things.
TL;DR:
The Blood of Dawnwalker is, if done well, a game that might not land with everybody.
Kotaku
Jul 18, 20:00
China Introduces New Laws To Prevent People From Falling In Love With AI Chatbots
Preferring productive bots to flirtatious ones, and stemming AI psychosis disasters, China is instructing companies to remove the more intimate behavior from their models
More:
China’s AI bots are now required by law to inform you that it’s not you, it’s them. “They don’t like the idea of a large portion of their population being in deep emotional relationships with chatbots,” Carnegie’s Matt Sheehan tells The Wall Street Journal .
TL;DR:
Preferring productive bots to flirtatious ones, and stemming AI psychosis disasters, China is instructing companies to remove the more intimate behavior from their models
Kotaku
Jul 18, 18:30
Shooter Historian Civvie 11 Says Xbox Laid Off Those Responsible For The Decade’s Most Influential Game
The influential FPS critic lambasts Microsoft's treatment of id Software and the industry at large’s shortsightedness
More:
Shooter Historian Civvie 11 Says Xbox Laid Off Those Responsible For The Decade’s Most Influential Game. The influential FPS critic lambasts Microsoft's treatment of id Software and the industry at large’s shortsightedness
TL;DR:
The influential FPS critic lambasts Microsoft's treatment of id Software and the industry at large’s shortsightedness
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 18, 18:04
Valve aren't putting any exclusives on the Steam Machine because they see "the whole PC catalog as our 'launch exclusive'"
The Steam Machine is going to sit in an odd place when it arrives. It's technically a PC, but shaped and presented like a console, which is obviously the whole point. But it differs from most traditional consoles in that it won't be coming with any games exclusive to the hardware. That's because for Valve, they want the Steam Machine to be as open as possible. Read more
More:
Valve aren't putting any exclusives on the Steam Machine because they see "the whole PC catalog as our 'launch exclusive'". It's technically a PC, but shaped and presented like a console, which is obviously the whole point. But it differs from most traditional consoles in that it won't be coming with any games exclusive to the hardware.
TL;DR:
The Steam Machine is going to sit in an odd place when it arrives.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 18, 17:00
A month after mass layoffs at Bungie, Marathon game director Joe Ziegler is leaving the studio
Another regular day in Marathon Land. Following on from mass layoffs at Bungie after the final major update for Destiny 2 , and ahead of next week's mid-season 2 Marathon patch, the extraction shooter's game director Joe Ziegler has announced that he's left the studio, with Del Chafe III taking over his role. Chafe, up until this point, has served as Marathon's assistant game director. Read more
More:
A month after mass layoffs at Bungie, Marathon game director Joe Ziegler is leaving the studio. Another regular day in Marathon Land. Following on from mass layoffs at Bungie after the final major update for Destiny 2 , and ahead of next week's mid-season 2 Marathon patch, the extraction shooter's game director Joe Ziegler has announced that he's left the studio, with Del Chaf…
TL;DR:
Chafe, up until this point, has served as Marathon's assistant game director.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 18, 16:04
ZA/UM are set for more layoffs only two months after launching Zero Parades: For Dead Spies
It's been almost two months since ZA/UM released their second game Zero Parades: For Dead Spies (and obviously first after years of controversy. Unfortunately for workers at the studio, the game does not appear to have sold well enough, as more than 30 devs are being laid off or are at-risk of being laid off. Read more
More:
ZA/UM are set for more layoffs only two months after launching Zero Parades: For Dead Spies. It's been almost two months since ZA/UM released their second game Zero Parades: For Dead Spies (and obviously first after years of controversy.
TL;DR:
Unfortunately for workers at the studio, the game does not appear to have sold well enough, as more than 30 devs are being laid off or are at-risk of being laid off.
Kotaku
Jul 18, 16:00
Valve Says Retail Memory Prices Are ‘Lagging’ And Are About To Become Even More Expensive: ‘It’s Still Getting Worse’
Valve's top Steam Machine engineers think we have 'three to six months' before memory prices somehow become even more extortionate
More:
If you were hoping that the AI-pocalypse-fueled RAM shortage might show any signs of slowing down soon, then I have some horrible news for you. Valve’s Steam Machine engineers have recently claimed that the shortages are “getting worse” and that currently retail stock supplies are “lagging” by about “three to six months.
TL;DR:
Valve's top Steam Machine engineers think we have 'three to six months' before memory prices somehow become even more extortionate
Pcgamer
Jul 18, 16:00
I'm not worried about Fallout: New Vegas 2, because Obsidian knows how to make the best out of a bad situation
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Development of the first New Vegas wasn't exactly plain sailing.
Kotaku
Jul 18, 15:01
The New Wolverine Trailer Now Has 10,000+ Comments About PlayStation Discs
Marvel's Wolverine could be Insomniac Games' last release with a physical edition
More:
The New Wolverine Trailer Now Has 10,000+ Comments About PlayStation Discs. Marvel's Wolverine could be Insomniac Games' last release with a physical edition
TL;DR:
Marvel's Wolverine could be Insomniac Games' last release with a physical edition
Pcgamer
Jul 18, 15:00
The toughest choices in PC games
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
The toughest choices in PC games. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Pcgamer
Jul 18, 14:00
For years, survival games have convinced us that chopping down 400 trees is somehow part of the fantasy—Palworld proves them wrong
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
For years, survival games have convinced us that chopping down 400 trees is somehow part of the fantasy—Palworld proves them wrong. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 18, 14:00
Esoteric Ebb is the D&Disco Elysium I never knew I needed, but more importantly it's proof I'll never be cut out for political canvassing
Which way are you voting in the election? There’s an election coming, could I trouble you to ask which way you’re voting? ELECTION. YOU. VOTING? WHICH WAY? The time to place the great slip of paper into the holy box of ballots is almost nigh, my honoured friend, wherefore will thou be placing thine vote and whom will it be in favour of? There are a lot of ways you can ask someone which way they plan to vote. All of them are awkward. The awkwardness isn’t helped by the fact that, in these situations, you might be standing on a doorstep having just interrupted their dinner or be butting into a chat they were having in the street with someone they actually like. Esoteric Ebb revels in that awkwardness. Read more
More:
Esoteric Ebb is the D&Disco Elysium I never knew I needed, but more importantly it's proof I'll never be cut out for political canvassing. There are a lot of ways you can ask someone which way they plan to vote. Esoteric Ebb revels in that awkwardness.
TL;DR:
Which way are you voting in the election?
Kotaku
Jul 18, 13:45
Baldur’s Gate 3 And Clair Obscur Actor Jennifer English Pulls Out Of New Fantasy Game Over Health Concerns
She was set to star in the upcoming Tides of Annihilation
More:
Baldur’s Gate 3 And Clair Obscur Actor Jennifer English Pulls Out Of New Fantasy Game Over Health Concerns. She was set to star in the upcoming Tides of Annihilation
TL;DR:
She was set to star in the upcoming Tides of Annihilation
Pcgamer
Jul 18, 13:36
Valve reassures Team Fortress 2 players that it's still working on the Mann vs Machine update it announced last year: 'We promise we're making progress'
"It's taking a lot longer to sort through the new content and changes than we'd originally anticipated."
More:
Valve reassures Team Fortress 2 players that it's still working on the Mann vs Machine update it announced last year: 'We promise we're making progress'. "It's taking a lot longer to sort through the new content and changes than we'd originally anticipated."
TL;DR:
"It's taking a lot longer to sort through the new content and changes than we'd originally anticipated."
Pcgamer
Jul 18, 13:00
Glass mouse pads haven't won me over but gamer sleeves are a different story
Mock me if you must. My gamer sleeve and I aren't listening.
More:
Glass mouse pads haven't won me over but gamer sleeves are a different story. Mock me if you must. My gamer sleeve and I aren't listening.
TL;DR:
My gamer sleeve and I aren't listening.
Eurogamer
Jul 18, 12:36
Controversy-laiden Disco Elysium and Zero Parades studio ZA/UM to lay off large chunk of staff once more
ZA/UM Studio, the contentious developer at the heart of years of bitter public and legal disputes since the release of 2019's acclaimed Disco Elysium , is to lay off up to 32 staff members "across all departments", it's been announced. Read more
More:
Sales, per ZA/UM, were not enough "to sustain a studio of our current size". The studio was last reported to have around 100 employees, as of October 2025, when its staff formed the first recognised video game developers' union in the UK, represented by the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain.
TL;DR:
ZA/UM Studio, the contentious developer at the heart of years of bitter public and legal disputes since the release of 2019's acclaimed Disco Elysium , is to lay off up to 32 staff members "across all departments", it's been announced.
Kotaku
Jul 18, 12:00
The 9 Best Games To Play After Watching The Odyssey
Play these if you want to sail a boat or blind a Cyclops
More:
The 9 Best Games To Play After Watching The Odyssey. Play these if you want to sail a boat or blind a Cyclops
TL;DR:
Play these if you want to sail a boat or blind a Cyclops
Pcgamer
Jul 18, 11:57
Get 15 games for $15 in Humble's 2K Megahits bundle, including Bioshock Infinite, Risk of Rain 2, and one of my favourite shooters of all time
Also includes XCOM: Enemy Unknown, Borderlands 3 and Bulletstorm: Full Clip Edition.
More:
Get 15 games for $15 in Humble's 2K Megahits bundle, including Bioshock Infinite, Risk of Rain 2, and one of my favourite shooters of all time. Also includes XCOM: Enemy Unknown, Borderlands 3 and Bulletstorm: Full Clip Edition.
TL;DR:
Also includes XCOM: Enemy Unknown, Borderlands 3 and Bulletstorm: Full Clip Edition.
Eurogamer
Jul 18, 10:00
The full Blood of Dawnwalker game will be released on disc, Bandai Namco and Rebel Wolves confirm
Promising new medieval vampire role-playing game The Blood of Dawnwalker will be, hallelujah, released on a good old fashioned disc. Read more
More:
By that I mean that some game discs behave more as glorified passcodes for the game, as a way of proving ownership before you're made to download the full game from the store of whichever console you're playing on. These discs would serve little worth years from now if such a game was made unavailable to download.
TL;DR:
Promising new medieval vampire role-playing game The Blood of Dawnwalker will be, hallelujah, released on a good old fashioned disc.
Eurogamer
Jul 18, 09:00
Netflix's games strategy might be a mess, but Oxenfree studio's ingenious new chiller-thriller shows it has a secret weapon
I still vividly recall the moment in No More Heroes when my Wii Remote rang for the first time. Confusion turned to delight as I held the controller to my ear and, through its tiny tinny speaker, Sylvia began to speak, as if on the other end of the line. Suddenly, Travis Touchdown's world had broken free of the TV, and I was thrilled . Oxenfree developer Night School's brisk new horror game Unhinged, currently streaming on Netflix, is built from these kinds of fourth-wall-busting moments, helping turn an already breathless thriller into something fascinating. Read more
More:
Netflix's games strategy might be a mess, but Oxenfree studio's ingenious new chiller-thriller shows it has a secret weapon. Confusion turned to delight as I held the controller to my ear and, through its tiny tinny speaker, Sylvia began to speak, as if on the other end of the line.
TL;DR:
I still vividly recall the moment in No More Heroes when my Wii Remote rang for the first time.
Eurogamer
Jul 18, 08:00
Not so much James Bond, more Mission Impossible - 007 First Light was originally more of an ensemble piece, says IO Interactive
IO Interactive once considered making 007 First Light more of an ensemble piece than it turned out to be. In other words, the game would have been less about James Bond on his own and more about him and a team of agents working together. Read more
More:
Not so much James Bond, more Mission Impossible - 007 First Light was originally more of an ensemble piece, says IO Interactive. IO Interactive once considered making 007 First Light more of an ensemble piece than it turned out to be. In other words, the game would have been less about James Bond on his own and more about him and a team of agents working together.
TL;DR:
IO Interactive once considered making 007 First Light more of an ensemble piece than it turned out to be.
Eurogamer
Jul 18, 07:00
What we've been playing - "He takes great joy out of my suffering"
Hello and welcome back to our regular feature where we write a little about the games we've been playing. This week, Connor is expertly trolled by his friend and shares a controversial take on a game some people will love; Chris revisits an all-timer while remembering a time when it didn't seem so; and Bertie ruins a game for himself. Read more
More:
What we've been playing - "He takes great joy out of my suffering". Hello and welcome back to our regular feature where we write a little about the games we've been playing. This week, Connor is expertly trolled by his friend and shares a controversial take on a game some people will love; Chris revisits an all-timer while remembering a time when it didn't seem so; and Bertie…
TL;DR:
Hello and welcome back to our regular feature where we write a little about the games we've been playing.
Pcgamer
Jul 17, 22:58
We just awarded $500 to the PC gamer who sent us this wild Crimson Desert video, and next month it could be you
We're giving away $500 in Amazon gift cards every month, so send in your best gaming clips for a chance to win.
More:
We just awarded $500 to the PC gamer who sent us this wild Crimson Desert video, and next month it could be you. We're giving away $500 in Amazon gift cards every month, so send in your best gaming clips for a chance to win.
TL;DR:
We're giving away $500 in Amazon gift cards every month, so send in your best gaming clips for a chance to win.
Pcgamer
Jul 17, 21:56
2 months after releasing Zero Parades, Studio ZA/UM is laying off employees: 'Its commercial performance has not enabled us to sustain a studio of our current size'
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Up to 32 people will be put out of work.
Kotaku
Jul 17, 21:38
Disco Elysium Studio Says Game About People Forced Into Impossible Situations Didn’t Sell Well Enough To Prevent Layoffs
In a post on social media, ZA/UM wrote that it would lay off 32 developers two months after releasing Zero Parades: For Dead Spies
More:
Disco Elysium Studio Says Game About People Forced Into Impossible Situations Didn’t Sell Well Enough To Prevent Layoffs. In a post on social media, ZA/UM wrote that it would lay off 32 developers two months after releasing Zero Parades: For Dead Spies
TL;DR:
In a post on social media, ZA/UM wrote that it would lay off 32 developers two months after releasing Zero Parades: For Dead Spies
Kotaku
Jul 17, 21:29
Every Christopher Nolan Movie, Ranked From Worst To Best
Christopher Nolan has released over a dozen movies now since his directorial debut in 1998 with noir crime thriller Following .
More:
Christopher Nolan has released over a dozen movies now since his directorial debut in 1998 with noir crime thriller Following . In the decades since, he has gone from an indie director making movies on miniscule budgets to spending millions on capturing his singular vision on film with incredible flicks like Inception and the Dark Knight trilogy.
TL;DR:
With The Odyssey out in theaters, let’s look back at Nolan’s nearly 30 years as a director
Pcgamer
Jul 17, 20:44
Hytale releases massive preview of upcoming content including 22 videos and 37 new images
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Hytale releases massive preview of upcoming content including 22 videos and 37 new images. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Pcgamer
Jul 17, 20:40
Retiring Valve programmer says 'at least one' of the studio's beloved game modes was made in secret to avoid pushback from peers
Valve's mythical flat corporate structure might be somewhat less than 100% self-directed.
More:
Retiring Valve programmer says 'at least one' of the studio's beloved game modes was made in secret to avoid pushback from peers. Valve's mythical flat corporate structure might be somewhat less than 100% self-directed.
TL;DR:
Valve's mythical flat corporate structure might be somewhat less than 100% self-directed.
Pcgamer
Jul 17, 20:24
How much RAM do you need for an 'ultimate gaming machine?' July in PC Gamer 10, 20, and 30 years ago
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. But the tone was just all wrong for the time it came out, and as we've seen from a number of failed attempts to launch a new multiplayer FPS since, it's incredibly hard to get people to latch onto a game in that more arena shooter style.
TL;DR:
Here's what was happening in PC gaming in July 1996, 2006 and 2016.
Kotaku
Jul 17, 20:00
Will Elder Scrolls 6 And Fallout 5 Go Exclusive? Todd Howard Says It’s Too Early To Comment
What will a new Xbox strategy mean for its biggest single-player releases?
More:
Will Elder Scrolls 6 And Fallout 5 Go Exclusive? Todd Howard Says It’s Too Early To Comment. What will a new Xbox strategy mean for its biggest single-player releases?
TL;DR:
What will a new Xbox strategy mean for its biggest single-player releases?
Pcgamer
Jul 17, 19:50
'We're interested in having the whole PC catalog as our 'launch exclusive'': Valve talks exclusives and the advantages of an open platform
Anyone can make a better Steam machine, and that's how Valve likes it.
More:
'We're interested in having the whole PC catalog as our 'launch exclusive'': Valve talks exclusives and the advantages of an open platform. Anyone can make a better Steam machine, and that's how Valve likes it.
TL;DR:
Anyone can make a better Steam machine, and that's how Valve likes it.
Kotaku
Jul 17, 19:30
Disney Has Started Feeding Your Kids AI Slop
Earlier this week, with little fanfare or announcement, Disney and French-based AI-animation company Animaj released the first episodes of Ozzy Fox , an animated musical series targeting young childr…
More:
Disney Has Started Feeding Your Kids AI Slop. The first two episodes are available now on YouTube and are a big step forward in Disney’s plans to embrace AI slop. The two episodes have already received over 750,000 views.
TL;DR:
Earlier this week, with little fanfare or announcement, Disney and French-based AI-animation company Animaj released the first episodes of Ozzy Fox , an animated musical series targeting young children.
Pcgamer
Jul 17, 19:29
Doom director Hugo Martin says id Software is fine, and anyway, 'what matters the most is that the games are good'
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Doom director Hugo Martin says id Software is fine, and anyway, 'what matters the most is that the games are good'. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Kotaku
Jul 17, 18:23
Marathon’s Game Director Is Leaving Bungie
Joe Ziegler will depart as player counts crater
More:
Marathon’s Game Director Is Leaving Bungie. Joe Ziegler will depart as player counts crater
TL;DR:
Joe Ziegler will depart as player counts crater
Pcgamer
Jul 17, 18:14
Marathon game director leaves Bungie just 4 months after launch: 'I'll be heading to something new, somewhere else'
This is not good news for Bungie, or its only remaining active game.
More:
Marathon game director leaves Bungie just 4 months after launch: 'I'll be heading to something new, somewhere else'. This is not good news for Bungie, or its only remaining active game.
TL;DR:
This is not good news for Bungie, or its only remaining active game.
Kotaku
Jul 17, 17:30
Xbox User Got His Baby Pictures Back But Says The Process Felt ‘A Little Bit Shady’
Joshua Khane says that if his post hadn't blown up, he wouldn't have gotten his digital library restored
More:
Xbox User Got His Baby Pictures Back But Says The Process Felt ‘A Little Bit Shady’. Joshua Khane says that if his post hadn't blown up, he wouldn't have gotten his digital library restored
TL;DR:
Joshua Khane says that if his post hadn't blown up, he wouldn't have gotten his digital library restored
Kotaku
Jul 17, 17:00
Fans Are Desperate For A Zelda: Ocarina Of Time Remake Nintendo Direct As Price And Pre-Order Rumors Swirl
Also: that mobile version of Final Fantasy 14 has been canceled
More:
Fans Are Desperate For A Zelda: Ocarina Of Time Remake Nintendo Direct As Price And Pre-Order Rumors Swirl. Also: that mobile version of Final Fantasy 14 has been canceled
TL;DR:
Also: that mobile version of Final Fantasy 14 has been canceled
Pcgamer
Jul 17, 16:21
Guerilla bus stop ads are taking aim at Meta's AI glasses, and the latest stunt involves a horrifying They Live-style transforming image of Kylie Jenner
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Guerilla bus stop ads are taking aim at Meta's AI glasses, and the latest stunt involves a horrifying They Live-style transforming image of Kylie Jenner. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Pcgamer
Jul 17, 15:59
Asus ROG Strix XG32UQWMS review
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. Find out more about how we evaluate games and hardware.
TL;DR:
Asus delivers LG's latest 4K Tandem OLED tech at a pretty reasonable price.
Eurogamer
Jul 17, 15:42
"I feel totally unbothered" - Deborah Ann Woll doesn't care about the trolls taking shots at God Of War Laufey
Since it was announced at the beginning of June, God of War Laufey has been receiving an unexpected amount of negative criticism. And a lot of the commentary about the game - of which we've only seen one trailer so far - revolves around the actress playing the eponymous character Laufey in it: Deborah Ann Woll, who reprises the role from God of War (2018). Read more
More:
"I feel totally unbothered" - Deborah Ann Woll doesn't care about the trolls taking shots at God Of War Laufey. Since it was announced at the beginning of June, God of War Laufey has been receiving an unexpected amount of negative criticism.
TL;DR:
Since it was announced at the beginning of June, God of War Laufey has been receiving an unexpected amount of negative criticism.
Pcgamer
Jul 17, 15:20
No, Modern Warfare 4's Gunny loadout assistant isn't a chatbot, but its developer is using AI elsewhere
“We use whatever tools we have to enhance and help our developers to complete [tasks] on time."
More:
No, Modern Warfare 4's Gunny loadout assistant isn't a chatbot, but its developer is using AI elsewhere. “We use whatever tools we have to enhance and help our developers to complete [tasks] on time."
TL;DR:
“We use whatever tools we have to enhance and help our developers to complete [tasks] on time."
Pcgamer
Jul 17, 15:11
LG UltraGear Evo GX9 39GX950B review
On paper, this 5K2K OLED is the ultimate PC gaming monitor...
More:
LG UltraGear Evo GX9 39GX950B review. On paper, this 5K2K OLED is the ultimate PC gaming monitor...
TL;DR:
On paper, this 5K2K OLED is the ultimate PC gaming monitor...
Kotaku
Jul 17, 15:00
Disney Store Stays Closed After Scalpers Get Violent Waiting For New Lorcana Drop: ‘The Safety Of The Local Community Is Always Our Top Priority’
Over 100 people lined up, with some having been there for over 12 hours
More:
Disney Store Stays Closed After Scalpers Get Violent Waiting For New Lorcana Drop: ‘The Safety Of The Local Community Is Always Our Top Priority’. Over 100 people lined up, with some having been there for over 12 hours
TL;DR:
Over 100 people lined up, with some having been there for over 12 hours
Pcgamer
Jul 17, 15:00
Battlefield 6 is resurrecting a 20-year-old mode for a Top Gun crossover
Blast, board, and ultimately sink the other team's aircraft carrier in an upcoming BF6 mode.
More:
Battlefield 6 is resurrecting a 20-year-old mode for a Top Gun crossover. Blast, board, and ultimately sink the other team's aircraft carrier in an upcoming BF6 mode.
TL;DR:
Blast, board, and ultimately sink the other team's aircraft carrier in an upcoming BF6 mode.
Eurogamer
Jul 17, 15:00
Battlefield 6 is getting an evolved Carrier Assault mode in Season 4, and the Top Gun collab brings more than cosmetics
Battlefield 6 's upcoming Season 4 continues to look like one of its most exciting seasons yet. After delivering a first look at naval combat earlier this week , Battlefield Studios has now detailed more of what we can expect throughout the season, including early details on the teased Top Gun collaboration. Read more
More:
Battlefield 6 is getting an evolved Carrier Assault mode in Season 4, and the Top Gun collab brings more than cosmetics. Battlefield 6 's upcoming Season 4 continues to look like one of its most exciting seasons yet.
TL;DR:
Battlefield 6 's upcoming Season 4 continues to look like one of its most exciting seasons yet.
Pcgamer
Jul 17, 14:56
60 fps is still the de facto minimum frame rate for half of PC Gamer readers, but more than 10% of you are dying on the 120 fps hill
We asked what the minimum frame rate you'd accept as playable, and 60 fps still stands as a measure of smooth gaming.
More:
60 fps is still the de facto minimum frame rate for half of PC Gamer readers, but more than 10% of you are dying on the 120 fps hill. We asked what the minimum frame rate you'd accept as playable, and 60 fps still stands as a measure of smooth gaming.
TL;DR:
We asked what the minimum frame rate you'd accept as playable, and 60 fps still stands as a measure of smooth gaming.
Gamesindustry
Jul 17, 14:53
Sky-high prices risk disaster for a console market struggling to grow | Opinion
Nobody needs to hear again about how the crisis in component costs is causing havoc on the hardware side of the games industry. That particular bell has been tolling for some months now, and we're resigned to not being able to do anything much about it. This is an event to be weathered, not one that is within the industry's power to prevent. Read more
More:
Sky-high prices risk disaster for a console market struggling to grow | Opinion. That particular bell has been tolling for some months now, and we're resigned to not being able to do anything much about it. This is an event to be weathered, not one that is within the industry's power to prevent.
TL;DR:
Nobody needs to hear again about how the crisis in component costs is causing havoc on the hardware side of the games industry.
Eurogamer
Jul 17, 14:48
Bethesda reassures fans The Elder Scrolls 6 is "on the way" following the Xbox cuts, and that it's "loving how it looks" and "playing it every day"
Bethesda Game Studios has moved to calm concerns about The Elder Scrolls 6 following recent Xbox cuts, telling players that, "The next chapter is on the way. We're where we planned to be, loving how it looks, and playing it every day." Read more
More:
Bethesda Game Studios has moved to calm concerns about The Elder Scrolls 6 following recent Xbox cuts, telling players that, "The next chapter is on the way. We're where we planned to be, loving how it looks, and playing it every day." Read more
TL;DR:
Bethesda Game Studios has moved to calm concerns about The Elder Scrolls 6 following recent Xbox cuts, telling players that, "The next chapter is on the way.
Eurogamer
Jul 17, 14:47
Starfield "remains an important part of our future" says Bethesda, as developer pledges continued support for sci-fi RPG
Bethesda has confirmed that its spacefaring sci-fi RPG Starfield will continue to be supported by the developer, even after suffering layoffs and has refocused on core franchises like The Elder Scrolls and Fallout. Read more
More:
This comes from a staggering blog post from Bethesda Game Studios , which addresses the future of all of its different RPG series. Starfield gets its own dedicated section, titled "Starfield Continues", Bethesda revealed the game has been played by over 17m players for nearly a billion hours.
TL;DR:
Bethesda has confirmed that its spacefaring sci-fi RPG Starfield will continue to be supported by the developer, even after suffering layoffs and has refocused on core franchises like The Elder Scrolls and Fallout.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 17, 14:40
Fallout 5 is in preproduction alongside The Elder Scrolls 6's development, while Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas remasters are on the way, Bethesda confirm
Following Microsoft's mass layoffs , Bethesda have clearly been told to be a bit more active in communicating exactly what they've got in the works. Cue a big blog post announcing that Fallout 5 's in preproduction alongside the studio's main focus, The Elder Scrolls 6, with both being assembled on a version of the Creation engine put together following Starfield 's launch. Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas remasters have also been confirmed to be on the way, though with no concrete release dates as of yet. Read more
More:
Fallout 5 is in preproduction alongside The Elder Scrolls 6's development, while Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas remasters are on the way, Bethesda confirm. Following Microsoft's mass layoffs , Bethesda have clearly been told to be a bit more active in communicating exactly what they've got in the works.
TL;DR:
Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas remasters have also been confirmed to be on the way, though with no concrete release dates as of yet.
Eurogamer
Jul 17, 14:36
Those rumoured Fallout 3 and Fallout New Vegas remasters are real, Fallout 5 is in pre-production, and Fallout 76 is getting a massive expansion
Bethesda has published a new statement which drops some major bombs (sorry) about the future of the Fallout series. In the statement , the company noted that those long-rumoured Fallout: New Vegas and Fallout 3 remasters are indeed real, teased a mystery Fallout project being developed with Obsidian, and - last but not least - announced that Fallout 5 is now in preproduction. Read more
More:
Those rumoured Fallout 3 and Fallout New Vegas remasters are real, Fallout 5 is in pre-production, and Fallout 76 is getting a massive expansion. Bethesda has published a new statement which drops some major bombs (sorry) about the future of the Fallout series.
TL;DR:
Bethesda has published a new statement which drops some major bombs (sorry) about the future of the Fallout series.
Kotaku
Jul 17, 14:32
The 3 Big Reasons Why GTA 6 Isn’t Coming To PC At Launch, And Why That’s A Good Thing
It's always been thus, and it tends to work out very well in the end
More:
The 3 Big Reasons Why GTA 6 Isn’t Coming To PC At Launch, And Why That’s A Good Thing. It's always been thus, and it tends to work out very well in the end
TL;DR:
It's always been thus, and it tends to work out very well in the end
Eurogamer
Jul 17, 14:10
Star Wars: KOTOR remake is alive and eyeing a 2028 release window, according to Sabre Interactive's chief business office
It's no secret that the Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR) Remake has had its share of development woes, leaving many in dismay as one of the best Star Wars games of all time may never get its deserved polish-up. However, a recent message from Sabre Interactive's new chief business officer might offer a new hope (sorry). Read more
More:
It's no secret that the Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR) Remake has had its share of development woes, leaving many in dismay as one of the best Star Wars games of all time may never get its deserved polish-up. However, a recent message from Sabre Interactive's new chief business officer might offer a new hope (sorry).
TL;DR:
It's no secret that the Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR) Remake has had its share of development woes, leaving many in dismay as one of the best Star Wars games of all time may never get its deserved polish-up.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 17, 14:06
"I'm saying this on camera and millions of people will believe it": How Suzerain Stories: The Neutral Lens lets you shape the news
The original Suzerain , a political strategy game presented as a visual novel, cast you in the role of Anton Rayne, the newly elected President of fictional country Sordland. You had to tackle political turmoil as the leader of a country coming out of years of authoritarian rule, while also dealing with an economic crisis, and threats from the powerful nations neighbouring your borders. In the Kingdom of Rizia DLC, you left elected politics behind and, instead, sat in the inherited throne as King Romus Toras. Though your absolute power was tempered by anti-monarchists, breakaway states, and corrupt vassals. The stakes in new DLC Suzerain Stories: The Neutral Lens are significantly smaller. You are just a journalist, Ilias Moris, the anchor on international news program The Neutral Lens. The decisions you make don't restrict trade in ports, pass laws that limit freedoms, or send citizens to war. Instead you're picking what question to ask in an interview or where to send your reporters for a scoop. But how much impact decisions the press can make on the world is exactly the point. Read more
More:
"I'm saying this on camera and millions of people will believe it": How Suzerain Stories: The Neutral Lens lets you shape the news. The stakes in new DLC Suzerain Stories: The Neutral Lens are significantly smaller. But how much impact decisions the press can make on the world is exactly the point.
TL;DR:
The original Suzerain , a political strategy game presented as a visual novel, cast you in the role of Anton Rayne, the newly elected President of fictional country Sordland.
Kotaku
Jul 17, 14:00
Bethesda Isn’t Giving Up On Starfield As It Promises New Content In 2027: ‘Starfield Remains An Important Part Of Our Future’
As part of Bethesda's big road map laying out its future, the studio confirmed more Starfield updates are in the works
More:
Bethesda Isn’t Giving Up On Starfield As It Promises New Content In 2027: ‘Starfield Remains An Important Part Of Our Future’. As part of Bethesda's big road map laying out its future, the studio confirmed more Starfield updates are in the works
TL;DR:
As part of Bethesda's big road map laying out its future, the studio confirmed more Starfield updates are in the works
Gamesindustry
Jul 17, 14:00
Bethesda reveals plans for Fallout 5, The Elder Scrolls 6, and more
Todd Howard, executive producer and game director at Bethesda Game Studios, has published a note outlining the company's plans over the coming years, including Fallout 5 and The Elder Scrolls 6, as well as remasters of Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas, and a Fallout Shelter TV show. Read more
More:
"We've believed from the beginning that our worlds belong not only to the people who make them, but also to the people who play them. We're proud to say Creators have already earned more than $10 million in royalties from their work.
TL;DR:
Todd Howard, executive producer and game director at Bethesda Game Studios, has published a note outlining the company's plans over the coming years, including Fallout 5 and The Elder Scrolls 6, as well as remasters of Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas, and a Fallout Shelter TV show.
Kotaku
Jul 17, 13:59
Todd Howard Updates Fans On The State Of Bethesda After Brutal Xbox ‘Reset’: ‘The Elder Scrolls 6 Is Our Primary Development Focus’
ZeniMax Online Studios will 'align more directly' with Bethesda on the franchise after studio leadership was laid off
More:
Todd Howard Updates Fans On The State Of Bethesda After Brutal Xbox ‘Reset’: ‘The Elder Scrolls 6 Is Our Primary Development Focus’. ZeniMax Online Studios will 'align more directly' with Bethesda on the franchise after studio leadership was laid off
TL;DR:
ZeniMax Online Studios will 'align more directly' with Bethesda on the franchise after studio leadership was laid off
Gamesindustry
Jul 17, 13:50
UKIE: 22% of UK games industry workforce affected by job losses in last three years
22% of UK games industry workers have experienced job loss in the last three years, including redundancies, studio closures, and the end of fixed-term contracts. Read more
More:
This data comes from UKIE, which has released the third edition of its industry census, now called the UK Games Industry Workforce Demographics Survey. Professor Mark Taylor designed, conducted, and authored the survey, which is based on responses from 1,610 UK games industry professionals collected between November 2025 and January 2026.
TL;DR:
22% of UK games industry workers have experienced job loss in the last three years, including redundancies, studio closures, and the end of fixed-term contracts.
Eurogamer
Jul 17, 13:06
Claims about GTA 6 pre-orders are incorrect and "absurd", analyst firm says, but it's still had the "strongest pre-order campaign ever recorded"
We all knew that GTA 6 was going to be big, but new data from a video game market data analyst group suggests Rockstar's upcoming sandbox game has already earned in excess of $260m for the company. Read more
More:
Using that data, and mapping it onto player distribution of GTA 5 , Newzoo estimates that the game made $260m in its first week - that'll be $180m from the US and Europe, and a further $80m from other regions around the world. As a result, Newzoo estimates GTA 6 will bring in an eye-watering $4.5bn in its first week, selling through around 51m units.
TL;DR:
We all knew that GTA 6 was going to be big, but new data from a video game market data analyst group suggests Rockstar's upcoming sandbox game has already earned in excess of $260m for the company.
Gamesindustry
Jul 17, 12:35
Gamecity Hamburg announces second round of prototype funding
Gamecity Hamburg has announced that its second round of funding for prototypes will open this September.
More:
From September 4 to 24, small and medium-sized studios, founders, and start-ups can apply for non-repayable funding up to €80,000, with a total of €180,000 available. "With this year's second round of funding, we're helping developers launch game projects in Hamburg," said Schoubye.
TL;DR:
Gamecity Hamburg has announced that its second round of funding for prototypes will open this September.
Pcgamer
Jul 17, 12:30
AI music generator Suno has been hacked, detailing the data scraping of millions of songs from YouTube, Deezer, and Genius
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
AI music generator Suno has been hacked, detailing the data scraping of millions of songs from YouTube, Deezer, and Genius. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 17, 11:50
"I would fight it tooth and nail": The Sims artist would challenge any mandate to reduce diversity after EA Saudi buyout
Answering concerns that The Sims team may face pressure to reduce support for diversity following the Saudi Arabian-backed buyout of EA, senior character artist Jess Hyland says she's not "heard anything" about such a mandate and, if one were introduced, she "would fight it tooth and nail." Read more
More:
The group would be buying 100% of the company behind games such as Battlefield, EA FC, and The Sims for $56 billion – $20 billion of which would be debt loaded up onto EA and their studios. However, while that's good news for the investors, unionised workers at EA worry that, should the deal go through, the debt leveraged to purchase the company will lead to layoffs after the…
TL;DR:
Answering concerns that The Sims team may face pressure to reduce support for diversity following the Saudi Arabian-backed buyout of EA, senior character artist Jess Hyland says she's not "heard anything" about such a mandate and, if one were introduced, she "would fight it tooth and nail." Read more
Eurogamer
Jul 17, 11:14
The new Marvel's Wolverine cinematic trailer has been swarmed by PlayStation fans still angry at Sony ditching discs
A cinematic trailer has been released for Insomniac Game's upcoming mutant action romp: Marvel's Wolverine. And while many fans have been excited to see another clawsome update for the game, it's been swarmed by those still angry at Sony's decision to ditch physical discs . Read more
More:
The new Marvel's Wolverine cinematic trailer has been swarmed by PlayStation fans still angry at Sony ditching discs. A cinematic trailer has been released for Insomniac Game's upcoming mutant action romp: Marvel's Wolverine.
TL;DR:
A cinematic trailer has been released for Insomniac Game's upcoming mutant action romp: Marvel's Wolverine.
Pcgamer
Jul 17, 10:53
EA vice president of advertising says game ads are a 'huge opportunity', but it 'has to make sense for the game'
"It is a bit nuanced title-by-title to make sure that you’re getting it right"
More:
EA vice president of advertising says game ads are a 'huge opportunity', but it 'has to make sense for the game'. "It is a bit nuanced title-by-title to make sure that you’re getting it right"
TL;DR:
"It is a bit nuanced title-by-title to make sure that you’re getting it right"
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 17, 10:46
Unions accuse Microsoft of having "unlawfully fired people" in unfair labor practice complaints filed over Xbox layoffs
The Communications Workers of America (CWA) union and their Canadian offshoot CWA Canada have filed unfair labour practice complaints against Microsoft, accusing the company of having mishandled the recent mass layoffs at Xbox . Read more
More:
As reported by Game Developer , the unions' change filed via the US National Labour Relations Board (NRLB) alleges that Microsoft failed to provide information to the CWA and engaged in bad faith bargaining. We will continue to file legal challenges if necessary, and do all we can to defend the rights of Bethesda Game Studios workers.
TL;DR:
The Communications Workers of America (CWA) union and their Canadian offshoot CWA Canada have filed unfair labour practice complaints against Microsoft, accusing the company of having mishandled the recent mass layoffs at Xbox .
Eurogamer
Jul 17, 10:35
No, Doom maker id Software hasn't been "nerfed into the ground and gutted" by the Xbox cuts, insists director Hugo Martin
Doom and Quake creator id Software insists it hasn't been "nerfed into the ground and gutted" by Xbox, despite reports to the contrary. Read more
More:
This prompted the suggestion id Software would become a support studio for Xbox rather than one capable of making full-scale games of its own. "We're the size we were when we made Doom 2016, and id Tech is very much alive and well.
TL;DR:
Doom and Quake creator id Software insists it hasn't been "nerfed into the ground and gutted" by Xbox, despite reports to the contrary.
Gamesindustry
Jul 17, 10:28
Develop:Brighton showed the UK games industry is done with hand-wringing and is determined to save itself | Opinion
I got a feeling of déjà vu at Develop:Brighton this year, where once again it was meltingly hot, and once again the conference was coming hard on the heels of sweeping cuts at Microsoft. Although this time around the weather was even hotter, and the cuts were even deeper, with around 20% of the Xbox division being hacked away. Read more
More:
Develop:Brighton showed the UK games industry is done with hand-wringing and is determined to save itself | Opinion. I got a feeling of déjà vu at Develop:Brighton this year, where once again it was meltingly hot, and once again the conference was coming hard on the heels of sweeping cuts at Microsoft.
TL;DR:
Although this time around the weather was even hotter, and the cuts were even deeper, with around 20% of the Xbox division being hacked away.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 17, 09:28
"Id Tech is there, the Doom team is here": Doom: The Dark Ages director pushes back against idea studio have been "nerfed into the ground" by Xbox layoffs
While reports about Microsoft's mass layoffs have painted a devastating picture, the company and affected studios like Doom developers Id Software have been publicly trying to reassure players that the cuts aren't the end of the world. Doom: The Dark Ages director Hugo Martin has stuck to that line while acknowledging the layoffs during on official livestream of the game's Revelations DLC, which came out the same week 136 Id workers were shown the door . Read more
More:
"Id Tech is there, the Doom team is here": Doom: The Dark Ages director pushes back against idea studio have been "nerfed into the ground" by Xbox layoffs. While reports about Microsoft's mass layoffs have painted a devastating picture, the company and affected studios like Doom developers Id Software have been publicly trying to reassure players that the cuts aren't the end o…
TL;DR:
While reports about Microsoft's mass layoffs have painted a devastating picture, the company and affected studios like Doom developers Id Software have been publicly trying to reassure players that the cuts aren't the end of the world.
Gamesindustry
Jul 17, 09:00
Why releasing games on the web could be right for your studio in 2026
Romy Halfweeg is Business Development Manager at web gaming platform Poki. Read more
More:
Why releasing games on the web could be right for your studio in 2026. Romy Halfweeg is Business Development Manager at web gaming platform Poki.
TL;DR:
Romy Halfweeg is Business Development Manager at web gaming platform Poki.
Pcgamer
Jul 17, 07:35
Castlevania: Belmont's Curse isn't technically connected to the Netflix anime, but its cinematography was inspired by the show
We’re really hoping that people who’ve only watched the anime also enjoy the game," Konami said.
More:
Castlevania: Belmont's Curse isn't technically connected to the Netflix anime, but its cinematography was inspired by the show. We’re really hoping that people who’ve only watched the anime also enjoy the game," Konami said.
TL;DR:
We’re really hoping that people who’ve only watched the anime also enjoy the game," Konami said.
Gamesindustry
Jul 17, 07:29
London Games Festival moves to central venue for 2027 showcase
Games London has announced that the London Games Festival will move to a central venue in 2027. The event will now be held at the Business Design Centre to provide a more accessible showcase and bigg…
More:
The New Game Plus public showcase, B2B Games Finance Market event, and several industry conferences and networking opportunities will be hosted at the venue. A Friday Late event focused on games will be held at the Victoria & Albert Museum. The full London Games Festival programme will run from April 12 to April 19, 2027.
TL;DR:
Games London has announced that the London Games Festival will move to a central venue in 2027.
Eurogamer
Jul 17, 07:00
Castlevania Belmont's Curse could just be a gaming classic whipped back into shape
Castlevania Belmont's Curse is a grand return to the series' platformer roots. Developed by Konami and Evil Empire, it's a gothic cathedral built with new material, upon the strongest of genre foundations. In the few hours I had to explore the game's opening act, I was quickly thrust into the classic Castlevania experience - battling against various enemies with a repertoire of weapons and magic - but there are some bold twists here that help differentiate this game from its ancestors. Read more
More:
Castlevania Belmont's Curse could just be a gaming classic whipped back into shape. Developed by Konami and Evil Empire, it's a gothic cathedral built with new material, upon the strongest of genre foundations.
TL;DR:
Castlevania Belmont's Curse is a grand return to the series' platformer roots.
