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Hype Is Building for the First-Ever Five-Day Tokyo Game Show, But What New PS5 Games Will Be There?
This year's Tokyo Game Show will be its longest ever, expanding to five days from September 17th to 21st. While exhibitor details are still emerging, anticipation is high for potential reveals of major upcoming PlayStation 5 titles such as Final Fantasy 7 Remake's third installment, Dragon Quest 12, and Kingdom Hearts 4.
Saros May Struggle To Recoup Its Budget, Despite Great Reviews - Analyst
Despite receiving excellent reviews and being a contender for Game of the Year, Housemarque's Saros may struggle to recoup its reported $76 million development budget due to slower sales compared to its predecessor, Returnal. Analyst Rhys Elliott estimates Saros sold around 300,000 copies in its first two weeks, with a significant portion of players having previously purchased Returnal. The game's performance is being closely watched as an indicator of Sony's strategy for its PlayStation 5 exclusives.
Review – Saros (PS5)
Saros is an intense triple-A roguelike that builds upon the foundation of Returnal, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience. The game features stunning visuals, immersive sound design, and exceptional utilization of the PlayStation 5's DualSense controller. While the narrative can occasionally slow the pace, the core gameplay loop and innovative features make it a standout exclusive.
No One Noticed Intergalactic's Hidden Naughty Dog Easter Egg
Actress Tati Gabrielle revealed that the character name Jordan A. Mun in the upcoming game Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet contains a hidden Naughty Dog Easter egg. The initials J-A-M are a callback to Naughty Dog's original company name, JAM Software, founded by Jason Rubin, Andy Gavin, and Mike Goyet.
Modder designs an ultra premium PSP shell from the ground up that puts my handheld plans to shame
YouTuber Polymatt has designed and manufactured a premium custom shell for the PlayStation Portable using brass and acrylic. The extensive process involved 3D scanning, modeling, and machining to create an elevated, high-end aesthetic for the retro handheld. This project also includes a custom USB-C mod board to replace the original charging port.
Stellar Blade studio Shift Up to self-publish sequel
Shift Up, the developer of Stellar Blade, announced plans to self-publish the game's sequel, moving away from Sony's publishing model. This shift aims to allow the studio more control over marketing and direct communication with players. The sequel is expected to release on multiple platforms, potentially including Xbox and Nintendo Switch, with further details anticipated within the year.
Just Add Water Strengthens Leadership Team with Appointment of Industry Veteran Gareth Betts as Senior Producer
Just Add Water Development has appointed Gareth Betts as Senior Producer, bringing over three decades of industry experience to the UK-based studio. Betts previously held roles at Bandai Namco Entertainment and Sony, working on titles like The Dark Pictures Anthology and Wipeout HD. His appointment is part of the studio's strategy to enhance production capabilities as it moves towards 'AA' development.
"Stellar Blade 2" vill nå fler – skippar Sony som utgivare
Shift Up, the developer of Stellar Blade, is considering making its next title, potentially Stellar Blade 2, a multi-platform release and self-published. This strategy aims to maximize sales and reach a broader audience from day one, diverging from Sony's role as publisher for the original PlayStation 5 exclusive.
Sony's new wearable air conditioner runs even cooler
Sony has announced a new wearable air conditioner designed for improved comfort. The device aims to offer a cooler experience for users.
Download Free Uncharted PS5 Goodies With These PS Store Codes
Sony is offering free PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 digital gifts to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Uncharted 4: A Thief's End. Players can claim a set of PSN avatars using specific store codes for different regions, featuring iconic symbols from Uncharted 4 and Uncharted: The Lost Legacy. A PS5-exclusive Uncharted theme for the Welcome Hub will also be released later this month.
Business and Finance
Shift Up announced it will self-publish Stellar Blade 2 to reach a global audience immediately, diverging from Sony's previous publishing role for the first game. Separately, PLAYSTUDIOS, Inc. released its first-quarter financial results.
Shift Up will self-publish the Stellar Blade sequel
Shift Up has announced that it will self-publish the sequel to Stellar Blade, a title previously published by Sony as a PlayStation 5 exclusive. This indicates a shift in publishing strategy for the developer.
Stellar Blade studio Shift Up breaks from publishing partner Sony for "high-quality self-publishing"
South Korean developer Shift Up, known for Stellar Blade, has announced plans to self-publish its upcoming title Stellar Blade 2. This strategic shift away from publishing partner Sony aims to allow the studio greater control over marketing and IP identity. Shift Up also recently acquired Unbound, a studio founded by Shinji Mikami.
PS2 May Survive the Switch's Assault on Gaming History
The PlayStation 2 is likely to retain its title as the best-selling console of all time, despite the Nintendo Switch's close proximity in sales figures. While the Switch has sold 156 million units, Nintendo's projected sales for the next financial year suggest it will fall short of the PS2's 160 million record. The article notes that the Switch has sold faster than the PS2, but the PS2's longer lifespan and Sony's potential to keep it on the market may secure its sales record.
Poll: Is Saros Better Than Returnal?
A poll asks players to compare Saros, the spiritual successor to Returnal, to its predecessor. While Saros refines gameplay and streamlines progression, some players find it less mysterious and more accessible than Returnal. The article discusses Housemarque's evolution from arcade titles to intense third-person shooters with both games.
E3 started 31 years ago today and gaming was never the same
The Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), which began 31 years ago on May 11, 1995, fundamentally changed the video game industry by providing a dedicated event for game announcements and reveals. The inaugural show saw significant moments like Sega's surprise Sega Saturn launch and Sony's iconic PlayStation price reveal, which shifted the console market. While E3 was once the dominant force in gaming news, the rise of digital showcases and independent events, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, led to its eventual discontinuation in 2023.
Morning Legal Briefs
This article discusses potential risks to digital liberty posed by a Utah law, drawing parallels to Sony's past struggles with internet piracy and copyright lawsuits. It also briefly mentions a dispute involving Dua Lipa and Samsung.
"The industry wants people to think this is a demand for eternal server support ... it isn't" - E3 owner and Stop Killing Games clash over Californian games bill
The proposed California consumer protection law AB 1921, which would mandate offline versions or refunds for digital games when online services cease, is facing industry opposition from the Entertainment Software Association (ESA). Consumer group Stop Killing Games argues the bill is a reasonable request for basic end-of-life protections, not an unreasonable demand for eternal server support. The ESA claims the bill could stifle innovation and force developers to maintain old systems instead of creating new content.
The next Stellar Blade probably won't be PS5 exclusive, as developer Shift Up reveals intention to self-publish and reach a broader audience
Developer Shift Up has indicated that the next Stellar Blade game may not be a PlayStation 5 exclusive, as the company plans to self-publish and reach a wider audience. While not explicitly stated, the company's report suggests a move towards multi-platform releases, potentially including PC, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch 2, to maximize sales and leverage the established IP.
Directive 8020 review – Until Dawn in space
Directive 8020 is Supermassive Games' latest interactive sci-fi horror title, drawing inspiration from films like The Thing and Aliens. While featuring excellent graphics, solid voice acting, and an innovative 'Turning Points' system allowing players to revisit decisions, the game is hampered by a lack of context for choices and a rigidly linear structure. The narrative, set on an exoplanet as humanity's last hope, suffers from character development issues and excessive walking through dark corridors, ultimately scoring a 6/10.
