VOID Interactive has responded to player backlash after it made changes to the PC version of its controversial shooter Ready or Not in order to secure a console release, citing “misconceptions and misinformation” about the amendments.
At the time, VOID insisted the changes were “small enough that most people here wouldn’t notice if we didn’t say anything,” but it “wanted to be transparent” with its players. The news has caused Ready or Not’s Steam user review rating to hit “mostly negative” for recent reviews, although overall the review rating remains “very positive.” Most of the negative reviews complain about “censorship.”
Now, in a new statement, VOID set out “full visibility” into what has, and has not, changed, including before-and-after screenshots. It insisted “the effects of gore and violence have not been toned down.”
“We recently shared that Ready or Not’s PC version underwent minor content changes to support stability and align with policies enforced by global platforms and age rating bodies,” the statement began. “These adjustments were made to ensure a smooth global launch across platforms — while fully preserving the game’s tone, themes, and intensity.
“Unfortunately, we’ve seen misconceptions and misinformation circulating around the scope of these changes. We want to ensure our entire community has full visibility into what has — and has not — changed. We’re including before-and-after visuals to show that the game’s tone, atmosphere, and graphical impact remain intact. The effects of gore and violence — key to the game’s immersive realism — have not been toned down.”
VOID stressed that missions such as Elephant, Neon Tomb, and the infamous Valley of the Dolls “remain unchanged,” adding it has “always believed in creative freedom and the right to build experiences that push boundaries in the service of immersion and realism. That will not change.”
“At the same time, we operate in a global ecosystem of platform standards, age rating boards, and local legal restrictions,” the studio added. “While we may disagree with how some content is treated, we’ve only made changes where absolutely required, and only to the letter of the regulations — no further. As a hyper-realistic tactical FPS, Ready or Not faces different scrutiny than more stylized or fictional games. That’s a reality of the world we publish in — not a change in our creative vision or values.”
Warning! Potentially distrubing images of Ready or Not follow:
The team then outlined specifically what the “six targeted visual changes” entailed:
Twisted Nerve: The girl is now depicted as sleeping instead of convulsing
A Lethal Obsession: Nudity involving the ghillie suit suspect has been adjusted
Hide and Seek: Female hostages now wear underwear
Narcos: Police informant hostage now wears underwear
23 Megabytes a Second: ‘Photo of Minors’ objective model was revised, also to better connect narratively with the later ‘Sinuous Trail’ mission
Post-mortem dismemberment has been disabled (note: dismemberment for living characters remains unchanged).
“It’s not about the specifics, it’s a matter of principle,” wrote one respondent in the comments. “Any amount of censorship is too much.” Another said: “great, so you’re saying you’re hearing us, but refusing to listen.” “Yeah, damaging the vision of the game just because of console port?” added someone else. “Get a grip, at least put a slider in the settings. What is this?”
While most of the 1,200+ comments continue to complain about censorship, not all players are aggrieved: “Honestly, not that big of a deal as long as overall map atmosphere stays good,” said another.
Vikki Blake is a reporter for IGN, as well as a critic, columnist, and consultant with 15+ years experience working with some of the world’s biggest gaming sites and publications. She’s also a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually High Chaos. Find her at BlueSky.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 got its hotly anticipated Siege Mode update last week, and while fans are enjoying it, crashes and disconnects have marred the experience.
Siege Mode is Space Marine 2’s take on the classic video game Horde mode. It sees teams of three players fight against increasingly difficult waves of Tyranid and Chaos enemies for exclusive rewards.
Players have responded to Siege Mode and its accompanying Patch 8 well, and Space Marine 2 has seen a surge of players on Steam at least, where player data is public. But connection problems are on occasion ruining the experience, especially when they arrive deep into the waves.
“I just spent almost three hours in a Siege round. FINALLY got some good brothers who know what they are doing. Most epic experience I had in a long time. So looking forward to the rewards and feeling of accomplished, finally beating it. BUT NO MID FIGHT LAST ROUND BEFORE EVAC THE SERVERS JUST GIVE UP. NO MONEY, NO EXP, NO SKINS AND NOT EVEN AN SATISFYING END TO THE GLORIOUS FIGHT THAT ME AND MY BROTHERS HAD. I had fun, yes but essentially I just got robbed almost three hours of progress. That feels so incredibly insulting, I can’t man…
“Please anybody in charge I know you’re working already on it, with great haste too probably… BUT STILL, BY THE EMPEROR, WHAT THE WARP.”
In response, Space Marine 2 developer Saber Interactive and publisher Focus Entertainment have released the 8.1 hotfix, which is now live on every platform. It fixes various crashes and connectivity issues, as well as a bug preventing the reward for completing 25 waves in Siege Mode to unlock.
The hope is this hotfix stamps out the Siege Mode problems reported by the likes of poor old Justusowesme like a Space Marine stomping on the head of a xenos, but it’s early days yet.
Looking ahead, there’s a lot of exciting content coming to Space Marine 2. While Patch 9 will focus on balance changes only, Patch 10 adds a new Chaos vs Chaos PvP mode, the new Power Axe melee weapon, and the new Techmarine class. Check out all the Space Marine 2 Patch 10 details here.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 8.1 hotfix patch notes:
Fixed several crashes
Fixed several issues causing disconnects
Fixed Siege Mode rewards from wave 25+
Lots of small fixes to Siege Mode map geometry
Fixed bug that was causing random enemies to get stronger much faster in infinite waves, causing one shot deaths randomly (Note: enemies are still going to get stronger but it will be not random and more consistent)
Fixed a bug in Siege Mode that occurred when a player would join a game in progress, the game would not apply difficulty modifiers correctly.
