Title: Evil Captain America And 6 More Avengers: Doomsday Theories Fans Are Pulling From The Trailer Date: Tue, 21 Jul 2026 16:02:01 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/avengers-doomsday-trailer-theory-evil-captain-america-hydra-2000718049 Could Chris Evans be pulling double duty as both Steve Rogers and Captain Hydra?

Title: Hasbro’s Big Gaming Strategy Is Falling Apart After A $56 Million Write-Down Date: Tue, 21 Jul 2026 15:19:27 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/hasbro-56-million-impairment-charge-video-games-canceled-2000718018 Well, that didn't last long

Title: Ghost In The Shell Fans Who Never Read The Manga Are Very Confused By The New Hornier Adaptation Date: Tue, 21 Jul 2026 14:30:30 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/ghost-in-the-shell-anime-manga-science-saru-mamoru-oshii-masamune-shirow-2000717449 Science Saru's 2026 adaptation of Ghost in the Shell is finally here, and its goofy and raunchy vibes are perplexing those who haven't read Masamune Shirow’s original 1989 manga

Title: Windows 11 Is So Poorly Optimized That Microsoft’s Latest $900 Laptop Reportedly Can’t Use It Without Freezing Date: Tue, 21 Jul 2026 14:00:59 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/microsoft-surface-laptop-windows-11-ram-13-inch-2000717981 Thanks to a combination of factors, including AI-induced RAMageddon and Windows 11 bloat, Microsoft's latest Surface Laptop reportedly can barely handle basic functions without freezing

Title: Watch Spider-Man: Brand New Day Actor Sadie Sink Expertly Avoid The Jean Grey Question Date: Tue, 21 Jul 2026 13:30:15 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/spider-man-brand-new-day-sadie-sink-jean-grey-ask-question-2000718004 Fans have been speculating that the Stranger Things actor may be playing one of the most powerful X-Men

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: Hideo Kojima Reveals How He Wants To Die Date: Tue, 21 Jul 2026 15:54:46 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/hideo-kojima-reveals-how-he-wants-to-die/ Writer-director Hideo Kojima, famous for creating Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding, has commented on how he would like to die. During a recent event, Kojima said he would like to die in a movie theater, and he even knows when, exactly, he'd like to pass away. "I like the time before the movie starts the best. Enter the movie theater, the lights turn off, the commercials and trailers play, then just before the movie starts is when I want to pass away," he said. https://twitter.com/Kojima_Hideo/status/2079486124133900651?s=20 It's a morbid comment, but it's not altogether surprising to hear Kojima say this. He is, after all, a huge fan of cinema. His social media bio says he is a game creator whose body is 70% made of movies. Kojima is known for his one-sentence movie reviews and regularly comments on the latest films and the wider movie industry. He's also friends with a number of famous Hollywood directors, including Oscar-winner Guillermo del Toro and Nicolas Winding Refn. He's working with another Oscar-winner, Jordan Peele, on his new horror game OD. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sMNtH21-JU Kojima was asked to direct the Death Stranding movie, but he declined because he thought he would give too many notes. Instead, Michael Sarnoski (Pig, A Quiet Place: Day One) is directing the Death Stranding movie.

Title: Phasmophobia Twitch Drops: How to Earn In-Game Rewards Date: Tue, 07 Jul 2026 15:32:42 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/phasmophobia-twitch-drops-how-to-earn-in-game-rewards/ Phasmophobia Twitch Drops are a great way to earn special in-game rewards that you can't obtain simply by playing. By linking your Twitch account with your Phasmophobia account and watching Kinetic Games partner streams for a set amount of time, you can unlock special ID cards and badges, with Kinetic promising future updates will offer cosmetics and other in-game items, too. However, these Twitch Drops aren’t available all the time. Instead, Kinetic Games launches limited-time Twitch Drop campaigns through which you can earn these rewards. These typically occur around the release of map reworks and events, and there's a new campaign live now to coincide with the release of 13 Willow Street and the Quality of Life update. Below, we break down the current Phasmophobia Twitch Drops, how to connect your Phasmophobia account to your Twitch account, how to claim Twitch Drops once you have, and when we expect the next to take place. Current Phasmophobia Twitch Drops Phasmophobia Twitch Drops rewards. The current Phasmophobia Twitch Drops are running from July 21 - 28. You can earn the animated and static versions of the Cool Cat ID Card and Badge for tuning in to Phasmophobia streams for a total of two hours. The animated version is exclusively available via Kinetic Games Partner channels, though. How to link Phasmophobia to your Twitch account Select 'Connect' to get your Twitch code. To claim Phasmophobia Twitch Drop rewards, you first need to link your Phasmophobia account to your Twitch account. To do this, follow the steps below: Launch Phasmophobia and select the ‘Twitch Drops’ button from the main menu (next to ‘Training’). Select ‘Connect’ from the Twitch Drops pop-up menu. A code will then appear: make a note of it or copy it. Next, go to Twitch’s ‘Activate Your Device’ page in your browser. Enter the code and select ‘Activate’. Select ‘Authorize’ on the next page to approve the link. Return to Phasmophobia, and you should now see a text that reads ‘Connection Good!’ rather than the ‘Connect’ button. If the 'Twitch Drops' button on the main menu has a red exclamation mark next to it, you've either not connected your accounts yet or there's an issue with the connection. We've found this also happens when there are no active Twitch Drop campaigns, so you may need to link (or relink) when a new one starts.  How to claim Phasmophobia Twitch Drops Watching streamers is a great way to learn new tips. If a Phasmophobia Twitch Drop campaign is active and your accounts are successfully linked, you now need to watch an eligible stream. Phasmophobia Twitch Drops are available from official Kinetic Games Twitch streams, streams by streamers in the official Kinetic Games Partner Program, and creators streaming Phasmophobia who have signed up to partake in the campaign. We’ve found that watching official partner streams is the best way to secure these rewards, as these streamers get first access to Twitch Drop campaigns and you know they’re definitely above board. Phasmophobia Twitch Drops will be announced by Kinetic Games via their official channels and typically run for about a week, with the developer revealing the in-game rewards up for grabs and the requirements to claim those rewards. Usually, players need to watch two hours of a Phasmophobia Twitch Drop stream to be granted their special goodies. So, when a campaign goes live, head over to an official streaming partner's stream on Twitch and watch it for the designated amount of time. Just make sure you’re signed into Twitch so your watching time can be tracked properly. Watching these streams is a great way to pick up some new Phasmophobia tips and tricks, but if you’ve not got the time, you can always leave the stream running on your phone on mute. Rewards should appear in your game within a few days. However, some can take longer. For example, from August 7 to August 9 2025, there was a campaign ahead of the release of the Grafton Farmhouse rework on August 12, but players weren’t actually granted the drop until the map went live publicly on August 12. When is the next Phasmophobia Twitch Drop? A Phasmophobia Twitch Drops campaign usually coincides with the release of an update. While Kinetic Games hasn’t confirmed when the next Twitch Drop campaign for Phasmophobia will be, we’re expecting one to take place closer to the next update. When we've got more information on when that is, we'll update this guide.

