PlayStation’s venture into live-service games began a few years ago, leading to major releases like Helldivers 2  earlier this year. However, the company's efforts in this space have been less successful than anticipated. When examining the lineup of games released and announced, it’s evident that Helldivers 2  is an outlier. Over half of PlayStation's live-service projects have either failed or been canceled. PlayStation has likely invested millions into these projects. Concord  alone had a budget exceeding $100 million, and these setbacks could pose long-term challenges for the company. Many of these projects are either still in development or have been canceled, with six major cancellations so far. Among them, Spider-Man: The Great Web was scrapped early on, while Naughty Dog’s multiplayer ambitions for The Last of Us 2 were halted much later, and London Studio was recently shuttered. Deviation Games also faced layoffs, resulting in another canceled title. Leaks suggest that Twisted Metal  is no longer in production, and Payback —a Destiny  spin-off by Bungie—was canceled early in its development. Meanwhile, both Concord  and Destruction All-Stars  flopped post-launch. Although Foamstars  was not a first-party title, it was marketed as a PlayStation exclusive. After a lukewarm reception, Square Enix transitioned the game to a free-to-play model. In total, 9 out of 16 live-service projects have failed. Sony acquired Bungie for its live-service expertise, but even Bungie’s upcoming project Marathon is reportedly facing difficulties. Meanwhile, Fairgame$ seems at risk of following Concord’s trajectory, though PlayStation still has time to adjust its strategy. As for titles from Guerrilla Games and Bend Studio, little is known at this point. PlayStation’s live-service efforts haven’t panned out as hoped, and it seems the company is scaling back its ambitions. Moving forward, PlayStation plans to release six major live-service titles by 2026.

Sony has officially unveiled the PlayStation 5 Pro, a mid-generation upgrade for its current gaming console. During a technical presentation led by system architect Mark Cerny, Sony announced the PS5 Pro's release date, price, specifications, and more. The presentation, lasting just 9 minutes, covered all the key details about the new PlayStation. The brief video, available on YouTube, showcases the PlayStation 5 Pro in great detail. Touted as the "most powerful console" PlayStation has ever created, the PS5 Pro introduces PSSR upscaling, enhanced ray-tracing, an upgraded GPU, and additional improvements. R elease Date Sony has confirmed that the PlayStation 5 Pro will be released on November 7, 2024, just in time for the holiday season. This comes four years after the original PS5, a year longer than the three-year gap between the PS4 and PS4 Pro. Specifications In addition to the release date, Sony confirmed the long-rumored specs of the PS5 Pro, which significantly enhance the base model. Here are the official specs: Storage 2TB SSD CPU 8 Core AMD Zen 2, boost-clocked up to 3.85 GHz GPU RDNA 2 GPU with 60 Compute Units RAM 13.7GB (shared between system and games) Bandwidth 576GB/s Ports HDMI 2.1, USB-C x 2, USB-A x 2 (10Gbps) Expansion Slots NVMe SSD slot, USB HDD/SSD support via USB 3.1/USB-C 3.1 Connectivity Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 Price The PS5 Pro will retail for $699.99/£699.99/€799.99. For comparison, the original PS5 launched at $399.99 for the Digital Edition and $499.99 for the Standard Edition, making the Pro a pricier but more advanced option. Design The PlayStation 5 Pro closely resembles the current PS5 Slim in terms of design. As previously leaked, it features a tall white chassis with three black stripes on the side. Notably, the PS5 Pro does not include a built-in disc drive. Players who wish to use physical media will need to purchase an external disc drive, which Sony will sell separately.

This year has been tough for the gaming industry, and Microsoft's gaming division appears to be no exception. After a significant 8% staff reduction earlier this year, a new report reveals that an additional 650 jobs have been cut from the company's gaming sector. According to an internal email from Phil Spencer, head of Microsoft's gaming division, these layoffs primarily impact corporate and support roles, particularly within Activision-Blizzard, following the $69 billion acquisition in October 2023. “As part of aligning our post-acquisition team structure and managing our business, we have made the decision to eliminate approximately 650 roles across Microsoft Gaming—mostly corporate and supporting functions—to organize our business for long-term success," Spencer explained in the email. He emphasized that these cuts will not affect Xbox leadership or the gaming teams, and no games, devices, or experiences will be canceled. This latest wave of layoffs adds to the already substantial job cuts seen across the gaming industry this year. Microsoft had previously laid off 1,900 employees, impacting various roles, and also shut down several studios, including Tango Gameworks. Fortunately, Tango was later acquired by Krafton, along with its Hi-Fi Rush IP. We hope those affected by these layoffs are able to find new opportunities soon.

