Category: PlayStation

NBA 2K26 tip-off on PlayStation 5 is less than a month away; bringing a host of exciting gameplay innovations and presentation enhancements in the latest iteration of the NBA 2K franchise. This year, the Visual Concepts development team made another Eurostep forward in lifelike animations and authenticity, with heightened player fidelity, palpable arena atmosphere, energetic commentary and captivating pageantry—let’s get into it.

Player fidelity

​​

The weight of the moment combined with the wear and tear of each dribble, foul, and collision takes a physical toll over the course of a game. 

In NBA 2K26, the evolution of player fidelity is more noticeable thanks to a new shader that brings out the subtleties of each player’s skin. Get up close and see the sweat stream down the pores on players’ faces, the cracks in their lips from dehydration, and the improved muscle definition after a thunderous dunk. 

This new shading technology makes uniforms and shoes look even more detailed and stunning. The curvature of embroidered names on the back of jerseys boasts increased accuracy—you can even see the ultra-fine stitching. These minute details bring you closer to the action than ever before.

Arena visuals

Take in the grandeur of these larger-than-life NBA arenas with improved lighting, floor shading, and team-specific features in NBA 2K26.

Improved arena lighting

The lighting in NBA 2K26 has been redesigned to improve light intensity and color correction. Coupled with the new skin shader, the players shine and reflect like the stars they are as they dazzle under the bright lights of the arena.

Improved court floors

In addition to the new skin shaders, new floor shaders have been introduced to add more life and sheen to every court. The meticulously polished courts in 2K26 invite you to step on the hardwood and observe the uniqueness of each team’s home court. Depending on the camera angle you prefer, there’s a distinct contrast in wood grain color based on a higher or lower view.

Team-specific features

From the shape of each arena’s overhead spotlights to the Clippers’ towering “Wall,” all 30 arenas in NBA 2K26 have been designed to closely match their real-world counterparts. Teams around the league have different pregame rituals, like how they create specific patterns with their light shows or how they illuminate the court with team colors. For the teams that rely on pyrotechnics to fire up the crowd, a thin haze will fill the arena and progressively dissipate as the game gets underway. Dedicated fans of these teams will appreciate the level of authenticity and effort that went into capturing the true essence of every arena, like the Detroit Pistons’ courtside lounge behind the baseline.

Arena atmosphere

Feel the palpable energy of an NBA arena in NBA 2K26. Interact with diverse fanbases as a player and quiet the hecklers with sensational plays. Even the entertainers are putting on a show—mascots, hype crews, and national anthem singers are raising the bar during pregame and in between timeouts.

Crowd variety & interaction

Crowd variety and interactions were a big focus this year, and received major improvements and upgrades. Variety was greatly expanded with twice the number of unique character models, including more body types and heads. This represents a wider range of sizes, shapes, and ages. Clothing options are also expanded and now include current and historic player jerseys that feature a player’s name on the back of the jersey. We’re talking about over 60 historic players such as Jordan, Bird, and more; many of the top current players in the game have been included, as well.

Fans in the crowd have been given rally towels, foam fingers and even rubber chickens to show their team spirit. Expect to see these deployed in key moments of special games, think NBA Cup and Playoffs games. Each fan will also wear an arena provided LED wristband that’s used to create light shows for player introductions, after big plays, and more.

In MyCAREER, particularly passionate fans may heckle your MyPLAYER during the game. Listen to their chirps and use it as motivation to silence them with your skills on the court.

In-arena entertainment

During breaks in the action, new performers and entertainment will take the floor. From mascots on pocket bikes to choreographed dances, and more. There will never be a dull moment. All-new renditions of the U.S. and Canadian national anthems will be played pregame, prior to tip-off.

Player interactions

Player interactions in 2K26 set the scene before the game with an updated lower-bowl experience.

Pregame shootaround includes fresh animations; players and trainers can be seen conducting drills and getting warmed up ahead of the game.    

When there’s a stoppage or break in the action—timeout, coach’s challenge, end of a quarter—players will see refreshed bench and huddle animations, as you make substitutions and draw up plays. Some players may even make their case to the officiating crew about potential foul calls.

Late-game commentary

Add to the memory of your clutch moments with eloquent commentary captured by the talented play-by-play and color commentary of the NBA 2K broadcast team. In the waning moments of a game, especially when it’s tightly contested, there will be a noticeable shift in tone from the commentators. As the clock ticks down and the intensity ratchets up, the heightened energy will feel much different from a blowout.

Broadcast voices

Returning to the broadcast booth in NBA 2K26 are the talented, iconic, and insightful crew of Kevin Harlan, Greg Anthony, Stan Van Gundy, Shams Charania, and more. In addition to this distinguished cast, new PA announcers, international correspondents, and the incredibly savvy Tim Legler have joined the mix.

