Title: Darth Vader Wants Flock Surveillance Cameras In Cities To ‘Find The Rebel Scum’ And ‘Stalk My Ex-Girlfriend’ Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2026 22:20:58 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/darth-vader-wants-flock-surveillance-cameras-2000726326 "We all know that the Flock cameras are not only following the license plate readers; they are following children"

Title: Jason Flying A Plane In The New GTA 6 Leak Has Me More Excited Than Any Previous Trailer Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2026 22:05:18 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/jason-flying-a-plane-in-the-new-gta-6-leak-has-me-more-excited-than-any-previous-trailer-2000726316 And I'm not alone in my hype, as fans are also impressed by the footage of a plane flying over Vice City

Title: Geoff Keighley Explains The Key To Getting In The Gamescom Showcase For Free Is Having Something Exciting To Reveal Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2026 21:30:52 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/geoff-keighley-explains-the-key-to-getting-in-the-gamescom-showcase-for-free-is-having-something-exciting-to-reveal-2000726290 Publishers with exciting reveals to share can get in for free

Title: Xbox And EA Aren’t Sharing U.S. Digital Sales Data With Circana Anymore, And That’s Worrisome Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2026 20:50:28 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/xbox-isnt-sharing-us-digital-sales-data-anymore-2000726257 The industry gets a little less transparent

Title: Pirates Have Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy A Week Before Release As Games Keep Leaking On PC Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2026 20:15:51 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/pirates-have-resonance-a-plague-tale-legacy-a-week-before-release-as-games-keep-leaking-on-pc-2000726279 This is getting old

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: Big Walk’s Ending Delivered A Gut Punch I Never Saw Coming Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2026 21:10:52 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/big-walks-ending-delivered-a-gut-punch-i-never-saw-coming/ For about 15 hours and 57 minutes of our 16-hour playthrough of Big Walk, my kids and I laughed as we stumbled down cliffsides, put our heads together to solve dozens of inventive puzzles, and rejoiced whenever we'd finish a task and that small burst of confetti would shoot out, unlocking our all-important "eggy things" we'd need to beat the game. That experience already made Big Walk one of the best co-op games I've ever played. But the final three minutes solidified the game as a strong Game of the Year contender, delivering a bittersweet gut punch that felt like peering into the future and seeing my kids as young adults leaving home for the first time. Waring: Big Walk ending spoilers ahead! While the last hour or two of the game already provides an amazing twist to the gameplay (in a way I won't explain here so as not to spoil any more than I already need to), it's these final minutes that take it even beyond that already unforgettable display. Having hit the credits, which we watched together on a screen set up on the island's final area, I and my kids, ages 13 and 7, then approached a bridge that awaited us at the very end of the landmass. Where the big walk ends On it was a turnstile door much like the many others we'd seen in the game up to that point. But this one was different. No puzzle awaited us on the other side. Instead, a button beside it provided wordless instructions that I probably intuited a moment before them. We were being told to pass through the turnstile one at a time, according to the coded sign that lit up with three circles aligned vertically, matching our silly characters' color schemes.  With a press of the button, the sign lit up teal, pink, and yellow. My daughter was being called upon first. She passed through the gate. Neither my son nor I could join her. Only one of us at a time could pass through. It was clear then, after so many hours working together and bonding so closely, inseparable and totally reliant on each other's patience, communication, and puzzle-brained knowhow, that we were being asked to part ways on our own.  Saying goodbye to my daughter A few feet away was a misty passageway, just far enough from our locked gate that our proximity chat range would fade away as she entered the mist. I called out to her, "I love you, Bean! Go through the door, baby. Thank you for all your help! I love you!" Finding myself reflexively role-playing, as if she weren't just in the other room on our Steam Deck, it felt like a genuine goodbye. I began to tear up. She waved her character's hands, jumping and calling back to us with I-love-yous of her own as her voice grew more distant. Then, she stepped deeper into the mist, and she was gone. We pressed the button again. I don't know if it was luck of the draw or perhaps the host is always saved for last, but the sign showed three new colors: gray, teal, gray. My son was up next. He crossed the threshold, and I felt the same tug on my heart. "Goodbye, Nay Nay! I love you, son! Thank you, buddy! I'll see you on the other side!" He, too, jumped and called back to me, seeming to soak in the scene as I was. Not long after, the same mist enveloped him, and for the first time in the game, I was truly alone.  Saying goodbye to my son I pressed the button a third and final time: blue, orange, brown. It felt almost mean leaving me for last like this, but the truth is I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. It was cinematic in a way, to say goodbye to them like that before my own turn arose. It felt like I was seeing them drive off to college, or moving out some years in our future. It tore me up.  I've recently had to adapt to parenting milestones like letting our son trick-or-treat without my wife and me for the first time, or sending our daughter to her friends' houses solo for playdates. Any parent will tell you these things aren't easy, sending your kids out into the world, trusting they'll come back okay, but they are necessary and ultimately good things. You're watching them grow up. For years, they only really do that with you, but increasingly, they do it away from you--first at school, then at friends' houses, eventually creating families of their own, perhaps even far away.  It'll be years more before I have to experience some of those moments, and yet, it won't always feel so far away. It's happening too fast, and it's scary, but it's beautiful at the same time. I didn't expect Big Walk to hit me with these specific feelings and I cherish it for this, perhaps above all else it does, even as it does everything so incredibly well. Stepping through the turnstile, there was no one there for me to wave goodbye to, no reason to jump around. After all those hours with their little voices surrounding me, I only had my thoughts and their palpable absence.  Saying goodbye I reflected on all we'd achieved. The final few puzzles were especially challenging, but we'd overcome them all by relying on each other. I don't know that House House would've guessed the first person to beat their game outside of those in the credits would be seven years old, or that the next would be just 13.  Standing there without them suddenly became a hole in my heart. It didn't matter that we were all literally under the same roof outside of the game's world. I was filled with gratitude for the memories we made together. I approached the precipice of the misty hallway, turned to look at the island one last time, and I knew Big Walk, despite being billed as merely a co-op puzzle game, would forever mean so much more to me.

Title: Welcome To GameSpot Cheap Week Date: Mon, 17 Aug 2026 16:00:00 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/welcome-to-gamespot-cheap-week/ Gaming is expensive. That's always been true, even if other hobbies could be worse in that regard, but recent years have seen the situation only become more extreme. Enter GameSpot Cheap Week. All this week, we'll be publishing assorted features looking at how we got here--why are consoles so expensive, what goes into game pricing--and ways in which you can play more while spending less, be it through mods, libraries, or games that just don't cost an arm and a leg. Check back with this page as we publish more all throughout the week! Why Are Video Game Consoles So Expensive These Days (And Games Historically Cheap)? The Best Games Under $10 Looking To Save Money? Here’s How (And Why) You Should Finally Tackle Your Backlog Game Subscriptions You Might Secretly Already Have Voice Mods Can Make Your Favorite Games Feel Brand New Again 15 Great Total-Conversion Mods To Make Your Old Games Feel Brand New 14 Games That Give You The Absolute Best Bang For Your Buck What Goes Into A Game Price Tag? 7 Cheaper Alternatives For Popular Games Here Are The Best (And Worst) Ways To Share Your Game Library With Friends And Family https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FatSqS3VYY