Title: Xbox Game Pass Price, Day-One Games, And Tiers In 2026 Explained Date: Mon, 11 May 2026 13:23:00 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-game-pass-price-games-tiers/1100-6524825/ Microsoft is once again shaking up its Xbox Game Pass service, with drastic changes announced in April 2026 that included a price decrease and the confirmation that new Call of Duty games will no longer launch into the service. Then in May 2026, Microsoft and Discord revealed a new Starter Edition of Xbox Game Pass. In July 2026, Microsoft made yet another announcement, and that was that the Starter Edition is now included with Meta Horizon+. If you're looking to join the service or upgrade your current membership, here's everything you need to know about what each Game Pass tier gets you. In This Article What is Xbox Game Pass?Xbox Game Pass Starter EditionXbox Game Pass EssentialXbox Game Pass PremiumPC Game PassXbox Game Pass Ultimate What is Xbox Game Pass? Introduced several years ago, Game Pass is a subscription service that offers access to a library of first-party games from Microsoft and even more third-party titles. This a comprehensive collection of games across a wide selection of genres, and it can be accessed on PC, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and through the cloud on compatible devices like phones and tablets. Games come and go on the service--with additions and removals normally happening twice per month--but the key draw to Game Pass is that you'll get access to the biggest Xbox games on launch day. Or at least that was one of the key selling points. One of Microsoft's biggest franchises, Call of Duty, is no longer going to have its new releases launch into the service (more on that later). Get Xbox Game Pass Ultimate at Amazon Xbox Game Pass Starter Edition $8 per month (Meta Horizon+) $10 per month (Discord) Xbox Game Pass Starter Edition is the newest version of Game Pass, and it's available for Discord Nitro and Meta Horizon+ subscribers. Discord Nitro costs $10/month or $100/year, while Meta Horizon+ costs $8/month or $60/year. The Game Pass Starter Edition includes access to a library of 50+ games, including Fallout 4 and Stardew Valley, as well as 10 hours of cloud streaming per month. They key difference for the Meta Horizon+ version is that the games are played in a virtual environment with the Meta Quest headset, so you need one of those as well. Meta Quest games with Game Pass can be played using an Xbox controller pair to the headset. Alternatively, Meta is rolling out Meta Quest Touch controllers to emulate an Xbox gamepad "in the coming weeks." This emulator will maps the Meta Quest Touch controllers to work like an Xbox controller. Xbox Game Pass Essential $10 per month If you're looking to dip your feet into this program, Xbox Game Pass Essential, previously known as Xbox Game Pass Core, is where you may want to start. Game Pass Essential, then known as Core, launched in September 2023 with 36 games, and unlike the other Game Pass tiers, it does not get new first-party games on launch day. Numerous more games have been added to its library since its launch, and members can choose from titles like Fallout 76, Doom Eternal, and Gears 5. In addition to the games, Game Pass Essential members get access to online console multiplayer, deals, discounts of up to 50% off select games, and access to Free Play Days for select games. For more, check out the full rundown of all the Game Pass Essential games. Xbox Game Pass Premium $15 per month Moving up the ladder, Xbox Game Pass Premium, previously known as Standard, has a library consisting of hundreds of games and is available for Xbox consoles. You also get all the Game Pass Essential perks mentioned above like console multiplayer and discounts on select games, but this subscription does not include "immediate" access to first-party Xbox games when they launch. Instead, new first-party Xbox games will come to Game Pass Premium "within 12 months of launch." PC Game Pass $14 per month If you don't have an Xbox console and you're not too concerned with cloud gaming, PC Game Pass is also available. You get access to a library of hundreds of games, as well as new first-party Xbox games on day one, except for new Call of Duty games. PC Game Pass also includes EA Play. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate $23 per month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate saw its price go up to $30/month in October 2025, a move that Microsoft was criticized for. Then in April 2026, new Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma said in a memo to staff that Game Pass Ultimate was "too expensive" for players. Later that same month, Microsoft lowered the price of Game Pass Ultimate to $23/month. As part of the price reduction, Microsoft also confirmed that new entries in the Call of Duty series would no longer be included at launch. Microsoft said fans could expect these games to arrive during the next holiday season, or about a year later. For now, it appears Microsoft's other first-party games will continue to come to Game Pass Ultimate at launch. Microsoft's blog post announcing the latest changes did not confirm ongoing day-one launches for Microsoft's first-party games, prompting people to theorize that Microsoft is contemplating cutting other high-profile games out as well. Whatever the case, Game Pass Ultimate is the beefiest version of Game Pass. It offers a library of 500+ games playable across console and PC, as well as access to cloud streaming, and access to other memberships like EA Play, Ubisoft+ Classics, and Fortnite Crew. These perks are on top of everything else in the other console tiers, including in-game perks, discounts, access to online multiplayer, and more. The Best Xbox Game Pass Games In 2026 View Images

Title: Battlefield 6 – Season 4 Intro Cinematic Trailer Date: Tue, 21 Jul 2026 15:14:09 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/videos/battlefield-6-season-4-intro-cinematic-trailer/ Pax Armata's relentless campaign for control of the Pacific has begun. As NATO's offshore military bases come under attack, the conflict expands across land, air, and sea in the next chapter of Battlefield 6. Battle across massive amphibious battlefields, command new vehicles, wield new weapons, and adapt to the Dynamic Wave System as the war reaches the Pacific. Later in the season, the conflict continues with the arrival of the Top Gun update, featuring new fighter jets, new experiences, and more. The war has reached new shores. Secure every front. Battlefield 6 Season 4 is live now.

Title: We’ll Finally See The Witcher 3’s New Expansion Next Month Date: Tue, 21 Jul 2026 15:04:31 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/well-finally-see-the-witcher-3-new-expansion-next-month/ With Gamescom Opening Night Live just a little over a month away, it looks like the first big reveal for the showcase has been revealed: The Witcher 3. Not too long ago, CD Projekt Red confirmed that a third expansion for its fantasy-themed action-RPG is in development, and today, it confirmed a first look at The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt - Songs of the Past will be held during Geoff Keighley's annual Gamescom kick-off show on August 23. Beyond that, CD Projekt Red--not to be confused with CD Projekt Red--added that the expansion will also have a presence on the Gamescom showfloor, via a guided presentation at the studio's booth for the duration of the convention. Arriving 12 years after The Witcher 3 first launched, Songs of the Past follows Geralt of Rivia on a new quest, but other than that, CD Projekt Red has been cagey with details. What we do know is that the expansion is being co-developed with Fool's Theory, a studio comprised of several veteran developers who worked on The Witcher 3. The expansion will launch for the PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S versions of the game in 2027. One controversial decision by CD Projekt Red was to drop Windows 10 support for the expansion. Many PC gamers prefer to use Windows 10 as their operating system, citing improved performance in games, and while CD Projekt Red said that the requirement doesn't mean that the game won't run on the older OS, it does mean that the studio won’t support or test the game on Windows 10 going forward. It's a busy time for The Witcher franchise, as Fool's Theory is also working on a remake of the first game in the series and CD Projekt Red has scaled up development on The Witcher 4, with over half the studio focused on it. The Not-E3 Guide To Summer Game Fest Showcases View Images

Title: Robocop TV series reboot confirmed for Prime Video Date: Tue, 21 Jul 2026 16:00:12 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/robocop-new-tv-show-prime-video/ RoboCop will officially return in an all-new TV series for Prime Video, Amazon MGM Studios and production company Blumhouse Atomic Monster confirmed Tuesday. The long-rumored series, titled Robocop, has been greenlit for an eight-episode run on Prime Video, with the franchise's original co-creator Ed Neumeier set to executive produce.

Title: MTG The Hobbit exclusive reveals Orcrist, Goblin-cleaver and Eagle of the Great Shelf Date: Tue, 21 Jul 2026 16:00:12 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/mtg-the-hobbit-exclusive-orcrist-thorin-sword-equipment/ When you stop and think about the coolest swords in the history of Middle-earth, Sting probably comes to mind, along with Aragorn’s reforged Anduril, Flame of the West. Both feature prominently in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy. But The Hobbit features some truly epic blades as well, namely Glamdring and Orcrist, two legendary swords forged in the First Age that are discovered by Thorin’s company in a trolls' lair. Gandalf also wields Glamdring throughout the War of the Ring, which explains why it appeared as an equipment card in the previous Magic: The Gathering x Lord of the Rings crossover. But now, The Hobbit's other iconic sword is finally coming to Magic, too.