Fixed a bug in UI that was causing inability to change colour presets
Minor localization fixes
Wesley is Director, News at IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
June, quite unsurprisingly, set a high bar, launching the console itself, selling out almost instantly, and delivering a flood of third-party releases, Switch 2 Editions of hits like Tears of the Kingdom, and even a brand-new Mario Kart.
But July isn’t slowing down. From major first-party launches to more surprises, it’s already shaping up to be another strong month for early adopters.
Switch 2 Games in July 2025 – At a Glance
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 Remastered – July 11
Donkey Kong Bananza – July 17
Super Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV (Switch 2 Edition) – July 24
No Sleep for Kaname Date – AI: Escape Code – July 25
Wild Hearts S – July 25
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4: July 11, 2025
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 on July 11, and is one of the first new major third party releases for the new console. It’s not just Nintendo exclusives anymore, folks.
In our recent preview of the game, IGN’s Nick Maillet had this to say: “In a time where it seems like every game from the early 2000’s is getting a modern facelift, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 is shaping up to be a welcome addition to a year full of excellent remakes and remasters.”
“From its faithful recreation of what made the PS2-era classics so memorable, to its modern quality of life improvements, excellent soundtrack, and overall love letter to the series early days, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 is very much something that should be on your radar if you’re a fan of skateboarding, enjoy action sports games, or just want to play something that’s simple and fun. It might be the easiest kickflip you’ll land this year.”
Donkey Kong Bananza finally swings onto Switch 2 on July 17, marking the first all-new 3D Donkey Kong game since 1999’s Donkey Kong 64.
Nintendo has now confirmed it’s developed by the Super Mario Odyssey team, and that polish shows in everything from the destructible environments to the game’s momentum-driven platforming.
This time around, DK and Pauline team up to run, climb, roll, and, most importantly, dig through a world that’s practically begging to be smashed apart.
The new digging mechanic lets Donkey Kong burrow into the ground or tunnel through cliff faces, uncovering hidden treasure like Banandium Gems and gold, or surf on chunks of debris.
Nintendo is also releasing a new Donkey Kong and Pauline amiibo on the same day. Scanning it in-game unlocks Pauline’s Diva Dress early and boosts your chances of finding discs, collectibles that let you replay individual tracks in the game’s music player.
Shadow Labyrinth: July 18, 2025
In case you’ve got a hankering for some kind of twisted Pan-Man Metroidvania, Shadow Labyrinth could be great option to play on the go on the Switch 2, starting on July 18. It’ll run at 4K 60 FPS with a free Switch 2 Edition download from day one of release.
“8’s raw power and durability, or the fact that Pac-Man can turn into a mech that shoots lasers out of its mouth, everything about this Metroidvania is absurdly fun. The game features something for everyone here, as the platforming, combat, and puzzles each stand out on their own as enjoyable experiences.”
“I implore you to suspend your disbelief about how this bizarre concept can even work, and at least give Shadow Labyrinth a try when it is released, as this insane creative bet by Bandai looks like it might actually pay off.”
Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV: July 24, 2025
Super Mario Party Jamboree – Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV drops exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 on July 24. This expanded version includes everything from the original Super Mario Party Jamboree on Switch, plus the brand-new Jamboree TV expansion, a flashy game show mode hosted by Toad that leans even harder into chaotic party-game energy.
This is also another example of Nintendo’s new pricing strategy for Switch 2. While most first-party games on the original Switch launched at $59.99, Switch 2 titles are climbing higher.
Super Mario Party Jamboree – Switch 2 Edition will retail for $79.99, matching the price of Mario Kart World and Tears of the Kingdom – Switch 2 Edition, though not every game is hitting that ceiling.
This version includes the original game, an HD upgrade with smoother performance, and the new expansion content. If you already own Jamboree on the original Switch, you can skip the full re-buy and grab the Switch 2 Edition Upgrade Pack separately for $19.99 via the Nintendo eShop or participating retailers.
No Sleep for Kaname Date – From AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES: July 25, 2025
Step into the mind of Kaname Date, a special agent with an AI partner living in his cybernetic left eye, as you race to uncover the truth behind a missing internet idol.
No Sleep for Kaname Date throws you into a surreal mystery where Iris, a popular streamer, has been trapped inside a bizarre, high-stakes escape game, and the only way to find her is to interrogate suspects, dive into dreams, and decode the secrets buried deep in the subconscious.
Expect psychological twists, dream logic puzzles, and plenty of stylish weirdness when the game launches for Nintendo Switch 2 on July 25.
Wild Hearts S: July 25, 2025
Wild Hearts S is back with a vengeance on Switch 2, bringing its beast-slaying action to a new generation. Set in a fantasy world inspired by feudal Japan, this enhanced edition lets players wield ancient tech to track and take down colossal nature-infused monsters.
Hunt solo or team up with up to three friends in seamless co-op as you craft weapons, build your own hunting grounds, and face off against towering threats in a world where nature fights back—hard. It’s fast, frantic, and completely untamed.
Plenty More New Switch 2 Games Are on the Way
That’s all for July on Nintendo Switch 2. Next up, we can look forward to Madden NFL 25, Drag x Drive, Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar in August, alongside even more big releases later in the year like Borderlands 4 in September, Pokemon Legends: Z-A in October, and hopefully a confirmed release date for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond sooner rather than later.