Theguardian
Jul 17, 07:00
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse - Konami classic rises again from Paris sewers and Joan of Arc is a boss
Evil Empire creatives explain how it is playing to today’s ‘metroidvanias’ and honouring the original’s legacy with much fresh slaying to be done Since the last Castlevania game hit the shelves (2014’s Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 ), Konami’s dormant series has unexpectedly spawned a hit genre. With an entire generation raised on “metroidvanias” – a portmanteau of Metroid and Castlevania – millions of players have only ever seen the games inspired by Konami’s seminal games. Now with Belmont’s Curse, launching in October, Castlevania is finally dashing back to console, where Konami hopes to reclaim its side-scroller throne. Set 23 years after the events of 1989’s Castlevania 3 – the same setting as the hit Netflix show – Belmont’s Curse shakes off the series’ 3D ambitions and takes the Belmonts back to basics. Dispatching players to the demon-infested streets of 1499 Paris, you’re placed in the tattered boots of Trevor Belmont’s daughter, Rose. As a bishop pleads with the Belmonts to rid Paris of the ancient evil besetting the city, Rose heads into the sewers, longsword in hand, and her demon-slaying adventure begins. Continue reading...
More:
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse - Konami classic rises again from Paris sewers and Joan of Arc is a boss. Now with Belmont’s Curse, launching in October, Castlevania is finally dashing back to console, where Konami hopes to reclaim its side-scroller throne.
TL;DR:
With an entire generation raised on “metroidvanias” – a portmanteau of Metroid and Castlevania – millions of players have only ever seen the games inspired by Konami’s seminal games.
Kotaku
Jul 17, 04:50
Doom Director Addresses id Software Bloodbath: ‘What Matters The Most Is That The Games Are Good’
id Software was hit hard in the latest round of Xbox mass layoffs
More:
Doom Director Addresses id Software Bloodbath: ‘What Matters The Most Is That The Games Are Good’. id Software was hit hard in the latest round of Xbox mass layoffs
TL;DR:
id Software was hit hard in the latest round of Xbox mass layoffs
Pcgamer
Jul 16, 22:52
The follow-up to one of last year's best detective games is off to an 'overwhelmingly positive' start on Steam after just 2 days
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Itch.io hit Type Help is now Steam hit The Incident at Galley House.
Kotaku
Jul 16, 22:05
Netflix Brags That AI Tools Were Used In Around 300 Of Its Shows And Movies In 2026 So Far
The streaming company says it's mostly used in post-production on shows like The American Experiment
More:
Netflix Brags That AI Tools Were Used In Around 300 Of Its Shows And Movies In 2026 So Far. The streaming company says it's mostly used in post-production on shows like The American Experiment
TL;DR:
The streaming company says it's mostly used in post-production on shows like The American Experiment
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 16, 21:53
Control a human proxy on an abandoned spaceship by typing in every command or risk losing your job in Remote Control
The idea of another person controlling every action my body takes is one that keeps me awake at night more often than I like to acknowledge to myself. So how about a game all about that! It's called Remote Control, and in it you most titularly remote control human proxies to explore a derelict spaceship and figure out what went wrong on it. Read more
More:
Control a human proxy on an abandoned spaceship by typing in every command or risk losing your job in Remote Control. The idea of another person controlling every action my body takes is one that keeps me awake at night more often than I like to acknowledge to myself.
TL;DR:
The idea of another person controlling every action my body takes is one that keeps me awake at night more often than I like to acknowledge to myself.
Pcgamer
Jul 16, 21:46
Let's play a quick round of 'Which game has more DLC?' to test your knowledge of videogame add-ons
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Pcgamer
Jul 16, 21:30
After 13 years, Path of Exile's devs are finally ready to ditch one of its most iconic and frustrating mechanics
Grinding Gear Games wants to find ways to get new players into the old action RPG.
More:
After 13 years, Path of Exile's devs are finally ready to ditch one of its most iconic and frustrating mechanics. Grinding Gear Games wants to find ways to get new players into the old action RPG.
TL;DR:
Grinding Gear Games wants to find ways to get new players into the old action RPG.
Pcgamer
Jul 16, 20:47
Closed game studio returns to un-live service its game with community servers before shutdown: 'We don't believe Deceive Inc. should quietly disappear'
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
was great, and now it'll live on.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 16, 20:36
I don't like football, but I do like platformers, so Kick is a pretty little bridge that closes that gap
I've never been a football person, so this whole Global Mug thing that's going on at the moment is as important to me as eyelids for a fish. What I have always been is someone who likes platformers , however, even when they're all about that thing they call the beautiful game. And in the case of Kick, it seems that sidescrolling ball dribbling is actually quite delightful. Read more
More:
I don't like football, but I do like platformers, so Kick is a pretty little bridge that closes that gap. What I have always been is someone who likes platformers , however, even when they're all about that thing they call the beautiful game. And in the case of Kick, it seems that sidescrolling ball dribbling is actually quite delightful.
TL;DR:
I've never been a football person, so this whole Global Mug thing that's going on at the moment is as important to me as eyelids for a fish.
Pcgamer
Jul 16, 20:29
Matt Damon, now a Fortnite skin, once turned down 'a bunch of money' to appear in a Bourne game because they wouldn't make it more like Myst
A Fortnite skin based Damon's character in The Odyssey seems to be the actor's first official videogame likeness.
More:
Matt Damon, now a Fortnite skin, once turned down 'a bunch of money' to appear in a Bourne game because they wouldn't make it more like Myst. A Fortnite skin based Damon's character in The Odyssey seems to be the actor's first official videogame likeness.
TL;DR:
A Fortnite skin based Damon's character in The Odyssey seems to be the actor's first official videogame likeness.
Kotaku
Jul 16, 20:29
Video Game Companies Can No Longer Do Layoffs Quietly
Public demonstrations have kicked off in Barcelona, Edinburgh, Maryland and beyond bringing global attention to the video game industry labor crisis
More:
A group of video game developers in the US and abroad have taken the lines from Dylan Thomas’ poem to heart. Earlier this week, ZeniMax and Bethesda employees held rallies to protest Xbox’s latest round of layoffs that cost 1,600 people their jobs with 1,600 more layoffs to come in the future.
TL;DR:
Public demonstrations have kicked off in Barcelona, Edinburgh, Maryland and beyond bringing global attention to the video game industry labor crisis
Kotaku
Jul 16, 18:49
GameStop CEO Says Physical Games Don’t Matter
GameStop’s chief executive officer Ryan Cohen doesn’t seem concerned about the news that PlayStation is ditching physical discs.
More:
He says the end of physical games is “totally irrelevant” to GameStop’s future. In a new interview with Bloomberg, Cohen was asked about the demise of physical video game discs after Sony recently announced that it was ending production of new physical PlayStation games starting in 2028.
TL;DR:
Ryan Cohen also claims that if GameStop and eBay merged it could create a $1 trillion business
Kotaku
Jul 16, 18:00
New Final Fantasy Resonance Trailer Is Peak
Final Fantasy Brave Exvius Final Fantasy Resonance Square Enix Square Enix has posted a new trailer for Final Fantasy Resonance , an HD2D re-build of the mobile gacha game Final Fantasy Brave Exvius…
More:
Final Fantasy Brave Exvius Final Fantasy Resonance Square Enix Square Enix has posted a new trailer for Final Fantasy Resonance , an HD2D re-build of the mobile gacha game Final Fantasy Brave Exvius , and my goodness is this peak.
TL;DR:
I could get used to seeing new Final Fantasy games look like this all the time
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 16, 17:58
Marathon's experimental PvE roguelite mode is, bafflingly, only around for two weeks when it drops next week
Marathon 's already announced mid-season 2 update is set to arrive next week, bringing with it the shooter's first proper, albeit experimental, PvE mode, Vault Breaker. A new blog post has gone into a bit more detail as to what you can expect with the new update, with a teaser trailer showing off some extra bits, but the biggest bummer is the fact that Vault Breaker will only be around for a short while. Read more
More:
Marathon 's already announced mid-season 2 update is set to arrive next week, bringing with it the shooter's first proper, albeit experimental, PvE mode, Vault Breaker. A new blog post has gone into a bit more detail as to what you can expect with the new update, with a teaser trailer showing off some extra bits, but the biggest bummer is the fact that Vault Breaker will only…
TL;DR:
Marathon 's already announced mid-season 2 update is set to arrive next week, bringing with it the shooter's first proper, albeit experimental, PvE mode, Vault Breaker.
Kotaku
Jul 16, 17:30
A24 Reportedly Copyright-Striking Backrooms Indie Games And Artwork
According to artists and an indie developer, A24 is hitting multiple creators with copyright strikes on Backrooms -themed works unrelated to the film
More:
It’s not been a great few weeks for A24’s PR team , and it’s about to get a whole lot worse if reports that the film production studio is copyright-striking Backrooms -related content are indeed true.
TL;DR:
According to artists and an indie developer, A24 is hitting multiple creators with copyright strikes on Backrooms -themed works unrelated to the film
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 16, 17:10
Fix up your van with a bunch of your best pals and escape an onslaught of tornados in survival co-op game Funnel Runners
Outside of the entirety of the ocean, the thing that probably scares me most about the things the world produces are natural disasters. You're telling me that sometimes the wind gets so fast it can pick up a dang cow? I'm smaller than a cow! I'd have no chance. And it's this fear that I, and I assume many of you, have that sits at the core of Funnel Runners, an online co-op game where you have to fix up a fan to escape a massive tornado. Read more
More:
Fix up your van with a bunch of your best pals and escape an onslaught of tornados in survival co-op game Funnel Runners. You're telling me that sometimes the wind gets so fast it can pick up a dang cow? I'm smaller than a cow!
TL;DR:
And it's this fear that I, and I assume many of you, have that sits at the core of Funnel Runners, an online co-op game where you have to fix up a fan to escape a massive tornado.
Pcgamer
Jul 16, 16:30
Grand Theft Auto 6 leaker who was given an indefinite sentence in 2023 because he wouldn't stop hacking is now out of hospital and awaiting retrial
Arion Kurtaj, a member of the Lapsus$ hacking group, was behind a 2022 hack of Rockstar that revealed GTA 6 to the world more than a year before it was announced.
More:
Grand Theft Auto 6 leaker who was given an indefinite sentence in 2023 because he wouldn't stop hacking is now out of hospital and awaiting retrial. Arion Kurtaj, a member of the Lapsus$ hacking group, was behind a 2022 hack of Rockstar that revealed GTA 6 to the world more than a year before it was announced.
TL;DR:
Arion Kurtaj, a member of the Lapsus$ hacking group, was behind a 2022 hack of Rockstar that revealed GTA 6 to the world more than a year before it was announced.
Pcgamer
Jul 16, 16:23
'It's not like natural intelligence is always all that great either': Linus Torvalds addresses anti-AI sentiment in Linux development
'We make decisions primarily based on technical merit. Not fear of new tools.'
More:
'It's not like natural intelligence is always all that great either': Linus Torvalds addresses anti-AI sentiment in Linux development. 'We make decisions primarily based on technical merit. Not fear of new tools.'
TL;DR:
'We make decisions primarily based on technical merit.
Pcgamer
Jul 16, 16:19
The team behind Windows NT sent 'black cardboard coffins' and fake dog poop to their rivals back in the 90s, because nerds
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team. so we sent one of these to Lee Reiswig, and we sent one to Scott McNealy." So far, so oddly macabre.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Kotaku
Jul 16, 16:17
PlayStation Turns Comments Off On YouTube As Fans Continue Yelling About Physical Games
No game is safe from the physical game supporters in PlayStation's comments section
More:
PlayStation Turns Comments Off On YouTube As Fans Continue Yelling About Physical Games. No game is safe from the physical game supporters in PlayStation's comments section
TL;DR:
No game is safe from the physical game supporters in PlayStation's comments section
Kotaku
Jul 16, 16:08
A Mouse Made Me Cry In VR Nine Years Ago And It’s Just Not The Same On Console
The very first time I ever put on a VR headset was at E3 2017, in a tiny booth off the main hall hidden behind some generic paneling.
More:
A Mouse Made Me Cry In VR Nine Years Ago And It’s Just Not The Same On Console. I was there to see Moss , the debut game from Polyarc, which had just been announced earlier during the show. And it was there in that cramped, simple booth that I had one of the most genuinely surprising and emotional video game experiences I’ve ever had.
TL;DR:
All I really knew was that it was a game about a little mouse.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 16, 16:04
Roguelike bullet heaven Divine Comedy but with anime girls Hell Maiden is out today in early access
As strange as it might sound, there truly might be no better piece of writing to turn into an anime girl roguelike than Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy. It's the original self-insert fic after all (arguably, anyway), so why shouldn't Hell Maiden put its own little spin on it? That's the nature of these sorts of works. And today, you'll be able to get a bigger taste of the game and see if it's able to pull all of this off, as it's now out in early access. Read more
More:
Roguelike bullet heaven Divine Comedy but with anime girls Hell Maiden is out today in early access. As strange as it might sound, there truly might be no better piece of writing to turn into an anime girl roguelike than Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy. It's the original self-insert fic after all (arguably, anyway), so why shouldn't Hell Maiden put its own little spin on it?
TL;DR:
And today, you'll be able to get a bigger taste of the game and see if it's able to pull all of this off, as it's now out in early access.
Eurogamer
Jul 16, 15:49
"It has to make sense for the game" - EA sees a "huge opportunity" for in-game advertising "but it has to be done properly"
It sounds as though EA's being careful, for now, about which brands can advertise in its games. Read more
More:
"It has to make sense for the game" - EA sees a "huge opportunity" for in-game advertising "but it has to be done properly". It sounds as though EA's being careful, for now, about which brands can advertise in its games.
TL;DR:
It sounds as though EA's being careful, for now, about which brands can advertise in its games.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 16, 15:32
Roblox announce plans to let people AI generate basic games using text prompts stuck into a mobile app, but claim that won't fill their homepage with AI slop
"Play is humanity's oldest technology for connection and learning," Roblox 's CEO yells at me through my monitor. "Before agriculture, before commerce, before civilization, we played together." Right, so, where's this going? Oh. They're rolling out a tool on their mobile app which allows people to generate basic games by sticking a text prompt into an AI model, then do some light rearranging of said game so they can pretend it's in any way unique or artful before they publish it for others to give a go. The tool's called Build. Read more
More:
Roblox announce plans to let people AI generate basic games using text prompts stuck into a mobile app, but claim that won't fill their homepage with AI slop. "Before agriculture, before commerce, before civilization, we played together." Right, so, where's this going?
TL;DR:
"Play is humanity's oldest technology for connection and learning," Roblox 's CEO yells at me through my monitor.
Pcgamer
Jul 16, 15:10
PC Gamer magazine's new issue is on sale now: Duke Nukem special anniversary celebration
Plus, Soulframe, 1666: Amsterdam, Castlevania: Belmont's Curse, Corsair Cove, Gothic Remake, Unreal, PC gamepads tested, and much more, too
More:
PC Gamer magazine's new issue is on sale now: Duke Nukem special anniversary celebration. Plus, Soulframe, 1666: Amsterdam, Castlevania: Belmont's Curse, Corsair Cove, Gothic Remake, Unreal, PC gamepads tested, and much more, too
TL;DR:
Plus, Soulframe, 1666: Amsterdam, Castlevania: Belmont's Curse, Corsair Cove, Gothic Remake, Unreal, PC gamepads tested, and much more, too
Pcgamer
Jul 16, 15:08
This AliExpress-sourced $5 USB hub has been described as 'mildly dangerous' for your PC, thanks to a nasty power issue
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
This AliExpress-sourced $5 USB hub has been described as 'mildly dangerous' for your PC, thanks to a nasty power issue. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Kotaku
Jul 16, 14:30
EA VP Urges Companies To Think About In-Game Ads During Development: ‘That’s A Huge Opportunity’
The last un-monetized frontier of gaming: virtual billboards
More:
EA VP Urges Companies To Think About In-Game Ads During Development: ‘That’s A Huge Opportunity’. The last un-monetized frontier of gaming: virtual billboards
TL;DR:
The last un-monetized frontier of gaming: virtual billboards
Pcgamer
Jul 16, 14:17
Report paints a picture of brutal cord-cutting inside Xbox layoffs: 'Many of us did not know what was happening for weeks'
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
"It was left to all of us to speculate and spiral and worry."
Theguardian
Jul 16, 14:09
Denshattack! review – time to get on board with kickflipping trains
PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2; Undercoders Colourful, counter-cultural and captivating – this rail riding game set in a dystopian Japan is as weird as it is exhilarating Every now and again a game appears with a premise so outrageous you stop in your tracks to take it all in. Denshattack!, a game about kickflipping trains across a dystopian future Japan, is the epitome of this feeling. Set in a post climate disaster world, people have retreated to corporate-owned domed cities to live out their days in air-conditioned, ignorant comfort. Save for a handful of outcasts, the rest of the country is a mess of broken infrastructure, where rival gangs battle it out on the ruins of Japan’s famously extensive rail network. Naive upstart Emi has one goal: become the best Denshattacker there is, one sick nosegrind at a time. Taking the idea of an on-rails platforming game to its extreme conclusion, developers Undercoders have combined the best bits of the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series – grinding, flipping and spinning through an entire dictionary of tricks – with the anti-establishment message behind Jet Set Radio. The rivals Emi encounters showcase the history of Japanese misfits, pitting you against ageing rockabillies and violent girl gangs without a shred of judgment. Continue reading...
More:
review – time to get on board with kickflipping trains. Denshattack!, a game about kickflipping trains across a dystopian future Japan, is the epitome of this feeling. Naive upstart Emi has one goal: become the best Denshattacker there is, one sick nosegrind at a time.
TL;DR:
PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2; Undercoders Colourful, counter-cultural and captivating – this rail riding game set in a dystopian Japan is as weird as it is exhilarating Every now and again a game appears with a premise so outrageous you stop in your tracks to take it all in.
Kotaku
Jul 16, 14:09
Nintendo Is Kicking The Zelda Movie Promo Into Overdrive With Toys
Hasbro and Nintendo are partnering for figurines based on the series
More:
Nintendo Is Kicking The Zelda Movie Promo Into Overdrive With Toys. Hasbro and Nintendo are partnering for figurines based on the series
TL;DR:
Hasbro and Nintendo are partnering for figurines based on the series
Pcgamer
Jul 16, 14:07
Forget Black Flag Resynced, the best pirate game of 2026 might be a logistics-heavy city builder
Put down your cutlass and start plotting out elaborate transportation networks in Corsair Cove.
More:
Forget Black Flag Resynced, the best pirate game of 2026 might be a logistics-heavy city builder. Put down your cutlass and start plotting out elaborate transportation networks in Corsair Cove.
TL;DR:
Put down your cutlass and start plotting out elaborate transportation networks in Corsair Cove.
Kotaku
Jul 16, 13:36
Sex Doll Company Plans To Create AI Teachers For New York School District
Realbotix, the company behind RealDolls, wants to use the same tech to teach STEM to teenagers
More:
Sex Doll Company Plans To Create AI Teachers For New York School District. Realbotix, the company behind RealDolls, wants to use the same tech to teach STEM to teenagers
TL;DR:
Realbotix, the company behind RealDolls, wants to use the same tech to teach STEM to teenagers
Eurogamer
Jul 16, 13:11
"It's not that we don't care about PC" - Former Rockstar developer suggests why GTA 6 is only coming to consoles at launch
GTA 6 is looming like that monolith in 2001: A Space Odyssey, casting its fearsome shadow over the games industry and probably also scaring some monkeys. But PC players won't be able to join in the fun when Rockstar Games ' mega-sequel launches on 19th November, and former studio producer John Ricchio - who worked on the likes of GTA 5 , Red Dead Redemption, and Max Payne 3 - has shared some insight into why that may be. Read more
More:
"It's not that we don't care about PC" - Former Rockstar developer suggests why GTA 6 is only coming to consoles at launch. GTA 6 is looming like that monolith in 2001: A Space Odyssey, casting its fearsome shadow over the games industry and probably also scaring some monkeys.
TL;DR:
GTA 6 is looming like that monolith in 2001: A Space Odyssey, casting its fearsome shadow over the games industry and probably also scaring some monkeys.
Pcgamer
Jul 16, 13:00
Desktop Explorer is a mystery/horror game about the last time when computers were good
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Desktop Explorer is a mystery/horror game about the last time when computers were good. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Gamesindustry
Jul 16, 13:00
"If I work on that, my kids will think I'm Gandalf" – Blackbird Interactive on the highs and lows of external development
Canadian studio Blackbird Interactive, which was founded by Relic Entertainment and EA Canada alumni back in 2007, is probably best known for creating Hardspace: Shipbreaker .
More:
Canadian studio Blackbird Interactive, which was founded by Relic Entertainment and EA Canada alumni back in 2007, is probably best known for creating Hardspace: Shipbreaker . "We haven't talked too much about it, but that was about a year we worked with them.
TL;DR:
This article is part of ExDev Week.
Eurogamer
Jul 16, 12:37
Ubisoft is working on Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced New Game Plus
The massive success of Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced probably has something to do with the studio's decision to work on a New Game Plus mode. Game director Richard Knight confirmed the feature is currently in early stages of development. Read more
More:
The massive success of Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced probably has something to do with the studio's decision to work on a New Game Plus mode. Game director Richard Knight confirmed the feature is currently in early stages of development.
TL;DR:
The massive success of Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced probably has something to do with the studio's decision to work on a New Game Plus mode.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 16, 12:04
Thief Gold with updated graphics and integrated modern controller support is the latest addition to GOG's preservation program, ahead of Nightdive's full remaster
GOG, famed revampers of classic PC games , have done just that to the Gold edition of beloved purse-snatching stealth romp Thief: The Dark Project . Through the storefront's preservation program, the GOG version of Thief Gold boasts a number of handy tweaks to help it run seamlessly on modern hardware. Read more
More:
Thief Gold with updated graphics and integrated modern controller support is the latest addition to GOG's preservation program, ahead of Nightdive's full remaster. GOG, famed revampers of classic PC games , have done just that to the Gold edition of beloved purse-snatching stealth romp Thief: The Dark Project .
TL;DR:
GOG, famed revampers of classic PC games , have done just that to the Gold edition of beloved purse-snatching stealth romp Thief: The Dark Project .
Gamesindustry
Jul 16, 11:48
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 wins Best Game at Develop:Star Awards 2026
The Develop:Star Awards 2026 were held last night, where Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 continued its success by winning three awards. Read more
More:
Sandfall Interactive's title was recognised for Best Game, Best Narrative, and Best Audio. Both developers also jointly received the Best Small Studio award. No Man's Sky took home the inaugural Best Ongoing Game award, and FuturLab's PowerWash Simulator was recognised for Best Mobile Game.
TL;DR:
The Develop:Star Awards 2026 were held last night, where Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 continued its success by winning three awards.
Pcgamer
Jul 16, 11:12
Redditor fashions a 'game cartridge' system for their Steam library out of cheap SATA SSDs
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Redditor fashions a 'game cartridge' system for their Steam library out of cheap SATA SSDs. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Eurogamer
Jul 16, 10:57
Here are our PS Plus Premium and Extra games for July
We're in the midst of a scorching summer. And for this season of staying inside and sweating it out, PlayStation Plus' July line-up is bringing a new batch of games to keep us entertained while the sun is out, making touching grass more arduous than usual. Read more
More:
Here are our PS Plus Premium and Extra games for July. We're in the midst of a scorching summer. And for this season of staying inside and sweating it out, PlayStation Plus' July line-up is bringing a new batch of games to keep us entertained while the sun is out, making touching grass more arduous than usual.
TL;DR:
We're in the midst of a scorching summer.
Pcgamer
Jul 16, 10:43
Report contradicts Microsoft's statements that id Software hasn't been shoved onto Unreal from id Tech: 'It's most likely going to end up in the in the trash can'
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
"Success is detached from your ability to keep a job."
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 16, 10:41
Xbox's gut-wrenching layoffs include the Elder Scrolls Online dev who became studio head around the time of last year's gut-wrenching Xbox layoffs
Last week's Microsoft layoffs , a seemingly never-ending source of terrible and sobering news, included several members of the Elder Scrolls Online's leadership team. According to a WARN notice , studio head Jo Burba is among those departing, despite having only stepped into that role around the time of last year's mass layoffs at Microsoft. With him and several other key figures on the outs, a "transition" to a new leadership team for the MMO's reportedly underway. Read more
More:
Xbox's gut-wrenching layoffs include the Elder Scrolls Online dev who became studio head around the time of last year's gut-wrenching Xbox layoffs. According to a WARN notice , studio head Jo Burba is among those departing, despite having only stepped into that role around the time of last year's mass layoffs at Microsoft.
TL;DR:
Last week's Microsoft layoffs , a seemingly never-ending source of terrible and sobering news, included several members of the Elder Scrolls Online's leadership team.
Pcgamer
Jul 16, 10:08
Secretlab Atlas review
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. Find out more about how we evaluate games and hardware.
TL;DR:
Comfy, smart, and just a lil' too close to the champ.
Gamesindustry
Jul 16, 09:42
Looney Tunes: World of Mayhem to be taken offline in October 2026
Mobile game Looney Tunes: World of Mayhem will be shut down on October 15, 2026 . Developed by Aquiris Game Studio and published by Scopely in 2018, the game will be removed from app stores on August…
More:
Developed by Aquiris Game Studio and published by Scopely in 2018, the game will be removed from app stores on August 23. Players may continue to make in-game purchases until August 16 and can contact support until the shutdown date. We don’t take that lightly, and it’s with real sadness that we say goodbye to this wonderful community.
TL;DR:
Mobile game Looney Tunes: World of Mayhem will be shut down on October 15, 2026 .
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 16, 09:20
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced's latest update stops unexpected mutinies triggered by ship shopping trips and forces skies to be sunnier
We've all been there. You're a pirate captain whose pockets are overflowing with freshly nicked doubloons and you fancy blowing it all on some shiny new cannons or a figurehead carved to resemble a giant bag of money. So, you sail on down to a port with a harbourmaster and start perusing ship upgrades. Then, when you get back to the docks, your ship's disappeared into thin air. Ah. Yarr've got to be kidding me. Completing the rest of Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced might be rather difficult now. Thankfully, these impromptu mutinies are a bug Ubisoft have fixed in the title update set to arrive in the game today. Read more
More:
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced's latest update stops unexpected mutinies triggered by ship shopping trips and forces skies to be sunnier. You're a pirate captain whose pockets are overflowing with freshly nicked doubloons and you fancy blowing it all on some shiny new cannons or a figurehead carved to resemble a giant bag of money.
TL;DR:
Thankfully, these impromptu mutinies are a bug Ubisoft have fixed in the title update set to arrive in the game today.
Eurogamer
Jul 16, 09:10
Zenimax Online Studios leadership included in widespread Xbox job cuts, as concerns around Elder Scrolls Online's longevity persist
Multiple members of Zenimax Online Studios' senior leadership are being cut from the company, as part of sweeping Xbox layoffs that have resulted in over 200 redundancies from the Elder Scrolls Online developer. Read more
More:
In a new report by Game File , 14-year studio veteran Joe Burba is leaving the company, after being appointed studio head last July following the last suite of layoffs. Joining him is Elder Scrolls Online executive producer Susan Kath, game director Rich Lambert, and production director Ala Diaz.
TL;DR:
Multiple members of Zenimax Online Studios' senior leadership are being cut from the company, as part of sweeping Xbox layoffs that have resulted in over 200 redundancies from the Elder Scrolls Online developer.
Gamesindustry
Jul 16, 09:10
ZeniMax Online Studios leadership impacted by latest Xbox layoffs
Leadership at ZeniMax Online Studios were caught up in last week's Xbox layoffs , including studio head Joseph Burba. Read more
More:
ESO producer Susan Kath, studio game director Rich Lambert, and production director Ala Diaz were also laid off, according to a WARN letter sent to Maryland officials and obtained by Game File . The letter states that former head of business operations Josh Henderson will succeed Burba as studio head, working with game director Nick Giacomini.
TL;DR:
Leadership at ZeniMax Online Studios were caught up in last week's Xbox layoffs , including studio head Joseph Burba.
Pcgamer
Jul 16, 09:09
Against a backdrop of advancing Chinese production, TSMC announces another $100 billion worth of chipmaking will be invested in the US
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Against a backdrop of advancing Chinese production, TSMC announces another $100 billion worth of chipmaking will be invested in the US. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Gamesindustry
Jul 16, 09:00
Should you work on your own games as an external development studio?
This article is part of ExDev Week. Read more
More:
Should you work on your own games as an external development studio?. This article is part of ExDev Week.
TL;DR:
This article is part of ExDev Week.
Pcgamer
Jul 16, 05:11
Two utterly unique and long lost '90s PC horror classics have been exhumed, and they're coming to Steam soon
Ecstatica 1 and 2 are among 6 new SNEG reissues.
More:
Two utterly unique and long lost '90s PC horror classics have been exhumed, and they're coming to Steam soon. Ecstatica 1 and 2 are among 6 new SNEG reissues.
TL;DR:
Ecstatica 1 and 2 are among 6 new SNEG reissues.
Pcgamer
Jul 16, 02:11
The future of the Elder Scrolls Online looks rocky after culling of leadership team
ZeniMax Online Studios lead Jo Burba is among 200 cut from the studio.
More:
The future of the Elder Scrolls Online looks rocky after culling of leadership team. ZeniMax Online Studios lead Jo Burba is among 200 cut from the studio.
TL;DR:
ZeniMax Online Studios lead Jo Burba is among 200 cut from the studio.
Kotaku
Jul 16, 00:06
Elder Scrolls Online Studio Leadership Revealed To Be Part Of The Xbox Cuts, But Say They Have ‘Tremendous Confidence’ In The Game’s Future
Layoffs The Elder Scrolls Online Xbox ZeniMax Online Studios Teams across Xbox are still just beginning to feel the deep impact of this month’s 1,600 layoffs.
More:
Layoffs The Elder Scrolls Online Xbox ZeniMax Online Studios Teams across Xbox are still just beginning to feel the deep impact of this month’s 1,600 layoffs. Those cuts have now been revealed to include leadership at ZeniMax Online Studios, the team that makes The Elder Scrolls Online . That’s according to a report by Game File on an internal memo shared with staff on July 15.
TL;DR:
Studio head Joe Burba is among the layoffs
Kotaku
Jul 16, 00:00
PlayStation’s Summer Sale Includes A Ton Of PS5 Games That Cost $15 Or Less
A lot of Resident Evil , Mortal Kombat , and Star Wars games are on sale for less than $20
More:
PlayStation’s Summer Sale Includes A Ton Of PS5 Games That Cost $15 Or Less. A lot of Resident Evil , Mortal Kombat , and Star Wars games are on sale for less than $20
TL;DR:
A lot of Resident Evil , Mortal Kombat , and Star Wars games are on sale for less than $20
Pcgamer
Jul 15, 23:44
Was Assassin's Creed Origins' Egypt the best open world in the series?
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Getting lost in history in Assassin's Creed Origins.
Pcgamer
Jul 15, 23:04
If the The Odyssey film is anything like The Odyssey adventure game from 2012, Matt Damon will spend the entire first hour trying to solve a single loom puzzle
I played it for two hours and 53 minutes, same as the running time of Christopher Nolan's new film. Here's how it went.
More:
If the The Odyssey film is anything like The Odyssey adventure game from 2012, Matt Damon will spend the entire first hour trying to solve a single loom puzzle. I played it for two hours and 53 minutes, same as the running time of Christopher Nolan's new film. Here's how it went.
TL;DR:
I played it for two hours and 53 minutes, same as the running time of Christopher Nolan's new film.
Kotaku
Jul 15, 22:30
Pokémon’s Big 30th Anniversary TCG Release Is An Even Bigger Mess Than Usual
There’s a brand new <i>Pokémon</i> TCG set on the way, and it’s a special one, celebrating the franchise’s 30th anniversary.
More:
Pokémon’s Big 30th Anniversary TCG Release Is An Even Bigger Mess Than Usual. Buying Pokémon cards is already an ordeal even if you just want a regular-ass pack of cards. Really makes you feel bad for any kids who just happen to enjoy playing or collecting cards.
TL;DR:
There’s a brand new <i>Pokémon</i> TCG set on the way, and it’s a special one, celebrating the franchise’s 30th anniversary.
Kotaku
Jul 15, 22:15
AI Is Already Generating A Flood Of Indie Game Clones
'You get this anxiety anytime you post anything,' said one dev who claims people used AI tools to quickly copy her in-development game
More:
Earlier this year, an indie developer posted a 50-second clip of a cool game idea they had been thinking about for a long time. As recently reported by 404 Media and Nicole Carpenter , some devs are claiming that people are vibe-coding clones of their games, sometimes even before the games have launched, and making it harder for these smaller devs to find success among a sea o…
TL;DR:
'You get this anxiety anytime you post anything,' said one dev who claims people used AI tools to quickly copy her in-development game
Kotaku
Jul 15, 21:41
It’s Too Bad Homer Can’t See All These Rave Reviews Of The Odyssey
But it's probably a blessing he can't see the popcorn bucket
More:
It’s Too Bad Homer Can’t See All These Rave Reviews Of The Odyssey. But it's probably a blessing he can't see the popcorn bucket
TL;DR:
But it's probably a blessing he can't see the popcorn bucket
Kotaku
Jul 15, 21:15
Nvidia Thanks Sega For $5 Million Investment That Saved It As It Now Unleashes RAMageddon On The Gaming Industry
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang joined Sega’s leadership, including its former president, in a Tokyo arcade on Wednesday to celebrate an important partnership between the two companies that proved integral t…
More:
Nvidia Thanks Sega For $5 Million Investment That Saved It As It Now Unleashes RAMageddon On The Gaming Industry. It was a fascinating moment that called back to the complex histories of both companies, but it also comes as Nvidia is currently blowing up the video game industry Sega depends on to survive, as the AI race fuels price spikes on hardware.
TL;DR:
“If not for what Sega did for Nvidia and what I Irimajiri-san did for Nvidia, Nvidia would not be here today,” Huang said during the visit today .
Pcgamer
Jul 15, 21:07
Steam reveals all the sale dates and themed events for the first half of 2027
Grab your wallet, there's spending to be done.
More:
Steam reveals all the sale dates and themed events for the first half of 2027. Grab your wallet, there's spending to be done.
TL;DR:
Grab your wallet, there's spending to be done.
Pcgamer
Jul 15, 21:02
Original Witcher dev says remaking it as an open world won't be easy: 'As a player, I might be happy about that, but as a designer, I'm starting to get gray'
There might be a good reason The Witcher 1 remake announced in 2022 is taking so long.
More:
Original Witcher dev says remaking it as an open world won't be easy: 'As a player, I might be happy about that, but as a designer, I'm starting to get gray'. There might be a good reason The Witcher 1 remake announced in 2022 is taking so long.
TL;DR:
There might be a good reason The Witcher 1 remake announced in 2022 is taking so long.
Kotaku
Jul 15, 20:10
Microsoft Deletes User’s Baby Pictures Rather Than Restore Hacked Account
Joshua Khane said that Microsoft deleted his 25-year-old account that included his One Drive, all his digital games, and his son's baby pictures after it was hacked
More:
Microsoft cannot seem to avoid stepping on rake after rake, seemingly speedrunning its way into becoming the most hated video game company of the last five years. “25 fucking years of data, thousands of euros spended [sic] on games?? 25 fucking years of data, thousands of euros spended on games??
TL;DR:
Joshua Khane said that Microsoft deleted his 25-year-old account that included his One Drive, all his digital games, and his son's baby pictures after it was hacked
Kotaku
Jul 15, 19:30
I Thought I Was Good At Rhythm Games Until Rift Of The Necrodancer Humbled The Hell Outta Me
The rhythm game is far more complicated than 'press button on beat'
More:
I Thought I Was Good At Rhythm Games Until Rift Of The Necrodancer Humbled The Hell Outta Me. The rhythm game is far more complicated than 'press button on beat'
TL;DR:
The rhythm game is far more complicated than 'press button on beat'
Pcgamer
Jul 15, 19:00
Moonlight Peaks review
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. Find out more about how we evaluate games and hardware.
TL;DR:
A vampire farm sim should have had more bite.
Pcgamer
Jul 15, 18:41
As Sony prepares to end game disc production, GOG jumps up to remind PC gamers that you can just make your own
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
As Sony prepares to end game disc production, GOG jumps up to remind PC gamers that you can just make your own. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Pcgamer
Jul 15, 18:14
A year after its debut, Blizzard is done adding new heroes and maps to Overwatch's MOBA-inspired Stadium mode
A lack of daily players has prompted a change in development plans.
More:
A year after its debut, Blizzard is done adding new heroes and maps to Overwatch's MOBA-inspired Stadium mode. A lack of daily players has prompted a change in development plans.
TL;DR:
A lack of daily players has prompted a change in development plans.
Kotaku
Jul 15, 17:15
Overwatch Is No Longer Updating One Of Its Coolest Modes After Significant Player Drop-Off
The Stadium mode is one of the best things Blizzard has done with the game, but not enough people are playing it
More:
Overwatch Is No Longer Updating One Of Its Coolest Modes After Significant Player Drop-Off. The Stadium mode is one of the best things Blizzard has done with the game, but not enough people are playing it
TL;DR:
The Stadium mode is one of the best things Blizzard has done with the game, but not enough people are playing it
Pcgamer
Jul 15, 17:08
I'm officially obsolete because this robot can operate an Xbox controller, open unhealthy snacks, and make clumsy sexual passes
As a creepy little man, there's very little that I do that cannot be accomplished by this creepy little robot.
More:
I'm officially obsolete because this robot can operate an Xbox controller, open unhealthy snacks, and make clumsy sexual passes. As a creepy little man, there's very little that I do that cannot be accomplished by this creepy little robot.
TL;DR:
As a creepy little man, there's very little that I do that cannot be accomplished by this creepy little robot.
Kotaku
Jul 15, 17:01
Two Very Big Open-World Games And Some PS2 Deep Cuts Join PS Plus In July 2026
Also Citizen Sleeper 2 is coming to PlayStation Plus' Extra tier
More:
Two Very Big Open-World Games And Some PS2 Deep Cuts Join PS Plus In July 2026. Also Citizen Sleeper 2 is coming to PlayStation Plus' Extra tier
TL;DR:
Also Citizen Sleeper 2 is coming to PlayStation Plus' Extra tier
Pcgamer
Jul 15, 16:40
RPG players are conditioned to think they're 'built different', says Josh Sawyer, so some of them hate it when games like Pillars of Eternity tell them they can't do something
To be fair, I also think I'm built different. I'm built much, much worse.
More:
To be fair, I also think I'm built different. I'm built much, much worse.
TL;DR:
I'm built much, much worse.
Pcgamer
Jul 15, 16:38
Another Spiderweb RPG that looks like it was made in 1993 drops on Kickstarter and immediately crushes its goal
There may not be a lot of Geneforge fans out there but those who like it, like it a lot.
More:
Another Spiderweb RPG that looks like it was made in 1993 drops on Kickstarter and immediately crushes its goal. There may not be a lot of Geneforge fans out there but those who like it, like it a lot.
TL;DR:
There may not be a lot of Geneforge fans out there but those who like it, like it a lot.
Kotaku
Jul 15, 16:31
Pokémon Is Dropping One Of Its Most Underappreciated Games From Its Biggest Competition
The 2027 World Championships tournament will be a little smaller
More:
Pokémon Is Dropping One Of Its Most Underappreciated Games From Its Biggest Competition. The 2027 World Championships tournament will be a little smaller
TL;DR:
The 2027 World Championships tournament will be a little smaller
Pcgamer
Jul 15, 16:07
Dell Pro 5 Webcam review
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. Find out more about how we evaluate games and hardware.
TL;DR:
A corporate webcam with Windows Hello functionality and a frustrating lack of customisation to go with it
Pcgamer
Jul 15, 16:01
'Unfortunately, Valve is just starting to sunset these parts': Aftermarket battery replacements may soon be only option for LCD Steam Deck
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Is four years long enough for Steam Deck aftermarket support?
Kotaku
Jul 15, 15:45
Game Dev Explains Why Pictures Of His Sleeping Wife’s Face Became An RPG Boss Fight Monstrosity: ‘Mutual Trolling’
We're relieved to report they're a very happy couple
More:
Game Dev Explains Why Pictures Of His Sleeping Wife’s Face Became An RPG Boss Fight Monstrosity: ‘Mutual Trolling’. We're relieved to report they're a very happy couple
TL;DR:
We're relieved to report they're a very happy couple
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 15, 15:45
"Never say never": Criterion aren't ruling out a return to Need For Speed, but Battlefield is their only focus for now
Last week, to mark its 30th anniversary, EA rebranded Criterion as Criterion: A Battlefield Studio. The storied studio that created Burnout and in recent years has shepherded the Need For Speed series, as well as working on the rebooted Star Wars: Battlefront , will become just one of the four studios supporting EA's fresh Battlefield push. This isn't the first time Criterion have contributed to Battlefield, the Guildford studio have been involved since 2015's Battlefield 1 , but the rebranding marks an end to working on other projects. Or is it? Read more
More:
"Never say never": Criterion aren't ruling out a return to Need For Speed, but Battlefield is their only focus for now. The storied studio that created Burnout and in recent years has shepherded the Need For Speed series, as well as working on the rebooted Star Wars: Battlefront , will become just one of the four studios supporting EA's fresh Battlefield push.
TL;DR:
Last week, to mark its 30th anniversary, EA rebranded Criterion as Criterion: A Battlefield Studio.
Pcgamer
Jul 15, 15:36
Poll finds 100% of Japanese online game developers are using AI, though mostly for 'user preference analysis' and 'user behavior prediction'
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
The report comes courtesy of Japan's Online Game Association.
Eurogamer
Jul 15, 15:28
League of Legends Classic players clash against old-school skin cosmetics, as the faithfulness of the new game mode is called into question
League of Legends Classic has been revealed in earnest by Riot Games. A recreation of an older MOBA experience, League Classic is taking core moments from the early seasons and merging them together, though some players are already raising eyebrows at one aspect: the champion skins. Read more
More:
League of Legends Classic has been revealed in earnest by Riot Games. A recreation of an older MOBA experience, League Classic is taking core moments from the early seasons and merging them together, though some players are already raising eyebrows at one aspect: the champion skins.
TL;DR:
League of Legends Classic has been revealed in earnest by Riot Games.
Eurogamer
Jul 15, 15:25
The Duskbloods' promised playtest is happening next month on Switch 2, and it sure looks like getting in will be hard
The lack of news on The Duskbloods - finally ended by June's Nintendo Direct announcement of a playtest - has kept the hype for FromSoftware's next game at bay for now, but that could change as soon as next month, when players finally get a taste of what the studio has been cooking. Read more
More:
To apply for a chance to get in, players need to own a Nintendo Switch 2 console (of course) and an active Switch Online membership, which is a point worth underlining. The game was confirmed to be an online PvPvE experience last year, yet it'd be reasonable to expect a closed test to welcome all sorts of users.
