Title: Subnautica 2′s Co-Op Buddy System Update Is Live, And Has The Coolest Chat Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2026 14:45:57 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/subnautica-2-buddy-system-update-co-op-1-2-patch-notes-unknown-worlds-2000726159 Version 1.2 of the early access build also adds ways to revive friends, trade items, and airtag your luggage

Title: The Best And Worst Parts Of Every Metal Gear Game Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2026 14:10:59 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/best-worst-parts-every-metal-gear-solid-game-msg4-2000726160 Here are the high and low points of every major entry in the hit Konami espionage series created by Hideo Kojima

Title: We Just Had The Worst July For Console Sales In The U.S. Since The Pandemic As The RAM Crisis Ruins Everything Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2026 13:11:13 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/worst-july-console-sales-2020-pandemic-2026-2000726139 The average price of a video game console in the U.S. last month was over $500

Title: Nobody’s Buying New Physical Games On Xbox In The U.S. Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2026 13:00:44 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/nobodys-buying-new-physical-games-on-xbox-in-the-u-s-2000725930 Nintendo runs away with it

Title: New Sony Patent Discusses The Possibility Of AI That Grinds Games For You And Lets You Sell Your Player Data To Train It Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2026 12:31:51 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/new-sony-patent-discusses-the-possibility-of-ai-that-grinds-games-for-you-and-lets-you-sell-your-player-data-to-train-it-2000725969 The AI ghost of Ghost of Yōtei could get revenge for you

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: Call Of Duty’s Matchmaking System For Modern Warfare 4 Is A Hot Topic Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2026 14:31:12 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/call-of-dutys-matchmaking-system-for-modern-warfare-4-is-a-hot-topic/ One of the hottest topics for Call of Duty remains the discussion around the game's matchmaking system. Activision has released a new statement to clarify the matchmaking players can expect with Modern Warfare 4's upcoming beta, and unsurprisingly, the topic is already gaining some criticism from the community. This topic initially fired up when Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 changed its matchmaking system for the recent Season 5 update. The seasonal update added a new "classic" matchmaking system, which the publisher said was meant to "offer improvements to help keep matches full and balanced." Black Ops 7 originally launched with "Open" playlists, which Activision previously described as only including "minimal skill consideration," or, in essence, little to no SBMM. Season 5's new "classic" matchmaking system was then implemented into many of the game's multiplayer playlists, but an Open playlist was still available to players who preferred it. The announcement of Black Ops 7's matchmaking change also revealed that Modern Warfare 4's beta would include some Open playlists, but that seemingly implied other matchmaking playlists might also exist, creating some confusion with what players could expect from the Call of Duty's matchmaking. https://twitter.com/CallofDuty/status/2090179954847936655 "We understand there are still open questions around matchmaking, and some confusion about what we’ve shared," Activision said in a new Call of Duty social media post. "So, we gathered some more details to shed light on where things stand going into the MW4 beta." The Call of Duty post goes on to explain that its initial batch of data from Black Ops 7 is showing "strong improvements with the new system." "Players are sticking around longer and playing more matches," the publisher said. "Since Season 5, quit rates are down across every skill group. Search times are also down versus Season 4. Average ping has improved too." Because of these data results, Activision said Modern Warfare 4's beta will use the new "classic" system, but it will also have an Open matchmaking option available, so the developer can keep learning with data from both. Activision also wants to ease any player concern by confirming that this is not a return to the tighter matchmaking of recent games, and connection still remains a top priority. "We’ll keep looking at the data, listening to what players are telling us, and improving," the publisher continued. Of course, the Call of Duty post still earned some criticism online from accounts like CharlieIntel and ModernWarzone, who suggest that Activision using Black Ops 7 matchmaking results from the later part of the year is not a great idea and can misinterpret the data. "Activision using Black Ops 7 data to judge the future of Call of Duty's matchmaking system seems like a mistake," CharlieIntel said. "Black Ops 7's player base is so niche due to how few players play it." https://twitter.com/CallofDuty/status/2090304373549302025 Activision responded with a final post on the topic by saying, "We asked for feedback and you definitely gave it to us. And that's what a beta is for. So, jump in, play the game, and help us make it even better. We'll be here online, and in your lobbies, improving as we go. Matchmaking isn't just data, it's a feeling. So jump in, feel it for yourself in beta." Modern Warfare 4's early-access period begins on August 21, so make sure to check out our breakdown of all the MW4 beta dates and content. PC requirements and preloading instructions for the beta can be found here.  Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 launches on October 23 for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch 2.

