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Apple Says Price Hikes Are Coming, But Won’t Say Which Devices Will Be Hit
Apple CEO Tim Cook has indicated that price increases for its hardware are unavoidable due to ongoing component shortages and rising costs. While specific devices were not named, the company is working to mitigate the impact on consumers. The Mac Mini has already seen a price hike, and similar increases may affect iPhones and other products.
These 2 seconds of the Spider-Man: Brand New Day trailer are enough to convince everyone Sadie Sink is playing Jean Grey
A recent trailer for Spider-Man: Brand New Day has fueled speculation that Sadie Sink will portray Jean Grey, with fans pointing to a visual similarity between a concussive blast in the trailer and Jean Grey's psychic powers from X-Men: Evolution. The film's synopsis also hints at a powerful, unseen villain, and the casting of Tramell Tillman as an anti-mutant activist further supports the mutant theory.
Xbox's latest tactics display 'a basic misunderstanding of how the interactive entertainment world moves', says former PlayStation exec
Former PlayStation executive Shawn Layden believes Xbox's recent strategic decisions demonstrate a fundamental misunderstanding of the interactive entertainment industry. He criticizes the company's studio closures, reliance on live service games, and industry consolidation. Former Activision CEO Bobby Kotick also previously advised Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella against entering the gaming market, citing a lack of creative DNA.
Xbox is Punishing its Studios For Following Previous Orders – Report
A report indicates that Xbox is punishing its studios for following previous directives, leading to significant layoffs and studio closures. This follows major investments like the Activision Blizzard acquisition and the push for Game Pass, with some studios being criticized for prioritizing the subscription service over individual game sales. The situation has created an environment of fear and uncertainty, impacting game development.
Marathon Showcases its Vantage Shell With a New Cinematic Trailer
Bungie released a new cinematic trailer for Marathon showcasing the abilities of the Vandal shell, focusing on atmosphere rather than gameplay. The trailer highlights the Vandal's combat prowess and mobility within the game's setting. The article also touches on the ongoing NIGHTFALL season, new game modes, and Bungie's efforts to increase Marathon's player base, including a recent Open Play Week.
Xbox’s Biggest Problems May Still Be Ahead
Xbox is facing significant internal challenges despite a recent showcase of upcoming games like Gears of War: E-Day. CEO Asha Sharma admitted to substantial financial losses and poor investment returns over the past five years, citing issues with funding franchises and inadequate infrastructure. Reports suggest impending layoffs and potential restructuring, including spinning off Xbox as a subsidiary or forming joint ventures, as Microsoft seeks to make its gaming division a sustainable business.
Bloodborne’s Potential PS5 Performance Showcased on Modded Console
Digital Foundry has showcased Bloodborne running at a stable 120 FPS on a modded PlayStation 5, a significant improvement over its original PlayStation 4 performance which was locked to 30 FPS with frame pacing issues. These enhancements, achieved through exploits on older console firmware, suggest that Sony could implement similar improvements if interested, though neither Sony nor FromSoftware have shown interest in revisiting the title. Reports indicate Bluepoint Games had pitched a Bloodborne remake, but FromSoftware declined, with Sony respecting their decision.
PlayStation’s Marathon Bet Looks Like It’s Already Backfiring
Marathon, Bungie's extraction shooter, is struggling to maintain player numbers on Steam despite a recent season update and a free week, falling significantly from its launch peak. The game's high development cost, estimated at $200-250 million, coupled with Sony's reported $765 million in impairment losses related to Bungie's portfolio, suggests significant financial pressure. The article questions the viability of Marathon as a live-service title given its hardcore PvP focus and the market saturation, especially after Destiny 2's end of support.
Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is getting its first update in over a year as Insomniac brings Spidey's Brand New Day…
Insomniac Games is releasing a free update for Marvel's Spider-Man 2 on July 28, adding Peter Parker's 'Fresh Start' suit inspired by the upcoming film Spider-Man: Brand New Day. This marks the game's first significant update in over a year, with the PC version also receiving the patch. No story DLC is planned for the game.