• Tim Legler: Known for his high basketball IQ and deep Xs and Os knowledge, Tim Legler is in-game to provide game breakdowns and basketball analysis.

• PA Announcers: All-new talent that represents the real-world arena announcers for almost every team. For example, the electrifying sound of Shawn Parker’s voice has been recorded for Charlotte Hornets games.
• International: Team China features play-by-play announcer ZeYuan Guan and analysts Jian Yang and Qun Su, and Spanish commentators have recorded new audio as well.

Big moments

NBA history is defined by iconic individual seasons and clutch performances in big moments. NBA 2K26 is designed to capture the magnitude of these awards and moments by drawing you in with the pageantry and spectacle of it all.

Dynamic banners

Celebrate your championships properly with dynamic banners in NBA 2K26. As you win titles, you’ll see banners from those championship victories raised into the rafters, where they’ll hang to commemorate your milestone achievements. Year after year, as you add to your storied legacy, these banners will be a constant reminder of your place in NBA history and a crowning achievement of your success.

NBA Cup

Presentation now has full integration for the NBA Cup, including more detailed overlays in Cup games that educate you on the groups and how many points teams need to advance in this unique format.

In addition, custom highlight reels will be played before NBA Cup games, featuring signature NBA Cup thematic music and special NBA Cup branding to make every moment feel more significant.

Replays will utilize the unique ‘matrix cam,’ which shows a 360-degree replay that orbits around highlight moments. 

NBA Awards

Celebrate your achievements with all 7 NBA regular season awards: MVP, Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Sixth Man of the Year, Most Improved Player, Clutch Players of the Year, and Coach of the Year.

Your trophy will be presented to you in your first home game after winning the award. If you won more than one award, you’ll even see them presented together.

Instant replay

Capture your favorite show-stopping highlights with Instant Replay, Photo Moments, and Highlight Builder features. In NBA 2K26, you can now save filter presets for easy access when creating highlight reels. Put an artistic touch on your gravity-defying plays to give them a cinematic look and feel.

From the rafters to the hardwood, and everything in between, NBA 2K26’s presentation enhancements raise the intensity inside the arena and make every game feel like it’s primetime. Pre-order NBA 2K26 Superstar or Leave No Doubt Edition and experience all of these authentic features for yourself during Early Access*, starting August 29!

*Early access only available for NBA 2K26 Superstar and Leave No Doubt Editions (Digital) only available on PlayStation 5. Availability restrictions apply.

THQ Nordic’s 2025 Showcase just wrapped, debuting new details on Tides of Tomorrow, Spongebob Squarepants: Titans of the Tide, Gothic 1 Remake, and more.

Here is a breakdown of the upcoming titles. 

​​

The team at Tarsier, creators of Little Nightmares I & II, are creating an all-new horror adventure -Reanimal. The showcase gameplay trailer features a first look at new gameplay environments and characters, including new monsters and friends of the orphaned siblings. Their relentless journey to survive a hellish gamescape features a rich narrative and online and couch co-op multiplayer so players can share the scare.

​​

In more light-hearted gaming updates, the pre-order program for SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide is now live. Confirmed for release on PS5 on November 18 of this year, this all-new adventure through Bikini Bottom allows players to play as both Patrick and SpongeBob to the song-stylings of the one and only David Hasselhoff. 

The ability to switch from SpongeBob to Patrick and back again has been a long-time request from SpongeBob gamers. Preorder any edition and receive the Natural Costume DLC free. The Ghostly Digital Edition includes the Tidal Season pass, also available separately.

For the SpongeBob Collector, get all SpongeBob games and DLC in the digital Bikini Bottom Bundle or head to your favorite retailer for the Ghostly Edition featuring an exclusive Steelbook, collectible patch, keychain & lenticular prints.

One genre we simply cannot get enough of at THQ Nordic is role-playing. Remaking the classic RPG Gothic is a true passion project for our Alkimia Interactive. Gothic 1 Remake is built for today’s most discerning RPG enthusiasts, including thoughtful expansions architected with Gothic veterans in mind. 

Starting today, gamers everywhere can return to the Valley of the Mines in the Gothic 1 Remake demo. Dive into the Nyras Prologue to experience the thrill of entering the Colony for the very first time — without encountering any spoilers. This demo will not be included in the final game. THQ Nordic will also release the Gothic Classics, 1, 2, and 3 for PS5 in 2026. 

Our all-new gameplay trailer for Eternal Life of Goldman reveals at least one life shattered by our protagonist Goldman. The vibrant yet dark platformer demands precision while encouraging exploration and a sense of discovery throughout the game world. Complex scenes and rich characters create The Eternal Life of Goldman’s layered story that is perfectly balanced to platform-style play.

