Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced launched on July 9, 2026 for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. As part of the release, the social media accounts of Control, Dead by Daylight, SteelSeries, the Epic Games Store, and McDonald's posted messages that featured the game's black pirate flag and the hashtag #BoardTheFeed. The posts claimed the accounts had been "boarded" and included a code that grants players a free pet monkey for the game. Ubisoft titles such as Watch Dogs, Rabbids, and For Honor also shared the content, reflecting their corporate affiliation. The official Assassin's Creed account announced the monkey reward and posted a redemption link. IGN gave the remaster a 9 out of 10 rating, noting that it updates a well‑regarded title to current standards. The game is now available on the listed platforms. The coordinated promotion demonstrates a novel marketing approach, and its impact on future launches remains to be seen.
Art, books, film, gaming, and the conversations defining the week.
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced launched in July 2026 and has earned a metascore of 84, the series' highest rating since 2013. The remake is based on 83 critic reviews on Metacritic, compared with 36 reviews for the original 2013 release. The original Black Flag holds a metascore of 88. The highest scores among mainline titles remain Assassin's Creed 2 at 90 and Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood at 89. Scores for other entries range from 72 for Rogue and Unity to 81 for Origins and Shadows. Critics have praised the remake, though Jordan Ramée of GameSpot noted that it does not surpass the original game it revisits. The title is offered in Standard, Digital Deluxe, and Collector's editions priced at $60, $70, and $200 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC.
Xbox announced on July 9, 2026 that it will cut 3,200 jobs by the summer of 2027 as part of a broader business overhaul. The reductions have affected studios including Obsidian Entertainment, which lost about a quarter of its workforce, and Id Software, the developer of Doom.
Obsidian, known for the Pillars of Eternity series and the 2025 release Avowed, was acquired by Microsoft in 2018. The studio had been working on a sequel to Avowed, tentatively titled Avowed 2, and had been considered a leading candidate to produce a major CRPG comparable to Baldur’s Gate 3. Microsoft’s reorganization aims to concentrate resources on its flagship franchises, particularly Fallout, which is being developed by a separate team within Obsidian.
According to a Bloomberg report, the remaining Obsidian staff will focus on a new Fallout title, while work on Avowed 2 has been placed on hold. The company said the shift reflects a strategic decision to prioritize projects that align with its strongest intellectual property. Reports indicate that the studio may continue to develop Avowed in a limited capacity, but the game is not a current priority.
Some analysts noted that the layoffs could hinder the studio’s ability to expand the Eora universe, which includes the Pillars of Eternity world. Others argued that Microsoft’s focus on Fallout may benefit from the franchise’s recent visibility through a Prime Video series. The timing of the cuts follows the 2023 release of Baldur’s Gate 3, which demonstrated strong market demand for narrative‑driven role‑playing games, a segment that has been under‑served by major console platforms.
The restructuring leaves open whether Obsidian can deliver a high‑profile CRPG under its new direction, or if the delay of Avowed 2 will affect the genre’s momentum on Xbox.
Playground Productions announced a new Backyard Baseball game, bringing the Backyard Sports franchise back after a multi-year hiatus.
The Backyard Sports series, which had been inactive since before the COVID-19 pandemic, is well known among Millennial sports fans.
Barnett, who previously taught second grade in Chicago, identified a lack of age-appropriate sports games while her students learned remotely. She pursued the franchise rights, a search that required more than two years and the assistance of a private investigator. After acquiring the rights, she partnered with Mega Cat Studios, a Pittsburgh developer, to create a new title.
The studio reverse-engineered the original Backyard Baseball 1997 code to produce a game that combines 3D graphics with a visual style reminiscent of the original 2D games.
Professional athletes, including MLB player Pablo Sanchez, have shown interest in promoting the game, leading to stadium appearances and public outreach.
The game is offered without microtransactions; players earn trophies, achievements and cards through gameplay.
The roster includes characters representing diverse backgrounds, such as a wheelchair-using pitcher and a Black sports reporter, reflecting the series' original inclusive intent.
Backyard Baseball is available on PC and Mac through Steam, with console releases planned. The company stated it will not issue an annual sequel, aiming instead for long-term support through expansion packs and new content.
John Carmack responded to the layoffs at id Software, stating he was saddened but not angry and suggesting the studio may be a marginal business for Microsoft. A Texas WARN notice filed by Game Developer reported 96 employees laid off in Richardson and an additional 40 remote workers, amounting to roughly half of the staff, as part of Microsoft’s broader gaming reset that began with 1,600 job cuts on Monday and plans to eliminate another 1,600 during the fiscal year. Carmack, a co‑founder of id Software, posted on social media that the studio could not see an obvious path to increased revenue and questioned whether pricing, marketing, or design changes could improve its commercial performance. He also noted that Minecraft revenues appeared to be financing other Xbox studios, indicating that the studio’s survival may depend on achieving sales targets rather than fan affection alone. Microsoft has not released studio‑specific financial data, and id Software was reportedly working on new projects including a John Wick‑style original IP, a new Perfect Dark title, and a multiplayer Doom game, but no new release was ready before the recent Dark Ages DLC. Analysts say the studio’s recent titles have not achieved the sales levels of major franchises, leaving its long‑term future uncertain and raising concerns that it could be reduced to a support studio. Former id co‑founder John Romero expressed support for the affected employees and urged preservation of the studio’s legacy.