Matt Firor, boss of The Elder Scrolls Online developer ZeniMax Online Studios, has stepped down amid the cancellation of the studio’s unannounced MMO.
Sources close to the project told IGN that this MMO was a brand new IP unrelated to both Fallout and The Elder Scrolls, and that it had a sizeable team behind it. This team is now cut as part of the layoffs hitting Microsoft today.
In a memo to staff verified by IGN, Jill Braff, head of studio for Bethesda and ZeniMax, named Joseph Burba as Firor’s replacement as the new studio director for ZOS.
Dear Team,
Building on Matt’s note below, I first want to take a moment to acknowledge the changes happening today across Microsoft Gaming, including Bethesda/ZeniMax. Saying goodbye to talented colleagues and friends is painful. These individuals have contributed meaningfully to our studios, our games, and our culture. I want to thank them for the contributions they have made that shaped our journey as a team and as a company.
Today is a day to support one another. Please know we are working closely with impacted employees to ensure they are treated with respect and have our full support during these difficult times. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your manager or HR support team.
I also want to share today that Matt Firor has decided to step down from his role as the head of ZeniMax Online Studios, effective July 14. I want to offer heartfelt thanks to Matt for his incredible leadership of ZOS over the last 18 years. As a driving force behind the success of The Elder Scrolls Online, Matt has grown the game into one of the most enduring and beloved MMOs in the industry.
I’m pleased to announce that Joseph (“Jo”) Burba will be taking over for Matt Firor as the new Studio Director for ZOS. With over 20 years in the industry, his extensive experience in live service multiplayer titles, and a strong background in various roles across ZOS the past thirteen years, Jo is well-prepared to lead the team into its next chapter.
Matt, Jo, and I will work together to finalize our transition plan – more to come soon. In the meantime, please join me in wishing Matt all the best and congratulating Jo on his new role.
Thank you to all of you for your dedication to Bethesda/ZeniMax, our community, and to each other.
Jill
The reference to Matt’s note here is the prior memo Matt Booty, head of Xbox Game Studios, sent to Microsoft gaming staff today confirming the cancelation of Rare’s Everwild and the Perfect Dark reboot, as well as the closure of Xbox studio The Initiative. Booty also mentioned the cancelation of “several unannounced projects” – the ZOS MMO was one of them.
IGN has reviewed Booty’s memo and published it in full, below:
Following Phil’s note, I want to share more about the changes to the Studios business units. We have made the decision to stop development of Perfect Dark and Everwild as well as wind down several unannounced projects across our portfolio. As part of this, we are closing one of our studios, The Initiative. These decisions, along with other changes across our teams, reflect a broader effort to adjust priorities and focus resources to set up our teams for greater success within a changing industry landscape. We did not make these choices lightly, as each project and team represent years of effort, imagination, and commitment.
Our overall portfolio strategy is unchanged: build games that excite our players, continue to grow our biggest franchises, and create new stories, worlds, and characters. We have more than 40 projects in active development, continued momentum on titles shipping this fall, and a strong slate headed into 2026.
For those directly affected, we are working closely with HR and studio leadership to provide support, including severance, career transition assistance, and where possible, opportunities to explore roles on other teams.
To everyone across our studios: thank you. Your creativity and resilience continue to define who we are. I believe in the strength of our teams and the direction we’re taking on the path ahead.
Speaking to IGN in June 2024, Xbox boss Phil Spencer said: “I have to run a sustainable business inside the company and grow, and that means sometimes I have to make hard decisions that frankly are not decisions I love, but decisions that somebody needs to go make.”
Wesley is Director, News at IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
I’ve rounded up some killer deals today, stuff I’d actually grab myself. We’re talking fan-favorite book sets, a vinyl gem for Pokémon collectors, and a fresh wave of PC games from Humble Choice. There’s even a white noise machine and a bladeless neck fan in the mix, both priced low and ready to save your summer sanity.
TL;DR: Deals For Today
From cozy farm sims and cat pirates to the grimdark chaos of Warhammer and Westeros, this list covers all kinds of tastes. If you’re looking to cool down, gear up, or zone out, there’s something here worth checking out before prices shift or stock vanishes.
Coke Zero Sugar 12 Pack
Even if you change your mind and don’t want to subscribe and save, you can still get this great deal on Coke Zero when you purchase. It’s Coke with zero sugar, and there’s 12 cans that you can drink out of and recycle (thumbs up).
Dreamegg Portable White Noise Machine
This Dreamegg portable white noise machine is down to $16.15 with the on-site 15% coupon, shaving nearly a quarter off the list price. It’s small enough to fit in your palm but loud enough to drown out hotel noise, snoring, or busy office chatter. With 16 nature sounds, a beefed-up 1000mAh battery, and USB-C charging, it’s a smart little travel buddy. The nubbed button makes it easy to use in the dark, and the memory function keeps your settings locked in. For sleep, focus or baby naps, it punches way above its size.
FrSara Neck Fan
The FrSara neck fan is down to $26.99 and it’s built for real heat relief. It’s bladeless, quiet, and pushes air from both sides with a 360° flow that cools you fast. The 5200mAh battery lasts up to 16 hours, so it won’t quit halfway through your day. It’s comfortable, won’t tug your hair, and the three speed settings give you full control.
