Sony Interactive Entertainment
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Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls' single-player Episode Modes have been written by legendary writer, Kieron Gillen
Legendary comic writer Kieron Gillen has penned the single-player Episode Modes for the upcoming fighting game Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls. The game, developed by Arc System Works, will feature five unique stories, each with a different artist and team, culminating in boss battles against the Promoter and the Champion. Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls is set to release on PC and PlayStation 5 on August 6, 2026.
Former PlayStation Executive Says Single-Player, Narrative-Driven Games “Sustain” the Business
Former Sony Interactive Entertainment America president Shawn Layden believes that single-player, narrative-driven games are essential for sustaining the gaming business. He argues that these immersive experiences are more fundamental to the industry's success than multiplayer-focused titles. Layden highlighted upcoming PlayStation titles like Marvel's Wolverine, God of War Laufey, and Intergalactic as examples of this continued investment.
EU admits it cannot stop Sony killing physical discs – "companies are free to offer games and services in the manner that they see fit"
The European Union has stated it cannot prevent Sony from discontinuing physical game discs for PlayStation consoles starting January 2028, citing commercial freedoms. Despite a petition with over 286,000 signatures, EU consumer protection commissioner Michael McGrath confirmed that companies are free to offer games and services as they see fit, provided consumer rights are protected.
"Single-player, narrative-driven gaming is here to stay," ex-PlayStation boss says: "It's how we built this business. That's what sustains it"
Former PlayStation boss Shawn Layden asserts that single-player, narrative-driven gaming is essential for the industry's sustainability, citing PlayStation's most successful titles. While acknowledging the place for live-service games like Helldivers 2, he points to failures like Concord and Destiny 2's decline as cautionary tales.
PlayStation and Xbox are both dead, they just don’t realise it yet - Reader’s Feature
A reader argues that both PlayStation and Xbox are in terminal decline due to recent layoffs, a move away from physical media, and increasing prices. The author believes that in ten years, only PC and Nintendo consoles will remain dominant, with Xbox and PlayStation potentially becoming third-party publishers.
Evening Consolidation
The article discusses historical attempts by Sony Interactive Entertainment and other companies to curb the used games market. It also mentions a potential physical disc release for God of War Laufey, suggesting a 2027 launch.
Sony Santa Monica confirms "God of War Laufey will be available on disc" despite PlayStation's war on…
Sony Santa Monica has confirmed that God of War Laufey will be released on physical disc, a significant detail given PlayStation's ongoing shift away from physical media and the trend of digital-only releases. This news is particularly relevant for collectors and suggests the game will launch on PlayStation 5 before the anticipated digital-only PlayStation 6.
007 First Light shows video games are better summer blockbusters than movies
Video games are increasingly outperforming movies as summer blockbusters, rejuvenating legacy franchises with compelling narratives and engaging gameplay. Titles like 007 First Light, Hogwarts Legacy, and RoboCop: Rogue City demonstrate games' ability to fulfill blockbuster fantasies better than their cinematic counterparts, marking a shift in the entertainment landscape.
As Xbox and PlayStation flounder, Steam is reportedly having another record year
Valve's PC storefront Steam has achieved record-breaking revenue in the first half of 2026, generating an estimated $11.1 billion. This growth is attributed to the strong performance of the Chinese market, higher new release prices, and the return of third-party publishers. Meanwhile, Microsoft's Xbox and Sony's PlayStation divisions are facing challenges due to declining sales, increased hardware costs, and negative consumer sentiment.
Last time PlayStation threatened to close PS3 and Vita digital stores, the players revolted: "As gamers and collectors this is a hard pill to swallow"
The potential closure of digital storefronts for PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, and PlayStation Vita has sparked concern among gamers and collectors. Experts note that this could significantly increase the value and scarcity of physical copies for many digital-only or hard-to-find titles. The discussion highlights the ongoing debate between digital convenience and the long-term accessibility and ownership provided by physical media.