Title: Here Are The Best (And Worst) Ways To Share Your Game Library With Friends And Family Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2026 21:00:00 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/here-are-the-best-and-worst-ways-to-share-your-game-library-with-friends-and-family/ Gaming has never been more expensive. We're here to investigate why, and help you play more while spending less. Welcome to GameSpot Cheap Week. Digital game libraries have made it easier than ever to build a huge collection without filling an entire shelf with physical cases. With the announcement that Sony will be stopping physical disc production entirely, it's more important than ever to know how to digitally share your games.  All of the major console brands have their own answers. Some let you share your entire library with another console, while others offer family groups, temporary lending, or ways to play together without all needing to own a copy of the same game. It can be surprisingly complicated, and the differences between platforms are substantial. With Nintendo's Virtual Game Cards and GameShare now available on Switch 2, and Xbox, PlayStation, and PC offering their respective sharing systems, here's how the current game sharing options compare. Epic Games Store While the weekly free Epic Games Store titles are usually fantastic, when it comes to sharing the games you own, things become considerably less generous. Epic currently has no library sharing or family sharing features. Games purchased on your Epic account are tied to that account and cannot be shared at all. Epic also explicitly prohibits sharing your account credentials with another person, so don't be tempted to hand over your password to a friend. Pros Epic regularly gives away free games, meaning there'll be loads of content in your library that you didn't pay anything for. Your games can be installed on any PC that you own, as long as your account is logged in. Cons No library sharing features. Purchased games can't be transferred to someone else's Epic account. Sharing your Epic account itself is against Epic's terms and conditions. EA App EA does have a family management system, but this shouldn't be confused with family game sharing. EA will let you add teen accounts in order to manage things like play time and spending limits, but it doesn't create a shared library between those accounts. EA Play and EA Play Pro--Epic's paid subscription models--also remain tied to the account that's paying for them, with no features shared.  Pros Family management is useful for parents wanting to monitor their child's play time and spending. Child and teen accounts have their own profiles. Cons No family or shared game library. Adding someone to your EA family doesn't give them access to your games. EA Play and EA Play Pro aren't applied to other accounts in your EA family. Ubisoft Connect While Ubisoft Connect has useful ways of playing together, it doesn't offer a permanent shared library. Ubisoft previously introduced Share Play on PC, allowing a friend or family member to watch your game or take control remotely, without owning it. The feature was only introduced for a limited selection of games, and sessions were capped at 60 minutes. However, the feature was decommissioned in mid-2025, and a similar alternative has not yet been added.  Pros Easy to import your Steam friends to play cross-platform. Good cross-progression integration. Cons No shared game library features. Share Play has been decommissioned. GOG GOG has an interesting position in the game sharing environment, since its games are all DRM-free. However, that doesn't mean it's a formal sharing service. Its support documentation doesn't offer a conventional library sharing system comparable to other platforms, but DRM-free games can sometimes be installed and run without launcher-based authentication that might be found elsewhere. While it's convenient, it's important not to confuse that with an official license sharing feature.  Pros DRM-free games are more flexible than others. Games can usually be installed without the GOG Galaxy launcher. Useful for households that want to install DRM-free games on their owned machines. Cons No official game sharing library. No way to give another account access to your owned games. DRM-free does not mean you're automatically allowed to give your purchased games to other people. Xbox PC There will be two Xbox entries on this list, since the differences between family sharing on PC and console are vast. Microsoft's Family Safety system is one of the best around for managing children's accounts, screen time, purchases, and access to specific apps or games. However, being in the same Microsoft Family does not automatically give another account access to your owned games or Game Pass subscription. Console sharing is much more generous, which we'll cover later.  On Windows, PC Game Pass is associated with the subscribed Microsoft account, and the rules state that the subscription is tied to that account only.  Pros Excellent parental controls. Microsoft Family Safety works across PC and consoles. PC Game Pass provides a huge library, but only for one account. Xbox Play Anywhere can make some games playable across both PC and Xbox. One Microsoft account can access its games across compatible devices. Cons Microsoft Family doesn't create a shared game library. PC Game Pass isn't shared across family accounts. PlayStation 5 Sony's console sharing and offline play capabilities allow anyone using your PS5 console to play your games and media, even if the console is offline. Certain PS Plus benefits can also be shared across accounts. However, you can only enable it for one PS5 console at a time. This makes it efficient for sharing games with one person, whether they're in your household or not, but not for wider library sharing with more people. Share Play is a feature that allows you to allow a friend to virtually take over your controller, even if they're not in the same room. It also allows them to join as a second player, even if they don't own a copy of the game.  Pros Easy to use on a shared PS5. Other profiles can play games purchased by the primary account holder. Games can be played offline where compatibility allows. Cons Limited to one activated console sharing PS5 at a time. Less useful for families with multiple consoles. Share Play is useful for individual sessions, but both players require a PS Plus subscription. Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo has introduced one of the more interesting, yet complex, game sharing systems with the addition of Virtual Game Cards. A Nintendo account can pair two consoles for Virtual Game Cards, meaning that games loaded on to one console can be played by other users on that console. It also allows members of the same family group to lend Virtual Game Cards to each other for up to two weeks, and a maximum of three games can be loaned out at once. GameShare, one the other hand, allows supported games to be shared with other Switch 2 consoles and, if compatible, original Switches.  Pros Two consoles can be paired to exchange Virtual Game Cards. Other users on the same console can play loaded games. Family members can temporarily lend games to each other. Up to three Virtual Game Cards can be shared at a time. GameShare allows people to play supported games without everyone owning them. Local multiplayer is especially useful. Cons Restrictive 14-day lending period. Games can't be permanently added to another person's library. GameShare only works with compatible games. The owner cannot play the game if a Virtual Game Card is loaned out. Managing multiple consoles can be challenging. Xbox Series X|S The "Home" Xbox system is one of the best examples of console game sharing. By designating another Xbox as your Home Xbox, anyone using that console can play the digital games that you own, and Game Pass content can be shared. At the same time, the purchasing account can sign into another Xbox and continue to use its own library, even if the game is in use on the Home Xbox. That means that it's the most efficient way for two people to use one digital library across multiple consoles. Pros Great for two-person sharing. Other users can play your digital games on the Home Xbox using their own accounts. Game Pass content can be shared. No sharing period limits. No family group requirements. Cons You can only have one Home Xbox at a time. PC Game Pass sharing doesn't work in the same way. In-game purchases are not usually shared. It isn't a true multi-person family library, as it's more suited to just two people. Steam Steam's Family service is the best on the market when it comes to actually sharing full game libraries. You can include up to six people in your Steam Family, and each member maintains their own Steam account, saves, Achievements, and personal data. Games from Steam Family members are added to a shared family library.  The only drawback is that two people cannot play the same game at the same time unless the family group owns more than one copy. Developers can opt out of family sharing, and some games have technical restrictions. Steam also has Remote Play Together, which allows the owner of a compatible game to invite friends to a local multiplayer session without them needing to own the game themselves. Pros Up to six family members. Each person keeps their own account. Separate saves and Achievements. Dedicated family library. You can play different shared games simultaneously. Not tied to one physical machine. Remote Play Together means not everyone needs to own certain multiplayer titles to play them. Includes parental controls for child accounts. Cons Not every game supports family sharing. It's intended for everyone living in the same house rather than long-distance friends. Playing the same title at the same time as a family member requires multiple copies. Verdict If you're choosing a platform specifically for multiple people in the same household to have access to the same digital library, Steam is the clear winner. Steam Families doesn't just let another person use your account; it gives them their own account, saves, Achievements, and shares the pool of games. If you're looking for consoles and the potential for sharing from a distance, Xbox's Home Xbox feature is particularly good for couples or small families with two consoles.  The Switch 2 does deserve credit for being more flexible than Nintendo's previous approach. The addition of Virtual Game Cards and GameShare are genuinely useful ways to share games, even if they still have their limitations. PlayStation is fine for a household sharing one PS5, but it doesn't scale well when there are multiple consoles involved.  It's no surprise that Steam is the most popular PC gaming launcher when you consider the limitations of other storefronts like Epic, EA, and Ubisoft. Family features and game sharing are not the same thing, although some features may be packed in together. The family settings of the aforementioned launchers are pretty well-rounded, but fall short by not allowing children to access their parents' game libraries. 

