Title: Official Avengers: Doomsday Art Gives Clearest Look At Returning X-Men, Mystique’s Awful New Haircut Date: Sat, 11 Jul 2026 21:27:26 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/official-avengers-doomsday-art-gives-clearest-look-at-returning-x-men-mystiques-awful-new-haircut-2000714986 Raven, Magneto is a fake friend he should not have let you leave the house looking like that

Title: Meta Removes Latest AI Integration On Instagram Following SAG-AFTRA Backlash Date: Sat, 11 Jul 2026 20:38:23 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/meta-removes-latest-ai-integration-on-instagram-following-sag-aftra-backlash-2000714982 Designed to feed its new ‘Muse Image’ tool, Meta opted in users' their posts used for training material without permission

Title: Microsoft Responds To Racist Conspiracy Theories About Layoffs: ‘They Were Not Made To Replace Employees With Foreign Workers’ Date: Sat, 11 Jul 2026 19:08:14 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/xbox-responds-to-racist-conspiracy-theories-about-layoffs-they-were-not-made-to-replace-employees-with-foreign-workers-2000714977 After a miserable week at the company, Microsoft's communications lead makes time to address the least legitimate criticism of its CEO

Title: EA Reverses Course On College Football 27 Microtransactions Following Player Revolt Date: Sat, 11 Jul 2026 18:01:20 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/ea-sports-reverses-course-on-college-football-microtransactions-following-player-revolt-2000714972 The latest scandal between EA and student athletics stems from previously free progression features in the Road to Glory and Dynasty modes being paywalled

Title: Obsidian Game Director Hits Back At ‘Cold Take Artists’ ‘Running Their Mouths’ About The Studio In The Wake Of Layoffs Date: Sat, 11 Jul 2026 16:00:47 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/obsidian-game-director-hits-back-at-cold-take-artists-making-up-stuff-about-the-studio-in-the-wake-of-layoffs-2000714963 Obsidian is reportedly still working on Avowed 2 as it spins up a new Fallout

Title: Monopoly Go x The Simpsons crossover is almost here Date: Tue, 02 Jun 2026 08:41:21 +0000 Link: https://www.vg247.com/monopoly-go-the-simpsons-crossover-details Monopoly Go players have been looking forward to a major crossover event for what felt like months, and though most of the details ended up leaking, nothing actually beats official information. Read more

Title: Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.3 will take us deeper into the World in Canvas and make Mortenax Blade playable Date: Fri, 22 May 2026 13:43:44 +0000 Link: https://www.vg247.com/honkai-star-rail-version-4-3-all-details HoYoverse has today delivered full details on the next major update for Honkai: Star Rail. Version 4.3, dubbed The Lethe Below the Living, will be available for all players on June 1. The upcoming update adds a new chapter to the Planarcadia arc, and introduce a new playable character. Read more

Title: Forza Horizon 6 explodes on Steam even before it's officially out Date: Fri, 15 May 2026 11:00:02 +0000 Link: https://www.vg247.com/forza-horizon-6-steam-numbers-big-launch Steam is abuzz this week with a couple of long-anticipated launches, but in Forza Horizon 6’s case, at least, the game isn’t even out for what will be most of its players. The anticipated sequel in the open-world driving game series doesn’t officially launch until May 19, but owners of its most expensive version - the Premium Edition - can play it right now. Read more

Title: Mystic Messenger's most loyal players are getting banned in droves for seemingly playing the game too much Date: Fri, 15 May 2026 10:02:10 +0000 Link: https://www.vg247.com/mystic-messenger-ban-wave-thousands-of-hourglasses-anniversary Mystic Messenger, arguably one of the best dating sims around, has been dormant for about seven years. Despite not receiving new content or any meaningful updates in all that time, the game remains popular with its core fans, many of whom just woke up to some shocking news about their accounts. Read more

Title: Forza Horizon 6 review - The driving game for everyone still can’t seem to escape its car-collecting legacy Date: Thu, 14 May 2026 12:00:03 +0000 Link: https://www.vg247.com/forza-horizon-6-review There is this idea that, for a long-running series to remain as consistently popular as Forza Horizon has been, it needs to diminish itself somewhat with each new entry, gradually losing more and more of its edge in a bid to appeal to the widest possible audience. Read more

Title: Garfield Craps On Mario Over Upcoming Mario Kart Game Shutdown Date: Sat, 11 Jul 2026 00:23:45 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/garfield-craps-on-mario-over-upcoming-mario-kart-game-shutdown/ In the kart-racing genre, Mario Kart's reigns supreme. But the social media team behind Garfield Kart: Furious Racing and Garfield Kart 2: All You Can Drift didn't miss a chance to dunk on Nintendo's decision to sunset Mario Kart Tour this fall. On X, the official account for Garfield Kart declared its superiority to Mario Kart because it "will not randomly kill your game license." https://twitter.com/GarfieldKartX/status/2074947859644809275 While the Garfield Kart games are far behind Mario Kart in terms of popularity, the title characters do share a connection on the big screen. Guardians of the Galaxy's Chris Pratt is the voice of Mario in The Super Mario Bros. Movie and its sequel, while also portraying Garfield in the most recent animated film. That's about as close as these two franchises will come to a crossover short of another Smash Bros. sequel that may seek lasagna-craving felines for its roster. Mario Kart Tour will be shut down on September 29, seven years after Nintendo began its push into mobile. Most of Nintendo's other mobile games from that era have also shut down, with a few exceptions including Super Mario Run, Fire Emblem Heroes, and Pikmin Bloom. On consoles, Mario Kart World is currently the best-selling game on Switch 2, and it dropped a new update earlier this month. Two additional Knockout Tour routes were included in that update, with at least six more routes slated to be added in future updates.