TL;DR:
The lack of news on The Duskbloods - finally ended by June's Nintendo Direct announcement of a playtest - has kept the hype for FromSoftware's next game at bay for now, but that could change as soon as next month, when players finally get a taste of what the studio has been cooking.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 15, 15:21
Denshattack review: one of 2026's best games so far is a racing ruckus of railways, rebellion, and ramen
I fear I’ve authored some kind of Boy Who Cried Wolf situation, vis à vis Denshattack . It’s shown signs of greatness ever since its reveal last year, but in hindsight, I wonder if my enthusiasm for its silly side – it is undeniably a game about trains doing skateboard-style flips and grinds, sometimes while chased by giant baseballs – ever contributed to an impression of it as a mere novelty. A joke game, disinterested in anything beyond breakneck wackiness. I hope not. Because Denshattack is utterly and genuinely brilliant, and not just because it lets you blow up an AI data centre by ploughing a locomotive through it. Read more
More:
Denshattack review: one of 2026's best games so far is a racing ruckus of railways, rebellion, and ramen. A joke game, disinterested in anything beyond breakneck wackiness. Because Denshattack is utterly and genuinely brilliant, and not just because it lets you blow up an AI data centre by ploughing a locomotive through it.
TL;DR:
I fear I’ve authored some kind of Boy Who Cried Wolf situation, vis à vis Denshattack .
Kotaku
Jul 15, 15:15
Former BioWare Devs Are Taking An Unusual Approach To Develop Their Next Game
A new indie studio in Canada founded by ex-BioWare veterans has taken a novel approach in the development of its first game.
More:
A new indie studio in Canada founded by ex-BioWare veterans has taken a novel approach in the development of its first game. “Instead of waiting years to release a finished video game we’re sharing the journey of world building with you, the listener, by releasing prequel audio dramas set in the world our games take place in,” the studio wrote in a post on Bluesky.
TL;DR:
The Concierge is a narrative podcast series that acts as an early introduction to North Mist Studios' first game
Eurogamer
Jul 15, 15:00
Denshattack! review
What do Jet Set Radio , the PS1-era Tony Hawk's games, Hi-Fi Rush , and OlliOlli all have in common? Well, aside from being clear influences on Denshattack!, they are all cult classics: games that remain relevant, popular, and influential way beyond their respective eras. And it looks like they've got another stablemate in Undercoders' unlikely arcade grind-'em-up. Because this game is incredible. Read more
More:
What do Jet Set Radio , the PS1-era Tony Hawk's games, Hi-Fi Rush , and OlliOlli all have in common? Well, aside from being clear influences on Denshattack!, they are all cult classics: games that remain relevant, popular, and influential way beyond their respective eras. And it looks like they've got another stablemate in Undercoders' unlikely arcade grind-'em-up.
TL;DR:
What do Jet Set Radio , the PS1-era Tony Hawk's games, Hi-Fi Rush , and OlliOlli all have in common?
Kotaku
Jul 15, 15:00
Stylish But Challenging Tony Hawk-Style Anime Train Game Is A Blast That Makes My Brain Go Brrr
Denshattack! , Undercoders’ mash-up of train track shifting and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater -style stunts and sick kickflips, is far more precise and challenging than it might appear in trailers .
More:
I’ve put a couple of hours into the game, and have been having a blast. Denshattack ’s frenetic blend of score-chasing stunts and roller-coaster track navigation feels great when you’re in the zone, swerving through different tracks and doing flips in the air, and then it feels like getting clotheslined when you’re carelessly bobbing and weaving through the environment and mis…
TL;DR:
is a blast, but is more challenging than it might appear
Pcgamer
Jul 15, 14:59
Thief gets a mini-remaster ahead of its actual Nightdive remaster, courtesy of the GOG Preservation Program
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Thief gets a mini-remaster ahead of its actual Nightdive remaster, courtesy of the GOG Preservation Program. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Kotaku
Jul 15, 14:56
GameStop Joins Uber Eats As It Braces For The Death Of Physical Games
Would you like to pay $10 to $15 more to play a game on disc?
More:
GameStop Joins Uber Eats As It Braces For The Death Of Physical Games. Would you like to pay $10 to $15 more to play a game on disc?
TL;DR:
Would you like to pay $10 to $15 more to play a game on disc?
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 15, 14:34
As GTA 6's PC portless launch looms, ex-Rockstar producer says prioritising consoles first is primarily about being "better off starting with the constraints"
The wait for GTA 6 on PC lasting past this November's been a foregone conclusion for a while now, but if you're interested in a bit of developer perspective as to why Rockstar opt to do things that way, a former producer at the company's offered some. Essentially, it's a matter of it being less of a headache to scale up after initially getting a game working on hardware with stricter limitations than it would be to strip back an all-singing, all-dancing PC port for consoles. Read more
More:
The wait for GTA 6 on PC lasting past this November's been a foregone conclusion for a while now, but if you're interested in a bit of developer perspective as to why Rockstar opt to do things that way, a former producer at the company's offered some.
TL;DR:
The wait for GTA 6 on PC lasting past this November's been a foregone conclusion for a while now, but if you're interested in a bit of developer perspective as to why Rockstar opt to do things that way, a former producer at the company's offered some.
Gamesindustry
Jul 15, 14:28
"We thought, well, how would we reinvent this wheel?" – Minecraft specialists 4J Studios on building a new sandbox crafting game from first principles
Minecraft has been incredibly lucrative for 4J Studios. The Dundee-based firm, which was established in 2005 by Chris van der Kuyl, Paddy Burns, and Frank Arnot, has ported Mojang's game to almost every console under the sun since 2012. Read more
More:
Minecraft has been incredibly lucrative for 4J Studios. The Dundee-based firm, which was established in 2005 by Chris van der Kuyl, Paddy Burns, and Frank Arnot, has ported Mojang's game to almost every console under the sun since 2012.
TL;DR:
Minecraft has been incredibly lucrative for 4J Studios.
Pcgamer
Jul 15, 14:25
NY governor orders a pause on large AI data center construction, to ensure that 'when companies succeed because of New York, New Yorkers succeed too'
'It’s my responsibility to take action and lead," said governor Hochul.
More:
NY governor orders a pause on large AI data center construction, to ensure that 'when companies succeed because of New York, New Yorkers succeed too'. 'It’s my responsibility to take action and lead," said governor Hochul.
TL;DR:
'It’s my responsibility to take action and lead," said governor Hochul.
Eurogamer
Jul 15, 14:21
GoldenEye-inspired FPS Agent 64: Spies Never Die finally locks a release date, and it's not far away
In this day and age, many indie games use "Remember the thing?" as their main hook even if the nostalgia-fuelled gameplay ends up feeling miserable, and while the GoldenEye -inspired FPS Agent 64: Spies Never Die wears its influences proudly, there's more to it based on my time with its Steam demo . Soon, we'll be able to play the full thing. Read more
More:
After several delays - it was meant to launch in 2022 at one point - and a worrying amount of silence from solo developer Replicant D6 at times, it's been confirmed the game will release 11th August on PC via Steam. Regardless, the description on Steam is promising local co-op and player-versus-player action on the same machine on top of the usual online options.
TL;DR:
In this day and age, many indie games use "Remember the thing?" as their main hook even if the nostalgia-fuelled gameplay ends up feeling miserable, and while the GoldenEye -inspired FPS Agent 64: Spies Never Die wears its influences proudly, there's more to it based on my time with its Steam demo .
Theguardian
Jul 15, 14:00
Zombies, gore and creepy kids – why we can’t stop playing horror games
As global anxieties multiply, video games from Resident Evil to Mouthwashing are providing rich source material to help decode society’s problems • Don’t get Pushing Buttons delivered to your inbox? Sign up here Horror is so hot right now . There’s Obsession, Evil Dead Burn and Hokum in the cinema, Widow’s Bay, From and Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen on TV, and, of course, a rotting smorgasbord of horror games including Resident Evil Requiem (pictured top) and Reanimal , soon to be joined by Silent Hill: Townfall, Silver Pines and Dreadmoor. We’re also seeing weird cross-pollinations, with horror movie studio Blumhouse making games, while games themselves become horror films and the whole backrooms genre infects every medium it touches. So it was fascinating to attend last week’s horror and gaming conference at Falmouth University, in Cornwall: a gathering of students, researchers and lecturers, all engaged in the academic study of horror games. There were brilliant talks on zombies and posthumanism, the gothic in games, and the role of monstrous little girls in survival horror (there are a lot of them!). Subjects as diverse as masculine fragility, disability and ageing came up; Will Doyle, creative director at Supermassive Games, gave a great keynote on the art of creating horror in games using tools such as revulsion, spatial alienation and the human instinct of apophenia . I learned a lot about theorists such as Julia Kristeva and Mark Fisher, and about the technical similarities between indie horror games and film noir (for example, the use of darkness and creative camera techniques to “hide” budget restrictions). It was incredible fun. Continue reading...
More:
Zombies, gore and creepy kids – why we can’t stop playing horror games. So it was fascinating to attend last week’s horror and gaming conference at Falmouth University, in Cornwall: a gathering of students, researchers and lecturers, all engaged in the academic study of horror games.
TL;DR:
We’re also seeing weird cross-pollinations, with horror movie studio Blumhouse making games, while games themselves become horror films and the whole backrooms genre infects every medium it touches.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 15, 14:00
"We've seen how close you can get": How studio closures pushed Suzerain's maker to create two new DLCs and a turn-based strategy spinoff
"For the longest time, we went one by one," Ata Sergey Nowak, co-founder of Torpor Games, the studio behind strategy game Suzerain, tells me, explaining the four year gap between the game's release and its first DLC. "Our games take a long time, our staff was very limited, and our financing was very project-to-project." So it was a little surprising he was also telling me Torpor are today announcing not one but three new projects - two DLCs and a spin-off. All of which are due to be released before their next flagship title, The Conformist. Each of the three newly announced projects will take you deeper into the world of Suzerain, and let you see its states and people from new perspectives. But, Torpor aren't only making these games to expand Suzerain, they're also using it as a defence against a punishing industry. Read more
More:
"Our games take a long time, our staff was very limited, and our financing was very project-to-project." So it was a little surprising he was also telling me Torpor are today announcing not one but three new projects - two DLCs and a spin-off.
TL;DR:
"For the longest time, we went one by one," Ata Sergey Nowak, co-founder of Torpor Games, the studio behind strategy game Suzerain, tells me, explaining the four year gap between the game's release and its first DLC.
Pcgamer
Jul 15, 13:59
'Yes, that's Counter-Strike on a PSP!': Modder gets favorite PC FPS working on Sony's 22-year-old handheld console
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
That's one way to introduce a new lease on life to original hardware.
Gamesindustry
Jul 15, 13:27
"I had a front row seat to one of the greatest creative explosions in history" – Glen Schofield announces retirement
Glen Schofield has announced his retirement after a 35-year career in the industry. "The past couple of decades have been some of the greatest times in video games," Schofield said in a video posted…
More:
"The past couple of decades have been some of the greatest times in video games," Schofield said in a video posted to LinkedIn . "Some of the best games have come out over these times, [from] some of the greatest talent in the world I've been able to work with. As I'm thinking during this, I'm like, 'I don't know if I can do the day to day anymore'."
TL;DR:
Glen Schofield has announced his retirement after a 35-year career in the industry.
Kotaku
Jul 15, 13:17
Developer Accused Of Past Sexual Harassment Confirmed To Be Working On New Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game
Paramount confirmed that the former Skullgirls and Indivisible CEO 'holds a position as an individual contributor' on its upcoming game
More:
Developer Accused Of Past Sexual Harassment Confirmed To Be Working On New Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game. Paramount confirmed that the former Skullgirls and Indivisible CEO 'holds a position as an individual contributor' on its upcoming game
TL;DR:
Paramount confirmed that the former Skullgirls and Indivisible CEO 'holds a position as an individual contributor' on its upcoming game
Eurogamer
Jul 15, 13:05
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced studio Ubisoft Barcelona goes on three-day strike in protest of layoffs
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced is off to a roaring start, with Ubisoft trumpeting 2m copies sold on launch day alone. But despite its success, Ubisoft Barcelona - one of the studios involved in its development - is still facing layoffs, and workers are currently staging a three-day strike in protest. Read more
More:
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced is off to a roaring start, with Ubisoft trumpeting 2m copies sold on launch day alone. But despite its success, Ubisoft Barcelona - one of the studios involved in its development - is still facing layoffs, and workers are currently staging a three-day strike in protest.
TL;DR:
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced is off to a roaring start, with Ubisoft trumpeting 2m copies sold on launch day alone.
Eurogamer
Jul 15, 12:56
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced enjoys the best launch of any AC game on Steam, making avast sum of money there
It's clear by now that Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced has been a success for Ubisoft, even though that's inexplicably resulted in the publisher laying off many of the developers that made it possible . A tally of 2m copies sold on launch day is an impressive number, and new data underlines just how big the launch has actually been on Steam. Read more
More:
It's clear by now that Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced has been a success for Ubisoft, even though that's inexplicably resulted in the publisher laying off many of the developers that made it possible . A tally of 2m copies sold on launch day is an impressive number, and new data underlines just how big the launch has actually been on Steam.
TL;DR:
It's clear by now that Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced has been a success for Ubisoft, even though that's inexplicably resulted in the publisher laying off many of the developers that made it possible .
Kotaku
Jul 15, 12:35
More People Are Playing Meccha Chameleon Knock-Offs Than The Original Hit Steam Game As The Roblox Clone Machine Goes Into Overdrive
Meccha Chameleon is kinda like prop hunt , the hide-and-seek video game mode born out of Garry’s Mod . In prop hunt, players inhabit random game assets set about in a scene.
More:
Meccha Chameleon is kinda like prop hunt , the hide-and-seek video game mode born out of Garry’s Mod . In prop hunt, players inhabit random game assets set about in a scene. Games like Paint and Seek!
TL;DR:
Several of Roblox's top games are ripoffs of viral Steam games
Eurogamer
Jul 15, 12:29
Dead Space series co-creator and industry veteran Glen Schofield announces his retirement in emotional video
Glen Schofield, the former co-founder of Sledgehammer Games and co-creator of Dead Space, has announced his retirement from game development. Schofield broke the news in an emotional video on his LinkedIn page , in which he recalled a storied career helping bring iconic games to life and working alongside many talented people for over 35 years. Read more
More:
Glen Schofield, the former co-founder of Sledgehammer Games and co-creator of Dead Space, has announced his retirement from game development. Schofield broke the news in an emotional video on his LinkedIn page , in which he recalled a storied career helping bring iconic games to life and working alongside many talented people for over 35 years.
TL;DR:
Glen Schofield, the former co-founder of Sledgehammer Games and co-creator of Dead Space, has announced his retirement from game development.
Pcgamer
Jul 15, 12:02
The devil works hard but AI ripoffs work harder as Meccha Chameleon falls victim to hordes of copycats coming out of the woodwork
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
The devil works hard but AI ripoffs work harder as Meccha Chameleon falls victim to hordes of copycats coming out of the woodwork. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Gamesindustry
Jul 15, 12:00
What lessons have developers learned from external development?
This article is part of ExDev Week. Read more
More:
What lessons have developers learned from external development?. This article is part of ExDev Week.
TL;DR:
This article is part of ExDev Week.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 15, 11:54
Dead Space creator Glen Schofield announces he's retiring from "the day-to-day work" of making games from the vicinity of some chirpy nature
Dead Space creator Glen Schofield has decided it's time to walk away from game development, or at least "the day-to-day work of making them. Thus concludes a career which kicked off all the way back in the early 90s, and saw Schofield work on games ranging from Disney World racing to Call of Duty and The Callisto Protocol . The latter will now go down as the developer's last game, provided he hasn't got any surprise un-retirements up his sleeves. Read more
More:
Dead Space creator Glen Schofield announces he's retiring from "the day-to-day work" of making games from the vicinity of some chirpy nature. Thus concludes a career which kicked off all the way back in the early 90s, and saw Schofield work on games ranging from Disney World racing to Call of Duty and The Callisto Protocol .
TL;DR:
Dead Space creator Glen Schofield has decided it's time to walk away from game development, or at least "the day-to-day work of making them.
Eurogamer
Jul 15, 11:41
"I don't know how anyone remaining at Xbox Studios can feel safe" - New report reveals environment of uncertainty and fear, and a "staggering" loss of institutional knowledge
A new report based on testimonies of people affected by Microsoft's recent cuts to the Xbox division has painted a picture of secrecy, disarray and anger, and of a company left reeling as further layoffs loom. Read more
More:
"I don't know how anyone remaining at Xbox Studios can feel safe" - New report reveals environment of uncertainty and fear, and a "staggering" loss of institutional knowledge. A new report based on testimonies of people affected by Microsoft's recent cuts to the Xbox division has painted a picture of secrecy, disarray and anger, and of a company left reeling as further layoffs…
TL;DR:
A new report based on testimonies of people affected by Microsoft's recent cuts to the Xbox division has painted a picture of secrecy, disarray and anger, and of a company left reeling as further layoffs loom.
Pcgamer
Jul 15, 11:29
GTA 6 isn't on PC at launch because it's 'always better to start with the constraints', suggests former Rockstar producer
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
GTA 6 isn't on PC at launch because it's 'always better to start with the constraints', suggests former Rockstar producer. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Eurogamer
Jul 15, 11:15
The rumoured Resident Evil 1 Remake reportedly entered pre-production last year
The rumoured Resident Evil 1 Remake is back in the news again, thanks to new information from a longtime insider. Dusk Golem, a noted horror game and Resident Evil leaker, shared an update on their social media about the state of the project. Read more
More:
The rumoured Resident Evil 1 Remake reportedly entered pre-production last year. The rumoured Resident Evil 1 Remake is back in the news again, thanks to new information from a longtime insider. Dusk Golem, a noted horror game and Resident Evil leaker, shared an update on their social media about the state of the project.
TL;DR:
The rumoured Resident Evil 1 Remake is back in the news again, thanks to new information from a longtime insider.
Pcgamer
Jul 15, 10:52
That annoying day one DLC in Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced was less than 3% of its initial Steam sales, but hey, $1 million is $1 million
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
That annoying day one DLC in Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced was less than 3% of its initial Steam sales, but hey, $1 million is $1 million. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 15, 10:48
"There are no benefits to being owned by Microsoft": Xbox owners accused of cultivating a "disposable worker mentality" in damning report on layoffs
A fresh report has shed light on what played out behind the scenes last week as Microsoft laid off around 1600 people and parted ways with a number of studios. While news of the various affects the cuts have had on specific studios still under the Xbox banner since that pint, the report also paints a damning picture of the effect these layoffs and the ones which still loom have had on the mindset of remaining workers, with unclear goals having contributed to a situation whereby staff feel they're disposable regardless of what they make. Read more
More:
"There are no benefits to being owned by Microsoft": Xbox owners accused of cultivating a "disposable worker mentality" in damning report on layoffs. A fresh report has shed light on what played out behind the scenes last week as Microsoft laid off around 1600 people and parted ways with a number of studios.
TL;DR:
A fresh report has shed light on what played out behind the scenes last week as Microsoft laid off around 1600 people and parted ways with a number of studios.
Pcgamer
Jul 15, 10:30
Latest Microsoft Patch Tuesday updates stamp out a record 622 security vulnerabilities, as the company's AI-enhanced bug hunt looks to bear fruit
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Latest Microsoft Patch Tuesday updates stamp out a record 622 security vulnerabilities, as the company's AI-enhanced bug hunt looks to bear fruit. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Gamesindustry
Jul 15, 10:27
11 Bit Studios lays off 20 workers as it "adjusts new project teams to current needs"
The Alters developer 11 Bit Studios has announced layoffs affecting 20 roles Read more
More:
11 Bit Studios lays off 20 workers as it "adjusts new project teams to current needs". The Alters developer 11 Bit Studios has announced layoffs affecting 20 roles Read more
TL;DR:
The Alters developer 11 Bit Studios has announced layoffs affecting 20 roles Read more
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 15, 09:20
As unionised Microsoft workers rally against Bethesda layoffs, Fallout 4's been filled with protest signs and OneBGS logoed vault suits by modders
Today, July 15th, unionised Microsoft workers are set to hold a series of co-ordinated rallies outside the offices of Xbox-owned studios, in protest of the mass layoffs the company set in motion last week. According to the Communications Workers of America union (CWA), over 400 union-represented jobs across Bethesda Game Studios, ZeniMax, and id Software are being cut. In solidarity with the union marches, modders continue to fill Bethesda games with union logos. Skyrim was the first and Fallout 4 's the latest. Read more
More:
As unionised Microsoft workers rally against Bethesda layoffs, Fallout 4's been filled with protest signs and OneBGS logoed vault suits by modders. Today, July 15th, unionised Microsoft workers are set to hold a series of co-ordinated rallies outside the offices of Xbox-owned studios, in protest of the mass layoffs the company set in motion last week.
TL;DR:
In solidarity with the union marches, modders continue to fill Bethesda games with union logos.
Eurogamer
Jul 15, 09:18
According to a poll, Generative AI is being used at a whopping 100% Japanese online game developers, as copyright infringement concerns climb
A new report on the Japanese Online game industry has shown that 100 percent of polled developers are currently using generative AI. Read more
More:
According to a poll, Generative AI is being used at a whopping 100% Japanese online game developers, as copyright infringement concerns climb. A new report on the Japanese Online game industry has shown that 100 percent of polled developers are currently using generative AI.
TL;DR:
A new report on the Japanese Online game industry has shown that 100 percent of polled developers are currently using generative AI.
Eurogamer
Jul 15, 08:33
Battlefield 6 is bringing back a feature we've not seen since Battlefield 2, and teasing a fitting Top Gun collab alongside it
Battlefield Studios has released our first look at Season 4 in Battlefield 6 . This new trailer arrives a week ahead of Season 4's launch on 21st July, and shows plenty to be excited about. Read more
More:
Battlefield 6 is bringing back a feature we've not seen since Battlefield 2, and teasing a fitting Top Gun collab alongside it. Battlefield Studios has released our first look at Season 4 in Battlefield 6 . This new trailer arrives a week ahead of Season 4's launch on 21st July, and shows plenty to be excited about.
TL;DR:
Battlefield Studios has released our first look at Season 4 in Battlefield 6 .
Pcgamer
Jul 15, 01:43
Dead Space creator and Call of Duty veteran Glen Schofield announces retirement: 'I had a front row seat to one of the greatest creative explosions in history'
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
The blockbuster veteran said last year he might not make another game.
Pcgamer
Jul 15, 01:26
How to get Nightstar Sand in Palworld
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
How to get Nightstar Sand in Palworld. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Pcgamer
Jul 15, 00:55
Fighting game developer previously accused of sexual harassment confirmed to be working on Avatar Legends a week before release
Mike Zaimont was the subject of a 2021 lawsuit at former Skullgirls developer Lab Zero.
More:
Fighting game developer previously accused of sexual harassment confirmed to be working on Avatar Legends a week before release. Mike Zaimont was the subject of a 2021 lawsuit at former Skullgirls developer Lab Zero.
TL;DR:
Mike Zaimont was the subject of a 2021 lawsuit at former Skullgirls developer Lab Zero.
Pcgamer
Jul 14, 22:32
Future Games Show returns to Gamescom with 3 shows
The Gamescom showcases will feature "world premieres, exclusive trailers, developer deep dives and brand-new game demos."
More:
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. In related news, we just announced that the PC Gaming Show will return to Japan this year for the PC Gaming Show Tokyo Direct on September 20 , during Tokyo Game Show.
TL;DR:
The Gamescom showcases will feature "world premieres, exclusive trailers, developer deep dives and brand-new game demos."
Pcgamer
Jul 14, 22:25
Epic Games Store boss quits after 8 years to take up new role at Saber Interactive
Steve Allison launched Epic's storefront in 2018 and held the reins until earlier this month.
More:
Epic Games Store boss quits after 8 years to take up new role at Saber Interactive. Steve Allison launched Epic's storefront in 2018 and held the reins until earlier this month.
TL;DR:
Steve Allison launched Epic's storefront in 2018 and held the reins until earlier this month.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 14, 22:01
Deckbuilder Grail quells the fear in my heart of playing the wrong card by pinning all of the strategy on the deckbuilding
There is an anxiety to deckbuilders that I don't find with many other games, in that I get incredibly stressed about which cards I should play. I feel this way about card games in real life too, for reasons I truly cannot understand. It's just a game! And yet I can't help but scold my tiny, silly brain in moments where I pull the wrong move. So I am quite keen on how Grail sounds, the latest little game from little game aficionados Sokpop, where after you build your deck, the deck does the fighting for you. Read more
More:
Deckbuilder Grail quells the fear in my heart of playing the wrong card by pinning all of the strategy on the deckbuilding. I feel this way about card games in real life too, for reasons I truly cannot understand.
TL;DR:
There is an anxiety to deckbuilders that I don't find with many other games, in that I get incredibly stressed about which cards I should play.
Pcgamer
Jul 14, 21:35
The best Palworld 1.0 base locations for early game builds, resource-rich farms, or raid safe havens
Real estate for new saves, hardwood farming, or a little bit of everything.
More:
The best Palworld 1.0 base locations for early game builds, resource-rich farms, or raid safe havens. Real estate for new saves, hardwood farming, or a little bit of everything.
TL;DR:
Real estate for new saves, hardwood farming, or a little bit of everything.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 14, 20:47
RuneScape revamps its housing customisation with a snazzy looking build mode and the option to make your own neighbourhood with your pals
RuneScape is having a bit of a home improvement moment, quite literally. An update went live yesterday that focused completely on player-owned housing, revamping how you both use and construct it, bringing it honestly quite close to The Sims in how it handles house building, amongst other tweaks and additions. Read more
More:
RuneScape revamps its housing customisation with a snazzy looking build mode and the option to make your own neighbourhood with your pals. RuneScape is having a bit of a home improvement moment, quite literally.
TL;DR:
RuneScape is having a bit of a home improvement moment, quite literally.
Pcgamer
Jul 14, 20:30
Hollywood still has time to avoid the gaming industry's disastrous consolidation endgame
It's already bad times in movies & TV, but blocking the Paramount and Warner Bros. merger would stop another disaster in the making.
More:
Hollywood still has time to avoid the gaming industry's disastrous consolidation endgame. It's already bad times in movies & TV, but blocking the Paramount and Warner Bros. merger would stop another disaster in the making.
TL;DR:
It's already bad times in movies & TV, but blocking the Paramount and Warner Bros.
Pcgamer
Jul 14, 19:57
After releasing a bummer of a Diablo 4 season, Blizzard swoops in with an update that fixes some of its worst issues
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
After releasing a bummer of a Diablo 4 season, Blizzard swoops in with an update that fixes some of its worst issues. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Kotaku
Jul 14, 19:18
Dear Passengers Is Peak On An Airplane And It Wants To Be Your Next Viral ‘Friendslop’ Obsession
The co-op game is coming to Steam later this year
More:
Dear Passengers Is Peak On An Airplane And It Wants To Be Your Next Viral ‘Friendslop’ Obsession. The co-op game is coming to Steam later this year
TL;DR:
The co-op game is coming to Steam later this year
Pcgamer
Jul 14, 18:30
A forgotten dungeon crawler from the Baldur's Gate era is coming to Steam and GOG for the first time ever
Pool of Radiance: Ruins of Myth Drannor floundered when it was new, but I have to admit that I'm very interested in this re-release.
More:
A forgotten dungeon crawler from the Baldur's Gate era is coming to Steam and GOG for the first time ever. Pool of Radiance: Ruins of Myth Drannor floundered when it was new, but I have to admit that I'm very interested in this re-release.
TL;DR:
Pool of Radiance: Ruins of Myth Drannor floundered when it was new, but I have to admit that I'm very interested in this re-release.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 14, 18:06
With Dragon's Dogma 2's new infinite fast travel, Dark Arisen's director wants you to know they're "not forcing" you to use it
Dragon's Dogma 2 's fast travel system is a pain in the ass, and depending on who you ask and even when you ask it, this is a good, bad, fine, annoying, interesting, frustrating, clever thing. But as part of a recent free update that has arrived in the leadup to the game's Dark Arisen expansion , it is now less of a pain in the ass. And for the expansion's producer Naoto Oyama and director Kenta Kinoshita, it's about giving people more choices. Read more
More:
With Dragon's Dogma 2's new infinite fast travel, Dark Arisen's director wants you to know they're "not forcing" you to use it. But as part of a recent free update that has arrived in the leadup to the game's Dark Arisen expansion , it is now less of a pain in the ass.
TL;DR:
Dragon's Dogma 2 's fast travel system is a pain in the ass, and depending on who you ask and even when you ask it, this is a good, bad, fine, annoying, interesting, frustrating, clever thing.
Kotaku
Jul 14, 18:00
Games Industry Veterans Say Console Makers Have To Innovate To Survive: ‘We Should Be Afraid Of The Thousand-Dollar Console’
‘Really how much more ray tracing can you put in there?’
More:
Games Industry Veterans Say Console Makers Have To Innovate To Survive: ‘We Should Be Afraid Of The Thousand-Dollar Console’. ‘Really how much more ray tracing can you put in there?’
TL;DR:
‘Really how much more ray tracing can you put in there?’
Pcgamer
Jul 14, 17:19
The PC Gaming Show Tokyo Direct returns September 20
We had such a good time last year we decided this should be an annual trip.
More:
The PC Gaming Show Tokyo Direct returns September 20. We had such a good time last year we decided this should be an annual trip.
TL;DR:
We had such a good time last year we decided this should be an annual trip.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 14, 17:08
22 trade union leaders have signed a letter joining the call for GTA 6 developer Rockstar to recognise the IWGB Game Workers union
Another step forward has been made by IWGB Game Workers in their efforts towards calling for Grand Theft Auto 6 developer Rockstar Games to formally recognise the studio's union. A new letter addressed to Rockstar studio director Jennifer Kolbe and head of HR Rob Spampinato has been signed by 22 trade union leaders joining in the call for the developer to start bargaining with the IWGB. Read more
More:
Another step forward has been made by IWGB Game Workers in their efforts towards calling for Grand Theft Auto 6 developer Rockstar Games to formally recognise the studio's union. A new letter addressed to Rockstar studio director Jennifer Kolbe and head of HR Rob Spampinato has been signed by 22 trade union leaders joining in the call for the developer to start bargaining with…
TL;DR:
Another step forward has been made by IWGB Game Workers in their efforts towards calling for Grand Theft Auto 6 developer Rockstar Games to formally recognise the studio's union.
Pcgamer
Jul 14, 16:58
George Lucas says rejecting AI is like rejecting cars in favour of horses: 'There's nothing you can do about it… it's the future'
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
George Lucas says rejecting AI is like rejecting cars in favour of horses: 'There's nothing you can do about it… it's the future'. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Kotaku
Jul 14, 16:33
Former PlayStation Boss Wants ‘Xbox To Get Some Of Its Mojo Back’
'I think a certain energy around innovation, a certain desire towards differentiation, these things become a bit muted in a world with one dominant player'
More:
Former PlayStation Boss Wants ‘Xbox To Get Some Of Its Mojo Back’. 'I think a certain energy around innovation, a certain desire towards differentiation, these things become a bit muted in a world with one dominant player'
TL;DR:
'I think a certain energy around innovation, a certain desire towards differentiation, these things become a bit muted in a world with one dominant player'
Pcgamer
Jul 14, 16:28
I've helped 100 cats mail parcels in Cat Mail Co. which is why I can safely say it's one of the best management sims I've played in a very long time
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
I've helped 100 cats mail parcels in Cat Mail Co. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Eurogamer
Jul 14, 16:25
Marvel Rivals players are airing their frustrations over Season 9's excessive "visual clutter" and other issues making it difficult to enjoy
Marvel Rivals has only been around for 18 months or so, but already we've reached Season 9. And with it comes a narrative arc focusing on Marvel characters like Apocalypse, perfectly timed to coincide with X-Men '97's season two. Marvel's Rivals also welcomed fireworks-throwing mutant Jubilee a few days ago, and while many players are digging the new hero, the update that introduced her has been heavily criticised by fans. Read more
More:
Marvel Rivals players are airing their frustrations over Season 9's excessive "visual clutter" and other issues making it difficult to enjoy. And with it comes a narrative arc focusing on Marvel characters like Apocalypse, perfectly timed to coincide with X-Men '97's season two.
TL;DR:
Marvel Rivals has only been around for 18 months or so, but already we've reached Season 9.
Pcgamer
Jul 14, 16:23
This DIY 'OpenPuck' project allows the Steam Controller to emulate Xbox, Switch, and PlayStation controllers, but no wireless charging for you
Still, it's a perfectly practical puck in many respects.
More:
This DIY 'OpenPuck' project allows the Steam Controller to emulate Xbox, Switch, and PlayStation controllers, but no wireless charging for you. Still, it's a perfectly practical puck in many respects.
TL;DR:
Still, it's a perfectly practical puck in many respects.
Pcgamer
Jul 14, 16:04
Ubisoft promises new Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and Ghost Recon games are coming, but says this year will be 'quieter' than most
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Ubisoft promises new Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and Ghost Recon games are coming, but says this year will be 'quieter' than most. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 14, 16:02
"They would feel a kind of sadness, right?": Slay the Spire 2 dev on using slightly rubbish placeholder art over AI
Those of you that have been playing Slay the Spire 2 in its current early access form will have seen that some of the placeholder art looks, well, arguably bad. I am not necessarily making this argument! But it could be made. As it turns out, according to Mega Crit co-founder Casey Yano, this is very much the point, and has more purpose behind it than just being easier to do. Read more
More:
"They would feel a kind of sadness, right?": Slay the Spire 2 dev on using slightly rubbish placeholder art over AI. I am not necessarily making this argument! As it turns out, according to Mega Crit co-founder Casey Yano, this is very much the point, and has more purpose behind it than just being easier to do.
TL;DR:
Those of you that have been playing Slay the Spire 2 in its current early access form will have seen that some of the placeholder art looks, well, arguably bad.
Kotaku
Jul 14, 15:47
Four Things We Learned About Beast Of Reincarnation, Game Freak’s Upcoming Action RPG
The Pokémon developers’ next game is just under a month away
More:
Four Things We Learned About Beast Of Reincarnation, Game Freak’s Upcoming Action RPG. The Pokémon developers’ next game is just under a month away
TL;DR:
The Pokémon developers’ next game is just under a month away
Kotaku
Jul 14, 15:08
Why Watch Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey When You Could Instead Sit Through 135 Minutes Of AI Slop?
That's the question asked by Ash Koosha's Odysseus: The Fall , not coming to any theaters soon
More:
Why Watch Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey When You Could Instead Sit Through 135 Minutes Of AI Slop?. That's the question asked by Ash Koosha's Odysseus: The Fall , not coming to any theaters soon
TL;DR:
That's the question asked by Ash Koosha's Odysseus: The Fall , not coming to any theaters soon
Pcgamer
Jul 14, 14:50
BOE's new $9 billion OLED monitor plant, capable of churning out 10 million panels this year alone, is now up and running—with some big names already on board
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
That's a whole lot of OLED competition and some seriously delicious pixels.
Pcgamer
Jul 14, 14:50
How to get Ancient Bone in Palworld
Acquire fancy new accessories with this rare material.
More:
How to get Ancient Bone in Palworld. Acquire fancy new accessories with this rare material.
TL;DR:
Acquire fancy new accessories with this rare material.
Pcgamer
Jul 14, 14:48
I reckon Assassin's Creed Unity is one of the series' best, and a former Ubisoft director agrees it's 'One of the most underestimated games in the series'
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
I reckon Assassin's Creed Unity is one of the series' best, and a former Ubisoft director agrees it's 'One of the most underestimated games in the series'. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. Unity is "one of the most underestimated games in the series," says Guesdon.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Kotaku
Jul 14, 14:45
Dying Light Spin-Off Won’t Get Ported To PS4 After All Because The Old Console Lacks The ‘Processing Power And Memory’ Needed
The large zombie game proved too much for Sony's nearly 13-year-old machine
More:
Dying Light Spin-Off Won’t Get Ported To PS4 After All Because The Old Console Lacks The ‘Processing Power And Memory’ Needed. The large zombie game proved too much for Sony's nearly 13-year-old machine
TL;DR:
The large zombie game proved too much for Sony's nearly 13-year-old machine
Pcgamer
Jul 14, 14:42
Doom: The Dark Ages – Revelations review
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. Find out more about how we evaluate games and hardware.
TL;DR:
Fixes all my issues with The Dark Ages and injects plenty of Eternal's movement for the best demon-slaying action yet.
Pcgamer
Jul 14, 14:35
The designer of cult classic King of Dragon Pass says his upcoming hellish heist game is pushing the boundaries of a concept he invented in 1999: 'There's really nothing else quite like it'
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Thousand Hells: The Underworld Heists is a unique enough game that it needed a new genre descriptor.
Kotaku
Jul 14, 14:30
PS5 Emulator Making Big Progress, Can Boot Up GTA V Menus And Play Some 3D Games
A few different PS5 emulator teams seem more motivated than ever
More:
PS5 Emulator Making Big Progress, Can Boot Up GTA V Menus And Play Some 3D Games. A few different PS5 emulator teams seem more motivated than ever
TL;DR:
A few different PS5 emulator teams seem more motivated than ever
Pcgamer
Jul 14, 14:29
'Worse than our expectations': IBM's shares drop 25% after CEO says it hasn't adapted quickly enough to AI industry changes
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
'Worse than our expectations': IBM's shares drop 25% after CEO says it hasn't adapted quickly enough to AI industry changes. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Kotaku
Jul 14, 14:15
South Of Midnight Studio Compulsion Games Is Hunting For Work After Escaping Xbox
'We are excited to support the development of memorable experiences,' the company wrote on LinkedIn
More:
South Of Midnight Studio Compulsion Games Is Hunting For Work After Escaping Xbox. 'We are excited to support the development of memorable experiences,' the company wrote on LinkedIn
TL;DR:
'We are excited to support the development of memorable experiences,' the company wrote on LinkedIn
Gamesindustry
Jul 14, 14:09
Aream & Co: Gaming M&A hits $2.3bn in Q2, highest level since 2022
Games industry mergers and acquisitions reached $2.3 billion with 54 transactions during Q2 of 2026, the highest level since 2022, according to a new report from investment bank Aream & Co. Read more
More:
The company's latest Video Game Market Update identified the mid-market, defined as gaming content acquisitions over $100 million, as the main driver of this revenue growth. This segment reached its highest level since the pandemic boom, driven by PC gaming (Playstack, Fenris Creations/CCP) and mobile studios.
TL;DR:
Games industry mergers and acquisitions reached $2.3 billion with 54 transactions during Q2 of 2026, the highest level since 2022, according to a new report from investment bank Aream & Co.
Eurogamer
Jul 14, 14:05
My Chemical Romance's Gerard Way hasn't played Baldur's Gate 3 yet, but he still made some time during a concert to discuss it with fans
As we await news on Baldur's Gate 4 (if it does happen), Baldur's Gate 3 remains a top tier RPG people seemingly can't get enough of. My Chemical Romance singer and songwriter Gerard Way - who's also a comic book writer - hasn't gotten to Larian's latest yet, though. Read more
More:
My Chemical Romance's Gerard Way hasn't played Baldur's Gate 3 yet, but he still made some time during a concert to discuss it with fans. As we await news on Baldur's Gate 4 (if it does happen), Baldur's Gate 3 remains a top tier RPG people seemingly can't get enough of.
TL;DR:
As we await news on Baldur's Gate 4 (if it does happen), Baldur's Gate 3 remains a top tier RPG people seemingly can't get enough of.
Kotaku
Jul 14, 14:00
George Lucas Goes To The Dark Side, Says AI Is ‘The Future’
I would like to think that not every prestigious filmmaker is vulnerable to the AI propaganda, but it feels like we’re getting new stories of someone partnering with or advocating for the use of arti…
More:
I would like to think that not every prestigious filmmaker is vulnerable to the AI propaganda, but it feels like we’re getting new stories of someone partnering with or advocating for the use of artificial intelligence as the future of cinematic storytelling every day. They let the audience actually make the movie.
TL;DR:
The Star Wars creator compares not using AI to riding a horse in the face of cars
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 14, 13:52
"Ubisoft thinks that's what we deserve": Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced's release followed by union strike over Ubisoft Barcelona layoffs
Following the release of Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced , an undertaking by a bunch of Ubisoft studios based all over the world, union protests at one of said studios have kicked off over plans to lay off staff now the remake's out of the door. Ubisoft Barcelona, the studio in question, were reported last month to be set for a restructure that'd see them focus solely on Rainbow Six games going forwards. Read more
More:
Following the release of Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced , an undertaking by a bunch of Ubisoft studios based all over the world, union protests at one of said studios have kicked off over plans to lay off staff now the remake's out of the door.
TL;DR:
Following the release of Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced , an undertaking by a bunch of Ubisoft studios based all over the world, union protests at one of said studios have kicked off over plans to lay off staff now the remake's out of the door.
Eurogamer
Jul 14, 13:32
As feared, those new Call of Duty Black Ops 1 and 2 ports are riddled with hackers, but Activision is at least doing something about it
The recently released Black Ops 1 and 2 ports for PlayStation 4 and 5 may cost a lot of money, and only offer the bare minimum , but that hasn't stopped the duo from becoming the most popular games across the PS Store. Unfortunately, that popularity predictably invited the sort of problems the two games have suffered for years on their original platforms . Namely: hackers and modded lobbies. Read more
More:
As feared, those new Call of Duty Black Ops 1 and 2 ports are riddled with hackers, but Activision is at least doing something about it. Unfortunately, that popularity predictably invited the sort of problems the two games have suffered for years on their original platforms . Namely: hackers and modded lobbies.
TL;DR:
The recently released Black Ops 1 and 2 ports for PlayStation 4 and 5 may cost a lot of money, and only offer the bare minimum , but that hasn't stopped the duo from becoming the most popular games across the PS Store.
Gamesindustry
Jul 14, 13:03
Compulsion Games seeks new partnerships following spin-out from from Xbox
Compulsion Games, developer of South of Midnight, has announced it is open to working with and supporting other studios following its independence from Xbox. Read more
More:
"We invite partners to leverage the talent and creativity of the award-winning team behind South of Midnight, a game that was honoured with a BAFTA Award, a Peabody Award, seven Canadian Game Awards, and recognised on multiple 'Best Games of 2025' lists.
TL;DR:
Compulsion Games, developer of South of Midnight, has announced it is open to working with and supporting other studios following its independence from Xbox.