View and download image

Tides of Tomorrow developer Digixart, the team behind Route 96, revealed new insights on the all-new asynchronous gameplay feature as part of today’s Showcase event. Tides of Tomorrow combines rich story-telling and collaborative gameplay for a first-of-its-kind experience. The colorful, post-apocalyptic universe is in the player’s hands as decision-making will determine the fate of the game world and all its inhabitants.  

The Wreckfest franchise is one of my favorite stress relievers. BugBear Entertainment is working on a long-awaited sequel to the high-octane, no-rules demolition derby and racing game. Made famous for its realistic damage model and unique blend of arcade and simulation style, the Wreckfest franchise requires that every driver drive hard to die last. Wreckfest 2 is racing to PS5 in 2026.

We’re working on a sequel to another celebrated role-playing game – Titan Quest II. The ARPG best known for combining hack-n-slash combat, loot-based progression, and deep character customization in a rich, mythological setting is coming to PS5 in 2026. With a class-less character system, players can choose two masteries from a variety of options and freely combine them to create their own hero inspired by ancient mythology. Explore the realms of ancient Greece, visit places where no mortal has ever ventured, and face legendary creatures — and even gods themselves. Titan Quest II promises an adventure worthy of its own myth. 

The Burnout series was a favorite for PlayStation gamers for more than a decade. The team behind that racer have combined arcade racing with a toolbox full of customization options in a giant open world with Wreckreation. Players can choose from 60 different vehicles and use the Game DJ to change in-game parameters like music, vehicles, weather, time of day, traffic, and game world. 

And the best part? Players can instantly switch to the live mix building mode in real-time, constructing their own highways — complete with crazy jumps, loops, and hundreds of objects placed anywhere in the game world. Ever wanted to race your car over a dinosaur’s head? Wreckreation has got you covered. The new gameplay trailer shows off in-game racing and stunt challenges that can be created and shared with friends. Wreckreation is coming to PS5 later this year.

We like to think we have something fun for just about every PlayStation gamer and can’t wait to give players a chance to play many of the games we previewed today at Gamescom in a few weeks.

Silent Hill f, a standalone spin-off of the Silent Hill series from developer NeoBards, comes to PlayStation 5 on September 25. We recently had the chance to play the game at its world premiere event in Tokyo, Japan.

Psychological horror set in 1960s Japan

The story begins when Hinako leaves her home to escape from her upset father. Silent Hill f utilizes the same over-the-shoulder perspective as Bloober Team’s 2024 Silent Hill 2 remake, allowing players to move the camera with the right analog stick. Sharing a similar perspective to Hinako adds to the immersion and tension of the game. When you look around the forest surrounding her, you become acutely aware of the danger closing in and feel the overwhelming sense of isolation and entrapment.

Navigate the fog-enshrouded town and survive the deadly horrors from an over-the-shoulder perspective

The sky darkens as Hinako approaches a row of houses along the forestline, and a mysterious fog descends. The authentic 1960s Japanese town, depicted in vivid 4K visuals, evokes a sense of beauty and nostalgia. However, things take a turn after you meet Hinako’s childhood friends. The fog completely engulfs the town, and “higanbana” (red spider lilies) begin blooming from the ground. Worse yet, tentacle-like plants begin creeping and overflowing from the walls. The town’s dramatic transformation enthralled me.

Navigating the maddening, twisting streets of Ebisugaoka

Ebisugaoka features an array of narrow streets intertwining between clustered houses. Blind corners and varying verticality create a complex, maze-like layout. Unlike Silent Hill 2, there are no radios or items to warn you of approaching enemies, so you must remain vigilant and alert to every sound.

Puzzles closely tied to the story

Puzzles are a defining feature of the Silent Hill series, and they feature prominently in this title. During our playthrough, we were able to try out a variety of puzzles inspired by Japanese culture, such as locating the correct “ema” (small wooden prayer tablets) or finding scarecrows that matched certain criteria. Many of these puzzles are deeply connected to the story written by scriptwriter Ryukishi07, and it was intriguing to find out how they were linked to the characters’ emotions and identity.

Close-range combat demands quick-thinking and strategy

Hinako is an average Japanese teenager, so unlike previous titles in the series firearms aren’t an option here. Instead, Silent Hill f has a heavier focus on melee combat. During our demo we got our hands on an iron pipe, a sickle, a dagger, and a naginata polearm. 

Combat features a new Sanity mechanic and counterattacks to target vulnerable enemies. Pressing the R2 button during combat openings combat activates a counter. This doesn’t consume stamina, and if successful, the enemy will get knocked down. You’ll see a special effect appear on the enemy when you can execute the counter. Although Focus mode consumes Sanity, this state can slow down time and create a longer opening, making it easier to deliver a surprise counter. Also, when Hinako’s Focus gauge fills up she can unleash a powerful Focus Attack with the R1 button, which inflicts significant damage. However, the current Max Sanity will decrease, making it harder to go into Focus mode, so you’ll need to determine the prime moments to take advantage of this attack.

