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'The future is now' — PS5 user locked out of Ghost of Yotei due to license verification, and this is why…
A PlayStation 5 user reported being locked out of their digital copy of Ghost of Yotei for an extended period due to license verification issues. This incident highlights concerns about digital ownership and game access, especially in light of Sony's plans to phase out physical game discs by January 2028.
Games Inbox: Will you be buying a PS5 to play GTA 6?
Readers discuss whether Grand Theft Auto 6 will be a system seller for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, given the current downturn in console sales and perceived lack of compelling exclusive titles. The conversation also touches on the decline of physical media, the importance of game preservation, and the future of digital distribution.
Layoffs might offer "better short-term financial results," late Nintendo president Satoru Iwata admitted in 2013, but "employees who fear that they may be laid off" will never produce the same results
Late Nintendo president Satoru Iwata believed that while layoffs might offer short-term financial gains, they negatively impact employee morale and the ability to create impactful games. He famously took a 50% salary cut in 2011 and avoided layoffs during financial lows, emphasizing long-term business strength through employee contributions and efficiency rather than workforce reduction.
The NES is 45 years old – here’s why there’s no nostalgia for it in the UK
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), despite its global importance and iconic franchises, had a minimal cultural impact and generated little nostalgia in the UK. This is attributed to its late release in 1987, high price point compared to dominant home computers like the ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64, and a perception of being for children, unlike Sega's offerings. While foundational for many genres and franchises in North America and Japan, the NES's legacy in the UK is largely overshadowed by these market factors.
Sony Delays the FlexStrike Wireless Fight Stick to Unknown Date
Sony has indefinitely delayed the FlexStrike Wireless Fight Stick due to unexpected production issues. Originally scheduled for an August 2026 release, the peripheral is designed for games like Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls and features a layout compatible with the PlayStation Link USB adapter for PlayStation 5 setups.
"How Ubisoft and Embracer leadership aren't in prison absolutely eludes me": Helldivers 2 studio QA manager laments "darkest timeline" as layoffs hurt thousands
Arrowhead Game Studios QA manager Dave Gallacher criticizes the current state of the video game industry, highlighting massive layoffs at companies like Xbox, Ubisoft, and Embracer Group. He expresses frustration with corporate greed and the perceived misuse of funds, particularly concerning the rise of AI in game development. Gallacher laments the "darkest timeline" for developers, while acknowledging his own complex feelings about the industry despite the ongoing turmoil.
PlayStation Store Update Worldwide July 14, 2026
Sony's PlayStation Store has received its weekly update, adding new content, add-ons, and games for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PlayStation VR owners. The North American update includes Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, Cross Code, and For the King as part of the PlayStation Plus Essential lineup, alongside a variety of other PS4 and PS5 titles.
As Sony prepares to shut down the PS3 store, RPCS3 devs promise “75% of all PlayStation 3 games are now playable…
As Sony prepares to close the PlayStation 3 and Vita digital stores, the developers behind the RPCS3 emulator have announced that 75% of all PlayStation 3 games are now playable on PC. While many major titles are still in progress, the emulator has reached a significant milestone in preserving the console's library.
GOG Wants You To Make Your Own Physical Games
GOG.com has released a tutorial demonstrating how players can create physical backups of their digital PC games to ensure long-term preservation. This initiative addresses concerns about digital-only libraries and the potential disappearance of storefronts, offering a method to 'own' purchased games indefinitely by downloading offline installers and saving them to discs.
Hollywood still has time to avoid the gaming industry's disastrous consolidation endgame
The article draws parallels between Hollywood's historical consolidation and the current state of the gaming industry, highlighting the risks of fewer companies controlling more assets. It discusses the potential negative impacts of mergers, such as layoffs and reduced creative diversity, using examples like Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard and the proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery deal. California's lawsuit to block the latter merger is presented as a potential regulatory intervention.