Theguardian
Jul 14, 13:00
D-topia review – cosy sci-fi mystery takes aim at AI
PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2; Marimittu Games A soft puzzle game makes a sharp point about the over-optimised future ahead In the far future, on a planet that is not Earth, AI is in charge. This entity is no Skynet-esque killer robot but a machine that cares for humanity. Manifesting most visibly as cute droids, the technology is pervasive – embedded in everything from the design of the sleek architecture to the gorgeous, mostly sunny artificial weather. The so-called Optimization System has but one responsibility: ensuring the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people. In less skilled hands this game might have felt like an undergraduate seminar on the limits of utilitarianism. But Japanese studio Marumittu Games elegantly marries its philosophical concerns with smart design choices. You play as a young, unnamed Facilitator tasked with tending to both the city’s bots and its human residents. Each morning you wake up, sleepily loping off to the bathroom before sitting down for an exquisitely rendered breakfast, and then embark on your day’s work. Like everything else in this near-future scenario, labour is designed to cause as little frustration as possible, amounting to simple maths brain teasers on a grid – nothing too taxing, but enough to keep you engaged. Continue reading...
More:
D-topia review – cosy sci-fi mystery takes aim at AI. In less skilled hands this game might have felt like an undergraduate seminar on the limits of utilitarianism. But Japanese studio Marumittu Games elegantly marries its philosophical concerns with smart design choices.
TL;DR:
PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2; Marimittu Games A soft puzzle game makes a sharp point about the over-optimised future ahead In the far future, on a planet that is not Earth, AI is in charge.
Eurogamer
Jul 14, 13:00
"It's already exceeding our expectations on Switch 2" - Dragon's Dogma 2 Dark Arisen already running at '30fps and higher' on Nintendo handheld
Later this year, we're going to see Capcom's incredible and immersive RPG , Dragon's Dogma 2 , arrive on the Switch 2 , alongside a massive new expansion called Dark Arisen. Given the game was subject to plenty of criticism for how it ran on both console and PC at launch back in 2024, the fact it can run on Nintendo's hardware at all feels like nothing short of a miracle. But it's not the first Capcom game to turn heads when arriving on Switch 2: Pragmata and Resident Evil Requiem both run flawlessly on the console , and even Monster Hunter Wilds is confirmed to launch on the device soon. Read more
More:
"It's already exceeding our expectations on Switch 2" - Dragon's Dogma 2 Dark Arisen already running at '30fps and higher' on Nintendo handheld. Given the game was subject to plenty of criticism for how it ran on both console and PC at launch back in 2024, the fact it can run on Nintendo's hardware at all feels like nothing short of a miracle.
TL;DR:
Later this year, we're going to see Capcom's incredible and immersive RPG , Dragon's Dogma 2 , arrive on the Switch 2 , alongside a massive new expansion called Dark Arisen.
Gamesindustry
Jul 14, 13:00
"It's not like the Eye of Sauron is looking at everything we're doing" – Silent Hill F developer NeoBards on why trust is essential for co-dev
As is often the case with studios specialising in outsourcing and co-development, NeoBards Entertainment is not a household name – despite having worked on some of the most recognisable franchises in…
More:
As is often the case with studios specialising in outsourcing and co-development, NeoBards Entertainment is not a household name – despite having worked on some of the most recognisable franchises in the industry. But the studio's collaboration with Konami on last year's Silent Hill F finally brought the Taipei-based team into the limelight.
TL;DR:
This article is part of ExDev Week.
Eurogamer
Jul 14, 12:29
A delayed next generation of consoles is "better for us", says The Blood of Dawnwalker director, as price rises continue to plague the industry
Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, the director of promising vampire-themed role-playing The Blood of Dawnwalker - and previously director of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - has said a delayed next-generation of consoles would be "better" for a studio like his. Read more
More:
This is the first generation of consoles where the price of standard, base machines has risen after launch rather than fallen, and there are rumours that PlayStation 6 could cost Sony as much as $1000 to make . Meanwhile, Xbox expects component prices to double again a year from now, and it's already warned that this could affect its next-generation console Project Helix .
TL;DR:
Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, the director of promising vampire-themed role-playing The Blood of Dawnwalker - and previously director of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - has said a delayed next-generation of consoles would be "better" for a studio like his.
Eurogamer
Jul 14, 11:59
Users flock to Xbox Player Voice portal to ask for an end to cycle of layoffs
The Xbox Player Voice portal was launched back in May , giving users the opportunity to easily share their thoughts on Xbox and wishes for the future. This came after new CEO Asha Sharma promised a " return of Xbox " when taking over. Following the announcement of 3,200 layoffs and four studio departures , some players are understandably worried and frustrated, and that's now having an effect on the Reddit-like platform. Read more
More:
Users flock to Xbox Player Voice portal to ask for an end to cycle of layoffs. This came after new CEO Asha Sharma promised a " return of Xbox " when taking over. Following the announcement of 3,200 layoffs and four studio departures , some players are understandably worried and frustrated, and that's now having an effect on the Reddit-like platform.
TL;DR:
The Xbox Player Voice portal was launched back in May , giving users the opportunity to easily share their thoughts on Xbox and wishes for the future.
Eurogamer
Jul 14, 11:46
Sony faces an anti-trust complaint in Mexico over ending PlayStation physical media
The cascade of events following Sony's decision to end PlayStation disc manufacturing by January 2028 continues. The company will soon face a formal complaint from representatives in Mexico, who believe the decision constitutes anti-competitive and anti-consumer behavior. Read more
More:
Sony faces an anti-trust complaint in Mexico over ending PlayStation physical media. The cascade of events following Sony's decision to end PlayStation disc manufacturing by January 2028 continues. The company will soon face a formal complaint from representatives in Mexico, who believe the decision constitutes anti-competitive and anti-consumer behavior.
TL;DR:
The cascade of events following Sony's decision to end PlayStation disc manufacturing by January 2028 continues.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 14, 11:41
Fallout: New Vegas gets a Mojave interpretation of Oblivion's Dark Brotherhood, thanks to this assassin-focused faction quest mod
While there's never been any shortage of characters who'll pay you to splatter some brains across the desert with your trusty anti-mat rifle in Fallout: New Vegas , a new mod adds a whole extra faction based around being a post-apocalyptic assassin. They're dubbed the Dark Family, and you get no prizes for guessing which robed gang of Elder Scrolls dagger-enthusiasts they're based on. Read more
More:
While there's never been any shortage of characters who'll pay you to splatter some brains across the desert with your trusty anti-mat rifle in Fallout: New Vegas , a new mod adds a whole extra faction based around being a post-apocalyptic assassin.
TL;DR:
While there's never been any shortage of characters who'll pay you to splatter some brains across the desert with your trusty anti-mat rifle in Fallout: New Vegas , a new mod adds a whole extra faction based around being a post-apocalyptic assassin.
Pcgamer
Jul 14, 11:03
'The company has turned its back on us': Black Flag Resynced developers at Ubisoft Barcelona are being laid off instead of celebrating the series' latest hit
"We will never see the fruits of our labour, and the reward for our hard work will be the loss of our jobs."
More:
'The company has turned its back on us': Black Flag Resynced developers at Ubisoft Barcelona are being laid off instead of celebrating the series' latest hit. "We will never see the fruits of our labour, and the reward for our hard work will be the loss of our jobs."
TL;DR:
"We will never see the fruits of our labour, and the reward for our hard work will be the loss of our jobs."
Pcgamer
Jul 14, 10:50
How to get Cryogenic Coolant in Palworld
Craft better weapons and armour with this icy material.
More:
How to get Cryogenic Coolant in Palworld. Craft better weapons and armour with this icy material.
TL;DR:
Craft better weapons and armour with this icy material.
Pcgamer
Jul 14, 10:45
id Software producer says 'you'll never get another WoW or Morrowind in the current climate' in the wake of Xbox layoffs
"These large publishers and monopolies have proven themselves terrible stewards."
More:
id Software producer says 'you'll never get another WoW or Morrowind in the current climate' in the wake of Xbox layoffs. "These large publishers and monopolies have proven themselves terrible stewards."
TL;DR:
"These large publishers and monopolies have proven themselves terrible stewards."
Gamesindustry
Jul 14, 10:30
How Evil Trout aims to turn a cult free game into a Steam hit - again
This week, indie studio Evil Trout Inc is releasing its second game, The Incident At Galley House . It’s a remake of Type Help , a detective game that first made waves as a free release on Itch.io. At this point, any sharp-eyed sleuths may be getting a sense of déjà vu. Because this is not just Evil Trout’s second game but its second detective game in the space of 18 months – the first, The Roottrees Are Dead , was a remake of a game that first made waves as a free release on Itch.io. Read more
More:
How Evil Trout aims to turn a cult free game into a Steam hit - again. This week, indie studio Evil Trout Inc is releasing its second game, The Incident At Galley House . It’s a remake of Type Help , a detective game that first made waves as a free release on Itch.io.
TL;DR:
Because this is not just Evil Trout’s second game but its second detective game in the space of 18 months – the first, The Roottrees Are Dead , was a remake of a game that first made waves as a free release on Itch.io.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 14, 10:20
GoldenEye-inspired FPS Agent 64: Spies Never Die finally releases in August, complete with optional big heads
2026 has already had a modern take on James Bond in game form thanks to IO Interactive's 007 First Light , and now it's getting some retro bondage thanks to a throwback spy FPS that's been in the works for a while. Agent 64: Spies Never Die , a GoldenEye-inspired romp from solo developer Replicant D6, releases next month. Read more
More:
2026 has already had a modern take on James Bond in game form thanks to IO Interactive's 007 First Light , and now it's getting some retro bondage thanks to a throwback spy FPS that's been in the works for a while. Agent 64: Spies Never Die , a GoldenEye-inspired romp from solo developer Replicant D6, releases next month.
TL;DR:
2026 has already had a modern take on James Bond in game form thanks to IO Interactive's 007 First Light , and now it's getting some retro bondage thanks to a throwback spy FPS that's been in the works for a while.
Gamesindustry
Jul 14, 10:17
Former Epic Games VP Steve Allison appointed chief business officer at Saber Interactive
Former Epic Games vice president Steve Allison has joined Saber Interactive as chief business officer.
More:
In his new role, Allison will oversee the developer's publishing, marketing, and revenue opportunities. "Saber's strength is the talented studios that build high-quality games at 30 to 50% the cost of industry norms.
TL;DR:
Former Epic Games vice president Steve Allison has joined Saber Interactive as chief business officer.
Eurogamer
Jul 14, 10:14
Days after leaving Xbox, South of Midnight developer Compulsion Games broadcasts that it's looking for work
Just days after Compulsion Games bought back its independence from Microsoft as part of Xbox's mass layoffs, the studio - facing the realities of going it alone - is already on the hunt for new work opportunities. Read more
More:
The South of Midnight and We Happy Few developer has announced it's now open to new "opportunities to collaborate", and is looking to "support the development of memorable projects" being made elsewhere - suggesting it's not necessarily preoccupied making a game of its own.
TL;DR:
Just days after Compulsion Games bought back its independence from Microsoft as part of Xbox's mass layoffs, the studio - facing the realities of going it alone - is already on the hunt for new work opportunities.
Eurogamer
Jul 14, 09:41
New rumours suggest Nintendo could be looking into upgrading the Switch 2 with an OLED screen
Rumours of Switch 2 upgrades continue to pour in following talk of Nintendo looking to upgrade the console's LCD panel . Now, a major Korean technology website is claiming serious talks are underway at the Japanese giant about exploring the possibility of an OLED model. Read more
More:
New rumours suggest Nintendo could be looking into upgrading the Switch 2 with an OLED screen. Rumours of Switch 2 upgrades continue to pour in following talk of Nintendo looking to upgrade the console's LCD panel . Now, a major Korean technology website is claiming serious talks are underway at the Japanese giant about exploring the possibility of an OLED model.
TL;DR:
Rumours of Switch 2 upgrades continue to pour in following talk of Nintendo looking to upgrade the console's LCD panel .
Eurogamer
Jul 14, 09:30
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 needs its own version of Black Ops 7's Classic mode or it risks sidelining its oldest and most loyal fans
It may have taken me a while to admit it - and I certainly pushed back for a time, but I worry I am getting too old for Call of Duty. Not the series as a whole; I find a lot of entertainment in the ooh-rah campaigns, and I am especially fond of the gameplay and engine evolutions of some of Activision's post-Modern Warfare 2019 efforts. I dabble in Zombies here and there , and I'm happy to play whatever supplementary third mode is on offer in any given year, but I struggle to spend any longer in multiplayer than it takes me to reach the level cap . And I don't think it's just a 'me' problem, either. Read more
More:
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 needs its own version of Black Ops 7's Classic mode or it risks sidelining its oldest and most loyal fans. Not the series as a whole; I find a lot of entertainment in the ooh-rah campaigns, and I am especially fond of the gameplay and engine evolutions of some of Activision's post-Modern Warfare 2019 efforts.
TL;DR:
It may have taken me a while to admit it - and I certainly pushed back for a time, but I worry I am getting too old for Call of Duty.
Gamesindustry
Jul 14, 09:20
Ubisoft pivots to "selective model" to reduce reliance on individual game launches
Ubisoft is looking to reduce its reliance on individual game launches, pivoting instead toward a "more selective model" leaning on its back-catalog and live service titles for revenue. Read more
More:
This strategic shift, detailed in the publisher's 2025/26 annual report , comes as the company continues its restructuring process that began earlier this year. "Launching a game early, without it being sufficiently developed, or releasing it at the same time as competing games – whether AAA or games incorporating major technical/artistic innovations – or at the same time as i…
TL;DR:
Ubisoft is looking to reduce its reliance on individual game launches, pivoting instead toward a "more selective model" leaning on its back-catalog and live service titles for revenue.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 14, 09:05
Following Xbox split, South of Midnight devs Compulsion are looking for work as a co-development or support studio
Having recently parted ways with former owners Xbox as part of the console maker's mass cuts, South of Midnight and We Happy Few developers Compulsion Games have announced they're seeking opportunities to collaborate with other studios. Likely to help them keep the lights on until they've got a new game of their own well on its way, Compulsion look to have turned their focus towards landing a co-development or support gig on someone else's project. Read more
More:
Having recently parted ways with former owners Xbox as part of the console maker's mass cuts, South of Midnight and We Happy Few developers Compulsion Games have announced they're seeking opportunities to collaborate with other studios.
TL;DR:
Having recently parted ways with former owners Xbox as part of the console maker's mass cuts, South of Midnight and We Happy Few developers Compulsion Games have announced they're seeking opportunities to collaborate with other studios.
Eurogamer
Jul 14, 08:56
Kingdom Hearts will have a big presence at a Disney fan event next month, but you probably shouldn't get too excited about Kingdom Hearts 4
Kingdom Hearts will be making a big appearance at the upcoming D23 Disney fan event in California next month, though those holding out hope for a lengthy Kingdom Hearts 4 reveal or two should probably not hold their breath. Read more
More:
In a recent post, the line-up for August's D23 fan event was revealed, including something Kingdom Hearts related. Passions were reignited during a recent Nintendo Direct last month , where the game's appearance not only included new gameplay, but revealed the game would be available on the Nintendo Switch 2 at launch.
TL;DR:
Kingdom Hearts will be making a big appearance at the upcoming D23 Disney fan event in California next month, though those holding out hope for a lengthy Kingdom Hearts 4 reveal or two should probably not hold their breath.
Eurogamer
Jul 14, 08:21
"I have what it takes to continue this series' legacy" Hideaki Itsuno may have left Capcom, but Dragon's Dogma 2's new director reckons the RPG is still in good hands
In August 2024, Dragon's Dogma 2 director Hideaki Itsuno left Capcom after "30 years and five months" at the Japanese publisher. The legendary developer, responsible for creating Dragon's Dogma and the Devil May Cry franchise, is practically synonymous with the former. It's a well-known story that he originally conceived of the game around the time he was working on Devil May Cry in the early 2000s, and had to fight hard for time and budget when preparing the launch of the original Dragon's Dogma game in 2012. In many ways, the 2024 launch of Dragon's Dogma 2 felt like coming good on a promise nearly two decades in the making. Read more
More:
In August 2024, Dragon's Dogma 2 director Hideaki Itsuno left Capcom after "30 years and five months" at the Japanese publisher. The legendary developer, responsible for creating Dragon's Dogma and the Devil May Cry franchise, is practically synonymous with the former.
TL;DR:
It's a well-known story that he originally conceived of the game around the time he was working on Devil May Cry in the early 2000s, and had to fight hard for time and budget when preparing the launch of the original Dragon's Dogma game in 2012.
Kotaku
Jul 13, 22:30
Aerial Knight’s MrFreezy Turns Chopping Off Heads Into An Absorbing Brain-Teaser
It’s such a treat for me personally when Aerial Knight, developer of such eponymous games as Aerial Knight’s We Never Yield and Aerial Knight’s DropShot , releases a new game.
More:
It’s such a treat for me personally when Aerial Knight, developer of such eponymous games as Aerial Knight’s We Never Yield and Aerial Knight’s DropShot , releases a new game. And this latest one is certain to—if you’ll forgive this and other puns to come— turn heads .
TL;DR:
The developer of Aerial Knight's Dropshot and We Never Yield is back with a new game about a lady and her unique hobby
Pcgamer
Jul 13, 20:45
My Chemical Romance front man Gerard Way pauses concert to talk classic RPGs, admits he hasn't played Baldur's Gate 3 yet: 'The first one was a lot of fun, the closest thing at the time to playing D&D'
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team. He clearly knows some ball, so we'll forgive him for remembering Icewind Dale as an expansion rather than a standalone game.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Kotaku
Jul 13, 20:30
Fans Begging Xbox To ‘Stop The Cycle Of Layoffs’ Start Trending On Player Voice Portal
The call comes with more big cuts still to come
More:
Fans Begging Xbox To ‘Stop The Cycle Of Layoffs’ Start Trending On Player Voice Portal. The call comes with more big cuts still to come
TL;DR:
The call comes with more big cuts still to come
Pcgamer
Jul 13, 19:40
One week after going independent in the Xbox bloodbath, South of Midnight developer Compulsion Games is looking for work
Compulsion says it's open to working with studios "across the games and entertainment industry."
More:
One week after going independent in the Xbox bloodbath, South of Midnight developer Compulsion Games is looking for work. Compulsion says it's open to working with studios "across the games and entertainment industry."
TL;DR:
Compulsion says it's open to working with studios "across the games and entertainment industry."
Pcgamer
Jul 13, 19:31
How to get married in Moonlight Peaks, or divorced, if your undead heart wanders
After dozens of dates and gifts, seal the deal with a supernatural ceremony.
More:
How to get married in Moonlight Peaks, or divorced, if your undead heart wanders. After dozens of dates and gifts, seal the deal with a supernatural ceremony.
TL;DR:
After dozens of dates and gifts, seal the deal with a supernatural ceremony.
Kotaku
Jul 13, 18:45
The Atlantic Released A GenAI Lemony Snicket Game That Bans You If You Go Off-Script
The murder mystery will have its characters respond to players via an LLM, so this could get weird
More:
The Atlantic Released A GenAI Lemony Snicket Game That Bans You If You Go Off-Script. The murder mystery will have its characters respond to players via an LLM, so this could get weird
TL;DR:
The murder mystery will have its characters respond to players via an LLM, so this could get weird
Kotaku
Jul 13, 18:15
Kingdom Hearts Fans Are On High Alert After Disney Announces A D23 Panel For The RPG Series
Almost every year, Disney hosts an event called D23 where the House of Mouse reveals upcoming movies, TV shows, toys, and sometimes even video games.
More:
Almost every year, Disney hosts an event called D23 where the House of Mouse reveals upcoming movies, TV shows, toys, and sometimes even video games. There will be a panel diving into the Square Enix and Disney crossover RPG series for its 25th anniversary.
TL;DR:
Disney's fan event is celebrating Kingdom Hearts' anniversary
Kotaku
Jul 13, 18:05
Elder Scrolls Online Devs Tell Worried Fans That Following Layoffs The Team Is The Same Size It Was When It Made Popular DLC
Following last week’s brutal and massive round of layoffs across Xbox, which affected over 1,000 employees, many Elder Scrolls Online fans are worried about the future of the MMORPG.
More:
Following last week’s brutal and massive round of layoffs across Xbox, which affected over 1,000 employees, many Elder Scrolls Online fans are worried about the future of the MMORPG. Despite the layoffs gutting the Zenimax Online team, as reported by Kotaku , Baratron said the two leads he spoke to claimed that this isn’t the end of ESO.
TL;DR:
Zenimax Online Studios is now reportedly about the same size it was when it shipped the Summerset expansion
Kotaku
Jul 13, 17:50
On Persona 3’s 20th Anniversary, Let’s Rank the Cast From Worst To Best
After Persona 3 Reload , it’s time to pit all our friends against each other
More:
On Persona 3’s 20th Anniversary, Let’s Rank the Cast From Worst To Best. After Persona 3 Reload , it’s time to pit all our friends against each other
TL;DR:
After Persona 3 Reload , it’s time to pit all our friends against each other
Pcgamer
Jul 13, 17:11
It's Monday, and the Steam Store is currently struggling just like the rest of us
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
The Steam store is currently "very slow" with intermittent errors.
Pcgamer
Jul 13, 16:24
More Windows security updates to come as Microsoft leverages AI vulnerability detection, but 'only the highest-confidence findings reach the engineering team'
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Humans still make the key decisions and handle fixes, though.
Eurogamer
Jul 13, 16:20
Halo Studios reportedly cancels Halo multiplayer project Ekur, which had customisable Spartans and Elites and large player battles
Halo Studios has reportedly cancelled a multiplayer project called Ekur, in a move that seems to align with the wide-ranging Xbox cuts announced last week. Read more
More:
Halo reporter Rebs Gaming originated the story on YouTube, saying they'd heard from multiple employees at Halo Studios that Project Ekur was no longer in development. A week earlier, however, Rebs Gaming had declared Project Ekur - "or at least part of it" - would be the next multiplayer Halo game , based on information from someone who'd worked with Halo Studios, plus a separ…
TL;DR:
Halo Studios has reportedly cancelled a multiplayer project called Ekur, in a move that seems to align with the wide-ranging Xbox cuts announced last week.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 13, 16:08
"A kick in the teeth for the fired workers": Unionised former MindsEye devs protest alleged fan playtest at Build A Rocket Boy
The IWGB union have held a protest with former Build a Rocket Boy (BARB) staff outside of the MindsEye studio's offices. The union accused the company of hosting an expenses-paid fan playtest event following layoffs , with IWGB chair Spring McParlin-Jones dubbing it "a kick in the teeth for the fired workers who are seeing fans brought in to do jobs that would otherwise have been theirs". Read more
More:
"A kick in the teeth for the fired workers": Unionised former MindsEye devs protest alleged fan playtest at Build A Rocket Boy. The IWGB union have held a protest with former Build a Rocket Boy (BARB) staff outside of the MindsEye studio's offices.
TL;DR:
The IWGB union have held a protest with former Build a Rocket Boy (BARB) staff outside of the MindsEye studio's offices.
Pcgamer
Jul 13, 16:00
Violent criminals keep escaping justice, but I sure am taking some nice photos of evidence in this crime scene simulator
I can't catch killers, but I like labeling blood stains and bullet holes. Is that a job?
More:
Violent criminals keep escaping justice, but I sure am taking some nice photos of evidence in this crime scene simulator. I can't catch killers, but I like labeling blood stains and bullet holes. Is that a job?
TL;DR:
I can't catch killers, but I like labeling blood stains and bullet holes.
Eurogamer
Jul 13, 15:57
Games Done Quick announces and then quickly cancels SNK-sponsored stream because of company's Saudi ownership
Summer Games Done Quick 2026 is now over, and while it's been a grand time as usual, one of the group's post-event streams - dedicated to celebrating Metal Slug's 30th anniversary - was ended early after many viewers expressed disappointment due to developer-publisher SNK's ties to the Saudi-owned Electronic Gaming Development Company. Read more
More:
Though users on social media pointed out early that GDQ's organisation should've binned plans for the stream, it still went live before it was cut short following criticism from the viewers. Saudi Arabia has an awful human rights record , and SNK is now 96% owned by Electronic Gaming Development Company , a subsidiary of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Misk Foundation.
TL;DR:
Summer Games Done Quick 2026 is now over, and while it's been a grand time as usual, one of the group's post-event streams - dedicated to celebrating Metal Slug's 30th anniversary - was ended early after many viewers expressed disappointment due to developer-publisher SNK's ties to the Saudi-owned Electronic Gaming Development Company.
Pcgamer
Jul 13, 15:41
Even though Old School RuneScape was 'not built to have a LAN setup at all,' it just had a live esports tournament with 4,000 attendees: 'We were doubting at times whether we actually can pull it off'
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Deadman All Stars is the biggest live event Jagex has put together to date.
Pcgamer
Jul 13, 15:40
Budget OLED versus budget mini-LED: The best real-world PC gaming monitor tech tested
Cutting-edge display tech is more affordable than even ever, but which is best for PC gaming?
More:
Budget OLED versus budget mini-LED: The best real-world PC gaming monitor tech tested. Cutting-edge display tech is more affordable than even ever, but which is best for PC gaming?
TL;DR:
Cutting-edge display tech is more affordable than even ever, but which is best for PC gaming?
Pcgamer
Jul 13, 15:33
AI did a surprisingly good job with designing a rack for three Framework mainboards
Great, I'll take one. With the Framework mainboards, of course.
More:
AI did a surprisingly good job with designing a rack for three Framework mainboards. Great, I'll take one. With the Framework mainboards, of course.
TL;DR:
Great, I'll take one.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 13, 15:30
Rally Point: I am extremely here for turn-based strategy game The Great Villainess, and not just for gay reasons
I'm so annoyed at myself for missing The Great Villainess Colon Strategy of Lily last year. I've never laughed so much at a strategy game.
More:
I'm so annoyed at myself for missing The Great Villainess Colon Strategy of Lily last year. I've never laughed so much at a strategy game. It's not that its most visible jokes are particularly hilarious, but it's joyful and absurd, and so unabashedly itself that I can't help but love it.
TL;DR:
LESBIANS BAGPIPES STREAMING LET'S GO!
Kotaku
Jul 13, 15:20
Live-Action Moana Is Bombing At The Box Office As Badly As Last Year’s Snow White Remake
Disney's new live-action remake starring Dwayne Johnson could lose over $100 million
More:
Live-Action Moana Is Bombing At The Box Office As Badly As Last Year’s Snow White Remake. Disney's new live-action remake starring Dwayne Johnson could lose over $100 million
TL;DR:
Disney's new live-action remake starring Dwayne Johnson could lose over $100 million
Eurogamer
Jul 13, 15:00
Dragon's Dogma 2 devs on the big fast travel U-turn, and wanting to "win back the trust" of RPG fans with the Dark Arisen DLC
There have been rumours about a Dragon's Dogma 2 expansion since earlier this year . The fascinating game was well-received by critics, but as the public got to experience it, the conversation sadly turned away from how unique its hardcore systems were, and instead fixated on its terrible technical performance . Now, as producer Naoto Oyama and director Kenta Kinoshita get ready for the launch of the Dark Arisen DLC in October, they reflect on the original launch of the game - and how the arrival of a suite of new updates for Dragon's Dogma 2 lay the foundations for what's to come. Read more
More:
Dragon's Dogma 2 devs on the big fast travel U-turn, and wanting to "win back the trust" of RPG fans with the Dark Arisen DLC. The fascinating game was well-received by critics, but as the public got to experience it, the conversation sadly turned away from how unique its hardcore systems were, and instead fixated on its terrible technical performance .
TL;DR:
There have been rumours about a Dragon's Dogma 2 expansion since earlier this year .
Pcgamer
Jul 13, 14:58
You can currently buy three of my all-time favorite microstrategy games for $10
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
You can currently buy three of my all-time favorite microstrategy games for $10. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Eurogamer
Jul 13, 14:55
Nintendo's next Lego set looks to be a retro Donkey Kong arcade machine
Lego and Nintendo's collaborations have been among the most eye-catching and sought-after in recent years. From little Super Mario builds , to a near-perfect replica of the original Game Boy , to complex Pokémon sets , collectors are clearly lapping up the 'brickified' versions of Nintendo icons. And perhaps the most ambitious one may be around the corner. Read more
More:
Nintendo's next Lego set looks to be a retro Donkey Kong arcade machine. From little Super Mario builds , to a near-perfect replica of the original Game Boy , to complex Pokémon sets , collectors are clearly lapping up the 'brickified' versions of Nintendo icons. And perhaps the most ambitious one may be around the corner.
TL;DR:
Lego and Nintendo's collaborations have been among the most eye-catching and sought-after in recent years.
Kotaku
Jul 13, 14:45
Nintendo Classic Donkey Kong Arcade Getting The $200 Lego Treatment May Have Just Leaked
Though it seems like this one is simpler than the Pac-Man Lego cabinet
More:
Nintendo Classic Donkey Kong Arcade Getting The $200 Lego Treatment May Have Just Leaked. Though it seems like this one is simpler than the Pac-Man Lego cabinet
TL;DR:
Though it seems like this one is simpler than the Pac-Man Lego cabinet
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 13, 14:40
Well, Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls is now only barred from purchase in 117 countries according to Steam's backend, which is a start
Good news! Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls ' Steam backend no longer lists it as not being available for purchase in 132 countries . It's now only listed it as not being available for purchase in 117 countries. That's 15 whole countries removed from the list of excluded nations, which looks like it could be linked in some way to the need to have PSN account to access certain bits of the game. Read more
More:
Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls ' Steam backend no longer lists it as not being available for purchase in 132 countries . It's now only listed it as not being available for purchase in 117 countries.
TL;DR:
Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls ' Steam backend no longer lists it as not being available for purchase in 132 countries .
Pcgamer
Jul 13, 14:33
'After stealing an open source AI charity, you then stole all of Apple’s phone technology! Wow': Elon Musk and Sam Altman are fighting on the internet again
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Keep it down would you, lads?
Pcgamer
Jul 13, 14:11
Steam Machine compatibility checks are here, though not every game on the store enjoys a rating
Apparently Valve is 'still learning' about compatibility for years-old games.
More:
Steam Machine compatibility checks are here, though not every game on the store enjoys a rating. Apparently Valve is 'still learning' about compatibility for years-old games.
TL;DR:
Apparently Valve is 'still learning' about compatibility for years-old games.
Kotaku
Jul 13, 13:59
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced Reported As Unplayable When Ubisoft Connect Was Down, Despite Promises This Shouldn’t Happen
Ubisoft's infuriating DRM prevented many of its games from booting Saturday morning
More:
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced Reported As Unplayable When Ubisoft Connect Was Down, Despite Promises This Shouldn’t Happen. Ubisoft's infuriating DRM prevented many of its games from booting Saturday morning
TL;DR:
Ubisoft's infuriating DRM prevented many of its games from booting Saturday morning
Pcgamer
Jul 13, 13:47
Summer Games Done Quick raises $2.4 million for charity, cancels sponsored stream with SNK over Saudi Arabia ties
"We will review and strengthen our process for evaluating future sponsors and partners."
More:
Summer Games Done Quick raises $2.4 million for charity, cancels sponsored stream with SNK over Saudi Arabia ties. "We will review and strengthen our process for evaluating future sponsors and partners."
TL;DR:
"We will review and strengthen our process for evaluating future sponsors and partners."
Eurogamer
Jul 13, 13:42
Amid Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced furore, Ubisoft's latest financial report removes widely mocked claim microtransactions make games "more fun"
Did you know that microtransactions make games more fun? That might seem like a dubious statement, but it was one Ubisoft was more than happy to put its name to last year. However, it appears the company might have learned a lesson from the pushback it subsequently endured across the internet: as complaints around the newly released Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced's microtransactions make headlines, it's been noticed Ubisoft's widely mocked "more fun" sentiment is conspicuously absent from its latest financial report. Read more
More:
Amid Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced furore, Ubisoft's latest financial report removes widely mocked claim microtransactions make games "more fun". That might seem like a dubious statement, but it was one Ubisoft was more than happy to put its name to last year.
TL;DR:
Did you know that microtransactions make games more fun?
Kotaku
Jul 13, 13:38
Games Done Quick Cancels SNK Sponsorship Live On Stream Following ‘Human Rights Concerns’ Raised By Fans
GDQ's sponsored Metal Slug event was cut short live on stream due to outcry from fans
More:
Games Done Quick Cancels SNK Sponsorship Live On Stream Following ‘Human Rights Concerns’ Raised By Fans. GDQ's sponsored Metal Slug event was cut short live on stream due to outcry from fans
TL;DR:
GDQ's sponsored Metal Slug event was cut short live on stream due to outcry from fans
Eurogamer
Jul 13, 13:27
The 'Classic' nostalgia trend continues as League of Legends Classic gets a release date and the promise of player-voted patches
We know Riot Games is remaking League of Legends in 2027 , but the 16-year-old MOBA is also getting a nostalgic throwback 'Classic' release , and now we have a release date for it. Read more
More:
LoL Classic will launch 29th July, and Riot is telling players to get their accounts ready beforehand by pre-downloading the game. Specific details about League of Legends Classic are scarce, though it obviously aims to roll the game back to its initial era. This could mean the game will evolve in a slightly different way to how it did the first time around.
TL;DR:
We know Riot Games is remaking League of Legends in 2027 , but the 16-year-old MOBA is also getting a nostalgic throwback 'Classic' release , and now we have a release date for it.
Gamesindustry
Jul 13, 13:13
Analyst: Game console shipments expected to decline 19.5% to 33.9m units in 2026
Game console shipments are expected to fall 19.5% this year to 33.9 million units, according to new analyst data. Read more
More:
A report from S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan attributes this decline to higher console prices, implemented to address the ongoing RAM and storage crisis, which is making consoles less affordable for consumers. This decline reverses the gains following last year's Nintendo Switch 2 launch, which had increased global console shipments by 13.5% to 42.1 million units.
TL;DR:
Game console shipments are expected to fall 19.5% this year to 33.9 million units, according to new analyst data.
Kotaku
Jul 13, 12:58
UK Retail Group Slams PlayStation Killing Discs As The ‘Triumph Of Corporate Convenience Over Consumer Choice’
The move is coming even as many still buy games physically
More:
UK Retail Group Slams PlayStation Killing Discs As The ‘Triumph Of Corporate Convenience Over Consumer Choice’. The move is coming even as many still buy games physically
TL;DR:
The move is coming even as many still buy games physically
Eurogamer
Jul 13, 12:23
Expensive and pointless? Black Ops 1 and 2 PS4 and PS5 ports cost a lot of money and barely offer any upgrades over the originals
The promised PlayStation 4 and 5 ports of Call of Duty: Black Ops 1 and 2 have arrived. But unfortunately, these updated releases have left players disappointed at the quality offered for the price. Activision is charging £35 ($40) for each Black Ops re-release, meaning a total of £70 ($80) if you want both. These prices do not include their DLC packs, either, which is unusual given how most game re-releases these days typically come with all associated content bundled in. Read more
More:
Black Ops 1 and 2 PS4 and PS5 ports cost a lot of money and barely offer any upgrades over the originals. But unfortunately, these updated releases have left players disappointed at the quality offered for the price.
TL;DR:
The promised PlayStation 4 and 5 ports of Call of Duty: Black Ops 1 and 2 have arrived.
Pcgamer
Jul 13, 12:21
Palworld pulled in almost 900,000 players over the weekend, its second-highest peak ever
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Palworld pulled in almost 900,000 players over the weekend, its second-highest peak ever. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Pcgamer
Jul 13, 12:17
Report suggests the US gov may have 'urged' Apple into Intel chipmaking deal to avoid tariffs, at almost the same time it took a $9 billion stake in blue team stock
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team. According to the WSJ, Apple plans to have Intel make chips for Mac laptops and iPhones, according to one of its sources familiar with the negotiations.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 13, 12:16
Obsidian still have "the same DNA" that went into New Vegas and KOTOR 2, The Outer Worlds 2 director insists, following chatter around layoffs
Last week, Avowed and The Outer Worlds 2 developers Obsidian lost around quarter of their staff to Microsoft's mass layoffs. The studio were subsequently reported to be pivoting to start work on a new Fallout game helmed by New Vegas director Josh Sawyer, with a sequel to Avowed all but canned in the process. Cue, naturally, people like me discussing what sort of game the shift towards a new Fallout all these years after New Vegas could result in, and also some voices declaring that Obsidian just aren't as good as they used to be. Outer Worlds 2 director Brandon Adler, naturally, disagrees with the latter group of loudmouths. Read more
More:
Obsidian still have "the same DNA" that went into New Vegas and KOTOR 2, The Outer Worlds 2 director insists, following chatter around layoffs. The studio were subsequently reported to be pivoting to start work on a new Fallout game helmed by New Vegas director Josh Sawyer, with a sequel to Avowed all but canned in the process.
TL;DR:
Last week, Avowed and The Outer Worlds 2 developers Obsidian lost around quarter of their staff to Microsoft's mass layoffs.
Eurogamer
Jul 13, 12:13
Xbox cuts "not the end" for The Elder Scrolls Online, insists ZeniMax, despite a drastic reduction in size
Last week's sweeping Xbox layoffs have affected The Elder Scrolls Online studio ZeniMax Online , a studio that had already faced cuts a year ago . This has reignited fears amongst the community that the game is being moved into 'maintenance mode', in which no substantial new adventures or updates will be developed for it. Read more
More:
Last week's sweeping Xbox layoffs have affected The Elder Scrolls Online studio ZeniMax Online , a studio that had already faced cuts a year ago . This has reignited fears amongst the community that the game is being moved into 'maintenance mode', in which no substantial new adventures or updates will be developed for it.
TL;DR:
Last week's sweeping Xbox layoffs have affected The Elder Scrolls Online studio ZeniMax Online , a studio that had already faced cuts a year ago .
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 13, 11:39
This week in PC games: vert-ramping trains, a retold murder mystery, and Cthulhu’s new gig as an AI Director
Merry Monday, readers. Edwin’s been struck down by a post-TennoCon lurgy, and we were only too happy to allow him some rest, provided he file his Soulframe and Warframe: Tau stories before collapsing into a feverish heap. We even agreed to feed the Maw in his absence, albeit without reaching a similar accord on responsibility for the litter tray. Thus: new PC games this week. Here are some of them. Read more
More:
This week in PC games: vert-ramping trains, a retold murder mystery, and Cthulhu’s new gig as an AI Director. Edwin’s been struck down by a post-TennoCon lurgy, and we were only too happy to allow him some rest, provided he file his Soulframe and Warframe: Tau stories before collapsing into a feverish heap.
TL;DR:
Thus: new PC games this week.
Pcgamer
Jul 13, 11:05
How to get Panthalus in Palworld
Tame this legendary whale by completing its quest.
More:
How to get Panthalus in Palworld. Tame this legendary whale by completing its quest.
TL;DR:
Tame this legendary whale by completing its quest.
Gamesindustry
Jul 13, 11:02
What does the future of external development look like?
This article is part of ExDev Week. Read more
More:
What does the future of external development look like?. This article is part of ExDev Week.
TL;DR:
This article is part of ExDev Week.
Gamesindustry
Jul 13, 11:01
Welcome to ExDev Week
This week, we're looking at external development on GamesIndustry.biz , spotlighting the hardworking studios that often have a major hand in designing some of the world's biggest games, but that rarely get to take a bow in the limelight. Read more
More:
External development is a big topic, encompassing everything from co-development to asset creation to engine support, along with much more besides, and it's beyond the scope of a single week to cover every single aspect.
TL;DR:
This week, we're looking at external development on GamesIndustry.biz , spotlighting the hardworking studios that often have a major hand in designing some of the world's biggest games, but that rarely get to take a bow in the limelight.
Pcgamer
Jul 13, 10:50
A new Copilot feature tells you what might be slowing down your PC—while gorging itself on a fair chunk of your system RAM
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
A new Copilot feature tells you what might be slowing down your PC—while gorging itself on a fair chunk of your system RAM. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Eurogamer
Jul 13, 10:37
Palworld barges Dota 2 aside as PC player counts skyrocket following the game's 1.0 release
After a long wait, Palworld has finally hit 1.0 on PC and consoles, and while it hasn't managed to replicate its massive 2.1m concurrent player peak from early 2024, it's currently one of the most played games on Steam . Read more
More:
It's the open-world survival game's best-ever concurrent player count since it first welcomed players. Notably, Palworld's current tally puts it above one of Steam's most consistently popular games: Valve's Dota 2 . Like Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2 is a free-to-play game, whereas Palworld is a premium title, so its success - despite a paid barrier to entry - is considerable.
TL;DR:
After a long wait, Palworld has finally hit 1.0 on PC and consoles, and while it hasn't managed to replicate its massive 2.1m concurrent player peak from early 2024, it's currently one of the most played games on Steam .
Gamesindustry
Jul 13, 10:03
Alinea: Steam revenue reaches $11.1bn, marking highest half-year on record
Estimates from data firm Aliena Analytics suggest Steam generated $11.1 billion in H1 revenue , up 14.5% year-over-year, marking the platform's highest half-year revenue on record. Read more
More:
Revenue growth was driven by increased player activity in Asia, notably in China, higher prices for new releases, and the popularity of viral co-op games. "Meanwhile, the long tail launches into a market that already has more great games than anyone has time to play." Among new 2026 releases, Forza Horizon 6 leads with an estimated $197.
TL;DR:
Estimates from data firm Aliena Analytics suggest Steam generated $11.1 billion in H1 revenue , up 14.5% year-over-year, marking the platform's highest half-year revenue on record.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 13, 09:20
"An oversight we deeply regret": Games Done Quick cancel SNK-sponsored stream following backlash over studio's Saudi Arabian ownership
Games Done Quick, the speedrunning organisation behind events like Games Done Queer and the yearly Summer Games Done Quick , have cancelled a stream sponsored by Metal Slug developers SNK following backlash to the fighting game studio being majority owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. Games Done Quick apologised for the "oversight", and wrote that they "failed to conduct the level of review" they should have when deciding whether to accept the sponsorship deal. Read more
More:
Games Done Quick, the speedrunning organisation behind events like Games Done Queer and the yearly Summer Games Done Quick , have cancelled a stream sponsored by Metal Slug developers SNK following backlash to the fighting game studio being majority owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.
TL;DR:
Games Done Quick, the speedrunning organisation behind events like Games Done Queer and the yearly Summer Games Done Quick , have cancelled a stream sponsored by Metal Slug developers SNK following backlash to the fighting game studio being majority owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.