Title: A Kingdom Hearts Movie? It’s Not Ruled Out, Disney Exec Says Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2026 14:17:36 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/a-kingdom-hearts-movie-its-not-ruled-out-disney-exec-says/ The Kingdom Hearts series is one of nine gaming franchises at Disney to reach $1 billion in sales. With that success and the recent news of a Kingdom Hearts TV show for Disney+, some fans are wondering if a movie could be next. That's the question that IGN put to Walt Disney Animation Studios boss Jared Bush. He didn’t confirm anything one way or another, but said "nothing is impossible" on that front. "I am always excited to hear what people are passionate about. And I'd say we have a very bright future of new projects coming out. Different ways of putting material out into the world. So I would just say, nothing is impossible," he said. Bush is the current chief creative officer at Walt Disney Animation Studios, a role he's held since 2024. He also co-wrote and co-directed Zootopia and its sequel, both of which were massive hits. Additionally, Bush co-directed Encanto (earning himself an Academy Award) and wrote the screenplay for Moana. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lybMpYeO9L8 After the Kingdom Hearts series debuted in 2002, filmmaker Seth Kearsley created a pilot for an animated Kingdom Hearts TV show. He posted an early, animatic version online, but it has since been since removed. The Kingdom Hearts franchise was greenlit by Michael Eisner when he was CEO decades ago; he recently said he has no memory of approving the pitch. At Disney's D23 event this past weekend, developer Square Enix confirmed that Kingdom Hearts 4 is coming in late 2027--and that date will stick, the franchise's co-creator said. Additionally, Donald Duck was confirmed as a playable character, while characters from Disney's Coco will appear in the game.

Title: I’ve Never Played Anything Like The Duskbloods, And I Cannot Wait To Play More Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2026 14:00:00 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/videos/ive-never-played-anything-like-the-duskbloods-and-i-cannot-wait-to-play-more/ After eight hours with the technical test, From Software’s next endeavor is impossible to nail down.