Title: Pokémon Go 'Ultra Unlock: 10th Anniversary Edition' event guide Date: Tue, 21 Jul 2026 15:59:53 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/pokemon-go-ultra-unlock-10th-anniversary-edition-willow-pikachu-research/ Pokémon Go’s first Ultra Unlock event post-Go Fest has started. "Ultra Unlock: 10th Anniversary Edition" features an adorable Pikachu dressed up like Professor Willow and the event runs from July 21-27.

Title: Final Fantasy 14 used FF11's infamous boss to aura farm Date: Tue, 21 Jul 2026 15:59:27 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/final-fantasy-14-vandaiel-raids-could-have-included-an-absolute-virtue-fight/ When Absolute Virtue was first introduced in the MMORPG Final Fantasy 11, fights with the boss could last nearly 30 hours. For three years, the boss was deemed undefeatable, until Square Enix had to give tips to players and eventually nerf the fight completely. In Final Fantasy 14's Echoes of Vana'diel raid series, Absolute Virtue appears very briefly before getting destroyed by another enemy entirely.

Title: How to beat all legendary ships in Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced Date: Tue, 21 Jul 2026 15:37:21 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/assassins-creed-black-flag-resynced-legendary-ships-how-to-beat/ The legendary ships in Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced serve as the game's true boss fights. Compared to regular man-of-war ships, the legendary ships are faster, stronger, and smarter. Since they each come with their own tactics, strengths, and weaknesses, every legendary ship challenge is unique, but certainly never easy.

Title: Sharpen the Sword, Skip the Downloads — ‘Onimusha: Way of the Sword’ Is Coming to GeForce NOW Date: Thu, 16 Jul 2026 13:00:34 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-onimusha-coming/ Onimusha: Way of the Sword is coming to GeForce NOW at launch, with the playable demo available this week. It’s joined by Denshattack! rolling in with five new games arriving in the cloud. Plus, GeForce NOW officially launches in India, moving from beta to public availability — meaning gamers can sign up without a waitlist. Pick Up the Oni Gauntlet Cloud-powered. Samurai-approved. Capcom’s next legendary action adventure is coming to GeForce NOW. Onimusha: Way of the Sword will arrive on the cloud at launch on Thursday, Sept. 3.  Members can jump into the action even sooner with the demo now available to stream. Set in a dark fantasy vision of Edo Japan, follow a lone samurai wielding the legendary Oni Gauntlet against relentless demonic Genma. Master precise swordplay, unleash powerful abilities and absorb the souls of fallen enemies as supernatural battles unfold across a haunting world filled with mystery and danger. Ultimate members can experience every clash with GeForce RTX 5080-class performance in the cloud across PCs, Macs, handhelds, mobile devices and TVs. From the first swing in the demo through launch day, GeForce NOW lets members step into battle the moment it’s available — no downloads, storage space or expensive hardware required. Gamers can find the demo in the GeForce NOW app demo row and add the title to their wishlists today to be ready when the blade is drawn.  India Levels Up The wait is over. GeForce NOW has officially exited beta in India, bringing the world’s highest-performance cloud gaming service to more gamers across the country.  This week, gamers can choose from monthly Performance and Ultimate memberships, flexible day passes or the basic, free offering — making it easier than ever to experience GeForce RTX-powered cloud gaming. GeForce NOW now supports UPI payments, giving gamers across India a fast, secure and convenient way to purchase memberships and day passes.  Premium memberships unlock GeForce RTX-powered features like ray tracing, NVIDIA DLSS and NVIDIA Reflex, along with higher resolutions, faster frame rates and priority access to streaming. With thousands of supported games — from blockbuster releases and free-to-play favorites to indie hits — members can enjoy PC games they already own without the cost of upgrading to high-end gaming hardware. Join the conversation with the GeForce NOW community on Reddit.  Go Off the Rails This Weekend “Denshattack!” is pulling into the cloud. Denshattack! — the off-the-rails, train‑wrecking action game — is now available to stream on GeForce NOW, letting members embrace pure chaos from almost any device.  Take control of runaway trains and send them barreling through crowded tracks, explosive obstacles and delightfully destructive layouts, chaining spectacular crashes with just the right mix of precision and pandemonium. Its colorful, tongue‑in‑cheek presentation and physics‑driven mayhem turn every run into a highlight reel of derailments — perfect for quick sessions, score‑chasing and laughing at just how wrong a single turn can go when the throttle never lets up. In addition, members can look for the following to play this week: Denshattack! (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass on July 15) The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu (New release on Steam, available July 15) Heave Ho 2 (New release on Steam, available July 16) Fogpiercer (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass on July 17) Onimusha: Way of the Sword DEMO (Steam) The GeForce NOW community keeps discovering new games to play, with members discussing the most beautiful games on the service. What game has impressed you most on GeForce NOW? Let us know on X or in the comments below.

Title: GeForce NOW Turns Up the Heat With New GeForce RTX 5080-Powered Toronto Server Date: Thu, 09 Jul 2026 13:00:55 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-toronto-expansion/ This GFN Thursday brings more games, more power and more ways to play on GeForce NOW.  The cloud gaming service is expanding with a new GeForce RTX 5080-powered server in Toronto, bringing dedicated high performance in the cloud closer to members across the region. NTE: Neverness to Everness also gets an update in the cloud, making it even easier to jump into the latest content from the supernatural adventure without a single download or more storage space needed. It leads the way for GeForce NOW bringing native touch control to the game, coming soon. There’s even more to explore with three new games joining the GeForce NOW library this week.  Take It to the Next Level in Toronto The forecast is looking cloudy in Canada. A new GeForce RTX 5080-powered GeForce NOW server is coming to Toronto, expanding service in the region and bringing dedicated cloud gaming performance closer to local members. The new server will roll out within days, giving more players access to top-tier cloud gaming across Canada. Ultimate members can stream across PCs, Macs, handhelds, mobile devices, TVs and more with GeForce RTX 5080-class power in the cloud. Enjoy up to 4K resolution and beyond on supported ultrawide displays, up to 120 frames per second, plus NVIDIA DLSS, ray tracing and NVIDIA Reflex technologies.  Bring on the ‘999 Nights’ Reality bends — on any device. Step into the surreal world of NTE: Neverness to Everness with the NTE Version 1.2 “999 Nights” update.  This version introduces a massive gameplay evolution, plunging players into an immersive, tabletop-inspired fantasy role-playing game on the Warren Continent — a new permanent game mode featuring its own dedicated progression system. This narrative and mechanical expansion is elevated by the debut of two powerful characters, Shinku and Iroi, alongside an unprecedented fashion upgrade featuring a sweeping collection of 19 new character outfits. To top it off, exploration gets a high-octane upgrade with Draco, a revolutionary new motorcycle vehicle, making this version an absolute playground for combat strategy, stylish customization and high-speed urban traversal.  Plus, GeForce NOW will soon be rolling out native touch controls to NTE: Neverness to Everness, which will make it even easier to explore the city’s mysteries from supported mobile devices. Look for the game in the GeForce NOW app to seamlessly jump between devices and continue the adventure — no downloads, storage space or expensive additional hardware required. Embark on Expanded Adventures The journey continues in Granblue Fantasy: Relink with the Endless Ragnarok expansion. Known for its dynamic combat, diverse roster of Skyfarers and thrilling online co-op, Relink returns with fresh story content as mysterious beings known as the Ragnalia threaten the Zegagrande Skydom. Strange gateways, powerful new foes — including the mighty Beelzebub — and fresh challenges await across the skies. The expansion also introduces additional ways to play, including summon abilities that add another layer of combat strategy, co-op quest tiers and a solo mode filled with unpredictable encounters. Master traits offer more opportunities to customize favorite characters, giving both longtime Skyfarers and newcomers plenty of reasons to take flight. Jump into the latest action with the following games to play this week: Esports Manager 2026 (New release on Steam, available July 6) Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced (New release on Steam and Ubisoft Connect, available July 9) Granblue Fantasy: Relink – Endless Ragnarok Demo (Steam) As GeForce NOW continues to expand, so does the community discovering cloud gaming. One new Ultimate member summed up their first impressions: “Finally caved and got GFN Ultimate… and wow.” Another longtime PC gamer shared how GeForce NOW completely changed their perspective after years of skepticism, calling it “a good alternative” for casual players and encouraging others to “try the one month and upgrade to the yearly before the sale ends.” What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below.