Toei announced on Friday that FLIPFLOPs' manga Darwin's Game will be adapted into a live‑action film opening in Japan on March 12, 2027, and disclosed the principal cast and director. The manga, which ran in Akita Shoten's Bessatsu Shōnen Champion from December 2012 to October 2023, was created by writer Shū Miyama and illustrated by Yuki Takahata. It follows Kaname Sudo, who is drawn into a deadly mobile app called Darwin's Game that forces participants to battle using supernatural abilities while uncovering a secret organization. The film will star Taishi Nakagawa as Kaname, Kōki as Shuka, Mei Hata as Rain, Fūju Kamio as Ryūji, and Kōji Yamamoto as Hiiragi, according to the press release. Fumihiko Sori, known for directing live‑action Fullmetal Alchemist and Tomorrow's Joe, will direct, while Hayato Miura writes the screenplay. The first omnibus volume of the series is scheduled for release on November 10, and the film's production timeline remains to be confirmed.
Voice actors Shōgo Sakata and Sayumi Suzushiro live‑dubbed a kiss scene at Anime Expo 2026. They described an accidental kiss that occurred while baking a strawberry tart with their characters Tani and Suzuki in the first episode of season two of "You and I Are Polar Opposites." The scene began with a glass bottle dropping, bringing the characters physically close and leading to a kiss. Sakata said he wanted a proper kiss after the accidental moment, and the actors attempted a second, intentional kiss on camera. Suzushiro said she struggled to suppress giggles while recording the intimate moment. The panel included behind‑the‑scenes remarks that more kisses may have been cut from the final edit. The discussion also covered a subplot in which the character Azuma deals with unwanted attention from upperclassmen. Sakata and Suzushiro noted that this was their first visit to Los Angeles and that they enjoyed local food and experiences. They said season two will continue to explore the characters' growth as students.
Activision and Iron Galaxy confirmed in June that remastered‑style ports of Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010) and Black Ops 2 (2012) are now available on PS5 and PS4. The games are priced at $40 each, while PlayStation Plus subscribers can purchase each title for $20 through August 6. No combined bundle is offered. The base games include the original campaigns and multiplayer modes, but do not support cross‑platform play. Activision is also offering a season pass for each title at $30, reduced to $10 for PS Plus members during the same period; the pass provides additional multiplayer maps and Zombies content. The upcoming Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is scheduled for release in October across PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2 and PC. The releases mark the first time the older titles appear on the current PlayStation console generation, and the separate DLC pricing may influence player access.
Buddy, a horror film directed by Casper Kelly, released its trailer on July 9, 2026 via YouTube. The trailer presents a sequence of images featuring the orange unicorn mascot Buddy and a group of children in a staged television setting. The official synopsis states that Buddy, a bright orange unicorn from a children’s show, brings joy to the children, but when one child refuses to participate the character becomes displeased and cracks appear in the program’s world. Casper Kelly, known for the Adult Swim short Too Many Cooks, co‑wrote the screenplay with Jamie King and directs the film. Keegan‑Michael Key voices the titular villain, and Topher Grace and Cristin Milioti appear in supporting roles. Buddy premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, where it received generally positive reviews. Roadside Attractions and Saban Films acquired the film, which is scheduled for theatrical release on August 28, 2026.
Id Software announced that 136 employees were laid off earlier this week as part of a restructuring plan overseen by Xbox leadership. The studio had been exploring several new projects before the cuts, including a reboot of Perfect Dark, a multiplayer‑focused Doom title, and a John Wick‑style game called Fury, according to GamesBeat. The announcements followed the closure of The Initiative studio and the cancellation of its planned Perfect Dark title, after which concept art for a new Perfect Dark project was already prepared. Derek Best, a former principal VFX artist who spent 12 years at the company, posted on LinkedIn that Microsoft had reduced the studio to a support‑size operation after the cuts. He added that the Fury proposal, led by Doom: The Dark Ages director Hugo Martin, incorporated sci‑fi, noir and gangster elements but had not received official approval from Microsoft. VGC reported the layoff figure of 136, and GamesBeat noted that more than half of id Software's workforce was reduced, with a former employee describing the event as a bloodbath. The future of the partially developed projects remains unclear, and the broader effect of the layoffs on id Software's technology and upcoming releases has not been specified.
HyperMegaTech Super Pocket Rare Edition is the seventh Super Pocket model from Blaze Entertainment and part of the Evercade ecosystem. It uses the same hardware as earlier Super Pocket devices but includes 14 built‑in games developed by Rare, spanning releases from 1983 to 1998, including Banjo‑Kazooie. The device supports any Evercade cartridge, providing access to a library of roughly 750 titles.
The unit measures 3.07 × 4.92 × 0.98 inches and weighs 0.36 lb. It has a 2.8‑inch IPS display with 320 × 240 resolution and a 4:3 aspect ratio. Display options are Original, Pixel Perfect, Full Screen, and Shaders/Scanlines; brightness cannot be adjusted. The screen is legible in sunlight but the glossy cover may reflect glare.
Controls include a Game Menu button, D‑pad, A‑B‑X‑Y buttons, Select/Insert Credit, Start, and rear L1, L2, R1, R2 buttons for menu scrolling. All buttons are membrane with a soft click. A rear speaker and front speaker deliver sound; a 3.5 mm headphone jack is provided for private listening. A charging indicator shows red while charging and green when full. The 3000 mAh battery provides about four hours of playtime.