Title: Hidetaka Miyazaki On The Duskbloods: “Maybe PvPvE Wasn’t The Best Way To Refer To It” Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2026 14:00:00 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/hidetaka-miyazaki-on-the-duskbloods-maybe-pvpve-wasnt-the-best-way-to-refer-to-it/ From Software's vampire-inspired multiplayer game The Duskbloods is difficult to quantify. Though it was billed as a "PvPvE game" when it was first announced, Hidetaka Miyazaki, president of From Software and legendary game director behind Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Elden Ring, now thinks that label might be "a bit confusing.” The Duskbloods’ moment-to-moment gameplay may feel familiar to the developers’ other games, but that’s where the similarities end. The PvPvE multiplayer game plays out more like a board game with players completing objectives to earn Virtue points. The players with the least amount of points are culled, and the final three duke it out in an arena.  A few weeks ahead of The Duskbloods' closed technical test, GameSpot sat down with Miyazaki to discuss his inspirations, its ruined vampire world, and what From Software wanted to accomplish with its next multiplayer outing. We have an article breaking down exactly how each match plays out, and our overall impressions of The Duskbloods’ technical test if you’d like to learn more. [Editor’s note: This interview has been altered slightly for clarity and readability.] GameSpot: Let’s start from the beginning: From Software games are known for their rich worlds. When it comes to world-building, where do you and the team typically start? Miyazaki: This is probably something that we can say for a lot of our titles, but we tend to begin with the game design and the overall gameplay--what we imagine the game to look like, [and] how it would feel to play. In the case of The Duskbloods, we wanted dynamic, almost superhuman abilities, where the characters [can] jump really high, and a level of customization that fits contextually with [a] multiplayer game. Once we figure out that these are what the Bloodsworn are, then we take it from there--what are they going to be like, what world do they inhabit, [and so on]. First and foremost, it's the actual gameplay that we focus heavily on before we start to branch off into other things. In terms of the maps specifically, Lowanro City is the map that you've played a bit so far. There are a few other maps that will be available in the final version, but the Dusk Battles themselves are essentially this sort of dusk of humanity, the ends of humanity, and the maps embody that. The reason we went with Lowanro City, at least for the network test, is that it's very symbolic and matches the aesthetic of vampires, but it's just one era, [and] just one aesthetic. Some of the other maps that will be available in the final game are from completely different eras, [with] completely different overall architectural styles. So there's quite a bit of variety to show that these are multiple different eras of humanity's dusk. The clocktower in Lowanro City Considering there’s no fixed era, is it difficult building a cohesive world for The Duskbloods? Specifically regarding the maps, there's a common theme of ruin and decay--the ruin and decay of humanity. And this is a common theme in a lot of our games as well. That definitely serves as an anchor that a lot of it can be based off of. Even if the aesthetics are slightly different, there's always going to be that as the base. You actually should be able to get a good sense of the similarities upon actually playing them. Could you speak a little bit about some of your inspirations for The Duskbloods? I was reading some of your old interviews and you talk a lot about books and board games. In terms of systems, such as the Virtue system, it's essentially a victory point system that you might see in a lot of different games. It doesn't really come from anything specific. The Sigil system as well is common in tabletop RPGs, and a lot of it is actually based on our own house rules for some of these games. From a lore, aesthetic, [and] world-building point of view, there's nothing completely direct. Vampire stuff in general is something I'm very passionate about and enjoy reading a lot. There's definitely a bit of that that has rubbed off on me over time. [Some] things I enjoy include Vampire: The Masquerade, Fevre Dream [by George R.R. Martin], and Dracula Cha-Cha-Cha [by Kim Newman]. Not super old-school stuff, but a bit more modern vampire literature. It's all very indirect--things that have rubbed off on me over time and things I've always wanted to implement. So from an aesthetic point of view, there's definitely a bit of that. Senator Samir Patres feasting on Albert When you are looking at these inspirations, whether direct or indirect, how do you ensure originality with your vision for Duskbloods? In terms of world-building, it's always been a policy to avoid things that are too direct for a lot of reasons--like place names. Even if we're using a bit of it as inspiration, we try to avoid that. At the end of the day, [gameplay] systems are what take place, and that's the main aspect of the game. Even if we use something as inspiration, ultimately world-building comes second, and often they bend and change shape to fit the new systems. Having something too specific causes issues. So we tend to avoid it when we can. From a personal standpoint, whenever I see something very interesting that I'd like to reference, it never really stops at that point. There's always things I look at and think, "Wouldn't it be cool if it was like this?" It changes shape in my mind into a constant flow of new ideas coming together and coming apart. Even without intentionally trying to make it original, it just becomes original because of all the other things I want to do with that idea. When did you decide that you wanted to take on a PvPvE sort of style game? The PvPvE [label is] a little bit confusing in the context of this game. It's not that we set out with that exact label when pitching to Nintendo. We had a couple of key things that we really wanted to do: The Sigil and Event system to create this [sense] of constant drama [and] excitement between players. The relationships, [and] the Virtue system contributes to that [as well]. It's not just 100% PvP; there [are] ways to win and enjoy the matches outside of simply playing against other players. Those were the things that we wanted to accomplish first and foremost. Saying it was a PvPvE game makes it sound like that's all that there is, and saying it's a PvE game doesn't really do it justice either. It's sort of just a combination of [the] two. Enemies specifically draw inspiration from our previous titles, and fitting them in made sense for our methodology. When we originally announced the game as a PvPvE title, there was probably a lot of confusion thinking it was like an extraction [game], and there's definitely a sort of an association with that type of gameplay. We definitely look back at that now and think, "Hmm, maybe that wasn't the best way to refer to it." It doesn't do the game a lot of justice, but yeah, that was [the reasoning behind it]. The Bloodsworn selection screen I was reading an older interview where you said ensuring a game’s design is "elegant" is one of your key roles as a director. I was curious what, in your eyes, makes a game elegant, and how that applies to The Duskbloods? As [I] mentioned earlier, the game design takes precedence and being fun is easily the most important thing whenever we're working out how to do a system or how to make a mechanic in the game work. So I would say that if it makes the game better for the player and it sort of enhances the level of fun, then a certain degree of elegance and refined aspect is something that we definitely would like to have, but it is never something that we require. If we're looking at a feature when it's still in development, at the end of the day, it being fun is by far the most important thing. Elegance definitely takes place after that. Ultimately, from a director's point of view, the game being elegant, the systems being elegant, is something that is always nice. It's something that you kind of look at and think, "Wow, I really do want to do that." But like we mentioned, at the end of the day, fun is the most important thing. In ensuring that the game is fun and sort of pursuing