Tag: PS5

  • Xbox Expands Cross-Platform Gaming with Two New Titles Next Year

    Xbox Expands Cross-Platform Gaming with Two New Titles Next Year

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xbox is expanding its game offerings to multiple consoles, including the PS5, with titles like Forza Horizon 5 already available.
    2. A job listing hints at two unannounced cross-platform games set for release in 2026, possibly including Gears of War: E-Day and State of Decay 3.
    3. Several games are confirmed or rumored to be coming to PlayStation, including Indiana Jones, Age of Mythology Retold, and potentially Halo: The Master Chief Collection.
    4. Sony is also planning to enhance its multiplatform strategy, searching for a Senior Director to manage PlayStation games across various digital platforms.
    5. Helldivers 2 is confirmed for release on Xbox Series consoles in August.

    Xbox is pushing forward with its plan to bring more games, both old and new, to various consoles, including the PS5. Forza Horizon 5 has already made its way to the PS5, and there are more titles planned for the future. Additionally, the job listing for one of the Senior Game Producers at Xbox Studios hints at two more unannounced games that are in the works.

    The Inside Scoop

    The job profile, first noticed by TheGamer, belongs to Senior Game Producer iAsia Brown, who has been with Xbox Game Studios since August 2022. One notable detail mentions, “Leading development pipelines for two unannounced cross-platform titles set for release in 2026.” However, the LinkedIn profile doesn’t provide much more info, leaving us in the dark about what these titles could be.

    Possible New Releases

    Recent news indicates that Gears of War: E-Day and State of Decay 3 might be headed to PS5, with both games expected to launch in 2026. These could potentially be the two unannounced cross-platform titles mentioned by the Senior Game Producer and their team.

    At this moment, several games are either already available or are on their way to PlayStation consoles, which include titles like Indiana Jones and The Great Circle (already released), Age of Mythology Retold (also released), Gears of War: Reloaded, Doom: The Dark Ages, Hellblade II: Senua’s Saga, and others. Rumors also suggest that Halo: The Master Chief Collection and Starfield might be making their way to the PS5.

    Sony’s Response

    Sony is not sitting idle either; they have their own plans for PlayStation games and are currently searching for a Senior Director, Multiplatform & Account Management. This role will be vital in developing and implementing a global commercial strategy for PlayStation Studios software across all digital platforms outside of PlayStation hardware, including Steam, Epic Games Store, Xbox, Nintendo, and mobile. It’s already confirmed that Helldivers 2 will be launching on Xbox Series consoles this August.

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  • Grounded 2 May Launch on PS5 and Nintendo Switch 2 Soon

    Grounded 2 May Launch on PS5 and Nintendo Switch 2 Soon

    Key Takeaways

    1. Grounded has been popular since its release on September 27, 2022, with a Metacritic score of 7.8, leading to plans for a sequel.
    2. Obsidian’s executive producer, Marcus Morgan, has not confirmed the availability of Grounded 2 on PS5 and Nintendo Switch 2 but hinted it could happen in the future.
    3. Grounded 2 will enter early access on July 29 for PC and Xbox Series, with a timeline similar to the first game’s two-year early access phase.
    4. A new trailer for Grounded 2 highlights the story, focusing on the challenges faced by teenagers due to Ominent’s failed experiments with insects.
    5. Fans are excited about the sequel and the developments it promises, following the success of the original game.

    Since Grounded made its debut on September 27, 2022, it has been quite popular over the years. With a Metacritic score of 7.8, the game laid a solid foundation for a sequel. Obsidian recognized this success and decided to create a second episode that has excited many fans. However, some are questioning if the sequel will also be available on PS5 and Nintendo Switch 2, especially since early access is coming soon for PC and Xbox.

    Inquiry into Future Platforms

    To get clarity on this, Eurogamer took the initiative to ask executive producer Marcus Morgan about the prospects of Grounded 2 being released on PS5 and Nintendo Switch 2. Many believe that such versions are likely, considering that most Xbox titles eventually land on other gaming platforms.

    In response, Marcus Morgan stated, “I can’t talk about it at the moment. But I will say that Grounded 1 is available on all these platforms, so…”. This indicates that there’s no official word yet, and no announcements have been made. Still, the executive producer hinted that it could happen down the line.

    Early Access Phase

    Furthermore, Grounded 2 will enter early access on July 29 for PC and Xbox Series before moving on to other projects. Given that the early access for the first game lasted about two years, it’s reasonable to think the sequel might follow a similar timeline.