The 14 built‑in games are Atic Atac, Banjo‑Kazooie, Battletoads, Battletoads in Battlemaniacs, Cobra Triangle, Conker's Pocket Tales, Gunfright, Jetpac, Knight Lore, Lunar Jetman, R.C. Pro‑Am II, Slalom, Snake Rattle 'n' Roll, and Solar Jetman. These titles originally appeared on platforms such as the ZX Spectrum, Nintendo 64, NES, SNES, and Game Boy Color.
The Super Pocket's cartridge slot enables use of Evercade cartridges, which currently total about 750 games. Recent cartridges supplied for review include NeoGeo Arcade 4 (eight arcade titles) and Activision Collection 3 (13 Atari 2600 titles). Firmware updates and online connectivity are not supported; cartridge updates must be applied via another Evercade device.
The unit is priced at $69.99 and is available from Amazon and other retailers. Bill Loguidice, a contributing freelancer for IGN, reported on the device.
eBay, through the seller Secondipity, is offering refurbished Sony WH‑1000XM6 wireless noise‑cancelling headphones for $286 with free shipping and a two‑year AllState warranty. The WH‑1000XM6, released in 2025 as the successor to the 2022 WH‑1000XM5, includes a QN3 audio processor, 12 beam‑forming microphones, up to 30 hours of battery life and a foldable design for compact storage. Buyer reviews indicate the refurbished units appear indistinguishable from new. The original retail price is $460. Consumers may consider older XM5 or XM4 models for lower cost if budget is a factor. The listing is current as of the publication date.
A 13-year-old boy was injured after lightning struck his home in Cypress, Texas, on July 7 while he was playing video games. Vladyslav Skuridin told ABC News through his mother that he felt a shock travel through his body and saw a bright white light. He said he quickly moved back and became dizzy and confused. He also described hearing a loud boom that caused his ears to pop and made him scream. He was playing a computer game at the time. The strike caused a small fire in the attic that was extinguished by fire crews. He was evaluated by medical professionals on site but did not go to the hospital. Local authorities advised residents to avoid using corded electronics and to stay away from electrical wiring and plumbing during thunderstorms.
IGN released a review of Palworld’s 1.0 update, which addresses technical stability, adds a narrative with NPCs and quests, and refines progression mechanics.
IGN released a review of Palworld’s 1.0 update, which addresses technical stability, adds a narrative with NPCs and quests, and refines progression mechanics.
Palworld launched in Early Access in 2024 as a creature-collection game that combines open-world exploration, role‑playing leveling and survival base building. The title attracted widespread attention and amassed millions of players despite initial technical problems that affected performance on multiple platforms.
The 1.0 update resolves many of the earlier performance issues, with smoother frame rates and fewer crashes, though occasional jitter remains. Progression is more linear, guiding players toward objectives such as boss fights and creature captures. New story elements include dialogue with NPCs, quest lines and a concluded narrative arc. The game continues to involve recruiting creatures that have drawn legal scrutiny for their use in labor‑intensive tasks. The reviewer, who has spent roughly a dozen hours in a fresh playthrough, notes that the update improves overall experience but does not yet reveal the full quality of the story.
The reviewer plans to continue playing through the update and will publish a final assessment once more content is experienced.
Lionsgate has opened a worldwide casting call for the lead characters Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura in its live‑action film based on Masashi Kishimoto’s Naruto manga.
The manga began its run in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1999 and concluded in November 2014, spawning anime series, films, video games and a sequel series called Boruto.
Lionsgate’s official website posted the casting notice on Friday, stating that the search covers the three principal characters and that additional roles will be considered later.
Kishimoto said the announcement marked a new phase for the franchise.
Director Destin Daniel Cretton, known for Shang‑Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, is attached to direct and produce the film through his company Hisako with co‑producer Jeyun Munford.
Additional producers listed include Avi Arad, Ari Arad, Emmy Yu, Jeremy Latcham and others.
Variety reported in November 2023 that Tasha Huo had been working on the screenplay.
Earlier reports from 2015 indicated that Lionsgate had secured the film rights and was in talks with director Michael Gracey, while The Tracking Board noted the involvement of Arad Productions and other producers in 2016.
Collider reported in 2018 that Gracey said the script remained under review to gain Kishimoto’s approval.
The casting period is expected to continue for several months, and the studio has not announced a release date.
JK Simmons said the canceled Batgirl film was a business decision and that he had not seen the final cut. The nearly completed movie, which starred Michael Keaton as Batman and was directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, was shelved by Warner Bros. Discovery in 2022 after the company pursued a tax write‑off, rendering the film unreleasable. Simmons told the Happy, Sad, Confused podcast that he enjoyed making the film and believed it would be a fun superhero movie, noting that the cancellation followed a single test screening and was driven by corporate strategy rather than artistic concerns. He added that the directors have been locked out of the material beyond set photos and video, and that the film’s future release appears unlikely. Keaton said he remains supportive of the directors, describing them as nice people, and indicated that he is personally unaffected by the cancellation. Peter Safran, head of DC Studios, defended the decision, stating that the film was not releasable and that the move was courageous for protecting DC, though his comments have been met with skepticism. Industry observers suggest the cancellation was motivated primarily by financial considerations, as other DC projects have been similarly halted. The current DC Universe reboot further reduces the prospects of the film ever being released.
