Month: June 2025

Concord has emerged as one of PlayStation’s most notable failures in recent years. In light of this, Hermen Hulst, CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment, assured that the company has learned from past mistakes. While Sony has a reputation for successful single-player titles like The Last of Us and God of War, it has recently shifted its focus toward live-service games, despite the setbacks with Concord.

The company remains optimistic about the future of its live service endeavors. The hero shooter Concord struggled to make a lasting impression on gamers and was short-lived, shutting down just a month after its release on September 6, 2024. The closure of its developer, Firewalk Studios, soon followed.

Hulst offered some clarity on the game’s downfall during a Q&A with investors. He noted that the game entered a fiercely competitive market without sufficient differentiation from other titles. This sentiment aligns with the feedback from players who found Concord bland and lacking in innovation.

According to Thaddeus Sasser, director of Marvel Rivals, Concord fell short of adding unique value to the genre, which is essential for any game hoping to stand out in a crowded landscape. Despite these challenges, PlayStation is committed to its live-service strategy, with multiple titles underway. Hulst emphasized the company’s reflection on its approach post-Concord, reassuring investors that “we’re not gonna make the same mistakes again.”

While he was not specific about the changes, he highlighted an intensified vetting process for new opportunities. He pointed to Helldivers 2 as a successful example of the genre, noting that its player count surged following recent updates. Concerns also linger around Bungie’s upcoming title, Marathon, with some fans dubbing it “Concord 2.0.”

Early tests have yielded mixed reviews, but Hulst stated the company is actively monitoring feedback and utilizing it to improve the game. The fate of Marathon and future PlayStation live-service projects remains uncertain, but the leadership appears confident in implementing a refined strategy.

GameStop customers who have purchased video games online over the past five years may be eligible to receive either cash or store credit under a proposed $4.5 million settlement stemming from a class action lawsuit. This settlement is currently under review by the Supreme Court of New York. Although the amount each customer is likely to receive is minimal—up to $5 in cash or $10 in online store credit—it does provide a form of recompense for affected individuals.

Over the years, GameStop has seen a decline in physical store sales and has closed many of its outlets since reaching its peak in 2015. In response to the shift toward digital media, the company has enhanced its online platform. However, issues regarding the management of its website have allegedly led to legal troubles, resulting in this class action lawsuit.

Customers who also use Facebook may have already received notifications about the settlement from the email address [email protected]. This case, Aldana et al. v. GameStop, Inc., revolves around allegations that GameStop violated the Video Privacy Protection Act by sharing customer personal information with Facebook through the Meta Pixel tracking system.

The relevant timeframe for impacted online purchases is from August 18, 2020, to April 17, 2025, and only customers who used their actual names on Facebook are considered part of the settlement class. Individuals who purchased games solely at physical stores will not be affected. GameStop maintains its position that no laws were violated but has agreed to settle to avert costly litigation.

A fairness hearing is set for September 18, 2025, where the court will decide on the approval of the settlement. Those wishing to accept the compensation must respond by August 15, and accepting the compensation will preclude further legal action related to the same issue. Compounding GameStop’s challenges, a recent incident revealed that some consoles were damaged due to faulty handling by employees, prompting a commitment to replace the affected consoles.

Fans of life simulation games are in for a treat as InZOI has just received its first price reduction since it debuted in early access on Steam. Many players view InZOI as a viable competitor to The Sims 4, though some have expressed disappointment regarding its current content level. Nevertheless, developers have plans to introduce more features before the game’s full launch. InZOI made its early access debut for PC on March 28, attracting a strong player base initially.

Many players were captivated by the game’s realistic graphics and organized gameplay. However, interest waned soon after as players discovered that they had already explored most of the available features. This has led many to hold off until further content is released. Interestingly, a potential new feature from The Sims 4’s upcoming Enchanted by Nature Expansion Pack could provide InZOI with fresh gameplay elements to enhance its offerings.