Title: Changing From 3 Players To 4 Was A Bigger Challenge For Aliens Fireteam Elite 2 Than You Might Expect Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2026 20:29:58 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/changing-from-3-players-to-4-was-a-bigger-challenge-for-aliens-fireteam-elite-2-than-you-might-expect/ Aliens Fireteam Elite 2 (AFE 2) is a bigger sequel to its 2021 original. That may go without saying in the video game world: "More" is often the TLDR version of any sequel's intended scope. But AFE 2 is doing more in a way we don't often see, by revising its three-player co-op structure to suit teams of four.  Lately, I've been wondering what benefits and limitations factor into designing a co-op game for three versus four players, so when I sat down with the AFE 2 team earlier this summer, it was a fun surprise to learn this is one of the very few series that has lived on both sides of the divide.  When deciding what this sequel could and should be, "the big thing was all about what players wanted from AFE that they didn't get," narrative director Jake Kriegman told me during a hands-on demo, "and then doing what we could to give them it. That fourth [co-op] player was one of those things." "I'm old school," creative director Chris Cross added. "I've been doing this for 30 years. Three is an awkward number for a fireteam; two and two makes four, so you can do two splits, strategically. The other thing is, coming from an older era, you're used to four-player split-screen, so the even-number balancing, it just works out." Cross explained why it's not nearly as simple as just plugging in an extra player, though. "Now, it was more challenging, because you need a little bit more space for people and you need more enemies. I call it the attention economy. You have four guns active; you not only need more targets, but you need to fill the active space with enough that everybody's not just ganging up on one enemy, right? So, you have to have a minimum of four enemies at a time that are pulling attention around."  Your four-person friend group doesn't have to make any tough decisions as they may have with the last game in the series. "On higher difficulties, when you put friendly fire on, things can get pretty crowded," Kriegman said. "We needed to consider what we can do to alleviate players shooting each other in the back constantly. So, there's a [new] crouch button, and you'll snap into cover as well. That allows you to make sure that you can have two people in the front crashing down, two people in the back; that way you can coordinate." Further to their point, the fourth player created balancing issues that the team needed to address as well. "The other complication is making sure that all our classes balance together with four. We had to revamp all of that to make sure that four wasn't so overpowering, but what's nice about that is, because our rewards schedule is faster, it's less grindy," Cross explained. "But also, because of that, and the amount of customization we have, you can run four medics, for example, and no two will be the same. Like, maybe I'll be a fire medic, he'll be a cryo medic," he said, pointing to Kriegman. Cross told me that the decision to go with three-player co-op in the original game was partly due to a technical limitation, saying that at the time the thinking was "three is good," emphasizing it in a way that sounded like "good enough" to my ears. "I don't mind going on record and saying like, look, going from three to four was work. It was a lot of work, but it's worth it." Aliens Fireteam Elite launches on August 25 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. A Switch 2 version is set to follow later this year, but no date has been announced.

Title: 2XKO Is Ending Active Development Very Soon Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2026 20:19:13 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/2xko-is-ending-active-development-very-soon/ 2XKO, the free-to-play League of Legends-based fighting game, is going into statis. Riot games annnounced that, as of December 2026, the game will no longer be receiving content updates. https://twitter.com/Play2XKO/status/2090514358560579947?s=20 In an August 20 news post on the official 2XKO website titled "2XKO Active Development Will End in December 2026," Riot lays bare the reasoning for shutting down future development on the game. "Over the last few months, we’ve been monitoring 2XKO’s trajectory closely, and what we’ve seen is painting a clear, consistent picture: while a lot of you jumped in to try the game and there's an incredible community that plays every day, we haven’t seen enough players stick with the game to get to a path toward sustainability," says the article. 2XKO has had a rough go of things in the fighting game market. Although it boasted a development team filled with fighting game veterans, it took a long time to cook--after first being announced in 2019, the game didn't see release until 2025 (2026 on PS5 and Xbox Series), by which point titles like Street Fighter VI and Guilty Gear Strive were ruling the 2D fighting game roost. A final patch adding two more characters, Lux and Samira, as well as balance and QOL improvements, will release in December. The servers for the game will remain online "beyond 2026," though as we've seen many times before, that's no guarantee they'll say up forever. All of the game's characters will be unlocked, and decorative items will be able to be bought with in-game currency (Credits), and refunds will be offered for purchases made before August 20. The post also describes the uphill battle 2XKO faced in the market. "On the business side, we hoped that by making the game free, we could make the genre more accessible and discoverable to new players, and that they could fall in love with fighting games in the same way we did ... Even within the genre, diehard tag fighter players loved 2XKO, but most other fighting game players struggled to find reasons to stick with the game." "We saw no meaningful, sustained change in 2XKO’s trajectory; only a fraction of what it would take to trend toward sustainability. Over time it became clear it would be impossible for us to continue actively developing the game as we are today ... So when we looked at all the options available (e.g., reducing team size, adjusting our patch schedules, changing our business model), we concluded that finishing the rest of our work-in-progress content and sunsetting active development was the best route forward for players and Rioters." The 2XKO Competitive Series is guaranteed to run through 2026's end, with the final event happening in November--though it's hard to see the mood there being anything other than bittersweet. Whether the game will continue to see featured game status at major events like EVO is up in the air. While the post makes good points about the challenges of fighting game development and player retention--particularly as a free-to-play game--it's still sad to see a game that had so much hype and potential in the lead-up to its launch (and a healthy playerbase by fighting game standards) be abandoned so quickly. We asked former 2XKO Senior Game Producer Patrick Miller for his thoughts: "I'm sad to hear about 2XKO closing down, but I believe its legacy will be felt in the hundreds of developers who learned how to make a real cool fighting game working on it, and in the community who can keep it alive alongside the hundreds of other fighting games out there whose scenes are sustained solely by their players for the love of the game." So while 2XKO might be ending its contention, it'll likely still see an active community for the forseeable future. It's still a great time for fighting game fans, with a huge selection of games available for all tastes and skill levels. Plus, tag fighter fans have Marvel Tokon to enjoy ... well, if their PCs can run it.

Title: ‘God of War’ TV Show Officially Recasts Its New Kratos Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2026 23:40:15 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/dave-bautista-kratos-god-of-war-tv-series-official-recast/ Prime Video's God of War series has officially found its new God of War. After weeks of reports that Dave Bautista was being lined up to replace Ryan Hurst as Kratos, the former WWE star and Guardians of the Galaxy actor has reportedly closed a deal to lead Amazon's ambitious live-action adaptation, according to Variety.

Title: Insidious: Out of the Further' Post-Credits Scene Explained: How It Sets Up a Sequel Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2026 23:30:13 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/insidious-out-of-the-further-post-credits-scene-explained-spoilers/ Insidious: Out of the Furtheris out in theaters today. The movie is the sixth entry into the Insidious franchise, expanding the story beyond the scope of the Lambert family and series mainstay Elise Rainier. While the latter makes a key appearance, the film centers on a new protagonist and her family’s connection to the Further, a dark dimension in parallel to ours, housing all manner of terrifying demons.

Title: US Army Is Officially Using 'GTA 6' Time as a Reenlistment Incentive Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2026 23:06:08 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/gta-6-us-army-reenlistment-rockstar-games-release-date/ Everyone is preparing for the launch of Grand Theft Auto 6 in their own way. Some people are booking vacation days. Others are presumably preparing elaborate excuses for why they suddenly came down with an illness on Nov. 19. After 13 years without a new mainline Grand Theft Auto game, plenty of fans are carving out time well in advance to disappear into Vice City.

Title: Star of Unfairly Canceled Masterpiece Marvel Series Calls Out Disney: Optics Are Obvious Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2026 22:41:29 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/marvel-wonder-man-blade-canceled-yahya-abdul-mateen-interview/ After the back-to-back crushing blows that Marvel had canceled Disney Plus series Wonder Man and was never going to make the Blade movie with Mahershala Ali, fans called out the obvious common denominator between the two projects. Both Marvel superhero titles were led by Black actors, a relative rarity for Marvel Studios.

Title: All match overrides and console locations in Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 4 Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2026 20:53:27 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/fortnite-chapter-7-season-4-match-overrides-console-locations-c7s4/ Match overrides allow you to change how FortniteChapter 7 Season 4 is played, but only if you interact with the override console first.