The Hunger Games franchise will return to movie theaters for a limited, weeklong engagement this summer, according to Fathom Events. The series will be screened in the following order: The Hunger Games on September 3, Catching Fire on September 4, Mockingjay — Part 1 on September 5, Mockingjay — Part 2 on September 6, and The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes on September 7, with each title shown for a single day. The limited run follows the announcement that the prequel film, released in 2023, will be included in the series. The original trilogy, based on novels by Suzanne Collins, premiered in 2012 and starred Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen, Josh Hutcherson, and Woody Harrelson. The second film, Catching Fire, arrived in 2013, and the final two installments, Mockingjay, were released in 2014 and 2015. Collins published the prequel novel in 2020, which was adapted into a film in 2023 starring Rachel Zegler and Tom Blyth. The upcoming release Sunrise on the Reaping, set for November 20, 2026, continues the story of Haymitch Abernathy, portrayed by Harrelson, and features actors McKenna Grace, Jesse Plemons, Elle Fanning, Kieran Culkin, and Ralph Fiennes. The event offers a chance for fans to view the series in a theatrical setting before the new film’s debut.
Developers at Bethesda Game Studios have voiced concern that Microsoft’s recent layoffs could delay The Elder Scrolls 6, a video game announced in 2018.
The layoffs, part of a larger restructuring at Microsoft, eliminated 1,600 jobs this week and are expected to affect another 1,600 positions over the next year, reducing the overall workforce by about 2.1%.
Executive Jill Braff told staff that the company needs to focus on projects with the highest likelihood of financial success, and Microsoft also closed five studios and cancelled several titles, including an upcoming sequel to Avowed.
A source told IGN that morale at the studio has been negatively affected, and the developer noted that no firm release date has been set for The Elder Scrolls 6.
Another developer warned that staff reductions could lead to replacements by contract workers or new hires who must learn the studio’s proprietary tools, potentially causing further postponement.
In addition to The Elder Scrolls 6, Bethesda is planning a future Fallout 5, while a separate Fallout project is being led by Obsidian Entertainment under former New Vegas director Josh Sawyer.
The potential delay reflects broader challenges within the studio as it navigates workforce reductions and shifting priorities, and the timeline for The Elder Scrolls 6 remains undetermined.
German director Uwe Boll announced that a video game adaptation of his film Citizen Vigilante will launch on PlayStation 5 on July 17, 2026.
Boll, known for adapting video games into movies such as Bloodrayne, Postal and House of the Dead, has had a contentious relationship with critics and the public. Citizen Vigilante, starring Armie Hammer as a character who takes justice into his own hands, received a 6% critic score and a 93% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and appeared in Prime Video’s top 10 rentals this week.
The game, developed by Daniel Wengenroth, head of German studio Polygon Art, promises fast-paced combat with gore and dismemberment, as described in the PlayStation Store listing. Polygon Art has released at least 14 titles over the past seven years, mostly military shooters and job simulation games on Steam.
Armie Hammer’s representatives said he regretted participating in the film, describing it as hateful and disgusting after viewing it for the first time. The film’s promotion included a two‑day free offering on X by Elon Musk, which contributed to its visibility.
The PlayStation 5 release is scheduled for July 17, 2026, and the game’s reception will be assessed after launch.
Lionsgate and director Destin Daniel Cretton announced on Thursday that they are opening a worldwide casting search for the lead roles of Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura in a live‑action film based on the manga franchise. The announcement was made via social media. Cretton said the project is an honor and expressed enthusiasm for bringing the Naruto universe to the screen. Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of Naruto, said he is eager to see the characters portrayed by actors. Lionsgate indicated that casting for supporting characters will follow after the lead roles are filled. The pre‑production phase is currently underway, and the studio plans to begin casting other characters later this year. Cretton's next film, Spider‑Man: Brand New Day, is scheduled to open on July 31.
The 30th Fantasia International Film Festival will take place from July 16 to August 2 in Montreal, showcasing a series of world premieres, North American premieres and international premieres of anime and live‑action films.
Founded in 1996, the festival has become a well‑known platform for Japanese animation and related media, drawing industry professionals and audiences interested in emerging short and feature works.
The festival announced that it will debut CloverWorks’ three‑part anime collection Grotesqqque, comprising the episodes “A(E)liens,” “Yoroshiku★girl,” and “Nocturne: Nuit Grotesque.” It will also present the live‑action omnibus series Strange: Junji Ito’s Tales for Sleepless Nights, featuring the episodes “The Rib Woman” and “Face Thief.” Five short films—Haruki Kasugamori’s “20001 An Earth Odyssey,” Nagomi Ueno’s “Ambivalent Garden,” Taka Yuki’s “Don’t Dodge Life,” Eit Mitsufuchi’s “Dust of the Simulacrum,” and Takeru Shinozuka’s “FOXING: Kitsuné‑tsuki”—will have their world premieres. Additional premieres include Asuka Dokai’s “Echo,” Yūta Sano’s Future Kid Takara episode 1 “The Child from the Future,” the North American debut of A New Dawn (Hana Rokushō ga Akeru Hi ni) by ASMIK Ace and Miyu Productions, and the Canadian debut of cocoon – One Summer of Girlhood, an adaptation of Machiko Kyō’s manga. The Animation Plus section will feature the world premiere of Cherry and Virgin, the North American premiere of Sekiro: No Defeat, and the international premieres of the WIND BREAKER film and The Origin of Ultraman documentary.
The festival’s schedule continues to highlight diverse storytelling formats across anime, live‑action and documentary genres as it runs through early August.