Keep an eye on weapon durability

Weapons in Silent Hill f have levels of durability and will break faster the more they’re used. Make sure you carry spare weapons or toolkits to  repair their durability. However, weapons like the dagger and naginata, which can only be used in the Otherworld, have no durability and can be used to your heart’s content.

 Face-to-face with a formidable shrine maiden monster

The demo concludes with an intense battle between Hinako and a grotesque monster dressed as a shrine maiden. Hinako calls this monster “Sakiko” when she confronts it in the Otherworld. 

The shrine maiden’s attacks span a wide range and will keep you on your toes from long range. The monster launches a long-distance attack that makes Hinako flinch while it simultaneously vanishes to cut down her Sanity. However, if you’re able to locate the monster right after it reappears you’ll have a chance to dash and strike while it’s vulnerable.

I walked away from my time with Silent Hill f eager to confront more terrifying enemies and challenging puzzles, as well as explore new areas of the map when the game launches September 25 on PS5.

View and download image

View and download image

View and download image

View and download image

View and download image

View and download image

Verify your age to view this content.

Battlefield 6 has made its debut, with Electronic Arts providing the first big look at its sprawling first-person shooter, including hands-on with its often-enormous multiplayer mode. I engaged the enemy across four of the nine maps Battlefield 6 will include at launch, which took us through a range of battles: from the vehicle-filled All-Out Warfare modes, to smaller, close-quarters battles.

The franchise heads back to its roots with Battlefield 6, serving as a sort of spiritual successor to Battlefield 3 and Battlefield 4. It uses a modern setting of 2027 and, like the games it draws inspiration from, sees the return of character classes to the series—but with new twists on the old formulas.

Battlefield 6 hits PS5 on October 10, but you don’t have to wait that long—there are also open beta weekends this August  so you can try out the game’s new tricks yourself.

Here’s everything from my boots-on-the-ground experience in Battlefield 6.

Character classes

Battlefield 6 brings back the class system that players know and love, but with adjustments that let you further dial in your specialty. The new Training system is Battlefield 6’s take on subclasses, expanding on the Specializations of Battlefield 3 and Field Upgrades of Battlefield 4.

Classes also get buffs as you “level up” through a match by supporting teammates, defeating opponents, and playing objectives, which further amp up the things that make them unique. Eventually, they can charge up a special ability that’s specific to their Training.

Assault — The run-and-gun class wields an assault rifle and combat stims, and with the Frontliner training, gains faster health regeneration, more stimulants, and more accuracy while moving.

Recon — Best known for long-range shots and spotting enemy movement. The Sniper training marks enemies seen through your scope more quickly and for longer, while sniper shots stop enemy healing. Meanwhile, headshots drop enemies with a single round, without the possibility of being revived by a teammate.

Engineer — The only class that can repair vehicles can also be a real menace to them, as well as to other infantry. The Anti-Armor training lets you wreck vehicles with extra rockets that also reduce their repair effectiveness.

Support — The classic defensive class is a little more than a revive machine in Battlefield 6. Specializing in light machine guns, you can also place temporary cover and drop ammo for your teammates. The Combat Medic training also lets you dish out health for allies and regenerates health while you’re reviving teammates. 

Closed and open weapons — Classes get a signature weapon and specific gadgets, but whether weapons are open or closed depends on the playlist you’re playing. On closed playlists, you can only use certain weapons with certain classes. But on open playlists, you can swap to anything that works for you.

Tactical destruction

Map destruction is one of Battlefield’s defining features, but in Battlefield 6, destroying chunks of the map is part of your strategy and a weapon to use against the enemy.

Blast a path — Thin obstacles like doors or windows can be crashed through or blasted apart to open a line of fire. You can also level walls with grenades or a handy sledgehammer. 

Emphasis on “tactical” — Thomas Andersson, Creative Director of the Battlefield Franchise, explained that destruction in Battlefield 6 is meant to be somewhat predictable so you can make use of it in firefights. Destroying the floor beneath your opponents or bringing a building down on their heads are viable strategies that are satisfying to pull off.

Bring down the house — Standing in a building that’s coming down around you is shockingly loud and intense, but I couldn’t look away from Battlefield 6’s beautiful devastation. The best part, though, is finding cover in the rubble to continue the fight as the map changes around you.

Kinesthetic combat

Battlefield 6 makes firefights more dynamic and adaptive with the addition of the Kinesthetic Combat System.