Eurogamer
Jul 13, 09:04
Despite having an offline mode, Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced was unplayable when Ubisoft Connect went down
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced might have delivered one of the biggest launches in series history , but it sadly hasn't fixed age-old issues with Ubisoft's PC ports. Over the weekend, the DRM and social-related layer of the game, Ubisoft Connect, suffered an outage, knocking the game offline on PC. Read more
More:
Despite having an offline mode, Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced was unplayable when Ubisoft Connect went down. Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced might have delivered one of the biggest launches in series history , but it sadly hasn't fixed age-old issues with Ubisoft's PC ports.
TL;DR:
Over the weekend, the DRM and social-related layer of the game, Ubisoft Connect, suffered an outage, knocking the game offline on PC.
Pcgamer
Jul 13, 05:58
A Silent Hill fan is making a PC port of Silent Hill: Downpour that restores a cut boss battle and plenty more
The rain in Maine falls mainly on the plain.
More:
A Silent Hill fan is making a PC port of Silent Hill: Downpour that restores a cut boss battle and plenty more. The rain in Maine falls mainly on the plain.
TL;DR:
The rain in Maine falls mainly on the plain.
Pcgamer
Jul 13, 00:28
Watch a new Total War: Warhammer 40,000 gameplay video and weep for your graphics card
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Watch a new Total War: Warhammer 40,000 gameplay video and weep for your graphics card. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Kotaku
Jul 12, 22:22
Phoebe Bridgers Launches Itch.io Page With An Infinite Runner
Itch.io, the indie-focused Steam alternative is generally good for hidden gems, low-poly horror, fan zines and, with a few shameful interruptions , smut .
More:
Itch.io, the indie-focused Steam alternative is generally good for hidden gems, low-poly horror, fan zines and, with a few shameful interruptions , smut . Lost Boys Game is a simple infinite runner. “Lost Boys” is Bridgers’ first release since announcing a hiatus in 2023.
TL;DR:
The indie superstar breaks her hiatus with a RuneScape inspired single and a Subway Surfers style micro game
Pcgamer
Jul 12, 22:05
Dutch consumer group suing PlayStation argues the end of physical discs just proves its point: 'Sony alone decides what a game costs and even how long you are allowed to use it'
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Sony's facing a challenge Steam is better poised to handle.
Kotaku
Jul 12, 21:21
Expensive Games Are Fueling Steam’s Most Lucrative Year Despite Players Trending Towards Older Releases
While the industry crumbles around it, the leading PC gaming portal is seeing its highest gross revenues off surprise hits, new demographics and higher priced blockbusters
More:
Expensive Games Are Fueling Steam’s Most Lucrative Year Despite Players Trending Towards Older Releases. While the industry crumbles around it, the leading PC gaming portal is seeing its highest gross revenues off surprise hits, new demographics and higher priced blockbusters
TL;DR:
While the industry crumbles around it, the leading PC gaming portal is seeing its highest gross revenues off surprise hits, new demographics and higher priced blockbusters
Kotaku
Jul 12, 20:21
Ubisoft Drops Claim That Monetization Makes Games ‘More Fun’ From Annual Report
Unclear if they can hear themselves talk, the new internal report also cautions against game development cycles taking too long
More:
Ubisoft Drops Claim That Monetization Makes Games ‘More Fun’ From Annual Report. Unclear if they can hear themselves talk, the new internal report also cautions against game development cycles taking too long
TL;DR:
Unclear if they can hear themselves talk, the new internal report also cautions against game development cycles taking too long
Pcgamer
Jul 12, 20:07
Chirstopher Nolan celebrates Backrooms' success, believes younger generations are rejecting AI: 'Their judgement of AI slop has been immediate and harsh'
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Chirstopher Nolan celebrates Backrooms' success, believes younger generations are rejecting AI: 'Their judgement of AI slop has been immediate and harsh'. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Kotaku
Jul 12, 18:47
Brazilian Courts Force Xbox To Restore Hacked Account And Pay Damages
Microsoft reportedly assigned 12 lawyers to argue over $400 and some video games
More:
Brazilian Courts Force Xbox To Restore Hacked Account And Pay Damages. Microsoft reportedly assigned 12 lawyers to argue over $400 and some video games
TL;DR:
Microsoft reportedly assigned 12 lawyers to argue over $400 and some video games
Pcgamer
Jul 12, 17:21
Elder Scrolls Online studio echoes id Software, claims to now be the same size it was 10 years ago following Xbox layoffs
As far as silver linings go, this one feels stepped-on.
More:
Elder Scrolls Online studio echoes id Software, claims to now be the same size it was 10 years ago following Xbox layoffs. As far as silver linings go, this one feels stepped-on.
TL;DR:
As far as silver linings go, this one feels stepped-on.
Kotaku
Jul 12, 17:10
Warframe Dev Calls The Sudden Death Of Destiny 2 Horrible News And Says It’s Terrifying To Not Be In Charge Of Your Own ‘Goodbye’
Warframe launched a year before Destiny 2 and kicked off what would become one of the most vibrant and consistent MMO shooters around, especially on console.
More:
Warframe launched a year before Destiny 2 and kicked off what would become one of the most vibrant and consistent MMO shooters around, especially on console. Work on a planned expansion instead shifts to a final update that leaves untold threads in the game dangling in the wind and the game itself in a state that’s far from ideal for a multiplayer shooter that will now be lock…
TL;DR:
Business realities remain an existential threat to live service art
Pcgamer
Jul 12, 17:00
We're not quite done with 2026, but here are 9 videogame bangers that have defined the year so far
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
well, the last seven months.
Pcgamer
Jul 12, 16:53
Analyst says Sony going all-in on digital is like the death of PC disc drives: 'Not a single person is complaining about it today'
"The conversation needs to shift to consumer rights and what a license should enable."
More:
Analyst says Sony going all-in on digital is like the death of PC disc drives: 'Not a single person is complaining about it today'. "The conversation needs to shift to consumer rights and what a license should enable."
TL;DR:
"The conversation needs to shift to consumer rights and what a license should enable."
Eurogamer
Jul 12, 16:24
Summer Games Done Quick 2026 raises another $2.4 million for Doctors Without Borders
Summer Games Done Quick (SGDQ) 2026 has finished up raising another $2.4 million (£1.8m) for Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières. Read more
More:
A short documentary detailing the organisation's work supporting the humanitarian crisis in Gaza was shared with attendees, which you can see below: While the speedrunners themselves joined "a week full of zany, unexpected, and joyful moments", including Bluekandy's world record-breaking run of Kirby Air Riders, a Balatro run that beat all odds, and impromptu beatboxing during…
TL;DR:
Summer Games Done Quick (SGDQ) 2026 has finished up raising another $2.4 million (£1.8m) for Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières.
Eurogamer
Jul 12, 16:03
Steam's "no questions asked" refund policy makes it "super easy for players to abuse this rule", says indie developer
An indie developer who says they have had to refund 55,000 sales allegedly due to Steam's two-hour refund policy said it "should not be possible" for players to be refunded for games they leave positive reviews for. Read more
More:
So the game was planned to launch with ~4 hours of total gameplay," Covic wrote on Twitter. "There are tons of reviews with 5+ hours and even 20+ hours but the game was also played by a lot of speedrunners and just really good gamers who made it in 1-2 hours... Got many insulting comments with 'Make a Game longer than 2 hours'.
TL;DR:
An indie developer who says they have had to refund 55,000 sales allegedly due to Steam's two-hour refund policy said it "should not be possible" for players to be refunded for games they leave positive reviews for.
Pcgamer
Jul 12, 16:00
2026's best RPG might look like Disco Elysium, but it was heavily inspired by Deus Ex, and its creator wants 'to do a first-person game at some point'
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
The designer of Esoteric Ebb guides us through the games on his PC.
Pcgamer
Jul 12, 15:54
League of Legends' 'classic' mode has a release date, and it isn't just an old version of the game—players will vote on new patches, Old School RuneScape-style
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
It's a blend of eras, but fan favorite builds are back.
Eurogamer
Jul 12, 15:18
God of War Laufey studio hints at 2027 release window following tweet that assures players it "will be available on disc"
We may not know the precise release date of the upcoming God of War Laufey, but a new tweet suggests we'll get it before the end of 2027. Read more
More:
God of War Laufey studio hints at 2027 release window following tweet that assures players it "will be available on disc". We may not know the precise release date of the upcoming God of War Laufey, but a new tweet suggests we'll get it before the end of 2027.
TL;DR:
We may not know the precise release date of the upcoming God of War Laufey, but a new tweet suggests we'll get it before the end of 2027.
Eurogamer
Jul 12, 14:53
Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls' single-player Episode Modes have been written by legendary writer, Kieron Gillen
Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls' single-player mode, Episode Mode, has been written by legendary comic writer and former games journalist, Kieron Gillen. Read more
More:
Episode Mode features five unique stories, "each brought to life by a different artist and following a different team as they face the looming threat of the Champion". Episode Mode is the game's primarily single-player mode, and features a unique storyline for each of the five teams, finishing up in boss battles against the Promoter and the Champion.
TL;DR:
Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls' single-player mode, Episode Mode, has been written by legendary comic writer and former games journalist, Kieron Gillen.
Kotaku
Jul 12, 14:29
Christopher Nolan Points Out That Everyone Hates AI
The Odyssey director says it's hitting at the wrong time for Hollywood
More:
Christopher Nolan Points Out That Everyone Hates AI. The Odyssey director says it's hitting at the wrong time for Hollywood
TL;DR:
The Odyssey director says it's hitting at the wrong time for Hollywood
Pcgamer
Jul 12, 13:00
Helldivers 2 dev cracks down on 'suspicious super credit activity', though it would help if earning premium currency wasn't so boring to begin with
"We're starting to implement changes that will tackle issues like this."
More:
Helldivers 2 dev cracks down on 'suspicious super credit activity', though it would help if earning premium currency wasn't so boring to begin with. "We're starting to implement changes that will tackle issues like this."
TL;DR:
"We're starting to implement changes that will tackle issues like this."
Pcgamer
Jul 12, 12:00
Tempest Rising's elusive third faction will get its own singleplayer campaign as a paid expansion, and you can play the demo right now
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
The Veti's Wrath releases "later this year".
Eurogamer
Jul 12, 09:30
The Descent - how game devs learned to love ladders
Before Xbox closed Arkane Austin , the studio had 20 design philosophies plastered on its walls. One read, succinctly, "Fuck ladders." Read more
More:
The Descent - how game devs learned to love ladders. Before Xbox closed Arkane Austin , the studio had 20 design philosophies plastered on its walls. One read, succinctly, "Fuck ladders." Read more
TL;DR:
One read, succinctly, "Fuck ladders." Read more
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 12, 09:00
The Sunday Papers
Sundays are for waking up before the sun and getting a bike ride in before the tarmac gets hot enough to cook an egg. Any sensible person would skip the bike ride altogether, but I, a nonsensical person, have agreed to a ride across the country at the end of the month and I'm currently not able to manage 40 miles a day, let alone a hundred. So, I have to get them gains. Still, should I get back home unsizzled by this heatwave sun, I can celebrate with a tarmac-fried egg and lazy perusal of some of this week's best gaming (and non-gaming) reads. Read more
More:
Sundays are for waking up before the sun and getting a bike ride in before the tarmac gets hot enough to cook an egg. Any sensible person would skip the bike ride altogether, but I, a nonsensical person, have agreed to a ride across the country at the end of the month and I'm currently not able to manage 40 miles a day, let alone a hundred.
TL;DR:
Sundays are for waking up before the sun and getting a bike ride in before the tarmac gets hot enough to cook an egg.
Pcgamer
Jul 12, 02:35
Obsidian game director is sick of hearing bad takes about the state of the studio: 'The through line from KotOR2 to our current games is pretty clear'
It's a bit early to write off a new Obsidian Fallout game because you didn't like Avowed, hey.
More:
Obsidian game director is sick of hearing bad takes about the state of the studio: 'The through line from KotOR2 to our current games is pretty clear'. It's a bit early to write off a new Obsidian Fallout game because you didn't like Avowed, hey.
TL;DR:
It's a bit early to write off a new Obsidian Fallout game because you didn't like Avowed, hey.
Eurogamer
Jul 11, 22:22
Warframe's next major update blends Blade Runner, The Sopranos, and film noir in a whole new solar system, coming later this year
Digital Extremes has wrapped up this year's Tennocon Live event with a massive reveal trailer for Warframe 's next major update: Warframe: Tau. This update brings players to a Blade Runner and Sopranos-inspired locale, and tackles themes of addiction and its dangers head-on. Read more
More:
Warframe's next major update blends Blade Runner, The Sopranos, and film noir in a whole new solar system, coming later this year. Digital Extremes has wrapped up this year's Tennocon Live event with a massive reveal trailer for Warframe 's next major update: Warframe: Tau.
TL;DR:
Digital Extremes has wrapped up this year's Tennocon Live event with a massive reveal trailer for Warframe 's next major update: Warframe: Tau.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 11, 22:21
Digital Extremes finally reveal Warframe: Tau, the sci-fi shooter's long-awaited second solar system, and it's a gruesome place indeed
Digital Extremes's venerable looty-shooty mechabody extravaganza Warframe is finally getting a full second solar system, after a warm-up flashback tour in last year's The Old Peace expansion. The developers have just screened a first look at Tau, home of the game's Sentients faction, during a presentation at Tennocon, the annual Warframe and Soulframe expo. What does Tau harbour? In brief: lots of noir theming. The first of the system's two initial areas is a ringed city, Fornax, whose occupants are plagued by corrupting rain and addicted to a substance called the Bloom. Fornax is home to Brysko, a chain-smoking, trenchcoated "Chimera Warframe" with an inner monologue reminiscent of a Raymond Chandler detective (he's actually voiced by Critical Role's Matt Mercer). Before you read on, seasoned Warframblers, please understand: I am trying to phrase all this in the language of everyday mortals. I'm sure I'm getting all sorts of lore wrong. Read more
More:
Digital Extremes finally reveal Warframe: Tau, the sci-fi shooter's long-awaited second solar system, and it's a gruesome place indeed. The developers have just screened a first look at Tau, home of the game's Sentients faction, during a presentation at Tennocon, the annual Warframe and Soulframe expo. I'm sure I'm getting all sorts of lore wrong.
TL;DR:
Digital Extremes's venerable looty-shooty mechabody extravaganza Warframe is finally getting a full second solar system, after a warm-up flashback tour in last year's The Old Peace expansion.
Eurogamer
Jul 11, 21:27
"This is our Spider-Man 3" - Soulfame's Warsong update adds "edgelord" progression path later this year
Digital Extremes has revealed a lenghty new gameplay trailer for its fantasy action game Soulframe. It's next major update - Warsong - adds a new quest. It'll also come with rideable mounts and "vegan" fishing. Read more
More:
"This is our Spider-Man 3" - Soulfame's Warsong update adds "edgelord" progression path later this year. It's next major update - Warsong - adds a new quest. It'll also come with rideable mounts and "vegan" fishing.
TL;DR:
Digital Extremes has revealed a lenghty new gameplay trailer for its fantasy action game Soulframe.
Kotaku
Jul 11, 20:38
Meta Removes Latest AI Integration On Instagram Following SAG-AFTRA Backlash
Designed to feed its new ‘Muse Image’ tool, Meta opted in users' their posts used for training material without permission
More:
This week, Meta introduced “Muse Image,” a new tool suite for Instagram and WhatsApp. After only a few days, Meta has already retracted the integration, though not the underlying AI encroachment. The option emerged overnight, asking if you’d like your posts and reels to be used by Meta AI for use elsewhere.
TL;DR:
Designed to feed its new ‘Muse Image’ tool, Meta opted in users' their posts used for training material without permission
Kotaku
Jul 11, 19:08
Xbox Responds To Racist Conspiracy Theories About Layoffs: ‘They Were Not Made To Replace Employees With Foreign Workers’
After a miserable week at the company, Microsoft's communications lead makes time to address the least legitimate criticism of its CEO
More:
Xbox Responds To Racist Conspiracy Theories About Layoffs: ‘They Were Not Made To Replace Employees With Foreign Workers’. After a miserable week at the company, Microsoft's communications lead makes time to address the least legitimate criticism of its CEO
TL;DR:
After a miserable week at the company, Microsoft's communications lead makes time to address the least legitimate criticism of its CEO
Pcgamer
Jul 11, 18:23
I've found my perfect summer game: A stomach-churning horror story about Czech train conductors built over a bafflingly deep simulation of a fictional subway
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
I've found my perfect summer game: A stomach-churning horror story about Czech train conductors built over a bafflingly deep simulation of a fictional subway. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Pcgamer
Jul 11, 17:09
Steam has raked in an estimated $11.1 billion gross revenue so far this year, says market analyst—its 'biggest-ever six months'
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Steam has raked in an estimated $11.1 billion gross revenue so far this year, says market analyst—its 'biggest-ever six months'. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. A growing percentage of all those sales is from old games, too: so far, "just 21%" of Steam's 2026 revenue has come from games that released this year, down from 29% in 2024.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Eurogamer
Jul 11, 16:01
id Software insists in new statement that it still has "the crew we need to build the games and tech we're known for"
id Software has posted a brief statement on social media, thanking players and well-wishers "for the support" and insisting that despite the recent job cuts, "we still have the crew we need to build the games." Read more
More:
id Software has posted a brief statement on social media, thanking players and well-wishers "for the support" and insisting that despite the recent job cuts, "we still have the crew we need to build the games.
TL;DR:
id Software has posted a brief statement on social media, thanking players and well-wishers "for the support" and insisting that despite the recent job cuts, "we still have the crew we need to build the games." Read more
Kotaku
Jul 11, 16:00
Obsidian Game Director Hits Back At ‘Cold Take Artists’ ‘Running Their Mouths’ About The Studio In The Wake Of Layoffs
Obsidian is reportedly still working on Avowed 2 as it spins up a new Fallout
More:
Obsidian Game Director Hits Back At ‘Cold Take Artists’ ‘Running Their Mouths’ About The Studio In The Wake Of Layoffs. Obsidian is reportedly still working on Avowed 2 as it spins up a new Fallout
TL;DR:
Obsidian is reportedly still working on Avowed 2 as it spins up a new Fallout
Pcgamer
Jul 11, 16:00
The Elder Scrolls Online's developer deserved better than to get sucker-punched by Microsoft twice in two years
$2 billion over 10 years can't save you from Xbox.
More:
The Elder Scrolls Online's developer deserved better than to get sucker-punched by Microsoft twice in two years. $2 billion over 10 years can't save you from Xbox.
TL;DR:
$2 billion over 10 years can't save you from Xbox.
Kotaku
Jul 11, 15:45
Palworld’s Massively Popular 1.0 Update Has Altered Several Designs To Make Them Less Pokémon-Like
Early access isn't the only thing that Palworld's is leaving behind in its 1.0 release, as several Pokémon -esque designs have been changed in the new update
More:
Palworld’s long-awaited version 1.0 update has finally been released today, and it contains several “large-scale overhauls,” including 72 new Pals, new locations, and an increased level cap. PALWORLD UPDATED A BUNCH OF THE PALS VERDASH IS NOW A SMOL BOI INSTEAD OF GRASS CINDERACE pic.twitter.
TL;DR:
Early access isn't the only thing that Palworld's is leaving behind in its 1.0 release, as several Pokémon -esque designs have been changed in the new update
Kotaku
Jul 11, 15:08
Former PlayStation Boss Says Sony Getting Rid Of Game Discs Makes Him ‘Kind Of Sad, As A Fan’
'I think there's probably a whole lot of financial analysis that went behind this decision'
More:
Former PlayStation Boss Says Sony Getting Rid Of Game Discs Makes Him ‘Kind Of Sad, As A Fan’. 'I think there's probably a whole lot of financial analysis that went behind this decision'
TL;DR:
'I think there's probably a whole lot of financial analysis that went behind this decision'
Eurogamer
Jul 11, 15:04
"I sued their asses and won!" Gamer wins legal battle to get hacked Xbox account back after they were told to rebuy all their digital games
Xbox has lost a legal battle in Brazil after a gamer "sued their asses and won" for suspending their account, along with all of their digital games, after it was hacked. Read more
More:
So they deleted my account, and now I need to re-purchase all my games". As a result of the suspension, the player was reportedly told they needed "to re-purchase all [their] games", even though they provided evidence that they used two-factor authentication (2FA).
TL;DR:
Xbox has lost a legal battle in Brazil after a gamer "sued their asses and won" for suspending their account, along with all of their digital games, after it was hacked.
Pcgamer
Jul 11, 15:00
Handheld gaming PCs are cooked
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Handheld gaming PCs are cooked. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Pcgamer
Jul 11, 14:00
Star Citizen's next update will switch focus to fixing its bug-riddled previous update, with bigger changes shunted to a later patch
"We're moving Siege of Orison and all instance-related content out of Alpha 4.9.0".
More:
Star Citizen's next update will switch focus to fixing its bug-riddled previous update, with bigger changes shunted to a later patch. "We're moving Siege of Orison and all instance-related content out of Alpha 4.9.0".
TL;DR:
"We're moving Siege of Orison and all instance-related content out of Alpha 4.9.0".
Pcgamer
Jul 11, 13:51
After 17 years, a developer has finally revived the dream of Hannah Montana Linux, an open source operating system themed around Hannah Montana
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
After 17 years, a developer has finally revived the dream of Hannah Montana Linux, an open source operating system themed around Hannah Montana. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Eurogamer
Jul 11, 13:33
Obsidian game director reacts to people "spouting off" about the studio and how it's not what it "used to be"
A director at Obsidian Entertainment has shared their thoughts about the "extremely difficult week" at the studio, stressing how hard it's been to see "a bunch of cold take artists coming out of the woodwork" and "spouting off" about "what Obsidian is or what it isn't". Read more
More:
Brandon Adler, who's currently directing an unannounced game at Obsidian, jumped onto LinkedIn to talk about how hard it was to "say goodbye to some amazing developers" and "some of my best friends", particularly when people without inside knowledge "spread an enormous amount of misinformation".
TL;DR:
A director at Obsidian Entertainment has shared their thoughts about the "extremely difficult week" at the studio, stressing how hard it's been to see "a bunch of cold take artists coming out of the woodwork" and "spouting off" about "what Obsidian is or what it isn't".
Pcgamer
Jul 11, 13:00
Mortal Shell 2 is the latest game to join the Grand Theft Auto 6 release crush, but I don't think it has much to worry about because it looks sick as hell
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Cold Symmetry's soulslike releases in August.
Eurogamer
Jul 11, 09:30
As Criterion rebrands on its 30th anniversary, are its beloved racing franchises like Burnout falling away in the rearview mirror?
Criterion, a legendary UK development studio, is going through something of a re-brand. Its legacy is built upon a foundation of classics, Burnout Paradise and Star Wars: Battlefront to name but a few. However these days, it now finds itself one of many Battlefield Studios , a collective of separate studios all collaborating on EA's premier military shooter. Read more
More:
As Criterion rebrands on its 30th anniversary, are its beloved racing franchises like Burnout falling away in the rearview mirror?. Its legacy is built upon a foundation of classics, Burnout Paradise and Star Wars: Battlefront to name but a few.
TL;DR:
Criterion, a legendary UK development studio, is going through something of a re-brand.
Eurogamer
Jul 11, 07:00
What we've been playing - "I can't sit and do nothing other than melt into my sofa"
Hello and welcome back to our regular feature where we write a little about the games we've been playing. This week, everyone's hot again. Nice of you to notice, Bertie. Kelsey's getting into embroidery with Silksong providing artistic inspiration; Bertie's banging on about the time system in The Blood of Dawnwalker; Marie's got a crush on Death; and Matt thinks he's found an ingenious bit of fourth-wall breaking in a game. Read more
More:
What we've been playing - "I can't sit and do nothing other than melt into my sofa". This week, everyone's hot again. Kelsey's getting into embroidery with Silksong providing artistic inspiration; Bertie's banging on about the time system in The Blood of Dawnwalker; Marie's got a crush on Death; and Matt thinks he's found an ingenious bit of fourth-wall breaking in a game.
TL;DR:
Hello and welcome back to our regular feature where we write a little about the games we've been playing.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 11, 07:00
What are we all playing this weekend?
Another horrendously hot Saturday, another wedding to go to. I am all in favour of love, but could we please reschedule it to a cooler day in the year? Mercifully this one's a London wedding and it can be reached and returned from on the tube. Though travelling on a hot carriage and not arriving looking like a boiled saveloy pressed into a too-small suit will be a challenge. Read more
More:
I am all in favour of love, but could we please reschedule it to a cooler day in the year? Mercifully this one's a London wedding and it can be reached and returned from on the tube. Though travelling on a hot carriage and not arriving looking like a boiled saveloy pressed into a too-small suit will be a challenge.
TL;DR:
Another horrendously hot Saturday, another wedding to go to.
Bbc
Jul 11, 00:08
Is the Assassin's Creed Black Flag remake worth the 13 year wait?
The BBC's Tom Gerken plays the much-anticipated pirate game which has been remade from the ground up.
More:
Is the Assassin's Creed Black Flag remake worth the 13 year wait?. The BBC's Tom Gerken plays the much-anticipated pirate game which has been remade from the ground up.
TL;DR:
The BBC's Tom Gerken plays the much-anticipated pirate game which has been remade from the ground up.
Pcgamer
Jul 10, 23:33
Matthew Ball was hired to help fix Xbox. Will gamers like what he prescribes?
Xbox's new chief strategist is a metaverse true believer.
More:
Matthew Ball was hired to help fix Xbox. Will gamers like what he prescribes?. Xbox's new chief strategist is a metaverse true believer.
TL;DR:
Xbox's new chief strategist is a metaverse true believer.
Pcgamer
Jul 10, 23:05
'Surprised there was anyone left to post this': Fans react as The Elder Scrolls Online debuts seasonal content days after hundreds laid off from studio
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
'Surprised there was anyone left to post this': Fans react as The Elder Scrolls Online debuts seasonal content days after hundreds laid off from studio. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Pcgamer
Jul 10, 22:10
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced sells 2 million copies in 1 day and achieves the 'highest concurrent player count ever recorded for an Assassin's Creed title' on Steam
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team. Shadows also costs $10 more than Black Flag Resynced.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Kotaku
Jul 10, 22:01
Rhotta The Hutt Is Ready To Be The Hottest Halloween Costume Of The Year
Everyone, please stop calling me Jabba the Hutt, okay? I spent like $80 on this thing
More:
Rhotta The Hutt Is Ready To Be The Hottest Halloween Costume Of The Year. Everyone, please stop calling me Jabba the Hutt, okay? I spent like $80 on this thing
TL;DR:
Everyone, please stop calling me Jabba the Hutt, okay?
Kotaku
Jul 10, 22:01
Rotta The Hutt Is Ready To Be The Hottest Halloween Costume Of The Year
Everyone, please stop calling me Jabba the Hutt, okay? I spent like $80 on this thing
More:
Rotta The Hutt Is Ready To Be The Hottest Halloween Costume Of The Year. Everyone, please stop calling me Jabba the Hutt, okay? I spent like $80 on this thing
TL;DR:
Everyone, please stop calling me Jabba the Hutt, okay?
Pcgamer
Jul 10, 21:57
How to get hardwood in Palworld
A requirement for crafting High Quality Wooden Boards.
More:
How to get hardwood in Palworld. A requirement for crafting High Quality Wooden Boards.
TL;DR:
A requirement for crafting High Quality Wooden Boards.
Kotaku
Jul 10, 21:26
‘Gay As A Service’ Game Bundle Impossible To Find On Steam Because ‘Compliance-In-Advance Is Never Enough To Appease A Zealous Censor’
"Valve loves it when Cyberpunk 2077 and Baldur's Gate 3 throw customizable genitals at you in the first five minutes, but of course I can't, because I actually have something to say about genitals!"
More:
Indie game dev Robert Yang has a novel approach to re-releasing remastered versions of his queer experimental games . Eager to avoid a scenario in which payment processors might yank their services, Steam implements an overly broad content review process that hides Yang’s games from the majority of Steam’s users.
TL;DR:
"Valve loves it when Cyberpunk 2077 and Baldur's Gate 3 throw customizable genitals at you in the first five minutes, but of course I can't, because I actually have something to say about genitals!"
Kotaku
Jul 10, 21:00
Ubisoft Says Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced Is The ‘Full, Complete Experience’ As Negative Steam Reviews Pile Up Over Microtransactions
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced is getting great reviews from critics and has already sold 2 million copies. But not everyone is raving on Steam.
More:
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced is getting great reviews from critics and has already sold 2 million copies. But not everyone is raving on Steam. Some negative player reviews have flooded in over the Ubisoft remake’s long list of microtransactions.
TL;DR:
The publisher claims content is not locked behind the paid add-ons
Pcgamer
Jul 10, 20:38
Microsoft responds to racist Xbox layoff conspiracy theory, says CEO Asha Sharma is 'American born, raised, and educated'
There are a lot of good reasons to criticize the people responsible for Xbox layoffs, but racism isn't one of them.
More:
Microsoft responds to racist Xbox layoff conspiracy theory, says CEO Asha Sharma is 'American born, raised, and educated'. There are a lot of good reasons to criticize the people responsible for Xbox layoffs, but racism isn't one of them.
TL;DR:
There are a lot of good reasons to criticize the people responsible for Xbox layoffs, but racism isn't one of them.
Kotaku
Jul 10, 20:29
God Of War Laufey Promises Physical Disc Version, All But Confirming 2027 Launch
The action game doesn't currently have a release date
More:
God Of War Laufey Promises Physical Disc Version, All But Confirming 2027 Launch. The action game doesn't currently have a release date
TL;DR:
The action game doesn't currently have a release date
Kotaku
Jul 10, 19:57
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced Unit Sales Figures Are The First Ubisoft Has Released In Many Years
Assassin's Creed Assassin's Creed Black Flag Assassin's Creed Black Flag: Resynced Ubisoft Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced (a title with 0 colons in it anywhere, apparently) has only been out fo…
More:
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced Unit Sales Figures Are The First Ubisoft Has Released In Many Years. Seems like folks like this game, and want to play it! By July 2025, the game had surpassed five million players, but that includes people subscribed to Ubisoft+ Premium, so this doesn’t actually tell us how many people bought it.
TL;DR:
Assassin's Creed Assassin's Creed Black Flag Assassin's Creed Black Flag: Resynced Ubisoft Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced (a title with 0 colons in it anywhere, apparently) has only been out for a day, and it’s already sold two million copies.
Pcgamer
Jul 10, 19:53
Palworld revises some of its most egregious creature designs for its 1.0 release
Some of Pocketpair's Pals now bear a bit less resemblance to their Pokémon predecessors.
More:
Palworld revises some of its most egregious creature designs for its 1.0 release. Some of Pocketpair's Pals now bear a bit less resemblance to their Pokémon predecessors.
TL;DR:
Some of Pocketpair's Pals now bear a bit less resemblance to their Pokémon predecessors.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 10, 18:55
Guide a living landship through a deadly fungal world in Trailblazers, a roguelite colony sim inspired by Rimworld, Moebius, and Darkest Dungeon
If you are fond of Nausicaa, Moebius , Andrei Tarkovski, Jeff Vandermeer, Rimworld , FTL: Faster Than Light , fungus, coral, and furiously bright colours in general, you may wish to take an interest in Trailblazers: Into The March - a roguelite colony sim in which you guide a crustaceous landship through a ravishing wilderness. Amongst other things, it is a game in which your vessel's chief fuel source is also a lifeform that has to be kept happy, if you don't want your valiant expedition to end in a cloud of cordyceps spores. Read more
More:
Guide a living landship through a deadly fungal world in Trailblazers, a roguelite colony sim inspired by Rimworld, Moebius, and Darkest Dungeon. If you are fond of Nausicaa, Moebius , Andrei Tarkovski, Jeff Vandermeer, Rimworld , FTL: Faster Than Light , fungus, coral, and furiously bright colours in general, you may wish to take an interest in Trailblazers: Into The March -…
TL;DR:
Amongst other things, it is a game in which your vessel's chief fuel source is also a lifeform that has to be kept happy, if you don't want your valiant expedition to end in a cloud of cordyceps spores.
Pcgamer
Jul 10, 18:50
id Software provides proof of life, says it 'still has the crew we need to build the games and tech we're known for' after massive layoffs
"The team today is about the same size we were when making DOOM (2016)."
More:
id Software provides proof of life, says it 'still has the crew we need to build the games and tech we're known for' after massive layoffs. "The team today is about the same size we were when making DOOM (2016)."
TL;DR:
"The team today is about the same size we were when making DOOM (2016)."
Kotaku
Jul 10, 18:30
12 Great Nintendo Switch Games To Play On A Summer Beach Vacation
Dock yourself in a beach chair and enjoy a video game or two
More:
12 Great Nintendo Switch Games To Play On A Summer Beach Vacation. Dock yourself in a beach chair and enjoy a video game or two
TL;DR:
Dock yourself in a beach chair and enjoy a video game or two
Gamesindustry
Jul 10, 18:24
Id claims it has "the crew we need to build the games and tech we're known for" following mass layoffs
A social post from the account of id Software has stated that the studio still has "the crew we need to build the games and tech we're known for" after dramatic staff cuts across the Xbox portfolio lead to claims that the firm would no longer maintain the idtech engine used to create Doom, Wolfenstein and the recent Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Read more
More:
The post on X, which contains no attribution, says that "the team today is about the same size we were when making DOOM (2016)". The team today is about the same size we were when making DOOM (2016). We have always had a flat studio where everyone is a maker, and we will remain true to that philosophy moving forward.
TL;DR:
A social post from the account of id Software has stated that the studio still has "the crew we need to build the games and tech we're known for" after dramatic staff cuts across the Xbox portfolio lead to claims that the firm would no longer maintain the idtech engine used to create Doom, Wolfenstein and the recent Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.
Kotaku
Jul 10, 18:01
Doom Maker id Software Pushes Back Against Concerns About Its Future: ‘We Still Have The Crew We Need To Build The Games And Tech We’re Known For’
id Software was one of the Xbox studios ravaged by layoffs this week amid broader cuts at Microsoft. WARN filings with the state of Texas indicated over 90 people were cut from the studio behind Doom…
More:
id Software was one of the Xbox studios ravaged by layoffs this week amid broader cuts at Microsoft. But despite concerns from impacted employees that id Software will not be able to carry on as it once did, the studio itself maintains that it will still be able to deliver the unique, high-quality games it’s known for.
TL;DR:
The studio just shipped an expansion for Doom: The Dark Ages
Kotaku
Jul 10, 17:31
EU Can’t Force Sony To Keep Making Physical Games, Says Consumer Rights Commissioner
The European Union won't stop the all-digital future that video game fans are facing
More:
EU Can’t Force Sony To Keep Making Physical Games, Says Consumer Rights Commissioner. The European Union won't stop the all-digital future that video game fans are facing
TL;DR:
The European Union won't stop the all-digital future that video game fans are facing
Pcgamer
Jul 10, 17:08
Indie dev defends criticism of Steam refund abuse amid review bombing of his game: 'It's wrong to refund a game after having fun with it and completing it'
Mateo Covic said his 'rage game' is actually doing quite well on Steam, and its refund rate is normal—but that wasn't his point.
More:
Indie dev defends criticism of Steam refund abuse amid review bombing of his game: 'It's wrong to refund a game after having fun with it and completing it'. Mateo Covic said his 'rage game' is actually doing quite well on Steam, and its refund rate is normal—but that wasn't his point.
TL;DR:
Mateo Covic said his 'rage game' is actually doing quite well on Steam, and its refund rate is normal—but that wasn't his point.
Eurogamer
Jul 10, 16:50
"Just too gay" - designer Robert Yang is battling censorship to launch a collection of his award-winning games on Steam and Itch, and it's completely free
Robert Yang, the award-winning designer behind the likes of The Tearoom and Rinse and Repeat, is battling increasingly restrictive rules adopted by digital storefronts to launch an "ongoing re-remaster" compilation of his short experimental games. It's called Radiator Forever and is available now for free - although it might take a bit of hunting to find it. Read more
More:
Robert Yang, the award-winning designer behind the likes of The Tearoom and Rinse and Repeat, is battling increasingly restrictive rules adopted by digital storefronts to launch an "ongoing re-remaster" compilation of his short experimental games. It's called Radiator Forever and is available now for free - although it might take a bit of hunting to find it.
TL;DR:
Robert Yang, the award-winning designer behind the likes of The Tearoom and Rinse and Repeat, is battling increasingly restrictive rules adopted by digital storefronts to launch an "ongoing re-remaster" compilation of his short experimental games.
Pcgamer
Jul 10, 16:20
Meta says its working on 'multiple next-generation headsets' despite the struggles of VR and the heat death of the metaverse
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Meta says its working on 'multiple next-generation headsets' despite the struggles of VR and the heat death of the metaverse. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Pcgamer
Jul 10, 16:20
Multiple motherboard and PC component makers move forward with Chinese-made memory validation
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Multiple motherboard and PC component makers move forward with Chinese-made memory validation. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Kotaku
Jul 10, 16:20
The Water In This 2002 Surfing Game Is Blowing People’s Minds
Gnarly water Kelly Slater, most excellent dude
More:
The Water In This 2002 Surfing Game Is Blowing People’s Minds. Gnarly water Kelly Slater, most excellent dude
TL;DR:
Gnarly water Kelly Slater, most excellent dude
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 10, 15:57
Rockstar have stayed mum on GTA 6 multiplayer, but they might be hedging their bets with a new GTA Online heist that boasts a "unique new level of replayability"
Multiplayer crime sandbox and massive money sink GTA Online is getting its first new heist mission in a little while next week, with balaclavas set to be donned on July 14th. The target of this shady op's is the art gallery dubbed the Kortz Center, which you might remember as the setting for that one Merryweather-battling mission with Michael and Trevor in GTA 5 's main story. Read more
More:
Rockstar have stayed mum on GTA 6 multiplayer, but they might be hedging their bets with a new GTA Online heist that boasts a "unique new level of replayability". Multiplayer crime sandbox and massive money sink GTA Online is getting its first new heist mission in a little while next week, with balaclavas set to be donned on July 14th.
TL;DR:
Multiplayer crime sandbox and massive money sink GTA Online is getting its first new heist mission in a little while next week, with balaclavas set to be donned on July 14th.
Pcgamer
Jul 10, 15:56
'Valve isn't interested in a nuanced conversation' says indie dev suffering from Steam censorship
"Valve loves it when Cyberpunk 2077 and Baldur's Gate 3 throw customizable genitals at you in the first five minutes, but of course I can't."
More:
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
"Valve loves it when Cyberpunk 2077 and Baldur's Gate 3 throw customizable genitals at you in the first five minutes, but of course I can't."
Eurogamer
Jul 10, 15:52
As Xbox and PlayStation flounder, Steam is reportedly having another record year
Valve's PC storefront Steam continues to go from strength to strength. In the first half of 2026, it recorded its highest-ever results, generating an enormous $11.1bn in revenue, which is more than it made during the game-heavy end of last year, and considerably more than it made during the first half of 2025. Read more
More:
As Xbox and PlayStation flounder, Steam is reportedly having another record year. Valve's PC storefront Steam continues to go from strength to strength. In the first half of 2026, it recorded its highest-ever results, generating an enormous $11.
TL;DR:
Valve's PC storefront Steam continues to go from strength to strength.
Pcgamer
Jul 10, 15:44
Asus ZenBook A16 review
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. Find out more about how we evaluate games and hardware.
TL;DR:
The latest Snapdragon chip in a thin and light shell.
Pcgamer
Jul 10, 15:18
'Finally a card I can afford': Nvidia announces GeForce-themed trading cards, which are free but you'll need to travel or get lucky to win some for yourself
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team. The good news here, though, is that you don't have to pay anything to get your hands on the cards.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Kotaku
Jul 10, 15:05
I Spent Two Weeks Testing 25+ Games On The Steam Machine And Here’s My Verdict
How does Valve's $1,000 console-like PC compare to a PS5 Pro out of the box?
More:
I Spent Two Weeks Testing 25+ Games On The Steam Machine And Here’s My Verdict. How does Valve's $1,000 console-like PC compare to a PS5 Pro out of the box?
TL;DR:
How does Valve's $1,000 console-like PC compare to a PS5 Pro out of the box?
Pcgamer
Jul 10, 15:04
What memory crisis? 79% of PC Gamer readers are rocking 32 GB or more RAM in their gaming rigs
Sadly that does also mean 21% are on 16 GB or less, with upgrades only getting more expensive.
More:
What memory crisis? 79% of PC Gamer readers are rocking 32 GB or more RAM in their gaming rigs. Sadly that does also mean 21% are on 16 GB or less, with upgrades only getting more expensive.
TL;DR:
Sadly that does also mean 21% are on 16 GB or less, with upgrades only getting more expensive.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 10, 14:33
"Compliance-in-advance is never enough to appease a zealous censor": Robert Yang on the current challenge of bringing experimental gay games to Steam
Radiator Forever, an "ongoing re-remaster/re-re-release" collection of developer Robert Yang's short and experimental gay games has arrived on Steam, giving it a new home alongside Itch.io. In a blog post about the release, Yang has outlined the complex situation facing adult game creators at the moment, with the likes of last year's business with payment processors and online-focused UK laws are making it a lot tougher for games like Radiator Forever to exist on the most prevalent PC platforms. Read more
More:
Radiator Forever, an "ongoing re-remaster/re-re-release" collection of developer Robert Yang's short and experimental gay games has arrived on Steam, giving it a new home alongside Itch.io. In a blog post about the release, Yang has outlined the complex situation facing adult game creators at the moment, with the likes of last year's business with payment processors and online…
TL;DR:
Radiator Forever, an "ongoing re-remaster/re-re-release" collection of developer Robert Yang's short and experimental gay games has arrived on Steam, giving it a new home alongside Itch.io.
Pcgamer
Jul 10, 14:11
E-Ink faceplates for the Steam Machine are coming, but not from Valve
I am going to put the filthiest fanfiction on this thing.
More:
E-Ink faceplates for the Steam Machine are coming, but not from Valve. I am going to put the filthiest fanfiction on this thing.
TL;DR:
I am going to put the filthiest fanfiction on this thing.
Eurogamer
Jul 10, 14:08
Xbox needs to make a choice, says former PlayStation leader Shawn Layden: be a publisher or a platform, but you can't be both
Few people know more about helping run a successful console business than Shawn Layden. He was there at Sony when the PlayStation dream was first dreamt , and over the course of three decades he helped realise it and shape it. He was there for PlayStation 1, 2, 3, and 4. He helped lead the Japanese side of the business, the American side of the business, the European side of the business. By the time he left in 2019, Layden was overseeing the company's 13-strong roster of first-party studios. He knew the console business inside out. Read more
More:
Xbox needs to make a choice, says former PlayStation leader Shawn Layden: be a publisher or a platform, but you can't be both. He was there at Sony when the PlayStation dream was first dreamt , and over the course of three decades he helped realise it and shape it.