Title: Pokemon Go Fest 2026: Mega Mewtwo Raids, Zeraora Special Research, Rotating Habitats, And More Date: Sat, 11 Jul 2026 00:21:55 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/pokemon-go-fest-2026-mega-mewtwo-raids-zeraora-special-research-rotating-habitats-and-more/ Pokemon Go's global Go Fest has arrived, and this year's event is a big one. For the first time in the game's history, all players who log in during the festivities will receive access to a new Special Research that leads to an encounter with the mythical Pokemon Zeraora. That's not all that players can look forward to this weekend. Mewtwo's Mega-Evolved forms are also making their debut, and different wild Pokemon and Raid bosses will appear throughout the weekend as part of the game's rotating habitats. On top of that, the game will offer a variety of bonuses, challenges, and more this weekend. To help get you up to speed, we've rounded up everything you need to know about Pokemon Go Fest 2026 below. In This Article Pokemon Go Fest 2026 ScheduleMega Mewtwo RaidsBest Mega Mewtwo X CountersBest Mega Mewtwo Y CountersZeraora Special ResearchRotating HabitatsJuly 11Stormfire PeaksAstral TidesDragonflight SummitJuly 12Earthforged DomainVerdant AnomalyTwilight BattlefieldBonuses Pokemon Go Fest 2026 Schedule This year's global Pokemon Go Fest takes place on July 10 and 11. The event kicks off each day at 10 AM local time and runs until 7 PM local time. Unlike previous Go Fests, which restricted access to certain content behind a paid ticket, this year's event will be completely free for all players. Anyone who logs in to the game during the event days will receive the Zeraora Special Research and be able to take advantage of the full slate of event bonuses, including increased odds of encountering shiny Pokemon. Mega Mewtwo Raids Making their debut during this year's Go Fest are Mewtwo's two Mega-Evolved forms: Mega Mewtwo X and Mega Mewtwo Y. Each will appear as Super Mega Raid bosses throughout both days of the event, making this your first chance to battle them and earn Mewtwo Mega Energy. Like standard Mewtwo, Mega Mewtwo Y is a pure psychic Pokemon, so you can employ the same strategy when challenging one. Mega Mewtwo X, however, is a psychic/fighting type, so it will require a different approach than the other Mewtwo forms. Here are some recommended counters to help you topple the new Raid bosses: Best Mega Mewtwo X Counters Fairy PokemonTypeFast AttackCharged AttackMega GardevoirPsychic/FairyCharmDazzling GleamXerneasFairyGeomancyMoonblastTapu LelePsychic/FairyAstonishNature's MadnessCrowned Sword ZacianFairy/SteelMetal ClawPlay RoughEnamorusFairy/FlyingFairy WindDazzling Gleam Ghost PokemonTypeFast AttackCharged AttackGiratinaGhost/DragonShadow ClawShadow ForceChandelureGhost/FireHexShadow BallLunalaPsychic/GhostShadow ClawShadow BallDragapultDragon/GhostAstonishShadow BallGholdengoGhost/SteelHexShadow Ball Best Mega Mewtwo Y Counters Dark PokemonTypeFast AttackCharged AttackMega HoundoomFire/DarkSnarlFoul PlayMega TyranitarRock/DarkBiteBrutal SwingMega AbsolDarkSnarlBrutal SwingDarkraiDarkSnarlShadow BallHydreigonDragon/DarkBiteBrutal Swing Bug PokemonTypeFast AttackCharged AttackMega PinsirBug/FlyingFury CutterX-ScissorMega ScizorBug/SteelFury CutterX-ScissorEscavalierBug/SteelBug BiteMegahornVolcaronaBug/FireBug BiteBug BuzzGenesectBug/SteelFury CutterX-Scissor Zeraora Special Research In addition to Mewtwo's Mega forms, the mythical Zeraora officially arrives during this year's Go Fest.  The Thunderclap Pokemon will be the star of a new Special Research, which all players will receive upon logging in to the game during the event. Complete the Research's various tasks and you'll eventually unlock an encounter with Zeraora, making this your only way to get one so far in Pokemon Go. Like other Special Research stories, this questline does not expire, so you can take as long as you need to work your way through the tasks. As mentioned, however, you will need to log in to the game before Pokemon Go Fest ends to secure the Special Research. Rotating Habitats Like previous years, Pokemon Go Fest will feature several virtual "habitats" that will rotate every few hours. Depending upon which habitat is active, different types of Pokemon will spawn in the wild, and a different assortment of legendary and Mega Pokemon will appear in Gyms as Raid bosses. You can see the full habitat schedule, along with a list of Pokemon that will be available while each one is active, below: July 11 Stormfire Peaks Runs 10 AM to 1 PM local time Featured types Ice Electric Fire Five-star Raids Articuno Zapdos Moltres Raikou Entei Suicune Lugia Ho-Oh Mega Raids Mega Ampharos Mega Blaziken Mega Abomasnow Astral Tides Runs 1 PM to 4 PM local time Featured types Psychic Ghost Water Five-star Raids Uxie (Asia-Pacific region) Mesprit (Europe, Middle East, Africa, and India) Azelf (Americas and Greenland) Dialga Palkia Altered Forme Giratina Origin Forme Giratina Xerneas Yveltal Solgaleo Lunala Mega Raids Mega Alakazam Mega Gengar Mega Swampert Dragonflight Summit Runs 4 PM to 7 PM local time Featured types Flying Rock Dragon Five-star Raids Kyogre Groudon Rayquaza Reshiram Zekrom Kyurem Mega Raids Mega Pidgeot Mega Aerodactyl Mega Salamence July 12 Earthforged Domain Runs 10 AM to 1 PM local time Featured types Ground Steel Normal Five-star Raids Regirock Regice Registeel Origin Forme Dialga Origin Forme Palkia Heatran Regigigas Incarnate Forme Tornadus Therian Forme Tornadus Incarnate Forme Thundurus Therian Forme Thundurus Incarnate Forme Landorus Therian Forme Landorus Regieleki Regidrago Incarnate Forme Enamorus Therian Forme Enamorus Mega Raids Mega Metagross Mega Garchomp Mega Audino Verdant Anomaly Runs 1 PM to 4 PM local time Featured types Poison Bug Grass Five-star Raids Normal Forme Deoxys Attack Forme Deoxys Defense Forme Deoxys Speed Forme Deoxys Genesect Douse Drive Genesect Shock Drive Genesect Burn Drive Genesect Chill Drive Genesect Tapu Koko Tapu Lele Tapu Bulu Tapu Fini Nihilego Buzzwole (Americas and Greenland) Pheromosa (Europe, Middle East, Africa, and India Xurkitree (Asia-Pacific region) Celesteela (Southern Hemisphere) Kartana (Northern Hemisphere) Guzzlord Necrozma Stakataka (Eastern Hemisphere) Blacephalon (Western Hemisphere) Mega Raids Mega Beedrill Mega Pinsir Mega Sceptile Twilight Battlefield Runs 4 PM to 7 PM local time Featured types Dark Fairy Fighting Five-star Raids Latias Latios Cresselia Darkrai Cobalion Terrakion Virizion Zacian (Hero of Many Battles form) Zamazenta (Hero of Many Battles form) Mega Raids Mega Tyranitar Mega Gardevoir Mega Lucario Bonuses Like other events, a slew of bonuses will be active throughout Pokemon Go Fest 2026, including increased shiny rates and extra free Raid Passes. You can see the full list of bonuses below: Increased chance of encountering shiny Pokemon Lure Modules will last for one hour Incense will attract special Pokemon Different themed Field Research tasks will be available every hour Global Challenges will unlock additional bonuses and Ultra Unlock events Receive up to nine free Raid Passes per day by spinning the Photo Disc at Gyms Make up to six Special Trades Trades will cost 50 percent less Stardust Open up to 50 gifts each day Pokemon Go has plenty more events lined up this month beyond Go Fest 2026, including a special anniversary Pikachu celebration and a Super Mega Raid Day featuring both forms of Mega Raichu. You can see what else is happening in the game over the next few weeks in our July events roundup.