Title: Joyride Through July With 12 Games Coming to GeForce NOW Date: Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:00:23 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-july-2026-games-list/ Summer is heating up — and GeForce NOW is taking players along for the ride. Start the month with Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs. Villains, bringing a galaxy far, far away to the iconic board-game franchise, alongside 12 new games joining the cloud this month.  Plus, don’t let the sun set on the biggest GeForce NOW savings of the year. Level up for less before the deals disappear. Light Side, Dark Side, Cloud Side  The Force is strong with this one. Rule the board, you must. Choose a side in Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs. Villains, the classic property-trading board game reimagined with legendary characters, locations and rivalries from across the Star Wars universe. Play as iconic heroes or infamous villains — each with unique abilities — to assemble a team and experience cinematic moments while competing with family and friends across locations from every era of the saga. Every roll of the dice brings new opportunities to build an empire and claim victory. GeForce NOW makes it easy to take the battle between the light and dark sides across nearly any device. Jump into a match on a low-powered PC, Mac, phone, TV, tablet or handheld device and keep the fun going across the galaxy. Check out what’s available this week: Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs. Villains (New release on Steam and Ubisoft, available June 30) Meccha Chameleon (Steam) And look forward to the games coming throughout the month: Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced (New release on Steam and Ubisoft Connect, available July 9) Denshattack! (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass July 15) The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu (New release on Steam, available July 15) Heave Ho 2 (New release on Steam, available July 16) Fogpiercer (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass July 17) ZeroSpace (New release on Steam, available July 20) The Planet Crafter (New release on Xbox, Available on Game Pass July 21) Carnival Hunt (New release on Steam, available July 23) The Ranchers (New release on Steam, available July 30) Corsair Cove (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass July 31) Juicy Extras From June In addition to the 18 games announced last month, 10 more came to the cloud.  Deer & Boy (Steam) DOOM Eternal (Epic Games Store) Embers of the Uncrowned Demo (Steam) EMPULSE (Steam) The Elder Scrolls Online (Xbox, available on Game Pass) NBA THE RUN (Steam) SAND: Raiders of Sophie (Steam) Voidling Bound (Steam) Witchspire (Steam) World of Tanks: HEAT (Wargaming) Last Call for Cloud Summer Savings The clock is ticking. Get gaming at the best price of the year. The final days of the GeForce NOW Summer Sale are here. Before the savings disappear, gamers can save $35 on a 12-month Performance membership or $70 on a 12-month Ultimate membership — unlocking GeForce RTX-powered gaming in the cloud across devices they already own. The Performance membership delivers smooth, high-quality gaming with RTX-powered servers, making it easy to jump into favorite titles across PCs, Macs, phones, handhelds and TVs. The Ultimate membership takes cloud gaming to the max with RTX 4080‑ or 5080‑class performance. Experience cinematic visuals, ultralow latency and responsive gameplay powered by technologies like NVIDIA DLSS, ray tracing and NVIDIA Reflex — all without the cost of a new gaming rig. Hear directly from the GeForce NOW Community. One GeForce NOW member recently called the Summer Sale “quite significant” after realizing the savings were even larger than expected in their local currency. By locking in a year of Ultimate, they calculated their monthly cost dropped from roughly 29 CAD to 17 CAD – showcasing how GeForce NOW continues to help gamers around the world enjoy the games they love, wherever they choose to play. Plus, check out this spreadsheet, made by a community member, featuring discounted games streaming on GeForce NOW  and build out a bigger library at the best bargains during the Steam Summer Sale. What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below.

Title: The Ultimate Summer Sale Pairing: Steam Sale Meets GeForce NOW Discounts Date: Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:00:34 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-steam-summer-sale-2026/ Summer savings are heating up. From the Steam Summer Sale to GeForce NOW membership discounts, this week’s GFN Thursday delivers double the deals and more ways to get the most value from cloud gaming. Plus, Dark Scrolls joins the growing Devolver lineup, alongside Square Enix’s The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales. They lead the charge for six new games joining the GeForce NOW library this week. Steam Dreams Are Made of These Add to cart, not to storage. The Steam Summer Sale is here, bringing discounts across thousands of PC games as one of the year’s biggest opportunities to grow a gaming library. Supported Steam games can be streamed across devices with GeForce NOW, making it easy to buy a game once, keep progress synced and pick up where the gameplay left off on PCs, Macs, handheld devices, phones, TVs and more. In other words, the Steam Summer Sale brings the deals; GeForce NOW adds the flexibility.  As new titles expand collections, storage demands and hardware requirements expand with them. GeForce NOW helps remove those barriers by streaming supported games from powerful GeForce RTX servers in the cloud, allowing members to enjoy today’s biggest games on devices they already own. Since downloads and installs are handled in the cloud, games can be added to the cart without being added to storage. Check out the “Sales & Special Offers” row in the GeForce NOW app to discover the discounts today. The Ultimate Upgrade to Level Up for Less The upgrade every game deserves. The deals don’t stop there. Pair GeForce NOW’s summer sale with the Steam Summer Sale to spend less time waiting on downloads, managing storage or needing pricey hardware upgrades — and more time gaming. Get $70 off a 12-month Ultimate membership or $35 off a 12-month Performance membership and experience GeForce RTX-powered gaming in the cloud across devices. The Ultimate membership unlocks GeForce RTX 4080- and 5080-class performance in the cloud with up to 4K resolution, up to 120 frames per second (fps) and advanced technologies like NVIDIA DLSS, ray tracing and NVIDIA Reflex. Dig Into Devolver Written in chaos. Dark Scrolls, the kinetic action roguelite from Devolver Digital, arrives on GeForce NOW with its blend of fast combat, evolving builds and unapologetic chaos. Set in a warped fantasy world that doesn’t take itself too seriously, players battle through shifting arenas packed with enemies, hazards and power-ups that can turn a run from fragile to unstoppable in seconds. Stack abilities, experiment with wild combinations and adapt on the fly as the game constantly raises the stakes — rewarding bold play as much as careful movement. On GeForce NOW, Dark Scrolls is ready the moment players are, streaming across devices with no downloads or setup required. It joins a growing lineup of Devolver Digital titles on the service — Cult of the Lamb, Hotline Miami, Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number, Inscryption, Enter the Gungeon and Ball x Pit — each delivering that distinct mix of style, surprise and controlled chaos, and just a click away with GeForce NOW. A Storybook Across Centuries The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales arrives on GeForce NOW, delivering a charming, narrative-driven adventure filled with mystery and discovery. With a hand-crafted world and a focus on exploration, it blends classic adventure gameplay with modern, character-driven storytelling. Follow Elliot — a curious traveler bound to a mysterious Millennium Core — as he’s pulled across eras in a journey that spans neon skylines, forgotten ruins and quiet villages on the edge of legend. Each era has its own rules and rhythms, with Elliot’s reactions and scribbled journal notes giving the story a warm, personal touch. Stream the cinematic-quality visuals and responsive gameplay with GeForce RTX power in the cloud for Ultimate members. Experience Elliot’s time-twisting journey in sharp detail across supported devices — no high-end rig, patches or paradox prep required. Just jump in and pick up from wherever the last chapter left off. In addition, members can look for the following: Dark Scrolls (New release on Steam, available June 22) SAND: Raiders of Sophie (New release on Steam, available June 22) Deer & Boy (New release on Steam, available June 23) EMPULSE (New release on Steam, available June 24) The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales (Steam) FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves (Steam) Leaving the last word to the Community Corner, one GeForce NOW member recently shared being “so impressed” by GeForce NOW. They gave the service a spin because of affordable pricing and took a lower-end PC from 20-30 fps on low settings to 60+ fps with settings maxed out — really putting the WoW in their World of Warcraft.  What are you planning to play this weekend? Maybe even more importantly, what device are you planning to play on? Let us know on X or in the comments below.