Forza Horizon series offers virtual driving routes across six game maps, highlighting scenic paths in Colorado, France and Italy, Australia, Britain, Mexico, and Japan. The games compress real-world tourist destinations into open‑world maps with GPS navigation; earlier titles have been delisted but remain playable on Xbox Series X via backward compatibility. Forza Horizon (2012, Colorado): Route from downtown Carson to Red Rock Observatory travels through plains and a winding mountain climb ending with a view of the Rockies. Forza Horizon 2 (2014, France and Italy): Route from Nice to Castelletto follows coastal cliffs, and a route from San Giovanni to Tenuta Montellino passes vineyards and cypress‑lined roads toward a lakeside castle. Forza Horizon 3 (2015, Australia): Route from Surfers Paradise to the Twelve Apostles follows the Great Ocean Road past shipwrecks and coastal rock formations; a second route from Glass House Mountain to Ormiston Gorge moves through rainforest, farmland, and outback gorges. Forza Horizon 4 (2016, Britain): Route from Glenfinnan Viaduct to Arthur’s Seat traverses Scottish highlands, Edinburgh landmarks, and climbs Arthur’s Seat; a second route from Broadway to Bamburgh Castle moves from a Cotswold village to Northumberland coast. Forza Horizon 5 (2019, Mexico): Route from Gran Telescopio to Dunas Blancas descends from a volcanic summit to white dunes and ends near Cabo San Lucas rock formations; a second route from Guanajuato to Ek’ Balam passes pastel city streets, farmland, and ancient ruins. Forza Horizon 6 (2023, Japan): Route from Shirakawa‑go to Alpine heights climbs through cherry orchards to a distant view of Tokyo; a second route from Ine to Kawazu Nanadaru travels along highways, bridges, Shibuya Crossing, and the Kawazu Nanadaru Loop Bridge with views of Mount Fuji. Players can explore the routes at their own pace using slower vehicles and manual transmission, and all titles remain playable on Xbox Series X.
A fan‑made map titled "Shelter" for Counter‑Strike 2 adds a dog rescue mode to the game’s hostage rescue format, placing players in a fictional animal shelter where they rescue dogs from a biotechnical company.
Counter‑Strike 2, Valve’s free shooter, has over one million concurrent players on Steam. The "Shelter" map, described by Dexerto, features detailed indoor and outdoor spaces, including kennel cards that list each dog’s traits such as "very energetic and loves to run around."
In the map, one team attempts to rescue the dogs while the opposing team tries to stop the rescues, mirroring classic hostage rescue mechanics. Gameplay footage shows players carrying rescued dogs on their shoulders to safety. Areas with medical equipment depict dogs being used in trials.
The release follows recent coverage of more than 1,500 beagles rescued from a Wisconsin research facility and placed up for adoption. Community members continue to develop custom maps for Counter‑Strike 2, expanding the game’s variety beyond its standard modes.
Fans are anticipating new information about Grand Theft Auto 6 as Take-Two Interactive schedules its quarterly earnings release for August 7, before market open. Preorders for the game are now available, and Rockstar Games has released new screenshots that accompany existing story descriptions and cinematic trailers. Take-Two has set the November 19 launch date for the title on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, and the game will be distributed digitally without a physical disc. The company normally reports earnings after the market close, but the August 7 release will occur before the market opens, with a conference call at 8 a.m. Eastern Time and the market opening at 9:30 a.m. Analysts said that the altered schedule could generate heightened attention for the upcoming title, and Take-Two has not provided an official explanation for the change. The marketing campaign for GTA 6 is slated to begin this summer, and the company has indicated that further details may be disclosed around the earnings announcement. Industry observers expect the November release to be a major event in the gaming sector, though specific gameplay features remain undisclosed.
Harman Kardon's Go + Play portable speaker is now listed at $129.99, a 71% reduction from its original price, with free shipping and a one-year manufacturer warranty; the promotion occurs sporadically each year. The Go + Play is Harman's flagship portable speaker, weighing 7.5 pounds and incorporating a 2‑channel stereo system with two 20 mm tweeters and two 90 mm woofers. It supports Bluetooth pairing with up to three devices simultaneously, includes a USB charging port, and features dual microphones for conference calls. Battery life is rated at up to eight hours per charge. The speaker is larger and heavier than many competing portable models, a design choice intended to preserve sound quality. It is not waterproof. For users seeking a smaller, rugged, waterproof device, the Sonos Roam is an alternative. The Go + Play is marketed as offering high‑fidelity audio. The discount provides a chance to purchase the speaker for under $200, though availability is limited to occasional promotional periods.
Fans of Pokémon Winds and Waves have speculated about a new monster type called Seed Pokémon based on leaked development documents.
The speculation stems from a 2025 data breach that exposed concept art, design documents, and release plans for a game that had not yet been announced. The leaked material described Seed Pokémon as a baby species that appears in resort areas, has never been observed in an evolved form, and is said to evolve near the game's legendary Pokémon with potentially infinite visual variations.
Leaked notes indicated that players would begin the game with Seed Pokémon, whose development could influence other game mechanics, including weather generation and island layout. Additional rumors claimed the game would feature over 300 new Pokémon, a combination of brand‑new species and new forms, making the total count the highest in the main series. The number of Seed Pokémon variants was not specified, and the reliability of the figures remains unconfirmed. Leakers have varied in credibility, and some have previously shared inaccurate information.