Title: Big Walk Is Destined To Be Your Next Big Co-Op Obsession Date: Fri, 10 Jul 2026 21:47:35 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/big-walk-is-destined-to-be-your-next-big-co-op-obsession/ Often my job involves playing games before they come out. Sometimes, this means I'll come away feeling like I've just played the next big thing. That's one of the most exciting parts of my job, really, and it happened yesterday; I'm certain Big Walk is the next big thing.  Developed by Untitled Goose Game's House House, Big Walk is a two- to 12-player co-op game in which you explore a huge island full of puzzles and secrets. Playing in first-person as vaguely human-like, customizable avatars, you and your group will solve all sorts of puzzles in a game that is perhaps most reminiscent of Peak, but ultimately does a lot of things in its own special way.  Big Walk drops you onto its island setting with virtually no hand-holding. There's a colorful gymnasium area you'll start in that tutorializes the game's mechanics to whatever extent you want to learn them. You can interact with buttons, pick up objects, hold them over your head, kick them away, perform a number of hand signals, and…that's about it. Whenever you're ready, you can leave this area and begin exploring a world without quest markers. In their place, you'll see hints of landmarks you may want to investigate--a colorful structure downhill, a train track built along a mountainside, a footbridge built over the ocean. What awaits you is completely unknown, but the game's nonlinear path and gentle nudges make magic happen. Sometimes while exploring, you'll bump into progress-stoppers. In a demo my kids and I played together, we came upon a machine that seemed inoperable until we inserted four somewhat egg-shaped objects into their designated spots. We concluded these items behaved like batteries, and that once all four were inserted, the nearby key would become obtainable. So we set out to find these "eggy things," as we took to calling them during our demo, and to figure out where to bring the key. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_uvpWSlBV0 In one tucked-away corner of what was effectively the tutorial island, we found a button. Pressing it turned on a red light far away, and using a nearby monocular showed us that the same button also opened a glass case containing our first eggy thing. With that in mind, my son set off to retrieve it as darkness fell over the island, and I kept pressing the button to signal where he should go. Since he was far away, we no longer had the benefit of proximity chat, a feature that has made games like Big Walk so immersive and fun recently. The same is true of Big Walk. My son grabbed the eggy thing and danced with it, as my daughter and I took turns looking through the monocular, thrilled to have gotten over our first obstacle. We celebrated and reconvened together as a trio, in search of our next eggy thing. Big Walk's way of telling you basically nothing means every triumph feels even greater. You aren't beating missions; you're happening upon discoveries. It's the same unguided approach an open-world RPG so often demonstrates and benefits from, but remolded into a co-op world where physics, proximity chat, and a bit of comical failure--or even some playful undermining of your group's goals--are key ingredients. Without a doubt, this is going to be the next great hangout game. I don't want to spoil any other puzzles, so instead I'll say it's a game designed on two simple pillars: walking and talking, routinely challenging you to adapt when things like your freedom of movement, ability to communicate, and the physical space in which you stand are altered. Each problem demands a solution, and finding one is incredibly rewarding, but the stumbles along the way are their own kind of highlight.  The smaller puzzles we solved for each eggy thing eventually led to a bigger puzzle. That then opened up more of the island, including a tutorial finish line where we could write messages on whiteboards we could carry, perhaps to be used in the future to communicate across great distances. Puzzles also scale for each team size, meaning a full-size group of 12 may benefit from sending out smaller squads in different directions, but will also likely need to convene as one big party to collect more eggy things and get past some of the game's obstacles, as they'll take on different shapes than what we saw as a trio.  Unlike a lot of the best friendslop games, Big Walk has a definitive ending, which is said to be reachable in about 12-20 hours. That seems to translate to dozens of puzzles to solve, many paths to explore, and countless ways to goof off. It comes out on August 4 for PC, PS5, and Switch 2, and I would bet all of my eggy things that it goes viral. My kids and I had a blast with it, and we left our demo so excited to get back to the full game to see what awaits us farther down the path of our big walk.

