Hardcore survival shooter Into The Radius hits PS VR2 Sept 19

Ready your gear, check your ammo count and prepare to head Into The Radius on PlayStation VR2 on September 19. We at CM Games are immensely proud to be bringing our hit VR survival shooter to the PlayStation platform for the first time ever.


Hardcore survival shooter Into The Radius hits PS VR2 Sept 19

We believe VR is a powerful medium that allows you to immerse yourself further into the gaming experience. And, like many of you, we want deep experiences with rich gameplay, intense action, and smart interactions that get the best out of VR. Our goal with Into The Radius was to deliver exactly that kind of experience.

But, wait, what is Into The Radius? We’re glad you asked!

An intense survival FPS, built for VR

Into The Radius is a grueling, hardcore VR survival shooter set in a mysterious, supernatural wasteland known as the Pechorsk Anomaly. This desolate, surreal landscape is filled with mysterious and deadly anomalies. To explore its mysteries and return home with loot, players must carefully manage their inventory, and use their tactical skill and situational awareness to overcome, outsmart or outrun various dangers in the Radius.

Besides using a variety of weapons with realistic handling, different ammo, attachments and upgrades, you need to clean and maintain firearms in order to ensure they work well in the field. Neglect this maintenance and you’ll be putting yourself at risk, so make sure to check in on their status between missions.

Physical interactions with items are also core to the Into The Radius experience. We’ve gone to great lengths to make players feel like they’re really stepping into the harrowing world we’ve created. You’ll interact with a paper map and compass, audio cassettes and food as if you were really using them in the physical world. Never has survival gameplay felt so real!

New features for PS VR2

The PS VR2 version of the game will feature the entire original experience with 20+ hours of gameplay, but we’re also working hard to make sure this edition really reaches its full potential. That means a smooth, native 90FPS experience that uses the power of the PS5 console, combined with eye-tracked foveated rendering, to get the best balance of performance and visual fidelity.

It also means we’re utilizing many of the great features unique to PS VR2. Squeeze the adaptive triggers on the Sense controllers for dynamic feedback when firing weapons, and feel the impact of enemy attacks with headset haptics. These are features never before seen in our game, and we’re really excited to see how players react to the added immersion they provide.

You can also immerse yourself deeper into the world of Into The Radius with mesmerizing 3D Audio that truly roots you in wasteland. Never before has the Pechorsk Anomaly sounded so eerily convincing!

Arriving on PlayStation for the first time

When all combined together, these features make for one of our favorite versions of our game, and a powerfully immersive way to explore the wasteland. In fact, it’s been a dream of ours to bring Into The Radius to PlayStation for many years, having worked on the project for over five years now!

We’re confident that we’ve taken our time and done this version justice. For those of you that have been following our progress, rest assured it’ll be worth the wait!

There’s more to share about this version of the game but, rest assured, you’re not going to have to wait too long. Into The Radius reaches PS VR2 on September 19, and you can pre-order now to save 10% on the full price ahead of launch. We’ll see you in the wasteland!

Plucky Squire launches on PS5 September 17 as part of PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium 

Finally, the heroic tale of brave warrior Jot is ready to be told! We are thrilled to announce the release date of The Plucky Squire, which will be coming to PlayStation 5 on September 17. This means you’ll be venturing into the game’s colorful, adventure-filled storybook world – and beyond – in just a month. Woah! Here’s a shiny new launch trailer to tide you over until then.


Plucky Squire launches on PS5 September 17 as part of PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium 

But wait, there’s more big news! We’re also very excited to reveal that The Plucky Squire will be available for PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium members as part of the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog at launch. So, if you have a membership, you’ll be able to dive right into the game when it releases. We’re looking forward to inviting PlayStation players to the land of Mojo to help Jot embark on his incredible multi-dimensional quest.

In The Plucky Squire, Jot can leap from the pages of his storybook world into a three-dimensional realm beyond. But wherever he travels, danger awaits—whether it’s a terrifyingly huge insect in the 3D world, or one of cruel wizard Humpgrump’s monstrous minions in the storybook. Luckily, a friendly shopkeeper named Martina is here to lend a helping hand.