that, sometimes you do sort of run into a system that is a lot more elegant than might have initially been intended. But it's never something that we look at as a determining factor if the system is good or not. If it's not fun, then it's not worth the time. I was hoping you could talk specifically about the “Love Ephemeral" Sigil. Where did that idea come from? It's such a unique role in a game like The Duskbloods. [Editor’s note: Sigils are equippable items that alter a Bloodsworn’s backstory and give the player a specific objective to complete during any given match. The “Love Ephemeral” Sigil tasks one player with proposing to another player with an emote-like gesture. For more details on how Sigils work, check out our preview.] With that Sigil specifically, we are aware of how unique it is. At the end of the day, [we’re] trying to develop the system in a way where it [creates] unexpected drama. This excitement, not really knowing what's going to happen, in addition to [playing a role], we think that's really interesting. The Sigils are [intentionally] made simple in order to have that gameplay naturally develop and have [players] play [out roles]. We do think the Sigil system is unique to multiplayer games just in general, but we hope that it's something that players will enjoy. Specifically referring to something like the Love Ephimeral Sigil, there's the person who has chosen that Sigil, but there's also someone with the passive version of that Sigil, someone who has not chosen [it], but for at least the course of that match, that's their role. Initially, we had designed it so that both players had to have that Sigil equipped, but doing so made matchmaking somewhat difficult and you sort of already knew what you were going to get in some cases. So we thought that having at least one of the players be randomized definitely created this sense of drama [in] not really knowing what your role might end up being, throughout the course of that match. It creates a lot more freedom in that sense as well, where you can have the Sigil you want, but you never know--you might also be required to or not required [to do]. You might have another role that you need to fulfill. We thought that that was a much better fit for the overall gameplay, and it sort of led to that drama that we were looking for. Albert proposing to Trang Lanh Speaking of that drama, I love the idea that you have an objective other players don't necessarily know about. It adds so much tension! That aspect of you knowing what your role is, [and] other players not knowing, [adds to the] drama as well. But the idea itself, we think, is very expandable. As players get used to the Sigil system, even more drama and even more aspects might become apparent, and it just sort of expands from there. So we really do hope players enjoy it. When designing the different Bloodsworn, where do you start? Are you looking at playstyles from previous games and building characters around them? It comes from two different angles: There's the aesthetic and visual design of the characters that we have an idea for, but then there's also, like you said, the playstyle--having the character that curtails to a specific mechanic more than, let's say, another character making a certain playstyle possible through that character. But generally, what we like to do is have multiple ideas or directions [when designing] a character, and then meet in the middle through collaboration [with] game design and visual design. [I’m] specifically in charge of both the art and the actual game design, so generally there's always going to be a nice blend there, and we avoid as much friction as possible. Specifically, I wanted to ask about Zork. He's one of my favorite Bloodsworn! He has a very interesting design--where did that suit of armor concept come from? I think the original design order for him was [to make] a Bloodsworn that has sort of risen from the deep sea. Of course, a lot happens from whenever you initially say that, and there's a lot of iterative design that goes on after that. I think the ultimate inspiration was Ultraman and Ultra Seven specifically, so it's those [kinds of] monsters that rise from the depths of the ocean. There [are] probably a lot of episodes where something like that happens. But yes, it was something  like, "Oh, it would be kind of cool to have something that has a very similar kind of vibe to that." And that was probably included in the design notes at some point. The end result is a bit different, but that's kind of the general direction that that thought came from. I particularly love his human-rocket ability where he flies across the map. There's always going to be your traditional characters, especially in a vampire-like game. You have your traditional Victorian Gothic characters, and then you have other characters that are a little bit more off to the side with Asian influences [like Trang Lanh]. I think Zork is basically as far off to the side as you can get, where he's a bit of a wild card. It's always fun to have characters like that, and there's always people who like characters like that. We had mentioned earlier that some of the maps take place in different eras, so we wanted to have something that wasn't frozen in the Victorian Gothic era, but something that went past the Industrial Revolution as well, and I think Zork is probably the far end of that. [He’s] very different from what you would consider a traditional vampire, but he definitely has his place in the game, for sure. I really want the multiplayer landscape of this game [to] almost feel like a festival. You have all these different kinds of characters, they feel and look very different from each other, and [they all come] together and it [feels chaotic]. Zork is definitely a piece of that--just a weird guy who's in the midst of it, right? Zork relaxing with his Kin (summonable spirits that join you in battle) Is Zork’s beak-thing for drinking blood? Yes, if you ever win with Zork, you'll get a cutscene that will probably reveal that a little bit more. [His] beak thing extends like a straw, and sucks [blood] up like a mosquito. That's probably another Ultraman reference of some sort, some sort of monster. Is there a Bloodsworn you've gravitated toward while testing? At least in the network test version, Zork is one of my favorites. I also like Layla the sniper. I like being able to peer at people from far away, and not necessarily get into the thick of it. I also really like Samir from a story/lore character perspective, but he's definitely a character that's a little difficult for me to [play]. What specific feedback are you looking for from this network test? Bugs are probably the main thing we want feedback on, but in addition to that, [we’re very curious] to see how players approach Sigils: What their opinions are, how they're used, and things they like and dislike about them. The next thing that we're curious about getting feedback on is in regards to the random and fixed elements of the game--enemy placement, spawn points, [and] things like that. [If it’s] too random, it [might be] a little bit much, but if it [it’s] too fixed, it's probably a little bit boring after a certain amount of matches. So trying to strike a really good balance there is something that [we want to get] right, and it's hard to know what that is until you've had people actually play the game and give their feedback. From a narrative perspective, having things fixed definitely makes certain areas feel more important from a story aspect, but having it too fixed once again poses problems as well. So trying to find that balance from both gameplay [and narrative standpoint], is something we're really trying to get right. Sniper Layla leaping through the air This is the second game you've directed with "Blood" in the title. Is there something specific about blood that interests you? Personally, that blood and darkness that comes with that is something I enjoy so there’s always going to be a bit of that. Specifically regarding blood in the titles of both of those games are that blood is quite different thematically. In Bloodborne, it's definitely more visceral, whereas in The Duskbloods, it's more tied to bloodlines, history, and the society. Even though it's the same word, they are both thematically quite different. Specifically regarding Bloodborne, it's this beastly curse, right? It's definitely not as “clean,” is probably the best way to put it.