In light of these ongoing developments, the recent price cut could be just the incentive new players need to dive in. Currently, InZOI is available for $35.99, down from $39.99, with this limited-time offer ending on June 26. The decision to reduce the price may relate to recent declines in player engagement. Following a peak of over 87,000 players at launch, concurrent player counts dropped sharply.

By early June, only about 1,500 to 2,000 players were active on peak days. However, the price cut has had a positive impact, with player numbers climbing back above 3,300, marking the highest levels since May. Another significant factor contributing to the revival of player interest is the recent June patch. This update introduces substantial new content, including 175 new building items and enhancements to the functionality of characters, providing players with new family-building options and updated gameplay mechanics.

All of these changes, coupled with the price reduction, may signal a promising future for InZOI.

In an intriguing turn of events, the Russo brothers played a pivotal role in bringing Thanos to Fortnite after conducting an extensive five-hour phone conversation with Donald Mustard. Initially, Epic Games was not keen on introducing outside characters to the game. However, after this lengthy discussion, Mustard, who was the chief creative officer at the time, changed his perspective, leading to Thanos’s inclusion in the popular battle royale.

This shift in approach allowed Fortnite to explore numerous collaborations with various franchises, expanding its universe significantly. Recently, Fortnite concluded its Galactic Battle mini-season, featuring an extensive collaboration with Star Wars that transformed the game’s loot pool with Star Wars-themed weapons and introduced numerous iconic locations and characters into the environment. With the excitement surrounding these collaborations, rumors suggest that the next mini-season might bring The Simpsons into Fortnite, with a map likely inspired by Springfield.

In addition to the anticipated collaboration with The Simpsons, Fortnite fans have more to look forward to. Leaks indicate that characters from shows like King of the Hill, Bob’s Burgers, and Family Guy will debut in the game on June 13, marking a significant crossover event with Fox’s animated properties. The impact of the Russo brothers’ fateful phone call cannot be overstated; it not only changed Fortnite’s trajectory but also influenced the gaming industry as a whole.

Collaboration skins, items, and events are now commonplace in many titles. With a plethora of new content and collaborations on the horizon, fans are eager to see what the future holds for Fortnite.

Recent leaks have provided gamers with potential insights into the launch date and pricing of the Xbox ROG Ally handheld. For some time, there have been speculations surrounding Xbox’s development of a handheld device that could compete with the Steam Deck and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. This was officially confirmed during last week’s Xbox Games Showcase at the Summer Game Fest 2025. The new handheld is being created in collaboration with Asus, a well-known manufacturer that previously produced its own portable gaming device, the ROG Ally.

The Xbox ROG Ally handheld promises to enable players to carry their entire Xbox game libraries, including the extensive Xbox Game Pass collection, along with games from third-party platforms such as Steam, GOG, and Ubisoft Connect. Interestingly, this setup means that Xbox users may also have access to major PlayStation titles like God of War and Marvel’s Spider-Man, which have been released on Steam. Though an exact release date hasn’t been established, the initial announcement indicated a potential store launch during the holiday season of 2025. Gaming insider eXtas1s recently shared updates about the Xbox ROG Ally on their YouTube channel, citing information from two European retailers.

According to these sources, pre-orders for the handheld are expected to open in August, with the official launch set for October. The prices for the devices are estimated at €599 for the standard white Xbox Ally model and €899 for the enhanced Xbox Ally X model. While the estimated European prices could translate to about $692 and $1,039, respectively, it is important to note that these figures have not been confirmed. The two models differ in specifications, with the standard version featuring an AMD Ryzen X2A processor and 512 GB of storage, while the Xbox Ally X comes with an AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor and 1TB of storage.

Until more reliable information becomes available, gamers are advised to treat these details cautiously. Meanwhile, fans of Hollow Knight: Silksong are eagerly awaiting the handheld’s launch, as the game is expected to release before the Xbox ROG Ally.