OpenAI has unveiled a new series of AI models called o1, specifically designed to enhance problem-solving abilities and improve complex reasoning skills. According to OpenAI, o1 represents a major advancement in AI technology, offering a more human-like approach to tackling challenges. But does it truly live up to this claim? Pygame, a game engine built on the widely accessible Python programming language, is often a gateway for beginners learning game development. Given its relatively straightforward nature, it’s the perfect testing ground for an AI model’s coding abilities. In a video shared on X, researcher Jason Wei gave the o1 preview a prompt: "Use Pygame to make a game called 'Squirrel Finder.'" He described the game's core mechanics, what should appear on the screen, and even provided a few PNG images for use as graphics. OpenAI o1 produced functioning game code, albeit basic, which could be pasted into a text editor and run using the Pygame engine. One standout feature of the o1 models is their ability to take more time to contemplate before responding. This allows them to refine their approach, identify errors, and deliver more precise solutions. In extensive testing, the o1 models have excelled in fields like science, coding, and mathematics. As OpenAI explains: "OpenAI o1 thinks before it answers and can generate a long internal chain-of-thought before responding to users." Though still in its early stages, the o1 series has already outperformed earlier AI models in reasoning. OpenAI has even reset its naming system to emphasize the significance of this leap in AI capabilities. Safety and ethics have been central to the development of the o1 models, which is crucial given the rising concerns about AI technologies. OpenAI has implemented a new safety training approach that relies on the models’ reasoning to ensure adherence to ethical guidelines. To minimize risks, rigorous testing and evaluation protocols are in place. If developed responsibly, the o1 models could mark a major milestone in AI's evolution.

Bandai Namco and Dimps have revealed Freedom Wars Remastered , an updated version of the 2014 PS Vita action RPG from Sony Interactive Entertainment, which includes all previously released downloadable content. The remastered edition is set to launch for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam on January 9, 2025, in Japan, followed by a global release on January 10. In a bleak future where the world is ravaged by pollution and stripped of natural resources, humanity is confined to massive prison cities called Panopticons. Citizens, branded as "Sinners," are sentenced to a million years simply for existing. Players take on the role of these Sinners, fighting in dangerous combat missions to earn their freedom by securing dwindling resources for their Panopticons. In an interview with PlayStation Blog Japan, Takashi Tsukamoto, the director of the original Freedom Wars and development producer for the remastered version, shared some insights into the project. "We’ve wanted to create a sequel ever since the original release, but the opportunity never arose. Now, with Bandai Namco as the publisher and the 10th anniversary approaching, the timing felt right to revisit the game." Tsukamoto also addressed why Bandai Namco is publishing Freedom Wars Remastered  instead of Sony, the original publisher. "We [Dimps] acquired the license from Sony Interactive Entertainment to remaster the game and were searching for a publisher. Bandai Namco stepped in and generously offered to take on that role." With its blend of fast-paced action, deep customization, and strategic multiplayer, Freedom Wars Remastered  promises to deliver an enhanced experience for both new and returning players.