Peek and lean — Walk up to any corner in Battlefield 6 and you’ll get a contextual prompt that lets you hold R1 to lean out and fire, and lean back into cover when you let go, providing new tactical options in close-quarters engagements.

No one left behind — Reviving comrades isn’t just a matter of holding down the Square button and hoping nobody shoots you. Now you can drag a downed teammate out of the line of fire while you revive them. As a dedicated medic fan, being able to pull a buddy out of danger saved my own life a few times, too.

Hitch a ride — Vehicles never seem to have enough seats, but you can grab onto the outside of tanks or trucks to hitch a ride and stick with your squad.

Fight the recoil — Battlefield developers said they know a lot of players don’t really know how to compensate for the recoil of most guns, but it’s a skill that can win firefights. Kinesthetic Combat telegraphs information about recoil by tilting your gun in the direction it moves as it fires, so you can learn to keep your shots on target—possibly without even realizing the game was teaching you.

Maps

The four maps I fought through gave a sense of Battlefield 6’s scale, as well as the intensity of its smaller locales. Battlefield 6’s more massive maps include locations within them called Combat Zones, which are smaller, carefully designed engagement areas that can also function as maps on their own for the game’s different modes.

Liberation Peak — An enormous mountainside battlefield that’s great for vehicles of all kinds and excellent for snipers, especially once you start leveling buildings to create new, tough-to-spot positions.

Siege of Cairo — A dense city where the fighting is fierce, and buildings are constantly at risk of being reduced to rubble. Siege of Cairo is big enough for tanks and vehicles, but also packs a Combat Zone where you’ll need to check your corners and keep on the move.

Empire State — This infantry-only map takes the fighting to the streets of Brooklyn, pushing squads into open streets and tight alleyways. A shotgun is excellent for tight interiors, but make sure you’re checking the floors above you.

Iberian Offensive — Gibraltar is home to some winding streets and quaint shops that make for hardscrabble advances through tight pathways, but with plenty of walls to wreck to expose the enemy.

Modes

The modes I played were broken up across Battlefield’s classic All-Out Warfare modes and two modes designed for smaller maps.

Squad Deathmatch — Four squads compete in close-quarters combat on smaller maps in this revival of the mode from Battlefield: Bad Company 2. Working together, balancing your classes, and staying in constant communication are essential.

Domination — Infantry battle over three control points, making for a series of push-and-pull firefights in close quarters.

Conquest — Battlefield’s iconic All-Out Warfare mode finds two teams fighting to control points across the map, with huge armies and all available vehicles. Things can get chaotic and overwhelming, but just remember: Play the objective.

Breakthrough — Attackers try to push forward across Battlefield 6’s big maps in this All-Out Warfare mode, dominating it sector by sector, while defenders do everything they can to stop them.

With Battlefield 6, Battlefield Studios and EA are revitalizing some of the best elements of the series, while dialing up the devastation to levels it’s never reached before. You really haven’t played Battlefield until you’ve watched a tank shell collapse a building while you’re standing in it.

But you can experience it all for yourself, and soon. You can join Battlefield 6’s open beta on two weekends this month: August 9-10 and August 14-17. The full game launches on October 10.

Hi, everyone. I’m Matt Bozon, director of the Shantae series. Today I’d like to fill you in on some exciting news about Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution, and share more details about the project!

If you’re familiar with the Shantae video game series, you might have heard that the original Shantae game had an unfinished sequel that never saw the light of day. Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution is that long-lost sequel. The original production ended in 2004, leaving the game only half finished – but the story didn’t end there.

A long-lost genie adventure

Twenty years later the original Shantae Advance team was reunited thanks to WayForward and Limited Run Games. We opened our archives, dove into old files, and set out to complete the project in its original code base using the tools of a bygone era. It was a labor of love, preservation, and improvisation. Now, the project is finally complete after over two decades, and will be “Ret-2-Go” on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.

So, is Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution an old game or a new game? Is it game #2 in the series? Or game #6? Great questions. First and foremost, this is a brand-new, never-before-released Shantae game that was completed in 2025. But canonically, it’s the 2nd game in the series. The story takes place directly after the events of Shantae 1, but before Risky’s Revenge. The overall play style builds on lessons learned from all previous Shantae efforts. Combat and platforming are quick and snappy, writing and humor are on point, and quality-of-life elements are in line with the modern series.

As for features, the game contains three stand-alone experiences; First, there’s the modern version built for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, which contains high-resolution portrait artwork, UI, and cinematics. Second is Classic Mode, which preserves all of 2004-era pixel artwork in its original resolution, and can be played as a stand alone game – effectively bonus content. Third is Battle Mode, which is a two-to-four player local party game in which players try to clobber each other and collect power ups, while navigating a rotating arena. 

