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Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Console.
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RAM prices will stay high, as 2027 memory production slots are already sold out
RAM prices, particularly for DDR5, are expected to remain high due to massive demand from AI firms and sold-out production slots for 2027. Major manufacturers Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron have filled their capacity, prioritizing High Bandwidth Memory for AI servers over consumer-grade RAM. This shortage impacts gamers building PCs or buying new devices, with no immediate signs of price drops.
Darkest Dungeon gets two new characters in upcoming The Fire's Edge DLC
Red Hook Studios is releasing The Fire's Edge DLC for Darkest Dungeon on August 18, 2026, for PC, Mac, and consoles. This expansion introduces two new characters, the Duelist and the Runaway, previously featured in Darkest Dungeon II, along with new trinkets and Hamlet Districts. The DLC aims to support the original game, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary.
How To Tree Jump in Shindo Life – Including Console!
This guide explains the Tree Jumping mechanic in Shindo Life, a fast traversal method that allows players to quickly move through the game world by leaping between trees, cliffs, and buildings. The guide details how to initiate the jump using a visual indicator and notes that the mechanic is available on both PC and console, having been fixed in a 2026 update.
Albion Online celebrates its ninth birthday with cake and also statues of gods to murder
Albion Online is celebrating its ninth anniversary with the return of its Living Legacy event. This in-game event features statues of legendary champions that players can fight for rare rewards, including a special horse and vanity items. The game, which launched on July 17, 2017, has expanded to PC, Steam, mobile, and console platforms, solidifying its position as a top PvP MMORPG.
PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS UPDATE 42.2 REVAMPS NEW PLAYER ONBOARDING
KRAFTON, Inc. has released Update 42.2 for PUBG: Battlegrounds, significantly revamping the new player onboarding experience with updated Basic Training and a new Beginner Training progression system. The update also reintroduces the Hot Drop Arcade mode, adds Solo Deathmatch, and enhances squad communication with a redesigned Message Radial System across PC and console platforms.
Black Desert Mobile Introduces the Transcendence Class Remaster, a Combat Skill Overhaul Update
Pearl Abyss has released a major update for Black Desert Mobile, introducing the new Transcendent Class system which overhauls combat skills and enhances visual effects. This update unifies existing Ascension and Awakening classes, expands skill levels to 20, and allows for further customization through Skill Sigils and weapon specializations. The game also features a Heidel Ball event on July 11 to celebrate the update.
Game Pass Adds A Fan Favourite As Eight Games Prepare To Leave
Xbox Game Pass is adding RV There Yet? and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 to its library across various tiers, including PC Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate. However, eight games, including Rise of the Tomb Raider and Slay the Spire, will be removed from the service on June 30th.
VC fund VGames launches new $10m Indie Fund
Venture capital firm VGames has launched a new $10 million Indie Fund to provide project financing for premium PC and console titles. The fund will offer revenue share deals instead of equity, aiming to support commercially ambitious games that do not rely on free-to-play monetization. VGames plans to back 10 to 20 studios with investments ranging from $500,000 to $1 million, while allowing developers to retain IP rights and creative control.
The videogame market is as big as ever, with PC leading growth—global games revenue surpassed the $200 billion…
The global games market surpassed $200 billion in 2025, driven primarily by PC revenue growth. While console and mobile markets also saw increases, PC's diverse game offerings and microtransaction success led the surge. Despite industry consolidation and layoffs, overall market revenue continues to climb.
Newzoo: Global games market made over $200bn in 2025
The global games market generated over $200 billion in revenue in 2025, marking a 9.1% year-on-year increase. Mobile gaming accounted for 56% of this revenue, while PC and console gaming each took 22%. China and the United States were the largest markets, contributing over half of the global spending.
Black Desert Celebrates 4-Year Self-Publishing Anniversary with Community Event
Pearl Abyss is celebrating Black Desert's 4-year self-publishing anniversary with a new global community event called "Desert Light." Players can earn rewards by participating in various in-game activities to contribute to shared milestones, with additional bonuses unlocked as global objectives are met. The event also offers opportunities to exchange collected tokens for valuable items like Cron Stones and Advice of Valks.
70 GAMES RELEASE EXCLUSIVE CONTENT AS GREEN GAME JAM 2026 GOES LIVE GLOBALLY
The 2026 Green Game Jam has officially launched, featuring 70 games that are introducing exclusive in-game content focused on coral reefs and rainforests to celebrate World Environment Day. This initiative, organized by Playing for the Planet, aims to raise awareness and funds for environmental causes through partnerships with Oceana and Rainforest Alliance. Participating games will roll out content across mobile, PC, and console platforms throughout June and September, with the HTML5 platform Poki rallying 20 of its titles to support the cause.
ESA: 67% of Americans played video games for more than an hour in 2025
The Entertainment Software Association's 2026 report reveals that over 212 million Americans played video games in 2025, with the average player age being 37. Mobile remains the most popular platform, used by 80% of players, while PC and console usage declines with age. The study also highlights the positive perception of video games, with a majority of Americans viewing them as beneficial for mental stimulation, stress relief, and skill development.
Marathon Launches Season 2 and Free Trial
Bungie's extraction shooter Marathon has launched its second season, introducing new content and a weeklong free trial for PC and console editions. The update aims to expand the game's offerings and attract new players.
Hell Let Loose: Vietnam delayed to August
Team17 and Expression Games have delayed the release of Hell Let Loose: Vietnam from mid-June to August 13th. The decision was made after an open beta weekend highlighted areas needing further development to ensure a quality launch experience. The expansion will feature six large-scale maps, 50v50 battles, helicopters, patrol boats, and destructible tunnels.
Football Manager 26’s International Management is out now for the World Cup
Sports Interactive has released a free update for Football Manager 2026, Football Manager 2026 Touch, and Football Manager 2026 Mobile, adding International Management features for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The update includes official broadcast graphics, team kits, branding, new tools, and introduces women's national team management for the first time. While some kits may be added later due to licensing issues, the update offers save game compatibility with previous titles.
XSOLLA OPENS A DEDICATED PORTAL FOR PAYMENT PROVIDERS, UNLOCKING DIRECT ACCESS TO THOUSANDS OF VIDEO GAME TITLES WORLDWIDE
Xsolla, a global video game commerce company, has launched a dedicated portal for payment providers, offering direct access to thousands of video game titles worldwide. This new platform allows payment providers to manage onboarding, integration, and co-branded campaigns, providing them with tools for growth within Xsolla's extensive commerce network across mobile, PC, and console platforms.
UK publisher EdCorp breaks cover after signing Garbage Country
Former Coatsink founders have launched EdCorp, a new UK-based developer and indie publisher focused on fair terms for global developers. The company will fund, market, and develop original and licensed IP across PC and console, offering up to 75 percent revenue share. Their first published project will be the exploration sim Garbage Country.
Transformers to finally get a big budget video game as Hasbro invests millions
Hasbro is investing $1 billion into developing traditional video games, focusing on action-adventure and RPG titles for PC and console, and explicitly avoiding live service models. CEO Chris Cocks indicated that new games based on franchises like Transformers, Dungeons & Dragons, and Magic: The Gathering are in development. The company aims to build its own games internally after previously licensing its properties.
How Online Gaming Habits Have Changed in 2026
Online gaming in 2026 has evolved into a more mature, accessible, and socially connected pastime, with shorter, more flexible gaming sessions across multiple devices. Key trends include increased VPN usage, AI integration for smarter experiences, broader demographic accessibility, the rise of esports and streaming, multi-platform and cross-device play, a greater emphasis on social and community gaming, and the dominance of subscription and live-service models over traditional one-time purchases.