Title: Sync and Stream: GeForce NOW Connects to Members’ Game Libraries Across Devices Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2026 13:00:32 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-game-stores/ Play favorite titles from popular game libraries, keep progress synced and jump back into gaming sessions on virtually any device. That’s the power of GeForce NOW cloud gaming. From providing access to members’ favorite game libraries to offering some of the season’s best membership pricing, GeForce NOW is making it easier than ever to get more from the cloud this summer. Plus, check out the seven new games arriving in the GeForce NOW library this week. Hit Play Across Top Game Stores That’s a whole lotta ways to play. Whether it’s blockbuster franchises, competitive shooters, sprawling role-playing games (RPGs) or indie gems, GeForce NOW supports thousands of games from leading PC game stores, making it easy to bring existing game libraries to the cloud. Connect supported game store accounts and stream titles with GeForce RTX power. Games that include cloud-save functionality help keep progress intact across devices. Start a game on one screen, pick up where playtime left off on another and spend less time managing installs and storage space. Jump into fan favorites like Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt streaming through GOG. These sci-fi and fantasy favorites support cloud saves, making it easy to continue where play left off. GOG single sign-on and game library syncing — coming this summer — will make that process even smoother. Explore ancient mysteries in the Assassin’s Creed franchise or team up for tactical action in Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege through Ubisoft+, delivering iconic worlds and competitive experiences to the cloud.  Whether joining massive, all-in combat in Battlefield 6 or shaping the fate of Thedas with compelling companions in Dragon Age: The Veilguard, the EA app offers action-packed experiences and beloved RPGs. Find them in the GeForce NOW app by simply searching and filtering by store. Choose the Screen, Keep the Adventure Gaming doesn’t always happen at a desk — community members are sharing how GeForce NOW lets them play across their favorite devices. GeForce NOW Ambassador and cloud gaming creator Anytime Anywhere Gaming recently showcased Dead as Disco — a PC title without a native mobile version — running on an iPhone through the cloud. As he put it: “One of the coolest benefits of GeForce NOW is I can take the same copy of the game I own on Steam and carry it to my iPhone … it’s super awesome being able to play a game on a multitude of devices without having to buy it again.” That flexibility extends beyond mobile. One GeForce NOW member on Reddit shared being “blown away” by the experience of playing on Mac through the cloud, highlighting how GeForce RTX-powered gaming can be enjoyed across devices, no upgrades required. Whether via phone on the go, on a MacBook between work meetings or on a TV in the living room, GeForce NOW helps make PC gaming accessible across nearly every screen. Upgrade and Unlock More This Summer Summer lovin’, havin’ a sale. For a limited time, annual memberships are available at the best prices of the year: $35 off a 12-month Performance membership $70 off a 12-month Ultimate membership Performance memberships deliver high-quality cloud gaming across devices, while Ultimate unlocks GeForce RTX 5080-class performance in the cloud with up to 5K resolution, up to 120 frames per second and advanced technologies like NVIDIA DLSS, ray tracing and NVIDIA Reflex. Pair these special prices with thousands of supported games across top PC game stores. Plus, with GeForce NOW, spend less time downloading, upgrading hardware and managing storage — and more time gaming. New on the Cloud  In addition, members can look for the following: Embers of the Uncrowned Demo (New release on Steam, available June 13) Pro Cycling Manager 26 (New release on Steam, available June 15) Aphelion (Steam) Citizen Sleeper (Epic Game Store, free from June 18-25) Megastore Simulator (Steam) OPERATOR (Steam) Super Meat Boy 3D (Xbox, available on Game Pass) What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below.

Title: Order of the Sinking Star is coming to PS5, hands-on report Date: Tue, 21 Jul 2026 13:00:47 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/07/21/order-of-the-sinking-star-is-coming-to-ps5-hands-on-report/ The glittering sky of mystery, magic, and head scratching enigmas is becoming much larger – Order of the Sinking Star is arriving on PlayStation 5 later this year. Developed by Jonathan Blow’s independent studio Thekla, it should come as no surprise that this stablemate of Braid and The Witness is a puzzler… but with a fair few differences to differentiate it from its priors. Play Video In fact, it’s fair to say that those two titles created the foundation that Order of the Sinking Star sits on, not just because of its many, many puzzles, but also with its intriguing blend of characters, an unfolding story, and its stylish aesthetic. Introducing this new star While Order of the Sinking Star’s story is more explicit than that found in Braid or The Witness due to its immediate presence of talkative, controllable characters, there’s still a strong ethos of discovery. Even in the demo I played, exposition is delivered in small, sporadic chunks, all secondary to introducing the gameplay mechanics. This is entirely by design. The subtle environmental storytelling introduces a world of obstacles and divergences, where people are displaced in their surroundings. The first character, the Queen, is lost in what appears to be a strange palace at first, before it opens out into the game’s overworld. It serves as a quick intro to pushing blocking objects around the grid-like locations to progress, as well as understanding the invaluable rewind/undo mechanic in case you get stuck during a puzzle and need to revert to an earlier point in time. Hearty heroes and more It’s an essential mechanic, too, given the introduction of the game’s other characters, who come with their own puzzle-driven abilities. Given the choice of three different areas to tackle after the tutorial section, I sent the Queen northwards to begin The Hearty Heroes of Hauling section, which initially stars the warrior Valens, Tif the thief, and Isidore the wizard. Initially separated, each character can manipulate obstructive blocks and crystals in one specific way – Valens can push them, Tif can only pull them, and Isidore magically swaps places with them on line-of-sight. Guiding the Queen Westwards instead opens up The Promise, where I controlled an explorer who has to work his way through a maze-like mine using the power of gems to emit different coloured beams to perform abilities. While the grassy Mirror Isles to the East dropped me into the sandals of a wealthy trader using mirrors to swap places with his projected reflection in order to navigate a waterlogged archipelago.  A nesting doll of puzzles Just as the story reveals its intriguing wrinkles through voice over dialogue and narration, the Sokoban-like puzzles start off simple but escalate very quickly. In The Hearty Heroes of Hauling, the trio eventually meet up, meaning I had to use a combination of all their abilities to progress. Later, a druid who could transmute blocks joined their ranks, and so the game’s complexity evolved further. Did I mention there are monsters, too? Puzzle purists don’t need to worry – there’s no fighting in the game. But dealing with goblins who will kill your character if they’re on an adjacent square, or beasts who shoot fire on line-of-sight meant the puzzles switched up once more, especially as some gates could only be deactivated once the enemies were vanquished. Thankfully, monsters can be manipulated to attack each other, while another new character, the bard, could charm them with an area of effect ability. And later in the game, a priestess is entirely immune to their attacks, enabling her to protect any adjacent peers. Order of the Sinking Star prides itself on the gradual layering of new characters, elements, and environments the further you travel. Early on in the demo, the Queen was forced to use the other characters’ abilities to access more of the overworld, smartly leaning on my familiarity with their powers to overcome increasingly difficult challenges.  And then, several hours in, things changed in a way that turned the entire game on its head… When worlds collide As if the three different worlds’ worth of puzzles and an overworld with its own batch of enigmas and brainteasers wasn’t enough, Order of the Sinking Star’s big turning point is when the characters from the different worlds begin to interact in order to solve puzzles they couldn’t alone. At one late point I was having to switch between the merchant and wizard across realms, thinking about their abilities in different ways.  It speaks to the ethos of Order of the Sinking Star that this switch is still early in a game which has hundreds of hours of gameplay, built on the back of over a thousand puzzles. And while there’s a clear narrative progression, the freedom to choose the order of how you tackle some of them meant I could still move on when I hit a wall. And on top of all of this, a whole fourth Southern area, Skipping Stones to Lonely Homes, was unavailable in my demo, but promises to ramp things up further with a marooned sailor in a world of giant stones, lily pads, and rivers she can redirect. Following the star’s light It’s been ten years in development via a modest team of around 20 people, but with its 900+ levels, multiple endings, and constantly evolving gameplay, even after several hours in the demo it’s clear there’s literally worlds worth of discovery left in Thekla’s enchanting puzzler. We’ll even find out what’s truly behind the mysterious title itself… Expect more to surface from Order of the Sinking Star when it releases on PS5 later this year.