Title: This Isn’t The First Time PlayStation (And Others) Tried To Kill Used Games Date: Fri, 10 Jul 2026 20:58:30 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/this-isnt-the-first-time-playstation-and-others-tried-to-kill-used-games/ As monumental as Sony’s decision to abandon PlayStation discs by 2028 is, it isn’t surprising one bit. The move feels like the culmination of industry trends dating back over a decade, and it recalls one egregious business practice--one that took aim at the used-game market, whether companies would admit it or not--that caused a brief uproar before fading away into the depths of our collective memory. There was a period at the end of the 2000s and start of the 2010s when big publishers including EA, Ubisoft, and, yes, PlayStation implemented an “online pass” for games that included a multiplayer component. The idea was that physical games would come with a paper slip containing a code, and redeeming that code on the console’s online store would grant you access to that game’s online functionality. The implications were massive: Since these codes were single-use, anyone new who plays that same copy of the game, whether it’s someone who borrows that game or purchases it from a secondary market, won’t have authentication to play that game online--unless they buy the online pass separately. It’s a practice that was attached to major titles like EA’s Battlefield 3, Dead Space 2, and Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit, and both Ubisoft and PlayStation eventually caught the bug for their core titles. Ubisoft’s version of the online pass was called the “Uplay Passport,” and I distinctly remember my copies of Resistance 3 and Uncharted 3 coming with a “PSN Pass.”  If you asked these publishers why they enacted these policies, they sidestepped talk about secondhand games and instead touted the “premium” value of their games’ online services. When attempting to justify the presence of an online pass for Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 in 2010, then-EA Sports senior vice president (and current EA CEO) Andrew Wilson said that the company “made a significant investment” in its online services and that it wants to reserve those features for “people who pay EA to access them.”  Sony used similar reasoning when explaining its PSN Pass, with Uncharted 3 director Justin Richmond explaining in 2011 the need for server maintenance, adding that “at some point, you know, games have to make money.” It was a similar sentiment from a Battlefield 3 producer, who was a bit more explicit when stating: “We would rather have you buy a new game than a used game because buying a used game is only a cost to us; we don't get a single dime from a used game, but we still need to create server space and everything for you.” Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception But consumer backlash was quick and brutal, and the practice was phased out by 2013. EA cited player feedback, while Ubisoft conceded that its Passport system was “no longer the best approach” for delivering its gaming experiences. Meanwhile, Sony was riding high by embracing the used game market for the PlayStation 4 and rejecting the online DRM policies that rival Microsoft was initially planning to implement for the Xbox One. PlayStation’s announcement that the PS4 would support used games was famously met with uproarious applause. In a stark contrast to the enthusiastic auditorium from 13 years ago, Sony’s latest announcement was made up of three paragraphs on a blog post, with rather dry and detached business speak and bereft of any human emotion such as empathy for customers who will be affected by the phasing out of physical media. In between then and now, publishers have found other means to monetize and keep consumers beholden to their ecosystem with battle passes and other microtransactions. And when it comes to digital sales, Sony now has the data from consumer trends to back up its practices. Digital purchasing didn’t have a stranglehold on the industry during the era of the online pass, and with the ratio of digital vs. physical purchases skewing heavily toward the former, Sony knows it can now “wait for the storm to pass” amidst the complaints and petitions that sprung up after the announcement. It doesn’t need to take a populist approach when sales--and improved margins--favor this approach, regardless of the backlash. Current market trends now allow these gaming platforms to fulfill what they tried to start over a decade ago--just look at the reported disc-to-digital program that Xbox is apparently firing up, which greatly resembles what Microsoft tried to initiate with the Xbox One before pulling a 180. Compared to Sony’s new policy of eschewing physical releases, the disc-to-digital concept now sounds like a relatively good compromise. Whatever these corporations end up doing, these policies are a massive blow to the aftermarket of used video games. Even with the grandstanding in support of used games and rejection of online DRM in the PS4/Xbox One era, it feels like Sony and Microsoft have been waiting to pull the lever when the time is right--and that time is now.  We’re looking at a future where the platform holders have even tighter grips on their online ecosystems, and our ownership of our games is loosening. And now I’m nostalgic about a past when the only thing we had to complain about was a slip in the box.