    Obsidian appears to be optimistic about this new installment and recently released a trailer. This trailer emphasizes the story, revealing that Ominent’s experiments did not yield the expected results and that the insects were unable to cooperate with the teenagers. This sets the stage for exciting developments in the upcoming title, which fans are sure to enjoy.

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  • Elden Ring: Nightreign Leads June 2025 U.S. Sales, Beats Death Stranding 2

    Elden Ring: Nightreign Leads June 2025 U.S. Sales, Beats Death Stranding 2

    Key Takeaways

    1. Top Seller: Elden Ring: Nightreign became the best-selling video game in the U.S. for June 2025, according to Circana.

    2. Strong Launch: The game launched on May 30, 2025, and sold 3.5 million copies worldwide in its first five days, with 2 million sold on launch day.

    3. Platform Availability: Its success was aided by being available on multiple platforms, including Xbox, PlayStation, and PC.

    4. Appealing Features: Co-op gameplay and new Nightlord bosses attracted fans, with 7.5% of players defeating all Nightlords within the first five days.

    5. Positive Reception: Despite initial criticisms, quality-of-life updates improved player satisfaction, raising Steam reviews to a 78% positive rating.

    Japanese video game creator and publisher FromSoftware has announced that Elden Ring: Nightreign has become the top-selling video game in the United States for June 2025. This information comes from the analytics company Circana, which shared a list of the twenty best-selling video games in the U.S. for that month.

    Launch and Competition

    Elden Ring’s multiplayer co-op spin-off came out on May 30, 2025, and is available on Xbox Series S|X, PlayStation 5, PS4, Xbox One, and PC through Steam. The game surpassed tough rivals like Sony’s PS5 exclusive, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, which landed in the second spot, with Nintendo’s Switch 2 exclusive, Mario Kart World, following close behind.

    The boost in sales for Elden Ring: Nightreign can likely be attributed to its availability on multiple platforms, as it achieved sales of 3.5 million copies worldwide within its first five days, including 2 million on launch day, with 36% of those sales occurring in the U.S. alone.

    Success Factors

    The rapid ascent of the spin-off to the top of the sales charts was not a surprise. The game expands upon the legacy of Elden Ring, which has sold 30 million copies since its debut in 2022. Additionally, the co-op gameplay and the introduction of new Nightlord bosses were particularly appealing to fans of the original game. Remarkably, within five days of its release, 7.5% of Nightreign’s players had already defeated all Nightlords.

    On its first day, the game reached a peak of 313,593 players online at the same time, despite some criticism regarding the initial absence of duo co-op. FromSoftware took note of what players were saying and rolled out several quality-of-life updates, like auto-resurrect features and adjusted leveling curves, which led to an improvement in Steam reviews to a commendable 78% positive rating.

    Overall Market Presence

    The top five best-selling games for June also included titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Stellar Blade, Death Stranding 2, Mario Kart World, and Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, along with Elden Ring and Cyberpunk 2077, the latter benefitting from its launch on the Nintendo Switch 2.

    Even with stiff competition in the gaming sector, FromSoftware maintains its stance in a more demanding market by consistently providing what gamers expect from its titles: challenging yet engaging experiences that boast excellent world-building in gameplay.

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  • Test Drive Unlimited Developer Addresses Low Steam Player Counts

    Test Drive Unlimited Developer Addresses Low Steam Player Counts

    Key Takeaways

    1. Developer Sebastian Waxin suggests that Steam player counts do not accurately reflect the popularity of Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown, emphasizing better performance on PS5.
    2. SteamDB reports disappointing statistics for the game, with a peak of only 5,305 players at launch and daily concurrent players often below 300.
    3. The game has a low average rating of 37.26% on Steam, with issues such as unstable servers and poor optimization affecting player experience.
    4. Test Drive Unlimited has a 2/5 rating on both PlayStation and Xbox stores, with ongoing discussions about performance issues, particularly on the PS5 compared to Xbox Series X.
    5. Nacon plans to continue updates for the game, with new content and missions scheduled for release through July 2026, indicating continued fan interest.

    Whenever a game that spans multiple platforms comes out, a lot of gamers turn to Steam player counts to see how well it’s doing. But, a developer from Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown says we shouldn’t focus too much on those numbers. In an interview with Push Square, Nacon’s Sebastian Waxin mentioned that the game has actually done better on the PS5.

