Splatoon 3 Announces New Fighting Style Splatfest
A new Splatfest event is coming to Splatoon 3. Players will choose between Speed, Power, or Tactics. The event features a new Tank mechanic and runs for 48 hours starting July 10th.
Fighting Style Splatfest start & end time, rewards - Splatoon 3Splatoon 3 is hosting a Fighting Style Splatfest, a crossover event with Splatoon Raiders, where players choose between Speed, Power, or Tactics. The event runs for 48 hours starting July 10th and offers rewards like Super Sea Snails based on player performance and catalog level. This Splatfest introduces a new Tank mechanic inspired by Splatoon Raiders.- Nintendo celebrates this weekend’s special Splatfest with new artworkNintendo is celebrating an upcoming Splatoon 3 Splatfest with a special Raiders theme by releasing new artwork. The event will allow players to choose between Team Power, Team Speed, and Team Tactics.
Team Bear Cubs won the Splatoon 3 Spring Fest 2026Team Bear Cubs has been declared the winner of the Splatoon 3 Spring Fest 2026. The annual in-game event saw participants compete across various teams, with Team Baby Chicks taking second place and Team Little Bunnies finishing last. Nintendo previously announced the Spring Fest would commence on April 19th.
Sony's Disc Phase-Out Sparks Online Backlash and Retailer Resilience
Sony's reported 2028 exit from physical PlayStation discs faces widespread online ridicule. However, GameStop's stock remains stable due to its focus on hardware and collectibles. This shift highlights evolving gaming consumption and its varied impact on the industry.
PlayStation is ditching a $402 million market and destroying consumer "freedoms" by abandoning physical games,…The Entertainment Retailer's Association (ERA) criticizes PlayStation's plan to phase out physical game discs by 2028, citing significant market value and consumer "freedoms" associated with physical media. ERA CEO Kim Bayley highlights that 25% of under-25s still use discs, and the UK disc-based games market was valued at over £300 million in 2025. The association argues that removing discs limits choice, harms retailers, and negatively impacts game preservation and the industry's long-term health.
Sony "will not reverse" plan to kill physical PlayStation games, analyst says: "They knew what the online reaction would look like, and they now wait for this storm to pass"Sony plans to discontinue physical PlayStation game discs in 2028, a decision an analyst believes will not be reversed despite industry backlash. Dr. Serkan Toto of Kantan Games suggests that Sony's large user base and lucrative digital sales make the move cost-effective, with potential impacts on Xbox and Nintendo's strategies.- Sony Isn’t Killing Discs Because Nobody Buys Them — It’s Killing Them Because People Still DoSony plans to discontinue physical PlayStation discs by January 2028, a move that has generated significant online backlash. Despite the increasing trend of digital game sales, a notable portion of consumers still prefer physical copies, leading to speculation about Sony's strategic reasoning behind this decision.
College Football 27 Faces Backlash Over Offline Microtransactions
Players are review bombing EA Sports College Football 27. This is due to the introduction of XP microtransactions in offline modes. EA is reportedly unlikely to remove the controversial monetization strategy.
- EA Sports College Football 27 Faces Backlash After Fans Discover XP Microtransactions for Offline Game ModesEA Sports College Football 27 has received a "Mostly Negative" rating on Steam due to player backlash over the implementation of microtransactions in offline game modes. Fans are expressing their dissatisfaction with the pricing of these in-game purchases.
Latest EA sports game review bombed over single-player microtransactionsPlayers are review bombing EA Sports College Football 27 due to the inclusion of microtransactions in its single-player modes, a feature not present in preview builds. Despite significant backlash and internal developer frustration, Electronic Arts is reportedly unlikely to remove the controversial monetization, drawing parallels to the Star Wars: Battlefront 2 controversy. The game is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC.
Destiny 2 Fan Creates Parody Raid Mocking Former CEO
A developer has created a playable fan-made raid within Destiny 2. It satirizes former Bungie CEO Pete Parsons' departure and perceived spending. The parody raid also touches on broader industry issues like layoffs.
In the ashes of Destiny 2, furious developer creates playable Pete Parsons-themed parody raid where the former Bungie…A game developer has created a playable parody raid called "The Vault of Cars" within Destiny 2, satirizing former Bungie CEO Pete Parsons' departure and perceived spending habits. The raid features Parsons as a boss and critiques recent industry issues like layoffs and poor decision-making, reflecting broader developer sentiment amidst industry turmoil.