Title: Bring the Fire: Play Games on GeForce NOW With New Firefox Browser Support Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2026 13:00:24 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-firefox/ It’s a new way into the cloud.  GeForce NOW welcomes Firefox support to the cloud, opening up another way to jump into high-performance PC gaming straight from the browser, starting today. Whether on a school laptop or everyday PC, it’s now even easier to play supported PC games without downloading a dedicated app. Plus, discover 12 new games streaming from the GeForce NOW library this week, led by Gallipoli.  No Downloads. Just Firefox. This cloud is on fire with new ways to play on Firefox. GeForce NOW is now supported on Firefox, expanding access across even more devices.  Members can outfox big downloads and jump into high-performance PC gaming directly from the browser — no waiting on lengthy game installs or updates. The experience delivers GeForce RTX-powered performance at up to 1440p and 120 frames per second for GeForce NOW Ultimate members.  Simply download the latest version of Firefox, head to play.geforcenow.com and start playing. The cloud handles the heavy lifting, so games are ready to play without taking up valuable storage space on the device. Firefox joins Chrome, Edge and Opera in supporting GeForce NOW on Windows browsers. Deploy the Games Land on the beaches of the Gallipoli Peninsula in BlackMill Games’ Gallipoli, the latest entry in the WW1 Game Series. Fight as soldiers of the British and Ottoman Empires in intense 25v25 objective-based battles across coastal shores, deserts and urban battlefields, with 10 historical classes and over 50 authentic weapons and equipment options. Teamwork is key in its grounded, one-shot-one-kill combat. Take command as an Officer, provide cover as a Heavy Machine Gunner or Sniper, keep the squad going as a Stretcher Bearer and more while navigating challenging campaigns. Head to the frontlines from the cloud with no lengthy game downloads or installs taking up local storage space. Play directly in the newly supported Firefox browser, or take the action across PCs, Macs, Chromebooks, handhelds and more with GeForce NOW cloud saves. In addition, members can look for the following games streaming throughout the week: Stars Reach (New release on Steam, Aug. 18) The Sinking City 2 (New release on Steam, Aug. 18) Gallipoli (New release on Steam, Aug. 20) DIVE or DIE – Children of Rain (Steam) Escape the Backroom (Xbox, available on Game Pass) Hell Is Us (Xbox, available on Game Pass) High on Life (Steam) High on Life 2 (Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass) Parcel Simulator (Steam) Starvester (Steam) The Thaumaturge (Xbox, available on Game Pass) Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered (Epic Games Store) Dates listed above reflect when games are released on their respective stores. GeForce NOW availability may vary, as games are onboarded after release and added throughout the week. Keep an eye on GeForce NOW channels and GFN Thursdays for availability updates on announced titles. To try GeForce NOW in Firefox, start with a GeForce NOW day pass and experience premium cloud gaming directly from the browser. If members later upgrade to a Performance or Ultimate membership, the cost of the day pass can be applied toward the first membership purchase. What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below.

Title: Class Is in Session: GeForce NOW Levels Up Linux, Chromebooks and More Date: Thu, 13 Aug 2026 13:00:33 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-linux-native-app/ GeForce NOW is giving cloud gaming an extra-credit upgrade just in time for back-to-school season. The native Linux app for GeForce NOW is officially out of beta. GeForce NOW is also delivering new cloud optimizations that make Frame Generation feel even more responsive while streaming. On top of that, Performance members will see higher frame rates in demanding games thanks to a CPU performance adjustment.  Plus, learn how GeForce NOW can add high-performance GeForce RTX gaming to the Chromebooks students already rely on for school – and how eligible new owners can take advantage of Chromebook Fast Pass. It all adds up to more ways to move from assignments to adventures across nearly any device. The only homework left is to decide what to play. This week, nine new games join the GeForce NOW library. The Cloud Gets Extra Credit GeForce NOW keeps getting better. The native Linux app for GeForce NOW has officially graduated from beta. Built on months of community feedback, the release focuses on performance, stability and polish while continuing to support Ubuntu 24.04 and later. A new Flatpack repository makes getting started and receiving future updates even easier. Visit the download page for more information and instructions. The cloud handles the rendering, so Linux gamers can tap into the latest GeForce RTX performance while staying on their preferred setup — without local hardware upgrades, compatibility headaches or complicated workarounds. Smooth gameplay makes the grade. GeForce NOW has also optimized DLSS Frame Generation in the cloud, reducing latency and making games feel more responsive. The improvements are especially noticeable when streaming at 60 or 120 frames per second in 1440p and 4K, helping every mouse movement and camera pan feel more immediate. Performance members will also enjoy additional server software optimizations to improve frame rates in select CPU-intensive games, helping demanding titles run more smoothly while delivering an even better gameplay experience. The cloud-side upgrade happens automatically, with nothing for members to install or configure, and at no additional cost. From Class Mode to Game Mode Class dismissed. Game on. Chromebooks already in backpacks can double as a PC gaming powerhouse, with GeForce NOW giving everyday school setups extra credit.  Chromebooks handling lectures, group projects and browser tabs can transform into high-performance GeForce RTX gaming PCs in just a few clicks. When class is out, open a supported browser or app and stream more than 2,000 supported PC games from existing libraries, with the cloud handling the heavy lifting. The same flexibility extends to Macs, Surface devices, everyday laptops, Steam Deck and mobile devices. Plus, eligible new Chromebook and Chromebook+ owners can claim a year of GeForce NOW at no cost with Chromebook Fast Pass, with priority access and no ads.  Study. Stream PC games. Same device.  Ready for the Weekend Follow the chain of command, streaming from the cloud. In addition, members can look for the following new games streaming this week: Car Wash Simulator (New release on Steam, Aug. 10) Pax Autocratica (New release on Steam, Aug. 10) Clawed (New release on Steam, Aug. 13) Hell Let Loose: Vietnam (New release on Steam, Aug. 13) Sandustry (New release on Steam and Xbox, Aug. 13) Cat Mail Co. (Steam) Misery (Steam) Monster Hunter Wilds Prologue Demo (Steam) Pratfall (Steam) To cap things off, a creator known as “Madelyn” recently shared how GeForce now makes cloud gaming affordable and accessible across nearly all her devices, calling it “a game changer” in her video: What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below.

Title: GeForce NOW Shakes Up August With 26 New Games Date: Thu, 06 Aug 2026 13:00:11 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-august-2026-games-list/ August is here, bringing 26 new games for GeForce NOW members.  Command the seas in World of Warships: Legends and discover what’s next in the GeForce NOW library, starting with the eight newly added games this week.  In addition, GeForce NOW is at the QuakeCon gaming conference this week in Grapevine, Texas, with hands-on experiences awaiting attendees. Return to QuakeCon  Visit the NVIDIA booth at QuakeCon to experience GeForce RTX 5080-powered Ultimate cloud gaming in action, with demos showcasing stunning visuals at up to 5K 120 frames per second on an ultrawide display, as well as seamless gameplay on the Lenovo Legion Go S handheld device. Conference attendees can see how thousands of PC games, including fan-favorite Bethesda titles, can move effortlessly across laptops, Macs, handhelds, mobile devices, TVs and more — letting members pick up where they left off on nearly any supported screen. Gamers not at the show can try out Ultimate cloud gaming in action with a day pass and jump into Bethesda titles from any device. All Games on Deck Sail the seas from nearly any screen. World of Warships: Legends drops anchor on GeForce NOW this week, bringing free-to-play naval combat. Captains can command destroyers, cruisers and battleships across massive multiplayer battles while exploring the latest update, featuring the Pacific Hammer Campaign, a new line of U.S. destroyers and more. Chart a course straight into the latest content across devices today without any installs needed, and check out all the games available this week: Big Walk (New release on Steam Aug. 4) Beacon Pines (Free on Epic Games Store Aug. 6) Sovereign Tower (New release on Steam Aug. 6) Expeditions: Samurai (New release on Steam Aug. 7) The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales (Xbox, available on the Microsoft Store) The Incident at Galley House (Steam) Machine Party (Steam) World of Warships: Legends (Steam) And look forward to the games coming throughout the month: Pax Autocratica (New release on Steam Aug. 10) Car Wash Simulator (New release on Steam Aug. 10) Clawed (New release on Steam Aug. 13) Hell Let Loose: Vietnam (New release on Steam Aug. 13) Sandustry (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass, Aug. 13) The Sinking City 2 (New release on Steam Aug. 18) Mortal Shell II (New release on Steam Aug. 20) Gallipoli (New release on Steam, Aug. 20) Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 (New release on Steam Aug. 25) Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass, Aug. 27) Breathedge 2 (New release on Steam Aug. 30) World of Warships: Legends (Steam) High on Life (Steam) High on Life 2 (Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass) Paradise Killer (Steam) Misery (Steam) Pratfall (Steam) Starvester (Steam) Extra Joy From July In addition to the dozen games announced last month, 15 more joined the GeForce NOW library.  Breath of Fire IV (Steam) Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (Ubisoft Connect) CloverPit (Xbox, available on Game Pass) Dinoblade (Steam) Dino Crisis (Steam) Dino Crisis 2 (Steam) Esports Manager 2026 (Steam) Funnel Runners (Steam) Granblue Fantasy: Relink – Endless Ragnarok Demo (Steam) Halo: Campaign Evolved (Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass) Mistfall Hunter (Steam) Onimusha: Way of the Sword DEMO (Steam) Pathogenic (Steam) Sudden Attack Zero Point (Steam) The Life and Suffering of Prince Jerian (Steam) Mistfall Hunter didn’t make it this month. Stay tuned to GFN Thursday for the latest updates. What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below. Share a game screenshot or clip that perfectly sums up your day so far. — NVIDIA GeForce NOW (@NVIDIAGFN) August 4, 2026