As you explore The Plucky Squire’s twin realms, you’ll encounter inspiration in the form of lightbulbs. Whack trees, cut bushes, or slay enemies, and these illuminating collectibles will drop, which can then be traded for stuff at Martina’s many shops. You’ll want to gather as much inspiration as you can, as they’ll let you unlock a series of super cool, and super effective, combat moves for Jot.

One of these moves lets Jot throw his sword at distant enemies—and if you spend more bulbs to upgrade it, you can throw it even further. This lets you attack foes from a safe distance, and if you lose your sword or get it stuck in a wall, you can draw it back to you—like magic!

Another move lets Jot unleash a powerful spin attack. He’ll swing his sword in a circular flurry and, if used at the right time, damage multiple enemies at once. Use this power in the midst of a group of foes for maximum damage—and if you upgrade it, you can even add a second spin to the mix.

You can also buy a neat jump attack for Jot, which lets him leap majestically into the air and come crashing down with his blade to devastating effect. Not only that, but you can upgrade your regular sword attack to deal more damage as well. Humgrump’s lackeys won’t know what hit ‘em.

Inspiration can also be spent on art scrolls, which reveal more about how the land of Mojo was created—including concept art, early versions of levels, and other artistic nuggets. Art scrolls can be found hidden around the game world too, but the ones you buy are exclusive to Martina’s store.

This is just a taste of what awaits you on the pages of The Plucky Squire. You can experience this dimension-hopping adventure for yourself when the game launches on PlayStation 5 on September 17.

Will brave Jot be able to defeat the wicked Humgrump and restore peace to the land of Mojo? The fate of the realm is in your hands…

PlayStation Plus Game Catalog for August: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Wild Hearts, Cult of the Lamb and more

Embark on a legendary dark fantasy adventure, mix tech and monsters for thrilling hunts, build a community of woodland worshippers, compete in two-wheeled races and more with August’s PlayStation Plus Game Catalog lineup! The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Wild Hearts, Cult of the Lamb, Ride 5 and more titles are playable from August 20 for PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium members*. We’re also announcing new classics – including the legendary TimeSplitters series – and PS VR2 game offerings coming to PlayStation Plus Premium.

Let’s take a closer look at each of the new game announcements. 

PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium | Game Catalog

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt | PS4, PS5

You are Geralt of Rivia, mercenary monster slayer. Before you stands a war-torn, monster-infested continent you can explore at will. Your current contract? Tracking down Ciri — the Child of Prophecy, a living weapon that can alter the shape of the world. The PS5 version of the game has been enhanced with numerous visual and technical improvements, including vastly improved level of detail, faster loading times, a range of community created and newly developed mods for the game, real-time ray tracing, 3D audio support, and more. 

Wild Hearts Standard Edition | PS5

Wild Hearts is a unique twist on the hunting genre where technology gives you a fighting chance against fearsome beasts infused with the ferocious power of nature itself. Take on these creatures alone or hunt with friends in seamless co-op. Developed by Omega Force, the Japanese studio behind the Dynasty Warriors franchise and in partnership with EA Originals, Wild Hearts takes you on an epic adventure set in a fantasy world inspired by feudal Japan.

Cult of the Lamb | PS4, PS5

Cult of the Lamb casts players in the role of a possessed lamb saved from annihilation by an ominous stranger who must repay their debt by building a loyal following in his name. Start your own cult in a land of false prophets, venturing out into diverse and mysterious regions to build a loyal community of woodland worshippers and spread your Word to become the one true cult. Explore a sprawling, randomly generated world, fight off hordes of enemies and defeat rival cult leaders in order to absorb their power and assert your cult’s dominance.

Ride 5 | PS5

Rev up your engine and get ready to hit the track with RIDE 5. An adrenaline-filled gaming experience that is so authentic it will make you feel like you’re truly racing at break-neck speed. Find your favorite bikes and check out new ones in the ultimate motorcycle game! Race on over 35 tracks and collect more than 200 bikes from world-renowned manufacturers, each element is designed to feel like you’re riding a real bike.

