Sports Games
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Evening Reading - August 14, 2026
This week's gaming news roundup includes updates on Total War: Warhammer 3, a review of Madden NFL 27, and the opening of 2K's Small Axe Studios. Compulsion Games has removed Xbox as the publisher for South of Midnight on Steam, while Kingdom Hearts 4 is slated for a late 2027 release with an animated series coming to Disney+. The article also highlights new features for The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered on Nintendo Switch and mentions upcoming content for Modern Warfare 4.
2K funds new AAA sports studio as EA Sports FC faces potential new rival
Take-Two Interactive, through its 2K label, has established Small Axe Studios in Vancouver, staffed by veterans from EA Sports FC and FIFA. The new studio aims to create a AAA sports game, potentially challenging EA Sports FC's market dominance. While the specific sport is unconfirmed, evidence suggests a focus on football, with key personnel having extensive experience in football game development.
2K Games Is Making A New Sports Franchise, And All Signs Point To Soccer
2K Games has established Small Axe Studios, comprised of former EA developers, to create a new sports franchise, strongly indicating a move into the soccer genre. The studio's leadership, including former EA FIFA lead Aaron McHardy, and the studio's logo suggest a focus on soccer, a market currently dominated by EA Sports FC following EA's split with FIFA.
EA Sports FC might be getting a proper football game challenger, as 2K sets up new studio to make its "next blockbuster sports franchise"
2K Sports has announced the formation of Small Axe Studios, a new development team based in Vancouver and led by former EA FIFA executive producer Aaron McHardy. The studio's mandate is to create 2K's next major sports franchise, potentially challenging EA Sports FC in the football game market. This move signifies 2K's ambition to expand its sports gaming portfolio beyond existing titles like NBA 2K and WWE 2K.
2K establishes AAA sports developer Small Axe Studios
2K has launched Small Axe Studios, a new AAA development team based in Vancouver, Canada, to create its next sports franchise. The studio is led by Aaron McHardy, a former 15-year veteran of EA Sports' FIFA team. Small Axe Studios aims to redefine sports video games by combining startup passion with 2K's scale and expertise.
Small Axe Studios is a New AAA Team Under 2K Working on a New Sports Franchise
2K Games has established a new AAA development studio in Vancouver called Small Axe Studios, led by industry veterans including Aaron McHardy and Gary Paterson. The studio is focused on creating a new sports franchise, though the specific sport has not yet been revealed. Several key leadership and development roles have been filled by individuals with extensive experience in sports game development at companies like Electronic Arts.
V’Ball is this week’s Arcade Archives game on Nintendo Switch 2, Switch
Hamster has announced that V'Ball, originally developed by Technos Japan in 1988, will be released for the Arcade Archives series on Nintendo Switch. The game is a sports title where players compete in a beach volleyball tournament. This release includes features like save files, button remapping, and a rewind function, with new Time Attack Mode and VRR support for the Nintendo Switch 2 version.
Pro Jank Footy Review – Yeah nah yeah, that's good footy
Pro Jank Footy is a charming arcade-style sports game that lovingly recreates the spirit of Australian Rules Football. Developed by Powerbomb Games and Tinker Town, it simplifies the sport for accessible gameplay, enhanced by hilarious "jank" power-ups that add chaotic fun. While player swapping mechanics and limited settings present minor hurdles, the game excels as a faithful and enjoyable party game, particularly for couch co-op.
This week in PC games: GoldenEye returns (sort of), plus janky arcade football, ballpoint cities, and a game about keeping the monsters inside Area 51
This week's PC game releases feature a variety of genres, including horror titles like T.W.I.R.L. and Homeostasis, alongside city builders such as Verde and factory games like Sandustry. Notable new entries include Agent 64: Spies Never Die, a spiritual successor to GoldenEye 007, and the quirky football sim Pro Jank Footy. The article also touches on the upcoming release of a highly anticipated game that has generated significant buzz among guides writers.