Title: Best in Class: Stream PC Games and Study on the Same Laptop With GeForce NOW Date: Thu, 30 Jul 2026 13:00:20 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-back-to-school-2026/ Back to school means balancing assignments, deadlines and downtime. GeForce NOW makes it easy to have it all. With cloud gaming, everyday laptops used for class can also become GeForce RTX-powered gaming setups.  When it’s time to switch from studying to gaming, members can jump into Halo: Campaign Evolved, as GeForce NOW is bringing one of the gaming world’s most celebrated titles to nearly any device through the cloud, alongside eight total games joining the GeForce NOW library this week. From A+ to AAA Gaming  This back-to-school season, the easiest upgrade isn’t replacing laptops in backpacks. It’s unlocking even more from these same laptops, from creating to gaming. With a GeForce NOW membership, Chromebooks, Macs and Surface devices can become GeForce RTX-powered gaming PCs in the cloud. The GeForce NOW library features thousands of supported PC games, letting members stream titles they already own from digital stores like Steam, Xbox PC Game Pass and Epic Games Store in just a few clicks. The cloud keeps games up to date and ready to play, making it easy to jump into a match between classes, after homework or whenever there’s free time. Time spent waiting on downloads, patches and installs becomes time spent in game instead. The Ultimate membership enables best-in-class experiences by delivering 5080-class performance in the cloud with NVIDIA DLSS, ray tracing and NVIDIA Reflex technologies for responsive, visually rich gameplay — all on the hardware gamers already own. A creator known as “Menguiny” recently put this to the test after picking up a MacBook Neo. GeForce NOW turned the laptop — usually the creator’s go-to for editing videos and everyday work — into a top-notch gaming machine, too. Another creator, “TechWithSeong” highlighted that same versatility GeForce NOW offers. Rather than juggling separate devices for work and gaming, he used GeForce NOW Ultimate to stream supported PC games across the devices he already owns — from a MacBook used for editing to gaming on the go with handheld devices. Gamers can start with a day pass and experience all the premium benefits without a monthly commitment. Plus, the cost of a day pass can be applied toward a first membership purchase — it’s like earning a little extra credit along the way. Everyone, at Their Stations Needlers never looked so sharp. Experience the Master Chief’s iconic journey on GeForce NOW in Halo: Campaign Evolved — a modernized remake of Halo: Combat Evolved’s campaign — rebuilt with high-definition visuals, updated cinematics and refined gameplay. Whether discovering Halo for the first time or returning after 25 years to finish the fight, it’s as the Master Chief says: “We’re just getting started.” Crash-land on the mysterious ringworld alongside Cortana and uncover great secrets while battling overwhelming Covenant forces. Fight through the rebuilt campaign, then continue the adventure with three brand-new missions featuring the Master Chief and Sergeant Johnson. Expanded weapons, iconic vehicles, hijackable Wraith tanks and optional Skull modifiers offer even more ways to play. Suit up across PCs, Macs, Chromebooks, handhelds, mobile devices, TVs and more with GeForce NOW Ultimate, powered by GeForce RTX 5080-class performance in the cloud. Experience Halo with NVIDIA DLSS, ray tracing and NVIDIA Reflex technologies delivering higher frame rates and ultralow latency that keep every firefight feeling responsive and worthy of a Spartan. From solo gaming to online co-op modes, GeForce NOW cloud saves let members log in and pick up exactly where they left off across supported devices — no lengthy downloads, extra storage space or expensive hardware upgrades required. The only thing left to carry is the mission. Let’s Play Today In addition, members can stream the following games this week: Halo: Campaign Evolved (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass July 28) Mistfall Hunter (New release on Steam July 29) Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (New release on Ubisoft Connect July 30) Sudden Attack Zero Point (New release on Steam, July 30) The Ranchers (New release on Steam, available July 30) Corsair Cove (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass July 31) Funnel Runners (Steam) Pathogenic (Steam) What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below. Which game lore are you so familiar with that you can give a school presentation on it? — NVIDIA GeForce NOW (@NVIDIAGFN) July 29, 2026

Title: GeForce NOW Sets Sail With ‘Path of Exile: Curse of the Allflame’ Joining the Cloud Date: Thu, 23 Jul 2026 13:00:16 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-path-of-exile-allflame/ Lock in and load up the cloud. GFN Thursday brings fresh updates and new adventures, all ready to play without waiting for downloads. Set sail in Path of Exile: Curse of the Allflame and charge in Battlefield 6 Season 4 both launching major content for members this week. Then revisit Capcom legends like Breath of Fire IV, Dino Crisis and Dino Crisis 2, jump into Halo: Campaign Evolved Advanced Access and discover nine titles arriving on GeForce NOW. The Curse Calls Prepare to brave the unforgiving waters of Wraeclast. Path of Exile: Curse of the Allflame launches Friday, July 24, sending Exiles into the perilous Frozen Seas. Guided by formidable corsair captain Valerie and her cursed navigator Vesper, gamers must piece together scattered treasure charts, board the legendary vessel — the Sovereign — and chart a course into the abyss. Descend into the depths using Allflame Lanterns to uncover valuable relics while surviving the dangers lurking beneath the waves. The update introduces sweeping changes, including a complete rework of sockets and links. The Scion also gains the all-new Luminary Ascendancy, the Mercenaries of Trarthus return alongside mysterious Atlas Anomalies, and the preexisting Abyss, Legion and Talisman mechanics receive revitalized gameplay and exclusive rewards. GeForce NOW members can dive in the moment it launches across their devices, no downloads needed. Learn more about the latest additions on the Path of Exile website. Rise Through the Ranks The next operation begins. Battlefield 6 takes the fight further with Season 4, bringing new battlegrounds, expanded progression and new ways to play.  Take to the land, air and sea with the massive Tsuru Reef and the return of the fan-favorite Wake Island, coming in phase two. Both feature aircraft carriers with operational flight decks, new naval vehicles and a dynamic wave system that helps move every match. The update also introduces Custom Lobbies and Spectator Mode, delivering more ways to play. From large-scale multiplayer battles to intense vehicle combat, GeForce NOW lets members deploy across nearly any device. Ultimate members can stream with GeForce RTX 5080-powered performance across PCs, Macs, handhelds, mobile devices, TVs and more. Whether returning to the frontlines or enlisting for the first time, members can leap into the latest Battlefield update the moment it arrives on GeForce NOW — without waiting for patches. Dragons and Dinosaurs — on Any Device Classic adventures, now in the cloud. Three iconic Capcom adventures arrive on GeForce NOW this week, ready for longtime fans to revisit and new players to discover. Journey through the rich fantasy world of Breath of Fire IV, a role-playing game following the intertwining stories of Ryu and Fou-Lu. Master an array of skills and magic to unlock strategic victories in battle and go head to head with unique enemies using powerful Dragon Transformations.  Raw instinct takes over in Dino Crisis and Dino Crisis 2, the survival-horror series that combines pulse-pounding action, resource management and thrilling dinosaur encounters. Pursued by a relentless prehistoric terror, players fight to survive from the facility to the world of the Cretaceous Period. Whether reliving unforgettable moments or discovering these legendary titles for the first time, gamers on GeForce NOW can experience gaming history on supported devices like Chromebooks, Fire TV and Steam Deck — no legacy hardware required. Spartans — Start Early Spartans don’t have to wait. Players who prepurchase the Premium Edition of Halo: Campaign Evolved can suit up for Advanced Access before the game’s global launch on Tuesday, July 28.  Start the weekend with all the new games arriving on GeForce NOW: ZeroSpace (New release on Steam, available July 20) The Life and Suffering of Prince Jerian (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) Dinoblade (New release on Steam, available on July 23) Breath of Fire IV (Steam) CloverPit (Xbox, available on Game Pass) Dino Crisis (Steam) Dino Crisis 2 (Steam) The last word goes to the Community Corner. One GeForce NOW member recently shared they found themselves back on GeForce NOW Ultimate because they missed the flexibility of gaming across devices like Steam Deck. Their post sparked a discussion about why members tap into cloud gaming, whether as a backup, a travel companion or their primary way to play. What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below.