Nintendo, in collaboration with The Pokémon Company, has officially announced a lawsuit against PocketPair, the developers of Palworld . In a statement posted on the NintendoCoLtd account on X, Nintendo revealed that they filed a patent infringement lawsuit in the Tokyo District Court on September 18, 2024. The lawsuit seeks an injunction to halt further infringements and to secure damages, claiming that Palworld  infringes on multiple Nintendo patents. This development was expected by many, with the only surprise being how long it took to happen. Palworld  launched in January 2024, and later that same month, The Pokémon Company began investigating the game. The controversy stems from the game's "Pals," which bear a striking resemblance to many of Pokémon's iconic creatures, blurring the line between inspiration and theft. Despite this, Palworld  has garnered over 274,000 reviews on Steam and maintains a "Very Positive" rating. In a related issue, Nintendo has previously dealt with PocketPair when users began modding the game to include Pokémon and other Nintendo-themed content. These mods were swiftly removed after Nintendo intervened. The future of Palworld  remains uncertain, as the game could face delisting or become unavailable depending on the court’s decision. Nintendo's statement on the matter was brief but clear: "Nintendo will continue to take necessary actions against any infringement of its intellectual property rights, including the Nintendo brand itself, to protect the intellectual properties it has worked hard to establish over the years." Given Nintendo’s history of aggressively protecting its intellectual property, especially against fan games and similar products, it’s no surprise they are pursuing legal action against PocketPair. Over the years, Nintendo has issued numerous cease-and-desist orders to creators of Nintendo-inspired content, and this case is likely to follow the same assertive path. What surprises many, however, is how long it took for this lawsuit to materialize. Fans have pointed out that several Pals in Palworld  look unmistakably similar to Pokémon like Electabuzz, Wooloo, Yamper, and Eevee. Many of the creature designs seem either directly inspired by or a combination of existing Pokémon from various generations. As the legal battle begins, the controversy surrounding Palworld  continues to unfold on social media. We will update you with any statements from PocketPair regarding the lawsuit.

Take-Two Interactive's chairman, Strauss Zelnick, and president, Karl Slatoff, are set to collect $43 million for their management fund, ZMC, even after cutting 5% of the company’s workforce. In a recent letter to shareholders, Zelnick boasted about the "tremendous growth" expected in the coming years, largely thanks to the anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto VI. However, this optimism comes after laying off 550 employees and spending $460 million to acquire Gearbox. Despite these costs, Zelnick and Slatoff also secured a $25 million 'performance-based bonus' for ZMC. This information was disclosed in the same report where Zelnick’s letter appeared. It outlined that for fiscal 2024, ZMC received a $3.3 million annual management fee, along with a chance for an additional $2.8 million performance-based incentive, tied exclusively to company performance metrics. Moreover, ZMC was granted $25 million in performance-based restricted stock units (RSUs) and $12.4 million in time-vested RSUs. While these RSUs will take several years to fully vest, it's notable that had Take-Two’s performance been even stronger, ZMC could have earned up to $79.2 million. Earlier this year, Zelnick told IGN that Take-Two had "no current plans" for mass layoffs and that no firm decisions had been made. Yet, just a month later, the company bought Borderlands studio Gearbox for $460 million, followed by layoffs affecting 550 employees, with the corporation projecting savings of up to $165 million as a result. These layoffs occurred just 10 days after the end of the fiscal year, the same year in which ZMC received $25 million in ‘performance-based’ RSUs—a plan that had been discussed as early as February. Zelnick also noted that Take-Two's largest expense is marketing, which the company aims to "optimize." Shortly after this, the potential closure of Roll7 was hinted at, a move some have described as an “insulting rug pull.” According to the 2022 Management Agreement, Zelnick may not receive more than 60% of the total compensation paid to ZMC, while Slatoff’s share is capped at 40%. Both executives also earn an annual salary of just $1 from Take-Two Interactive, giving them access to “certain and other plan benefits.” ZMC is described as a "leading investor in and operator of media, entertainment, communications, and technology businesses" and is largely responsible for overseeing Take-Two’s executive management. The irony isn't lost on me that some of the best parts of Grand Theft Auto  are its satirical jabs at corporate figures like Zelnick and Slatoff.

Catch the State of Play today, September 24, on YouTube and Twitch for news and updates on over 20 upcoming PS5 and PS VR2 titles from studios worldwide! The 30+ minute event kicks off at 3 PM PT / 6 PM ET | September 25 at 12 AM CEST / 7 AM JST, and will be streamed in both English and Japanese. Don’t miss it! The broadcast may feature copyrighted content like licensed music, which could impact co-streams or saved videos. If you plan to upload clips or recap videos, we recommend excluding any copyrighted music to avoid issues.