Prismatic Evolutions Super-Premium Collection
Prismatic Evolutions Super-Premium Collection is going for $195 right now, beating Amazon by 6%. You’re getting a full-art foil Eevee ex promo card, a plushy-soft Eevee deck box, and a matching playmat with all the Evolutions. 15 Prismatic Evolutions booster packs and 65 themed card sleeves round out the box.
The Witcher Boxed Set
This is the core of Sapkowski’s epic—Blood of Elves, The Time of Contempt, Baptism of Fire, The Tower of Swallows, and Lady of the Lake—finally bundled in one set. If you’ve only seen the show or played the games, this is where the real magic lives. The writing is sharp, the world-building deep, and Geralt’s story hits harder on-page.
George R. R. Martin’s A Game of Thrones 5-Book Boxed Set
The full A Song of Ice and Fire box set (Don’t blame me for the listing name) brings together George R. R. Martin’s five epic novels in one heavyweight bundle. Game of Thrones, Clash of Kings, Storm of Swords, Feast for Crows and Dance with Dragons form a world of brutal politics, ancient threats and unforgettable characters. If you’ve only watched the show, you’re missing huge layers of intrigue and detail the books lay bare.
Humble Choice
Humble Choice is bringing the heat this month with a killer lineup for just $14.99. You’ll snag Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, Daemon X Machina, Cat Quest III, Death’s Door, and more including a free month of IGN Plus. That’s over $200 in games ready to drop into your library. Every month you stay subbed, you get exclusive discounts and new indie gems in the Vault. Oh, and 5% of your sub supports charity too.
Symphonic Journeys Pokémon Red & Blue Vinyl
his one’s a real collector’s gem. Symphonic Journeys: Pokémon Red & Blue is getting the orchestral treatment, and the exclusive IGN variant presses it to Fire Red vinyl. It ships September 2025, but you can lock in your pre-order now for $34.99. Nolan Markey leads the score with full performance by Budapest Scoring, reimagining everything from Pallet Town to the Champion Battle.
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows Limited Edition (PS5)
Assassin’s Creed Shadows finally delivers the long-awaited leap into feudal Japan, and it doesn’t waste the opportunity. This Amazon-exclusive Limited Edition includes the full game plus the Sekiryu Character Pack, and it’s now down to $49.99—29% off the original $69.99 price. You’ll switch between Naoe, a nimble shinobi, and Yasuke, a powerhouse samurai, across a moody and expansive Sengoku-era Japan. We praised the game’s dynamic environments, more focused pacing, and demanding combat. It doesn’t reinvent the series, but it smartly trims the bloat while offering rich stealth and action-driven storytelling. At this price, it’s a sharp buy for any AC fan.
M3GAN 2.0 – Limited Edition Steelbook (4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital)
M3GAN 2.0 dials up the chaos and trades in some of the original’s horror flair for a louder sci-fi action vibe. The Limited Edition Steelbook packs in 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and Digital formats for $37.99, with a pre-order guarantee that locks in the best price. While we noted the sequel stumbles trying to balance satire and spectacle, M3GAN still steals the spotlight with her savage wit and unpredictable presence. It may not reinvent the killer robot genre, but if you’re in for stylish carnage and sharp-edged commentary, this edition delivers plenty of polished personality for the price.
WOWBOX 32 PCS Clear Plastic Drawer Organizer Set
For $15.99, this 32-piece WOWBOX drawer organizer set is an easy win for cutting clutter across any room. You get four sizes of clear black bins, perfect for separating everything from office supplies to cosmetics and kitchen tools. The plastic is sturdy enough to handle daily use without cracking, and the stackable design lets you double your storage without taking up more space.
Tunise Rechargeable Portable Neck Fan
It’s a fan that you don’t have to hold because it sits comfortably around your neck. This is such a cool and handy product for under $15, especially if you’re like me and get warm at the thought of some sunshine.
The Silmarillion Deluxe Illustrated by the Author
I can’t describe how much I need this work of art. This edition of the Silmarillion arrives in a deluxe stamped clothbound hardcover edition housed in a custom slipcase and lavishly illustrated with over 50 color pieces by J.R.R. Tolkien himself. This collector’s version presents the complete text in two-color print and includes exclusive extras like two fold-out maps of Beleriand, a booklet on the making of The Silmarillion by Christopher Tolkien, and a collectible art card. From the crafting of the Silmarils and Morgoth’s theft, to the fall of Númenor and the forging of the Rings of Power, this volume captures the vast mythological backdrop of The Lord of the Rings. Beautifully quarterbound with foil-stamped black cloth boards, silver-edged pages, and a ribbon marker, it’s a definitive edition for Tolkien devotees.
Amazon Prime Day Is Coming
We’re all over Prime Days 2025, and some deals are going live now. For more information about the event and an inside scoop on hot deals and top tips, check out our Prime Day hub.
6 Months Free Amazon Prime For Young Adults
This one is a no-brainer. If your 18-24, snap up this 6-months free deal for Amazon Prime. It includes the free and fast delivery Amazon is known for alongside unlimited streaming, free delivery on GrubHub+, free Prime games every month and loads more.
3 Months for $0.99 Audible Deal
Audible’s doing that 99c a month deal again for Premium Plus, and it’s a steal. Amazon Prime Members get three months free, so make sure to check for an active subscription before looking for this deal. You get three audiobooks to keep, full access to the big library, and it works even if you’ve had a sub before as long as it’s not active now. I just logged in, saw the banner, and grabbed it. Sunrise on the Reaping is already in my library, and I’m eyeing that massive new Sanderson one next. Less than three bucks for all that? Easy win.