Next Week on XBOX: New Games for August 10 to 14
This weekly feature highlights new games arriving on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, and Game Pass between August 10 and 14. Titles include EA Sports Madden NFL 27, Sandustry, Hell Let Loose: Vietnam, and many more across various genres.
NBA The Run Review
NBA The Run is a sports game priced at $29.99 with no microtransactions and a focus on the player. However, the lack of an offline mode forces players into online matches with strangers, and the article questions the prevalence of individual play over teamwork.
There's no single-player video games in the top 20 most played PS5 games in July
Live service and sports games continue to dominate the most played lists on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, with single-player titles absent from the top 20 in July. Fortnite remains the most popular game, with titles like Roblox, Minecraft, and annual sports sequels filling out the charts. Data from Circana analyst Mat Piscatella indicates a strong preference for ongoing multiplayer experiences over traditional offline games.
PlayStation and Xbox's most played games are, once again, exactly what you expect them to be
Analyst Mat Piscatella revealed that the most played games on PlayStation and Xbox remain dominated by long-running live service titles and annual sports games, with minimal changes year-over-year. Fortnite leads both platforms, followed by a familiar lineup including Roblox, Call of Duty, and Grand Theft Auto 5, with minor variations between the console ecosystems.
The Biggest New Game Releases Of August 2026
August 2026 is set to be a significant month for game releases across PC and consoles, featuring a diverse lineup of titles. Notable releases include the wholesome electronics repair sim ReStory, the post-apocalyptic adventure Beast of Reincarnation, and the cooperative exploration game Big Walk. The month will also see the release of Lies of P: Complete Edition on Switch 2, Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls, The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered for Switch 2, and the PS5 early access launch of Grounded 2.
FC 27 The Grounds: Open-World Details, Districts & Features
Electronic Arts is introducing "The Grounds," an open-world social hub for FC 27, marking the franchise's first foray into this game design. This mode will replace traditional menus, allowing players to explore three distinct districts, interact with mentors like Kylian Mbappé and Alex Hunter, purchase licensed apparel, and participate in mini-games and street matches. The Grounds will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC, excluding last-gen consoles.
eCricket Discord Beta Registrations Now Open
Lightfury Games has opened beta registrations for its upcoming AAA mobile cricket title, eCricket. Players selected for the beta will test the game built on Unreal Engine 5 and provide feedback to developers. Strict conditions are in place for beta testers, prohibiting the capture, recording, or sharing of any in-game content.
Soccer Kid Collection (QUByte Classics) Review | TheXboxHub
Soccer Kid Collection (QUByte Classics) bundles the MS-DOS and SNES versions of the 90s platformer Soccer Kid. While the collection offers a nostalgic trip with modern features like save states, it is held back by clunky controls and punishing difficulty, making it best suited for die-hard fans of the original.
Nintendo Switch Sports Resort Hands-On Preview: Wuhu Island Is Back, Baby
Nintendo Switch Sports Resort brings back the beloved Wuhu Island with new motion-controlled sports. A preview at San Diego Comic Con showcased four of the 12 planned sports: archery, bowling, power cruising, and thumb wrestling. The game aims to recapture the fun of its predecessor with updated gameplay.
Try Steam's most high-chaos golf game for free right now, before it goes up in price forever
Super Battle Golf is currently available for free on PC through a special weekend event ending Monday, July 20th. The chaotic multiplayer sports game from developer Brimstone is also on sale for 30% off until Thursday, July 23rd, after which its base price will permanently increase. The game recently received a major free update called Attack on City, adding new urban environments and team play options.
Skate Adds Its Biggest Event Yet: The Legendary X Games
Skate developer Full Circle is introducing the X Games as its biggest in-game event yet, transforming The Stadium location into a virtual X Games venue. This free, limited-time event runs from July 21 to August 25 and features familiar X Games spots like the vert ramp and street park. Players can participate in 10 challenges, complete Club Tasks inspired by pro skaters, and earn X Coins for exclusive merchandise.