TL;DR:
Few people know more about helping run a successful console business than Shawn Layden.
Kotaku
Jul 10, 14:03
PlayStation ‘No Disc, No Buy’ Boycott Immediately Splinters In The Face Of Black Ops Ports
Sony finally posted something without getting ratio'd
More:
PlayStation ‘No Disc, No Buy’ Boycott Immediately Splinters In The Face Of Black Ops Ports. Sony finally posted something without getting ratio'd
TL;DR:
Sony finally posted something without getting ratio'd
Eurogamer
Jul 10, 13:52
"We mean business" - Bethesda union members to march in protest of sweeping Xbox job cuts
Bethesda Game Studios union workers have announced plans to protest the recent mass layoffs impacting Microsoft's Xbox division, telling members, "The company wants us to accept this as a done deal and quietly disappear. We won't let that happen." Read more
More:
Bethesda Game Studios union workers have announced plans to protest the recent mass layoffs impacting Microsoft's Xbox division, telling members, "The company wants us to accept this as a done deal and quietly disappear. We won't let that happen." Read more
TL;DR:
Bethesda Game Studios union workers have announced plans to protest the recent mass layoffs impacting Microsoft's Xbox division, telling members, "The company wants us to accept this as a done deal and quietly disappear.
Gamesindustry
Jul 10, 13:49
Can a top-down, focused software strategy save Xbox? | Opinion
When Asha Sharma passed the 100-day mark at the helm of Xbox last month, the consensus assessment was cautiously positive – but as I wrote at the time, Sharma's role so far had mostly been crowd-pleasing positioning statements, and the genuinely hard choices would need to be made soon . Read more
More:
Xbox cut 1,600 jobs on Monday, with another 1,600 planned to go by the end of the year, representing fully 20% of the Xbox organisation . The damaged, stumbling Xbox business must be put back on a growth path. At the same time, the Xbox division needs to get its spending under control and start delivering some return on the gigantic investment it has received in recent years.
TL;DR:
When Asha Sharma passed the 100-day mark at the helm of Xbox last month, the consensus assessment was cautiously positive – but as I wrote at the time, Sharma's role so far had mostly been crowd-pleasing positioning statements, and the genuinely hard choices would need to be made soon .
Gamesindustry
Jul 10, 13:22
"They want us to accept this as a done deal and quietly disappear" – Bethesda union members organise protest in response to Xbox layoffs
Union members at Bethesda Game Studios will strike next week in response to mass layoffs at Xbox . OneBGS plans to hold marches outside the company’s studios in Montreal, Rockville, Austin, and Texas…
More:
OneBGS plans to hold marches outside the company’s studios in Montreal, Rockville, Austin, and Texas, according to an email from the OneBGS Mobilising Committee (via Game Developer ). This includes 96 at Id Software, 40 remote workers at BGS Dallas, 22 at BGS Austin, 213 at ZeniMax Online Studios in Maryland, and 166 at ZeniMax Media.
TL;DR:
Union members at Bethesda Game Studios will strike next week in response to mass layoffs at Xbox .
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 10, 13:10
Hooded Horse spaceship RPG C-Beams isn't just a riff on Blade Runner - it's a "modern version" of one of my favourite childhood space sims
For many decades, sci-fi buffs have debated the exact nature of the "C-beams" mentioned by Roy Batty/Rutger Hauer in Blade Runner 's legendary "tears in rain" soliloquy. Cutter beams used in construction? Weapon systems? Fey astral phenomena? The beauty of the term is its ambiguity, perhaps. Not any more, though. Now, whenever anybody muses moist-eyedly about the replicant's parting phrase, I can say: "actually, he was referring to the forthcoming space action- RPG C-Beams from Distant Light Games and publishers Hooded Horse, which also takes heavy inspiration from one of my childhood favourite space games - Ambrosia Software's Escape Velocity." Time to die roll the trailer. Read more
More:
Hooded Horse spaceship RPG C-Beams isn't just a riff on Blade Runner - it's a "modern version" of one of my favourite childhood space sims. Cutter beams used in construction? Now, whenever anybody muses moist-eyedly about the replicant's parting phrase, I can say: "actually, he was referring to the forthcoming space action- RPG C-Beams from Distant Light Games and publishers H…
TL;DR:
For many decades, sci-fi buffs have debated the exact nature of the "C-beams" mentioned by Roy Batty/Rutger Hauer in Blade Runner 's legendary "tears in rain" soliloquy.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 10, 11:55
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced's standard edition is "is the full, complete experience", Ubisoft insist in response to Steam DLC furore
Yarr, ye not be needin' to shell out for the more expensive editions of Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced or its day one DLCs if you want to have "the full, complete experience". So developers Ubisoft have said in response to Steam reviews giving the Black Flag remake a thumbs down because it has a bunch of purchasable extras on sale right out of port. Read more
More:
Yarr, ye not be needin' to shell out for the more expensive editions of Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced or its day one DLCs if you want to have "the full, complete experience". So developers Ubisoft have said in response to Steam reviews giving the Black Flag remake a thumbs down because it has a bunch of purchasable extras on sale right out of port.
TL;DR:
Yarr, ye not be needin' to shell out for the more expensive editions of Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced or its day one DLCs if you want to have "the full, complete experience".
Pcgamer
Jul 10, 11:55
Indie developer says Steam did them a solid by fixing their unbootable game to beat the Next Fest deadline
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
"Steam Support went way above and beyond."
Pcgamer
Jul 10, 11:39
Valve's Steam Frame launch looks imminent, with new 'Great on Frame' category spotted
Though there are only four games as of right now.
More:
Valve's Steam Frame launch looks imminent, with new 'Great on Frame' category spotted. Though there are only four games as of right now.
TL;DR:
Though there are only four games as of right now.
Kotaku
Jul 10, 11:38
Steam Will Now Tell You Which Games Run Well On A Steam Machine, And Black Flag Gets A Perfect Score
Verification information for the Steam Machine and Steam Deck at last appears for every tested game
More:
Steam Will Now Tell You Which Games Run Well On A Steam Machine, And Black Flag Gets A Perfect Score. Verification information for the Steam Machine and Steam Deck at last appears for every tested game
TL;DR:
Verification information for the Steam Machine and Steam Deck at last appears for every tested game
Pcgamer
Jul 10, 11:38
KTC 25M1 review
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. Find out more about how we evaluate games and hardware.
TL;DR:
Smooth, snappy, and surprisingly well-priced for a high refresh panel.
Eurogamer
Jul 10, 11:02
"My 'Microsoft will probably be a good steward of the brand' statement isn't aging well" - id Software co-founder John Carmack speaks out after devastating Xbox layoffs
John Carmack, the co-founder of legendary Doom and Quake developer id Software, has shared his thoughts on the reported "bloodbath" of layoffs at his former studio, following Xbox's devastating "restructuring". Read more
More:
"My 'Microsoft will probably be a good steward of the brand' statement isn't aging well" - id Software co-founder John Carmack speaks out after devastating Xbox layoffs. John Carmack, the co-founder of legendary Doom and Quake developer id Software, has shared his thoughts on the reported "bloodbath" of layoffs at his former studio, following Xbox's devastating "restructuring".
TL;DR:
John Carmack, the co-founder of legendary Doom and Quake developer id Software, has shared his thoughts on the reported "bloodbath" of layoffs at his former studio, following Xbox's devastating "restructuring".
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 10, 10:58
Id Software co-founder John Carmack "can’t muster anger or outrage" over Xbox gutting the Doom studio, but does say it'll "dampen the mood of the founder reunion"
Aw shucks. That's a bummer. I'm not angry about it, though. Surely this had to happen, just like the execs said it did. I'm paraphrasing quite facetiously, but that is the basic gist of id Software co-founder John Carmack's reaction to the studio cutting 136 workers as part of Microsoft's mass layoffs earlier this week, a devastating blow that leaves the Doom developers facing an uncertain future . Read more
More:
Aw shucks. That's a bummer. I'm not angry about it, though. Surely this had to happen, just like the execs said it did. I'm paraphrasing quite facetiously, but that is the basic gist of id Software co-founder John Carmack's reaction to the studio cutting 136 workers as part of Microsoft's mass layoffs earlier this week, a devastating blow that leaves the Doom developers facing…
TL;DR:
I'm paraphrasing quite facetiously, but that is the basic gist of id Software co-founder John Carmack's reaction to the studio cutting 136 workers as part of Microsoft's mass layoffs earlier this week, a devastating blow that leaves the Doom developers facing an uncertain future .
Pcgamer
Jul 10, 10:52
Bethesda union staff to march outside studios over Xbox layoffs: 'The company wants us to accept this as a done deal and quietly disappear'
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
"We need to show management right now that we mean business."
Theguardian
Jul 10, 10:28
Pokémon Go fans gather in Times Square to celebrate 10 years of game – video
Pokémon Go celebrated its 10th anniversary with a Times Square takeover in New York featuring a special event to defeat the Pokémon species Mewtwo. Nearly 2,000 people played the game together simultaneously in what organisers called one of the largest in-person Pokémon battles in history Continue reading...
More:
Pokémon Go celebrated its 10th anniversary with a Times Square takeover in New York featuring a special event to defeat the Pokémon species Mewtwo. Nearly 2,000 people played the game together simultaneously in what organisers called one of the largest in-person Pokémon battles in history Continue reading...
TL;DR:
Pokémon Go celebrated its 10th anniversary with a Times Square takeover in New York featuring a special event to defeat the Pokémon species Mewtwo.
Pcgamer
Jul 10, 10:27
AMD Zen 6 server CPUs are launching this month, which has me hopeful for a desktop release this year
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
AMD Zen 6 server CPUs are launching this month, which has me hopeful for a desktop release this year. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 10, 10:26
Steam Machine Verified medals appear on games' store pages overnight, as if left by the Compatibility Fairy
We’ve known for ages that the Steam Machine has a similar game compatibility rating system to the Steam Deck , wherein Valve tests games and slaps them with a Verified, Playable, or Unsupported sticker depending on how much they play technical ball. For the first fortnight and change of the Machine’s release, though, the results of these tests haven’t been visible – alongside the Deck verification info – on those games’ Steam store pages. Read more
More:
We’ve known for ages that the Steam Machine has a similar game compatibility rating system to the Steam Deck , wherein Valve tests games and slaps them with a Verified, Playable, or Unsupported sticker depending on how much they play technical ball.
TL;DR:
We’ve known for ages that the Steam Machine has a similar game compatibility rating system to the Steam Deck , wherein Valve tests games and slaps them with a Verified, Playable, or Unsupported sticker depending on how much they play technical ball.
Gamesindustry
Jul 10, 09:58
Enginefall developer Red Rover Interactive to cut workforce by 22 roles
Red Rover Interactive plans to lay off 22 employees, and has delayed the release of its debut title Enginefall to 2027. Read more
More:
CEO Fred Richardson stated the extended development schedule for Enginefall requires a reduction in employees. Enginefall participated in this year's Steam Next Fest, engaging over 200,000 players. At launch, the company secured approximately $5 million in seed funding, led by Behold Ventures and The Games Fund.
TL;DR:
Red Rover Interactive plans to lay off 22 employees, and has delayed the release of its debut title Enginefall to 2027.
Eurogamer
Jul 10, 09:54
"It was like being back in 2016" Pokémon Go celebrates 10th anniversary by recreating the original trailer's Times Square Mewtwo raid
Last night Pokémon Go celebrated its 10th anniversary by fulfilling the final promise of the game's original trailer : giving players the chance to battle Mewtwo in Times Square. Read more
More:
Even before the event began, there were already rumours that Mewtwo's appearance might be the surprise Scopely Explore - the developer and publisher of Pokémon Go, formally called Niantic Labs - had been promising attendees. (The legendary Pokémon was even removed from the PokéStops!
TL;DR:
Last night Pokémon Go celebrated its 10th anniversary by fulfilling the final promise of the game's original trailer : giving players the chance to battle Mewtwo in Times Square.
Eurogamer
Jul 10, 09:26
"No thanks!" - Assassin's Creed Black Flag remake Resynced being review bombed on Steam for single-player microtransactions
The remake of Assassin's Creed Black Flag, Resynced, is off to a flying start. Before it even launched, the game was already on track to out-perform,Assassin's Creed Shadows, pulling in "roughly $14m in gross revenue" for publisher Ubisoft. Not bad! Read more
More:
"No thanks!" - Assassin's Creed Black Flag remake Resynced being review bombed on Steam for single-player microtransactions. The remake of Assassin's Creed Black Flag, Resynced, is off to a flying start. Before it even launched, the game was already on track to out-perform,Assassin's Creed Shadows, pulling in "roughly $14m in gross revenue" for publisher Ubisoft.
TL;DR:
The remake of Assassin's Creed Black Flag, Resynced, is off to a flying start.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 10, 09:18
"We are the best allies to game devs": Skyrim modder shows solidarity with laid off Bethesda workers by draping union logos across Tamriel
You've heard about Microsoft's mass layoffs by now. The last few days have been filled with stories of how these cuts are affecting different studios both still and formerly owned by Xbox, with even Elder Scrolls 6 developers Bethesda not being spared , regardless of that series being one their corporate overlords are determined to squeeze more out of going forwards. Thankfully, those overlords are reciving some pushback, with unionised Bethesda staff planning protest rallies and a modder using their talents to offer players a way of showing solidarity. Read more
More:
"We are the best allies to game devs": Skyrim modder shows solidarity with laid off Bethesda workers by draping union logos across Tamriel. The last few days have been filled with stories of how these cuts are affecting different studios both still and formerly owned by Xbox, with even Elder Scrolls 6 developers Bethesda not being spared , regardless of that series being one t…
TL;DR:
You've heard about Microsoft's mass layoffs by now.
Eurogamer
Jul 10, 09:12
Xbox leader Asha Sharma has joined a US government task force for employment, days after announcing restructuring that has left thousands of people without jobs
After spearheading a restructuring of Xbox that resulted in 3200 job losses , Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has been asked to be an advisor to the US Federal Reserve for Productivity and Jobs, where she will seemingly lead a task force related to, ironically, employment. Read more
More:
She will join the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve -the body charged with the implementation of United States monetary policy -as part of a group formed to improve the efficiency of the Federal Reserve's operations. One of her duties is to assess the impact of AI on the workforce. Thanks to PC Gamer for some of this context.
TL;DR:
After spearheading a restructuring of Xbox that resulted in 3200 job losses , Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has been asked to be an advisor to the US Federal Reserve for Productivity and Jobs, where she will seemingly lead a task force related to, ironically, employment.
Gamesindustry
Jul 10, 08:43
Asha Sharma to co-lead US Federal Reserve's Productivity and Jobs task force
The United States Federal Reserve has appointed Xbox CEO Asha Sharma to co-lead its Productivity and Jobs task force. Read more
More:
Studios affected by the cuts include ZeniMax Online Studios, Id Software, Bethesda Game Studios, and Obsidian. "These changes are about a bigger future for Xbox, not a smaller one," said Sharma.
TL;DR:
The United States Federal Reserve has appointed Xbox CEO Asha Sharma to co-lead its Productivity and Jobs task force.
Gamesindustry
Jul 10, 08:00
Why two games media veterans think a "classic old-school style multi-format video games website" will flourish in 2026
Times are bleak in the games industry, and they're no less challenging in the media that covers it. Twenty years ago there were dozens of print magazines and hundreds of games websites pumping out daily news, previews and reviews. Those numbers have declined steeply over the following years, and while the pandemic drove a brief spike in audiences and revenues that mirrored that of the wider games market – prompting a short-lived and ill-fated round of consolidation – the media landscape is now dominated by a small number of behemoths, with video influencers increasingly dominating conversation and marketing plans. Read more
More:
Why two games media veterans think a "classic old-school style multi-format video games website" will flourish in 2026. Twenty years ago there were dozens of print magazines and hundreds of games websites pumping out daily news, previews and reviews.
TL;DR:
Times are bleak in the games industry, and they're no less challenging in the media that covers it.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 10, 03:00
After years of Nintendo lawsuits and many millions of sales, Pokémon baiter Palworld is out in 1.0 today
Creature-catching game Palworld - the cheerfully macabre survival game that came out of nowhere in 2024 and has sold 40 million copies despite being roundly berated and, indeed, taken to court by Uncle Nintendo for riffing rather flagrantly on Pokémon - launches out of early access today. It's been a journey! Let us sit upon the ground and tell sad stories of the industrial exploitation of Kingpacas. Read more
More:
Creature-catching game Palworld - the cheerfully macabre survival game that came out of nowhere in 2024 and has sold 40 million copies despite being roundly berated and, indeed, taken to court by Uncle Nintendo for riffing rather flagrantly on Pokémon - launches out of early access today. It's been a journey!
TL;DR:
Creature-catching game Palworld - the cheerfully macabre survival game that came out of nowhere in 2024 and has sold 40 million copies despite being roundly berated and, indeed, taken to court by Uncle Nintendo for riffing rather flagrantly on Pokémon - launches out of early access today.
Pcgamer
Jul 9, 23:16
It's not just you: Steam is down
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
If Steam says "You've made too many requests recently," don't worry: it's not just you.
Bbc
Jul 9, 23:00
Pressure builds on Europe's biggest port to be greener
Standing on a grassy verge in the Hook of Holland, I'm overlooking the Port of Rotterdam. At the delta of the Rhine and Meuse in the Netherlands, on land largely reclaimed from the North Sea, it's th…
More:
Standing on a grassy verge in the Hook of Holland, I'm overlooking the Port of Rotterdam. At the delta of the Rhine and Meuse in the Netherlands, on land largely reclaimed from the North Sea, it's the biggest port for freight , external in Europe.
TL;DR:
A lawsuit demands that the Port of Rotterdam moves faster to cut its dependence on fossil fuel firms.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 9, 21:54
Final Fantasy 7 Ever Crisis shutting down means its Japan only, prequel phone game will remain unplayable
It was not particularly surprising to hear that Final Fantasy 7 Ever Crisis , the other remake of Final Fantasy 7 that opts for a more faithful approach to the original game (if being filled with gacha rolls counts as faithful), is ending service. Square Enix have been ceasing development on pretty much every mobile game they have out at the moment, so why would this one be any different? It's a shame, though, not just because of the fact that it'll be completely inaccessible when it goes down, but because of its inclusion of Before Crisis. Read more
More:
Final Fantasy 7 Ever Crisis shutting down means its Japan only, prequel phone game will remain unplayable. Square Enix have been ceasing development on pretty much every mobile game they have out at the moment, so why would this one be any different?
TL;DR:
It was not particularly surprising to hear that Final Fantasy 7 Ever Crisis , the other remake of Final Fantasy 7 that opts for a more faithful approach to the original game (if being filled with gacha rolls counts as faithful), is ending service.
Pcgamer
Jul 9, 21:11
US Federal Reserve taps Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, who just laid off 3,200 employees, to lead task force on jobs
The Federal Reserve says its newly-announced task forces represent a "commitment to price stability and maximum employment."
More:
US Federal Reserve taps Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, who just laid off 3,200 employees, to lead task force on jobs. The Federal Reserve says its newly-announced task forces represent a "commitment to price stability and maximum employment."
TL;DR:
The Federal Reserve says its newly-announced task forces represent a "commitment to price stability and maximum employment."
Pcgamer
Jul 9, 21:06
The only indie roguelike action RPG that rivals Hades and Diablo for me just got an incredible new expansion
Hell Clock: Cursed War has me squeezing in runs everywhere I can.
More:
The only indie roguelike action RPG that rivals Hades and Diablo for me just got an incredible new expansion. Hell Clock: Cursed War has me squeezing in runs everywhere I can.
TL;DR:
Hell Clock: Cursed War has me squeezing in runs everywhere I can.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 9, 20:43
Stardew Valley enters the third dimension thanks to this in-development mod that even comes with VR functionality
I don't need to tell you that Stardew Valley is not a 3D game, and if I do, your understanding of dimensions is unsettling to me. However, where there's a will, there's a way, as a modder has done the unthinkable by adding an extra dimension to the beloved farming sim, turning it into something else entirely. Read more
More:
Stardew Valley enters the third dimension thanks to this in-development mod that even comes with VR functionality. I don't need to tell you that Stardew Valley is not a 3D game, and if I do, your understanding of dimensions is unsettling to me.
TL;DR:
I don't need to tell you that Stardew Valley is not a 3D game, and if I do, your understanding of dimensions is unsettling to me.
Kotaku
Jul 9, 20:43
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma Joins Federal Reserve Task Force On ‘Jobs And Productivity’ Days After Announcing Mass Layoffs
The group will 'assess the economic impact of new general-purpose technologies' like AI
More:
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma Joins Federal Reserve Task Force On ‘Jobs And Productivity’ Days After Announcing Mass Layoffs. The group will 'assess the economic impact of new general-purpose technologies' like AI
TL;DR:
The group will 'assess the economic impact of new general-purpose technologies' like AI
Kotaku
Jul 9, 20:07
Call Of Duty Black Ops 1+2 Ports Arrive On PS5, Cost $40 Each, And Don’t Include DLC
Currently, PS Plus subscribers can buy both CoD s for half off, but that's still a lot for 12+-year-old games
More:
Call Of Duty Black Ops 1+2 Ports Arrive On PS5, Cost $40 Each, And Don’t Include DLC. Currently, PS Plus subscribers can buy both CoD s for half off, but that's still a lot for 12+-year-old games
TL;DR:
Currently, PS Plus subscribers can buy both CoD s for half off, but that's still a lot for 12+-year-old games
Pcgamer
Jul 9, 19:47
Destiny 2 players get a final farewell gift from Bungie
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Destiny 2 players get a final farewell gift from Bungie. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 9, 19:07
Helldivers 2 is getting a new anti-cheater policy to stop you feeling bummed out and help the in-game economy
If a game is online, there will be cheaters. This is an absolute in life, one that we'd all be better off without, but alas, not one that is always easy to get rid of. One such game that has suffered from cheating, much to the ire of its community, is Helldivers 2 . Thankfully, though, Arrowhead Game Studios look to be working to dealing with the game's cheating problem, meaning you won't have to be so bummed out by those with unreasonably high Super Credits scores. Read more
More:
Helldivers 2 is getting a new anti-cheater policy to stop you feeling bummed out and help the in-game economy. One such game that has suffered from cheating, much to the ire of its community, is Helldivers 2 .
TL;DR:
If a game is online, there will be cheaters.
Kotaku
Jul 9, 18:59
Deltarune Sneakily Added A Hidden Conversation Tying Together Three Of The Game’s Biggest Mysteries
Lost where the forest would grow, the children followed the pointed tail
More:
Deltarune Sneakily Added A Hidden Conversation Tying Together Three Of The Game’s Biggest Mysteries. Lost where the forest would grow, the children followed the pointed tail
TL;DR:
Lost where the forest would grow, the children followed the pointed tail
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 9, 18:57
Slay the Spire meets Terra Nil in The Solace of Flowers, an "eco-dystopian" deckbuilder in which you cover corrupted islands with foxgloves, bees and, er, lions
The Solace of Flowers is another tactical roguelike deckbuilder, but wait! This one's also a sweet, grid-based gardening game, awash with daffodils, foxgloves, squirrels, honeybees, and other species of plant or creature I recognise from my own allotment down the road. (Have I mentioned that I have an allotment now? I feel like I've bored some of you about it before.) You even get some lion cards, but please, don't scream - this is just developers Ceiling Games being whimsical and/or poetical. Those "lions" are actually a source of dandelion seeds, ho ho. There's also a duck card that throws away your whole hand and distributes vegetation at random: I'm picturing a mallard guzzling a bunch of blackberries and pooping everywhere. Honestly, I question the wisdom of some of the game's plant or animal characterisations, but there's no time to get picky about zoological nuance, because this is an apocalyptic world and a bunch of rancid godhands are trying to murder you. Read more
More:
Slay the Spire meets Terra Nil in The Solace of Flowers, an "eco-dystopian" deckbuilder in which you cover corrupted islands with foxgloves, bees and, er, lions. This one's also a sweet, grid-based gardening game, awash with daffodils, foxgloves, squirrels, honeybees, and other species of plant or creature I recognise from my own allotment down the road.
TL;DR:
Honestly, I question the wisdom of some of the game's plant or animal characterisations, but there's no time to get picky about zoological nuance, because this is an apocalyptic world and a bunch of rancid godhands are trying to murder you.
Pcgamer
Jul 9, 18:23
Palworld studio says delete your old mods before the 1.0 release: 'Disabling them is not enough'
Old mod data could cause real trouble with all the changes made for the big launch.
More:
Palworld studio says delete your old mods before the 1.0 release: 'Disabling them is not enough'. Old mod data could cause real trouble with all the changes made for the big launch.
TL;DR:
Old mod data could cause real trouble with all the changes made for the big launch.
Kotaku
Jul 9, 18:07
How To Quickly Find The Best Sea Shanty In Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced
'Drunken Sailor' is just waiting to be collected right at the start of the game
More:
How To Quickly Find The Best Sea Shanty In Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced. 'Drunken Sailor' is just waiting to be collected right at the start of the game
TL;DR:
'Drunken Sailor' is just waiting to be collected right at the start of the game
Pcgamer
Jul 9, 18:05
Microsoft filing shows total ZeniMax layoffs at 379, with over half coming from Elder Scrolls Online studio that's lost at least 60% of its staff in the past year
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
213 from ZeniMax Online Studios, 166 from ZeniMax Media (which includes the layoffs at Bethesda Game Studios).
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 9, 18:00
"A densely-packed open world game about death anxiety": Bad Magpie's avian mischief channels a lot of heartache
Do they sing the song, where you are from? One for sorrow, two for joy, three for a girl, four for a boy… I wouldn't put it past magpies themselves to have learned this superstitious ditty. They've got a sharp ear for the human voice, after all, and studies indicate that they can count. Perhaps they're even using the rhyme to mess with us. According to folklore, if you see one magpie, you can trill "Hello Mr Magpie, how is your lady wife" to chase away the prophesied sorrow. Being a creature of perpetual worry, I mutter this Victorian cantrip everytime I spy a pie, skidding over the road with a machine-gun cackle. Then, a second bird materialises from behind a bush, flanking me like one of her velociraptor ancestors, and I feel like I'm being trolled. "I used to do the exact same thing myself," comments Milktooth co-founder and design director Daisy Fernandez, "but it ended up becoming impractical now that I look at a magpie pretty much all day, every day." Read more
More:
"A densely-packed open world game about death anxiety": Bad Magpie's avian mischief channels a lot of heartache. One for sorrow, two for joy, three for a girl, four for a boy… I wouldn't put it past magpies themselves to have learned this superstitious ditty.
TL;DR:
"I used to do the exact same thing myself," comments Milktooth co-founder and design director Daisy Fernandez, "but it ended up becoming impractical now that I look at a magpie pretty much all day, every day." Read more
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 9, 17:05
Persona 4 Revival's take on the controversial Yosuke will apparently be "more fitting for the world we live in now"
Considering how old Persona 4 actually is, including its revamped rerelease Golden, there's a non-zero chance that it's been a good long while that any of you have played it (and for the younger readers, a plenty good chance you've not played it at all). So you might have some rose tinted goggles on when reflecting upon it, particularly concerning certain characters like Yosuke, who was written quite insensitively back in the day. But it does seem like the remake will be modernising the character, at the very least. Read more
More:
Persona 4 Revival's take on the controversial Yosuke will apparently be "more fitting for the world we live in now". So you might have some rose tinted goggles on when reflecting upon it, particularly concerning certain characters like Yosuke, who was written quite insensitively back in the day.
TL;DR:
Considering how old Persona 4 actually is, including its revamped rerelease Golden, there's a non-zero chance that it's been a good long while that any of you have played it (and for the younger readers, a plenty good chance you've not played it at all).
Eurogamer
Jul 9, 16:36
Dragon Age creator reckons the series is dead following Veilguard flop, but that doesn't mean he wouldn't have another go at it if given the chance
Following the poor commercial performance of 2024's Dragon Age: The Veilguard , Dragon Age creator David Gaider has said he believes developer BioWare's beloved fantasy RPG series is likely dead. But if some twist of fate ever meant he had the opportunity to work on a new one - despite no longer being at BioWare - he'd be interested in taking it in a "dark and dangerous" direction, and do with it "things that will make people upset". Read more
More:
Dragon Age creator reckons the series is dead following Veilguard flop, but that doesn't mean he wouldn't have another go at it if given the chance. Following the poor commercial performance of 2024's Dragon Age: The Veilguard , Dragon Age creator David Gaider has said he believes developer BioWare's beloved fantasy RPG series is likely dead.
TL;DR:
Following the poor commercial performance of 2024's Dragon Age: The Veilguard , Dragon Age creator David Gaider has said he believes developer BioWare's beloved fantasy RPG series is likely dead.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 9, 16:30
What will another Obsidian Fallout game even look like all these years on? Here's my attempt to read the radioactive tea leaves
I know. The right answer to the question in the headline is simple: whatever the developers working on it decide they want it to look like. Even though I’ve told myself that multiple times since last night’s report that the New Vegas studio have been redirected to the wasteland amid the horrible circumstances of Microsoft’s latest layoffs, I still think it’s something that’s worth any fan of Obsidian’s work pondering for themselves. Read more
More:
What will another Obsidian Fallout game even look like all these years on? Here's my attempt to read the radioactive tea leaves. Even though I’ve told myself that multiple times since last night’s report that the New Vegas studio have been redirected to the wasteland amid the horrible circumstances of Microsoft’s latest layoffs, I still think it’s something that’s worth any fa…
TL;DR:
The right answer to the question in the headline is simple: whatever the developers working on it decide they want it to look like.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 9, 16:30
Palworld PSA: you might want to uninstall your mods if you've not played in a while ahead of its 1.0 launch
Well, would you look at that. Palworld is launching into 1.0 tomorrow! Somehow an entire two years and then some passed to get to this point, but here we almost are, several updates and a notable lawsuit later. For some of you it might have been a while since you booted the game up, so its developer Pocketpair have a word of warning for you: be careful about those mods you've got installed. Read more
More:
Palworld PSA: you might want to uninstall your mods if you've not played in a while ahead of its 1.0 launch. Palworld is launching into 1.0 tomorrow! Somehow an entire two years and then some passed to get to this point, but here we almost are, several updates and a notable lawsuit later.
TL;DR:
For some of you it might have been a while since you booted the game up, so its developer Pocketpair have a word of warning for you: be careful about those mods you've got installed.
Pcgamer
Jul 9, 16:08
New IDC report claims worldwide PC shipments fell by 5% but revenue didn't, as 'vendors are pushing through price increases faster than demand is dropping'
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
New IDC report claims worldwide PC shipments fell by 5% but revenue didn't, as 'vendors are pushing through price increases faster than demand is dropping'. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Pcgamer
Jul 9, 16:00
PC ports of old console games are the new AI vibe coding battleground
With prjoects like Donkey Kong 64 Recompiled, human programmers stake a claim on the art and science of retro game recompilation.
More:
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
With prjoects like Donkey Kong 64 Recompiled, human programmers stake a claim on the art and science of retro game recompilation.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 9, 15:58
"We were already running a tight ship": Elder Scrolls 6 devs are worried about Xbox's layoffs causing even more delays to the long-awaited RPG
Reports about the specific affects Microsoft's mass layoffs are having on studios like Obsidian and id Software keep rolling out. Elder Scrolls 6 makers Bethesda are no different, with staff saying that the cuts there have not just tanked morale, but let to worry about the fantasy RPG's development endinbg up a longer and more painful process as a result. Read more
More:
"We were already running a tight ship": Elder Scrolls 6 devs are worried about Xbox's layoffs causing even more delays to the long-awaited RPG. Reports about the specific affects Microsoft's mass layoffs are having on studios like Obsidian and id Software keep rolling out.
TL;DR:
Reports about the specific affects Microsoft's mass layoffs are having on studios like Obsidian and id Software keep rolling out.
Pcgamer
Jul 9, 15:48
Palworld won't raise its price for 1.0 as 'a small way of saying thank you'
One less thing to worry about ahead of the 1.0 release.
More:
Palworld won't raise its price for 1.0 as 'a small way of saying thank you'. One less thing to worry about ahead of the 1.0 release.
TL;DR:
One less thing to worry about ahead of the 1.0 release.
Kotaku
Jul 9, 15:37
Lenovo Has Officially Ditched Its Piracy-Packed Game Boy-Like Device
The G02, pre-installed with dozens of Nintendo and Sega games, is no longer on sale
More:
Lenovo Has Officially Ditched Its Piracy-Packed Game Boy-Like Device. The G02, pre-installed with dozens of Nintendo and Sega games, is no longer on sale
TL;DR:
The G02, pre-installed with dozens of Nintendo and Sega games, is no longer on sale
Pcgamer
Jul 9, 15:34
It looks like Samsung is taking a leaf out of Nvidia's book and making a proper PC processor
If 2026 is the year of Linux, could 2027 be the year of Windows on Arm?
More:
It looks like Samsung is taking a leaf out of Nvidia's book and making a proper PC processor. If 2026 is the year of Linux, could 2027 be the year of Windows on Arm?
TL;DR:
If 2026 is the year of Linux, could 2027 be the year of Windows on Arm?
Kotaku
Jul 9, 15:10
Game-Breaking Pokémon Champions Bug Makes The Nightmare Cat Worse, Somehow
Incineroar is benefitting greatly from a newly-discovered bug in the battle simulator
More:
Game-Breaking Pokémon Champions Bug Makes The Nightmare Cat Worse, Somehow. Incineroar is benefitting greatly from a newly-discovered bug in the battle simulator
TL;DR:
Incineroar is benefitting greatly from a newly-discovered bug in the battle simulator
Eurogamer
Jul 9, 15:04
Bungie gives Destiny 2 players a final farewell gift as the game enters maintenance mode
Destiny 2 developer Bungie surprised fans earlier this week with something of a farewell gift. The developer posted a code on X that players can redeem on Bungienet to claim a free emblem. Read more
More:
Bungie gives Destiny 2 players a final farewell gift as the game enters maintenance mode. Destiny 2 developer Bungie surprised fans earlier this week with something of a farewell gift. The developer posted a code on X that players can redeem on Bungienet to claim a free emblem.
TL;DR:
Destiny 2 developer Bungie surprised fans earlier this week with something of a farewell gift.
Pcgamer
Jul 9, 14:54
Ubisoft has added a cash shop and weekly challenges to its 'faithful' remake of the 13-year-old Black Flag, because of course it has
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Well I don't remember these from 13 years ago.
Pcgamer
Jul 9, 14:01
AI data center servers predicted to glug more power than 'conventional servers' by 2027
Coming for an overtaxed electricity grid near you.
More:
AI data center servers predicted to glug more power than 'conventional servers' by 2027. Coming for an overtaxed electricity grid near you.
TL;DR:
Coming for an overtaxed electricity grid near you.
Kotaku
Jul 9, 14:00
$70 EA Sports College Football 27 Locks Single-Player Content Behind Microtransactions And Earns ‘Mostly Negative’ Rating On Steam Within 24 Hours Of Release
EA has removed features present in College Football 26 and replaced them with microtransactions for its sequel
More:
$70 EA Sports College Football 27 Locks Single-Player Content Behind Microtransactions And Earns ‘Mostly Negative’ Rating On Steam Within 24 Hours Of Release. EA has removed features present in College Football 26 and replaced them with microtransactions for its sequel
TL;DR:
EA has removed features present in College Football 26 and replaced them with microtransactions for its sequel
Pcgamer
Jul 9, 14:00
Black Flag's combat may have been a total cakewalk, but at least it had its novelty
Since when do fewer options make for better fights?
More:
Black Flag's combat may have been a total cakewalk, but at least it had its novelty. Since when do fewer options make for better fights?
TL;DR:
Since when do fewer options make for better fights?
Pcgamer
Jul 9, 13:53
Xbox layoffs have likely killed another Perfect Dark reboot from the hollowed-out id Software, as well as a John Wick-style gun fu game
It's not even clear what kind of games the newly-carved up id Software can make.
More:
Xbox layoffs have likely killed another Perfect Dark reboot from the hollowed-out id Software, as well as a John Wick-style gun fu game. It's not even clear what kind of games the newly-carved up id Software can make.
TL;DR:
It's not even clear what kind of games the newly-carved up id Software can make.
Eurogamer
Jul 9, 13:51
Games are almost always cheaper in shops, says new report, just as Sony announces an end to PlayStation discs and brings retailers' futures into question
Earlier this month, Sony announced that it's ending manufacturing of physical PlayStation discs beginning January 2028 . The shocking decision means future releases, both from Sony Interactive Entertainment and every other publisher on the planet, will only be available in digital formats. Read more
More:
Games are almost always cheaper in shops, says new report, just as Sony announces an end to PlayStation discs and brings retailers' futures into question. Earlier this month, Sony announced that it's ending manufacturing of physical PlayStation discs beginning January 2028 .
TL;DR:
Earlier this month, Sony announced that it's ending manufacturing of physical PlayStation discs beginning January 2028 .
Gamesindustry
Jul 9, 13:39
"New Zealand's success is being built by ambitious studios of all sizes" – Combined revenue of studios supported by rebate grows 17% to $829m
New Zealand's game sector continues to grow as combined studio revenue supported by its Game Development Sector Rebate (GDSR) rose 17% to $829 million in 2025/26. Read more
More:
While the number of games in development grew from 170 to 194, the decrease in overall funding was attributed to the rise in the number of studios. Small studios saw a 21% rise, and large studios grew by 10%.
TL;DR:
New Zealand's game sector continues to grow as combined studio revenue supported by its Game Development Sector Rebate (GDSR) rose 17% to $829 million in 2025/26.
Eurogamer
Jul 9, 13:33
Fallout's second season has been nominated for more Emmys, even if it's significantly fewer than last time
Season two of Amazon's live-action Fallout adaptation might have been a bit of a divisive one, but that hasn't stopped it from being showered with another bunch of nominations ahead of this year's prestigious Emmy Awards. In total, Fallout's second TV outing has made it in nine categories - a decent clutch, even if it's significantly less than the 16 nominations it got for season one. Read more
More:
Season two of Amazon's live-action Fallout adaptation might have been a bit of a divisive one, but that hasn't stopped it from being showered with another bunch of nominations ahead of this year's prestigious Emmy Awards.
TL;DR:
Season two of Amazon's live-action Fallout adaptation might have been a bit of a divisive one, but that hasn't stopped it from being showered with another bunch of nominations ahead of this year's prestigious Emmy Awards.
Eurogamer
Jul 9, 13:33
Even The Elder Scrolls 6 is affected by Xbox layoffs, say Bethesda employees, as "key" people are let go and morale bottoms out
The impact of this week's massive wave of Xbox layoffs on individual projects and teams is starting to become clear. The latest revelation comes from multiple staff at Bethesda, who have told IGN they expect a "substantial and cascading effect" on the long in-development Elder Scrolls 6 . Read more
More:
Even The Elder Scrolls 6 is affected by Xbox layoffs, say Bethesda employees, as "key" people are let go and morale bottoms out. The impact of this week's massive wave of Xbox layoffs on individual projects and teams is starting to become clear.
TL;DR:
The impact of this week's massive wave of Xbox layoffs on individual projects and teams is starting to become clear.
Kotaku
Jul 9, 13:10
Elder Scrolls VI Devs Say Xbox Layoffs Will Have ‘Substantial And Cascading Effect’ On The Game’s Already Long Development
The next game in Bethesda's fantasy RPG series was announced way back in 2018
More:
Elder Scrolls VI Devs Say Xbox Layoffs Will Have ‘Substantial And Cascading Effect’ On The Game’s Already Long Development. The next game in Bethesda's fantasy RPG series was announced way back in 2018
TL;DR:
The next game in Bethesda's fantasy RPG series was announced way back in 2018
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 9, 13:01
Hooded Horse’s new strategy game Rogue Carrier has you captaining a research ship on a planet where the seas boil with violent squid
There are two cultural artifacts that buzz about my brain without ever truly settling: 2001's action game RTS hybrid Hostile Waters and Wes Anderson's film The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou. It may be an unfair lens to apply to newly announced roguelite colony builder Rogue Carrier , but it has enough of both of them to have me ready to dive into its ocean. In Rogue Carrier, you are the captain of a science ship that is stranded on a strange world. More than a schooner, this vessel is a mega carrier – the largest vessel humanity's ever built. The Bohemoth is able to support whole buildings and production lines on its back. It falls to you to pilot the ship across an ocean that is bubbling with alien sea life – some of it friendly, much of it not – surviving attacks, learning more about the world, and finding your way off the planet. Read more
More:
Hooded Horse’s new strategy game Rogue Carrier has you captaining a research ship on a planet where the seas boil with violent squid. It may be an unfair lens to apply to newly announced roguelite colony builder Rogue Carrier , but it has enough of both of them to have me ready to dive into its ocean.
TL;DR:
There are two cultural artifacts that buzz about my brain without ever truly settling: 2001's action game RTS hybrid Hostile Waters and Wes Anderson's film The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou.
Pcgamer
Jul 9, 12:10
YouTuber gets Minecraft running on an original Game Boy Color, and it even looks kinda playable
Has the 'can it run Minecraft' arms race begun?
More:
YouTuber gets Minecraft running on an original Game Boy Color, and it even looks kinda playable. Has the 'can it run Minecraft' arms race begun?
TL;DR:
Has the 'can it run Minecraft' arms race begun?
Eurogamer
Jul 9, 11:51
Sony, Bungie settle with ex-Marathon director they accused of "predatory behaviour", bringing $200m wrongful dismissal lawsuit to a close
Ex-Marathon director Christopher Barrett has announced a settlement has been reached with Sony and Bungie, after he sued both companies for wrongful dismissal, claiming they had "deliberately destroyed [his] reputation by falsely, and publicly, insinuating...he had engaged in sexual misconduct." Read more
More:
However, Bloomberg's Jason Schreier later wrote - after speaking directly with some of those involved - that Barrett was fired following an internal investigation into accusations of inappropriate behaviour filed by "at least eight" female employees.
TL;DR:
Ex-Marathon director Christopher Barrett has announced a settlement has been reached with Sony and Bungie, after he sued both companies for wrongful dismissal, claiming they had "deliberately destroyed [his] reputation by falsely, and publicly, insinuating...he had engaged in sexual misconduct." Read more
Pcgamer
Jul 9, 11:35
Subnautica 2 celebrates 5 million copies sold ahead of Adaptive Measures, its first early access update
Unknown Worlds! Give me more rug options and my life is yours!
