Subscription Services
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Xbox Cancelled a Marketing Campaign of Physical Copies of Games vs Digital in 2025 – Rumor
A rumored marketing campaign by Xbox for 2025, intended to discuss the advantages of physical versus digital game copies, was reportedly cancelled. This decision may hint at future Xbox consoles eschewing disc drives and aligns with a broader industry trend towards digital media, as seen with Sony's recent announcement to cease physical game production for its consoles by 2028.
Ten Questions and Answers About the Games Industry in 2024
Omdia's expert games analysts will discuss pressing industry questions for 2024 in a webinar preparing attendees for GDC. Key topics include the reasons behind industry layoffs, the impact of subscription services on player behavior, and developers' current and future spending plans, all supported by Omdia's data.
Nintendo Download: Play It By Ear in Rhythm Heaven Groove – Available Today!
Nintendo has announced its latest download offerings for the Nintendo Switch, featuring the rhythm game Rhythm Heaven Groove and Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs. Villains. Pre-orders are now open for The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, set to launch on August 11. The update also highlights ongoing summer sales on the Nintendo eShop and promotions for Nintendo Switch Online memberships.
Xbox Game Pass Is Removing A Lot Of Games Very Soon
Microsoft is removing 11 titles from Xbox Game Pass on July 15, including EA Sports FC 24, Stellaris, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider. Subscribers can purchase these games at a 20% discount before they are removed. This is expected to be the first of two sets of removals for July, with Halo: Campaign Evolved being a notable addition later in the month.
PlayStation Offers Free Multiplayer Days After Upsetting Everyone
Sony is offering a free online multiplayer weekend for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 users from July 3 to July 5, allowing access without a PlayStation Plus subscription. This move comes amidst significant backlash from players regarding changes to digital ownership and subscription models, with the company remaining largely silent on social media.
Virtual Reality Check
Meta is beginning to limit features on its smart glasses, requiring a premium subscription for full functionality. This move impacts the accessibility of certain smart glasses features for users.
Evening Consolidation
Microsoft is reportedly testing a new Xbox feature aimed at preserving digital game collections as physical media declines. Meanwhile, PlayStation Plus Monthly Games for July have been announced, including Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, For the King II, and CrossCode.
Evening Metaverse
Plex has reintroduced its $249.99 subscription plan, which requires renewal every five years. This pricing model suggests a long-term commitment for users opting for this particular tier.
Here Are Your Free PlayStation Plus Essential Monthly Games For July, 2026
Sony has announced the free PlayStation Plus Essential monthly games for July 2026. Subscribers can claim Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, For The Queen 2, and CrossCode. Despite Microsoft's ownership of the Call of Duty franchise, Sony continues to offer it as part of its subscription service.
Sony Confirms PlayStation Plus Monthly Games for July 2026, Headlined by Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
Sony has announced that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 will be one of the PlayStation Plus monthly games for July 2026. This offering is part of the ongoing subscription service for PlayStation users.
PS Plus Essential July Monthly Free Games Aren’t Too Exciting
Sony has announced the PlayStation Plus Essential free games for July 2026, featuring Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, For the King II, and CrossCode, all available on both PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. While the lineup is described as unexciting, it offers a mix of genres including a first-person shooter and a 2D action RPG with puzzle elements.
PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium's announcements of monthly new games are being changed in some territories, and players aren't happy about it
Sony is changing how monthly games are rolled out for PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium subscribers in some territories, moving to a staggered release schedule across several weeks instead of all at once. This change, which aligns with Xbox Game Pass's model, has caused confusion and frustration among players who dislike the delayed access to announced titles.
Microsoft Is Reminding Xbox Game Pass Members That They'll Have to Buy Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 if They Want to Play Day One
Microsoft is informing Xbox Game Pass subscribers that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 will not be included in the service at launch. Players who wish to play the game on day one will need to purchase it separately.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, CrossCode and For the King 2 Coming to PS Plus Essential on July 7th
Sony has announced the PlayStation Plus Essential games for July, featuring Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (Cross-Gen Bundle), the roguelike RPG For the King 2, and the action RPG CrossCode. While Modern Warfare 3 and For the King 2 receive mixed reviews, CrossCode is highlighted as a strong offering. These titles will be available to subscribers on July 7th.
GTA 6 Preorders Include Auto-Renewing Membership To Something You Might Not Actually Want
Grand Theft Auto 6 preorders now include a free month of the GTA+ subscription service, which auto-renews at $8 unless canceled. Details on when the first month begins are still unclear. The article also discusses the potential implications for GTA 6's online mode and the existing GTA Online community.
Modern Warfare 4 Facebook ads want to make sure everyone understands this year's Call of Duty won't be on Xbox Game Pass
Activision is using Facebook ads to inform players that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 will not be available on Xbox Game Pass at launch, a shift from previous years. This marks a change in Microsoft's strategy for its gaming division under new leadership. The game will release on October 23rd for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch, with pre-orders offering early access to the campaign and an expanded DMZ mode.
PlayStation Plus Adds Massive 2025 PS5 Adventure RPG
Sony has added three new PlayStation 5 games to the PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium catalogs for June 2026: Black Desert (2025), Blades of Fire, and Farming Simulator 25. The article also lists other games added to the service this month, including Final Fantasy 16 and Sonic X Shadow Generations.
Nintendo Switch Online Japan Subscription Prices Are Going Up
Nintendo is increasing the subscription prices for its online services in Japan, affecting both individual and family memberships for standard and expansion tiers. The price hike will take effect on July 1, 2026, with current rates valid until June 30, 2026. This change impacts users with Japanese region accounts, including international gamers who use them for exclusive content.
Xbox marketing takes embarrassing turn with new Call of Duty ads loudly disclaiming 'NOT ON XBOX GAME PASS THIS…
Xbox has launched new advertising campaigns for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 that explicitly state the game will not be available on Xbox Game Pass this year. This marketing shift follows a business decision to exclude new Call of Duty titles from the subscription service at launch to boost direct sales, after the service reportedly incurred significant losses.
Morning Metaverse
Comcast has announced plans to separate its media and technology businesses into two distinct public companies. Separately, YouTube Premium has increased its monthly subscription price to $16, prompting some users to reconsider their viewing habits.