You're invited to Destiny's cursed unofficial final raid: Pete Carsons' Vault of CarsA fan-created parody raid, 'The Vault of Cars,' has emerged as a satirical send-off for former Bungie CEO Pete Parsons, who retired amidst Destiny 2's decline. This browser-based game mimics mechanics from the original 'Vault of Glass' raid and pokes fun at Parsons' car collection and business decisions.
Grapple Bear Platformer Swings onto Steam July 17
The competitive platformer Grapple Bear will release on PC next week. Players will guide a mama bear through over 40 handcrafted levels using a grappling hook. The game also offers weekly challenges with online leaderboards.
Grapple Bear Is a Competitive Platformer Coming to Steam Next WeekGrapple Bear, a competitive platformer developed by solo developer ProkischDaniel and studio HaviEgyJatek, is set to launch on PC on July 17th, 2026. Players control a mama bear using a grappling hook to navigate over 40 handcrafted story levels filled with hazards and puzzles. The game also features weekly procedurally generated challenge levels with global online leaderboards.
Grapple Bear Launches July 17th - Just keep swingingGrapple Bear, a precision platformer developed by ProkischDaniel and published by HEJ Collective, is set to launch on Steam on July 17th, 2026. The game features a unique grapple-only movement system and over 40 handcrafted levels, with a demo available now. Weekly procedurally generated levels and global leaderboards are also included.
Mario Kart Tour and FFVII Ever Crisis Join Mobile Game Sunset Trend
Two major mobile titles, Mario Kart Tour and Final Fantasy VII Ever Crisis, are shutting down. Both games will cease online operations in late September and early October. This marks another significant retreat from ambitious mobile adaptations by major gaming companies.
- Mario Kart Tour and Final Fantasy VII Ever Crisis are the latest online games due to sunsetMario Kart Tour will cease operations on September 29th after seven years, with no offline version planned. Final Fantasy VII Ever Crisis will shut down on October 6th due to the costs of maintaining its quality, though Square Enix is accelerating story events before its closure.
The retreat from mobile games continues as Mario Kart Tour and Final Fantasy 7 Ever Crisis will be taken offline later this yearNintendo and Square Enix are shutting down their mobile games, Mario Kart Tour and Final Fantasy 7 Ever Crisis, respectively, later this year. Mario Kart Tour will cease service around September 29-30, while Final Fantasy 7 Ever Crisis will end on October 6. This follows a trend of major companies retreating from ambitious mobile adaptations of big intellectual properties.
Palworld 1.0 Update Brings Massive Content Expansion
The full release of Palworld, version 1.0, has launched with a vast amount of new content. This major update introduces a new region, numerous Pals, and significant story revisions. While existing saves are compatible, developers recommend a fresh start due to extensive game changes.
- Palworld’s Massive 1.0 Patch Notes Detail New Sunreach Area, Mutations, And 72 More PalsPalworld's major 1.0 update introduces significant changes, including updated story missions, a new Sunreach area, revamped settlements, two new mechanics (Awakening and Mutations), and 72 new Pals. Developer Pocketpair detailed these additions and numerous other improvements to combat, base building, multiplayer, and graphics in extensive patch notes.
Palworld 1.0 Adds 72 New Pals, Reworks the Story, Expands the World Design, and Much MorePalworld 1.0 has been released, introducing a new region called Sunreach with floating islands, new Pals, and challenging Tower bosses. The update significantly reworks the story, expands world design with ancient ruins and settlements, and adds 72 new Pals, bringing the total to 287. The game is available on Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, and PC, and has seen a surge in players on Steam.
Palworld 1.0 is "bigger in scale than any update" the game's gotten, but Pocketpair still isn't adding Pokemon-style Pal evolutionsPocketpair has announced that Palworld 1.0, the game's full release, will launch on July 10, 2024, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, including Game Pass. This update is described as the largest yet, but developer John 'Bucky' Buckley confirmed that Pal evolutions, a highly requested feature, were never planned and will not be added. The update will include many new Pals, a new region, and a more developed narrative.
Escape From Umbra Launches with Witchcraft Horror
WildSphere's atmospheric survival horror game is now available on multiple platforms. Inspired by witchcraft legends, players must escape a village ruled by a witch. A limited-time launch discount is offered on select digital storefronts.
Escape From Umbra Wants To Make You Fear The DarkEscape From Umbra, an atmospheric puzzle adventure game developed and published by WildSphere, is now available on PC and multiple consoles including Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch. The game challenges players to escape a village haunted by a witch by using wits, a flashlight, and a book of clues, emphasizing stealth and puzzle-solving over combat.- ‘Escape From Umbra’ Now Available: An Atmospheric Survival Horror Inspired by Witchcraft LegendsWildSphere has released its new survival horror and logic-puzzle game, Escape From Umbra, simultaneously on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Steam, and GOG. The game immerses players in an atmosphere of witchcraft and psychological horror, where they must escape a village ruled by a witch using a flashlight and a secret book of clues. A 10% launch discount is available for a limited time on Nintendo Switch, Steam, and GOG, with a playable demo also offered.