3 Months Free Kindle Unlimited
I’ve never really stuck with audiobooks before, but this Kindle Unlimited deal finally got me into them properly. Right now you can get three months free if you’ve got Prime, and it works on your phone or tablet, not just a Kindle. I gave it a go, downloaded a couple of books, and now I’ve actually started finishing them while I’m out walking or doing stuff around the house. It’s made getting through my backlog way easier and I didn’t have to pay a thing to try it. If you’ve been on the fence, this is a solid excuse to dive in.
Pokémon TCG Price Comparison
Some of the pricing here by Amazon is insane, but there’s some deals to be had when comparing these products to TCG Player. For example, Prismatic Evolutions Super-Premium Collection was a massive 56% below market value, but TCG Player is coming in cheaper now at $195. On the other end of the scale, TCG Player has Cynthia’s Garchomp ex Premium Collection at a massive 48% below Amazon’s current price, which is very close to MSRP. I’ve compared all the prices in the carousel above, but another pro tip is clicking through to eBay to see if there’s any new bargains to be had.
This Weeks Pokémon Card Crashers and Climbers
I’ve been keeping a close eye on the Pokémon TCG market this month, and we’re seeing two very different stories unfold. On one side, Surging Sparks cards are going through a steep correction.
On the other hand, Crown Zenith cards are showing early signs of what could be a long-term value surge. The bottom line? If you’re a collector or investor, now is the time to buy into both.
I’m picking up what I can from both sets. The current dip in Sparks is a glimmer of hope for long-suffering 2024-2025 collectors. And Crown Zenith is a train I want to be on before it leaves the station.
Pokémon TCG Classic
The Sam’s Club Pokémon TCG Classic deal is back, and it’s massively undercutting other big box retailers and the secondary market. Just for comparrison, the top four cards from this set, Charizard, Blastoise, Venusaur and Mewtwo, are worth the same price as this discounted offer. This deal is well worth it and should be snapped up as soon as possible.
Mega Evolution Pokémon Cards Are Climbing
I can’t believe the X Y era of Pokémon cards came out 12 years ago, but it was an amazing era for the TCG introducing the Mega Evolution mechanic. Mega’s will be returning later this year with the start of the Mega Evolutions era and the end of Scarlet and Violet, so snapping up these top Mega cards before prices go even higher is a wise move. We know how it’ll play out, no one will be able to grab the new sets at launch, then the nostalgia will kick in and these cards will skyrocket. Just the Charizards and Rayquazzas alone are worth a look.
Magic: The Gathering Price Comparison
MTG doesn’t seem to be struggling to keep up with demand despite it being one of the biggest trading card games on earth, but that doesn’t stop big box retailers getting cheeky when they notice a peak in demand. Like with Pokémon TCG, i’ve gone through the majority of MTG stock on Amazon and compared their pricing to market values on TCG Player. The Theros Beyond Death booster made me spit out my tea. Amazon is listing a single booster for $378.08, but these can be picked up any day of the week for $5.59 on TCG Player. Go figure. Another big difference is Marvel’s Spider-Man – Play Booster Box. Amazon has their preorder price guarantee on this, but it’s still 17% cheaper to preorder on TCG Player.
This Weeks MTG Crashers and Climbers
As we covered in our recent synergies feature, Harmonic Prodigy gives double Wizard triggers – nice! That means it’s gone up by 118.70% in the past month (246.76% in three) – not so nice!
That’s good for those that own the card, not so good for those who are looking to pick it up standalone. Still, market is still just $12.75 right now, so it could be a lot worse.
Moving away from Vivi, Tifa’s getting some love from Bristly Bill, Spine Sower. This Outlaws of Thunder Junction card can help power up our martial artist heroine, but at a cost of almost $40 now.
Another nifty synergy that’s climbing is Perch Protection. This Instant has climbed from a dollar to almost $6, since it handily ties into Chocobo decks.
If you’re sensitive to light while sleeping, this 3D contoured eye mask from WAOAW might be worth trying. It’s designed with deeper eye cavities so there’s no pressure on your lids, and the wide, adjustable strap helps it stay put without pulling at your hair. The material is soft and breathable, and it comes with earplugs and a travel pouch, which makes it a handy option for travel or quick naps.
Christian Wait is a contributing freelancer for IGN covering everything collectable and deals. Christian has over 7 years of experience in the Gaming and Tech industry with bylines at Mashable and Pocket-Tactics. Christian also makes hand-painted collectibles for Saber Miniatures. Christian is also the author of “Pokemon Ultimate Unofficial Gaming Guide by GamesWarrior”. Find Christian on X @ChrisReggieWait.
Amazon has the Pokémon TCG Prismatic Evolutions Super Premium Collection in stock and listed at $208.31 right now. That’s a big jump from its original MSRP of $89.99, and while still cheaper than the $259.99 it peaked at recently, it’s clear this set is being treated as a premium collector’s item rather than a typical retail product.
That said, Amazon isn’t your only option. TCGPlayer currently has it valued at around $197.31 on the secondary market, which isn’t a massive difference but still saves you ten bucks or more, and at this price point, every dollar helps. That’s a -56.74% drop in value over the past few months, and -6.28% in the past 30 days.
