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If physical games are dying, we need better laws for our digital rights
Sony's decision to end disc production for PlayStation games and the impending removal of Studio Canal films from PlayStation Video highlight the precariousness of digital ownership. The article argues for stronger consumer rights and new laws to protect digital purchases, contrasting them with the freedoms offered by physical media. It notes ongoing efforts in the EU and France to address these issues, while also pointing to PC storefronts like GOG.com as alternatives offering true ownership.
This week in PC games: Stardew Valley plus vampires, a lavish gamebook RPG, and Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, finally
This week's PC game releases include the remake Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag Resynced, the gamebook RPG Veritas Tales: Witch of the Dark Castle, and various indie titles like Cosmodrill and Mothkeep. News includes potential job cuts at Microsoft and studio closures, while previews of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag Resynced and interviews are also mentioned.
How to use new controllers with retro consoles
This guide explains how to use modern controllers with retro consoles using adapters and dongles. It covers Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless options, detailing compatibility with various controllers like DualSense and Xbox Wireless, and discusses latency differences and charging solutions. The article also touches on ergonomic considerations for different retro systems.
Meccha Chameleon sells 15,000,000 copies to become game equivalent of Obsession
The hide-and-seek indie game Meccha Chameleon has achieved over 15 million copies sold worldwide since its launch on Steam on June 10. Developed by two Japanese indie developers in under two months, the game's success is attributed to its low price point, viral popularity on platforms like TikTok, and its classification as a 'friendslop' title. Despite its modest revenue, Meccha Chameleon has become the best-selling game of 2026 so far across Steam, PlayStation, and Xbox.
MMO Week in Review: EverQuest rising
This week's MMO news roundup highlights the resurgence of the EverQuest franchise with EverQuest Legends entering paid beta and expansions teased for EverQuest and EverQuest II. Other major stories include the implosion of DreamWorld, potential layoffs at Blizzard and Bethesda, and Sony's shutdown of PS3 and PS Vita storefronts. The article also covers updates and news from various other MMOs like Elder Scrolls Online, Conan Exiles, and Valheim.
Games Inbox: Is Nintendo Switch 2 and PC the perfect combination?
Readers discuss the potential of the Nintendo Switch 2 combined with PC gaming as a strong alternative to PlayStation and Xbox, especially in light of Sony's move towards digital-only releases. The conversation also touches on the importance of physical media for game preservation and the rising costs of PC hardware components like RAM and SSDs.
Compulsion Games Confirms Retaining Rights to South of Midnight, We Happy Few After Xbox Split
Compulsion Games has confirmed it is returning to independence after its split from Xbox, retaining the rights to its titles South of Midnight, We Happy Few, and Contrast. This news comes amidst widespread layoffs at Xbox, with Compulsion's future now secure despite rumors of closure. The studio aims to continue creating unique games that tell important stories.
DOOM, The Elder Scrolls Online Studios “Cutting a Significant Number of Staff” – Rumor
Reports indicate that id Software and ZeniMax Online Studios, both part of ZeniMax Media, are experiencing significant layoffs. While these studios are not closing, a substantial number of staff are being let go. This news follows broader layoffs at Xbox and impacts studios responsible for franchises like DOOM and The Elder Scrolls Online.
Sony assures developers they can still order some games on disc after 2027 – but there's a catch
Sony has informed developers that while PlayStation disc production will end in January 2028, they can still re-order physical discs for games released before that date. This move, which suggests the PlayStation 6 may lack a disc drive, has prompted Microsoft to highlight that its upcoming game, Halo: Campaign Evolved, will include a physical disc. The article also touches on concerns surrounding the potential lack of a physical disc for Grand Theft Auto 6.
Halo: Campaign Evolved really, really wants you to know you can get a physical disc even if you buy it on PS5
Microsoft is highlighting that Halo: Campaign Evolved will include a physical game disc, even for PlayStation 5 purchases, contrasting with Sony's announced discontinuation of disc production by 2028. This move addresses concerns about game ownership and the potential lack of physical editions for future titles like Grand Theft Auto 6.
