Subscription Services
Ongoing coverage on Subscription Services.
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The Crunchyroll Store change is even worse than it sounded: a $10 subscription lets you "browse" but you…
Crunchyroll is implementing changes to its online store, requiring a $10 monthly subscription for Fan tier members to simply browse items, while only Mega and Ultimate tier subscribers can purchase. This shift, effective August 14, has raised concerns about the future availability of physical media like manga and Blu-rays, especially following the absorption of Right Stuf and Sony's broader push away from physical game discs.
You'll soon be able to play the biggest football game on your iPhone thanks to an upcoming Apple Arcade release…
EA Sports Madden NFL 27 Arcade Edition is launching exclusively on Apple Arcade on August 6, 2026, playable on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV. This version will feature full controller support, no microtransactions, and streamlined controls for mobile play, alongside franchise management and a new narrative messaging system. EA believes Apple Arcade is the ideal platform for this no-compromise Madden experience.
PlayStation Plus Extra/Premium Games For July 2026 Revealed
Sony has announced the lineup of games coming to PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium subscribers in July 2026. The offerings include titles like Rise of the Ronin, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, and Dying Light, with some games available starting July 15 and others rolling out later in the month. Premium subscribers will also gain access to classic titles such as Psi-Ops: The Mindgate Conspiracy and Indigo Prophecy.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 Has Disappeared From Game Pass Without Explanation
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 has been mysteriously removed from the Xbox Game Pass July lineup without explanation. While Microsoft owns the IP, theories suggest potential licensing issues with music and brands may be the cause for its disappearance from the subscription service.
Microsoft Pulls Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 From July 2026 Xbox Game Pass Lineup Without Explanation
Microsoft has removed Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 from the Xbox Game Pass lineup for July 2026 without providing any explanation. The game's sudden removal from the subscription service has raised questions among subscribers.
Rise of the Ronin is Out Today for PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium Subscribers
Team Ninja's Rise of the Ronin is now available for PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium subscribers on PlayStation 5 in the US and UK. Several other titles, including Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora and Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind, are also being added to the Game Catalog throughout July. This staggered release approach is part of Sony's updated strategy for its subscription service offerings.
Sony's attack on physical goods spreads to Crunchyroll as it adds a $14 subscription requirement just to access its…
Crunchyroll, owned by Sony's Funimation, is implementing a significant change to its online store, requiring Mega or Ultimate tier subscriptions to make purchases starting in August. This move, which follows the absorption of Right Stuf, means only subscribers paying $13.99 or $17.99 per month will be able to access the store, impacting the availability of physical anime and manga merchandise.
iCloud+ vs. Apple One: Which is worth it for you?
This article compares Apple's iCloud+ and Apple One subscription services, highlighting that both offer more than just cloud storage. It aims to help users determine which service provides better value and savings based on their individual needs.
PlayStation Plus Premium July 2026 Game Revealed Early
Sony has announced that the PlayStation 2 action-adventure game Psi-Ops: The Mindgate Conspiracy will be added to the PlayStation Plus Premium classics lineup in July 2026. The game is expected to be available on July 21st, though Sony is testing staggered release schedules in some regions. The full July lineup will be revealed on June 15th.
Is Black Flag Resynced on Game Pass?
The remake of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, titled 'Black Flag Resynced,' is not currently available on Xbox Game Pass, and no release date has been announced. While many previous Assassin's Creed titles have eventually come to the service, there is no guarantee for the remake. The original 2013 Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag is available on Game Pass, and 'Black Flag Resynced' is also accessible via the Ubisoft+ Premium subscription on PC.
We're making some changes to the RPS Supporter Program, all of them good
Rock Paper Shotgun is implementing several improvements to its Supporter Program to offer more value to subscribers. These changes include more exclusive posts, increased ad-free browsing including sponsored content, regular 'Letters from the Editor', behind-the-scenes content, and monthly roundups of exclusive articles. Pricing for the Standard and Premium tiers will remain unchanged.
Xbox Game Pass Hidden Gems: 20 Games Worth Playing Right Now (2026) | TAG
This guide highlights 20 under-the-radar games available on Xbox Game Pass, categorized by their time commitment. It focuses on titles that are either new, forgotten, or obscure, offering recommendations for various playstyles and schedules. The article emphasizes that these games are worth owning even if they leave the service.
Games Inbox: Is The Elder Scrolls 6 going to be worth the wait?
Readers express concerns about the lengthy development of The Elder Scrolls 6, criticizing Bethesda's recent game output and treatment of developers. The discussion also touches upon the shift to digital-only distribution, the impact of layoffs at Microsoft and Bethesda, and the future of subscription services like Game Pass.
Europe: Nintendo Store standard delivery now free for Nintendo Switch Online members
Nintendo is offering free standard delivery on orders over £1 from the European Nintendo Store to members with an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription. This perk is in addition to the existing benefits of online play and access to classic games.
Games Leaving PS Plus in August 2026 May Include Hit Day-1 Title
Sony is expected to announce the list of games leaving PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium in August 2026. Based on past patterns, titles added a year ago are likely to depart, with 'Sword of the Sea' being a predicted casualty. First-party titles like 'Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered' may also leave, though their contracts can differ.
There Is No Reason To Buy Another PlayStation Or Xbox
The author argues that upcoming PlayStation and Xbox consoles will be too expensive and lack compelling reasons to purchase, especially with the shift to digital-only distribution. Concerns are raised about the impact on the used games market, accessibility for players with poor internet, and the overall viability of the console market as attention shifts to mobile and other forms of entertainment.
Subscriptions, Clouds, and Streams
Xbox Game Pass will be adding Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2, The Planet Crafter, and Palworld 1.0 to its service. The article also touches on broader topics of cloud gaming and game streaming.
State Of Decay 3 Might Not Come To Xbox Game Pass, After Being Promised Last Month
State of Decay 3, previously confirmed for Xbox Game Pass, may not launch on the subscription service due to the terms of its developer's acquisition. The deal between Microsoft and the unknown buyer reportedly lacks any Xbox-controlling clauses, contradicting earlier announcements. This news follows significant layoffs at Xbox and the sale of studios like Undead Labs and Ninja Theory.
Xbox retreats again – but to where? | Opinion
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced significant layoffs affecting thousands of employees across various studios as part of a company 'reset' to focus on profitable franchises. This move raises questions about the future of Xbox's first-party strategy, its Game Pass subscription service, and the upcoming console generation, particularly given the high cost of components and the blurring lines between PC and console gaming.
Xbox Game Pass reportedly boasts around 30m subscribers
Xbox Game Pass reportedly has around 30 million subscribers, a figure below Microsoft's 2026 projection of 77 million users. New CEO Asha Sharma acknowledged that while the service and multi-platform strategy have provided value, growth has not met expectations, leading to recent staff cuts and a strategic reset for Xbox. The service has seen fluctuations in subscriber numbers previously, with a price increase in 2025 followed by a reduction that reportedly improved acquisition and retention.