While the Booster Bundles (listed below) provide more packs if buying multiple at a time ($68.50 a pop), they lack the exclusive promos and collector’s items included in the SPC, such as the full-art foil promo card featuring Eevee ex, a deck box, a playmat, and 65 card sleeves. Therefore, the SPC stands out as a cost-effective choice for collectors seeking both quantity and quality.
Alternatively, you could skip the sealed product altogether. Singles from this set are trending down, and if there’s a specific chase card you’ve been eyeing, now might be the time. Sylveon ex SIR, for example, has dropped from $562 in May to around $400 for a near-mint copy.
Pulling one from a premium box is a long shot, especially with Prismatic’s tough pull rates and reverse holos soaking up the rare slots, so buying outright may be the smarter move.
Or skip the gamble altogether. With Prismatic Evolutions singles trending downward, this might be the perfect moment to snag specific cards you want without rolling the dice.
Prismatic Evolutions Single Cards: What to Buy?
While a few top-tier pulls like Roaring Moon ex SIR and Vaporeon ex SIR are holding steady, or even creeping upward, a bunch of Prismatic Evolutions heavy-hitters are absolutely tanking in value right now. And that’s your opportunity.
Yes, suggesting that Pokémon cards priced over $200 are a deal might sound unhinged. But here’s the thing: pulling a Special Illustration Rare from this set is brutal. Thanks to those Pokéball and Masterball reverse holos clogging the rare slots, your odds are garbage. Booster packs are running over $10 a pop, and most people will burn through a mountain of them with nothing to show for it.
Take Sylveon ex SIR: easily one of the most striking cards in the set. It’s dropped 28% in just a couple weeks, from $562.60 in early May to around $400 for a near-mint copy right now. If you’ve been eyeing it, this might be the sweet spot before prices rebound, and you’re definitely not pulling it from a single $260 Super Premium Collection box.
Stock Alert: Amazon vs. Market Price
It’s still wild to see Pokémon sets climbing past $200 just months after launch, but if you’re looking for value, comparing Amazon and TCGPlayer is worth your time. In some cases, Amazon’s price isn’t far off market value, but in others, like Cynthia’s Garchomp ex Premium Collection, TCGPlayer is nearly 50% cheaper vs Amazon.
We’ve rounded up the best live prices in the carousel above, but don’t forget to check eBay too, sometimes the real deals are hiding just off the main drag.
Yes and no. It’s unlikely Amazon will drop the price of the Prismatic Evolutions SPC any further for Prime members, but that doesn’t mean we won’t see any Pokémon card deals or restocks over the four day shopping event.
It’s also worth noting that Walmart, Best Buy, and Target are also running discount sales through July 4th and beyond to compete with Amazon, so keep an eye on those as well for more top deals.
But, if you’re 24 and under, Amazon is the top choice right now for freebies, as you can currently get six months of Prime, three months of Audible, and three months of Kindle Unlimited, all for zero cost.
To be fair, the final two are for everyone, but getting six months of Prime for free is worth the biggest call out, so take note Gen Z readers.
When it comes to actually shopping the big sales though, Amazon Prime Day still wins on variety, but Walmart often matches prices on big-ticket items like AirPods, iPads, and consoles.
Where Walmart stands out is with its exclusive brands, think Vizio TVs or budget gear you won’t find on Amazon. It’s also been stronger recently for Nintendo Switch deals, which Amazon rarely stocks directly anymore.
The smart move? Compare both during the sale. Prices often match, but not always, and Walmart+ members get early access to some of the best deals (but a membership also isn’t required to shop). Target’s Circle Week sale is also running, but most shoppers will find the biggest wins at either Amazon or Walmart in 2025.
Christian Wait is a contributing freelancer for IGN covering everything collectable and deals. Christian has over 7 years of experience in the Gaming and Tech industry with bylines at Mashable and Pocket-Tactics. Christian also makes hand-painted collectibles for Saber Miniatures. Christian is also the author of “Pokemon Ultimate Unofficial Gaming Guide by GamesWarrior”. Find Christian on X @ChrisReggieWait.
Microsoft has reportedly canceled long in development Rare game, Everwild, as layoffs confirmed today sweep across Xbox.
IGN reported on the cuts, revealed a memo sent to staff by Xbox boss Phil Spencer and reviewed by IGN. Reports indicate over 9,000 staff across Microsoft may be hit, with Candy Crush developer King and Bethesda both hit hard.
VGC was first to report the Everwild news, which IGN sources have corroborated. IGN has asked Microsoft for comment.
In the memo, Spencer failed to confirm specifics, telling staff “any organizational shifts will be shared by your team leaders in the coming days.”
The following message from Phil Spencer was shared to all gaming staff today:
Today we are sharing decisions that will impact colleagues across our organization. To position Gaming for enduring success and allow us to focus on strategic growth areas, we will end or decrease work in certain areas of the business and follow Microsoft’s lead in removing layers of management to increase agility and effectiveness. Out of respect for those impacted today, the specifics of today’s notifications and any organizational shifts will be shared by your team leaders in the coming days.
I recognize that these changes come at a time when we have more players, games, and gaming hours than ever before. Our platform, hardware, and game roadmap have never looked stronger. The success we’re seeing currently is based on tough decisions we’ve made previously. We must make choices now for continued success in future years and a key part of that strategy is the discipline to prioritize the strongest opportunities. We will protect what is thriving and concentrate effort on areas with the greatest potential, while delivering on the expectations the company has for our business. This focused approach means we can deliver exceptional games and experiences for players for generations to come.