- WildSphere Announces ‘Escape From Umbra’, an Atmospheric Survival Horror Inspired by Witchcraft LegendsWildSphere has announced that their new psychological survival horror game, Escape From Umbra, will launch on July 10, 2026, for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, and GOG. Inspired by witchcraft legends and featuring escape room mechanics, the game utilizes Unreal Engine 5 to create a labyrinthine town environment. A playable demo will be available on Steam on July 3rd.
Project Awakening Shifts to Unreal Engine 5, Development Accelerates
Cygames' long-awaited PlayStation exclusive RPG, Project Awakening, is still progressing steadily. Development will now significantly accelerate with staff from Granblue Fantasy: Relink joining the project. The game is also switching to Unreal Engine 5 to achieve hyper-photorealism and will feature more tactical combat.
Long-Forgotten PlayStation Exclusive RPG Still Coming, Dev SaysCygames has confirmed that its PlayStation 4 exclusive action RPG, Project Awakening, is still in development. Company president Koichi Watanabe stated that the game is "steadily progressing" and "really starting to take shape," suggesting it is still some time away from release and unlikely to launch within the current console generation.
Project Awakening Development Will Now “Really Accelerate”, Says StudioCygames announced that development on Project Awakening will significantly accelerate, with staff from Granblue Fantasy: Relink joining the team. The studio is switching from its in-house Cyllista engine to Unreal Engine 5 to achieve "hyper-photorealism." The game's action tempo will be slower and more tactical than Granblue Fantasy: Relink, emphasizing weighty combat and realistic monster behaviors.
PlayStation Fans Protest Sony's Move Away From Physical Discs
Sony will end physical disc production for new PlayStation games in 2028. Fans are petitioning against the digital-only shift, citing ownership concerns. This follows confirmation that GTA 6 will be digital-only at launch.
Commissioner says the EU can't stop Sony from ending physical games: "Companies are free to offer games and…An EU commissioner stated that companies are free to decide how they offer games, implying that Sony's decision to cease production of physical game discs by 2028 is within their commercial rights. This statement comes as collectors and preservationists rally against the move, but it suggests legal intervention is unlikely. Analysts predict Sony will not reverse its decision, with future consoles like the PlayStation 6 potentially omitting disc drives entirely.
'Physical media is what makes consoles the best place to play' — PlayStation fans pushing back against Sony's plan to end physical discs have managed to amass over 170,000 signatures in a bid to reverse the decisionPlayStation fans are protesting Sony's decision to end the production of physical game discs starting January 2028, with a petition amassing over 170,000 signatures. The petition argues that physical media offers true ownership, unlike digital licenses, and expresses concern over job losses in retail. This move follows the confirmation that Grand Theft Auto 6 will launch with a digital download code instead of a disc.
Sony announces it is ending physical disc production for new games come 2028Sony has announced that it will cease physical disc production for new PlayStation games starting January 1, 2028. This shift to digital-only releases for new titles on PlayStation 5 and future consoles aims to reduce costs and align with market trends. The decision impacts the ownership model for consumers and raises concerns about potential price markups in digital storefronts.
GTA 6 Pre-Orders Live, PS5 Dominates Sales Amidst Pricing Details
Grand Theft Auto 6 pre-orders are now available for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, with a confirmed $80 price for the Standard Edition. PlayStation 5 pre-orders are reportedly outselling Xbox by a significant margin, with Sony heavily promoting the title. Details on the Ultimate Edition and regional pricing variations have also been revealed, alongside console bundle offers.
GTA 6 shown mercy by indie dev who previously planned to "humiliate Rockstar" by releasing their open-world…Indie developer Molleindustria has moved up the release date of its open-world game 'Future? No Thanks!' to July 22, avoiding a direct clash with Grand Theft Auto 6's November release. Initially planning to 'humiliate Rockstar,' the developer cited concerns about over-polishing and economic forecasts as reasons for the change.