    Developer’s Perspective

    The developer argues that the number of players on Steam doesn’t truly reflect how popular the game is. Since there’s no easy way to access player counts for Xbox and PS5, he believes gamers depend too much on sites like SteamDB. Yet, many readers are doubtful, given that there are no console figures to support Waxin’s statements.

    SteamDB Insights

    Websites such as SteamDB provide in-depth information about every game on Valve’s platform. The statistics for Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown are quite disappointing. The game peaked at just 5,305 players when it launched in September 2024. Interest in the game has since declined, with daily concurrent players typically falling below 300.

    User Reviews

    The Steam ratings for Nacon’s installment in the racing series are not encouraging either, holding an average score of 37.26%. Even with a playtest before it released, the game faced issues with unstable servers. Players have expressed frustration over the always-online requirement. Another common issue is poor optimization, resulting in subpar framerates even on high-end systems.

    After multiple updates, the latest mixed reviews on Steam highlight ongoing performance concerns. Although players can’t leave comments, Test Drive Unlimited maintains around a 2/5 rating on both the PlayStation and Xbox stores. Discussions on Reddit point out the stuttering gameplay that affects the PS5 version, while some users claim that the Xbox Series X offers a superior experience.

    Future Updates

    Nacon’s plans for Test Drive Unlimited indicate that there’s enough interest from fans to justify ongoing updates. Upcoming content set for release through July 2026 includes the return of casino and taxi missions, which are expected to launch in Seasons 4 and 5.

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    Test Drive Unlimited Developer Addresses Low Steam Player Counts

     

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  • No Rest for the Wicked: Xbox Series X Strategy Unclear

    No Rest for the Wicked: Xbox Series X Strategy Unclear

    Key Takeaways

    1. Concerns Over Xbox Series X Sales: Decreasing sales of the Xbox Series X may lead some studios to reconsider multi-platform releases.

    2. Moon Studios’ Uncertainty: CEO Thomas Mahler indicated the Xbox Series X|S version of “No Rest for the Wicked” is now questionable due to market conditions, but the game is still likely to release on all platforms.

    3. Prioritization of PS5: Moon Studios is giving priority to the PS5 for the release of “No Rest for the Wicked.”

    4. Future Xbox Console Rumors: A new Xbox console is rumored for 2027, raising questions about the relevance of current Xbox hardware for developers.

    5. Expanding Game Accessibility: Microsoft is working on making Xbox titles available on various devices, but not all games will run on new handhelds without cloud streaming.

    It has become common for many third-party games to launch on both PlayStation and Xbox systems. However, with the decreasing sales of the Xbox Series X, a few studios might think twice about their plans for releasing on multiple platforms. In an unexpected post on Discord, Thomas Mahler, the CEO of Moon Studios, which is behind the action RPG No Rest for the Wicked, indicated that due to “market conditions,” the Xbox Series X|S version was now questionable.

    Discussion with Microsoft

    Mahler stated that the studio wanted to explore its options with Microsoft. Initially, some gamers thought his announcement meant the game was getting canceled. Thankfully for Xbox enthusiasts, he later made it clear that No Rest for the Wicked will probably be available “on all platforms.” Still, the studio is giving priority to the PS5. Mahler also suggested that the game might launch on the unreleased Switch 2.

    Early Access and Release Date Uncertainty

    The Moon Studios title has been in early access on PCs since April 2024. Players were anticipating an announcement regarding the release date for No Rest for the Wicked on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. However, those plans now appear to be less certain, especially for Xbox consoles.

    Microsoft has been shifting its focus away from its current consoles. As a result, developers may not see the benefit in creating games for these systems anymore. Looking forward, a new Xbox console is rumored to be on the horizon in 2027. Even if this new console is Windows-based, there might not be a clear difference between the PC games and the Xbox titles it supports.

    Expanding Accessibility for Games

    The tech giant is also working to make previously exclusive Xbox titles available on various devices. The upcoming Asus ROG Xbox Ally handheld gaming PC shows this strategy in action. However, it won’t be able to run all Series X and S games without relying on cloud streaming.

    Even past Xbox leaders like Mike Ybarra and Laura Fryer find the Xbox Gaming roadmap puzzling. It’s not surprising that developers such as Moon Studios share similar concerns about the current and future gaming hardware landscape.