Title: I’m Breaking Up With Love And Deepspace Date: Fri, 10 Jul 2026 20:35:46 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/im-breaking-up-with-love-and-deepspace/ Earlier this year, Infold invited me to attend Love and Deepspace's second anniversary event. At this point, I had been playing the game on and off for about a year. I was juggling questionable relationships with both Zayne, the main character's physician, and Sylus, the violent leader of a crime syndicate. And while I wasn't as financially invested as many players, I certainly had fostered a level of emotional investment in the game, its story, and its charming characters. I was thrilled to be asked to attend--thrilled to go to something so unabashedly for women, and to be able to create content for an audience gaming outlets tend to underserve. And then I attended. Upon returning from my trip, I made a short video that highlighted the game and its fanbase while largely avoiding discussing the actual trip itself. Frankly, it was because I figured that if I didn't have anything nice to say, perhaps it was better to say nothing at all. The event itself was underwhelming, and I felt terrible for all the die-hard fans who didn't have the same level of privilege and access I did who had to wait outside in the New York City cold for literal hours just to be greeted by a trailer and cardboard cut outs of their favorite characters. Sure, the event was free, but I still felt as if these fans had been jilted. But this is only one part of what left such a bad taste in my mouth. The real kicker was when a representative walked up to me while filming the game's community, all lined up on the street and chittering away happily despite the bitter cold, and asked me if I could avoid showcasing any men in my coverage. I was confused, for a brief moment, until they elaborated further and told me it was to avoid fostering this perception that the game embraces gay relationships. My stomach lurched, and I felt a rush of heat and defiance sweep over me. "I mean, I didn't sign anything agreeing to that. That makes me uncomfortable," I replied. The representative seemed sympathetic, but indicated that, while I could go against Infold's wishes, the studio might be unhappy. My show of resistance earned me several side-eyes and a heightened level of supervision as I spoke to people; I could feel them lean in to listen to the questions I ask and to ensure I was playing nice. By coincidence, not intention, the video I made showcased femme-presenting individuals. But to be fair, the event--and fanbase--is overwhelmingly female. After making the video, I sat at my desk debating how I wanted to go about writing all this. There was a part of me that felt like I was obligated to mention the blatant anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments on display, but another part of me worried that to do so would be culturally insensitive. China, the country where Infold and developer Papergames are based, has very different beliefs and laws--ones I am entirely unfamiliar with and, perhaps more importantly, am not subjugated to. I thought and thought and thought until the window for that piece to still be considered timely had passed and a pile of new assignments had fallen on my lap. Time, and the ceaseless media cycle, made the decision for me. An image from the Love and Deepspace's wedding banner. But this whole situation has continued to occupy a part of my brain. It nagged at me every time I opened up the game to check on my virtual boyfriends and do my daily tasks, and made the whole experience a bit less joyful. And now, as I sit here and contemplate Infold and Papergames' more recent and extremely public fumbles, I feel as though all the remaining joy I found in Love and Deepspace's rich, sci-fi world and loveable characters has been depleted. The above incident, followed by the situation around the game's once-promised sixth love interest, Valko--the fanfare-filled rollout that was promptly followed by a dramatic, shame-fueled cancellation--has made one thing apparent to me: When push comes to shove, the higher-ups at Infold and Papergames are willing to compromise their game, artistic vision, and greater community to appease the most ill-intentioned sects of their fanbase. Although the Valko situation has spiraled wildly out of control--so much so that now even the Chinese government is involved--originally, much of the initial complaints boiled down to issues with his appearance and frustration towards Papergames not investing as much time and attention into the game's main story as fans wanted. That's all well and good, and in a perfect world, folks could simply not like how one of six love interests looks, be a bit peeved at the company's misplaced efforts, and go on with their days.  Valko, the game's deleted sixth love interest. And yet, simply not liking something is often not enough these days, and critics quickly found ways to frame Valko's inclusion as something morally reprehensible. The first thing they latched on to was an in-game document referencing a human experiment, later revealed to be Valko, labeled A-0731. According to Chinese critics, this could be perceived as a reference to Unit 731, a unit of the Imperial Japanese Army that conducted biological and chemical warfare on Chinese civilians during World War II. Infold quickly denied any connection between the two, apologized for the oversight, and stated the document number would be changed. But it's interesting to note that this text was actually added to the game back in April. Somehow, it didn't become an issue until a few days into Valko's campaign. The second issue, which is also the one that arguably has garnered the most attention, has to do with Valko's taglines, all of which revolve around this idea of "letting a wolf into the house." All of his advertising plays up the fact that there is an enticing element of danger about him--that to love him is to love someone wild. It's clear that Valko was meant to capitalize on the same ill-advised--and dare I say feral--love that we see in most "monster" romance media, i.e. stories about vampires, werewolves, and the like. At this point, it's been done so much it's barely taboo--young women everywhere swooned when Edward gazed upon Bella as she slept, blissfully unaware of his presence, in Twilight.  There are countless qualities and tropes audiences adore in media that don't translate into ethical behavior in real life, and the romance genre is no stranger to utilizing and exploring them. And as a work of romantic media itself, Love and Deepspace has routinely explored taboo, violent, and possessive relationships and situations. Yet this tagline--this cheeky reference to inviting danger into your bedroom--has been leveraged against Valko and Infold to accuse them both of condoning trespassing and assault. As a result of these perceived insults, feces, mourning flowers, cleansing items, and more were placed outside Infold's offices in China by aggravated players. Soon after, Infold and Papergames announced they would be deleting Valko entirely, and began to scrub their various social media accounts of any trace of Valko's existence. Furthermore, the studios also assured their angriest fans that they would cease all work on any future love interests. On July 9, the update that was meant to have Valko in it was released, and with it came a minor but significant adjustment: While the Valko-sized space next to Caleb on the game's character menu used to read "Coming Soon," it is now blank. A decision my wallet will thank me for. Every post by Infold and Papergames in the days since this incident started has been leaden with shame and inundated with apologies. But at its core, this all feels less like listening to player feedback and more like succumbing to pressure placed on them by a harassment campaign. I do pity the teams a bit, and I certainly don't envy the difficult situation they have to navigate. But mostly, I'm just disappointed by their series of cowardly decisions--decisions like asking a journalist not to showcase men at an event because it might give fans the idea that the game is more inclusive than some would like. Back in January, I left Love and Deepspace's second anniversary event feeling conflicted and disheartened. Now, I feel alienated. With seemingly little hesitation, Papergames scrapped months--if not years--of work in order to reward an angry mob. It's an insult to the game's developers as much as it is to the fans of the game who don't participate in such behavior, and has dissolved my trust in the studios, my desire to participate in the Love and Deepspace ecosystem, and my faith in the game's direction. After two years of playing Love and Deepspace, I have deleted the game from my phone and ended my relationship with one of the precious few mainstream games designed purposefully for women on the market. I won't lie, this break-up hurts. I'll miss Sylus's ruby-red eyes and sultry smolder, and lament no longer being a part of such a wonderful community. But when the love is gone, it's time to move on.

Title: Matt Damon's most underrated sci-fi movie is now free to stream before The Odyssey Date: Sun, 12 Jul 2026 12:00:20 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/matt-damon-elysium-streaming-free-july-2026/ Matt Damon has always had a knack for playing extraordinary leading men in movies. His casting as the cunning, resourceful Odysseus in Christopher Nolan’s The Odysseymakes perfect sense once we consider Damon’s decades-spanning filmography. Films like Good Will Hunting (1997), The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999), and the Bourne(2002-2016) series showcase Damon’s incredible range in playing larger-than-life characters with varying moral compasses.

Title: Nobody remembers the 10/10 masterpiece that put the makers of Hades on the map Date: Sun, 12 Jul 2026 11:00:19 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/bastion-supergiant-15th-anniversary/ By the time Hades 2 arrived in early access in May 2024, everybody knew to watch it closely. The first Hades had presented thrilling roguelike RPG gameplay that had us saying “just one more run” well past bedtime. The sequel, released in full for PC and consoles the following September promised more of the same and wound up delivering one of the very best games of 2025.

Title: New Star Wars book reveals how Andor made Star Wars history with one unique prop Date: Sun, 12 Jul 2026 10:00:19 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/andor-star-wars-design-secrets-toilets/ Whether you're introducing a new alien species or even a new planet, there are only so many "firsts" you can introduce in Star Wars.ForStar Wars: Acolyte, it was a whip lightsaber. For the Star Wars Holiday Special, it was the traditional Wookiee celebration of Life Day.