Title: Beginner’s Guide to MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls Date: Mon, 20 Jul 2026 17:00:02 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/07/20/beginners-guide-to-marvel-tokon-fighting-souls/ MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls Open Beta kicks off July 24–26 on PlayStation 5 consoles and PC. Whether you’re new to fighting games or stepping into the arena with your favorite Marvel heroes for the first time, we’ve put together this beginner’s guide to help you get started. From choosing your first character to learning basic controls, combos, and team mechanics, here are a few tips to help you make the most of the Open Beta. Find your favorite Hero or Villain When selecting a character, take a look at the EASE OF USE rating on the character select screen.The more stars a character has, the easier they are to use, making them a great choice for newcomers.Some of the most beginner-friendly characters include Captain America, Ms. Marvel, and Wolverine. Iron Man and Spider-Man are also relatively easy to learn. On the other hand, characters such as Storm and Danger offer more advanced playstyles that may take additional time to master. One of the strengths of MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls is that once you’ve learned a character, you can rely on them throughout the entire match. That’s why we recommend starting with the hero you like most and gradually expanding your roster from there. If you’re unsure how to build a team, try combining close-range and long-range specialists. For example, Wolverine’s aggressive melee style pairs nicely with Iron Man’s powerful ranged attacks. That said, the best team is ultimately the one made up of your favorite heroes. Experiment and create a team that feels uniquely yours. Learn the basics with Startup Battle Not sure where to begin? Start with Startup Battle. This mode teaches the game’s core mechanics step-by-step while you play as Captain America.  You’ll learn everything from basic attacks—including Light (□), Medium (△), and Heavy (○) attacks—to combos, skills, and unique character-specific actions through hands-on tutorials. Startup Battle is divided into two sections: ●       Basics, which focuses on actions performed by an individual character.●       Assemble, which introduces team-based mechanics and cooperative actions. Players already familiar with fighting games can skip the Basics section and jump directly into Assemble. While you don’t need to master everything right away, Startup Battle is the perfect place to learn the fundamentals before heading into battle Master basic combos and defense One of the first mechanics new players should learn is the Link Attack system. By repeatedly pressing the same attack button, you can easily perform beginner-friendly combo sequences. In the examples below, L, M, and H refer to Light, Medium, and Heavy attacks. ●       L → L → L → L○       Chains into a Skill and can trigger a Break (stage transition)●       M → M → M○       Leads into a powerful Super Skill●       H → H → H○       Leads into an even stronger Ultimate Skill Start by learning these simple sequences to build a foundation for dealing damage.Once you’re comfortable, try more advanced routes such as: L → M → H → Skill → Assemble Rush → Follow-up Attack Successfully coordinating with your teammates opens up additional combo opportunities and lets you experience the excitement of the game’s team-based combat. Of course, offense is only half the battle. Learning how to defend yourself is just as important. The first defensive technique you’ll want to learn is Guard. ●       Hold ← to perform a standing guard.●       Hold ↙ to perform a crouching guard. Once you’re comfortable blocking attacks, try incorporating two advanced defensive options into your gameplay. Assemble Counter is performed by pressing □ + × while not guarding. Your character performs a defensive backstep, and if an opponent attacks during the maneuver, you’ll automatically launch a counterattack. Crossover is performed by pressing □ + × while guarding. This calls in a teammate to interrupt the opponent’s attack and create an opening for a counteroffensive. Mastering these mechanics can turn a defensive situation into an immediate comeback opportunity. Both techniques can be practiced in Startup Battle, so be sure to give them a try. Assists and character switching Pressing × will call in a teammate to perform an Assemble Assist attack. You can also switch characters by pressing a directional input along with L2. The teammate you call depends on the direction you input: ●   Neutral or → : 2nd teammate●   ↓ : 3rd teammate●   ← : 4th teammate For example: ●   ↓ + × calls your third teammate as an assist.●   ← + L2 switches to your fourth teammate. New players may find assists easier to use than direct character switching, so we recommend becoming familiar with assists first. Once you’ve gained some experience, try using assist-to-switch techniques. After calling an assist, you’ll briefly see a “Switch?” prompt on-screen. Pressing L2 during this window allows you to seamlessly switch to that character. It may take some practice, but mastering this mechanic lets you rotate through heroes fluidly and unleash the fast-paced team action that defines MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls. Find the Skill Input Style That Works for You MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls offers two ways to perform Skills. The first is traditional Command Inputs (also known as motion inputs), familiar to fighting game veterans. The second is a Quick Skill option that allows you to execute skills with a single button press. While both methods provide similar functionality, Command Inputs offer slightly higher damage and generate more Skill Gauge. If you’re new to fighting games, we recommend starting with Quick Skills while you learn the fundamentals. As you grow more comfortable, try incorporating Command Inputs into your combos for even greater rewards. You can also customize the Quick Skill button through the control settings to suit your preferred playstyle. Experience the story in Episode Mode The Open Beta also includes access to part of the Amazing Guardians Episode. Players will get a glimpse of key story moments, including encounters with Promoter and Champion, and learn more about why Spider-Man ultimately forms his team. The story is presented through immersive motion comics featuring artwork from a renowned comic artist, bringing the Marvel Universe to life in a unique and engaging format. After experiencing the story, you’ll head straight into battle. Once you’ve completed Startup Battle and learned the basics, be sure to check out Episode Mode as well.   See you in the Open Beta ​​ We’ve covered some of the key fundamentals you’ll need to get started in MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls, from picking your first character to learning combos, defense, and team mechanics. Don’t worry about mastering everything right away. Startup Battle and Training Mode are designed to help you learn at your own pace, and part of the fun is discovering new strategies and team combinations as you play. MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls Open Beta runs from July 24–26 on PlayStation 5 consoles and PC. We can’t wait to see the teams you create and the battles you’ll bring to life.   See you in the Open Beta!