More:
Subnautica 2 celebrates 5 million copies sold ahead of Adaptive Measures, its first early access update. Unknown Worlds! Give me more rug options and my life is yours!
TL;DR:
Give me more rug options and my life is yours!
Eurogamer
Jul 9, 11:23
Doom and Quake studio id Software reportedly gutted by Xbox cuts, leaving standalone capabilities in doubt and newly revealed game ideas dead
A clearer picture of how hard id Software has been hit by Microsoft's drastic Xbox restructuring is beginning to emerge, and it has been hit very hard indeed. Read more
More:
Doom and Quake studio id Software reportedly gutted by Xbox cuts, leaving standalone capabilities in doubt and newly revealed game ideas dead. A clearer picture of how hard id Software has been hit by Microsoft's drastic Xbox restructuring is beginning to emerge, and it has been hit very hard indeed.
TL;DR:
A clearer picture of how hard id Software has been hit by Microsoft's drastic Xbox restructuring is beginning to emerge, and it has been hit very hard indeed.
Eurogamer
Jul 9, 11:19
Fallout: New Vegas studio Obsidian reportedly moved onto a new Fallout game by Xbox, but at the cost of a sequel to Avowed
Days after Microsoft's devastating 3200 job cuts at Xbox , the true scope of the redundancies is becoming clearer. Obsidian Entertainment, which reportedly lost a quarter of its staff in the cuts , has had its priorities shifted too. Read more
More:
Fallout: New Vegas studio Obsidian reportedly moved onto a new Fallout game by Xbox, but at the cost of a sequel to Avowed. Days after Microsoft's devastating 3200 job cuts at Xbox , the true scope of the redundancies is becoming clearer. Obsidian Entertainment, which reportedly lost a quarter of its staff in the cuts , has had its priorities shifted too.
TL;DR:
Days after Microsoft's devastating 3200 job cuts at Xbox , the true scope of the redundancies is becoming clearer.
Kotaku
Jul 9, 11:00
The Cuts At Doom Maker id Software Go Shockingly Deep: ‘I Don’t See How They Make A Game With That Team’
Laid off developers fear the studio's id Tech engine has no future
More:
The Cuts At Doom Maker id Software Go Shockingly Deep: ‘I Don’t See How They Make A Game With That Team’. Laid off developers fear the studio's id Tech engine has no future
TL;DR:
Laid off developers fear the studio's id Tech engine has no future
Pcgamer
Jul 9, 10:50
WoW's game director thinks its UI overhaul has been 'successful so far,' even if it's 'not perfect'
"Things will only continue to get better from here."
More:
WoW's game director thinks its UI overhaul has been 'successful so far,' even if it's 'not perfect'. "Things will only continue to get better from here."
TL;DR:
"Things will only continue to get better from here."
Gamesindustry
Jul 9, 10:46
Supercell launches equity-free grants program for Africa-based game studios
Supercell has announced a program offering equity-free grants of $20,000 to $200,000 to Africa-based studios.
More:
The Supercell Developer Grants program is open to studios across all platforms, genres, and business models. Supercell will not take ownership of any studio or game as part of the grant agreement. Supercell will also prioritise studios with potential to contribute to the broader games ecosystem and a strategic plan for using grant funding to accelerate growth.
TL;DR:
Supercell has announced a program offering equity-free grants of $20,000 to $200,000 to Africa-based studios.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 9, 10:24
Doom devs id Software were reportedly kicking around ideas for a new Perfect Dark, a John Wick-inspired game, and multiplayer demonslaying prior to layoffs
When Microsoft's mass layoffs gutted Doom developers id Software earlier this week, the studio were reportedly kicking around a number of ideas for games they could work on after finishing Doom: The Dark Ages ' Revelations DLC. Among these pitches, it's claimed, were the likes of a new Perfect Dark game and an original gun fu game inspired by John Wick. Read more
More:
When Microsoft's mass layoffs gutted Doom developers id Software earlier this week, the studio were reportedly kicking around a number of ideas for games they could work on after finishing Doom: The Dark Ages ' Revelations DLC. Among these pitches, it's claimed, were the likes of a new Perfect Dark game and an original gun fu game inspired by John Wick.
TL;DR:
When Microsoft's mass layoffs gutted Doom developers id Software earlier this week, the studio were reportedly kicking around a number of ideas for games they could work on after finishing Doom: The Dark Ages ' Revelations DLC.
Eurogamer
Jul 9, 10:00
"A hammer blow for games retail" - Experts weigh in on PlayStation's discless future, and the impact it will have on traditional game stores
Last week, Sony announced that in January 2028, large-scale production of physical discs for new games would cease . This sent waves throughout the industry, raising questions about what it meant for other console manufacturers , game preservation , and more. Read more
More:
"A hammer blow for games retail" - Experts weigh in on PlayStation's discless future, and the impact it will have on traditional game stores. Last week, Sony announced that in January 2028, large-scale production of physical discs for new games would cease .
TL;DR:
Last week, Sony announced that in January 2028, large-scale production of physical discs for new games would cease .
Eurogamer
Jul 9, 09:20
There are apparently going to be "changes" to one of Persona 4 Revival's most important characters, but what exactly does that mean?
After a long period of not knowing much about the upcoming remake, Persona 4 Revival,, we last month finally learned that Atlus' re-do of one of its most popular games is launching on 18th February on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. But the game isn't a straight one-to-one remake of the 2008 RPG. Similarly to Persona 3 Reload , it will see differences to the source material. Read more
More:
There are apparently going to be "changes" to one of Persona 4 Revival's most important characters, but what exactly does that mean?. But the game isn't a straight one-to-one remake of the 2008 RPG. Similarly to Persona 3 Reload , it will see differences to the source material.
TL;DR:
After a long period of not knowing much about the upcoming remake, Persona 4 Revival,, we last month finally learned that Atlus' re-do of one of its most popular games is launching on 18th February on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 9, 09:16
Former Marathon director settles lawsuit against Sony and Bungie, following his firing over alleged inappropriate messages to female staff
Former Marathon director Christopher Barrett has settled his lawsuit against Sony and Bungie. He filed the lawsuit against the studio after a quiet departure which was confirmed in March 2024 . Bloomberg reported in August 2024 that Barrett had been fired after he was accused by several female Bungie staff of inappropriate behaviour. Barrett subsequently sued Sony and Bungie for breach of contract and defamation, claiming that the real reason he was fired was to prevent him being paid a bonus of over $45 million, with the suit seeing Sony reveal some of the inappropriate text messages Barret allegedly sent to staff. Read more
More:
Former Marathon director settles lawsuit against Sony and Bungie, following his firing over alleged inappropriate messages to female staff. He filed the lawsuit against the studio after a quiet departure which was confirmed in March 2024 .
TL;DR:
Former Marathon director Christopher Barrett has settled his lawsuit against Sony and Bungie.
Pcgamer
Jul 9, 09:00
Echoes of Aincrad release date and launch times
It's almost time for another Sword Art Online RPG.
More:
Echoes of Aincrad release date and launch times. It's almost time for another Sword Art Online RPG.
TL;DR:
It's almost time for another Sword Art Online RPG.
Theguardian
Jul 9, 08:46
PlayStation says it will stop making physical games – and that should worry us all
Sony’s announcement spells the end of a whole ecosystem built by superfan collectors – and signals a troubling shift in the industry Don’t get Pushing Buttons delivered to your inbox? Sign up here Sony’s decision last week to quietly announce the end of physical games production for the PlayStation in 2028 is one of the most perfect PR disasters in recent gaming history – and considering what has been happening with Xbox , that’s saying something. First, there was the timing. Sony posted the news of its decision on the PlayStation blog, less than a week after admitting that it would be deleting 550 movies from the digital libraries of PlayStation owners due to the end of a licensing deal – thereby perfectly illustrating the dangers of purchasing digital products. (Surprise! You never actually owned them!) The move is in stark contrast with the company’s stance on this very issue back in 2013. When Microsoft was attempting to push Xbox One as a digital-first console with strict controls on the sharing and reselling of its games, Sony brilliantly mocked its rival with a short video on how easy it was to lend physical games to pals on the PS4. Oh dear. Continue reading...
More:
PlayStation says it will stop making physical games – and that should worry us all. Sony’s announcement spells the end of a whole ecosystem built by superfan collectors – and signals a troubling shift in the industry Don’t get Pushing Buttons delivered to your inbox?
TL;DR:
Sign up here Sony’s decision last week to quietly announce the end of physical games production for the PlayStation in 2028 is one of the most perfect PR disasters in recent gaming history – and considering what has been happening with Xbox , that’s saying something.
Eurogamer
Jul 9, 08:43
Brutal Soulslike Mortal Shell 2 chooses violence, sets release date in the 2026 August traffic jam
Mortal Shell 2, the inventive Soulslike RPG from developer Cold Symmetry, has an official release date. The game will arrive 20th August on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. While Mortal Shell 2 has always been set for release this year, its release window was the biggest mystery. Read more
More:
Brutal Soulslike Mortal Shell 2 chooses violence, sets release date in the 2026 August traffic jam. Mortal Shell 2, the inventive Soulslike RPG from developer Cold Symmetry, has an official release date. While Mortal Shell 2 has always been set for release this year, its release window was the biggest mystery.
TL;DR:
The game will arrive 20th August on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Gamesindustry
Jul 9, 07:41
Report: Obsidian to work on Fallout title as unannounced projects cancelled
Obsidian is reportedly developing a new Fallout game after canceling several unannounced projects. This is part of a broader Xbox restructuring that reportedly impacted 60 to 70 Obsidian employees .
More:
Obsidian is among several studios affected by the Xbox restructuring announced earlier this week. Id Software confirmed 136 layoffs, while 22 employees at Bethesda Game Studios in Austin were also affected. Staff reductions also occurred at Activision, Blizzard, King, Mojang, and Xbox Game Studios.
TL;DR:
Obsidian is reportedly developing a new Fallout game after canceling several unannounced projects.
Pcgamer
Jul 9, 00:27
Are you excited for a new Fallout game from Obsidian? You know, given everything
Reader poll: Obsidian might be pivoting to a Fallout game, but only after major layoffs and the cancellation of other projects—how's that landing?
More:
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Reader poll: Obsidian might be pivoting to a Fallout game, but only after major layoffs and the cancellation of other projects—how's that landing?
Pcgamer
Jul 8, 23:08
Former Destiny 2 and Marathon director settles $200 million lawsuit against Sony and Bungie: 'The outcome is one I am very satisfied with'
Terms of the settlement were not disclosed, but Christopher Barrett seems very happy.
More:
Former Destiny 2 and Marathon director settles $200 million lawsuit against Sony and Bungie: 'The outcome is one I am very satisfied with'. Terms of the settlement were not disclosed, but Christopher Barrett seems very happy.
TL;DR:
Terms of the settlement were not disclosed, but Christopher Barrett seems very happy.
Pcgamer
Jul 8, 23:00
How to get all 12 Ultimate Ship Plans in Black Flag Resynced
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
How to get all 12 Ultimate Ship Plans in Black Flag Resynced. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Pcgamer
Jul 8, 23:00
How to get all 28 outfits in Black Flag Resynced
Outfits have seen some of the biggest changes in the remake.
More:
How to get all 28 outfits in Black Flag Resynced. Outfits have seen some of the biggest changes in the remake.
TL;DR:
Outfits have seen some of the biggest changes in the remake.
Pcgamer
Jul 8, 23:00
How to get Data Fragments in Black Flag Resynced
Unlock Animus project rewards with this currency.
More:
How to get Data Fragments in Black Flag Resynced. Unlock Animus project rewards with this currency.
TL;DR:
Unlock Animus project rewards with this currency.
Pcgamer
Jul 8, 22:34
MindsEye developers protest against a fan event their own studio is hosting
Another bizarre twist in the Build a Rocket Boy saga.
More:
MindsEye developers protest against a fan event their own studio is hosting. Another bizarre twist in the Build a Rocket Boy saga.
TL;DR:
Another bizarre twist in the Build a Rocket Boy saga.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 8, 21:37
New Vegas devs Obsidian are reportedly working on a new Fallout game, and only Microsoft could make news I've waited half my life for taste this bitter
I rather like Fallout: New Vegas . It's one of my favourite games of all time, if not number one. Ever since I first played it as an impressionable teenager, I've been dying to see its developers Obsidian offered more chances to turn their well-honed talents for building deep RPGs with compelling worlds on the series about life after the bombs drop. That's what makes the fact I'm now getting to write the words 'Obsidian are reportedly set to begin work on a new Fallout game helmed by New Vegas Josh Sawyer' with thoroughly mixed feelings as utterly galling as it is. Read more
More:
It's one of my favourite games of all time, if not number one. Ever since I first played it as an impressionable teenager, I've been dying to see its developers Obsidian offered more chances to turn their well-honed talents for building deep RPGs with compelling worlds on the series about life after the bombs drop.
TL;DR:
I rather like Fallout: New Vegas .
Pcgamer
Jul 8, 21:11
Laid-off id Software artist says Microsoft is 'nuking the team into the dirt' and is now the size of a 'support studio'
"This is what insanity and despicable corporate greed looks like," said another artist.
More:
Laid-off id Software artist says Microsoft is 'nuking the team into the dirt' and is now the size of a 'support studio'. "This is what insanity and despicable corporate greed looks like," said another artist.
TL;DR:
"This is what insanity and despicable corporate greed looks like," said another artist.
Kotaku
Jul 8, 20:00
Legendary Final Fantasy Artist Talks About His New Anime And The Importance Of Drawing By Hand
Yoshitaka Amano is heading up a new animation studio in California
More:
Legendary Final Fantasy Artist Talks About His New Anime And The Importance Of Drawing By Hand. Yoshitaka Amano is heading up a new animation studio in California
TL;DR:
Yoshitaka Amano is heading up a new animation studio in California
Pcgamer
Jul 8, 19:15
Obsidian is reportedly making a new Fallout game headed by Josh Sawyer after Microsoft pulled the plug on an Avowed sequel
25% of the studio's workforce was let go in the sweeping Xbox layoffs, and multiple games in development were cancelled.
More:
Obsidian is reportedly making a new Fallout game headed by Josh Sawyer after Microsoft pulled the plug on an Avowed sequel. 25% of the studio's workforce was let go in the sweeping Xbox layoffs, and multiple games in development were cancelled.
TL;DR:
25% of the studio's workforce was let go in the sweeping Xbox layoffs, and multiple games in development were cancelled.
Kotaku
Jul 8, 19:00
Even Games PlayStation Doesn’t Make Are Getting Caught In The Crossfire Over Sony Killing Discs: ‘Retweeting Doom Will NOT Save You Sony’
I feel bad for anyone whose games Sony is promoting right now
More:
Even Games PlayStation Doesn’t Make Are Getting Caught In The Crossfire Over Sony Killing Discs: ‘Retweeting Doom Will NOT Save You Sony’. I feel bad for anyone whose games Sony is promoting right now
TL;DR:
I feel bad for anyone whose games Sony is promoting right now
Kotaku
Jul 8, 18:30
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Remake Is The Highest Rated Game In The Series Since… The Original Black Flag
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Assassin's Creed Black Flag: Resynced Metacritic Ubisoft Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced is a very good remake. And I’m not the only critic who thinks so.
More:
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Assassin's Creed Black Flag: Resynced Metacritic Ubisoft Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced is a very good remake. Over on review aggregator Metacritic, Resynced is currently sitting at 84, which makes it one of the highest-rated AAA games of the year.
TL;DR:
Ubisoft has a hit on its hands and all it had to do was remake the last Assassin's Creed game fans loved
Gamesindustry
Jul 8, 18:17
Nintendo confirms Switch 1 consoles will be withdrawn from Europe following EU law change on batteries
Nintendo has confirmed that sales of its original Switch console system - including its Lite and OLED models - will be discontinued in Europe next year. Read more
More:
First proposed in 2020, the regulation only applies to future versions of handheld consoles like the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck. Nintendo revealed that the following products will not be replaced by versions that contain user-replaceable batteries in Europe: The first revised products are expected to become available from summer 2026 and will be rolled out between now and…
TL;DR:
Nintendo has confirmed that sales of its original Switch console system - including its Lite and OLED models - will be discontinued in Europe next year.
Kotaku
Jul 8, 17:57
Obsidian Reportedly Working On New Fallout Game After Xbox Cancels Avowed Sequel
The shake up comes as part of Xbox's ongoing job cuts
More:
Obsidian Reportedly Working On New Fallout Game After Xbox Cancels Avowed Sequel. The shake up comes as part of Xbox's ongoing job cuts
TL;DR:
The shake up comes as part of Xbox's ongoing job cuts
Pcgamer
Jul 8, 17:55
Less than 3 years after it launched on Steam, the Final Fantasy 7 gacha game is closing
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Final Fantasy 7: Ever Crisis will be gone in October.
Gamesindustry
Jul 8, 17:07
Build a Rocket Boy staff to protest upcoming "all-expenses-paid" fan event
Build a Rocket Boy (BARB) staff have organized a protest outside the studio's Edinburgh offices this weekend in response to an "all-expenses-paid" fan event. Read more
More:
BARB developers will reportedly be joined by the Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain (IWGB), other union reps, and "the wider public." Build a Rocket Boy is thought to have laid off around 300 developers in June 2025. The developer laid off staff soon afterwards , but has continued to push out updates to the game.
TL;DR:
Build a Rocket Boy (BARB) staff have organized a protest outside the studio's Edinburgh offices this weekend in response to an "all-expenses-paid" fan event.
Pcgamer
Jul 8, 16:38
Marvel Rivals' Season 9 update will affect 80% of its roster as NetEase throws balance out the window for a more 'fun' approach to the game
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
To hell with it all, I'll take a crack at the balancing.
Kotaku
Jul 8, 16:30
Bethesda HR Forced Staff To Remove Small Memorial To Laid-Off Colleagues
The Bethesda Games Studios Union shared images of the now-removed display featuring photos of fired devs
More:
Bethesda HR Forced Staff To Remove Small Memorial To Laid-Off Colleagues. The Bethesda Games Studios Union shared images of the now-removed display featuring photos of fired devs
TL;DR:
The Bethesda Games Studios Union shared images of the now-removed display featuring photos of fired devs
Eurogamer
Jul 8, 16:15
17 years later, Minecraft is finally adding somewhere to sit
You might want to sit down for this one. Some 17 years after its release, Minecraft is finally adding somewhere for weary adventurers to rest their flagging posteriors: cushions are now available as part of the survival blockbuster's latest preview build, with a full release planned for later this year. Read more
More:
17 years later, Minecraft is finally adding somewhere to sit. You might want to sit down for this one. Some 17 years after its release, Minecraft is finally adding somewhere for weary adventurers to rest their flagging posteriors: cushions are now available as part of the survival blockbuster's latest preview build, with a full release planned for later this year.
TL;DR:
You might want to sit down for this one.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 8, 16:15
Well, at least one good thing's come out of Destiny 2's demise: lob tomatoes at ex-Bungie CEO Pete Parsons' car collection in this fan-made boss battler
Following the end to Destiny 2 's development and subsequent layoffs at developers Bungie, fans of the series have decided to get a bit of revenge of the studio's ex-boss Pete Parsons in one of the few ways they can. By making a browser game in which the player is tasked with lobbing enough tomatoes to defeat both Parsons and his collection of cars. Read more
More:
Following the end to Destiny 2 's development and subsequent layoffs at developers Bungie, fans of the series have decided to get a bit of revenge of the studio's ex-boss Pete Parsons in one of the few ways they can. By making a browser game in which the player is tasked with lobbing enough tomatoes to defeat both Parsons and his collection of cars.
TL;DR:
Following the end to Destiny 2 's development and subsequent layoffs at developers Bungie, fans of the series have decided to get a bit of revenge of the studio's ex-boss Pete Parsons in one of the few ways they can.
Pcgamer
Jul 8, 16:00
Arkheron, a competitive PvPvE action RPG, will open its closed beta next week—and I'm getting that Battlerite nostalgia just looking at this thing
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team. Jeremy Craig, the aforementioned game director, continues: "As soon as we unlocked that rotation, it started to play like something different."
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Eurogamer
Jul 8, 15:51
"Dracula is King of England" - New immersive sim Vampirium: 1997 announced by Tron: Catalyst and Thomas Was Alone developer Bithell Games
Bithell Games - the developer of Tron: Catalyst , John Wick Hex and Thomas Was Alone - has revealed a new immersive vampire sim called Vampirium: 1997. Read more
More:
Do you want to turn a light switch off? Central to all of this is the game's use - and your use - of time. You'll have to manage it carefully by moving time forwards fractionally to achieve things, but not too much that you put yourself in danger.
TL;DR:
Bithell Games - the developer of Tron: Catalyst , John Wick Hex and Thomas Was Alone - has revealed a new immersive vampire sim called Vampirium: 1997.
Pcgamer
Jul 8, 15:50
Xbox's Bethesda layoffs include the artist responsible for designing Skyrim's khajiit and argonians, who had been at the company for 27 years
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
A staggering loss of institutional talent.
Eurogamer
Jul 8, 15:48
Palworld developer Pocketpair decides not to raise the open-world survival game's price tag as it nears a 1.0 launch later this week
Legal battles with Nintendo aside , open-world survival game Palworld has enjoyed tons of success since it was launched back in January 2024 into early access. After more than two years of updates, it's been confirmed it'll hit 1.0 this Friday , 10th July. Forget about a price increase though. Read more
More:
Palworld developer Pocketpair decides not to raise the open-world survival game's price tag as it nears a 1.0 launch later this week. After more than two years of updates, it's been confirmed it'll hit 1.0 this Friday , 10th July. Forget about a price increase though.
TL;DR:
Legal battles with Nintendo aside , open-world survival game Palworld has enjoyed tons of success since it was launched back in January 2024 into early access.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 8, 15:45
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced can run smoothly aboard both Steam Deck and Steam Machine - with the right settings
Greetings, owners of hardware who are also partial to reasonably well-made pirate game remakes . I’m trying something new and fresh and debatably sexy for Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced , extending the semi-usual Steam Deck performance and settings investigation with one for the newly launched Steam Machine as well. Look, I said debatably. Read more
More:
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced can run smoothly aboard both Steam Deck and Steam Machine - with the right settings. Greetings, owners of hardware who are also partial to reasonably well-made pirate game remakes .
TL;DR:
Greetings, owners of hardware who are also partial to reasonably well-made pirate game remakes .
Pcgamer
Jul 8, 15:22
'Slopfix': A software team is charging up to $10,000 to clean up AI-generated code, with the help of *checks notes* AI
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
'Slopfix': A software team is charging up to $10,000 to clean up AI-generated code, with the help of *checks notes* AI. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Kotaku
Jul 8, 15:21
Uwe Boll’s Atrocious Anti-Immigration Movie Is Getting A Video Game Tie-In
If you were thinking the story surrounding Uwe Boll’s god-awful racist flick Citizen Vigilante couldn’t get any stupider, then hold all these beers: There’s a video game tie-in arriving on PlayStati…
More:
If you were thinking the story surrounding Uwe Boll’s god-awful racist flick Citizen Vigilante couldn’t get any stupider, then hold all these beers: There’s a video game tie-in arriving on PlayStation next week! Now, according to a report by Puck , even Hammer regrets his involvement in Citizen Vigilante after he watched it for the first time.
TL;DR:
Citizen Vigilante 's game is due next week on PlayStation, and it looks...uh...like it'll fit right in
Eurogamer
Jul 8, 15:19
Doom's new Chain Spear weapon seems to be dividing The Dark Ages' audience - "I'm like an hour in and I can't wait to get the shield back"
Only a few weeks after Doom: The Dark Ages - Revelations was revealed to the world, Xbox has made deep cuts to developer id Software that could change the studio and their games forever. But for now, players seem to be enjoying the expansion - albeit for one divisive new weapon. Read more
More:
Doom's new Chain Spear weapon seems to be dividing The Dark Ages' audience - "I'm like an hour in and I can't wait to get the shield back". Only a few weeks after Doom: The Dark Ages - Revelations was revealed to the world, Xbox has made deep cuts to developer id Software that could change the studio and their games forever.
TL;DR:
Only a few weeks after Doom: The Dark Ages - Revelations was revealed to the world, Xbox has made deep cuts to developer id Software that could change the studio and their games forever.
Pcgamer
Jul 8, 15:07
Valve's magical play-Windows-games-on-Linux tech is rebased, updated, and ready to play Resident Evil
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team. You can find a full list of supported games in the patch notes below.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Eurogamer
Jul 8, 15:00
Workers at MindsEye studio protesting controversial fan event this weekend after multiple rounds of layoffs
Members of Build a Rocket Boy, the development studio behind the often maligned MindsEye , will be picketing outside the studio's Edinburgh offices this Saturday, 11th July. The workers are protesting a fan event the developer is hosting this weekend. Read more
More:
Workers at MindsEye studio protesting controversial fan event this weekend after multiple rounds of layoffs. Members of Build a Rocket Boy, the development studio behind the often maligned MindsEye , will be picketing outside the studio's Edinburgh offices this Saturday, 11th July. The workers are protesting a fan event the developer is hosting this weekend.
TL;DR:
Members of Build a Rocket Boy, the development studio behind the often maligned MindsEye , will be picketing outside the studio's Edinburgh offices this Saturday, 11th July.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 8, 14:54
Become King Dracula's personal vamp-assassin in Vampirium: 1997, an immersive sim Bithell Games are launching into Steam early access soon
Remember the 90s? Oasis were unavoidable, Tony Blair stalked the halls of power, and Dracula sat on the English throne. Wait, what was that last one? Turns out I'm thinking of Vampirium: 1997, a fanged immersive sim Tron: Catalyst and John Wick Hex devs Bithell Games are launching into Steam early access soon. Read more
More:
Become King Dracula's personal vamp-assassin in Vampirium: 1997, an immersive sim Bithell Games are launching into Steam early access soon. Oasis were unavoidable, Tony Blair stalked the halls of power, and Dracula sat on the English throne. Wait, what was that last one?
TL;DR:
Turns out I'm thinking of Vampirium: 1997, a fanged immersive sim Tron: Catalyst and John Wick Hex devs Bithell Games are launching into Steam early access soon.
Eurogamer
Jul 8, 14:36
Subnautica 2 studio isn't backing down on fish murder, but you can at least stun them now thanks to game's first major update
Subnautica 2 's early access journey reaches a new milestone today as developer Unknown Worlds releases the underwater survival sequel's first major update. It's notable in a number of respects; not least because it adds the ability to stun fish - which, while far from the all-out fish murder some players have been begging for, does at least provide a new defensive option for getting out of sticky situations. Read more
More:
Subnautica 2 studio isn't backing down on fish murder, but you can at least stun them now thanks to game's first major update. Subnautica 2 's early access journey reaches a new milestone today as developer Unknown Worlds releases the underwater survival sequel's first major update.
TL;DR:
Subnautica 2 's early access journey reaches a new milestone today as developer Unknown Worlds releases the underwater survival sequel's first major update.
Kotaku
Jul 8, 14:30
Another Final Fantasy VII Mobile Game Bites The Dust
Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis will shut down this October
More:
Another Final Fantasy VII Mobile Game Bites The Dust. Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis will shut down this October
TL;DR:
Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis will shut down this October
Gamesindustry
Jul 8, 14:26
Premium mobile games are back, with releases up 77% in 2025
In unexpected but welcome news, premium mobile games are seeing a resurgence, after years in which free-to-play has been seen as the only option worth pursuing. Read more
More:
The total number of premium game releases increased by 77% in 2025, according to exclusive research undertaken for GamesIndustry.biz by the mobile data firm AppMagic. According to AppMagic, the sector is dominated by original premium titles and simultaneous cross-platform launches, with ports of existing games making up just 3% of all premium game releases.
TL;DR:
In unexpected but welcome news, premium mobile games are seeing a resurgence, after years in which free-to-play has been seen as the only option worth pursuing.
Kotaku
Jul 8, 13:45
Fed Up Destiny 2 Fans Make A Game To Throw Tomatoes At Ex-Bungie CEO Pete Parsons
Parsons left the company in 2025 after spending millions on classic cars
More:
Fed Up Destiny 2 Fans Make A Game To Throw Tomatoes At Ex-Bungie CEO Pete Parsons. Parsons left the company in 2025 after spending millions on classic cars
TL;DR:
Parsons left the company in 2025 after spending millions on classic cars
Gamesindustry
Jul 8, 13:44
Mario Kart Tour to shut down in September 2026
Nintendo has announced that Mario Kart Tour will go offline on iOS and Android in September 2026. The free-to-play mobile game, which launched six years ago, will shut down on September 29, 2026, at…
More:
The free-to-play mobile game, which launched six years ago, will shut down on September 29, 2026, at 11 p.m. "We sincerely thank the many players who have loved and supported the game since service began so long ago," said Nintendo. From that date, Gold Pass benefits will be available to all players at no cost until the end of service.
TL;DR:
Nintendo has announced that Mario Kart Tour will go offline on iOS and Android in September 2026.
Eurogamer
Jul 8, 13:29
Arc Raiders introduces separate Solo, Duo and Trio tracking so you can be friendly in one and a rat in the others
Arc Raiders is evolving its matchmaking behaviour yet again. The game's latest update introduced a feature players have long requested. Patch 1.36.0, available now across PC, PlayStation, and Xbox allows the game to track your playstyle separately for its different matchmaking pools: Solo, Duo, and Trio. Read more
More:
Arc Raiders introduces separate Solo, Duo and Trio tracking so you can be friendly in one and a rat in the others. Arc Raiders is evolving its matchmaking behaviour yet again. The game's latest update introduced a feature players have long requested.
TL;DR:
Patch 1.36.0, available now across PC, PlayStation, and Xbox allows the game to track your playstyle separately for its different matchmaking pools: Solo, Duo, and Trio.
Eurogamer
Jul 8, 13:01
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced hasn't set sail yet, but it's already doing better than Shadows on Steam
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced isn't even out yet - Edward Kenway makes his long-awaited return tomorrow, 9th July - but it's already on track to perform better than last year's Assassin's Creed Shadows . Read more
More:
That, Elliott notes, means Resynced has sold 5.39x more copies on the PC platform than Shadows did during the same pre-release window. Shadows, for context, has shifted 5.7m copies globally to this date - 1.3m of those on Steam - falling some way below 2018's Assassin's Creed Odyssey , which had sold 10m copies as of March 2020.
TL;DR:
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced isn't even out yet - Edward Kenway makes his long-awaited return tomorrow, 9th July - but it's already on track to perform better than last year's Assassin's Creed Shadows .
Eurogamer
Jul 8, 12:32
The retreat from mobile games continues as Mario Kart Tour and Final Fantasy 7 Ever Crisis will be taken offline later this year
There seems to be a retreat from mobile adaptations of big gaming brands underway. From Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile being shut down to Sony heavily downsizing mobile operations , the gold rush for ambitious big-IP adaptations is declining. And now, Nintendo and Square Enix are following a similar path. Read more
More:
The retreat from mobile games continues as Mario Kart Tour and Final Fantasy 7 Ever Crisis will be taken offline later this year. From Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile being shut down to Sony heavily downsizing mobile operations , the gold rush for ambitious big-IP adaptations is declining. And now, Nintendo and Square Enix are following a similar path.
TL;DR:
There seems to be a retreat from mobile adaptations of big gaming brands underway.
Eurogamer
Jul 8, 12:32
You can complete medieval vampire RPG The Blood of Dawnwalker even quicker than previously thought - before even the prologue ends
You can finish medieval vampire RPG The Blood of Dawnwalker even sooner than previously thought: it isn't just possible to end the game after the prologue, you can do it in the prologue too. (Beware, there are some prologue spoilers ahead.) Read more
More:
You can finish medieval vampire RPG The Blood of Dawnwalker even sooner than previously thought: it isn't just possible to end the game after the prologue, you can do it in the prologue too. (Beware, there are some prologue spoilers ahead.) Read more
TL;DR:
You can finish medieval vampire RPG The Blood of Dawnwalker even sooner than previously thought: it isn't just possible to end the game after the prologue, you can do it in the prologue too.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 8, 12:30
Xbox boss Asha Sharma pins layoffs on Phil Spencer's regime spreading the company "too thin", while claiming a "a healthy Xbox" could weather the RAM storm
Xbox laid off around 1600 people earlier this week , revealing plans to part ways with five studios at the same time. Naturally, boss Asha Sharma's been tasked with justifying it all, and she's now gotten as close as she likely ever will to pointing the finger directly at Phil Spencer's regime, while claming that if Xbox were doing well, the RAM crisis would've been something the company could just tank their way through. Read more
More:
Xbox boss Asha Sharma pins layoffs on Phil Spencer's regime spreading the company "too thin", while claiming a "a healthy Xbox" could weather the RAM storm. Xbox laid off around 1600 people earlier this week , revealing plans to part ways with five studios at the same time.
TL;DR:
Xbox laid off around 1600 people earlier this week , revealing plans to part ways with five studios at the same time.
Eurogamer
Jul 8, 12:08
Microsoft is reportedly considering making more of its first-party games exclusive to Xbox
More of Microsoft's future first-party titles may become Xbox exclusives, according to a new report. The company is said to be interested in giving customers a reason to choose Xbox consoles over other brands. Read more
More:
Microsoft is reportedly considering making more of its first-party games exclusive to Xbox. More of Microsoft's future first-party titles may become Xbox exclusives, according to a new report. The company is said to be interested in giving customers a reason to choose Xbox consoles over other brands.
TL;DR:
More of Microsoft's future first-party titles may become Xbox exclusives, according to a new report.
Kotaku
Jul 8, 12:07
Mario Kart Tour Will Be Gone Forever September 29
The game will switch off permanently just after its seventh birthday
More:
Mario Kart Tour Will Be Gone Forever September 29. The game will switch off permanently just after its seventh birthday
TL;DR:
The game will switch off permanently just after its seventh birthday
Kotaku
Jul 8, 12:00
Star Fox Rule Of Cools Its Way To Becoming A Switch 2 Must-Have
Nintendo's remake of the N64 classic is an improvement on nostalgic perfection
More:
Star Fox Rule Of Cools Its Way To Becoming A Switch 2 Must-Have. Nintendo's remake of the N64 classic is an improvement on nostalgic perfection
TL;DR:
Nintendo's remake of the N64 classic is an improvement on nostalgic perfection
Pcgamer
Jul 8, 11:47
Here's the Black Flag Resynced release time for your region
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Here's the Black Flag Resynced release time for your region. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 8, 11:45
Cat Mail Co. is a cosy game where you run a post office for cats, and I wish it let me snoop into their private lives
I love to hold a stranger's post. Letters are good. Though, those padded protective envelopes are better – what's inside that needs that extra level of protection?. But a box, especially one whose contents move a little inside when you tilt it. Oh, that mystery is the most marvelous. It could be anything in there. Stolen jewellery, returned love letters, coffee maker pods. Anything . Given the chance to run a post office, I'd like to think I would be a responsible guardian for everyone's mail, faithfully transiting it to its destination, but I know that I would be doing everything in my power to work out what was in the parcels, so long as I could do it in a way no one would ever know. So I am desperately sad to report that Cat Mail Co., a cosy game where you run a post office for cats, gives you very few opportunities to pry into the private lives of felines. Read more
More:
Cat Mail Co. is a cosy game where you run a post office for cats, and I wish it let me snoop into their private lives. So I am desperately sad to report that Cat Mail Co., a cosy game where you run a post office for cats, gives you very few opportunities to pry into the private lives of felines.
TL;DR:
I love to hold a stranger's post.
Pcgamer
Jul 8, 11:39
LiberNovo Omni Pro review
An already excellent ergonomic gaming chair gets nicer fabric, smarter tricks, and a higher price—without really changing how it feels to sit in.
More:
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. Find out more about how we evaluate games and hardware.
TL;DR:
An already excellent ergonomic gaming chair gets nicer fabric, smarter tricks, and a higher price—without really changing how it feels to sit in.
Pcgamer
Jul 8, 11:05
Geekom A9 Max AI AMD Mini PC review
We're looking at a single-channel RAM kit here, folks.
More:
Geekom A9 Max AI AMD Mini PC review. We're looking at a single-channel RAM kit here, folks.
TL;DR:
We're looking at a single-channel RAM kit here, folks.
Theguardian
Jul 8, 11:00
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced review – bootyful high seas adventure, now with 20% more swashbuckling
PS5, PC, Xbox Series X/S; Ubisoft Singapore/Ubisoft Ubisoft has removed all the boring parts of pirate life from its fantasy RPG, creating something more focused and fun Edward Kenway isn’t your dad’s Assassin’s Creed protagonist. Neither sworn to ancient oaths nor given a noble destiny, he’s just a guy who likes coin, dislikes rules, and whose gold-chasing, rule-dodging lifestyle sees him embroiled in an ancient war between Templars and assassins quite by accident. After he’s shipwrecked with a man named Walpole who turns out to be a Templar, Edward assumes Walpole’s identity in the hopes of securing the bounty he mentioned. Edward wears life lightly. The world around him is violent and chaotic, and those in his vicinity are more obsessed with double-crossings than a Mission:Impossible movie writers’ room. Ed just smiles, undeterred by it all, and gets on with plundering. It’s all just fun and games to him, and he is set on conquering the Caribbean on his own terms. He is a brilliant extension of the player, in that way, and that’s what this remake of the 2013 pirate-themed Assassin’s Creed does so well: the sense of freedom. Continue reading...
More:
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced review – bootyful high seas adventure, now with 20% more swashbuckling. It’s all just fun and games to him, and he is set on conquering the Caribbean on his own terms. He is a brilliant extension of the player, in that way, and that’s what this remake of the 2013 pirate-themed Assassin’s Creed does so well: the sense of freedom.
TL;DR:
PS5, PC, Xbox Series X/S; Ubisoft Singapore/Ubisoft Ubisoft has removed all the boring parts of pirate life from its fantasy RPG, creating something more focused and fun Edward Kenway isn’t your dad’s Assassin’s Creed protagonist.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 8, 10:57
"A mentor and an inspiration to many": Skywind devs pay tribute to modder Kettlewitch, whose death has left another Skyrim mod's future up in the air
The team behind Morrowind remake mod Skywind have paid tribute to modder Kettlewitch , a veteran of the Skyrim modding scene, following his death on June 15th. Kettlewitch, real name David Purcell, also worked on a number of other ambitious Skyrim modding projects over the years, including Oblivion remake Skyblivion and Thras: The Coral Kingdom, with the latter's future now looking uncertain. Read more
More:
"A mentor and an inspiration to many": Skywind devs pay tribute to modder Kettlewitch, whose death has left another Skyrim mod's future up in the air. The team behind Morrowind remake mod Skywind have paid tribute to modder Kettlewitch , a veteran of the Skyrim modding scene, following his death on June 15th.
TL;DR:
The team behind Morrowind remake mod Skywind have paid tribute to modder Kettlewitch , a veteran of the Skyrim modding scene, following his death on June 15th.
Gamesindustry
Jul 8, 10:45
"Workers deserve protection, not to be treated like disposable line items" – Hundreds of union members affected by Xbox layoffs
Hundreds of union members from the Communication Workers of America were affected by the mass layoffs at Xbox this week . Read more
More:
"Workers deserve protection, not to be treated like disposable line items" – Hundreds of union members affected by Xbox layoffs. Hundreds of union members from the Communication Workers of America were affected by the mass layoffs at Xbox this week .
TL;DR:
Hundreds of union members from the Communication Workers of America were affected by the mass layoffs at Xbox this week .
Eurogamer
Jul 8, 10:24
The upcoming Call of Duty: Black Ops PlayStation re-releases seemingly drop a few fondly-remembered features
We're likely closer than ever to the launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops 1 and 2 re-releases on PlayStation, because their Trophy lists have appeared online. This typically happens days before a game becomes available. Read more
More:
The upcoming Call of Duty: Black Ops PlayStation re-releases seemingly drop a few fondly-remembered features. We're likely closer than ever to the launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops 1 and 2 re-releases on PlayStation, because their Trophy lists have appeared online. This typically happens days before a game becomes available.
TL;DR:
We're likely closer than ever to the launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops 1 and 2 re-releases on PlayStation, because their Trophy lists have appeared online.
Pcgamer
Jul 8, 10:10
Valve has released Windows drivers for the Steam machine, y'know for the three people who managed to buy one and inexplicably want a different OS
Not many have been made, the device is hella expensive, and Windows is not made for the living room while Steam OS is. Otherwise, great news.
More:
Valve has released Windows drivers for the Steam machine, y'know for the three people who managed to buy one and inexplicably want a different OS. Not many have been made, the device is hella expensive, and Windows is not made for the living room while Steam OS is. Otherwise, great news.
TL;DR:
Not many have been made, the device is hella expensive, and Windows is not made for the living room while Steam OS is.
Kotaku
Jul 8, 10:00
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced: The Kotaku Review
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Assassin's Creed Black Flag: Resynced Review Ubisoft “Memories of another time entirely….like another life I’ve already led.
More:
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Assassin's Creed Black Flag: Resynced Review Ubisoft “Memories of another time entirely….like another life I’ve already led.” When 22-year-old me first heard this line—uttered by Black Bart to the game’s confused pirate hero—back in 2013 while playing the original Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag on my Xbox 360, it hinted at Bart’s importance and hi…
TL;DR:
Ubisoft’s remake is a very good game and a sad reminder of the state of industry
Pcgamer
Jul 8, 10:00
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced review
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced review. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. Not only is it bizarre that Ubisoft decided to kick off a likely streak of remakes with the sixth game of the series, but it also chose a game so recently and universally enjoyed that the only way to "remake" it is to simply put out the same game again.
TL;DR:
Welcome to PC Gamer club !
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 8, 10:00
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced review - a great pirate game swaps the ups and downs of old Assassin’s Creed for the ups and downs of new Assassin’s Creed
Frigate spotted off the starboard bow, Cap’n! Ready the mortars, me hearties! Fire! All sail! We’ll split her in twain with the ram! She’s not done, swing around and ready the cannons! Fire! She’s dead in the water, bring her in for a steely kiss! These are the sounds of Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag at its best, and all these years on, they’re the sounds of Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced at its best. Read more
More:
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced review - a great pirate game swaps the ups and downs of old Assassin’s Creed for the ups and downs of new Assassin’s Creed. Ready the mortars, me hearties! She’s not done, swing around and ready the cannons!
TL;DR:
These are the sounds of Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag at its best, and all these years on, they’re the sounds of Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced at its best.