Title: Code Vein II Mask of Idris DLC launches September 9 Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2026 14:00:56 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/08/20/code-vein-ii-mask-of-idris-dlc-launches-september-9/ Earlier this year, Code Vein II invited players into a post-apocalyptic action RPG where they fight alongside unique partners, wield powerful blood-based abilities, and battle fierce enemies to prevent the world’s destruction. Today, we’re excited to announce that the Mask of Idris DLC launches on September 9, 2026. This all new DLC introduces a history-altering story separate from the main campaign, taking players on a new adventure alongside two new partners. As you progress through the DLC, you’ll unlock new weapons and Formae to help overcome formidable new bosses. Launching alongside the DLC is a free update for all players, introducing additional features to further enhance the gameplay experience. However, today, we’ll take a closer look at everything coming in the Mask of Idris DLC. (SPOILER WARNING: The trailer content includes story details from the base game) Play Video Please note that certain play conditions must be met before you can access the Mask of Idris DLC. For full details on the required conditions, please visit our official Bandai Namco channels. Once you’ve met the requirements, you’ll embark on a new adventure that transcends time and space to uncover a history-altering story in The Forsaken World. The Forsaken World Throughout Code Vein II, history has been altered countless times, leaving behind scattered pockets of alternate space worlds known as Temporal Rifts. These spaces preserve residual traces of branching paths of history created by the past intervention of the great hero Idris. Though they were meant to disappear over time, the Temporal Rift continued to expand, eventually becoming what is now known as The Forsaken World. At its center lies the Spindle of Pathos, a colossal, swirling force that draws in emotions from across time and space. As its influence continues to grow, it now threatens to consume the world the protagonists are fighting to protect. It is here that your journey begins as you battle to save the world from its impending fate. As you venture into the Forsaken World, you’ll be joined by a new partner, Liv Voda, and Lou Magmell, a familiar face with a different story to tell. Together, you’ll confront powerful new threats and uncover the mysteries hidden in this fractured realm. Liv Voda – The alluring guardian of time and space​ Liv Voda is the original guardian of The Temporal Rift, and half-sister of Valentin Voda. She had abandoned her duties out of boredom and ​ been away from the frontier region for many years. ​ She has a combative personality, and her hair and eyes glow brightly when her emotions run high.​ Liv’s preferred combat style is aggressive attacks with a focus on melee combat. Her weapon of choice is the Halberd. She gracefully dances across the battlefield, relentlessly assailing enemies with continuous attacks from her Formae Chariot Rave and nimble evasive steps. Her Linkage Trait makes enemies more susceptible to staggering from weapon attacks. This trait, combined with her support Formae Mad Blood Dance (which boosts both her own and the protagonist’s attack power, with its effect extending upon each successful hit), forms a powerful synergy. Overwhelm your foes with coordinated teamwork. Lou MagMell – A lonely girl in the Forsaken World​ Lou Magmell is not the same Revenant girl the protagonist encounters in the main story but a different individual who entered the Forsaken World after experiencing a separate tragedy. The truth behind her past will gradually unfold as the story progresses. Despite her own hardships, she joins the protagonists in their fight to halt the expansion of the Forsaken World. New weapons and formae To prepare players for the challenges ahead, the Mask of Idris DLC introduces a collection of new weapons that broaden your combat options. Whether you prefer swift strikes or devastating power, these additions provide new ways to customize your fighting style. Grave Knocker is a martial arts Formae compatible with all weapon types, allowing players to unleash a powerful aerial kick that creates shockwaves to stagger surrounding enemies. Upon landing, a second shockwave expands, making it an effective ability for controlling groups of enemies. Sword of Karma: Idris summons a great sword imbued with the flames of Pathos, allowing players to unleash a series of powerful strikes and extended combo options. With its long reach and devastating final blow that sends flames of Pathos forward, this Formae provides both offensive power and flexibility in combat. Prepare to journey into the Forsaken World with the Mask of Idris DLC, featuring a new story, powerful allies, new weapons, and challenging battles. Whether you’re a returning player or discovering Code Vein II for the first time, experience this new adventure when the DLC launches on September 9.

Title: A field guide to Gran Turismo 7’s 1.71 update, out today Date: Wed, 19 Aug 2026 13:00:46 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/08/19/a-field-guide-to-gran-turismo-7s-1-71-update-out-today/ Gran Turismo 7’s 1.71 update roars onto PS5 today*, bringing with it new cars, as well as introducing  three new World Circuits, while Whistler added as featured Curation in Scapes.  Play Video Each of the four cars in this update offers a different kind of driving experience. Whether you are chasing style, discovery, precision, or something new, this update is built to be explored your way. To help you decide which one to drive first, check out the below guide, detailing what makes each one special and shows you exactly how to jump in. 1.71 update – Car Field Guide  Each car fits into a simple category:  Street Icon Sleeper Pick Pure Driver Next Gen Performance Pick what feels right, start simple, and explore from there. New Cars*** ’97 Toyota Chaser Tourer V *Can be purchased from Used CarsCategory: Street Icon 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 Street Icons are all about presence, style, and cultural impact. These are the cars players connect with and make their own. The Chaser has instant attitude. Its stance and silhouette give it a natural presence, while its roots in tuner culture and the world of drifting give this Toyota a ton of street cred. This is the kind of car that quickly becomes a favorite because it reflects how players choose to drive, customize, and express themselves. How to experience it in GT7 Start here: Take it to Tokyo Expressway and run a clean lapThen try this: Add a livery in GT Auto and head to the Tuning Shop to start modifying the ChaserLevel up: Capture a replay or Scapes photo that shows your version of the car ’97 Toyota Mark II Tourer V *Can be purchased from Used CarsCategory: Sleeper Pick 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 Sleeper Picks are understated at first glance, but reward players who spend time with them. Not to be confused with the Chaser, the Mark II carries quiet confidence. It may not demand attention immediately, but it connects with players who enjoy discovering something a little deeper. It represents a side of car culture where reputation is built through feel, knowledge, and performance rather than appearance alone. How to experience it in GT7 Start here: Take it to Tokyo Expressway or another urban track and get a feel for itThen try this: Compare it to other road cars from a similar eraLevel up: Tune and test different setups to find what suits your style If you enjoy finding hidden favorites that reward time and attention, this is your car. ’08 Caterham Seven Superlight R500 *Can be purchased from Brand CentralCategory: Pure Driver 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 Pure Driver cars strip everything back and focus entirely on the connection between driver and road. The Caterham delivers one of the most direct driving experiences in GT7. Lightweight and responsive, it puts every input in your hands with no distractions. It is less about power and more about precision, making every corner and braking moment feel earned. How to experience it in GT7 Start here: Run a Time Trial on a technical track like Deep Forest RacewayThen try this: Focus on improving lap consistency over multiple runsLevel up: Refine braking, cornering, and racing lines to shave off time If you want to feel every input and improve with every lap, this is where to start. ’25 Hyundai IONIQ 6 N *Can be purchased from Brand CentralCategory: Next Gen Performance 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 Next Gen Performance cars represent the evolution of speed, technology, and driving feel. The IONIQ 6 N brings a modern edge to the update. It reflects where performance is heading and invites players to experience something different from traditional expectations. It feels fresh, responsive, and part of a new chapter in driving. How to experience it in GT7 Start here: Take it to a fast circuit like High-Speed RingThen try this: Run a custom race against modern performance carsLevel up: Compare its performance across tracks and refine your driving approach If you want to experience where performance is going next, start here.Want to learn more about August Update 1.71? Then head over to gran-turismo.com.Haven’t purchased Gran Turismo 7 yet but want to get a feel for it? Download My First GT on the PlayStation store for free and hop into the game! Play Video And in case you missed it this past weekend, the Gran Turismo World Series – GT’s live event – was a blast in Tokyo! If you want to catch the excitement in person for the next round in Singapore, tickets are on sale right now: gran-turismo.com/GTWS *Gran Turismo 7 1.71 update will be available for free for Gran Turismo 7 players beginning today at 11:00pm PDT / August 20 at 7:00am BST / 3:00pm JST**. **Internet connection required for update.  ***Credits (paid or via game progression) required to purchase vehicles.