Why do Xbox and PlayStation hate video games and their customers? - Reader’s Feature
A reader expresses concern over the current state of the video games industry, citing recent negative news from Sony and anticipated issues from Microsoft. The author criticizes both companies for perceived anti-consumer practices, such as going all-digital and shutting down older online stores, while questioning the passion of executives compared to Nintendo. The piece laments the shift from competition to a perceived lack of incentive to please fans, suggesting games have become solely a means to extract money.
Wolfenstein 3 Is Reportedly In Production As Microsoft Looks To Invest In MachineGames
Wolfenstein 3 is reportedly in production at MachineGames, with Microsoft looking to invest in the studio. The article also hints at a potential Wolfenstein television series and mentions leadership changes at both MachineGames and Arkane Studios.
Saturday Legal Briefs
Epic Games has reached a settlement in a lawsuit against a former contractor who was also a notorious leaker of Fortnite content. The article also briefly mentions unrelated lawsuits filed by Wisconsin residents against Microsoft concerning noise complaints.
Epic Games makes peace with ex-Fortnite insider as huge leak lawsuit comes to an end
Epic Games has settled its lawsuit against former contractor Hayden Cohen, who was accused of leaking unannounced Fortnite content. The agreement permanently bans Cohen from sharing Epic's confidential information. While Epic sought financial damages, the settlement does not include any public payment, though a judge's approval is still pending.
PlayStation goes all-digital, lessons learned for Square Enix, and what happens when fantasy projects collide with the…
Sony PlayStation will discontinue physical game disc production for new games starting January 2028, coinciding with the closure of the PlayStation Store on PS3 and Vita. Meanwhile, Cyberpunk 2077 has surpassed 40 million players, and CD Projekt Red is consolidating its brand. IO Interactive's fantasy RPG Project Fantasy faces uncertainty as Xbox funding has been pulled.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is "sort of the successor" to Final Fantasy creator's overlooked JRPG Lost Odyssey, lead says: "Truly one of the most powerful, emotional experiences of my life"
Guillaume Broche, director of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, has praised Hironobu Sakaguchi's JRPG Lost Odyssey, calling it a successor to his own work and one of the most powerful emotional experiences he's had as a gamer. Broche highlighted Lost Odyssey's linear structure, random battles, and ambitious story, noting its rarity as a turn-based game with realistic graphics. He also mentioned that Lost Odyssey is available digitally on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.
Sony still has to ration attachable disc drives sales to "1 per order" due to "high demand" despite plans to end production of physical discs for PlayStation games
Sony is continuing to ration sales of attachable disc drives to one per order due to high demand, despite plans to end physical disc production for PlayStation games in January 2028. This move aligns with changing consumer trends towards digital distribution, and it is speculated that the upcoming PlayStation 6 will not feature a disc drive. Microsoft is also reportedly exploring similar strategies for its future consoles.
Something for the Weekend – 04/07/26
This week's gaming news includes Sony phasing out physical disc production by 2028 and closing PlayStation Store access for PS3 and Vita again. Xbox is reportedly testing a disc-to-digital feature. Several games received release date changes or confirmations, including Onimusha: Warlords and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered. Reviews were published for Rhythm Paradise Groove and WILL: Follow The Light, alongside previews for Fatekeeper, Witchspire, Dziady, Doom: The Dark Ages, and Splatoon Raiders.
What on earth is happening to the video games industry? - Reader's Feature
A reader expresses frustration with the current state of the video game industry, citing issues like mass layoffs, Sony's focus on live service games, and Microsoft's acquisition strategy. Concerns are raised about the move towards digital-only sales and the potential high cost of future consoles like the PlayStation 6. Despite these criticisms, the reader acknowledges the strength of the indie scene and the resurgence of companies like Capcom.
Weekend PC Download Deals for July 3: Steam Summer Sale continues
The Steam Summer Sale and other PC gaming storefronts are offering numerous deals on a wide variety of titles. This includes discounts on major releases, indie games, and bundles across platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, and Humble Bundle. Several retailers are participating, with prices and availability varying.