The Prince of Persia  franchise began in 1989, captivating gamers with its side-scrolling action. Created by Jordan Mechner, the original game featured fluid animations and innovative gameplay, combining platforming, sword fighting, and time-based challenges. Over the years, the series evolved, with notable entries like Prince of Persia 3D  in 1999 and the critically acclaimed Sands of Time  in 2003, which introduced the iconic rewind mechanic. Ubisoft’s acquisition in 2001 brought new life to the franchise, developing sequels such as Warrior Within  and The Two Thrones , each pushing the boundaries of action-adventure gaming. With intricate combat systems, acrobatic platforming, and a rich narrative, these games established Prince of Persia  as a cornerstone of the genre. The Sands of Time  (2003) follows the story of a prince who, under the manipulation of an evil vizier, unleashes the Sands of Time, which transform people into monsters. The prince must navigate a palace filled with traps and enemies, wielding the Dagger of Time to manipulate time itself. The game’s blend of acrobatic platforming, sword combat, and time-bending powers set it apart, making it a massive success. In Warrior Within  (2004), a darker sequel, the prince faces an incarnation of fate known as the Dahaka. As he seeks to change his destiny, the gameplay emphasizes brutal combat and time travel mechanics. The series reached a thrilling conclusion in The Two Thrones  (2005), where the prince battles his inner demons while trying to save Babylon, blending acrobatics, combat, and a darker narrative with a dual personality mechanic. From humble beginnings to a 3D action-adventure staple, Prince of Persia  has left an indelible mark on gaming history. Each entry in the series brought innovation, from its fluid animations and platforming to its revolutionary time mechanics, solidifying its legacy as one of the greatest franchises of all time.

The Nintendo Switch 2 was reportedly close to being powered by AMD, but the company lost its bid to produce the next-generation console, according to rumors circulating online. The decision was allegedly due to concerns over handheld mode performance and power efficiency. According to a video shared by Moore's Law is Dead, AMD's chip was passed over because of its performance and efficiency at 5 watts. AMD reportedly suggested pushing the handheld mode to 15 watts for next-gen performance, but Nintendo was reluctant, as this would require a larger battery, making the console bulkier. In the end, NVIDIA's chip delivered comparable power with better efficiency and at a lower cost, which aligned with Nintendo's need to keep the system affordable. Battery life is expected to be a key feature of the Nintendo Switch 2. Leaks from last week suggest the console will feature a 20Wh battery, slightly larger than the original Switch, while consuming significantly less power in handheld mode, leading to longer battery life compared to its predecessor. With rumors gaining momentum, an official announcement for the Nintendo Switch 2 seems imminent. Stay tuned for the latest updates on the new system.

On September 19th, Sony unveiled a stunning lineup of new hardware celebrating PlayStation's legacy. The collection includes a PS5 Pro, PS5 Digital Edition, DualSense Edge controller, DualSense controller, and PS Portal, all featuring the iconic grey color from the original PlayStation. Pre-orders for all items in the PlayStation 30th Anniversary Collection open today on September 26th, 2024, coinciding with the launch of standard PS5 Pro pre-orders. Purchases will be available exclusively through PS Direct in the US, UK, France, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Austria. The DualSense controller can also be pre-ordered from select retailers starting September 26th, while the PS5 Digital Edition will be available for pre-order at participating retailers starting October 10th. If you're outside these countries, you can pre-order from participating retailers beginning September 26th.

In a recent interview, Ghost of Tsushima  creative directors Nate Fox and Jason Connell confirmed that the game has sold over 13 million copies worldwide. They also discussed the newly announced sequel, Ghost of Yotei , and shared how they had envisioned it as a spiritual successor to the original game. Fox explained that when the team began work on the sequel, their primary focus was on defining the "DNA of a Ghost game." For them, this meant immersing players in the romance and beauty of feudal Japan. To capture the right setting for the new game, the team made several trips to northern Japan. After visiting over a dozen locations, they ultimately chose Mount Yotei for its breathtaking scenery. Ghost of Tsushima  has not only earned critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase but also praise from notable Japanese developers. During a recent radio show appearance, Final Fantasy  creator Hironobu Sakaguchi and Dragon Quest  creator Yuji Horii expressed their admiration for the game. A film adaptation of Ghost of Tsushima  is also in the works, with director Chad Stahelski revealing last year that the script was complete after two years of development. He added that the production team was close to moving forward with the project. Ghost of Tsushima  was initially released for PlayStation 4 on July 17, 2020. An expanded Director’s Cut, including the Iki Island expansion, launched for both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 on August 20, 2021. The Director’s Cut PC version, developed by Nixxes Software, was released on May 16, 2024.