Play Video

Shanae’s new costumes

But wait, there’s more. All of the above is included in the Standard Edition, but we’re also offering a Deluxe Edition, which contains three exclusive costumes made especially for fans. See Shantae as you’ve never seen her before – in her Relic Hunter Costume, High Voltage Costume, and Sizzle Armor Costume. Not only do these costumes change Shantae’s in-world sprites, but they also change her high-res dialogue portraits and the properties of her magic attacks. With the Deluxe Edition, all three of these costumes are available from the get-go. Let’s dig in:

The Relic Hunter Costume is inspired by Uncle Mimic’s old geezer friends, the Relic Hunters, who feature prominently in the game. For this costume we wondered what would happen if Shantae cosplayed as Uncle Mimic. She’d definitely want to make some adjustments of her own. What do you think? Wearing this adventurous getup grants a permanent power-up to Shantae’s Pike Ball Magic.

The High Voltage Costume grants hyper energy to Shantae’s electrical Storm Puff magic. The modern style and holographic ponytail are as nonsensical as it gets – right down to the “1994” graphical text on the pant leg – signifying the year that Shantae was created. We thought it would be fun to give her a techwear-inspired outfit with dayglow colors.

Last – and in this case, least – is the Sizzle Armor Costume. This impressive “swimsuit” of armor provides a significant boost to Shantae’s Fireball Magic. This design is inspired by 1980s anime bikini armor, with fluorescent reds, dragonslayer-esque plating, and gleaming gemstones and baubles. Shantae’s ponytail even changes into a fire-whip.

So there you have it – all the details on the all-new Deluxe Edition content for Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution. Both the Standard Edition and the Deluxe Edition will be available to purchase and download on August 19 – less than a month away. After waiting 20 years to get this game into your hands, I can hardly believe it’s finally about to happen. I hope you all are as excited to play the game as we are. Thank you for supporting this series.

In Season 5, the Rogue Black Ops team tracks down the final Pantheon moles to finish what they’ve started. Battle across new Multiplayer maps plus check out the thrilling conclusion of the Black Ops 6 Zombies storyline. In Verdansk, the Stadium is blown wide open, with high-tech secrets hiding within. The new content goes live in Black Ops 6 and Warzone starting August 7.

Multiplayer Overview

New Maps

Runway (Launch): Following a destructive pursuit in the Arzak Provincial Airport, wreckage and chaos have engulfed the terminal and the surrounding area.

Exchange (Launch): Set in a vibrant Avalon marketplace, crash the party and unleash havoc on this small-sized three-lane map centered around the Deli.

World Motor Dynasty (W.M.D.) (Launch), Remaster: First introduced in the original Call of Duty: Black Ops, W.M.D. is back as the reimagined World Motor Dynasty luxury Italian car manufacturer in Avalon.

Jackpot (Mid-Season), Inspired by Black Ops 4: Using elements from the original Casino map from Black Ops 4 and partially inspired by the Heist mission from the Black Ops 6 campaign, this extensively reworked map takes place on the Casino Luttazzi floor.

New and Returning Multiplayer Modes

Aim High (New, Launch): Across a variety of game modes headshots land instant eliminations while full body armor minimizes damage dealt anywhere below the neck. Eliminate enemies and receive brief speed and health regeneration boosts.

Snipers Only (Returning, In-Season):  Operators spawn with only a Sniper Rifle in hand – Equipment, Secondary Weapons, and your Dedicated Melee Weapon are restricted.

Cranked Moshpit (Returning, In-Season): Eliminations give you speed Perks and activate a bomb countdown on your Operator. Refresh the bomb timer with chain eliminations and earn twice the score for your team.

Play Video

Zombies Overview

New Round-Based Zombies Map: Reckoning (Launch)

The massive Janus Towers that dominate the Project Janus Headquarters are teetering on the verge of collapse. Face the final chapter of the Black Ops 6 Zombies story as the crew and Richtofen face off against S.A.M. in a race against time.

New Elite Enemy and Other Entities

The greatest new Project Janus threat is the Uber Klaus – a hulking robot encased in a tough, bulky exoskeleton, packed with lethal efficiency and super strength. Once the outer protection is shattered, a second form known as Uber Klaus Core appears.

Keep an eye out for waves of daunting Kommando Klaus units, robot enforcers heralded by a mysterious red mist. These machines are programmed to seek and destroy, self-destructing upon contact.

New Wonder Weapon: Gorgofex

Buried deep within the Janus Towers is the Gorgofex, a grotesque new Wonder Weapon. This bio-aetheric weapon pulses with fungal, insectile, and floral traits and supports multiple variants for those willing to discover them.

Additional Field Upgrade: Mister Peeks

Summon the deadly and distracting bunny to bust out the moves and bash undead brains to a disco beat.