Title: Share of the Week: Sun Date: Fri, 17 Jul 2026 16:00:06 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/07/17/share-of-the-week-sun/ Last week, we asked you to share shots of the sun from the game of your choice using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this week’s highlights: raphxander_ shares Arjun facing the eclipsed sun in Saros jobolts_ shares Atsu watching the sun set from a cliffside in Ghost of Yōtei honeysinghzzz shares Aloy raising a hand up towards the sun in Horizon Forbidden West Mur4dQ shares the sun hiding behind a mountain in Sea of Stars pavesoint shares the sun’s rays shining in the background in Infinity Nikki CaptainGG_R shares an orange-drenched sky during sunset in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt 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: Assassin’s Creed Black Flag ResyncedSUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on July 22, 2026  Next week, raise the sails and share moments from Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced. Use #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured.

Title: Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse hands-on report Date: Fri, 17 Jul 2026 07:00:36 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/07/17/castlevania-belmonts-curse-hands-on-report/ It’s the February 12 State of Play. Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse has just been announced, and Evil Empire, the team developing this action adventure for the past four years, is having a nervous watch party. “We were waiting because you never know when your trailer is about to appear,” says Marketing Director Bérenger Dupré. “Then we saw it and started freaking out. And the video’s chat moves so fast that you can’t read the reactions. Then we received a message from a fan showing a version of the ‘absolute cinema’ meme, and I was like, okay… we’re doing fine.” Since that nerve-wracking reveal, Konami and Evil Empire have been hard at work to ensure Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse meets its October 15 launch on PS5. Which has also included offering some hands-on time to peer into the gothic depths that await. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image In this coffin of treasures I discovered lots for Castlevania traditionalists to enjoy, combined with modern quality of life design choices, smooth combat, and an expansive magic and abilities system giving this entry in the series a fresh feel. In fact, this approach is symbolised by the entirely new character who fronts the game… Meet Rose Belmont Set after Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse, 1499 Paris is in ruin and on the brink of Dracula’s resurrection. The city’s only hope? Trevor Belmont and his daughter Rose, who are infiltrating the city after a suspicious letter from the Bishop. While Trevor seeks out the clergy, our protagonist Rose is left to explore the city itself, burning, ravaged, and rampant with the undead. After a fun animated scene setter, Rose’s introduction blends both thoughtful aesthetic design and hints towards a character arc befitting of the Belmont family tree. She’s determined, but burdened with guilt over her mother’s death, a scar visually represented by her tarot deck and the fiery red curse creeping from her elbow to hand, both things which have greater significance as the game progresses. Modern-yet-classic Castlevania Belmont’s Curse feels exactly how a modern Castlevania game should feel, steering away from roguelite elements of permadeath or procedurally generated levels. “We really wanted to capture the essence of the series,” says Konami producer Tsutomu Taniguchi. “When we started discussing the game with Evil Empire, we said we’d like to go back to its core.” From its massive map with destructible secret walls, to clearly visible areas which are inaccessible until you gain a certain skill (and the suitably gothic soundtrack of organs and synths) all the expected elements are here. There’s a familiar weight to how Rose controls, but it’s graced with an agile responsiveness that makes both combat and platforming feel intuitive. During my playthrough, I was able to swiftly guide Rose with wall jumps, swing across instant death spikes, and mix it up with crafty skeletons, lumbering zombies, and cowardly bats, all of which can be damaged by the environmental hazards. And while there was no double jump available, not only were there noticeable level design clues that it would be introduced later, but my questions to the dev team about the ability were met with a wry grin. Fast and fluid combat Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse also places strong emphasis on snappy combat, with versatile evades and combos. Rose’s dodge and slide on the Circle button gives you the ability to flip backwards with a double tap, while the Arcana Whip grapple on R2 can be chained into an instant attack or traversal swing. Mana – something you can recover by defeating enemies – is used for spells with the Triangle button, or healing via L1. The weapons system is also substantial, with seven different types each with their own style and special moves. For example, the balanced longsword comes with a perk of extra damage when attacking immediately after a backdash. While the cestus gauntlets are shorter range but have faster combos, and increase in damage the more I hit enemies with them. “We are very focused on combat, which was a great opportunity to add something new in this specific genre,” explains Evil Empire’s creative director Emmanuel Nouaille. “We want to get the right balance between the spirit of Castlevania and what we want to have to modernize.” Unleash the power of Relics Also making their return are Relics, which offer bonuses for combat and exploration. Rose can equip up to three, so you can tailor them to your individual playstyle. The main one I found was the Crypt Key which fully restored Rose’s health and mana whenever she opened a chest. Which was especially useful because: This game packs a challenge True to its roots, Belmont’s Curse doesn’t spare your feelings. Hasty mistakes are punished fast and hard, but I never felt like the game was unfair. The reliance on learning patterns, using your dodge’s invincibility frames, and mastering Rose’s attacks were essential to surviving, especially when it comes to the visually impressive boss fights. Whether it was leaping over The Fallen’s Holy Cross or screen-reaching whip attack in the sewers, or dodging Joan of Arc’s flaming sword swipes, backstabs, and fireballs during an explosive rooftop battle, my first encounter with the game’s bosses were vicious and reflex testing, respecting repeated and patient play. The cards are the key The satisfaction of defeating the tricky bosses is also rewarded via the loot you earn from them. As well as occasional weapons – Joan’s Burnt Sword of Fierbois and its charge attack was a particular favourite – each boss gets merged into Rose’s tarot deck, turning them into Arcana which unlocks spells, skills, and special actions. So that Holy Cross The Fallen repeatedly bludgeoned me with? Well, as a Castlevania mainstay it should be no surprise that it’s yours once you’ve ‘tamed’ him. While Joan’s Holy Light allowed me to traverse through previously solid Chaos Shards by holding down L2, an ability which also deflected enemy attacks if I timed my press perfectly. Additionally, each Arcana has up to three Works of Mercy, a specific task to be completed like hitting an enemy five times with its spell, which then unlocks a Blessing to improve it. This comes with an unlockable bonus ‘Gift’ once you assign it – for example, the Cursed Flame’s fireball can be enhanced to become bigger and pack a heavier pushback. Whip smart design decisions While the nerves are still there for the development team, my playthrough so far captured what made the Castlevania series fun in the first place, without alienating modern day expectations. And it’s an excitement echoed by the people behind the eagerly anticipated action adventure. “We’re happy and overwhelmed with the great response,” says Tsutomu. “I feel a lot of pressure, because everyone is expecting a lot, but it’s a good feeling.” You’ll be able to finally revisit Dracula in all his gothic glory when Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse arrives on PS5 on October 15 – just in time for Halloween.