Title: What Is The Duskbloods? From Software’s Switch 2 Exclusive Explained Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2026 14:00:00 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/videos/what-is-the-duskbloods-from-softwares-switch-2-exclusive-explained/ Here’s how multiplayer matches play out in From Software’s Switch 2 exclusive.

Title: PC Gamers Can Get 2 Great Games Completely Free of Charge From Epic for a Limited Time Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2026 14:58:14 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/epic-games-store-free-games-8-20-2026-download/ The Epic Games Store is offering two great free PC games this week for Epic users. For a limited time, you can grab a '90s kid RPG and a cosmetic bundle for a much-loved sandbox MMORPG.

Title: All admin panel codes in Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 4 Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2026 14:58:03 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/fortnite-chapter-7-season-4-admin-panel-lobby-hack-codes-list-all/ As soon as you log into Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 4, you may notice the admin panel in the top right corner of the lobby. If you interact with it, you need to insert a lobby hack code.

Title: New Pokémon TCG Pocket Expansion Gives Team Rocket A Shot Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2026 14:46:11 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/pokemon-tcg-pocket-team-rockets-ambition-expansion-announced/ The Pokémon Company has announced the next Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket expansion will be Team Rocket's Ambition. The expansion will be released in a matter of days and brings new cards and an entirely new feature to the Pokémon mobile card game.

Title: Fizz And EB Games Team Up To Create A Special Starter Pack That’s Perfect For Mobile Gamers Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2026 14:33:14 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/fizz-eb-games-starter-pack/ This article was produced in collaboration with our sponsor, Fizz Mobile.