Watch Dogs 2* | PS4

Play as Marcus Holloway, a brilliant young hacker living in the birthplace of the tech revolution, the San Francisco Bay Area. Team up with Dedsec, a notorious group of hackers, to execute the biggest hack in history take down ctOS 2.0, an invasive operating system being used by criminal masterminds to monitor and manipulate citizens on a massive scale.

*PlayStation Plus re-release.

Sword Art Online: Last Recollection | PS4, PS5

The culmination of the Sword Art Online game series, Last Recollection features the largest roster of SAO playable characters and sub scenarios! Based on Sword Art Online’s War of Underworld anime arc, a new story unfolds with tough challenges that await our beloved hero, Kirito, and his new friends. Players will unmask the Dark Knight and find out if Kirito and the crew will survive the relentless battling against the forces of the Dark Territory.

Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker* | PS4

The Naruto franchise is back with a brand new experience in Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker. This new game lets gamers battle as a team of 4 to compete against other teams online! Graphically, Shinobi Striker is also built from the ground up in a completely new graphic style. Lead your team and fight online to see who the best ninjas are!

*PlayStation Plus re-release.

Sword Art Online: Alicization Lycoris | PS4

Set in Underworld, an expansive world introduced in the Sword Art Online anime, Kirito sets out on adventure in the series’ latest RPG. Enjoy seamless, action-packed real-time battles using a combination of sword skills, sacred arts, and your favorite SAO characters. 

Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet | PS4

Experience an original story where you are the protagonist in the world of Gun Gale Online. Create your own avatar and explore devastated lands while experiencing exciting third person shooting in this action RPG. Encounter enemies and run into new and familiar faces from the Sword Art Online series. Journey through a world of guns where after a chance encounter you’ll gain the help of a very rare AI, ArFA-Sys.

Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization | PS4

2026, Sword Art: Origin, a new VRMMORPG has emerged. Kirito meets a mysterious NPC and receives a cryptic message. This game, though familiar to him, is not the same as the one he escaped years ago. Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization features a massive expansive world, multiplayer mode to enjoy the game with three other players online, and embodies its MMORPG origins thanks to its MMORPG-like interface, 16-character teams and fierce raid Boss battles.

PlayStation Premium | PS VR2 & Classics

Vacation Simulator** | PS VR2

The year is 2060. Following record enrollment in the Job Simulator, robots set out to uncover what else humans did besides ‘job’. After years of balancing buoyancy levels, cataloguing campfire chronicles, and securing ski slope safety protocols, their research led to the creation of a rough approximation of ‘not jobbing’: the Vacation Simulator. The latest VR sensation from the creators of platinum hit Job Simulator! Welcome to the Vacation Simulator: a rough approximation of vacation inspired by real human NOT JOBBING. Reallocate your bandwidth and get ready to splash, s’more, snowball, and selfie your way to optimal relaxation. 

**PlayStation Plus Game Catalog version includes the PS VR2 and PS VR versions of the game. 

TimeSplitters | PS4, PS5

TimeSplitters is a renowned PS2 first-person shooter series that plunges players into an epic battle against the malevolent TimeSplitters, a race dwelling outside of time and space. The game features a rich 18 level single-player campaign, taking players through pivotal historical moments, from ancient civilisations to futuristic landscapes, battling the TimeSplitters to alter history’s course. The game also includes an exhilarating local multiplayer mode for up to four players. 

TimeSplitters 2 | PS4, PS5

This PS2 sequel expands on every front, offering faster-paced action, richer storytelling, and diverse graphical styles across nine thrilling time-traveling adventures. From the lawless Wild West to the neon-lit streets of Neo Tokyo, each era boasts its own atmosphere and challenges. Choose from over 100 characters, including original favorites, historical figures, and new personalities bursting with charm. Immerse yourself in a captivating single-player and local cooperative story mode, and enjoy 2-4 player split-screen action. Engage in frantic battles across dynamic maps and game modes, whether cooperating in missions or competing in intense deathmatches. 