Title: Everything you need to know about MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls Open Beta Date: Thu, 16 Jul 2026 17:03:31 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/07/16/everything-you-need-to-know-about-marvel-tokon-fighting-souls-open-beta/ The wait is almost over. The MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls Open Beta is nearly here, and we can’t wait for players to jump into the action. Whether you’re returning after last year’s Closed Betas or stepping into the fight for the very first time, here’s everything you need to know before the Open Beta begins. Play Video Open beta schedule The Open Beta will run for 72 hours, starting on: Start: July 24, 12:00am PT / 8:00am BST / 4:00pm JST End: July 26, 11:59pm PT / July 27, 7:59am BST / 3:59pm JST The Open Beta will be available on PlayStation 5 console, Steam, and the Epic Games Store. No registration is required: simply download the Open Beta from your platform store and start playing. Pre-downloads will be available two hours before the Open Beta goes live, so you can be ready to play as soon as the servers open. A PlayStation Plus subscription is not required. However, all players will need an internet connection and an Account for PlayStation  to access the Open Beta on both PS5 and PC.   15 playable Heroes and Villains Fifteen of the game’s twenty launch characters will be available during the Open Beta, including Blade who becomes playable for the very first time. Fighting Avengers Captain America Iron Man Black Panther  Unbreakable X-Men Storm Magik Wolverine Danger  Amazing Guardians Spider-Man Ms. Marvel Star-Lord Peni Parker  Samurai Outriders Ghost Rider Blade  Knights of Doom Doctor Doom Magneto  Players will also be able to battle across six iconic stages, each inspired by legendary Marvel locations: Marvel’s New York (Day), Savage Land, X-Mansion, Knowhere, Wakanda, and Marvel’s New York (Night).   More than online battles Many of you have already experienced online matches during the Closed Betas. This time, we also want to give you a taste of the additional modes and features waiting for you in the full game when it launches on August 6. Online Casual and Ranked Matches Jump into Casual Match to quickly face opponents of a similar skill level or test yourself in Ranked Match and climb the competitive ladder against the best of players. Want to battle locally? Versus Mode will let you challenge friends on the same system or practice against the CPU whenever you like.  Explore the open lobby The Open Lobby is your hub between battles, featuring miniature versions of the game’s iconic stages. Choose from 16 unique avatars, each with four color variations, then explore the lobby, meet other players, and communicate using free chat, preset messages, stamps, and emotes. Ready for another fight? Head over to one of the arcade cabinets scattered throughout the lobby to challenge other players. Practice time New to MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls? Start with Start Up Battle, an interactive tutorial designed to introduce the game’s core mechanics. Learn the fundamentals of 4v4 combat, understand team-based systems, and put your new skills to the test in a trial match before jumping into the action. Whether you’re learning the basics or mastering advanced combos, Training Mode gives you all the tools you need. Experiment with every character, practice combos, learn game mechanics, and customize a wide variety of training scenarios and dummy settings to sharpen your skills. Experience Episode Mode For the first time, players will also get an early look at Episode Mode. Play through the three first chapters of the Amazing Guardians storyline as Spider-Man begins assembling his team to confront a mysterious threat descending upon Earth. Experience how beautifully illustrated motion-comic storytelling blends seamlessly with explosive battles. Finally, the Open Beta will reflect the full localization players can expect at launch, featuring localized voice-over and text in US English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Latin American Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and Simplified Chinese (Mandarin VO). Text-only support will also be available in UK English, Arabic, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Thai, and Traditional Chinese.  If you played during last year’s Closed Betas, you’ll notice that MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls has continued to evolve.  Based on community feedback, we’ve refined gameplay, improved mechanics, and made numerous adjustments across the experience to deliver an even more exciting and accessible tag fighter. We’re incredibly excited to welcome both returning players and newcomers into the fight and can’t wait for everyone to experience the ultimate 4v4 tag team fighter when the Open Beta begins on July 24. Assemble your dream team and get ready to fight!

Title: Reported lead of Obsidian's new Fallout game wants you to feel a "sense of agony" when playing an RPG, rather than being an all-powerful god-splatterer Date: Tue, 21 Jul 2026 15:47:09 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/reported-lead-of-obsidians-new-fallout-game-wants-you-to-feel-a-sense-of-agony-when-playing-an-rpg-rather-than-being-an-all-powerful-god-splatterer Look at the nice fellow in the featured image of this article. Look into his eyes. Look at the slightly awkward grin plastered across his face at the moment in a YouTube video on his channel that I've chosen to pause and take a screenshot. This is a man who wants you to feel "a sense of agony". To be frustrated and perplexed as to which outcome to choose. This is a man who knows you can't feed the world with a set of laser eyeballs. This is Fallout: New Vegas director Josh Sawyer, who recently made some points about RPG building that are worth dissecting in light of his reported new gig as head of Obsidian's upcoming Fallout game. Read more

Title: Out today, Die or Dive is a promising roguelite scuba sim that basically turns Darkest Dungeon into Ecco the Dolphin Date: Tue, 21 Jul 2026 15:28:17 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/out-today-die-or-dive-is-a-promising-roguelite-scuba-sim-that-basically-turns-darkest-dungeon-into-ecco-the-dolphin A day will dawn when the premise "what if Darkest Dungeon but also XYZ" will lose its crablike stranglehold on my fancy, but that day is not this day, for today we Dive or Die. Not that the two activities are mutually exclusive. In this 2D roguelite scuba sim from Drop Rate Studio and publishers Dear Villagers, the world has succumbed to a "black rain" that inflicts mutations and nightmares. It's been chucking it down for five solid years, in fact, with human civilisation reduced to scraping a living on mountaintops that are now islands. There isn't much of a living to scrape on mountaintops, so off you go into the "abyssal pool" to dredge up some canned food and building materials. Read more

Title: Building on Burnout and an underwhelming predecessor are Wreckreation 2’s missions, and so far it’s a promising patch of Paradise Date: Tue, 21 Jul 2026 13:00:00 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/building-on-burnout-and-an-underwhelming-predecessor-are-wreckreation-2s-missions-and-so-far-its-a-promising-patch-of-paradise "Wreckreation wasn’t actually an attempt to recreate Burnout," former Criterion Games studio head Fiona Sperry says as she and her team reveal their latest arcade racer, Wreckreation 2. "I think some people thought it was. But it was actually an exploration of freedom and creativity in racing games, and that was really a continuation of unfinished work at the end of [Burnout] Paradise and also the game we were making before we left EA. It was really about asking the question, ‘What if we gave players an enormous amount of freedom?’" Read more

Title: "Enjoy your last day in a future that works for everyone but you": I adore the demo for Future? No Thanks, an open world comedy about a boomer trapped in leftwing paradise Date: Tue, 21 Jul 2026 12:05:00 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/enjoy-your-last-day-in-a-future-that-works-for-everyone-but-you-i-adore-the-demo-for-future-no-thanks-an-open-world-comedy-about-a-boomer-trapped-in-leftwing-paradise Future? No Thanks! is a jolly and acerbic open world city game from seasoned satirist Paulo "Molleindustria" Perdicini. It's about a bitter old boomer trying to enjoy his final day in an ecosocialist paradise. There's a demo on Steam that gives you 30 minutes access to a realm of sentient toilets, cricket burgers, ornamental park guillotines, and cannabis vending machines. Speaking as a bitter old millennial, I found my 30 minutes delightful. Read more

Title: "The concept of [Xbox] Game Pass was good" despite its eventual faceplant now contributing to mass job losses, reckons Forza Horizon 5 director Date: Tue, 21 Jul 2026 11:34:39 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/the-concept-of-xbox-game-pass-was-good-despite-its-eventual-faceplant-now-contributing-to-mass-job-losses-reckons-forza-horizon-5-director Forza Horizon 5 creative director Mike Brown, who's currently working on open-world racer Clutch after departing Microsoft-owned Playground Games in 2023, has offered his perspective on Xbox's current layoff-heavy pivot in direction. Despite the Xbox Game Pass push of former Xbox boss Phil Spencer and co being blamed by new boss Asha Sharma as she's ditched studios and given devs their walking papers, Brown still believes Game Pass was a "good" concept, if clearly not one successful enough to avoid this outcome. Read more