On June 13, a new Mystery Gift Code event was launched for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, allowing trainers to acquire the popular seventh-generation Pokemon, Incineroar, without any extra cost. Players have until June 20 to redeem this special critter. Incineroar, known as the Heel Pokemon, made its first appearance in Pokemon Sun and Moon as the final evolution of Litten and Torracat. This dual-type Fire and Dark Pokemon draws inspiration from professional wrestling, making it a favorite in competitive battles, particularly with the strategic options introduced by Tera types in Scarlet and Violet.

For trainers who have the Indigo Disk DLC, Incineroar can typically be obtained by capturing a Litten in the Terarium and evolving it. In addition to this exciting event, players are encouraged to consider the Switch 2, which offers enhanced features to aid in Shiny Hunting. To commemorate the ongoing 2025 North American International Championships in New Orleans, another Mystery Gift Code became available this June. This code, “NA1C25C0NPER1SH,” unlocks a unique Incineroar previously used by content creator Wolfe Glick during his title defense at the 2024 Europe International Championships.

This Incineroar is equipped with a Bug-type Tera type, the hidden ability Intimidate, and notable moves such as Protect, Parting Shot, Flare Blitz, and Fake Out. Additionally, it comes with Safety Goggles, preventing certain move effects, and a special Partner Ribbon, allowing trainers to recognize it as “Wolfe’s Incineroar.” In tandem with these offers, trainers can also seek other active Mystery Gift Codes, including Wei Chyr’s Rillaboom and various version-exclusive Rotom Phone Cases. As the year progresses, fans of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet can look forward to more surprises, including an upcoming opportunity to claim Flutter Mane during the Japan Championships on June 21 and 22.

Bethesda has recently reduced the prices of two beloved titles in the Elder Scrolls franchise: Oblivion and Morrowind. This move comes in the wake of the renewed interest generated by the launch of Oblivion Remastered, which has significantly boosted the series’ popularity. The Elder Scrolls series began with The Elder Scrolls: Arena in 1994, followed by Daggerfall in 1996, which featured a vast, procedurally generated world. In contrast, Morrowind, released in 2002, offered a meticulously crafted version of the island of Vvardenfell and is often regarded as one of the best entries in the series.

The franchise reached new heights in 2006 with Oblivion and continued to soar with the release of Skyrim, which has sold over 60 million copies worldwide. Currently, Bethesda has slashed the prices of both The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind and The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion from $15 to $10. These price reductions appear to be permanent, as the games maintain this new price across various platforms. Historically, both titles have been offered at lower prices, suggesting that this change may not be a temporary promotion.

The decision to lower prices likely coincides with the excitement surrounding Oblivion Remastered, which has reportedly sold more units in its initial month than the original version did in an entire year. Interestingly, despite this revival, many gamers are still opting to revisit Skyrim, which recently saw a higher peak player count than Oblivion Remastered. This trend underscores a continued passion for the classic entries in the series, making the current discounts a perfect opportunity for fans to explore Morrowind or compare the remastered version of Oblivion with the original. However, fans are still waiting for news regarding The Elder Scrolls 6, which has yet to receive a release date.

Since its announcement over 2,500 days ago, anticipation has only grown, with speculation surrounding its storyline. While many rumors suggest that the next adventure may take place in Hammerfell, concrete details from Bethesda remain elusive, leaving fans eager for updates.

As Konami seeks to reintroduce Metal Gear Solid to a broader audience, the anticipation surrounding the franchise is palpable. The Metal Gear series has captured the attention of many gamers, each with their own unique memories and experiences tied to it. For some, the standout feature that draws them in is the multiplayer aspect.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, the latest installment in the celebrated franchise, aims to cater to this audience with a brand-new mode specifically designed for fans of Metal Gear Online. This addition is expected to add a fresh layer of excitement and engagement to the gameplay, enhancing the overall experience for players who cherish the competitive multiplayer elements that the series offers. The focus on multiplayer is a strategic move by Konami, acknowledging the demands and preferences of their loyal fanbase.