Call of Duty: Warzone Overview

Abyss Protocol Activated: Stadium Compromised

Recon teams have uncovered the existence of a covert military base hidden inside the National Acropolis Arena, tied to the highly secretive Abyss Protocol. A looming threat may be buried within – Operators are advised to prepare for an imminent Stadium breach.

New Contract: Satellite Hijack (Launch Window, Week One)

Explode your way into the stadium with the multi-step Satellite Hijack Contract, available only during the first full week of the season.

New LTMs

Stadium Resurgence LTM (In-Season, Week Two): Operators will be able to access the Stadium via new rooftop entry points and participate in a fast-paced Resurgence mode with a seven-circle collapse

General Overview

New Weapons: In the Battle Pass, unlock two new free base weapons: the PML 5.56 LMG and ABR A1 Assault Rifle. Plus, earn additional new weapons via seasonal events.

New Attachments: Bring the power to your favorite pistol with the 9mm PM Skull Splitter attachment available in the Battle Pass. And unlock an additional attachment at mid-season.

Season 5 Battle Pass, Store Content

Purchase the Battle Pass to immediately unlock rewards including a seasonal 10% Battle Pass XP Boost, the Stogie Sims Operator, the Infernous Legendary Blueprint for the Kilo 141 Assault Rifle, and more, providing access to over 110 pieces of unlockable content. Plus, Purchase BlackCell for the premiere Battle Pass Upgrade.

Season 5 Launches August 7

Black Ops 6 is available now on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. Experience the spy action thriller Campaign, the in-depth tactical chaos of Multiplayer, and soak in the gory glory of round-based Zombies!

Hi there, I’m Miki Majka, Game Producer at Rock Square Thunder. Today, I want to give you a first look at the official gameplay trailer for our upcoming game, I Hate This Place, which is coming to PlayStation 5 later this year. It’s a craft-based, isometric survival horror experience all wrapped in bold comic-style visuals and soaked in a gritty 1980s horror atmosphere.

I also want to take you a little deeper into how we’re using sound as more than just atmosphere. In I Hate This Place, silence isn’t simply golden — it can mean the difference between life and death.

But first, let’s take a look at the gameplay trailer:

Play Video

These creatures hunt by sound

As you probably noticed in the video, the world of I Hate This Place is filled with a lot of nightmarish, otherworldly creatures from a rather eerie and distorted world. But what might not be so clear is that many of these hulking monstrosities can barely see. Instead, they stalk their prey (you) by sound, so all your actions and movements need to be thought out. Every footstep, every gunshot, every clang of metal can give off your location.

So whether you’re creeping through overgrown woods or navigating decrepit facilities, the surface beneath your sneakers matters. A slow, crouched shuffle across grass will likely be ignored. A careless stomp on broken glass, not so much.

Making visual noise

To take this system further and make it more clever to players, we also made sound into a visual language, where noise is color-coded. It’s a unique visual system inspired to tie in with the game’s comic book art style. For example:

Green footsteps mean you’re quiet, crouched, moving slowly, minimizing risk
Yellow signals you’re walking at a normal pace and making moderate noise
Red means you’re running or being loud, and you’re a beacon for danger

This color-coded feedback system doesn’t just apply to footsteps, though. Gunfire, thrown objects, even the howls and attacks of enemies all follow the same noise-visibility rules, helping you judge just how much noise all of your actions are creating.

Sound as a weapon

Just as sound can get you killed, it can also be used to your advantage and become your most useful weapon.

With a bit of strategy and planning, you can lure monsters away from key areas or into your cleverly laid traps. Tossing an empty can down a hallway or into the underbrush might attract a nearby creature, giving you the opening you need to escape.

With a bit more planning and thought, you can try to herd enemies together into the perfect spot to then toss that grenade or molatov cocktail you happened to scrounge.

Stealth is your friend

Combat in I Hate This Place is about choosing your battles wisely. Many of the creatures you’ll encounter are brutal, and even more so when night falls. Going in guns blazing is doable, but maybe not always the right move. Ammo is scarce, noise is dangerous, and enemies are unforgiving.

So the next time you feel tempted to sprint across an open field or you think firing off a shotgun blast in a tight corridor is a good idea, think twice. In I Hate This Place, it is not just what you do, it is how loud you are when you do it. Instead, you can rely on stealth, movement, and manipulation. Using the terrain, sound cues, and enemy behavior against them becomes second nature as you learn to navigate the environment and survive it.

That’s it for today’s deep dive about our combat and potentially sound-induced paranoia!

Thank you so much for reading.