Title: Warframe is showing love to Dungeons & Dragons with this ‘legally distinct’ RPG Date: Sat, 11 Jul 2026 22:01:19 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/warframe-fables-and-frontiers-rpg-amir/ Dungeons & Dragons is in the air at Digital Extremes. The developer is introducing a new minigame to Warframe: a “legally distinct” roleplaying game called Fables & Frontiers.

Title: Soulframe beaver 'will be okay' after high-stakes gameplay reveal, devs confirm Date: Sat, 11 Jul 2026 22:01:19 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/soulframe-beaver-is-okay/ There's no need to worry, everyone. That beaver that got struck by an arrow during Soulframe's TennoCon 2026 demo will be okay.

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Title: Share of the Week: Portraits Date: Fri, 10 Jul 2026 16:00:05 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/07/10/share-of-the-week-portraits-2/ Last week, we asked you share portraits from the game of your choice using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this week’s highlights: Cog_VP shares Aloy resting in the grass in Horizon Zero Dawn ​​ call_me_xavii shares a portrait of Bond in 007 First Light artenpixels_ shares a black and white portrait of Alicia in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 JAA_PhMode_0510 shares Jackie striking a pose in Cyberpunk 2077 Falconswift87 shares Kratos in the snow of God of War Ragnarök themarkplumb shares a lantern-lit portrait from Red Dead Redemption 2 Search #PSshare #PSBlog on Twitter or Instagram to see more entries to this week’s theme, or be inspired by other great games featuring Photo Mode. Want to be featured in the next Share of the Week? THEME: SunSUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on July 15, 2026  Next week, share moments in the sun from the game of your choice. Use #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured.

Title: Get ready for PlayStation at Comic-Con 2026 in San Diego Date: Thu, 09 Jul 2026 17:01:01 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/07/09/get-ready-for-playstation-at-comic-con-2026-in-san-diego/ Comic-Con 2026 is nearly here, and PlayStation is gearing up with a full slate of panels and activities. If you’re joining us down in sunny San Diego, we’ve gathered details on everything you need to know. For those that won’t be there in person, don’t worry – we’ll keep you updated on any announcements here at PlayStation Blog.   Comic-Con 2026 panel schedule Marvel’s Wolverine – Deep Cuts  Thursday, July 23, 2026 11:15 AM – 12:00 PM PT Room: Hall H We’re not just scratching the surface; we’re cutting through it. Insomniac Games’ Creative Director Marcus Smith, Game Director Mike Daly, Narrative Director Walt Williams, and Sr. Project Director Jess Reiner-Reed are joined by actors Liam McIntyre (Wolverine) and Krizia Bajos (Jean Grey), along with Executive Producer Eric Monacelli from Marvel Games to unveil exciting new details from the highly anticipated Marvel’s Wolverine, releasing on September 15 on PlayStation 5 consoles. Moderated by media personality, Naomi Kyle, the panel will offer a behind-the-scenes look into the game’s story, characters, and exclusive never-before-seen content.    MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls — Behind the Battle  Thursday, July 23, 2026 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM PT Room: Hall H Step into the arena with MARVEL Tokōn: Fighting Souls. Moderated by fighting game commentator and streamer Sajam, Game Producer Takeshi Yamanaka (Arc System Works), Localization Director Amber Seitz (Arc System Works), and Senior Product Development Manager Michael Francisco (Marvel Games) take you inside the making of the game and the creation of MARVEL Tokōn’s place in the Marvel Universe. The development team is joined by Mike Deodato (Marvel Comics artist and Knights of Doom illustrator) and voice actor Josh Keaton (Iron Man and Spider-Man) to showcase behind-the scenes-looks, and surprise announcements you won’t want to miss.  God of War Laufey – Forging God of War’s Next Heroes  Friday, July 24, 2026 5:30 – 6:30 PM PT Room: Ballroom 20 God of War Laufey Game Director Ariel Lawrence and Santa Monica Studio Head of Creative Cory Barlog lead an in-depth conversation with the cast including Deborah Ann Woll (Laufey), Chris Judge (Kratos), Jack Quaid (Phranque), and Perlina Lau (Rue) for the first time since the game’s reveal. Panelists will share new details about the heroes of God of War Laufey, including behind-the-scenes insights from development and the performance capture that brings each character to life.  Around the convention corner From July 23-26 on the San Diego Convention Center show floor, fans will have a chance to sink their claws into the Marvel Booth (Booth #2329), where players can drop in for a Marvel’s Wolverine photo opp and walk away with giveaway items like Marvel’s Wolverine Claws and a copy of the Marvel’s Wolverine Prequel Comic written by Narrative Director Walt Williams while supplies last.  While traveling around the convention center and downtown area, be on the lookout for the Marvel’s Wolverine wrapped San Diego Trolley. Players can head to the Omni Hotel Lawn to cool down with a Madripoor Sunrise Slushie and take a photo alongside a looming Proto-Sentinel Head, before grabbing Marvel’s Wolverine Claws.  Fighting game fans can head to the San Diego Ballroom of the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina for a chance to play MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls, and take pictures with Doctor Doom and Storm statues.  See you in San Diego, then check back here after the show – we’ll be updating with full recordings of the panels!