Title: The Duskbloods Could Have Been a 'Cute' Nintendo Game Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2026 14:15:14 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/the-duskbloods-cute-nintendo-game-early-development/ FromSoftware's new game The Duskbloods is steeped in the developer's established aesthetic. It's a dark, Victorian Gothic world that can occasionally get a little weird — it has steam trains, dinosaurs, and a giant frog lady. But the earliest version of what would become The Duskbloods was quite different, game director Hidetaka Miyazaki revealed in an interview earlier this month. He said that the game's art style has changed "drastically" since the project started in 2021, when FromSoftware pitched something that was more "Nintendo."

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: 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: 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: Black Myth: Zhong Kui shows off 15 minutes of rollparrysliceage, and I've just learned that the bloke it's named after was a lethally effective headbanger Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/black-myth-zhong-kui-shows-off-15-minutes-of-rollparrysliceage-and-ive-just-learned-that-the-bloke-its-named-after-was-a-lethally-effective-headbanger Game Science have put out a fresh trailer showing off Black Myth: Zhong Kui, their follow-up to Chinese mythology-stuffed action-RPG Black Myth: Wukong, in action. A year on from its reveal at 2025's Gamescom, Zhong Kui's looking as slicey and rolly as its predecessor, despite a switch in protagonist. Read more

Title: A playable build of GTA 6 appears to have leaked, as Rockstar and Take-Two scramble to take down videos Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2026 11:19:55 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/a-playable-build-of-gta-6-appears-to-have-leaked-as-rockstar-and-take-two-scramble-to-take-down-videos The crypto-peddling hacker group who leaked footage of GTA 6 earlier this week appear to have access to a playable version of Rockstar and Take-Two Interactive's forthcoming open world game, if recent videos are any indication. Read more

Title: All of the pirates in Hooded Horse city builder Corsair Cove hate me because I can't make them eyepatches fast enough Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2026 11:00:00 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/all-of-the-pirates-in-hooded-horse-city-builder-corsair-cove-hate-me-because-i-cant-make-them-eyepatches-fast-enough Stories of pirates are full of swashbuckling, daring-do, and grog. But Limbic Entertainment's city builder Corsair Cove reveals those hijinx are only a sideshow: logistics is the star. As the proud owner of a tropical island surrounded by high seas dotted with patrolling Spanish galleons, pirate hunters, and kraken, your focus is squarely on building the infrastructure to support pillaging, rather than taking a firsthand approach to the scallywaggery. To keep your pirate populace happy, initially they'll only need basic food, drink, and shelter. In time, though, they'll start asking for finer things, like leather boots, jolly roger flags, and turtle soup. All of which you'll need to produce by rinsing the resource deposits on your island. Keep them happy, however, and they will set out on the ocean, crewing your vessels, and risking their lives against the threats that circle your enclave. As a fan of the Anno series, the first hours of Corsair Cove were enthralling, but the sheen did begin to rub off after eight hours or so. Right about the time my pirates started to hate me. Read more

Title: EA's Saudi takeover wouldn't have happened if the company's culture "had any semblance of a moral backbone", say staff fearing layoffs and ownership meddling Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2026 09:58:26 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/eas-saudi-takeover-wouldnt-have-happened-if-the-companys-culture-had-any-semblance-of-a-moral-backbone-say-staff-fearing-layoffs-and-ownership-meddling Now the ink's starting to dry on the Saudi Arabian government and Jared Kushner-backed takeover of EA, which has seen the company go private, staff are getting to grips with what the ownership change might mean for them going forwards. Fears of layoffs and teams or game series being sold off following the leveraged buyout hang in the air alongside unease about the effect the Saudi state's values might have on what gets the green light in future, with staff suggesting EA haven't done a very good job of alleviating such concerns. Read more

Title: Sony are rebooting their live service Horizon game as a more traditional co-op affair, claim sources, with a proper Horizon Forbidden West sequel still years away Date: Wed, 19 Aug 2026 15:10:15 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/sony-are-rebooting-their-live-service-horizon-game-as-a-more-traditional-co-op-affair-claim-sources-with-a-proper-horizon-forbidden-west-sequel-still-years-away Horizon Hunters Gathering, the live service multiplayer spin-off for PlayStation's post-apocalyptic Horizon series, is being rebooted as a smaller and more traditional co-op experience with a story mode, according to anonymous insiders. In the process, we're told, several of the project's staff are being reassigned within Sony's gamedev empire, even as a small team of Guerrilla Games work on the next "proper" singleplayer Horizon game. Read more