Title: Inside the brutal puzzles of Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival  Date: Wed, 19 Aug 2026 12:15:07 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/08/19/inside-the-brutal-puzzles-of-clive-barkers-hellraiser-revival/ It’s dark. The walls are oppressively grey, spikey and close. And there’s a disturbing noise of chattering teeth that sounds like it’s coming from, well, everywhere. Then, I see him. Flesh warped, eyeless sockets sunken, mouth wide, teeth full. The Chatterer – the source of the ever-present and unnerving noise. Player character, Aidan, runs away, but seconds later Chatterer remerges in front of him in a crackle of electricity. Aidan tries another path of escape and Chatterer again fizzles into view. Down a seething red, fleshy corridor and the chattering figure zaps in front of him again. But there is a way to escape, you just need to know how. Play Video This is just part of my introduction to Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival, a first-person survival horror hitting PlayStation 5 on October 8. And while this is a fairly straightforward puzzle element that I’m being shown, there are far more elaborate and equally disturbing ones that Assistant Game Director Vid Rajin is eager to walk me – or more accurately in this case, run – through. A labyrinth of terror Although Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival features a number of firearms and weapons, that’s not the purpose of the demonstration I’m immersed in. The focus is very much on how the game aims to test your nerve through its reality warping environments and the mysteries they hold, all encased with the gruesome tension the series is famous for. In fact, Hellraiser is a franchise which doesn’t necessarily lend itself to combative action, given its psychological and deeply disturbing investigation of the lines between pleasure and pain. To translate that into a game was one of the challenges faced by the teams at Mad Head Games and Saber Interactive, aiming to give the puzzles an appropriate edge. “We use the Genesis Configuration – a puzzle box – at the centre of things,” explains Vid. “Mysterious puzzle boxes are literally key to everything in Clive Barker’s universe, so it writes itself in terms of helping to craft puzzles and how to manipulate the world. We have a background in adventure games and hidden object puzzle titles, so we took our experience from those, but we want to make sure we have a narrative purpose for puzzles wherever we can.” The earlier example of our encounter with Chatterer is a clear sign of that bleeding of narrative and puzzles, as is another environmental teaser where Aidan is wandering through his house near the start of the game. At first it appears normal – but twisted little elements, such as photos on a wall being crooked or distorted soon become clear. And trying to escape the various rooms only leads to them repeating. The only way to solve this tormenting loop? By turning back instead of trying to move forward, which changes the entire setting. “The labyrinth Aidan is trapped in is intertwined with the real world,” says Vid. “So in the case of the looping rooms, the environment is almost trying to tell Aidan something, to get him to change his perspective, and make the player figure out another approach to what they might have been doing.” Controlling the Genesis Configuration Learning lessons is a fundamental part of any horror story, which makes Vid’s point fit smartly into the game, aping one of the mainstay themes of the genre no matter the medium – you learn or you die. Be it reversing your course to escape the looping room or outmanoeuvring Chatterer by discovering which corridor he doesn’t teleport in front of you in, understanding the importance of finding unconventional routes is crucial. Hints are offered by the labyrinth itself, although for some of the more traditional puzzles, like opening a safe via a sliding picture lock, clues can be something far less intimidating, such as discovering a diagram on a desk. But a chunk of progressing through Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival is through using the Genesis Configuration itself. While it can channel power for offensive abilities like setting enemies on fire, Vid reveals how it’s essential for overcoming many of the present environmental puzzles.  Some puzzles have clear binary solutions. One example is using the Genesis Configuration to rotate a giant wheel, which in turn would realign the narrow walkways Aidan found himself on within a spike-laden room to plot a safe route through. Another demoed its transformative properties: we stood in a courtyard hub, with three main gates. Each one could only be opened by retrieving a statue’s missing item – such as an appropriately macabre tongue or hand – and then changing the Genesis Configuration into the correct shape to act as a key. But there are others which have multiple ways of solving them. What those are, the studio remain tight-lipped, keen for players to discover themselves.  And while many revolve around traversal, the labyrinth itself, and all the horror that await within, there are a few incidental and familiar parts for survival horror fans. “We have classic lock pick mechanism puzzles as well [such as]safe combinations which reward you with useful items, like crafting resources, ammo, some nice upgrades, or even like a new weapon,” says Vid. “And you have to manage your inventory in a similar way to the Resident Evil games.” Inspiration outside of hell Between these types of traditional survival horror puzzles and more surreal, M.C. Escher inspired interiors that help fashion the environment, Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival is shaping up to be something fans will appreciate. The development team – fans themselves – also had the advantage of Clive Barker himself advising from its initial conception and Doug Bradley reprising his role as Pinhead from many of the movies, to help keep them on track. “They were a huge help, especially in giving us small details,” says Vid. “The pressure to make something to honor the franchise is always there, but it’s been alleviated by the positive response from the fans so far.” Prepare for oblivion With a campaign that Vid suggests could take over 12 hours to complete, Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival aims to deliver a sharp experience that captures the visceral and psychological intensity of its source material. And if you own a PS5 Pro, you can expect higher graphic settings and PSSR sSupport to hone in on the horror. Can your chattering nerves handle a piercing face to face with Pinhead and his cenobites? Find out on October 8 when Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival launches on PS5, available for pre-order now.

Title: (For Southeast Asia) Pulse Elevate wireless speakers launch November 12, 2026 Date: Wed, 19 Aug 2026 01:33:26 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/08/18/20260818-speaker/ Update (August 19, 2026): Pulse Elevate wireless speakers in Midnight Black and White will launch starting on November 12, 2026,* with a recommended retail price (RRP) of  SGD 319 / MYR 1,099 / THB 8,499 / PHP 14,709 / VND 6,999,000. Pre-orders for Pulse Elevate speakers will be available starting from September 2, 2026 in local retailers.. With Pulse Elevate wireless speakers, experience lifelike audio for desktop gaming and on the go – read more about Pulse Elevate wireless speakers here. *Availability may vary by market and retailer. 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 View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image We’re excited to share a first look at the Pulse Elevate wireless speakers – the newest addition to our lineup of PlayStation audio accessories  – which we revealed earlier today during State of Play. Pulse Elevate builds upon the immersive next-level gaming audio experience we introduced to players with Pulse Elite wireless headset and Pulse Explore wireless earbuds, combining powerful technologies like planar magnetic drivers and PlayStation Link into new form factors for players to experience with their favorite games. As the first wireless speakers developed by Sony Interactive Entertainment, Pulse Elevate fits seamlessly in a PS5, PC, or Mac desktop gaming setup and can be enjoyed on the go with a PlayStation Portal remote player or smartphone. The wireless speakers feature exceptionally lifelike audio, ultra-low latency and lossless PlayStation Link wireless connectivity. Play Video Here’s an overview of the speakers’ key features: Lifelike desktop audio: Each speaker features studio-inspired planar magnetic drivers for lifelike sound across the entire audible spectrum. This means players can hear games exactly how developers intended – whether they’re playing on PS5, PC, Mac or PlayStation Portal.On the PS5 console, the driver technology further enhances immersion in PS5 games that support Tempest 3D AudioTech by positioning audio cues with incredible accuracy. The speakers also feature built-in woofers that deliver rich bass tones for a fuller soundscape. Built-in mic with AI-enhanced noise rejection: Pulse Elevate seamlessly introduces a high-quality voice chat experience into a desktop gaming setup with a microphone integrated within the right speaker. With AI-enhanced noise rejection technology, the mic also helps identify and remove unwanted background noise for crystal-clear voice communication, providing a new level of headset-free voice chat for desktop gaming. PlayStation Link ultra-low latency and multi-device connectivity: Pulse Elevate is powered by PlayStation Link technology for ultra-low latency and lossless connectivity to deliver sound as it happens on compatible devices including PS5, PC, Mac, and PlayStation Portal remote player. The speakers are also compatible with Bluetooth devices, so players can listen simultaneously via a PlayStation Link-connected device for in-game audio and a separate Bluetooth-enabled device for music, voice chat, and more. Pulse Elevate wireless speakers will feature a PlayStation Link USB adapter that is compatible with USB-C ports. Built for both desktop gaming and portability: With the built-in rechargeable battery, players can take Pulse Elevate on the go when gaming with a PlayStation Portal remote player via PlayStation Link, or with a mobile device or smartphone via Bluetooth. The included charging docks make it easy to jump back into a desktop gaming setup.  Highly customizable audio: Pulse Elevate speakers feature built-in volume controls and are designed to be easily adjusted for the ideal horizontal and vertical orientation in a player’s desktop setup. Players can further personalize their audio experience on PS5 or PC* with the option to adjust EQ, sidetone, volume, and mic mute settings directly via system menus. Pulse Elevate wireless speakers will launch in 2026 and will be available in both Midnight Black and White.** What games are you looking forward to trying with our new speakers? Stay tuned for more information on launch date and availability in the coming months. *PC options available post launch. **White available while supplies last from direct.playstation.com (where available) and select retailers. Availability may vary by country.