Title: The Blood of Dawnwalker: unique time-driven quest system and player choice detailed Date: Tue, 07 Jul 2026 16:01:28 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/07/07/the-blood-of-dawnwalker-unique-time-driven-quest-system-and-player-choice-detailed/ The world has gotten very small for you and your family, Coen. It was never a grand world to begin with, tied as you all were to your farm in the tiny village of Laslea, but with the arrival of the plague, your sister’s illness, and then the vampires, it has shrunk even further. When you wake up, it’s the day of the Blood Mass for Laslea. Tonight, the vampires, the vrakhiri, will arrive to collect the oblation of their livestock. Every adult in the village must attend and give of their blood to sustain their rulers, Brencis and his clique. It is known. It is normal. Shockingly, it’s becoming more normal every day as the hope of change or salvation withers among the people of Vale Sangora. Not everyone is cut out for this new normal. Your mother is barely able to hold herself upright under the weight of her fear. Your father, pulled in two directions by his family and his past, has become grim and hard. Your siblings are struggling to understand everything happening around them. And you, Coen, a young man in your prime, are stuck staring down a long future of being bled every fortnight, little hope for anything other than the life of cattle. Is it any wonder some say it’s the end of the world? And yet, the daily concerns of life must go on. Your mother is in no condition to attend the Blood Mass tonight and if she is not present, your family and maybe the entire village will suffer. The gates are guarded by Knyaz Brencis’s men – no one will be permitted to leave until the offering is extracted. Between dawn and sunset, the day is divided into 8 parts. You must use that time to find a solution. So, you wander the sunny dirt paths of Laslea. Somehow, in spite of the clamp of the vrakhiri around your neck, even in this tiny village, the possibilities are endless. You could decide to go directly to Anca, the local herbalist, and ask for medicine for your mother and wind up spending most of the day reading Latin, soaking up every moment you can in her presence. You could punch one of the Uriash, gigantic ram-like warriors occupying the village at Brencis’ command in an attempt to burst the boils of rage festering in your heart. You could go looking for an escaped pig or a lost neighbor, you could save the weaver by searching for a stolen tapestry commissioned by the vrakhiri, you could beat an upstart boy for insulting you, you could even uncover the start of a revolution against the vampires… but you may not be able to do it all. You see, as long as you are wandering, watching, listening, never intervening, the sun will stay high in the sky. The Blood Mass will not arrive. The day will never turn to night. To move time forward, you will have to choose. So you wander. You speak to an old woman weeping by an unearthed grave. You confront the man who lurks by the river. You ask your sister about the dark dreams that jolt you awake at night. You practice your sword skills on the animals in the woods. And, in your own time, you choose how your day unfolds. Yet it is quickly made clear to you that some choices are out of your hands. There is no combination of actions and words at Coen’s disposal that can stop the Blood Mass once the sun sets. Some events have their own tides that cannot be resisted. Everyone has their own free will and no matter how earnestly you try, you can’t control the power of grief, of fear, of revenge. The Blood Mass goes poorly. Decisions are made by you and your family that cannot be taken back, and deep in the night, you wake up in the bowels of Laslea’s silver mine with a strange new hunger. You are no longer fully human. The wrath of the vrakhiri at the defiance of Laslea has chosen you as its scion. Brencis picked you to turn into one of his own, a familiar face to destroy your friends and neighbors as one more twist of the knife. The surviving villagers, including your father, mother, and siblings, will be made a sacrifice to his coronation in 30 days. Your family has been crammed into the darkness of a cell, your existence squeezed down into the palm of Brencis’ hand. And yet. As the village burns, as the sun rises, you are given a new choice. All is not lost. The light of the sun does not burn you, sear your flesh. Not even the vrakhiri could control this. In that moment, the world opens up, the shackles fall away. For you now have all the power and ferocity of a vampire, but all the feelings and connections of a human. You have something denied to you for so long: the ability to choose. As you step out of the remains of your home, your village, the whole of Vale Sangora lays before you. There is a sword at your side. Your arm still aches from the magic runes Anca carved into your skin. The taste of copper lingers in the back of your throat. You realize that, with enough blood and rage, you could rip this valley from the vrakhiri’s claws and feast upon its riches yourself. You could join the revolution, save your family and dispose of the vrakhiri. You could wash your hands of the entire affair and pursue whatever pleasures the next moment offers you. You are a unique thing, Dawnwalker, and no one will ever write a future quite like yours. A new day is beginning; how will you spend it? The Blood of Dawnwalker rises on PlayStation 5 this September 3, 2026.

Title: (For Southeast Asia) PlayStation Store: June 2026’s top downloads Date: Mon, 06 Jul 2026 03:51:35 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/07/05/20260706-top/ It’s time to see which PS5, PS4, PS VR2, and free-to-play games topped last month’s download charts. In June, Sports games (NBA 2k26 and EA SPORTS FC 26) and DAVE THE DIVER from South Korea studio topped Asia charts while creepy, empty spaces took over the charts as Escape the Backrooms topped the charts in US/Canada.   Check out the full listings below. What titles are you playing this month? PS5 Games US/CanadaAsiaEscape the BackroomsNBA 2K26007 First LightEA SPORTS FC 26UFC 6DAVE THE DIVEREA SPORTS FC 26007 First LightNBA 2K26Resident Evil 4MinecraftForza Horizon 5NBA THE RUNFINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTHGrand Theft Auto VIt Takes TwoLEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark KnightThe Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium TalesMLB The Show 26Ghost of YōteiCall of Duty: Black Ops 7UFC 6Forza Horizon 5Grand Theft Auto VResident Evil 4The Witcher 3: Wild HuntGhost of YōteiTEKKEN 8Mortal Kombat 1FINAL FANTASY TACTICS – The Ivalice ChroniclesFINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTHMoving Out 2ARK: Survival AscendedSplit FictionStar Wars Jedi: SurvivorGran Turismo 7Ready or NotCONTROL Ultimate EditionPoppy Playtime: Chapter 5Hogwarts Legacy *Naming of products may differ between regions *Upgrades not included PS4 Games US/CanadaAsiaRed Dead Redemption 2Red Dead Redemption 2Gang BeastsBlasphemousBatman: Arkham KnightUNCHARTED: The Nathan Drake CollectionSTAR WARS Battlefront IICall of Duty: WWIICall of Duty: Black Ops IIIShadow of the Tomb Raider: Definitive EditionNeed for Speed HeatEA SPORTS FC 26MinecraftWatch Dogs 2CupheadSEKIRO: SHADOWS DIE TWICEUNCHARTED The Nathan Drake CollectionNeed for Speed HeatLEGO Marvel Super HeroesNBA 2K26The ForestGod of War III RemasteredEA SPORTS FC 26A Way OutResident Evil 6Resident Evil 6Call of Duty: WWIITomb Raider: Definitive EditionGod of WarRise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year CelebrationGrand Theft Auto VDying LightRESIDENT EVIL 5Minecraft DungeonsA Way OutDetroit: Become HumanNBA 2K26Grand Theft Auto VBlasphemousLEGO Marvel Super Heroes 2 *Naming of products may differ between regions PS VR2 Games* US/CanadaAsiaI Am CatBeat SaberBeat SaberMoss II VRAmong Us 3D: VRArizona Sunshine VR 2Job SimulatorGun Club VRArizona Sunshine VR 2Angry Birds VR: Isle of PigsEscape – Backrooms Horror VRMetro AwakeningSynapseArizona Sunshine VR RemakeMetro AwakeningHorizon Call of the MountainArizona Sunshine VR RemakeCrossfire: Sierra SquadGORN 2Subside *PlayStation Store purchases only. Game upgrades or games bundled with hardware not included Free to Play (PS5 + PS4) US/CanadaAsiaFortniteeFootballRobloxNTE: Neverness to EvernessCall of Duty: WarzoneRobloxRocket LeagueWhere Winds Meet (F2P)Marvel RivalsDelta Force (F2P)Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege – Free AccessAsphalt LegendsApex LegendsPUBG: BATTLEGROUNDSFall GuysGenshin ImpactAsphalt LegendsWuthering Waves × CyberpunkeFootballFall Guys