GTA 6 Fans Are Getting Excited Again For A Date In August, As Take-Two Makes A Notable ChangeFans are speculating about new Grand Theft Auto 6 information following a change in Take-Two Interactive's quarterly earnings report schedule to August 7. Take-Two, the parent company of Rockstar Games, will release its report before the market opens, with a conference call at 8 AM ET. This timing, combined with Take-Two's previous statements about beginning the marketing campaign for Grand Theft Auto 6 this summer, has fueled excitement for potential announcements.- Rockstar Games Announces Pre-Orders for Grand Theft Auto VIRockstar Games, a label of Take-Two Interactive Software, has announced that pre-orders for Grand Theft Auto VI will begin on June 25, 2026. The game is set to launch on November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with various editions and pre-order bonuses detailed.
Assassin's Creed IV PC Performance and Tweaks Detailed
New PC performance analyses reveal frame rates across numerous GPUs. Guides are available to help players optimize settings. One guide specifically details unlocking 60 FPS cutscenes.
- Game ReviewsTechPowerUp and DSOGaming have published performance analyses for Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag on PC. These reviews benchmark the game's performance across 35 different GPUs, providing insights into frame rates and graphical settings.
- Game GuidanceThis guide explains how to unlock 60 FPS cutscenes in Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag. It details the necessary steps to modify game files and achieve smoother cinematic playback for players.
Against The Storm Free Weekend Extended on Steam
Fantasy city-builder Against The Storm is free to play on Steam. Players can experience the roguelite city builder until July 13. This promotion coincides with a recent update adding new content and improvements.
- Against the Storm Free WeekendEremite Games and Hooded Horse are offering a free weekend for the fantasy city-builder Against the Storm on Steam. Players can try the game for free until Monday.
Against The Storm enjoys free weekend on SteamAgainst The Storm, the roguelite city builder from Eremite Games and published by Hooded Horse, is available for free on Steam until July 13. The game recently received an update with new content, balancing, and quality-of-life improvements. It is also available on PC via GOG, Epic Games Store, Microsoft Store, and Game Pass, as well as on PlayStation and Xbox consoles and Nintendo Switch.
Game Preservation Efforts Face Industry Resistance and Regulatory Hurdles
The Video Game History Foundation argues piracy is the only current preservation method due to industry practices. Meanwhile, the European Commission declines to mandate game preservation laws, opting for industry discussions. California's 'Protect Our Games' act advances, aiming to keep digital titles playable despite industry opposition.
- Game History and PreservationThe article discusses the history and preservation of video games, touching on the upcoming shutdown of a Mario Kart game and the broader implications for game preservation. It highlights concerns about digital game longevity and accessibility.
- Game History and PreservationHideo Kojima expressed concern about the future of game preservation following Sony's decision to end physical disc production for PlayStation. This move raises questions about long-term access to games and the potential loss of digital titles.
- The Video Game History Foundation sees piracy as the future after PlayStation’s abandonment of physical mediaFollowing Sony's announcement of closing digital storefronts for PlayStation 3 and PS Vita, and ceasing physical disc production by 2028, the Video Game History Foundation has criticized the move. Director Frank Cifaldi stated that piracy is currently the primary method of game preservation, as the industry trade organization refuses to offer legal alternatives for preserving digital-only content.
Black Flag Sees Record Player Count on Steam
Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag has reached a new all-time peak player count on Steam. This surge follows a recent resync of the game on the platform. The title has now achieved the franchise's highest concurrent player numbers on PC.
- Engagement RingAssassin's Creed IV: Black Flag has achieved a new peak player count on Steam following a recent resync. This surge in players marks a significant milestone for the game's presence on the PC platform.
- Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced Has Already Earned the Series' Biggest Player Peak on SteamAssassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced has achieved the franchise's highest player peak on Steam, with approximately 100,000 concurrent players. This marks a significant milestone for the game's performance on the PC platform.
Game Pass Welcomes Palworld 1.0 and Gears Reloaded
Xbox Game Pass is expanding its library with significant additions throughout July. Subscribers can now enjoy the full release of the highly anticipated Palworld 1.0. Classic titles like Gears of War: Reloaded and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 are also joining the service.
Game Pass Levels Up Again With Gears Reloaded, Palworld 1.0 And MoreXbox Game Pass is adding several new titles in July, including the full release of Palworld 1.0 and the definitive remaster of Gears of War: Reloaded. Subscribers can also look forward to Winds of Arcana: Ruination and Tamashika. These additions span various genres and platforms, including PC, Xbox Series X|S, and cloud gaming.
Coming to XBOX Game Pass: Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+ 2, The Planet Crafter, Palworld 1.0, and MoreXbox Game Pass is adding several new titles throughout July, including the full release of Palworld 1.0, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2, and Gears of War: Reloaded. The service will also feature updates for games like Wuthering Waves and League of Legends, while several titles are scheduled to leave the library on July 15.