Nintendo has not confirmed the existence of Seed Pokémon or the details of the game, which is scheduled for release on the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2027.
BanG Dream! YUME∞MITA, the latest entry in the BanG Dream! anime series, integrates shoujo storytelling conventions into its portrayal of a virtual girl band.
Shoujo, a genre traditionally aimed at female audiences, features regular girls confronting personal challenges, often with guidance from a mentor figure.
Long‑running shoujo titles such as Glass Mask, Rose of Versailles, Aim for the Ace!, and Dear Brother have established conventions that include emotional introspection, identity struggles, and relational dynamics.
The series introduces Arale Nakamachi as the vocalist of the virtual band MewType.
According to the show, Arale possesses musical ability but experiences hesitation to perform, a trait linked to prior experiences with peers and audience feedback.
The series' manager selected Arale for her role based on qualities beyond her current reputation, aligning with shoujo heroine archetypes.
Arale's reluctance to perform mirrors shoujo tropes seen in characters such as Hiromi from Aim for the Ace!, who initially withdraws from her role due to self‑doubt.
Within the narrative, Arale reports panic at home and during interactions with former teammates, indicating heightened self‑consciousness.
Bandmates Nonoka and Miyako provide emotional support, and their own hidden motivations are noted as part of the series' focus on interpersonal dynamics.
The group's formation is portrayed as a process of building trust rather than immediate musical performance.
Obstacles include the pressures of the virtual band environment and personal emotional burdens.
In episode two, Miyako, who works as a virtual content creator and manga illustrator, experiences emotional overload, suggesting the difficulty of balancing multiple roles.
Arale's previous removal from a band after a leaked video depicted her as insensitive has been cited in the series as a factor that may have been taken out of context or manipulated, according to statements within the show.
The antagonist Viola, introduced in the first two episodes, conceals her intentions until her reveal in episode three, where she is identified as the source of the video that led to Arale's initial exclusion.
Viola's stated motive appears to involve a desire for another group member, Clematis, though the series has not clarified her full intentions.
Viola's actions reflect common shoujo antagonist traits, such as disregarding the emotions of others and pursuing personal ambitions at the expense of group cohesion.
The series also references established girl bands within its universe, such as Poppin' Party and Ave Mujica, and includes a character who remarks that the market already contains many bands, highlighting the competitive landscape.
By emphasizing emotional development over frequent musical performances, YUME∞MITA follows a narrative approach similar to It's MyGO!!!!!, which also prioritized character relationships.
The show's single‑cour schedule allows for a longer, story‑driven arc comparable to series like Glass Mask.
The series' future episodes will determine how the emotional dynamics among the band members evolve and whether their interpersonal growth translates into on‑stage performance.
Microsoft announced on Monday that it is resetting its video game business, eliminating about 3,200 jobs through the 2027 fiscal year and ending its direct management of four studios. CEO Asha Sharma communicated the plan in a letter to employees and a public post, stating that the initial wave of layoffs would involve roughly 1,600 positions. The studios Compulsion Games, Double Fine Productions, Ninja Theory and Undead Labs will leave the Xbox umbrella; Compulsion and Double Fine will return to independent operation under their current management, while Ninja Theory and Undead Labs will be acquired by unnamed entities. Arkane Studios in France is conducting required consultation with its Works Council to assess strategic options. Microsoft said it will shift investment to higher‑priority projects, cut management layers to three to five, and establish a chief operating officer role. Publicly announced first‑party games and ongoing projects will not be cancelled, and Mojang, the developer of Minecraft, and King, the creator of Candy Crush, will remain within Microsoft and report directly to the CEO. Sharma noted that the company’s margins are up to ten times lower than those of comparable firms. The next Xbox console, code‑named Project Helix, is planned for release and will support both Xbox and PC games.
Rockstar Games announced that the Kortz Center Heist will launch for GTA Online on July 14. The update marks the first major new heist added to the game since the Cayo Perico Heist in 2020. Players can participate solo or with a team of up to three others. The multi‑stage mission requires players to scope the location, prepare equipment, and steal artwork while avoiding detection and removing surveillance footage. Up to three new paintings will be available each week, offering varied approaches and increased replayability. The update also adds new vehicles and upgrade options through Hao’s Special Works. GTA+ subscribers will receive the Grotti Veleno GT car at no cost beginning July 14. The next installment of the Grand Theft Auto series, GTA 6, is scheduled for release on November 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with speculation that additional information may appear in August.