Title: Share of the Week: Sparks Date: Fri, 03 Jul 2026 16:00:20 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/07/03/share-of-the-week-sparks/ Last week, we asked you to share sparks and fireworks using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this week’s highlights: ​​ call_me_xavii shares Sam taking in spinning fireworks in Death Stranding 2: On The Beach JAA_PhMode_0510 shares some use of spark bokeh in Cyberpunk 2077 Couch_Gamer2k23 shares Arjun dodging blue orbs and sparks in Saros RhodWulfLeon shares Cal surrounded by sparks as he fights in Star Wars Jedi Survivor Taser9001 shares Cloud fighting a mech surrounded by sparks in Final Fantasy VII Remake ​​ 4mllr shares Stacy and the gang taking in fireworks in Mixtape Search #PSshare #PSBlog on Twitter or Instagram to see more entries to this week’s theme, or be inspired by other great games featuring Photo Mode. Want to be featured in the next Share of the Week? THEME: PortraitsSUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on July 8, 2026  Next week, zoom in on your favorite characters and share detailed portraits from the game of your choice. Use #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured.

Title: The Sunday Papers Date: Sun, 12 Jul 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/the-sunday-papers-818 Sundays are for waking up before the sun and getting a bike ride in before the tarmac gets hot enough to cook an egg. Any sensible person would skip the bike ride altogether, but I, a nonsensical person, have agreed to a ride across the country at the end of the month and I'm currently not able to manage 40 miles a day, let alone a hundred. So, I have to get them gains. Still, should I get back home unsizzled by this heatwave sun, I can celebrate with a tarmac-fried egg and lazy perusal of some of this week's best gaming (and non-gaming) reads. Read more

Title: Digital Extremes finally reveal Warframe: Tau, the sci-fi shooter's long-awaited second solar system, and it's a gruesome place indeed Date: Sat, 11 Jul 2026 22:21:54 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/digital-extremes-finally-reveal-warframe-tau-the-sci-fi-shooters-long-awaited-second-solar-system-and-its-a-gruesome-place-indeed Digital Extremes's venerable looty-shooty mechabody extravaganza Warframe is finally getting a full second solar system, after a warm-up flashback tour in last year's The Old Peace expansion. The developers have just screened a first look at Tau, home of the game's Sentients faction, during a presentation at Tennocon, the annual Warframe and Soulframe expo. What does Tau harbour? In brief: lots of noir theming. The first of the system's two initial areas is a ringed city, Fornax, whose occupants are plagued by corrupting rain and addicted to a substance called the Bloom. Fornax is home to Brysko, a chain-smoking, trenchcoated "Chimera Warframe" with an inner monologue reminiscent of a Raymond Chandler detective (he's actually voiced by Critical Role's Matt Mercer). Before you read on, seasoned Warframblers, please understand: I am trying to phrase all this in the language of everyday mortals. I'm sure I'm getting all sorts of lore wrong. Read more

Title: Fantasy action-RPG Soulframe is open to all players for a limited time, with a new dark progression path, wolf mounts, and a Warsongs origin quest on the way Date: Sat, 11 Jul 2026 17:00:00 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/fantasy-action-rpg-soulframe-is-open-to-all-players-for-a-limited-time-with-a-new-dark-progression-path-wolf-mounts-and-a-warsongs-origin-quest-on-the-way Soulframe, the fantasy action-RPG from Warframe creators Digital Extremes, is getting wolf mounts, a Warsongs quest, and a new Vadagar progression path or "Pact" that transforms your "Envoy" character into the lovechild of Soulcalibur's Ivy and Tim Curry's Hexxus from Fern Gully. Unfamiliar with both of those? Think ichor-slathered bone warrior with whipsword. The Vadagar class addition is intriguing because it sees you channelling the powers of the Ode, Soulframe's space-faring, spellsong-controlled enemy faction, who are trying to harvest or corrupt all the world's resources and wildlife. Read more

Title: What are we all playing this weekend? Date: Sat, 11 Jul 2026 07:00:00 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/what-are-we-all-playing-this-weekend-390 Another horrendously hot Saturday, another wedding to go to. I am all in favour of love, but could we please reschedule it to a cooler day in the year? Mercifully this one's a London wedding and it can be reached and returned from on the tube. Though travelling on a hot carriage and not arriving looking like a boiled saveloy pressed into a too-small suit will be a challenge. Read more

Title: Dear Magical Girls combines a tale of burnout with a tactical defence puzzle in which you shape and reshape a field of sorcery Date: Fri, 10 Jul 2026 20:16:40 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/dear-magical-girls-combines-a-tale-of-burnout-with-a-tactical-defence-puzzle-in-which-you-shape-and-reshape-a-field-of-sorcery I am just savvy enough with anime and manga to hesitantly observe that there are at least two broad types of "magic girl" story. There are the naive and upbeat ones in which the magic girls sincerely believe all the nonsense they yell about the power of Hope and such, and then there are the ones where magic girling is revealed to be an exploitative racket awash with misogyny and overwork. Read more