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GameMaker says AI coding is inevitable, Sony clarifies DRM confusion, and how video games are helping Rikers inmates - Patch Notes #50
This week's Patch Notes covers several key industry developments, including GameMaker's integration of AI coding assistance, Sony's clarification on PlayStation DRM updates, and the use of video games for inmate rehabilitation at Rikers. The article also touches on Ustwo CEO Maria Sayans' comments regarding job security, the closure of Spiders studio, and changes to GitHub Copilot's billing model.
Original Xbox 360 Boot Screen Triggers Gaming Nostalgia Wave | HappyGamer
A viral tweet showcasing the original Xbox 360 startup screen has sparked a wave of nostalgia among gamers, reminiscing about the console's design and the era of online gaming. The article contrasts the 360's deliberate and elegant boot sequence with the faster but more cluttered interfaces of modern consoles like the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, arguing that current designs prioritize engagement metrics over player experience.
These Numbers Explain Why Sony Is Stopping Porting PS5 Games to PC
Sony is reportedly scaling back its efforts to port PlayStation 5 single-player games to PC, citing disappointing sales figures for titles like God of War Ragnarok and Horizon Forbidden West. While some live service and externally developed titles will still be released on PC, the company appears to be prioritizing its console business model.
Marathon Was Reportedly Played by 2.2 Million Players in Launch Month, 1.1 Million on PC
Analytics firm Ampere estimates that Marathon was played by 2.2 million players in its launch month, with 1.1 million on PC, 660,000 on PlayStation 5, and 525,000 on Xbox Series X/S. Former Square Enix director Jacob Navok suggested Sony's lack of marketing for the title indicates a lack of faith, despite its popularity on Xbox Series X/S.
SAROS Becomes Latest PlayStation 5 Exclusive in Worldwide Launch | HappyGamer
SAROS has launched worldwide as a PlayStation 5 exclusive, arriving quietly without major marketing. This release adds to Sony's exclusive library, highlighting the ongoing debate around console exclusivity in the gaming industry. The understated launch suggests confidence in the game's ability to generate word-of-mouth among dedicated players.
Evening Consolidation
Sony has confirmed that the Digital Rights Management (DRM) policy for games on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 requires only a one-time check. The game Strange Antiquities is now available on Xbox and PlayStation platforms.
Clever Raspberry Pi hack gets Sony's PS5 controller working properly on a gaming PC over Bluetooth
A modder has developed a workaround using a Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W to enable full functionality of the PlayStation 5 DualSense controller on PC via Bluetooth. This 'DS5Dongle' project allows for haptic feedback and adaptive triggers to work wirelessly, overcoming limitations of the standard Windows Bluetooth implementation. While not recommended for competitive gaming due to potential latency, it offers a significant improvement for general PC gaming with the DualSense controller.
Best Buy Has Open Box Sony Playstation VR2 Headsets for Just $199.99 with Free Shipping
Best Buy is offering open-box, Geek Squad-verified Sony PlayStation VR2 headsets in like-new condition for $199.99 with free shipping. This deal significantly reduces the price of the virtual reality hardware.
Subnautica 2 Is the Biggest Game Around Right Now, But When Is It Coming to PS5?
Subnautica 2 has achieved significant success in Early Access on PC and Xbox Series X, with nearly 500,000 concurrent players on Steam. A PlayStation 5 release is uncertain due to Sony's current lack of a formal Early Access program, though the game is expected to eventually launch on the platform in its complete form. The game's development was also marked by a legal dispute between developer Unknown Worlds and former publisher Krafton.
PlayStation Plus Monthly Games Lineup For May 2026 Announced
Sony has revealed the PlayStation Plus monthly games for May 2026, including EA Sports FC 26, Nine Sols, and WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers. These titles will be available for Essential subscribers from May 5 to June 1, 2026, with EA Sports FC 26 also offering a special PlayStation Plus Icons Pack add-on.
Raspberry Pi-based homebrew dongle enables full wireless Sony DualSense controller functionality on the PC including…
A homebrew solution using a Raspberry Pi Pico 2W dongle enables full wireless functionality for the Sony DualSense controller on PC, including haptic feedback which is lost over standard Bluetooth. This project aims to maintain a wired connection feel to minimize latency and provide a more complete gaming experience.
New PlayStation DRM Only Requires One Online Check-in, Sony Says
Sony has clarified its digital rights management (DRM) policy for PlayStation games, stating that only a one-time online check-in is required after purchase. This refutes rumors suggesting a need for check-ins every 30 days to continue playing games. The clarification aims to address player concerns about game accessibility and potential licensing issues.
Sony Patents AI That Learns How You Play - Then Works Against You | HappyGamer
Sony has patented an artificial intelligence system designed to learn a player's habits and then actively work against them in games. This technology could create dynamic difficulty that adapts to player skill, potentially leading to more challenging or frustrating experiences. While just a patent, it raises questions about the future of adaptive difficulty and player engagement in PlayStation titles.
No Leon, no problem: New Resident Evil movie trailer looks like pure horror joy
The new trailer for Zach Cregger's Resident Evil movie reboot has been released, focusing on horror elements and a new protagonist, Bryan, played by Austin Abrams. The film, set to release on September 18, appears to prioritize scares and bio-weapon horrors over the action-heavy plots of previous iterations, notably omitting established characters like Leon S. Kennedy.
Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil Reboot Looks Like a Smaller, Scarier Take on the Series
Director Zach Cregger is developing a new Resident Evil film for Sony, aiming for a smaller, scarier take on the franchise that emphasizes the survival horror elements found in the games. The film, which Cregger describes as unlike previous installments, follows a regular guy caught in a night of terror in Raccoon City and is set to release on September 18.
Sony clarifies confusion around DRM game licenses on PlayStation
Sony has clarified its Digital Rights Management (DRM) and game license policies for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, addressing confusion caused by a 30-day timer on newly purchased digital games. A PlayStation representative stated that a one-time online check is required after purchase to confirm the license, with no further check-ins needed afterward. This policy applies to new purchases and is not retroactive.
Sony confirms DRM policy on PS4 and PS5 is a "one-time check"
Sony has clarified that the Digital Rights Management (DRM) check for newly purchased digital games on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 is a one-time requirement after purchase. This addresses concerns that players might lose access to their games if a console remained offline for an extended period. The clarification follows reports of a 30-day timer that had caused user apprehension.
PS Plus Premium Surprise Drops Fantastic New Free Game Trials
Sony has added three new game trials to PlayStation Plus Premium, including Vampire Crawlers: The Turbo Wildcard, Drill Core, and Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2. These trials offer one to two hours of playtime for members, with Vampire Crawlers and Drill Core being recent releases.
Xbox Revenue Falls as Microsoft Bets Big on Cloud Gaming | HappyGamer
Microsoft's Xbox division is experiencing declining hardware revenue as the company strategically shifts its focus to cloud gaming. While console sales have stalled due to competition and supply chain issues, Xbox Cloud Gaming is experiencing significant growth, offering a more accessible and subscription-based model for players. This pivot aims to increase recurring revenue and reach a wider global market, potentially redefining the future of gaming beyond traditional hardware.
Sony Addresses PS Store Games License Issue Amid Backlash
Sony has confirmed a mandatory one-time online license check for all games purchased from the PlayStation Store, impacting titles on both PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. This change, implemented without prior announcement, has caused significant backlash among consumers concerned about future access to their digital libraries. Sony stated that after the initial check, no further online verification will be required for purchased content.