By incorporating this new mode, they hope to not only attract returning players but also draw in newcomers who are eager to explore the rich world that Metal Gear Solid is known for. In conclusion, as the release of Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater approaches, players can look forward to thrilling new features, particularly for those who enjoy multiplayer gameplay. With high hopes riding on this installment, fans are eager to see how Konami will blend nostalgia with innovative gameplay, ensuring that Metal Gear Solid continues to resonate with both old and new fans alike.

Overwatch 2 is generating excitement as it officially teases Season 17, titled “Powered Up!” The reveal trailer for this highly anticipated season is set to premiere on June 17.

Inspired by classic arcade games, Season 17 is poised to bring fresh content to the popular multiplayer game, with its launch scheduled for June 24. Fans have already been briefed on several new features coming with this update, including the introduction of the new Aatlis map tailored for the Flashpoint game mode, as well as three new heroes that will debut in Stadium.

However, the specifics regarding the title and overarching theme of Season 17 have remained largely under wraps until now. A recent short video shared on Twitter provided a glimpse into what players can expect.

The video features a dark and stormy night in Busan, focusing on an arcade game that suddenly becomes electrified. The footage concludes with the tagline “Insert Coin,” followed by a reimagined version of the Overwatch elimination skull, leading to the official title reveal for Season 17.

From the teaser, players can infer that several skins in Season 17 will draw inspiration from classic arcade aesthetics. Previous concept art indicated potential 8-bit skins for notable heroes like D.Va, Sombra, Genji, and Reinhardt.

Interestingly, Blizzard had previously revealed a Mythic skin for D.Va at the Overwatch 2 Spotlight event, which is inspired by the White Tiger of the West, rather than an arcade theme. Players won’t have to wait long to discover the full details.

The upcoming trailer on June 17 is expected to showcase skins available in the Battle Pass and store, highlight key features of the update, and possibly hint at a new collaboration event. With the official update coming on June 24, fans can also look forward to a Mythic Weapon skin for Reaper and additional content for the Flashpoint maps later in the season.

Gears of War: Reloaded is set to make its debut on Sony consoles with a physical release for PlayStation 5, which is a notable departure from its absence on Xbox Series X/S versions. Scheduled for launch on August 26 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, this newly remastered edition revitalizes the first installment of the acclaimed third-person shooter series. This marks the series’ second remaster, the first being 2015’s Gears of War: Ultimate Edition. This shift signifies yet another former Xbox-exclusive franchise making its way to PlayStation, as evidenced by Forza Horizon 5 racing onto Sony consoles on April 28.

The introduction of Gears of War: Reloaded on PlayStation confirms part of a rumor that circulated earlier this year regarding the potential arrival of both Halo and Gears of War on PS5. However, it remains uncertain if characters like Master Chief and Cortana will follow after almost 14 years of Xbox exclusivity, despite Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer stating that all first-party franchises are possible candidates for expansion. Interestingly, Gears of War: Reloaded will miss its PlayStation 5 release in specific regions, adding to the confusion. According to reports, pre-orders for the physical edition are exclusively available for the PS5, with both physical and digital pre-orders priced at $39.99.

Notably, players who opt for the digital version will gain access to an exclusive multiplayer beta scheduled for June 13 to 15, along with two character skins based on key figures from the game’s narrative. In addition, Xbox is rewarding dedicated fans who own the digital version of Gears of War: Ultimate Edition with free codes for the new release. Residents with Game Pass Ultimate or Game Pass PC memberships will also enjoy pre-order benefits, such as the multiplayer beta and access to special skins. While it’s uncertain if an Xbox physical release will happen, Gears of War: Reloaded is set to be an essential play for both new and returning players.

With enhanced graphics, including 4K resolution and 60 FPS for single player, as well as all post-launch content, it’s an exciting time to dive into this iconic action shooter.