Gamesindustry
Jul 8, 09:15
Nexon to assume publishing duties for Overwatch on PC in South Korea
Blizzard will transfer publishing duties for Overwatch on PC in South Korea to Nexon next month. Player migration is scheduled for August 12, coinciding with the start of the game's fourth season.
More:
Earlier this year, Blizzard and Nexon agreed to develop a hyper-localised Overwatch service for Korean players. Blizzard will supply the Overwatch IP and continue to lead game development. Nexon will manage live service and business operations.
TL;DR:
Blizzard will transfer publishing duties for Overwatch on PC in South Korea to Nexon next month.
Eurogamer
Jul 8, 08:59
It's only in Europe where Nintendo is discontinuing Switch 1, and likely to do with the Right to Repair laws we have here
Nintendo has confirmed the decision to halt sales of its Switch 1 console in Europe will not affect its operations in the rest of the world. The company, which recently revealed it will stop selling the original Switch console in Europe starting mid-February 2027 , has clarified that it's not ending sales everywhere else. Read more
More:
It's only in Europe where Nintendo is discontinuing Switch 1, and likely to do with the Right to Repair laws we have here. Nintendo has confirmed the decision to halt sales of its Switch 1 console in Europe will not affect its operations in the rest of the world.
TL;DR:
Nintendo has confirmed the decision to halt sales of its Switch 1 console in Europe will not affect its operations in the rest of the world.
Bbc
Jul 8, 08:43
How Esports World Cup moved from Saudi Arabia to Paris in 8 weeks
The Esports World Cup gets going in Paris after a last-minute move from Saudi Arabia. Is it any less controversial?
More:
How Esports World Cup moved from Saudi Arabia to Paris in 8 weeks. The Esports World Cup gets going in Paris after a last-minute move from Saudi Arabia. Is it any less controversial?
TL;DR:
The Esports World Cup gets going in Paris after a last-minute move from Saudi Arabia.
Pcgamer
Jul 8, 00:31
Task Bar Hero class tier list and the best team compositions for idling your way through the endgame
Keep Ranger your priority and everything else will fall into place.
More:
Task Bar Hero class tier list and the best team compositions for idling your way through the endgame. Keep Ranger your priority and everything else will fall into place.
TL;DR:
Keep Ranger your priority and everything else will fall into place.
Pcgamer
Jul 7, 22:12
Former Elder Scrolls Online designer laments the destruction of layoffs: 'There’s really no one left and no changing it now'
ZeniMax Online Studios reportedly lost half its employees in yesterday's Xbox layoffs.
More:
Former Elder Scrolls Online designer laments the destruction of layoffs: 'There’s really no one left and no changing it now'. ZeniMax Online Studios reportedly lost half its employees in yesterday's Xbox layoffs.
TL;DR:
ZeniMax Online Studios reportedly lost half its employees in yesterday's Xbox layoffs.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 7, 21:53
Get spirited away to a weird, scary version of a Japanese town and take pictures of the oddities you find in SOMBRAS: negative frames
About a year and a half ago I bought a point and shoot 35mm film camera because I was getting a bit bored of taking photos on my phone in the name of capturing a memory, only to literally never look at them again. Film just has a magic to it, a magic that's difficult to capture in a game for obvious technical reasons. But how about mechanical ones? Enter SOMBRAS: negative frames, a horror-lite photography game about a Japanese-Spanish photography student who gets spirited away. Read more
More:
Get spirited away to a weird, scary version of a Japanese town and take pictures of the oddities you find in SOMBRAS: negative frames. About a year and a half ago I bought a point and shoot 35mm film camera because I was getting a bit bored of taking photos on my phone in the name of capturing a memory, only to literally never look at them again.
TL;DR:
Film just has a magic to it, a magic that's difficult to capture in a game for obvious technical reasons.
Pcgamer
Jul 7, 21:39
Xbox layoffs hit accessibility leadership, calling into question Microsoft's continued commitment to accessibility initiatives
Accessibility efforts have been some of Microsoft's biggest wins—but that didn't stop it from cutting accessibility leads.
More:
Xbox layoffs hit accessibility leadership, calling into question Microsoft's continued commitment to accessibility initiatives. Accessibility efforts have been some of Microsoft's biggest wins—but that didn't stop it from cutting accessibility leads.
TL;DR:
Accessibility efforts have been some of Microsoft's biggest wins—but that didn't stop it from cutting accessibility leads.
Pcgamer
Jul 7, 20:58
Bernie Sanders is mad about the Xbox layoffs
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Hi , Your membership journey starts here. Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.
More:
Welcome to PC Gamer club ! Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox. The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
TL;DR:
The senator from Vermont is pretty chapped about the price hikes, too.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 7, 20:51
"This has got to be the most awesome toaster ever": Saber on building upon hits like Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2
Licensed games don't really exist in the way they did 20 years ago, with three different versions of the same game being made for different consoles adapting a popular media property on the cheap to fill kids' holiday sacks. These days they've got a bit more to them, and Saber Interactive have carved out a nice little niche for themselves with licensed games, with Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 being a big part of that. Read more
More:
"This has got to be the most awesome toaster ever": Saber on building upon hits like Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2. Licensed games don't really exist in the way they did 20 years ago, with three different versions of the same game being made for different consoles adapting a popular media property on the cheap to fill kids' holiday sacks.
TL;DR:
Licensed games don't really exist in the way they did 20 years ago, with three different versions of the same game being made for different consoles adapting a popular media property on the cheap to fill kids' holiday sacks.
Kotaku
Jul 7, 20:30
9 Rhythm Heaven Groove Games That Made Me Want To Put A Controller Through My TV
In order of how close I got to actually doing it
More:
9 Rhythm Heaven Groove Games That Made Me Want To Put A Controller Through My TV. In order of how close I got to actually doing it
TL;DR:
In order of how close I got to actually doing it
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 7, 17:58
Cyberpunk Edgerunners' Lucy finds herself in yet another crossover, this time in an upcoming Apex Legends event
Crikey, they sure do love putting Miss Lucy Cyberpunk in other games, don't they? First Guilty Gear Strive , then Wuthering Waves , and now the Cyberpunk Edgerunners characters is finding a facsimile of her visage transposed onto another's body as a skin in Apex Legends . In fact, there's a whole Cyberpunk crossover coming, in a move from the battle royale that brings it closer and closer to Fortnite. Read more
More:
Cyberpunk Edgerunners' Lucy finds herself in yet another crossover, this time in an upcoming Apex Legends event. First Guilty Gear Strive , then Wuthering Waves , and now the Cyberpunk Edgerunners characters is finding a facsimile of her visage transposed onto another's body as a skin in Apex Legends .
TL;DR:
Crikey, they sure do love putting Miss Lucy Cyberpunk in other games, don't they?
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 7, 16:11
Appa is a gorgeous, surreal card game about grieving siblings where every move your opponent makes can be reacted to
I love a digital card game as much as the next person, but honestly, most of the time I feel that they're a bit of a letdown in the visuals department. There's never been one I've played where I've been satisfied in how it plays and how it looks. But! I am hopeful about the upcoming Appa, a deliciously surreal and vibrant looking narrative-driven card battler about a couple of siblings dealing with the death of their father. Read more
More:
Appa is a gorgeous, surreal card game about grieving siblings where every move your opponent makes can be reacted to. There's never been one I've played where I've been satisfied in how it plays and how it looks.
TL;DR:
I love a digital card game as much as the next person, but honestly, most of the time I feel that they're a bit of a letdown in the visuals department.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 7, 16:01
Left 4 Dead lives on in The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu, a Lovecraftian extraction game from the creators of Zeno Clash
Seeking relief from the terrible light of the Xbox resettification, I fall into the sweet, dank embrace of The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu, a 17th century extraction game in which four crucifix-wielding, musket-toting Spanish explorers venture to a jungle full of creatures inspired by Lovecraftian horror. Why would they set foot in such an awful place? For loot, of course. Why else do Europeans travel to other countries? Read more
More:
Left 4 Dead lives on in The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu, a Lovecraftian extraction game from the creators of Zeno Clash. Why would they set foot in such an awful place? Why else do Europeans travel to other countries?
TL;DR:
Seeking relief from the terrible light of the Xbox resettification, I fall into the sweet, dank embrace of The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu, a 17th century extraction game in which four crucifix-wielding, musket-toting Spanish explorers venture to a jungle full of creatures inspired by Lovecraftian horror.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 7, 14:47
After split with Xbox, Hitman developer IO will "continue to develop" Project Fantasy independently, but they're closing their Istanbul Studio
Last week brought the news that Xbox had dropped their support for Project Fantasy the, er, fantasy project in development at IO Interactive . The Hitman maker announced they would remain "100% committed" to the game, and ensure "This wonderful universe will see the light of day", but they also acknowledged that there would need to be layoffs. IOI have now confirmed that they have been able to regain full ownership of Project Fantasy and they will "continue to develop and fund it independently". But that production has come with a significant cost: the closure of their Istanbul office. Read more
More:
After split with Xbox, Hitman developer IO will "continue to develop" Project Fantasy independently, but they're closing their Istanbul Studio. The Hitman maker announced they would remain "100% committed" to the game, and ensure "This wonderful universe will see the light of day", but they also acknowledged that there would need to be layoffs.
TL;DR:
Last week brought the news that Xbox had dropped their support for Project Fantasy the, er, fantasy project in development at IO Interactive .
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 7, 14:32
"I know how devastating it is, and my heart's with all of you": Doom's John Romero responds to id Software reportedly losing half their team
Xbox aren't closing or selling off Doom developers id Software as part of their latest business teardown , but they are reportedly laying off around half the studio, with swinging cuts aimed at id's legendary technology team in particular. Even as out-going staff fulminate about the situation, studio co-founder John Romero has urged all concerned to preserve "code, assets, stories" and other historical artefacts that risk being wiped away during the restructure. Read more
More:
Xbox aren't closing or selling off Doom developers id Software as part of their latest business teardown , but they are reportedly laying off around half the studio, with swinging cuts aimed at id's legendary technology team in particular.
TL;DR:
Xbox aren't closing or selling off Doom developers id Software as part of their latest business teardown , but they are reportedly laying off around half the studio, with swinging cuts aimed at id's legendary technology team in particular.
Gamesindustry
Jul 7, 14:07
Xbox retreats again – but to where? | Opinion
Last July, when Microsoft made sweeping cuts to its gaming division, axing employees at King, Raven Software, Rare, Blizzard, and more, shuttering The Initiative, and cancelling the Perfect Dark reboot, Everwild, and ZeniMax Online's Project Blackbird, I said it was Microsoft's darkest day since the last one . Read more
More:
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has announced that 3,200 people will be discarded in the company's quest for… well, I'm not sure what. Phil Spencer's big Game Pass plan has failed. Microsoft stopped reporting Game Pass subscriber figures quite some time ago now, which tells you all you need to know.
TL;DR:
Last July, when Microsoft made sweeping cuts to its gaming division, axing employees at King, Raven Software, Rare, Blizzard, and more, shuttering The Initiative, and cancelling the Perfect Dark reboot, Everwild, and ZeniMax Online's Project Blackbird, I said it was Microsoft's darkest day since the last one .
Gamesindustry
Jul 7, 14:02
IO Interactive to shutter Istanbul studio following end of Project Fantasy deal with Xbox
IO Interactive will close its Istanbul studio following the loss of funding for its online fantasy RPG, codenamed Project Fantasy. Read more
More:
"Our immediate focus is on supporting those affected as best we can through this period." IOI’s Istanbul studio opened in 2023 . The developer and publisher has regained full ownership of Project Fantasy and its IP. It aims to develop and fund the game independently to provide it with "the best possible foundation to succeed under our own passion and direction."
TL;DR:
IO Interactive will close its Istanbul studio following the loss of funding for its online fantasy RPG, codenamed Project Fantasy.
Gamesindustry
Jul 7, 13:44
Xbox Game Pass subscriber count is less than 50% of original target
Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass subscription service apparently has around 30 million users. Read more
More:
Xbox Game Pass subscriber count is less than 50% of original target. Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass subscription service apparently has around 30 million users.
TL;DR:
Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass subscription service apparently has around 30 million users.
Gamesindustry
Jul 7, 13:14
"We simply spread ourselves too thin" – Xbox's Asha Sharma on firm's restructuring plans
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has shared additional details on the restructuring announced yesterday , which will result in 3,200 layoffs. Read more
More:
"In order to grow, we made a bunch of bets," Sharma told Fortune . "The number one measure of your strategy is what you put your resources behind, and we simply spread ourselves too thin." To realign resources and refocus on its core business, the company will divest five internal studios.
TL;DR:
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has shared additional details on the restructuring announced yesterday , which will result in 3,200 layoffs.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 7, 12:27
While several Xbox studios regained independence or found new owners yesterday, Arkane's staff must negotiate their own future
Yesterday, Xbox announced that they were spinning off five major studios in the course of the latest round of "historic" restructuring , with 1600 jobs instantly chopped and 1600 more layoffs to follow over the next financial year. It's the latest in a string of failures on the part of Xbox leadership, who have repeatedly butchered the division after an evidently overambitious acquisition spree that dates back to the 2010s . It has, at least, not yet resulted in any outright studio closures. Double Fine and Compulsion are going indie again with a little funding from Microsoft, keeping ownership of their games. Ninja Theory and Undead Labs have been sold to unnamed new owners. And then there's Dishonored and Marvel's Blade developers Arkane, whose fate is still being negotiated. Read more
More:
While several Xbox studios regained independence or found new owners yesterday, Arkane's staff must negotiate their own future. Double Fine and Compulsion are going indie again with a little funding from Microsoft, keeping ownership of their games. And then there's Dishonored and Marvel's Blade developers Arkane, whose fate is still being negotiated.
TL;DR:
Yesterday, Xbox announced that they were spinning off five major studios in the course of the latest round of "historic" restructuring , with 1600 jobs instantly chopped and 1600 more layoffs to follow over the next financial year.
Gamesindustry
Jul 7, 11:30
"We can break even and be self-sustaining within Riot" – The firm behind League of Legends is "super close" to making esports sustainable
Riot Games' esports business still isn't profitable. Read more
More:
Riot Games' esports business still isn't profitable. Read more
TL;DR:
Riot Games' esports business still isn't profitable.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 7, 10:10
Xbox's layoffs come with a push to focus on series like Fallout, so naturally New Vegas devs Obsidian have reportedly lost around a quarter of their staff
Xbox laid off around 1600 people yesterday , July 6th, as mass cuts accompanied by the decision to part ways with five studios were set in stone. This substantial upheaval's also had plenty of consequences for the studios staying under the Microsoft banner, including a more concerted push to get remaining staff working on Xbox's most lucrative series. Fallout, for example. That hasn't stopped the reportedly cuts including around a quarter of the staff at noted Fallout spin-off developers Obsidian. Read more
More:
Xbox's layoffs come with a push to focus on series like Fallout, so naturally New Vegas devs Obsidian have reportedly lost around a quarter of their staff. This substantial upheaval's also had plenty of consequences for the studios staying under the Microsoft banner, including a more concerted push to get remaining staff working on Xbox's most lucrative series.
TL;DR:
Xbox laid off around 1600 people yesterday , July 6th, as mass cuts accompanied by the decision to part ways with five studios were set in stone.
Gamesindustry
Jul 7, 09:58
Bethesda pivots to "franchise-centric" planning model amid Xbox restructure
Bethesda is moving to a "franchise-centric" planning strategy to better focus resources on long-term growth and stability. Read more
More:
This change comes amid a broader restructuring at Xbox, announced yesterday , which will result in 3,200 job cuts, or 20% of the organisation's workforce. In an email to staff (via IGN ), Bethesda CEO Jill Braff said the overall Xbox reset "reflects the realities of our industry and business" and that to ensure future success, Bethesda needs to "return to sustainable growth.
TL;DR:
Bethesda is moving to a "franchise-centric" planning strategy to better focus resources on long-term growth and stability.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 7, 09:33
Xbox layoffs mean that Elder Scrolls Online's roadmap is "shifting" just two days before Season One's release... the plan put in place for the MMO after the last round of cuts
Yesterday brought the news that Microsoft were cutting 1600 staff, spinning out four studios, and finding a further 1600 jobs to cut in the year to come . Xbox CEO Asha Sharma said in an email to staff that she was "making reductions" and "shifting investment to focus on higher priority projects".Today, we're starting to learn what those cuts mean for the teams that Xbox retained, and the projects they were working on. The most public and immediate of these is Elder Scrolls Online. In January, Zenimax Online Studios, the makers of Elder Scrolls Online, announced they would be ditching yearly expansions and moving the MMO to a seasonal release model . The team were just two days ahead of releasing Season One when Xbox hit them with layoffs so severe the release roadmap needs to be rebuilt. Read more
More:
Xbox layoffs mean that Elder Scrolls Online's roadmap is "shifting" just two days before Season One's release... In January, Zenimax Online Studios, the makers of Elder Scrolls Online, announced they would be ditching yearly expansions and moving the MMO to a seasonal release model .
TL;DR:
Yesterday brought the news that Microsoft were cutting 1600 staff, spinning out four studios, and finding a further 1600 jobs to cut in the year to come .
Gamesindustry
Jul 7, 07:59
Original Switch console lineup to be discontinued in Europe by mid-February 2027
Nintendo will discontinue sales of the original Switch lineup in Europe from mid-February 2027, as required by EU legislation on accessible consumer hardware batteries . Read more
More:
From this date, the Switch, Switch Lite, and OLED models will no longer be supplied to retailers, and sales will also end on the Nintendo Store. Nintendo will begin rolling out the revised Switch 2 consoles this summer. Battery replacement kits will also be available for purchase from the Nintendo Store in Europe.
TL;DR:
Nintendo will discontinue sales of the original Switch lineup in Europe from mid-February 2027, as required by EU legislation on accessible consumer hardware batteries .
Gamesindustry
Jul 7, 06:41
Sony leadership says AI tools are "an important foundational technology supporting our strategy"
Sony says implementing AI tools in development is "enhancing" their work "by removing repetitive tasks and enabling faster iteration." Read more
More:
Sony says implementing AI tools in development is "enhancing" their work "by removing repetitive tasks and enabling faster iteration." During a meeting on the Game & Network Services segment's performance and strategy last month, Sony Interactive Entertainment's leadership called AI an "important foundational technology supporting our strategy.
TL;DR:
Sony says implementing AI tools in development is "enhancing" their work "by removing repetitive tasks and enabling faster iteration." Read more
Gamesindustry
Jul 6, 21:42
Compulsion Games and Double Fine confirm "Independence Day" from Xbox
Compulsion Games and Double Fine – two formerly Xbox-owned developers now spun out from the Xbox family of studios as Microsoft enacts a deep round of cuts and divestitures – have released statements about the changes. Read more
More:
Compulsion Games has now confirmed the studio will "return to independent management," and retain the rights to Contrast, We Happy Few, and South of Midnight. Today, we're sharing that Compulsion Games will return to independent management following our time as part of Xbox.
TL;DR:
Compulsion Games and Double Fine – two formerly Xbox-owned developers now spun out from the Xbox family of studios as Microsoft enacts a deep round of cuts and divestitures – have released statements about the changes.
Gamesindustry
Jul 6, 21:15
Epic Games settles lawsuit against former contractor accused of leaking unannounced Fortnite collaborations
Epic Games has settled a legal case against a former contractor accused of leaking confidential information about Fortnite's then unannounced collaborations with IPs like Minecraft, Ben 10, and Game of Thrones. Read more
More:
In a settlement with Epic's lawyers, Hayden Cohen has agreed to terms that prohibit them from "possessing, accessing, using, or disclosing any of Epic's confidential or trade secret information." This includes passing any of that information onto a third party.
TL;DR:
Epic Games has settled a legal case against a former contractor accused of leaking confidential information about Fortnite's then unannounced collaborations with IPs like Minecraft, Ben 10, and Game of Thrones.
Gamesindustry
Jul 6, 16:45
Xbox layoffs: Jobs lost at Obsidian, Bethesda, Id and Zenimax Online Studios
Update, July 9, 2026: A WARN notice filed in Maryland states that 213 employees were laid off from ZeniMax Online Studios, including 166 at ZeniMax Media. Read more
More:
Another WARN notice in California (per Game File ) confirmed that 52 Obsidian employees were laid off, including 43 at the California office and nine in-state remote workers. Update: July 8, 6.
TL;DR:
Update, July 9, 2026: A WARN notice filed in Maryland states that 213 employees were laid off from ZeniMax Online Studios, including 166 at ZeniMax Media.
Rockpapershotgun
Jul 6, 16:18
"It's much further along than we originally planned": Fallout: London modders say work on their next game is going "swimmingly", despite DLC delays
Though Last Orders, the second DLC for massive Fallout 4 mod Fallout: London , is taking longer than Team FOLON originally planned, the modders have revealed that their next game is running ahead of schedule. The two are being worked on at the time as the group use their ambitious building of a British apocalypse atop Bethesda's Boston as a springboard into establishing themselves as a professional indie studio. Read more
More:
Though Last Orders, the second DLC for massive Fallout 4 mod Fallout: London , is taking longer than Team FOLON originally planned, the modders have revealed that their next game is running ahead of schedule.
TL;DR:
Though Last Orders, the second DLC for massive Fallout 4 mod Fallout: London , is taking longer than Team FOLON originally planned, the modders have revealed that their next game is running ahead of schedule.
Gamesindustry
Jul 6, 13:53
Xbox announces plans to lay off 3,200 staff and divest five studios
Xbox has announced sweeping cuts as part of its previously announced reset . 3,200 staff are to be laid off - 20% of the Xbox organisation - with 1,600 roles being eliminated today, according to an internal email from Xbox CEO Asha Sharma that was also posted to X. Read more
More:
Xbox announces plans to lay off 3,200 staff and divest five studios. Xbox has announced sweeping cuts as part of its previously announced reset . 3,200 staff are to be laid off - 20% of the Xbox organisation - with 1,600 roles being eliminated today, according to an internal email from Xbox CEO Asha Sharma that was also posted to X.
TL;DR:
Xbox has announced sweeping cuts as part of its previously announced reset .
Gamesindustry
Jul 6, 13:30
Interview: While GDC falters, Gamescom goes from strength to strength
At Gamescom Latam in Brazil earlier this year, GamesIndustry.biz caught up with Tim Endres, director of Gamescom at Koelnmesse, and Stefan Heikhaus, his counterpart at Game, the German Games Industry Association. Read more
More:
But first, we looked ahead to this year's Gamescom . Devcom was always part of the Gamescom week, but now Gamescom starts on Monday, August 24 with Gamescom Dev. It's not just a rebranding, it's a complete integration into the Gamescom ecosystem.
TL;DR:
At Gamescom Latam in Brazil earlier this year, GamesIndustry.biz caught up with Tim Endres, director of Gamescom at Koelnmesse, and Stefan Heikhaus, his counterpart at Game, the German Games Industry Association.
Gamesindustry
Jul 6, 09:46
Union launches hardship fund for laid off developers
The United Videogame Workers union (UVW-CWA) has created a hardship fund for industry workers affected by layoffs in the United States and Canada. Read more
More:
Funded by UVW-CWA membership fees, two funding tiers are available for eligible applicants: the Small Fund Tier provides up to $1,000 and the Major Expenses Tier offers $1,000 to $5,000. The union has also announced that an Itch.io charity bundle organised by Necrosoft Games will launch later this month, with 100% of the money raised supporting the fund.
TL;DR:
The United Videogame Workers union (UVW-CWA) has created a hardship fund for industry workers affected by layoffs in the United States and Canada.
Gamesindustry
Jul 6, 07:48
Sony clarifies re-order support for existing PlayStation discs
Sony has clarified to developers and publishers that they will be able to re-order existing PlayStation discs beyond the January 2028 end-of-production date. Read more
More:
After last week's announcement , Sony provided more details in a separate post on a digital platform for partners, as reported by Game File . Sony also stated the process for ordering discs will change and publishers will have the opportunity to release new games at retail using digital codes.
TL;DR:
Sony has clarified to developers and publishers that they will be able to re-order existing PlayStation discs beyond the January 2028 end-of-production date.
Gamesindustry
Jul 3, 15:19
What kind of PS6 could justify a $1,000 price tag? | Opinion
The death of consoles has been predicted with atomic clock levels of regularity for at least the past quarter century. Each new wave of consumer hardware with the capacity – real or hypothetical – to play games has been heralded as the final nail in the coffin. Some of those, like home PCs and smartphones, found healthy, thriving places in the gaming ecosystem. Others, like smart TVs, ended up being sideshows at most – but through it all, consoles have kept on trucking, with revenues continuing to climb even if there’s been a concerning stagnation in the overall audience size for quite some time. Read more
More:
What kind of PS6 could justify a $1,000 price tag? Each new wave of consumer hardware with the capacity – real or hypothetical – to play games has been heralded as the final nail in the coffin.
TL;DR:
The death of consoles has been predicted with atomic clock levels of regularity for at least the past quarter century.
Gamesindustry
Jul 3, 13:35
Where did all the UK game events go?
A recurring question in the UK games scene is why such a significant territory can't sustain its own major consumer event, in the style of the USA's PAX, France's Paris Games Week or Germany's Gamescom. The country's largest video game consumer show, EGX, paused during COVID before being merged into the pop-culture behemoth of MCM Comic Con in 2024, while other major events like Insomnia, WASD, and EGX Rezzed have long since folded. ( GamesIndustry.biz was formerly owned by MCM and EGX operator ReedPop.) Read more
More:
Where did all the UK game events go?. The country's largest video game consumer show, EGX, paused during COVID before being merged into the pop-culture behemoth of MCM Comic Con in 2024, while other major events like Insomnia, WASD, and EGX Rezzed have long since folded. ( GamesIndustry.biz was formerly owned by MCM and EGX operator ReedPop.) Read more
TL;DR:
A recurring question in the UK games scene is why such a significant territory can't sustain its own major consumer event, in the style of the USA's PAX, France's Paris Games Week or Germany's Gamescom.
Gamesindustry
Jul 3, 13:34
New studio //18.bravo is aiming for a "radically different approach" to game development
Robert Bowling, former creative strategist at Infinity Ward, has launched a new Los Angeles-based studio called //18.bravo. Read more
More:
"We're building a studio that ties leadership compensation to employee success," Bowling shared on LinkedIn . "Live service is killing development teams, unending content treadmills of [free-to-play] gaming are draining players, and the AAA studio system has failed.
TL;DR:
Robert Bowling, former creative strategist at Infinity Ward, has launched a new Los Angeles-based studio called //18.bravo.
Gamesindustry
Jul 3, 12:22
"We are profoundly disappointed by Sony's decision" – Game companies express dismay at the end of PlayStation disc production
Earlier this week, Sony announced plans to discontinue production of physical discs for new PlayStation games launching from January 2028. Read more
More:
"We are profoundly disappointed by Sony's decision" – Game companies express dismay at the end of PlayStation disc production. Earlier this week, Sony announced plans to discontinue production of physical discs for new PlayStation games launching from January 2028.
TL;DR:
Earlier this week, Sony announced plans to discontinue production of physical discs for new PlayStation games launching from January 2028.
Gamesindustry
Jul 3, 08:45
Jobs roundup: July 2026 | Marathon director Joe Ziegler leaves Bungie
It can be difficult keeping track of the various comings and goings in the games industry, which is why we compile them in semi-regular round-ups. Read more
More:
Ziegler's role as game director on the title will be passed to Del Chafe III, who will oversee the game alongside creative director Julia Nardin. Vaudour previously served as producer at Razing Studios, Chamo Games, and Housemarque. Ziater previously served as marketing and sales manager at True Gaming.
TL;DR:
It can be difficult keeping track of the various comings and goings in the games industry, which is why we compile them in semi-regular round-ups.
Gamesindustry
Jul 3, 07:23
Thick as Thieves dev OtherSide Entertainment impacted by further layoffs
OtherSide Entertainment has implemented another round of layoffs, impacting 18 employees on its Thick as Thieves team. Read more
More:
The Boston-based developer told Game Developer "it has become clear that the continuation of the studio in its current shape is no longer a commercially viable path." This occurred "despite the encouraging response to the launch of Thick as Thieves' introductory campaign" after its May release.
TL;DR:
OtherSide Entertainment has implemented another round of layoffs, impacting 18 employees on its Thick as Thieves team.
Gamesindustry
Jul 2, 13:43
Save the date: the GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit returns in October
The GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit will return for its fourth year, held once again at the Royal Institution in London. The event will take place throughout the day of Thursday October 1, and will be followed by the Best Places To Work Awards. Early Bird tickets for the Summit are on sale now , priced at £130 exclusive of VAT. Read more
More:
Save the date: the GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit returns in October. The event will take place throughout the day of Thursday October 1, and will be followed by the Best Places To Work Awards. Early Bird tickets for the Summit are on sale now , priced at £130 exclusive of VAT.
TL;DR:
The GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit will return for its fourth year, held once again at the Royal Institution in London.
Gamesindustry
Jul 2, 13:33
"The goal isn't to build something that burns brightly for a few years and disappears" – Cosmic Division CEO on launching a "responsibly ambitious" studio
In May, former Housemarque game director Harry Krueger launched Cosmic Division , a new indie studio based in downtown Helsinki. Krueger was previously game director at Housemarque, where he worked on titles including Nex Machina, Returnal, and Saros. Read more
More:
"The goal isn't to build something that burns brightly for a few years and disappears" – Cosmic Division CEO on launching a "responsibly ambitious" studio. In May, former Housemarque game director Harry Krueger launched Cosmic Division , a new indie studio based in downtown Helsinki.
TL;DR:
In May, former Housemarque game director Harry Krueger launched Cosmic Division , a new indie studio based in downtown Helsinki.
Gamesindustry
Jul 2, 13:00
Creator-distributed discount codes drive massive uptake of game storefronts, according to new Tebex data
Game codes distributed by content creators to their community drive significant additional revenue for game storefronts, according to new research by provider Tebex , although its data pointed to the impact being overwhelmingly driven by a small number of top-tier creators. Read more
More:
The study, which analysed over 1.5 million creator-backed transactions by 635,000 players over a period lasting a little over two years, found that 80.4% of players using creator codes did so on their first ever purchase and half completed that purchase on the same day they joined the platform.
TL;DR:
Game codes distributed by content creators to their community drive significant additional revenue for game storefronts, according to new research by provider Tebex , although its data pointed to the impact being overwhelmingly driven by a small number of top-tier creators.
Gamesindustry
Jul 2, 12:00
Sega Europe vet Jurgen Post steps down as West Studios COO, Rovio's Alex Pelletier-Normand taking his place
The COO of Sega Europe's West Studios, Jurgen Post, is stepping down and being replaced by Rovio's Alex Pelletier-Normand. Read more
More:
Post will be remaining at Sega Europe in an advisory position. "Jurgen came back to Sega Europe in 2024 and helped set the business on an upward trajectory. Sega and Rovio share the same creative ambition, and bringing our strengths together puts us in a fantastic position to deliver for players wherever and however they want to play."
TL;DR:
The COO of Sega Europe's West Studios, Jurgen Post, is stepping down and being replaced by Rovio's Alex Pelletier-Normand.
Gamesindustry
Jul 2, 08:53
Kepler Interactive acquires stake in indie publisher Oro Interactive from venture capital firm
Kepler Interactive has acquired a stake in Belgian indie publisher Oro Interactive for an undisclosed amount. Kepler acquired the stake from Belgian venture capital firm ForsVC .
More:
Oro Interactive will continue to operate independently with Kepler as its main investor. "Passing the baton from ForsVC to Kepler is a logical step in Oro's story; the support of such a renowned games company reinforces belief in what we do, and thanks to their support we can serve studios even better than before.
TL;DR:
Kepler Interactive has acquired a stake in Belgian indie publisher Oro Interactive for an undisclosed amount.
Gamesindustry
Jul 1, 21:27
Sony to close down PlayStation Store on PS3 and PS Vita by July 2027
Sony is closing the PlayStation Store on PS3 and PS Vita. Read more
More:
Sony is closing the PlayStation Store on PS3 and PS Vita. Read more
TL;DR:
Sony is closing the PlayStation Store on PS3 and PS Vita.
Gamesindustry
Jul 1, 20:59
Godot bans "autonomous AI agent use or vibe coded" contributions
Godot has updated its contribution policy and "take[n] steps" to reduce "demoralizing" AI contributions.
More:
"This problem is compounded by the recent increase in AI-generated contributions, both by AI agents and by humans submitting AI-generated code. The amount of effort required to make a PR has gone down (and number of PRs has increased as a result), while the amount of work to review PRs and the amount of people available to review has stayed the same.
TL;DR:
Godot has updated its contribution policy and "take[n] steps" to reduce "demoralizing" AI contributions.
Gamesindustry
Jul 1, 20:35
Xbox is reportedly considering dropping disc drives as it tests new feature that lets players digitize physical games
A new report now claims Xbox, like PlayStation, is set to "drop the disc drive." Read more
More:
Xbox is reportedly considering dropping disc drives as it tests new feature that lets players digitize physical games. A new report now claims Xbox, like PlayStation, is set to "drop the disc drive." Read more
TL;DR:
A new report now claims Xbox, like PlayStation, is set to "drop the disc drive." Read more
Gamesindustry
Jul 1, 16:38
Subnautica 2 studio Unknown Worlds' CEO resigns as Krafton agrees to pay $250m bonus
Krafton has settled its lawsuit with the former leadership team of Subnautica 2 developer, Unknown Worlds, and agreed to pay the $250 million disputed bonus. Read more
More:
Details of the legal complaint against Krafton, Inc. by the former leadership of Subnautica 2 developer Unknown Worlds became public this time last year. The founders strenuously deny this, and claim the publisher " chang[ed] its story mid-litigation about why it fired the founders and seized control over Unknown Worlds."
TL;DR:
Krafton has settled its lawsuit with the former leadership team of Subnautica 2 developer, Unknown Worlds, and agreed to pay the $250 million disputed bonus.
Gamesindustry
Jul 1, 16:04
Ubisoft appoints former 2K and Amazon exec Christoph Hartmann to lead Creative House 2, overseeing Splinter Cell, The Division and Ghost Recon
Ubisoft has appointed Christoph Hartmann as General Manager of Creative House 2, the business unit that oversees the Splinter Cell, The Division and Ghost Recon franchises. Hartmann is an industry veteran, having founded and lead the 2K Games label at Take-Two before leaving in 2017 to head up Amazon's troubled games business. He left Amazon in January . Read more
More:
Ubisoft appoints former 2K and Amazon exec Christoph Hartmann to lead Creative House 2, overseeing Splinter Cell, The Division and Ghost Recon. Ubisoft has appointed Christoph Hartmann as General Manager of Creative House 2, the business unit that oversees the Splinter Cell, The Division and Ghost Recon franchises. He left Amazon in January .
TL;DR:
Hartmann is an industry veteran, having founded and lead the 2K Games label at Take-Two before leaving in 2017 to head up Amazon's troubled games business.
Gamesindustry
Jul 1, 15:34
"I get very excited about trying to invent something new" – Assassin's Creed composer Jesper Kyd reflects on his three-decade career
Even if you don't know the name Jesper Kyd, it's more than likely you've heard his music. The Danish composer and sound designer has worked on the soundtracks to dozens of games over the past three decades, including huge franchises like Borderlands, State of Decay, and Assassin's Creed. Indeed, the signature tune of the latter series, Ezio's Family, was his work. Read more
More:
"I get very excited about trying to invent something new" – Assassin's Creed composer Jesper Kyd reflects on his three-decade career. The Danish composer and sound designer has worked on the soundtracks to dozens of games over the past three decades, including huge franchises like Borderlands, State of Decay, and Assassin's Creed.
TL;DR:
Even if you don't know the name Jesper Kyd, it's more than likely you've heard his music.
Gamesindustry
Jul 1, 13:48
Sony to discontinue physical discs for new games launching on PS consoles from January 2028
Sony will discontinue physical disc production for new games releasing on PlayStation consoles starting January 2028. Read more
More:
Starting January 2028, games will be available only in digital format through the PlayStation Store and other retailers. "This transition will enable us to align more closely with how most of our community prefers to access and play games today.
TL;DR:
Sony will discontinue physical disc production for new games releasing on PlayStation consoles starting January 2028.
Gamesindustry
Jul 1, 13:00
IGN expands partnership with Gamescom, adds game previews to official indie showcase
The organizers of Gamescom, Koelnmesse and Game - The German Games Industry Association, have agreed on a new partnership with IGN for Gamescom's "gamescom awesome indies show", expanding a long-established relationship under which IGN has served as the production partner of the official Gamescom consumer broadcast. IGN is owned by GamesIndustry.biz parent IGN Entertainment. Read more
More:
The organizers of Gamescom, Koelnmesse and Game - The German Games Industry Association, have agreed on a new partnership with IGN for Gamescom's "gamescom awesome indies show", expanding a long-established relationship under which IGN has served as the production partner of the official Gamescom consumer broadcast. IGN is owned by GamesIndustry.biz parent IGN Entertainment.
TL;DR:
The organizers of Gamescom, Koelnmesse and Game - The German Games Industry Association, have agreed on a new partnership with IGN for Gamescom's "gamescom awesome indies show", expanding a long-established relationship under which IGN has served as the production partner of the official Gamescom consumer broadcast.
Gamesindustry
Jul 1, 11:30
Eve Online's Carbon engine is now open source: Fenris Creations explains why
In 2024, Fenris Creations – then called CCP Games – said that it was planning to make its Carbon game engine open source . Now, some two years later, the tech behind the long-running sci-fi MMO Eve Online is available on GitHub for everyone to use. Read more
More:
Eve Online's Carbon engine is now open source: Fenris Creations explains why. In 2024, Fenris Creations – then called CCP Games – said that it was planning to make its Carbon game engine open source . Now, some two years later, the tech behind the long-running sci-fi MMO Eve Online is available on GitHub for everyone to use.
TL;DR:
In 2024, Fenris Creations – then called CCP Games – said that it was planning to make its Carbon game engine open source .
Gamesindustry
Jul 1, 10:14
UK workers request voluntary union recognition at Rockstar
Rockstar employees in the UK have requested voluntary union recognition from the developer to address pay transparency, flexible working, and overtime. Read more
More:
The Rockstar Game Workers Union (RGWU), part of the Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain (IWGB), was established last month . Members of the IWGB have been organising at Rockstar since 2019, representing "a significant portion of the workforce across each of the studio's sites in Edinburgh, Dundee, Lincoln, Leeds, and London.
TL;DR:
Rockstar employees in the UK have requested voluntary union recognition from the developer to address pay transparency, flexible working, and overtime.
Gamesindustry
Jul 1, 09:00
Xbox ends deal to fund and publish IO Interactive's Project Fantasy; redundancies expected
Xbox has exited a deal to fund and publish IO Interactive's online fantasy RPG, codenamed Project Fantasy, a move that may lead to job losses. Read more
More:
What's changing is where we're investing and the kinds of projects we're backing." This decision coincides with a significant round of job cuts at Xbox expected to begin next week. According to The Verge , further studio closures may occur, including Blade developer Arkane Studios Lyon.
TL;DR:
Xbox has exited a deal to fund and publish IO Interactive's online fantasy RPG, codenamed Project Fantasy, a move that may lead to job losses.
Gamesindustry
Jul 1, 08:00
Rokky launches unofficial Steam tool for checking if bundle and press keys have been used
Key distribution platform Rokky has debuted a free browser plugin for publishers and developers to monitor if distributed Steam keys have been used. The firm described it as a tool for "partner reconciliation and sales forecasting" and "safe post-bundle verification". Read more
More:
Rokky launches unofficial Steam tool for checking if bundle and press keys have been used. Key distribution platform Rokky has debuted a free browser plugin for publishers and developers to monitor if distributed Steam keys have been used. The firm described it as a tool for "partner reconciliation and sales forecasting" and "safe post-bundle verification".
TL;DR:
Key distribution platform Rokky has debuted a free browser plugin for publishers and developers to monitor if distributed Steam keys have been used.
Gamesindustry
Jun 30, 10:39
Ubisoft Barcelona staff go on strike over 51 staff being laid off
Staff at Ubisoft's Barcelona studio are going on strike over proposed layoffs that could see 51 workers lose their jobs. Read more
More:
There's also a request for job protection, which would stop Ubisoft from making another mass layoff of its Barcelona studio for 'a minimum of five years'. The Barcelona layoffs were announced earlier this year, alongside the closure of Ubisoft Winnipeg and Belgrade . The company wants the Barcelona studio to be focused entirely on the Rainbow Six franchise.
TL;DR:
Staff at Ubisoft's Barcelona studio are going on strike over proposed layoffs that could see 51 workers lose their jobs.
Gamesindustry
Jun 30, 09:42
Griffin Gaming Partners invests in TinyBuild
Venture capital firm Griffin Gaming Partners has bought a 3.24% equity stake in developer and publisher TinyBuild. Read more
More:
TinyBuild's share price has risen by 5% today following the news of this investment. "The indie gaming space remains one of the most compelling areas of the industry, continuing to produce some of gaming’s most enduring franchises," Griffin partner Frankie Zhu said.
TL;DR:
Venture capital firm Griffin Gaming Partners has bought a 3.24% equity stake in developer and publisher TinyBuild.
Gamesindustry
Jun 30, 08:47
CWA union says Xbox workers are not "disposable" as layoffs loom
The Communications Workers of America (CWA) union has come out in support of its members at Xbox as reports of mass layoffs continue to loom. Read more
More:
At an online press conference – as reported by Kotaku – CWA District 9 VP Frank Acre said staff within Microsoft's games business "will not be treated as disposable". But let me tell you this: it’s our CWA members who make the gains that make Xbox valuable.
TL;DR:
The Communications Workers of America (CWA) union has come out in support of its members at Xbox as reports of mass layoffs continue to loom.
Gamesindustry
Jun 30, 08:00
nDreams founder launches new studio Atmospheric to create "original IP across games and music"
The founder of VR studio nDreams, Patrick O'Luanaigh, has launched a new studio called Atmospheric , described as "a new independent entertainment company creating original intellectual property across games and music." O'Luanaigh stepped down from nDreams in May 2025 after 19 years as CEO , and eighteen months after the studio was acquired by Aonic . Prior to founding nDreams, he held senior roles at SCi, Eidos and Codemasters. Read more
More:
Prior to founding nDreams, he held senior roles at SCi, Eidos and Codemasters.
TL;DR:
The founder of VR studio nDreams, Patrick O'Luanaigh, has launched a new studio called Atmospheric , described as "a new independent entertainment company creating original intellectual property across games and music." O'Luanaigh stepped down from nDreams in May 2025 after 19 years as CEO , and eighteen months after the studio was acquired by Aonic .