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  • Life is Strange Collection Release Date Announced for PS5

    Life is Strange Collection Release Date Announced for PS5

    Key Takeaways

    1. A new Life is Strange Collection featuring five games is set to be released on October 2, 2025.
    2. Pre-orders for the collection are now open at a price of $59.99 on the Square Enix website.
    3. The collection includes Life is Strange, Life is Strange: Before the Storm, Life is Strange 2, Life is Strange: True Colors, and Life is Strange: Double Exposure.
    4. Only Life is Strange: True Colors and Life is Strange: Double Exposure will be available on CD; the first three titles require a download code.
    5. The collection includes all downloadable content (DLC) from the games, but Xbox and Nintendo Switch players will not have access to it.

    Fans of the Life is Strange series will be thrilled to learn that a collection featuring five games from the franchise is set to be released. Additionally, Square Enix has confirmed the release date and that pre-orders are now open.

    Exciting Developments for Fans

    This is fantastic news for the loyal fans, especially since the most recent installment, Life is Strange: Double Exposure, didn’t perform well with players, earning a score of just 4.4 on Metacritic. Consequently, the studio opted to create a new offering, aptly named the Life is Strange Collection.

    A Trend in the Gaming Industry

    It’s worth mentioning that bundling games is not a new concept in the gaming industry; many studios have previously packaged their fan-favorite titles while enhancing graphics and gameplay. However, this marks a first for the Life is Strange series.

    What’s Included in the Collection

    The collection includes Life is Strange, Life is Strange: Before the Storm, along with Life is Strange 2, Life is Strange: True Colors, and Life is Strange: Double Exposure. However, collectors may find themselves slightly disappointed.

    Only the last two titles will be distributed on CD, while the first three require a download code to access. Additionally, it’s notable that all downloadable content (DLC) will be included, similar to what is offered in Life is Strange: Double Exposure, which features alternative outfits for Max Caulfield and a side quest involving a lost cat.

    Availability and Pricing

    The collection is set to hit stores for PS5 on October 2, 2025, but fans can pre-order it for $59.99 through the Square Enix website. Unfortunately, Xbox players and those who own a Nintendo Switch will not have the chance to enjoy this collection.

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  • Forza Horizon 5 PS5 Sales Revealed by Ex-Xbox Employee’s LinkedIn

    Forza Horizon 5 PS5 Sales Revealed by Ex-Xbox Employee’s LinkedIn

    Key Takeaways

    1. Forza Horizon 5 launched on PS5 on April 29, marking its first appearance outside Xbox and PC.
    2. The game sold two million copies on PS5 within one month of its release.
    3. The sales achievement was credited to cross-platform features developed by a former Turn 10 Studios designer.
    4. Turn 10 Studios has undergone significant layoffs, reducing its workforce by half and shifting focus to the Forza Horizon series.
    5. Reports indicate that the Forza Motorsport series may be discontinued, with a new Forza Horizon entry expected next year.

    Earlier this year, Xbox shared that Forza Horizon 5 would be coming to the PS5, almost four years after its debut on Xbox and PC. The game officially appeared on PlayStation 5 on April 29, marking the first Forza title to be offered on a platform outside of Xbox and PC. Recently, a LinkedIn post by an Xbox worker has shown how well the game performed on PlayStation.

    Impressive Sales Figures

    A tweet from Zuby_Tech revealed that Forza Horizon 5 for the PS5 sold a remarkable two million copies within just one month. This information was sourced from the LinkedIn profile of Harrison Bolin, a former game designer at Turn 10 Studios, which is part of Microsoft Game Studios. Sadly, Bolin was part of a recent layoff that affected multiple employees at Xbox.

    In his profile, the designer mentioned that he/she was responsible for creating the cross-platform features that enabled Forza Horizon 5 for the PS5 (available on Amazon for $499) to reach two million sales in just one month. This is a striking achievement for a game that has been out for several years on Xbox. While current total sales figures are unknown, it is likely that they have surpassed two million units, given that it has been over two months since the game’s release on the PS5.

    Turn 10 Studios in Transition

    The recent layoffs at Xbox have significantly impacted Turn 10 Studios, primarily known for the Forza Motorsport series. The studio has seen a reduction of half its workforce and is now primarily focused on supporting the Forza Horizon series. Moreover, reports suggest that the Forza Motorsport series has been discontinued, leaving the open-world Forza Horizon series, which is developed by Playground Games. A new entry in the Forza Horizon series is anticipated to be released next year.

