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Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Sony.
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Ahead of an expected D23 X-Men cast reveal, Sadie Sink thinks it's a "smart choice" to have a "younger generation of mutants" in the MCU
Sadie Sink, who plays Jean Grey in Marvel's upcoming X-Men movie, believes it's a smart decision to focus on a younger generation of mutants. Sink is currently screen testing with actors to establish chemistry for the film, which is expected to begin production next year. The X-Men movie aims to replicate the success of Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
Xbox to implement age verification in Australia on console and PC in late August
Xbox will implement age verification for users in Australia starting in late August 2026 to comply with R18+ game access regulations. Users will need to verify their age through methods like email, facial scan, or ID to access rated 18+ content on the Microsoft and Xbox Store for both console and PC. This follows similar age verification rollouts by Sony and Valve in other regions.
Games Mysteriously Disappearing From PlayStation Portal Cloud Library
Numerous PlayStation 5 games have mysteriously disappeared from the PlayStation Portal's direct cloud streaming library over the weekend. While Sony reserves the right to remove titles, the widespread removal of both third-party and first-party games suggests a system glitch rather than a deliberate action. Players are reporting issues with titles like Ghost of Yotei, Madden NFL 27, and Cities: Skylines, with some contacting support who were incorrectly informed the games were no longer available for streaming.
Games Leaving PlayStation Plus in September May Include Popular RPG
Sony is expected to reveal the list of games leaving PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium in September 2026. Predictions suggest titles like Persona 5 Tactica, which has been on the service for a year, may depart. The article anticipates Sony will update its 'Last Chance to Play' section by August 18.
PlayStation Plus Premium August 2026 Game Revealed Early
Sony has announced that Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams will be added to the PlayStation Plus Premium classics lineup on August 18, 2026. The PS2 action RPG will be available for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 users. The full August lineup and departure schedule will be revealed by August 12.
Games Inbox: Is Final Fantasy 7 still the most popular JRPG?
Readers discuss the perceived lack of hype for the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy, questioning if the original game's age hinders its popularity as a JRPG. Other topics include reader interest in Take-Two's post-Grand Theft Auto 6 plans, the potential for a live-action Zelda movie, and the future of digital distribution versus physical media.
Black Myth: Zhong Kui Studio is Avoiding the Use of Generative AI for Design, Asset Production
Game Science, the studio behind Black Myth: Wukong and Black Myth: Zhong Kui, is intentionally avoiding the use of generative AI for design and asset production in its upcoming title, Black Myth: Zhong Kui. Co-founder Yang Qi stated the team prefers to rely on its own methods, though they are not entirely opposed to the technology. The studio also confirmed that Black Myth: Zhong Kui will feature a new protagonist based on the mythological exorcist Zhong Kui, rather than being a DLC for Black Myth: Wukong.
You can now stream PS Plus games to Steam Deck without owning a PS5 - and without buying a PS Portal
A new app called Asobi: Remote Play is in public testing, allowing users to stream PlayStation Plus Premium cloud games to Steam Deck, Steam Machine, and Linux devices without needing a PlayStation 5. This functionality works independently of Sony's official PlayStation Portal, which offers similar cloud streaming capabilities but requires a significant hardware investment.
Will GTA 6 save the video games industry or destroy it? - Reader’s Feature
A reader speculates on the immense impact Grand Theft Auto 6 will have on the video game industry, considering both its potential to revitalize gaming and the risk of overshadowing all other titles. The article discusses how a highly successful GTA 6 could either elevate the entire industry or lead to a market dominated by a single game, potentially impacting the creation and consumption of other game genres.
Take-Two CEO Doesn’t Believe Rising Hardware Costs “Will Slow Us Down”
Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick believes rising hardware costs will not significantly impact Grand Theft Auto 6's sales, despite potential console shortages. He noted that while lower hardware prices are beneficial, the demand for the game's experience remains strong. Zelnick also highlighted the growing importance of PC as a platform for Take-Two, with PC sales now representing a substantial portion of overall revenue.