TimeSplitters: Future Perfect | PS4, PS5

Play as Sergeant Cortez, embarking on a time-bending journey across past, present, and future to thwart the sinister TimeSplitters in this PS2 sequel of the acclaimed series. Explore diverse environments from ancient temples to futuristic cities, each with unique challenges and visual splendor. Local multiplayer shines with cooperative and competitive modes, offering classic deathmatches, objective-based challenges, and innovative gameplay that tests strategy and reflexes. 

Sword Art Online: Lost Song*** | PS4

Journey into the world of ALfheim Online for the very first time! Join Kirito as he ventures online to explore Svart Alfheim, a brand-new area of ALfheim Online, the floating world comprised of continents led by The Floating City of Ryne. This PS3 title’s original storyline includes new and returning characters and exclusive environments in the ultimate Virtual Reality universe! Sword Art Online: Lost Song features all-new Aerial Battles and plenty of customization features. Link Start into the Sword Art Online world and join your favorite dual-wielding player, Kirito, on the greatest adventure yet!

*PlayStation Plus Game Catalog lineup may differ per region. Please check your PlayStation Store when the lineup releases.

***Sword Art Online: Lost Song is available as a streaming version only. 

PlayStation Store: July 2024’s top downloads

It’s time to see which PS5, PS4, PS VR2, PS VR, and free-to-play games topped the download charts last month. The collegiate gridiron made its glorious return with the newly released EA Sports College Football 25 snagging the most downloads on July’s PS5 list in the US region. The VR platformer Stilt bounced its way to the top of the PS VR2 chart in the US and EU regions. 

Check out the full listings below. What titles are you playing this month?

PS5 Games

US/CanadaEU
EA SPORTS College Football 25EA SPORTS FC 24
Grand Theft Auto VGrand Theft Auto V
ELDEN RINGELDEN RING
NBA 2K24EA SPORTS College Football 25
EA SPORTS FC 24The Crew Motorfest
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare IIIHogwarts Legacy
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six SiegeSea of Thieves
Mortal Kombat 1NBA 2K24
Sea of ThievesF1 24
MLB The Show 24No Man’s Sky
Hogwarts LegacyIt Takes Two
The Crew MotorfestCall of Duty: Modern Warfare III
UFC 5The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
No Man’s SkyTom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege
Baldur’s Gate 3F1 Manager 2024
It Takes TwoNobody Wants to Die
HELLDIVERS 2Baldur’s Gate 3
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2UFC 5
TEKKEN 8Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora
Mortal Kombat 11Mortal Kombat 1
*Naming of products may differ between regions
*Upgrades not included

PS4 Games

US/CanadaEU
MinecraftMinecraft
Red Dead Redemption 2EA SPORTS FC 24
Grand Theft Auto VGrand Theft Auto V
Batman: Arkham KnightRed Dead Redemption 2
NBA 2K24Batman: Arkham Knight
Need for Speed PaybackNeed for Speed Payback
theHunter: Call of the WildNeed for Speed Heat
Need for Speed HeatKingdom Come: Deliverance
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice – Game of the Year EditionThe Forest
EA SPORTS FC 24Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice – Game of the Year Edition
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare IIIWatch Dogs 2
Watch Dogs 2Supermarket Owner Simulator: Business
Gang BeaststheHunter: Call of the Wild
Mortal Kombat XMortal Kombat X
The ForestThe Last of Us Remastered
Castle Crashers RemasteredNBA 2K24
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six SiegeOutlast
Dying LightDying Light
Injustice 2Unravel Two
Stardew ValleyHogwarts Legacy
         *Naming of products may differ between regions

PS VR2 Games*

US/CanadaEU
StiltStilt
Beat SaberBeat Saber
Towers and PowersHorizon Call of the Mountain
Among Us VRTowers and Powers
PavlovAmong Us VR
Horizon Call of the MountainOperation Serpens
Job SimulatorPavlov
Arizona Sunshine 2Job Simulator
Ultrawings 2Arizona Sunshine 2
Waltz of the WizardStar Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge – Enhanced Edition
 *PS Store purchases only. Game upgrades or games bundled with hardware not included