At Anime Expo 2026, a panel titled "Why Japanese Content? Why now?" featured executives from TV Asahi, Dentsu, and SEGA who said the industry is focusing on making its content more accessible to overseas fans rather than altering the content itself. Japanese anime, manga, and video game content have attracted international audiences for decades, and despite growing competition from other Asian markets, demand for Japanese media remains strong. TV Asahi's Tatsushi Yamada said the company is co-producing and broadcasting the anime Akane-banashi and releasing episodes on YouTube in three languages. The multilingual release has expanded the show's audience, and the company reports increased viewership and active comment participation. The series focuses on rakugo, a traditional Japanese storytelling art form; while some viewers may find its nuances unfamiliar, they continue to watch and comment, prompting TV Asahi to read and respond to comments, engage on social media globally, and hold overseas premieres. Sei Matsumoto of Dentsu described the "Gachiakura World Takeover" campaign for Gachiakuta Season 1, which emphasized community participation through outdoor installations, digital advertising, live events, and worldwide partnerships rather than focusing on ad impressions or paid media. Matsumoto said the strategy aims to understand local fans and grow the intellectual property together with them, creating a two-way relationship instead of a one-way product distribution. Shuji Utsumi of SEGA explained that the Sonic the Hedgehog brand recovered from a slump after collaborating with fan influencers such as Thundercat and James Fauntleroy and by attending conventions like Anime Expo to engage directly with overseas fans. Utsumi said the company now sees higher trailer view counts and increased buzz from these community-focused efforts, attributing success to trusted voices and authentic relationships rather than top-down messaging. Utsumi added that meeting fans at events such as Anime Expo provides the most effective insight into overseas audiences, moving beyond remote analysis. The three companies—TV Asahi, Dentsu, and SEGA—represent broadcasting, marketing, and gaming sectors, and all emphasized listening to fans, providing easy access, and fostering community interaction as key elements of their strategies. The panel noted that COVID-19 accelerated existing digital trends, making streaming and global fandom the norm, and that while some companies still treat overseas markets as an afterthought, the presented cases indicate a shift in parts of the Japanese entertainment industry. The discussion concluded that enabling fans to participate in Japanese entertainment and feel part of a community is emerging as a central strategy, though many firms continue to rely on traditional, one-way marketing approaches.
Sony announced on July 7 that it will shut down the PlayStation Store for the PS3 and PlayStation Vita, with the service beginning to close in August in select regions and completing worldwide in July 2027.
The PlayStation Store provides digital versions of PS1 and PS2 games and stores save files locally, allowing players to experience titles comparable to the original hardware.
Digital copies are offered at prices ranging from $6 to $10 per title, while physical copies can range from $50 to $700 depending on rarity and condition, according to listings on online marketplaces such as eBay and Amazon. Gradius 5, a shooter developed by Treasure and released on PS2, has been listed for sale at prices reported between $50 and $150. Growlanser: Heritage of War, the first entry in the series released in the West by Atlus, is reported to sell for $80 to $120. Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly, originally released on PS2 and later remade, shows secondary market prices around $70 to $100. God Hand, an action brawler developed by Clover Studio and released as a budget title, is listed for $60 to $90. Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner 2 – Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon, an action RPG released on PS2, is reported to sell for $70 to $110. Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner – Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army, the first title in the series, is reported to command prices of $50 to $80. Castlevania Chronicles, a 2D platformer released on PS1, is reported to sell for $30 to $60. Chulip, a PS2 exclusive released by GameStop in 2007, is listed for $40 to $70. Mega Man Legends 2, an action‑adventure title for PS1, is reported to sell for $40 to $80. Echo Night, the first entry in a trilogy developed by AgeTec, is reported to sell for $30 to $50.
The shutdown will end digital access to these titles, but physical copies remain available through secondary markets; the long‑term impact on collectors and players remains unclear.
The Federal Reserve appointed Xbox chief executive officer Asha Sharma to its Productivity and Jobs taskforce to evaluate the economic impact of artificial intelligence. Sharma, who previously led Microsoft’s Core AI group and succeeded Phil Spencer as Xbox head earlier this year, joins venture capitalist Marc Andreessen, economics professor Charles I. Jones, and other members on the taskforce, which was announced this week. The taskforce aims to review how emerging technologies affect employment and productivity.
Sharma’s recent restructuring of Xbox has resulted in the elimination of about 1,600 positions on Monday and plans to cut another 1,600 jobs during the fiscal year, with four studios already leaving Microsoft. The company has canceled several projects and reduced staff at smaller franchises while emphasizing its core titles such as Halo, Minecraft, Candy Crush, Fallout and The Elder Scrolls. In a statement, Sharma said the organization would simplify operations by reducing management layers from 14 to five, and eventually three, and by creating flatter structures focused on individual contributors, player‑coaches and directly responsible individuals. She also noted that Microsoft remains committed to AI, citing neural rendering as a tool for improved graphics, though she did not reference AI in her reset memo or the recent layoff announcement. Fed Chair Kevin Warsh said the agency’s mandate to maintain price stability and maximum employment remains unchanged, and that the taskforce will assess whether its tools and methods can be improved.
The taskforce is expected to deliver a report to the Fed later this year, and the broader implications of AI on technology employment remain under study.
The Evolving World Car Meet appears in Forza Horizon 6 as part of the Horizon Decades Festival Playlist series. Updated July 9, 2026, the meet is situated on the east side of the Hokubu Time Attack circuit in the Hokubu region. The location serves as a gathering point for players to display vehicles. It is tied to the "Just waiting for a Mate" daily challenge, which requires parking a 2010s model car at the site. Players can sort their vehicle collection by year, select a car from the 2010s, and park it to complete the challenge and earn credits. The summer meet is positioned beside the coast on the east side of the Hokubu region, near the Time Attack circuit. The guide was updated to include instructions for the daily challenge. The location remains accessible as part of ongoing seasonal events and players continue to seek it for credit rewards.
Star Trek: The Original Series is set to receive a new box set on September 8 for its 60th anniversary.
Paramount will distribute the collection in three formats: a DVD edition for $101.99, a Blu‑ray edition for $104.99, and an Amazon Exclusive Edition for $139.99.
The set contains all 79 episodes remastered in 1080p with the original audio track and more than nine hours of special features.
The Amazon Exclusive Edition adds a 4‑inch vinyl of the series theme, limited‑edition lobby cards and new packaging.