Sony's attack on physical goods spreads to Crunchyroll as it adds a $14 subscription requirement just to access its…
Crunchyroll, owned by Sony's Funimation, is implementing a significant change to its online store, requiring Mega or Ultimate tier subscriptions to make purchases starting in August. This move, which follows the absorption of Right Stuf, means only subscribers paying $13.99 or $17.99 per month will be able to access the store, impacting the availability of physical anime and manga merchandise.
Xbox’s Console Future Looks Bleak In New Industry Forecast
Console sales are projected to decline significantly by 2027, with shipments falling to approximately 27.1 million units due to component shortages and rising prices. Analysts predict that next-generation consoles like the PlayStation 6 and a successor to the Xbox Series X|S could launch in 2028 with prices between $600 and $800. The Nintendo Switch 2 is also expected to see a sales decline, with its success potentially hinging on future game releases.
GOG dunks on Sony and reminds everyone why PC gaming is so beloved: "You don't need a storefront's…
GOG is highlighting the benefits of PC gaming and its own digital distribution model in response to Sony's planned discontinuation of physical disc production in 2028. The company emphasizes that by downloading offline installers, users can retain permanent access to their purchased games without needing a storefront's permission, contrasting this with the potential precariousness of digital-only libraries.
PlayStation 6 could outsell Xbox Project Helix by roughly 10 million units before 2030, analysts predict
Analysts predict that the PlayStation 6 will significantly outsell the next Xbox console, codenamed Project Helix, by approximately 10 million units before 2030. This forecast considers current hardware costs, software availability, and the overall economic climate, with Sony's next-gen console expected to reach 17.2 million units by 2030, while the Xbox successor is projected to sell only 7.3 million.
Witcher 3 Director Says Next-Gen Console Delay Would Not Be Such A Bad Thing
Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, director at Rebel Wolves, believes a delay in the release of next-generation consoles like the PlayStation 6 and new Xbox would not negatively impact his studio. He cited the complexities and additional development work required for new platforms as reasons why a delay could be beneficial. The article also touches on current hardware component shortages, rising console prices, and the potential shift towards all-digital consoles.
PS5 fans fast-track PC emulation in response to Sony ditching physical games
In response to Sony's move towards an all-digital future, PlayStation 5 emulation efforts on PC have accelerated. Recent progress includes booting exclusive titles like Astro Bot and Demon's Souls on PC using experimental emulators such as SharpEmu. These developments are seen as a win for game preservationists, allowing games to remain playable even if official support is withdrawn.
MMO Business Roundup: Sony games discs, Monster Hunter Wilds’ price, and Ubisoft almost figures it out
This business roundup covers several key industry developments, including Sony facing antitrust scrutiny over its decision to cease physical game disc production in 2028. Ubisoft's latest financial report acknowledges that firing experienced developers can harm business, while Capcom announced a permanent price reduction for Monster Hunter Wilds, alongside new bundle offerings.
'Removing discs doesn’t represent progress – it simply removes choice' — The Entertainment Retailers Association denounces Sony's decision to kill physical discs
The Entertainment Retailers Association (ERA) has criticized Sony's decision to end the production of physical PlayStation discs, calling it a move that prioritizes corporate convenience over consumer choice. The ERA highlights that physical discs offer true ownership, shareability, and preservation, freedoms often lacking in digital licenses. Despite Sony's silence, a petition with over 310,000 signatures urges the company to reverse its decision.
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, director of The Blood of Dawnwalker, believes a delayed next-generation console launch would benefit developers like Rebel Wolves due to current component shortages and rising prices. He highlights the increased complexity and cost of developing for new hardware, suggesting that focusing on current-generation consoles is more manageable. The game is set to release on September 3rd for current-gen platforms, with future installments potentially targeting next-gen hardware.
Major PlayStation 5 Feature Still Broken After a Month, Users Upset
PlayStation 5 players are expressing frustration as a major console feature, the 'Recently Played' list and playtime tracker, has remained broken for over a month. Despite widespread media coverage, Sony has not yet provided a resolution or comment on the issue, which affects both disc-based and digital games.