The Evolution Championship Series (Evo) returns to Las Vegas from August 1-3, hosting players from more than 60 countries around the globe for a weekend of high-stakes competition. Tens of thousands of the most passionate members of the fighting game community will reunite at the Las Vegas Convention Center for the second year in a row to celebrate the games that unite them – with only the top competitors bringing home the championship title.

With an expanded lineup of hit fighting games, insightful play-by-play commentary from veteran hosts, and first looks at upcoming games and hardware, this year’s Evo has more for fans to engage with than ever before.

Expanded game lineup and showfloor experiences

Over the past few years, Evo has continued to expand its gaming lineup and experiences. This year’s event is branching out with an expanded competition lineup now featuring 16 titles, including Tekken 8, Street Fighter 6, and Guilty Gear -Strive-.

Photography: Robert Paul

Attendees will have plenty of exciting activities to choose from throughout the weekend, including industry panels, hands-on demo experiences, and various activities at gaming publisher booths. There will also be a Cosplay Contest, an Artist Alley with over 100 vendors and creators, and an Evo Museum with exhibits that showcase historic fighting game artwork and memorable arcade controllers. 

Photography: Robert Paul

First playable experience for MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls at Evo 2025  

Attendees can go hands-on with MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls at the Arc System Works booth from August 1 to 3. The showfloor demo will be made available to play using a variety of controllers, including the DualSense wireless controller, Razer Kitsune all-button arcade controller, as well as NACON Daija Arcade Stick. Slated for release in 2026, this 4v4 tag team fighter is a collaboration between ​​PlayStation Studios, Arc System Works, and Marvel Games, featuring iconic heroes and villains from the Marvel Universe. 

Be sure to also check out the Developer Combat Panel with key members of the Arc System Works and Marvel Games teams, taking place on Friday, August 1 at 8pm PT on the Evo Showcase Stage (players at home can also tune into Twitch.tv/Evo or PlayStation Esports’ YouTube channel).

Learn more about MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls activities at Evo 2025.

Be one of the first to see the FlexStrike wireless fight stick on display

Announced during the June 2025 State of Play, FlexStrike is the first wireless fight stick designed by Sony Interactive Entertainment. It uses PlayStation Link technology to deliver wireless connectivity with ultra-low latency for fighting games. 

At Evo 2025, the FlexStrike wireless fight stick will be on display only* for the first time – visit the Fight Stick Museum and the Arc System Works booth for a first look at the fight stick and included sling carry case.

View and download image

*Display unit does not reflect final product design, which is subject to change

PlayStation Store’s Summer Sale and deals directly from PlayStation

As part of PlayStation’s Summer Sale, running now through August 13, there will be amazing savings off top fighting games, including titles featured in Evo 2025’s lineup:

• TEKKEN 8 – Advanced Edition – 50% off
• Mortal Kombat 1: Definitive Edition – 60% off
• Guilty Gear -Strive- Blazing Edition – 20% off
• FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves – Special Edition – 40% off
• Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising – 61% off
• UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II Sys:Celes – 50% off

Players attending Evo in Las Vegas will get 15% off select PS5 Accessories at direct.playstation.com from July 29 at 12:00AM until August 4 at 11:59PM (while supplies last). Offer includes popular items such as DualSense Edge wireless controllers, Pulse Explore wireless earbuds, Pulse Elite wireless headsets, fight sticks, racing gear, storage drives, and more. When ordering directly from direct.playstation.com, players can enjoy free standard shipping and free returns on eligible orders. EVO attendees will have access to the discount code at the event, which must be entered at checkout to take advantage of this exclusive offer. 

Where to watch Evo Vegas 2025

For those who will be watching the show from home, visit Twitch.tv/Evo or head to PlayStation Esports’ YouTube channel to witness the world’s best players in competition, see the latest fighting game reveals, and connect with fellow fighting game fans.

Photography: Robert Paul

Whether players are tuning in from home or experiencing the thrill of the fight in-person from the Las Vegas Convention Center, there’s a lot to look forward to at Evo 2025. Enjoy!

Last week, we asked you to share the friendly and villainous side characters of Death Stranding 2: On The Beach using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this week’s highlights:

youarerexam shares Neil with his gun raised moving through shadows

EmperorHal shares Tomorrow tossing an apple in the air

carletto0809 shares a nightmarish version of Dollman

sorathluna shares Fragile playfully posing for a picture

calisarah1998 shares Rainy basking in the nighttime air

sicparvismagna_vp shares a portrait of baby Lou

Search #PSshare #PSBlog on Twitter or Instagram to see more entries to this week’s theme, or be inspired by other great games featuring Photo Mode. Want to be featured in the next Share of the Week?

THEME: Vacation
SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on August 6, 2025 

Over the next two weeks, we’re heading on vacation. Share places and spaces from the game of your choice that you would love to vacation at using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured.