The Week in Gaming - Issue #1

Highlights of the Week

• Epic Games' State of Unreal kicked off a busy, reveal-heavy week. The showcase included a technical demo and sneak peek at Witcher 4, reveals on Unreal Engine 5.6 features, and incoming updates to the Epic Games Store. GamesBeat

• PlayStation's State of Play was chock full of game reveals and updates. Hit the link for the official source of game announcements and trailers. PlayStation Blog

• The Switch 2 has officially launched! Check out the Spotlight section in Game Tech for a quick briefing on Switch 2 news.

• Summer Game Fest 2025 kicks off tonight. Games Radar has a live coverage thread ready for your eyeballs. GamesRadar

• Get ready for Xbox Games Showcase 2025 on Sunday. Microsoft will be livestreaming starting at 10am Pacific. PCGamer

Game News

• The first batch of Xbox Game Pass titles drop for June. Titles include Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition, Baldur's Gate II: Enhanced Edition, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine, Kingdom: Two Crowns, EA Sports FC 25, The Alters, FBC: Firebreak, Crash Bandicoot 4, and Lost in Random: The Eternal Die. Eurogamer

• Sony has announced the next batch of games coming to PS Plus over the summer. Featured games include FBC Firebreak, Deus Ex, Twisted Metal 3 and 4, Resident Evil 2 and 3, Sword of the Sea, Myst, and Riven. Eurogamer

• Epic Game Store freebies have been updated and includes Arkane's Deathloop. Ogu and the Secret Forest can also be picked up until June 12. Next up in the freebie list includes Two Point Hospital. PC Gamer

• Prime Gaming Reveals 9 Free Games for June 2025. The titles include Mordheim: City of the Damned, The Abandoned Planet, Death Squared, Station to Station, FATE: Undiscovered Realms, Dark Envoy, Thief: Deadly Shadows, Jupiter Hell, and Gallery of Things: Reveries. Comicbook Gaming

• Fanatical has launched their 2025 Summer Mystery Bundle. The bundles feature mystery keys for Steam games. Pick up 1 key for $1, 5 for $4.79, and 10 for $7.49. Games that could be received include Elden Ring: Nightreign, Doom: The Dark Ages, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, and Blue Prince. ComicBook Gaming

Upcoming

• Lighthouse Games is developing a "disruptive" driving game to take on Forza Horizon. The AAA Leamington Spa-based studio formed in 2022 by Playground Games co-founder and former studio head Gavin Raeburn, has secured additional investment from Tencent. The team is taking the Forza franchise head on, hoping to deliver a quality game experience for what they feel is an underserved market. GamesIndustry.biz

• Grasshopper and Suda51 reveal Romeo is a Dead Man for 2026. The third person action title features a space-time paradox narrative and a combination of shooting and swordplay. GamesBeat

• Resolution Games reveals setting of Demeo’s Battlemarked RPG. Its upcoming Dungeons & Dragons based RPG will launch later this year on Steam, PS5. A VR version will also be released for SteamVR, PSVR2, and Meta Quest 3. Its first adventure is set in Neverwinter Wood; the developer has a second adventure in the works with setting to be announced. GamesBeat

• Classic stealth series Thief is being revived for PSVR2. Studios Vertigo Games and Maze Theory developed the new installment for VR in collaboration with Eidos-Montreal. It is slated to be released in 2025. Eurogamer

• Nioh 3 was announced and its demo available until June 18. The latest title from Team Ninja will feature two combat styles, Samurai and Ninja, in a quest to become the next Shogun. The game features an open world design, unlike previous games in the series. The demo is exclusively on the PlayStation 5. Eurogamer

• Silent Hill f will be "more action-oriented" than Silent Hill 2 remake, coming September 25. In the title, players take on the role of Shimizu Hinako, a high schooler in Japan who must explore and survive a nightmarish shift of her hometown. The release date announcement was accompanied by a new trailer. Eurogamer

• The long-rumored remaster of Final Fantasy Tactics was revealed at State of Play. The title, named The Ivalice Chronicles, will be released on September 30 on PS4, PS5, Switch, Switch 2, Xbox Series X/S, and PC (Steam). Eurogamer

• Lumines Arise is scheduled to launch for PlayStation 5 and PSVR2 this autumn. Game designer Tetsuya Mizuguchi is reviving the musical block-dropper series with this latest announcement, and it is being developed by Mizuguchi's Enhance studio. Eurogamer

• Capcom's Pragmata coming 2026. Pragmata, a science fiction adventure originally revealed in 2020, has a new trailer available, showing its unique action/strategy combat. Eurogamer

• Unknown Worlds shared a few details about Subnautica 2, though it still lacks a firm 2025 release date. The title will feature a return of the silent protagonist, customizable characters, and a brand-new ocean planet with new flora and fauna to experience. The launch map is expected to be larger than the original Subnautica map. Eurogamer

• The Witcher 4's northern setting revealed in new Unreal livestream. While the tech demo was not meant to representative of gameplay, fans did appreciate a glance into the far northern region of Kovir. Eurogamer

• Metal Gear Solid Delta's new trailer ends on a tease for the long-awaited return of Metal Gear Online. Fans got a new look at Metal Gear Delta: Snake Eater. The project is a visual recreation of Metal Gear Solid 3. The tease of Metal Gear Online was only a few seconds long but is expected to retain the multiplayer modes and depth of systems and interactions. PC Gamer

• Former Destiny and Final Fantasy devs announce turn-based tactics RPG Never's End. The title features a world on the brink of extinction, deep simulated and interactive gameplay, companion possession, and a battle against an ancient evil to save humanity and rebuild civilization. Rock Paper Shotgun

• Tron: Catalyst demo available on Steam; launches on June 17. The demo makes up the first hour of the game and is a top-down, isometric like action-adventure title by developer Bithell Games. Rock Paper Shotgun

• Dead As Disco is a stylish rhythm beat 'em up with a demo available on Steam. The demo includes a tutorial, sample story mission, infinite disco mode, and a song importer to beat up enemies to your favorite tunes. Rock Paper Shotgun

• Black Myth: Wukong is coming to Xbox this summer. Preorders start on June 18, and the title will be launching on Xbox Series X/S on August 20. ComicBook Gaming

• Pokemon Legends Z-A preorders available now and releases for Switch/Switch 2 on Oct 16. Switch 2's version features smoother frame rate, improved performance, and better resolution. ComicBook Gaming

• Bandi Namco reveals Oct 3 release date for Digimon Story: Time Stranger. Preorders are now available, with four different editions to choose from. Hit the link for details on each to guide your purchasing. ComicBook Gaming

• A Persona 4 remake is reportedly set for an Xbox Games Showcase reveal. Video Games Chronicle

• MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls launches 2026 on PS5, Steam and Epic. Assemble your own team of Marvel characters in a 4v4 tag team fighter. In a collaboration by PlayStation Studios, Arc System Works (Arc) and Marvel Games, Marvel Tokon aims to be an approachable yet deep entry in the 4v4 space with controls and mechanics that can be enjoyed by a wide variety of players. PlayStation Blog

• Sword of the Sea launches August 19 on PlayStation Plus. This atmospheric surfing adventure features high speed exploration and maneuverability in a visually stunning world. PlayStation Blog

• IO Interactive’s James Bond action-adventure game, 007 First Light, will be released in 2026. The title is a third-person action-adventure game that reimagines James Bond's origins. PlayStation Blog

• Tides of Tomorrow reimagines multiplayer storytelling, out Feb 24, 2026 on PS5. The title is a story driven, asynchronous multiplayer game, where choices will shape other players' journeys. Players embody a sea nomad called a Tidewalker, able to see echoes of other players' choices and actions that may help the player navigate the world and solve puzzles. PlayStation Blog

New Releases

• Google Play launched the Diamond District experience in Roblox. The experience, based around the Play Points rewards system, offers an obstacle course and mini games. There are several rewards, physical and digital, available and a VIP vault for Diamond, Gold, and Platinum members. The experience is available from June 5 to July 2. GamesBeat

• Hell is Us launched a PC demo on Steam. The demo offers a glimpse at the open world single player title, where the player explores to discover world narrative and faces off against mysterious hostile creatures. The full title is expected to launch on September 4. Eurogamer

• Dune: Awakening's Steam reviews have done a complete 180 a day after Headstart. First-day reception was plagued by crashes and server woes, with Headstart players rushing to Steam to complain and tank the review score. As of this writing, reviews are back up to 81% after critical fixes were deployed. PC Gamer

• NC America launched remastered classic MMORPG Blade & Soul NEO on Steam. The Steam launch follows the release of the title on NCSoft's Purple platform. A new player catch-up event is available to get started experiencing the world and story of Blade & Soul. MMORPG.com

• A multi-year licensing agreement with Adidas is kicking off with the worldwide launch of FIFA Rivals on June 12. The title, an arcade-style mobile football game from FIFA and Mythical Games, will provide players with access to exclusive digital items, including kits, jerseys, and shoe releases. FIFA Rivals gives players full ownership of their in-game assets with the ability to buy, sell, and trade with others around the world through Mythical's Web3 platform and marketplace. GamesBeat

Game Updates

• IP assets for Squid Game, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and Star Wars will be added to UEFN to allow players to utilize these assets for their own content experiences. GamesBeat

• Stumble Guys launches their Plunder Party update on June 12. The season update features remastered maps, new powerups, and new abilities to add strategy and sabotage to gameplay. Pocket Gamer

• Play Together (iOS, Android) introduces a new Sea Monster update. Haegin's social gaming platform now boasts a suite of nautical themed content and new mini games. Pocket Gamer

• FromSoftware has patched Elden Ring: Nightreign to make it easier for solo players by adding an effect to automatically revive once when facing a Nightlord. The number of runes gained has also been increased. Eurogamer

• Phasmophobia's next update, Chronicle, on June 24 will overhaul evidence collection. Investigations have been expanded into three new evidence types, the Journal has been completely redesigned, and leveling has been reworked. Eurogamer

• Path of Exile's 31st free expansion releases on June 13. Secrets of the Atlas adds mercenaries to the game for players to hire and have fight beside them. PC Gamer

• No Man's Sky introduced update 5.7 this week, where players can expand their empires by becoming Overseer of multiple planetary settlements. Rock Paper Shotgun

• FromSoft confirmed Elden Ring: Nightreign is getting duo expeditions. Duo expeditions will be coming to the game later this year, as a part of post-launch plans that include "enhanced" fights against existing bosses. Rock Paper Shotgun

• Atomfall's DLC expansion, Wicked Isle, launched June 3. The expansion features Midsummer Island, new enemies and weapons, and new storylines that can lead to new endings in the base game. Rock Paper Shotgun

• ARK: Survival Ascended celebrates their 10th anniversary with new content and anniversary event. The event is live through June 17 on PC, PS5, and XBox Series X/S. Studio Wildcard also announced an update to Unreal Engine 5.5 to improve performance. Players with the Astraeos DLC also received the DLC's first big content drop, a new island with various biomes and caves. MMORPG.com

• Skull and Bones Joins Ubisoft+ and PlayStation Plus Extra. MMORPG.com

• World of Warcraft's Legacy of Arathor update will launch June 17. The update includes new story-focused content in the Arathi Highlands and a new Lorewalking feature, where players can experience some of the most pivotal moments in the history of World of Warcraft. MMORPG.com

• NCSoft confirms mobile version of Throne and Liberty. FirstSpark Games will move part of the team from the live PC project to work on the mobile version, despite a soft reception for the title in Korea. MMORPG.com

• Sims 4 Roadmap Confirms New Expansion Pack, Free Updates, & More. The expansion pack is called Enchanted by Nature, which seems to hint at fairies and magical creatures, and releases on July 10. The roadmap also features a new live event, Nature's Calling, and a couple of free base game updates leading up through mid-August. ComicBook Gaming

• Helldivers 2 Force of Law Warbond launches June 12. The update includes several new weapons and gear items, a "Guard Dog" K-9, patterns, and emotes. PlayStation Blog

• Astro Bot will be updated with five new levels and new Special Bots on July 10. The update is accompanied by an updated version of the Astro Bot Limited Edition DualSense wireless controller, launching later this year. PlayStation Blog

Game Tech

• Sony reveals Project Defiant, an ultra-low latency wireless stick peripheral. No price point has been set for the fight stick, but it is expected to release next year. GamesIndustry.biz

• The Witcher 4 tech demo impresses at Unreal Fest. The demo showed off new features in Unreal Engine 5.6, including the Unreal Animation Framework, Nanite Foliage rending, and the Fast Geometry Streaming Plugin. MetaHuman technology was also showcased and is now available for all Unreal developers with the launch of 5.6. GamesBeat

Spotlight: Nintendo Switch 2

• MMORPG.com has a list of games launching with the Nintendo Switch 2. The launch catalog is chock full - hit the link for the full details. MMORPG.com

• Switch 2 US preorders were reportedly cancelled by major retailers on the eve of launch. Walmart and Target customers were primarily affected and follows reports last week of UK retailer GAME admitting it had cancelled a number of preorders and was working to reinstate as many as possible. Eurogamer

• Target opens online orders for the Switch 2 on June 6th. The Verge Games

• Nintendo’s GameCube Controller for the Switch 2 is back in stock. Head on over to My Nintendo Store if this is a must have accessory for your Switch gaming experience. The Verge Games

• Belkin launches same day official gaming accessories for Switch 2. The accessories include a charging case with built in battery, travel case, and screen protectors. GamesBeat

• Some Switch 2 consoles were damaged by staples at a GameStop store. Stapled preorder receipts punctured the box and the console’s screen. Incidents were isolated to one store and GameStop has replaced affected consoles. Eurogamer

Social Impacts

• Over 100 hours of Myst developer footage and interviews have now been preserved. The Video Game History Foundation (VGHF) has made the archive available on their digital library, which was launched in early access on January 30, 2025. Game Developer

• Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights 2025 will feature Fallout and Five Nights at Freddy's attractions. The Fallout haunted house opens on August 29 at Universal Orlando Resort and September 4 at Universal Studios Hollywood. GamesRadar

• Phasmophobia will be adapted into a feature film. Blumhouse Productions (M3GAN, Five Nights at Freddy's) is producing the film adaptation in partnership with Atomic Monster (Annabelle, The Conjuring). Game Developer

• Upcoming Street Fighter movie adds Fallout's Walton Goggins to cast. Walton Goggins is said to be nearing a deal to portray M. Bison. ComicBook Gaming

Spotlight: Communication Disasters

• Call of Duty loadout ads for microtransactions were an accident, claims Activision. Advertisements that players saw on their loadouts in the game were added by mistake in a recent game update. The addition resulted in harsh community fallout and some disbelief that fans won't see this system added back in the future. Eurogamer

• At the start of the week, Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford double-doubled down on his musings on "real fans" purchasing Borderlands 4 "no matter how much it cost". He invited "cost sensitive" fans to download Tiny Tina's Wonderlands from the Epic Games Store for "FREE" while also admitting he did not know how much the future title will cost players. Eurogamer

• Immediately following those statements…Borderlands 2 became 100% free to download and keep on Steam for a limited time (ends June 8). While generous for new players, this event seemed to add fuel to the existing fire. ComicBook Gaming

• And then…Take-Two's latest update to terms of service and privacy policy caused review bombs on Borderlands games. Two prominent modders are trying to reassure the fanbase that these updates do not introduce new changes but with the community already angry over pricing comments, this may take some time and a more direct set of apologies to remedy. GamesRadar

Till next week,

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