Title: New NBA 2K27 gameplay details on The City, co-op, MyNBA eras, and more Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2026 18:00:23 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/08/18/new-nba-2k27-gameplay-details-on-the-city-co-op-mynba-eras-and-more/ Enter the World of 2K and get your competitive fix with the NBA 2K27 Preseason Breakdown: Game Reveal recap! Live from the Inuit Dome in Los Angeles, CA, NBA 2K hosted a 45-minute livestream detailing the most exciting updates and in-game enhancements coming in NBA 2K27. In case you missed it, we’ve got you covered. Read on to learn more about what you missed from the August 18 showcase. Play Video Balanced gameplay Gameplay in NBA 2K27 strives for the most balanced experience to date, introducing meaningful new offensive tools like Step-Through Up-and-Unders and reworked defensive systems like improved Hands-Up Shot Contests to deliver a rewarding experience on both ends of the floor.  Powered by ProPlay, the game continues to push the limits of courtside authenticity by leveraging advanced machine learning capabilities. When you take the hardwood in 2K27, you’ll see heightened fidelity in animations and the real-time evolution of on-court adjustments. As players around the league find new ways to create separation, we’re finding new ways to innovate, giving hoopers of all skill levels the ultimate playground to prove they belong. Introducing a co-ed City For the first time, we’re introducing a co-ed City, where you can create a female MyPlayer and compete in The City alongside our global community of hoopers. All MyPlayers, male and female, are built on the exact same framework. Your height, badges, attribute ratings, and wingspan are strictly determined by the MyPlayer build you create, not your appearance. All game modes within The City are completely co-ed, with full access to The REC, The Theater, Street Kings, Park, Proving Grounds, Ante-Up, Starting Five, plus the all-new Crew HQ and Casual Corner. One thing to note: Female MyPlayers are a City-only experience. New environments to hoop in The Rec, The Theater, Ante-Up, and Seasonal Parks all feature brand-new environments. Based on community feedback, The Rec now rotates randomly between five unique environments available right at launch: High School Gym Outdoor Court Private Gym Crowded Arena Season-Themed Venue Builder customization & new Badge Tokens The biggest game-changer is the introduction of Badge Tokens, which you’ll use to equip Badges. In the Builder, you can see in real time how your selected size and position affect which Badges you qualify for and how many tokens each Badge will cost. The Builder provides real-time feedback, showing you the exact tokens required as you adjust your attributes.  There are 53 Badges in 2K27, including 19 brand-new Badges built to create a more balanced playing field. Badge synergy Unleash your full potential with the all-new Synergy system, the next evolution of Badges and boosts.  Synergy slots provide a +1 boost, or a massive +2 boost to your Badges. They are broken into two parts: Fuse and Reaction. Fuse Badges receive a permanent +1 or +2 boost for the entire game, pushing that Badge beyond its current tier to maximize its potential, even up to Legend tier.  Reaction Badges are directly paired with Fuse Badges. The effect is triggered automatically once you’ve activated your Fuse Badge a set number of times during a game. Once triggered, the Reaction Badge receives the same +1 or +2 boost for the rest of the game. Exchange without limits For the first time in MyTeam, you can exchange any of your Player Cards (Free Agent cards excluded), even cards earned from Season level rewards, for elite rewards. Every single card you earn, pull, or unlock is a meaningful asset toward building an unstoppable lineup. Even when you complete a Collection for a Collection Reward, cards will now become unauctionable rather than locked in, meaning they can still be used in The Exchange after being used to get a Collection Reward. MyNBA Legacy: Build a 100-Year Dynasty The headline addition to MyNBA in NBA 2K27 is MyNBA Legacy, a single-player, player-locked mode that bridges the gap between running the front office and dominating on the hardwood. Choose any player in the Modern Era, earn experience to upgrade their Attributes and Badges, and create a legend. Whether you’re committed to writing the next century of NBA history, or looking for a casual sandbox experience, MyNBA Legacy has something for everyone. MyCareer Eras For the first time in MyCareer, you can choose to step outside the modern NBA and build your career in one of five historical eras. We took the foundation of MyNBA Eras and brought it directly into MyCareer, allowing you to insert your MyPlayer into the exact moments that defined basketball history. Compete across five iconic eras: The Magic vs. Bird Era The Jordan Era The Kobe Era The LeBron Era The Steph Era Co-op MyCareer We’re bringing a massive community request to life: for the first time ever, you can invite a friend with NBA 2K27 to play co-op multiplayer directly in your MyCareer. This is made possible by your Running Mate, Trace Miller—a custom teammate you meet in the G League who stays with you all the way through your NBA career. When Trace is introduced, you choose one of nine build templates that feature shades of NBA superstars and earn points through gameplay to upgrade his attributes, Badges, and playstyle.  Your co-op partner takes control of Trace exactly as you’ve built him, and you both earn your own separate, full amounts of VC and Season XP.  Trace is the ultimate Running Mate, helping you unlock your full potential on the court. Grab your Crew and hit the courts in The City early by pre-ordering NBA 2K27 Deluxe Edition or Ultra Edition to receive up to 9 days of Early Access*, starting August 26. *Early access begins at 9:00am PT, August 26. Availability may vary by region and time zone. 

Title: Mortal Shell 2's first balance patch makes its in-game economy a lot more lenient and nerfs some enemies and bosses for a smoother ride Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2026 21:53:50 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/mortal-shell-2s-first-balance-patch-makes-its-in-game-economy-a-lot-more-lenient-and-nerfs-some-enemies-and-bosses-for-a-smoother-ride Heavy is the burden of being a game developer, as even as a game launches, there is always still work to be done. Mortal Shell 2 is out today, and while it generally seems to be doing quite well for itself, a game of its ilk, i.e. a Soulslike, doesn't necessarily get everything right the first go around (or I guess second first in this case). So, to smooth out some edges, developer Cold Symmetry have already released the game's first balance patch. Read more

Title: Active development on League of Legends fighting game spinoff 2XKO will be coming to an end at the end of the year Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2026 20:33:50 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/active-development-on-league-of-legends-fighting-game-spinoff-2xko-will-be-coming-to-an-end-at-the-end-of-the-year Riot Games' fighting game take on the world of League of Legends, 2XKO, is winding down development. The developer shared word today that active development on the game is ending December this year, citing a lack of a strong enough adoption and retention rate for the fighting game. Read more

Title: This game inspired by classic Minecraft dropper maps can't work out whether it wants to rapture you or make you throw up Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2026 19:10:43 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/this-game-inspired-by-classic-minecraft-dropper-maps-cant-work-out-whether-it-wants-to-rapture-you-or-make-you-throw-up "I wanna see how much abuse gamers can take," a voice over opens the trailer for Sensory Overload, a game that will likely be taking home the Geoff "IMAX" Keighley Award for Most Appropriate Title For A Video Game later this year. It's a simple concept for a game: you are constantly falling, and you must avoid walls in various shapes as you do so to wrack up points. Simple! And disgustingly disorienting. Read more

Title: "Do questions like that create a self-fulfilling prophecy?”: Dishonored director Harvey Smith on the fear of asking if immersive sims are dead Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2026 17:05:02 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/do-questions-like-that-create-a-self-fulfilling-prophecy-dishonored-director-harvey-smith-on-the-fear-of-asking-if-immersive-sims-are-dead It appears that August is the month for having thoughts on the success of immersive sims! Earlier this month, one of the original designers behind Thief: The Dark Project shared his feelings on developing imsims at triple-A scale, coming to the conclusion it doesn't really work. Just yesterday, Arkane veteran and Dishonored director Harvey Smith revealed his new studio that's entirely dedicated to the genre. And now, Smith, alongside fellow leads at the new studio Ben Horne and Ricardo Bare, answers the evergreen question: are imsims dead? Read more

Title: Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles composer Kumi Tanioka says that she didn't make the new, very likely AI-generated album on her Spotify page Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2026 16:14:06 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/final-fantasy-crystal-chronicles-composer-kumi-tanioka-says-that-she-didnt-make-the-new-very-likely-ai-generated-album-on-her-spotify-page Well, here's something that's a bit of a bummer. You'll probably best know Kumi Tanioka as the composer behind Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles, though her work can also be found across the likes of Final Fantasy 11, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, and more recently, Yoshi and the Mysterious Book. But lately, it seems like someone's been trying to pass off an entirely AI generated album as her work, much to Tanioka's own confusion. Read more