Blood of Dawnwalker Aims for Pen-and-Paper RPG Immersion
The Blood of Dawnwalker director aims to replicate the freedom of tabletop RPGs with impactful player choices. Veteran developers from The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 are prioritizing artistic vision over pure profit. The game is set to launch on September 3rd for major platforms.
The Blood of Dawnwalker star was "slightly too excited" in his audition to veteran Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 devs: "I probably shouldn't have looked that up"Actor Will de Renzy-Martin, who voices Coen in The Blood of Dawnwalker, discusses his audition and the challenges of portraying the vampire protagonist. He highlights the game's development by Rebel Wolves, a studio co-founded by veterans from The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077. De Renzy-Martin expresses excitement about the depth of the character and the ambitious scope of the RPG.
"We miss when genre wasn't a thing," say The Blood of Dawnwalker devs making their dream RPG: "We…Developers at Rebel Wolves, a studio founded by veterans of CD Projekt Red, discuss their upcoming RPG, The Blood of Dawnwalker. Game director Konrad Tomaszkiewicz and environment artist Adam Payet share their personal journeys into game development and their vision for the genre, emphasizing the importance of deep lore and player immersion. They aim to carve out their own identity within the RPG space, moving beyond strict genre labels.
'We want an experience that is close to a pen-and-paper RPG' — The Blood of Dawnwalker director says the game's big choices will offer more player freedom and 'boost immersion'Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, director of The Blood of Dawnwalker, aims to create an experience akin to a pen-and-paper RPG, emphasizing player freedom and impactful choices to boost immersion. He hopes the game, launching September 3 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, will be remembered for years to come.
BayCon 42 and Westercon 78 Conclude Successful Weekend
The joint BayCon 42 and Westercon 78 convention recently concluded in Santa Clara. Attendees enjoyed a variety of programming, including screenings in the Anime Room. Key events from the July 3rd to July 6th gathering were highlighted by 8Bit/Digi.
- Highlight of the BayCon 42 / Westercon 78 WeekendThis article highlights key events from the BayCon 42 / Westercon 78 weekend, which took place in Santa Clara from July 3rd to July 6th. The post originated from 8Bit/Digi.
- BayCon 42 / Westercon 78 | Macross: Do You Remember Love?The Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Do You Remember Love? was featured in the Anime Room at the BayCon 42 and Westercon 78 convention. This event highlights the presence of anime content at gaming and fan conventions.
WoW Director Calls UI Overhaul Successful Despite Controversy
World of Warcraft's game director believes the recent UI and addon changes have made the game more accessible. He acknowledges initial player concerns but feels most can now enjoy content without heavy reliance on external tools. Blizzard plans further refinements to the base interface and addon support in future updates.
- World of Warcraft’s Ion Hazzkostas suggests Midnight’s UI and addon overhaul makes the MMO more ‘approachable’Blizzard's Ion Hazzikostas stated that the recent UI and addon overhaul in World of Warcraft has made the game more approachable. He believes that while the changes were controversial and led to some addons becoming defunct, the majority of players can now complete content without feeling reliant on external tools, allowing for shorter play sessions.
WoW's game director thinks its UI overhaul has been 'successful so far,' even if it's 'not…World of Warcraft Game Director Ion Hazzikostas stated that the game's UI overhaul has been largely successful, despite initial community controversy regarding addon restrictions. While acknowledging ongoing work and some exceptions, he believes the changes allow more players to engage with content without relying on external tools. Blizzard plans further improvements to the base UI and addon interface in upcoming patches.
id Tech Engine Future Uncertain After id Software Layoffs
id Software has reportedly suffered significant layoffs, drastically reducing the team working on the id Tech engine. Concerns are high that the engine's future is in jeopardy with potentially only one developer remaining. Despite this, Microsoft still aims to utilize the id Tech expertise for future projects.
- Update: Microsoft Says id Tech Expertise Survived id Software’s Brutal Layoffsid Software is reportedly in disarray following significant layoffs, with only a small number of employees remaining who are familiar with the id Tech engine. Despite the staff reductions, Microsoft still intends to leverage the id Tech expertise.
"Probably dead forever": Team behind the incredible Doom and Wolfenstein engine reportedly reduced to 1 person…Following significant job cuts at id Software, the legendary studio's proprietary id Tech engine reportedly has only one person left working on it. This development raises concerns about the future of the engine, which has powered iconic titles like Doom and Wolfenstein since the mid-'90s. While some speculation exists about potential support from the id Software Frankfurt office, the immediate future of the engine and id Software's projects remains uncertain amidst widespread layoffs impacting Microsoft's gaming divisions.