New Spider-Man: Brand New Day trailer sees Tom Holland's Peter Parker start to lose control as an invisible villain…
A new trailer for Spider-Man: Brand New Day showcases Tom Holland's Peter Parker struggling with his powers and facing an invisible villain. The film, which follows Peter after Doctor Strange wiped him from everyone's memory, sees him trying to protect the city while his friends move on. The movie is set to release on July 31, with early screenings on July 29.
PlayStation patents can get weird, but none are more bizarre than this joystick with an "operation member"…
Sony has patented a bizarre joystick design featuring an "operation member" with a hardness control unit, which could be an evolution of the haptic feedback seen in the PlayStation 5's DualSense controller. While the patent itself is unusual, it suggests Sony is exploring advanced adaptive trigger resistance for future controllers, potentially enhancing immersion in games like The Last of Us Part II or God of War.
Control Issues
An unofficial application has been developed to enable Sony's DualSense controller features on PC, following a lack of official support. This app aims to bring advanced haptic feedback and adaptive trigger functionalities to PC gamers using the PlayStation 5 controller.
Sony Didn’t Do It, So Someone Else Made An App To Unlock DualSense On PC
A third-party app called DSX has released a beta update that enables full wireless functionality for the PlayStation 5's DualSense controller on PC, including haptic feedback and Bluetooth audio. Previously, users could only access these features by connecting the controller via USB-C. Sony has not released an official solution for unlocking the controller's full potential on PC.
Sony Reiterates God of War Laufey Is 'Coming Soon' to PS5
Sony has reiterated that God of War Laufey is 'coming soon' to PlayStation 5, with marketing emails and social media posts highlighting its imminent release. While no specific date has been given, insider information suggests a launch in the first half of 2027, with a formal announcement expected later this year.
Finally you can use all PlayStation DualSense controller features wirelessly on PC, but you will need to pay for it
A new update to the third-party PC app DSX now allows the PlayStation DualSense controller's advanced features, including haptics and Bluetooth audio, to be used wirelessly on PC. Previously, these features were only available when the controller was connected via cable. The functionality requires purchasing the DSX app and its associated DLC on Steam, with ongoing Steam login requirements for continued use.
PS Plus Members Frustrated After Controversial Schedule Update
Sony's recent update to the PlayStation Plus game release schedule in the US, UK, and Japan has caused frustration among subscribers. Players are unhappy with the staggered release dates for Extra and Premium tier games, which differ from the unified release date for the rest of the world. This change has led to confusion and complaints about the service being anti-consumer.
The DualSense can still drift, but Sony may be exploring magnetic tech for shape-shifting buttons in whatever comes next
Sony has patented new controller technology that could allow buttons to change hardness and shape in real-time, potentially enhancing tactile feedback and offering accessibility benefits. This innovation builds upon the haptic features found in the PlayStation 5's DualSense controller, though its release on PC is uncertain.
PaRappa the Rapper – You Just Gotta Believe!
PaRappa the Rapper is highlighted as a unique rhythm-based game from Sony that predates many modern music titles. The article focuses on the distinctive nature of the game, featuring a rapping, two-dimensional dog.
New PlayStation Patent Describes Controllers With Buttons That Can Soften and Harden on Demand
Sony has patented new controller technology that allows face buttons to dynamically change hardness and texture in real-time, offering enhanced tactile feedback for gameplay. The patent describes using magnetoviscoelastic materials or fluid-filled membranes to mimic in-game events like finger grabs or environmental interactions. This technology also has potential applications for accessibility, adapting button feedback for various body parts.
Saros Developer’s Next Title “Might Not Be At That Scale,” As It’s Grown to Nearly 120 Staff
Housemarque, known for Saros on PlayStation 5, is discussing its future projects, which may not be on the same scale as their latest title due to the studio's growth to nearly 120 staff. Studio head Ilari Kuittinen noted the challenges of managing larger teams for bigger experiences. The studio is also focused on supporting Saros based on community feedback, while exploring new opportunities that might be less ambitious.