God of War TV series sees further recasts as Amazon seeks older actors for Atreus and Thrud
Amazon's God of War television series is undergoing recasts for the roles of Atreus and Thrud, with plans to cast older actors for Season 2. This creative decision follows an injury that led to Kratos actor Ryan Hurst departing the role, with Dave Bautista reportedly in talks to replace him. The recasting suggests Season 2 will adapt events from God of War: Ragnarök.
FromSoftware sleuth unearths earliest footage of Demon's Souls to date: A prototype with a first person camera mode
Investigator Lance McDonald has uncovered early internal footage of FromSoftware's Demon's Souls, dating back to a 2007 Sony event. This prototype features a first-person camera mode, a locked player model camera, and enemies not present in the final release. The footage provides a fascinating glimpse into the game's development and its potential to be a very different experience.
Rare Demon's Souls prototype shows off first-person perspective, unused enemies that could have rewritten Dark Souls history: "Like watching the mona lisa being painted"
A rare 2007 prototype presentation for Demon's Souls, developed by Japan Studio and FromSoftware, has revealed early concepts including a first-person perspective and unused enemies. The prototype showcased the game's potential for photorealistic graphics and highlighted the importance of online connectivity, drawing parallels to FromSoftware's later titles like Dark Souls and Elden Ring.
Who Gets Left Behind In Sony’s All-Digital Future?
Sony's planned discontinuation of PlayStation 5 physical disc production in 2028 raises concerns about accessibility for various groups, including those with limited internet access, public libraries, and gamers in developing countries. While some anticipate challenges related to download sizes and ownership, others note that digital-only gaming is already a reality for many, and factors like the used game market and piracy complicate the transition. The shift could impact gaming communities and the concept of game ownership, even if it streamlines tournament organization.
38.5% of Nintendo’s Game Sales Are Still Boxed Copies as Sony Phases Out PS5 Discs
Nintendo reports that 38.5% of its game sales are still physical copies, a figure significantly higher than other major publishers like Capcom, where digital sales account for approximately 90%. Sony plans to phase out PlayStation 5 disc releases by January 2028, while Xbox is exploring ways to convert physical licenses to digital ownership. Nintendo continues to offer physical cartridges, Game-Key Cards, and digital codes, with boxed versions often priced higher than their digital counterparts.
Sony might be rebooting its 2020 flagship headphones
Sony may be considering a reboot of its flagship headphones released in 2020. This potential revival could offer a more budget-friendly option for consumers.
Inventor creates "IRL home screen" for physical discs that brings the convenience of a digital library to an…
A maker has created an "IRL Homescreen" that brings the convenience of a digital game library to a physical disc collection. The invention uses a projector and a rail system to display game art and highlight boxes, controlled via a Wiimote or controller, offering a unique way to browse physical games.
Take-Two boss dismisses hand-wringing over the end of disc-based games: 'Our business is well over 90% digitally…
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick believes physical game discs are becoming obsolete, stating that over 90% of the company's business is already digital. He argues that for large titles like Grand Theft Auto 6, which will be digital-only, discs no longer make sense for consumers due to convenience and the prevalence of online registration. While acknowledging the appeal of physical media for some, Zelnick suggests Take-Two will release physical editions only sporadically.
Sadie Sink breaks Jean Grey silence by teasing the X-Men icon's post-Spider-Man: Brand New Day plans:…
Sadie Sink has confirmed her role as Jean Grey in the upcoming X-Men movie, discussing her character's complex and flawed nature. While she has had conversations with the director about Jean's future, Sink admits she does not yet know the specific direction the character will take after the events of Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Other X-Men cast members like Samara Weaving and Kit Connor will also be joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Launch day performance issues and forced logins take another victim: Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls sees mixed Steam…
Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, developed by Arc System Works, is experiencing significant performance issues and forced PSN logins on PC, leading to a 'Mixed' user rating on Steam. Players report low frame rates and poor online play, with some noting high CPU utilization and issues with the anti-cheat system on Linux. Despite these technical problems, the game's core gameplay is praised, and initial player counts are comparable to its open beta.