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  • PlayStation Excludes Ghost of Yotei Plates for Original PS5 Owners

    PlayStation Excludes Ghost of Yotei Plates for Original PS5 Owners

    Key Takeaways

    1. Sony has launched limited edition console plates for Ghost of Yotei, causing excitement and some dissatisfaction among original PS5 owners.
    2. The faceplates feature unique designs inspired by Japanese art, with a gold version and a black version available at select retailers.
    3. Original PS5 owners feel neglected as Sony focuses on newer PS5 Slim and Pro models, despite the original model still being popular.
    4. The original PS5 was discontinued in late 2023, only three years after its release, leading to concerns about exclusivity for early adopters.
    5. While some original PS5 users consider third-party faceplates, they can still purchase the limited edition Ghost of Yotei controller, compatible with all PS5 models.

    PlayStation has recently unveiled the limited edition console plates for Ghost of Yotei, creating both excitement and some discontent, particularly among those who possess the original PS5 launch model.

    Shifting Focus for Ghost of Yotei

    As the launch of Sucker Punch’s Ghost of Yotei approaches on October 2, Sony is gearing up with promotional strategies and merchandise for its key titles. The company has announced a range of special edition items, which include two PS5 Slim bundles, matching DualSense controllers, and faceplates designed for both the PS5 Slim and PS5 Pro.

    Unique Designs and Availability

    The Ghost of Yotei faceplates will be available in a stunning gold design inspired by the traditional Japanese art of kintsugi, while the black version draws from sumi-e. The striking brushstrokes on these plates symbolize the character Atsu’s journey throughout the game. However, the black edition is only available at select retailers and through PlayStation Direct.

    Still, a significant number of PS5 players will not be able to take advantage of this offer. Many original PS5 owners have voiced their dissatisfaction online, feeling that Sony has overlooked their launch consoles in favor of the newer PS5 Slim and Pro models.

    The Frustration of Original PS5 Owners

    Many users of the original PS5 feel neglected, even though this model remains popular and accessible on resale markets. This is despite Sony discontinuing it in late 2023, only three years after its debut, and replacing it with the Slim edition.

    This is not the first occasion where Sony has seemingly ignored original PS5 owners. In 2024, the company released exclusive 30th anniversary faceplates for the PS5 Slim and Pro, which left early adopters feeling excluded.

    Some PS5 owners are considering turning to third-party or unofficial faceplates, despite these options lacking the quality and unique features found in Sony’s official offerings. However, original PS5 users can still purchase the limited edition Ghost of Yotei controller, which is compatible with all PS5 models.

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  • Try the Highly Anticipated Game for Free Before PS5 Release

    Try the Highly Anticipated Game for Free Before PS5 Release

    Key Takeaways

    1. The new installment of Coffee Talk, titled Coffee Talk Tokyo, features gameplay in a Japanese setting, enhancing the narrative experience.
    2. A free demo of Coffee Talk Tokyo is available on PS5 and Xbox Series for players to try before the full release.
    3. The storytelling in the game is entrusted to a different studio, adding depth to customer interactions and narratives.
    4. The full version of Coffee Talk Tokyo is speculated to release by the end of 2025 across multiple platforms.
    5. The previous game in the series, Coffee Talk Episode 2, received a Metacritic score of 76 and is known for its relaxing atmosphere and soothing music.

    There are a lot of games available in the PS5 library, so players can find something that suits their taste. Now, there’s a chance to sample a new game for free before its official launch. If you love stories, this is one you won’t want to miss.

    A New Chapter in Coffee Talk

    The latest installment, Coffee Talk, is starting to gain buzz, particularly regarding its gameplay mechanics. A demo is now accessible on both PS5 and Xbox Series.

    In this edition, Coffee Talk Tokyo, you’ll immerse yourself in Japan, also known as the land of the rising sun. This setting allows you to explore the unique atmosphere of Japanese bars while experiencing a rich narrative brought to you by Chorus Worldwide Games Limited. Interestingly, Toge Production, who developed the game, has entrusted another studio with the storytelling aspect. This means you need to pay attention to your customers’ narratives, as some contain unexpected twists, and you’ll uncover much about both your regulars and newcomers.

    Try It for Free

    If you’re eager to give it a shot, the demo is available at no cost on PS5 and Xbox Series. As for when the full version will be released, not much information is out yet; however, it is speculated that it might come out by the end of 2025 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Series X, S, and Nintendo Switch.

    Just a quick reminder, the second game in this series, titled Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly, received a Metacritic score of 76 and was set in an alternate Seattle, where various creatures coexisted with humans. Your task was to serve beverages like tea, coffee, and hot chocolate while listening to the stories of your customers, showing them empathy. It’s important to mention that the soothing music in this version created a relaxing environment, allowing players to enjoy each moment fully. It’s clear that the same soothing vibes will be present in this new episode taking place in Japan.

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