Amazon users have rated the collection 2.7 out of 5, with several reviews stating that it includes fewer extras than a 2016 50th‑anniversary release that bundled the series, six films and an animated series for $208.99.
Some fans have expressed disappointment that the current edition offers only a 1080p upscale instead of a 4K version.
The future of new Star Trek productions is uncertain; a planned fourth film starring Chris Pine was cancelled, and Paramount’s recent management changes have left the franchise’s direction unclear.
The only currently airing series are Strange New Worlds, returning for its fourth season on July 23, 2026, and Starfleet Academy, scheduled for a 2027 debut.
The earlier series Lower Decks, Prodigy and Discovery concluded in 2024, and the film Section 31 received scores of 24% on Rotten Tomatoes from critics and 15% from fans.
Overall, the box set arrives amid a period of reduced output for the franchise.
Palworld launched its 1.0 version on PC and consoles. The developer announced that the price will remain at $29.99. The game, a creature-collecting survival title, has reached 40 million players after more than two years in early access. Pocketpair said the pricing decision was made to thank players for their support. The studio plans to release post-launch content, an official physical card game, and a new spin-off. Palworld has been involved in a legal dispute with Nintendo, which alleged copyright and patent infringement of the Pokémon franchise. The lawsuit led to changes such as removing the gliding mechanic. Nintendo also faced scrutiny for seeking to claim the gameplay mechanic of summoning characters to fight, a concept used in many games before Pokémon. In November 2025, United States Patent and Trademark Office director John A. Squires ordered a reexamination of Nintendo’s patent. The company continues to support the game and has not indicated plans to change the price.
Armiger Entertainment launched a Kickstarter campaign on July 10 to fund a 30‑minute pilot for Tenchi Galaxy, a spiritual successor to the Tenchi Muyo! franchise. The campaign aims to raise $400,000 and will run until September 8. As of the announcement, it had raised $220,455 from 1,258 backers.
The pilot would be produced in English with subtitles in Japanese, French, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese. It would be released on Blu‑ray Disc, a SteelBook Special Edition, and as a digital download. Stretch goals include a Japanese audio track, a 4K version, and a making‑of documentary. Add‑on rewards include posters, an art book, soundtracks, and a VHS release.
Director Hiroshi Negishi, known for his work on the original Tenchi Universe series and related Tenchi Muyo! titles, will direct the pilot. AIC president Tōru Miura is listed as executive producer. The project is credited to co‑producer Ikuko Kogiso, character designer Phil Dragash and composer Stephen Davis. The English voice cast includes Petrea Burchard as Ryoko, Matt K. Miller as Tenchi, Cristina Vee as Ayeka, Sherry Lynn as Sasami and Detective Kiyone, Rebecca Forstadt as Mihoshi, Kate T. Vogt as Washu, Debi Derryberry as Ryo‑Ohki, Julia Fletcher as Nagi, and VTuber Nerissa Ravencroft as Rise, the Space Pirate. Armiger Entertainment, founded by Wesley Vaughn, previously crowdfunded the Tenchi Muyo! American Omnibus Edition comic collection. The company holds a license for the Tenchi Muyo! comics.
The campaign seeks to use the pilot to pursue a new Tenchi Muyo! series in any format. The outcome of the funding effort remains undecided.
Steelseries lists the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Gaming Headset at $239.99 with free shipping after a 37% discount. The offer applies to Xbox, PC and PlayStation 5 variants and includes packaging described as blemished but does not affect product condition. The headset provides 360° spatial sound support through SteelSeries Sonar on PC, Tempest 3D Audio on PS5 and Microsoft Spatial Sound on Xbox. It features a suspension‑style headband, leatherette ear cushions, a steel core headband construction and a hot‑swappable battery system with two batteries that each last up to 22 hours. The base station charges the batteries, includes an OLED display, a volume control knob and USB inputs for PC connection as well as a 3.5mm passthrough for speakers. A review by Kevin Lee on the Steelseries website describes the headset as comfortable for extended use and notes positive remarks about aftermarket ear pads. The IGN Deals team, led by Eric Song, reports the discount as the lowest price observed compared with major retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy and Walmart.
Completing the main mission "Do Not Go Gently" grants players the Blackbeard's Treasure map, which leads to a buried chest in Anotto Bay, north of Kingston.
The map contains no coordinates and includes a side quest titled "Blackbeard's Treasure"; players must navigate underwater sections, avoid enemy ships, and can fast travel if they have previously visited the area.
Swim to the wooden staircase and diving bell on the left side of Anotto Bay, dive, and enter the tunnel behind the colorful fish and old minecart. Dodge a shark attack, then turn right and ascend the ladder. An air current provides an oxygen pocket. Follow the current past two jellyfish to a ladder that leads to a dry tunnel.
A second treasure chest is located further along the path; players may bypass it if desired.
Assassinate the pirate at the tunnel corner, swim through the next tunnel, and wait for two pirates to eliminate each other. Remove remaining pirates, place a small red barrel against the east stone wall, and detonate it with a pistol from a safe distance.
Proceed through the tunnel to a large cave chamber, destroy walls to access the locked chest, and defeat the NPC carrying the key, which does not appear while the quest is active. Return to Great Inagua and open the chest at the docks to complete the quest.
The reward is a portrait of Blackbeard rather than gold. The quest location remains fixed, and the quest can be revisited after completion.