[GAMING]

Sony dropped multiple clues about PlayStation's next generation on June 5th, suggesting a handheld device could be part of the PS6 strategy. The move comes as both Sony and Microsoft prepare next-gen consoles amid rising prices and industry uncertainty.

IO Interactive, the stealth masters behind Hitman, has created a triumphant James Bond origin story that rivals the franchise's cinematic adventures. 007 First Light launches on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation 5.

EverQuest, a foundational MMORPG from over 25 years ago, is experiencing a resurgence as its most dedicated players drive the franchise forward. EverQuest Legends enters preorder beta ahead of a July 28th release.

Cloud Imperium Games' space MMO Star Citizen has reached $1 billion in lifetime funding after 12 years in development. The game remains in alpha with no confirmed release date.

Microsoft's Game Pass subscription service is adding Subnautica 2 and Forza Horizon 6 in May, alongside titles like Mixtape. Discord's Nitro subscription now bundles a version of Game Pass with its premium tier.

Palworld has reached version 1.0 as the creature-catching game continues its momentum. This week's indie roundup also features Tiny Bookshop's mobile expansion and other notable releases.

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is launching on Mac, expanding the classic real-time strategy game's platform availability next month.

Subnautica 2 will enter early access on May 14, marking the long-awaited arrival of the sequel to the acclaimed underwater exploration game.

Valve's Steam Machine verification system has left numerous resource-intensive games without ratings on Steam Deck compatibility. Dozens of titles too demanding for the handheld remain unverified.

Pokémon Go demonstrated its original vision of mass player cooperation at its 10th anniversary event in Times Square, where nearly 2,000 players gathered to battle Mewtwo together.

Valve has significantly increased Steam Deck pricing due to rising memory and storage costs. The 512GB OLED model now costs $789, up from $549, while the 1TB model costs $949, up from $649.

Sony announced it will stop manufacturing physical PlayStation games by 2028, marking a significant shift toward digital-only distribution. The decision eliminates a major collector ecosystem and raises industry concerns about digital ownership.

Nintendo will discontinue Mario Kart Tour on September 30, ending service for the mobile racing game. The company has no plans to release an offline version.

Microsoft has laid off the idTech team at id Software as part of broader restructuring at Bethesda. Up to 50 percent of some teams have been affected, with additional cuts potentially coming.

Microsoft is cutting 3,200 Xbox jobs and divesting studios after its Game Pass subscription strategy underperformed. Despite spending nearly $80 billion on content deals, players largely stick with a few core titles rather than exploring the service's full library.

id Software, the studio behind Doom, is reportedly cutting its workforce in half as part of broader restructuring at Xbox. The layoffs come as Microsoft continues to reshape its gaming division.

Microsoft's decade-long strategy to build a Netflix-style gaming service through major acquisitions has collapsed, leading to significant workforce reductions. The company spent nearly $80 billion acquiring franchises like Call of Duty and Skyrim, betting subscribers would adopt its subscription model.

Two child safety organizations have requested a Federal Trade Commission investigation into Roblox Corp.'s spending mechanics, alleging the platform employs coercive tactics that encourage excessive spending by minors.

Xbox has appointed Helen Chiang as its first Chief Operating Officer. Chiang previously served as corporate vice president for the Minecraft Franchise and studio head of Minecraft.

Microsoft is spinning off four Xbox game studios as independent entities. Double Fine Productions and Compulsion Games will retain their intellectual property and game catalogs in the transition.

Nintendo will cease selling all versions of the original Switch—including the Lite and OLED models—across Europe starting mid-February 2027. The discontinuation comes nearly a decade after the console's 2017 launch.

Sony is shifting toward an all-digital PlayStation ecosystem, abandoning physical media support. The move has triggered significant pushback from players concerned about ownership, resale rights, and access.

Xbox fans have made their priorities clear through Microsoft's new Xbox Player Voice portal, with the most upvoted requests calling for exclusive games, expanded backward compatibility, and free online multiplayer.

Nintendo's previously teased Switch 2 console bundle is live ahead of its early June launch. The $499.99 package includes the console and a choice of three games.

Microsoft's Forza Horizon 6 launches on PC and Xbox Series X/S, transporting players to Japan with meticulously rendered natural environments. The open-world racing sim arrives on Xbox Game Pass this month, with a PlayStation 5 version coming later.

Rockstar Games' Grand Theft Auto VI launches November 19, 2026 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X. Preorders are available across major retailers with two edition options.

Microsoft's June showcase delivered major announcements including Halo, Gears of War, and Fable titles, yet the gaming division continues to struggle with broader industry headwinds.

Sony is discontinuing physical game disc sales, marking a significant shift away from consumer ownership. The move limits how players can preserve and share games long-term.

The Engadget Podcast team shares initial impressions of Valve's Steam Machine, examining its value proposition at a high price point. The episode also covers Sony's plan to discontinue PlayStation disc support by 2028.

European regulators are moving toward stricter controls on video games, including age restrictions and limits on loot box mechanics. The measures could significantly impact the gaming industry's global revenue streams.

Sony plans to end PlayStation disc production while Microsoft accelerates its digital gaming strategy, marking the end of an era for physical game media that has defined console gaming for decades.

The director and top designer of Rocksteady's failed Suicide Squad game have publicly stated the project's commercial collapse has made them reconsider continuing in game development.

Nintendo's Rhythm Paradise Groove delivers a collection of vibrant rhythm games testing player reflexes through quick-fire mini-games. The title features diverse activities from catching airborne vegetables to executing dance moves.

Rips is a mobile app that simulates opening Pokémon card packs, allowing users to spend real money chasing rare digital cards. A test run spending $892 in 15 minutes yielded only 62 cents in value.

Unknown Worlds Entertainment's CEO has departed the studio, marking the conclusion of a turbulent period surrounding Subnautica 2's development. The departure follows months of public controversy and internal upheaval.

Microsoft is reportedly testing a feature that would allow Xbox users to convert their physical game discs into digital versions. The move addresses concerns about preserving game libraries as the industry shifts toward digital distribution.

Sony will stop manufacturing physical discs for new PlayStation games starting January 2028. The decision has sparked concern among retailers and gamers who value ownership and game sharing.

Microsoft is overhauling its Xbox division following warnings from new CEO Asha Sharma about significant financial and operational challenges. The company faces a 3 percent accountability margin, inflated component costs, and an overextended studio system.

Sony will stop producing physical PlayStation discs in January 2028, forcing all future PS5 game purchases to go digital. The move coincides with Sony winding down digital stores for PS3 and PS Vita, highlighting risks in a disc-free gaming future.