Prioritizing our opportunities is essential, but that does not lessen the significance of this moment. Simply put, we would not be where we are today without the time, energy, and creativity of those whose roles are impacted. These decisions are not a reflection of the talent, creativity, and dedication of the people involved. Our momentum is not accidental — it is the result of years of dedicated effort from our teams.
HR is working directly with impacted employees to provide severance plan benefits (aligned with local laws), including pay, healthcare coverage, and job placement resources to support their transition. Employees whose roles were eliminated are encouraged to explore open positions across Microsoft Gaming, where their applications will be given priority review.
Thank you to everyone who has shaped our culture, our products, and our community. We will move forward with deep appreciation and respect for all who have contributed to this journey.
In an interview with XboxEra, Spencer listed Everwild as one of the games yet to come out that he was excited for, adding he’d recently visited Rare, which runs live service pirate adventure game Sea of Thieves, to get a look at Everwild and the progress the developers were making.
“Yeah, State of Decay is just one of the franchises I love back from the original one, so that one stays on the board. I do think the work that Double Fine’s doing and how Tim [Schafer] kind of solicits feedback from the team. And the other one, I’ll say because I was recently out at Rare. It’s nice to see the team with Everwild and the progress that they’re making.”
Spencer said Microsoft had been able to give the developers of those games (State of Decay, the next game from Double Fine, and Everwild) time while still having a packed schedule of releases (bolstered, obviously, by the acquisitions of Bethesda and Activision Blizzard).
“We can give those teams time,” Spencer said. “And next week I’m going to be up in Vancouver with the Coalition [Gears of War developer] — and how fun is that?”
Everwild had faced concern amid reboot reports and the exit of creative director Simon Woodroffe in 2020. Rare filled the director’s chair with veteran designer Gregg Mayles, who previously worked on Donkey Kong Country, Banjo-Kazooie, Viva Pinata, and Sea of Thieves.
What was Everwilds? Reports indicated it was a third-person adventure game with god game elements, but given how long it was in development, that may have changed. The last Everwilds trailer, released in July 2020, carried the following description: “Everwild is a brand new IP from Rare. A unique and unforgettable experience await in a natural and magical world.”
Speaking to IGN in June 2024, Xbox boss Phil Spencer said: “I have to run a sustainable business inside the company and grow, and that means sometimes I have to make hard decisions that frankly are not decisions I love, but decisions that somebody needs to go make.”
Wesley is Director, News at IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
Microsoft has today made significant layoffs to its gaming division, per a memo sent to staff by Xbox boss Phil Spencer and reviewed by IGN.
A source told IGN that Candy Crush developer King was hit hard, but the cuts affect other parts of the gaming business. IGN understands parts of Microsoft-owned Bethesda, including its London office, were also affected by the cuts.
In the memo, Spencer failed to confirm specifics, telling staff “any organizational shifts will be shared by your team leaders in the coming days.”
The following message was shared to all gaming staff today:
Today we are sharing decisions that will impact colleagues across our organization. To position Gaming for enduring success and allow us to focus on strategic growth areas, we will end or decrease work in certain areas of the business and follow Microsoft’s lead in removing layers of management to increase agility and effectiveness. Out of respect for those impacted today, the specifics of today’s notifications and any organizational shifts will be shared by your team leaders in the coming days.
I recognize that these changes come at a time when we have more players, games, and gaming hours than ever before. Our platform, hardware, and game roadmap have never looked stronger. The success we’re seeing currently is based on tough decisions we’ve made previously. We must make choices now for continued success in future years and a key part of that strategy is the discipline to prioritize the strongest opportunities. We will protect what is thriving and concentrate effort on areas with the greatest potential, while delivering on the expectations the company has for our business. This focused approach means we can deliver exceptional games and experiences for players for generations to come.
Prioritizing our opportunities is essential, but that does not lessen the significance of this moment. Simply put, we would not be where we are today without the time, energy, and creativity of those whose roles are impacted. These decisions are not a reflection of the talent, creativity, and dedication of the people involved. Our momentum is not accidental — it is the result of years of dedicated effort from our teams.
HR is working directly with impacted employees to provide severance plan benefits (aligned with local laws), including pay, healthcare coverage, and job placement resources to support their transition. Employees whose roles were eliminated are encouraged to explore open positions across Microsoft Gaming, where their applications will be given priority review.
Thank you to everyone who has shaped our culture, our products, and our community. We will move forward with deep appreciation and respect for all who have contributed to this journey.
Phil
Developing…
Wesley is Director, News at IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
Age verification will be coming into force for European and British modders using Nexus Mods.
Last month, Nexus Mods founder Robin “Dark0ne” Scott said that for both “my and the community’s best interest,” the “time has come to step back from the day-to-day running of the site.”
However, these changes do not come at the behest of the new owners, but are part of the company’s legal obligation to comply with the UK government’s new Online Safety Act and the EU’s Digital Services Act.
“Due to the Online Safety Act and Digital Services Act, we are required as a UK-based company to ensure we continue to remove illegal content and add additional restrictions to children’s access to certain adult content,” the company explained.
“As a business, this leaves us with a choice: remove adult content for all UK and EU-based users, or make adjustments to our policy, including adding age verification for some adult content.
“Adult content is a core part of what makes Nexus Mods what it is; we don’t consider removing it a viable option. We are aware that some users may find the changes irritating; however, we are obligated to do this to ensure we can continue to host adult content legally.”
