Video Games
Ongoing coverage on Video Games.
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Weekend Discussion - August 1, 2026
This weekend discussion article from Shacknews covers various topics including movies like Attack of the Killer Tomatoes and wrestling news about Rey Mysterio. It also touches on the author's personal gaming history, including work at THQ and Activision on the Guitar Hero series, and expresses a preference for platformers, puzzle games, shooters, RPGs, and games with strong narratives. The article encourages reader engagement through their comment thread and Discord server.
I am obsessed with The Weeknd's slow descent into Persona-addled madness, including Photoshopping a tattoo of…
Musician The Weeknd has shown an increasing obsession with the Persona video game series, particularly Persona 5 Royal, sharing his journey and even photoshopping tattoos related to the game. He has visited Atlus offices, sparking speculation about a potential contribution to the Persona 6 soundtrack.
The 6 best new shows and movies streaming this week on Netflix, Disney Plus, Prime Video, HBO Max and more (July 31 -…
This week's streaming highlights include "The Drama" on HBO Max, starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, and the animated "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" on Peacock. Prime Video features the new season of "Batman: Caped Crusader," while Disney Plus adds "The Devil Wears Prada 2." Paramount+ debuts "Lioness" season 3, and Netflix offers "The Bombing of Pan AM 103."
How to Make “My Hero” Cookie in Disney Dreamlight Valley
This guide details how to craft the "My Hero" Cookie, a three-star dessert meal in Disney Dreamlight Valley. The recipe requires Wheat, Butter, and any Sweet ingredient like Cocoa Bean or Vanilla. The cookie can be consumed for energy, gifted to villagers, or sold.
Guillermo del Toro Says He Plays Angry Birds ‘Every Day’ of His Life
Filmmaker Guillermo del Toro revealed in an interview that he plays the mobile game Angry Birds daily. He discussed his favorite games as part of IGN's 30th-anniversary series.
Wizards of the Coast President John Hight is Leaving in September
John Hight, President of Wizards of the Coast, will be leaving his role on September 1st after two years with the company. He will transition to an advisory role for Hasbro for one year. During his tenure, Hight oversaw development for tabletop games like Dungeons & Dragons and Magic: The Gathering, as well as digital projects including Exodus and Warlock: Dungeons & Dragons.
Cringe '90s stoner icons Jay and Silent Bob are getting a cosy farming sim, but wait for it: you farm weed
Jay and Silent Bob's Joint Venture, a farming simulator developed by Starworks Studios, is set to release on Steam in 2027. The game allows players to grow and sell cannabis, interact with characters from Kevin Smith's films, and upgrade their farm. Previous Jay and Silent Bob games have not achieved significant commercial success.
Jay and Silent Bob's Joint Venture Announced
Starworks Studios and Nitrate Games have announced Jay and Silent Bob's Joint Venture, a new video game featuring the iconic characters from Kevin Smith's View Askewniverse. Further details about the game are available on Steam.
J.K. Simmons hasn't played Baldur's Gate 3 or any of his games, but he loves Portal 2: 'I could have done…
Actor J.K. Simmons, known for his roles in games like Portal 2 and Baldur's Gate 3, admits he doesn't play video games due to controller dexterity issues. Despite not playing, he holds Portal 2 in high regard for its humorous script and also reprised his role as Cave Johnson for the Steam Deck tie-in Aperture Desk Job.
Weekend Discussion - July 25, 2026
This weekend discussion post from Shacknews covers various topics including wrestling star Rey Mysterio's upcoming series, a look at language policing, and a retrospective on Contra: Hard Corps. It also features music from Latto and encourages reader engagement through comments and Discord.
San Diego Comic-Con 2026: Everything Announced So Far | Comic Con 2026
San Diego Comic-Con 2026 is underway, featuring news and reveals across video games, movies, comics, anime, and collectibles. The event includes exclusive announcements and interviews.
Amazon Luna is getting a brand new Batman game next week
Amazon Luna will launch a new Batman game, Batman: Caped Crusader - Chronicles, next week. The game is tied into the second season of Prime Video's animated show.
European Commission says EA's controversial $55 billion buyout "would not raise competition concerns" and…
The European Commission has approved the proposed $55 billion acquisition of Electronic Arts by a group of investors led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. The commission concluded that the buyout would not raise significant competition concerns, given its limited impact on the markets where the companies are active. This approval moves the deal, which would see PIF own 93.7% of EA, one step closer to completion.
Morning Gatherings and Events
The Smithsonian is hosting a free arcade event this Saturday. Meanwhile, Hong Kong's City University is holding an exhibition exploring the history and psychology of video games.
Saudi Arabia's divisive EA buyout approved under EU merger rules
The European Commission has approved the acquisition of Electronic Arts by a consortium including Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund under EU merger rules. The commission found the $55 billion deal, which involves the production and distribution of video games across mobile, PC, and consoles, will not raise competition concerns due to its limited market impact. The deal has faced scrutiny over potential human rights implications and cultural washing concerns.
15 Games to Play With Your Spouse This Summer (2026)
This article lists 15 games, including 10 video games and 5 board games, suitable for couples to play together, focusing on titles that minimize frustration and encourage cooperation. It highlights games like It Takes Two, Baldur's Gate 3, and Sky Team, offering advice on how to integrate gaming into a shared hobby.
Evening Reading - July 22, 2026
This edition of Shacknews Evening Reading covers various gaming and entertainment news. Highlights include reviews for Final Fantasy X/X-2 on Switch and Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game, Victor Wembanyama as the NBA 2K27 cover star, and Xbox backwards compatibility on PC. Business news includes earnings reports from Tesla, Google, and SpaceX, alongside updates on BlizzCon 2026 digital bundles and the reopening of the Cinerama Dome.
Hasbro records $56m write-down and cancels "several games" scheduled for 2028 and beyond
Hasbro has recorded a $56 million write-down and canceled several video games planned for release in 2028 and beyond. CEO Chris Cocks stated the company is refocusing its digital investments on franchises with the clearest upside and where Hasbro has the strongest position, prioritizing trading card games and role-playing games, and seeking suitable partners.
Games for Change report aims to ground parental gaming concerns in "evidence rather than fear"
Games for Change has published a white paper, supported by Tencent and authored by Dr. Rachel Kowert, aiming to address parental concerns about video games by grounding them in evidence rather than fear. The report, 'What Families Need to Know About Video Games and Well-Being,' encourages positive parental engagement and collaboration with industry and educators. The organization is also implementing these principles through its Raising Good Gamers program and workshops.
Evening Reading - July 21, 2026
This edition of Shacknews Evening Reading covers several gaming and entertainment updates. News includes Wreckreation 2 in development, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt expansion details, and Darkest Dungeon: The Fire's Edge DLC. Other mentions include Apple's device leasing program, Nintendo's response to tariff refunds, a Splatoon Raiders review, and collaborations for Fortnite and EA Sports FC.