Astro Bot
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September is always the best month for new video games - Reader’s Feature
This reader's feature reflects on September as a consistently strong month for video game releases, highlighting past favorites like Driver: San Francisco, Rayman Legends, Grand Theft Auto 5, Marvel's Spider-Man, Mafia: Definitive Edition, and Astro Bot. It also looks forward to upcoming titles such as Onimusha: Warlords, The Blood Of Dawnwalker, Marvel's Wolverine, Silent Hill: Townfall, Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave, and Control Resonant.
Games Inbox: Will there be a Trailer 3 for GTA 6?
Readers discuss the likelihood of a third trailer for Grand Theft Auto 6, express disappointment with Nintendo's Switch 2 priorities and Tomb Raider remake features, and debate the underutilization of the PlayStation 5 DualSense controller's touchpad. Other topics include the commercial struggles of PlatinumGames, the perceived decline of the Turok franchise, and the philosophy of digital ownership versus physical discs.
Games Inbox: What will be in the Netflix GTA 6 show?
Readers speculate about the content of a rumored Grand Theft Auto 6 Netflix show, with some anticipating a short gameplay reveal padded with interviews. The discussion also touches on disappointing game leaks, the difficulty of modern Mega Man titles, and the current state of the Star Wars and Xbox franchises.
Console Exclusivity Is Creeping Back: Inside Xbox and Sony’s Quiet Retreat From Multiplatform
Xbox and Sony appear to be scaling back their multiplatform strategies, with recent game trailers omitting mentions of competing consoles. This shift suggests a renewed focus on strengthening their respective ecosystems, with Sony reviving its 'only on PlayStation' branding and Xbox making permanent exclusivity promises for select titles.
PS5 boycott to continue indefinitely as organisers ask fans to ignore Wolverine
A planned PlayStation boycott against Sony's decision to discontinue physical game releases after 2027 will continue indefinitely. Organizers aim to impact Sony's active player count and business operations. Despite the boycott, upcoming releases like Marvel's Wolverine and the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6 are expected to drive PlayStation 5 sales.
Sony Reaffirms Return to Console-Exclusive Games With New “Only On PS5” Ad
Sony has released a new advertisement emphasizing its commitment to console-exclusive games for the PlayStation 5, featuring titles like Ghost of Yōtei, Astro Bot, and Marvel's Wolverine. While Sony continues to release multiplayer games on PC, such as Helldivers 2, the ad suggests a stronger focus on exclusive single-player experiences. This strategy mirrors recent moves by Microsoft, which is also prioritizing exclusives for Xbox Series X/S and PC, though Xbox CEO Asha Sharma notes the current business health necessitates a gradual approach to releasing more exclusive titles.
Famitsu software sales (8/3/26 – 8/16/26) – Top 30
Famitsu has released the Japanese software sales data for the weeks of August 3-9 and August 10-16, 2026. Rhythm Heaven Groove and Splatoon Raiders topped the charts for both weeks on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 respectively. Several new titles debuted, including Beast of Reincarnation and Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls on PlayStation 5, and The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered on Nintendo Switch 2.
Games Inbox: What character do you most associate with PlayStation?
Readers discuss which characters are most associated with PlayStation, with Lara Croft and Crash Bandicoot being strong contenders for the PlayStation 1 era, while Kratos and Aloy are mentioned for the PlayStation 5. The discussion also touches on the perceived lack of iconic mascots for Sony and the development of games like Hogwarts Legacy and Grand Theft Auto 6.
Sony is spending £47,000,000 to create new mascot characters for PS5 and beyond
Sony is investing approximately £47 million (10 billion yen) to create new mascot characters for use across its various businesses, including anime and films, not just PlayStation. This initiative aims to develop recognizable intellectual property similar to Nintendo's successful characters, with a dedicated team established to test and develop new concepts.
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.
UK software sales chart for the week ending August 1, 2026 – Splatoon Raiders holds on strong, physical Xenoblade 1 for Nintendo Switch 2 debuts
The latest UK software sales chart for the week ending August 1, 2026, shows Splatoon Raiders holding strong at number two. The physical release of Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition debuted at number sixteen.
Weekend Console Download Deals for July 17: PlayStation Summer Sale & Xbox Ultimate Game Sale
This weekend offers significant discounts on PlayStation and Xbox digital libraries, with sales like the PlayStation Summer Sale and Xbox Ultimate Game Sale. Notable deals include discounts on Elden Ring Nightreign, Hollow Knight: Silksong, and various first-party and third-party titles across both platforms. Nintendo also has a sale on the Mortal Kombat Legacy Kollection.
Spyro: A Realm Beyond Studio “Couldn’t be Happier” About Resurgence of 3D Platformers
Toys for Bob studio head Paul Yan and associate creative director Lou Studdert discussed the resurgence of 3D platformers, with Studdert calling Astro Bot his game of the year. They also touched on the potential for a new Banjo-Kazooie game, though their current focus is Spyro: A Realm Beyond, set for a Spring 2027 release on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.
Spyro: A Realm Beyond lead "couldn't be more happy" about the "resurgence" of 3D platformers…
Lou Studdert, associate creative director at Toys for Bob, expressed happiness regarding the resurgence of 3D platformers, citing games like Astro Bot and the upcoming Rayman Legends Retold. He believes the genre, which he calls the purest form of video games, is experiencing a welcome comeback thanks to both AAA titles and a strong indie scene.
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.
Astro Bot for PS5 Drops to Its Lowest Price Ever
The PlayStation 5 exclusive platformer Astro Bot is currently available at its lowest price ever for a limited time. This sale offers a significant discount on the critically acclaimed title.
Former PlayStation head tells Xbox to either be a good publisher or make a good platform with exclusives: "Nintendo…
Former PlayStation head Shawn Layden advises Xbox to commit to either being a competitive platform with exclusive content or a major multi-platform publisher. He argues that trying to be both is a flawed strategy, citing Nintendo and PlayStation's reliance on exclusives. Layden also points to Microsoft's frequent layoffs and the confusing decision to acquire major franchises only to release them on rival platforms.
Xbox needs to make a choice, says former PlayStation leader Shawn Layden: be a publisher or a platform, but you can't be both
Former PlayStation leader Shawn Layden argues that Xbox must choose between being a major game publisher or a platform holder, stating it cannot effectively be both. He highlights the need for exclusive content to support a platform, contrasting it with the multiplatform approach required for a top publisher, a dilemma exacerbated by recent Xbox layoffs and strategic shifts.
A rubbish Silent Hill game that's free on PS5 is £52 for the physical edition
Limited Run Games is releasing a physical deluxe edition of the free-to-play PlayStation 5 title Silent Hill: The Short Message for $69.99, shipping in January 2027. Despite including art cards, a poster, and a keychain, the high price is criticized given the game's short length and perceived low quality, especially when compared to other recent Silent Hill releases and upcoming titles like Silent Hill: Townfall.
'Balatro' Plays Winning Hand at GDCA 2025, Receiving Game of the Year
Balatro, the indie roguelike deckbuilder from solo developer LocalThunk, won Game of the Year at the 25th annual Game Developers Choice Awards. The game also secured wins for Best Debut, Best Design, and the Innovation Award. Other notable winners included Astro Bot for Best Audio and Best Technology, and Sam Lake received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