We can expect more information when the finalized Adult Content Guidelines are ready, but the team said that in the meantime, it would be updating its terms of service “to include a clearer, more detailed definition of what counts as illegal content under UK law and how we protect children from harm whilst on the site.”
“While this kind of content was already not allowed on the site, we’re tightening the language to be absolutely clear,” Nexus said. “All users will be notified when the Terms of Service are updated.”
Nexus will also be introducing automated detection for illegal or abusive content, with “any content of this nature immediately removed, and the user responsible will be banned and reported to the National Crime Agency.”
We can also expect revised tags for adult content, an improved block and mute system, and better spam detections. Eventually, there’ll be age verification checks for “the majority of adult content hosted on the site” for all UK and EU users, while users outside of Europe will “not be subject to age verification.”
“The current approach to verifying you are above 18 years of age will remain the same unless we are legally required to change this to operate in your country,” the team added.
In related news, Stellar Blade director and producer Kim Hyung Tae reportedly “fully supports” mods, which is just as well, really, as there are almost 600 of them listed on Nexus, covering everything from new skins to reshaders and VR to nail polish. There are also dozens more hidden from public display and categorized as “adult.” Let’s leave it at that, shall we?
Vikki Blake is a reporter for IGN, as well as a critic, columnist, and consultant with 15+ years experience working with some of the world’s biggest gaming sites and publications. She’s also a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually High Chaos. Find her at BlueSky.
Since Death Stranding 2: On the Beach released last week, players have been discovering various unexpected collaborations and Easter eggs in the game. Some of these rely on specific knowledge of cultural phenomena. If you have taken Dollman for a relaxing soak with Sam in the hotsprings already, you may have stumbled across a Japanese comedy tribute that has delivered a nostalgia hit to many players in Japan, but may be unfamiliar to overseas audiences.
Lugging cargo across Death Stranding 2’s vast Mexican and Australian open worlds is back-breaking work for everyone’s favorite porter Sam. Waiting to be discovered in hidden locations, Ghost of Tsushima-style, are hotsprings. These not only give you a chance to make Norman Reedus take off his kit again, but also reward the player with various buffs. If it wasn’t amusing enough that putting a bucket on Sam’s head while in the hotspring allows him to fast travel, the hotsprings also hold other secrets. If you take Dollman for a dip and ask him to sing, he will turn into Japanese comedian Cha Kato. He will then start belting out a catchy tune, with a bemused Sam doing a dance along with him. This song and dance is from the long-running Japanese comedy show “8ji da yo! Zennin shuugou! (It’s 8 o’clock! Everyone gather round!).” Naturally, Dollman starts serenading you at 8pm in-game time, adding an extra detail to this tribute.
Broadcast on Saturday nights from 1969 to 1985, with plenty of repeats and related programmes after that, this show and its rhythmic “Ba-ban-Ba-ban-ban-ban” ending theme song would be instantly recognizable to most Japanese players, likely triggering nostalgic childhood memories, especially for those of Kojima’s generation.
The programme was led by The Drifters comedy troupe, and featured a mixture of sketches and musical performances, with different popular singers guest starring in each episode. (As a side note, the late Ken Shimura is probably the best known member of The Drifters outside Japan, with some of his sketches, like the English teacher one, later finding fame on the internet.)
The Drifters’ humor, often leaning into slapstick spiced with the occasional crude joke, became popular with children too. As a family-oriented show, the version of the theme song played at the end often encouraged children to start getting ready for bed. Not content with just one version of the iconic theme, Death Stranding 2 also varies the lyrics depending on which hotspring Sam is in.
This may seem like a rather random Easter egg at first glance, but the name of the theme song is “Ii yu da na” (literally, “It’s good hot water, isn’t it?”) and is about enjoying hotsprings. The original version was recorded by Duke Aces in the mid-60s and would later be covered by The Drifters for 8ji da yo! in 1969.
On June 27, Hideo Kojima himself vaguely hinted at Cha Kato’s cameo in Death Stranding 2 by posting the above photo of him and the comedian on X, with a simple emoji caption. Unlike the mixed reception to Death Stranding 2’s VTuber collaboration, comments on The Drifters’ Easter egg from Japanese fans have been overwhelmingly positive (as reported by Japanese news site Game*Spark). Comments like “The Drifters are Japan’s treasure” and appreciation for the surprise tribute abound. Some even expressed hopes that Kojima would find a way to add The Drifter’s famous Hige Dance into a game too. Others were concerned that overseas players wouldn’t understand the reference, but it seems that this cameo could generate renewed interest in this aspect of Showa-era Japanese pop culture.
Kojima also has surprises in store for players who gaze at the starry night sky while soaking in the hotspring. In a recent interview with Game*Spark, Kojima was asked about Easter eggs and cameos, saying “I put all these things in. The staff go ‘huh?’ and give me a blank stare when I ask them ‘Please add this!’. In the hotspring at night, you can see a very beautiful sky if you look up. Please have fun zooming in on it as various things will appear. Some people might be a little surprised.”Indeed, as pointed out by users on Reddit, you can see Kojima himself in the stars. At least it is less creepy than his ghost, which you could snap a photo of back in MGS2.
Verity Townsend is a Japan-based freelance writer who previously served as editor, contributor and translator for the game news site Automaton West. She has also written about Japanese culture and movies for various publications.