Black Ops ports are 50% cheaper on PS5 but not Xbox as fans fume over price
Ports of Call of Duty: Black Ops and Black Ops 2 are now available on PlayStation 4 and 5, featuring single-player, multiplayer, and Zombies modes without graphical updates or included DLC. While priced at £34.99 each, PS Plus members receive a 50% discount, bringing the cost down to £17.49 per game. This pricing is significantly cheaper than the Xbox versions, despite Microsoft's ownership of Activision, leading to fan frustration over the cost of older titles.
Report Shows Games Likely to Be More Expensive Once Physical Game Discs End Production
A report indicates that game prices are likely to increase with the cessation of physical disc production, as digital storefronts like the PlayStation Store are consistently more expensive than retail. This shift would give companies like Sony Interactive Entertainment and Microsoft greater control over game pricing, potentially eliminating the competitive pricing found in retail and the second-hand market.
GTA 6 needs a driver’s licence to play in Australia and the UK could be the same
Australia's age verification laws may require players to use a driver's license to play Grand Theft Auto 6, a policy that could also be implemented in the UK. Rockstar Games must comply with these regulations or face significant fines. While an official age rating is pending, a PlayStation email indicated an M rating in the US, suggesting an 18 rating in the UK and R18 in Australia.
Fired Marathon director says he's settled lawsuit with Sony
Christopher Barrett, former game director of Marathon, has reached a settlement with Bungie and Sony Interactive Entertainment regarding his lawsuit over his termination. Barrett alleged he was fired without cause following misconduct allegations, which he claimed were unfounded. The settlement includes adding his name to Marathon's credits.
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
Sony Interactive Entertainment will cease manufacturing physical PlayStation discs in January 2028, shifting exclusively to digital formats. A report by Tweakers comparing historical retail and PlayStation Store prices indicates that physical games are statistically cheaper over time, with digital titles often retaining their full launch price. This move is expected to increase game costs and eliminate the second-hand market, though retailers may still sell digital vouchers.
5 Live Service Games to Quit in 2026 | TAG
This article provides a framework for players to quit live service games they no longer enjoy, arguing that obligation and FOMO should not dictate continued play. It identifies five specific games—Destiny 2, Diablo 4 seasonal, Warframe, Lost Ark, and older MMOs—as candidates for quitting in 2026, and offers a step-by-step guide to breaking free from the cycle of retention-engineered gameplay.
Sony, Bungie settle with ex-Marathon director they accused of "predatory behaviour", bringing $200m wrongful dismissal lawsuit to a close
Sony and Bungie have settled a $200 million wrongful dismissal lawsuit filed by former Marathon game director Christopher Barrett. Barrett alleged the companies falsely insinuated he engaged in sexual misconduct to destroy his reputation and avoid paying him nearly $50 million. The settlement brings an end to the legal proceedings, with Barrett's name being added to Marathon's credits. This news follows recent significant layoffs at Bungie.
Former Marathon and Destiny 2 lead "pleased to share" outcome of his $200 million lawsuit against Bungie and Sony is "one I am very satisfied with"
Former Bungie director Christopher Barrett has reached a settlement with Bungie and Sony Interactive Entertainment regarding his $200 million lawsuit. Barrett, who led projects like Marathon and Destiny 2, alleged wrongful termination to avoid paying him $45 million. The terms of the settlement are confidential, but Barrett expressed satisfaction with the outcome and his name has been added to the Marathon credits.
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, which was filed after his termination for alleged inappropriate messages to female staff. Barrett claimed wrongful termination and defamation, while the companies revealed some of the alleged messages. The settlement was announced via posts on X and LinkedIn, with both parties expressing satisfaction and acknowledging Barrett's contributions to Bungie's games.
RAM costs a fortune and PlayStation is going digital, but Acer is making a remote control for gaming monitors, so…
Acer has unveiled a new "Smart Dial" remote control for its upcoming Predator gaming monitors, aiming to improve user experience by offering a more convenient way to adjust settings. This announcement comes amidst concerns about rising hardware costs and PlayStation's confirmed shift to digital-only distribution from 2028.