PSVR Games

US/CanadaEU
SUPERHOT VRSUPERHOT VR
ASTRO BOT Rescue MissionBatman: Arkham VR
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VRSniper Elite VR
Job SimulatorJob Simulator
Creed Rise to GloryCreed Rise to Glory
Batman: Arkham VRBeat Saber
Beat SaberTitanic VR
Sniper Elite VRCooking Simulator VR
The Walking Dead OnslaughtGoalkeeper VR Challenge
Borderlands 2 VRAll-In-One Sports VR

Free to Play (PS5 + PS4)

US/CanadaEU
The First DescendantThe First Descendant
Zenless Zone ZeroAsphalt Legends Unite
RobloxRoblox
FortniteZenless Zone Zero
Asphalt Legends UniteFortnite
Call of Duty: WarzoneeFootball 2024
Fall GuysStumble Guys
Rocket LeagueFall Guys
MultiVersusRocket League
XDefiantCall of Duty: Warzone

Concord: Launch and the adventure ahead

With Concord’s launch next week on August 23, we wanted to take a moment to talk about the adventure that lies ahead. We see launch as just the beginning. The beginning of not only the vision we’ve set out for Concord, but also the beginning of how we support and grow the game with our players.

The base game is a foundation for us to build upon over time, through systems that will expand the universe, introduce new ways to play and master each character, give you hundreds of unique rewards to earn and unlock, and narratives to unfold week after week, alongside seasonal updates that will introduce new characters, new maps and worlds, new modes, new stories, new features, and more.*

As we look ahead to launch, here’s a glimpse of what’s to come in Concord:

Concord Season 1 launching this October

From the very beginning, we wanted Concord to be a complete experience, where all core content is available to you on day-one and moving forward—not gated behind paid expansions or a Battle Pass. We take your investment in the game seriously and want to ensure that we bring all players along for the journey.

Our first major content drop will arrive in October with the launch of Concord Season 1: The Tempest. Season 1 will mark the introduction of a brand new playable Freegunner, as well as a brand-new map, new Freegunner Variants, more earnable cosmetics and rewards, and a new season of weekly Cinematic Vignettes that will continue the story of the Northstar crew.

This image shows the season roadmap for Concord. On Aug 23, the game will launch with 6 modes and 12 maps, 16 Freegunners and 8 Variants. There will be hundreds of rewards to unlock and customise your Freegunners with and the ability to unlock Variants to expand your playstyle. Alongside this, there will be Solo Training and Time Trial modes. Build crews for every mode and mood, and stack crew bonuses round over round.Season 1 drops in October, Season 2 January 2025. Both will see a new Freegunner, new map, new Variants, QoL updates, new cosmetics and rewards, and new vignettes.

With season 1, we’ll also be introducing an in-game store for those looking to personalize their Freegunners further with additional customization items and to continue to support the game. These will supplement the hundreds of rewards earnable through progression and will be solely cosmetic, optional, and have no gameplay impact.

Now showing slide 1 of 9

We’re also hard at work on future seasons, beginning with Season 2 launching in January 2025 and more seasonal drops throughout year one of Concord. We can’t wait to fully unpack what we have in store for Season 1 ahead of its launch in October.

The continuous evolution of your crew

When we first formed Firewalk, we thought a lot about the type of game that we wanted to make and what we could add to the multiplayer FPS genre. We knew we had to focus on the fundamentals that can make an FPS game great: precise, responsive gunplay and fast, fluid mobility. Those qualities had to be the bedrock of everything.

However, we also wanted that special spice provided by character abilities. Beyond the impact their abilities, roles, and kits could have in moment-to-moment combat, we saw exciting opportunities to add strategic layers to how and when you choose to deploy them throughout a match. In effect, we wanted to infuse the theorycrafting of a deck builder with a PVP first-person shooter. This became the root of our Crew Builder system.

Crew Builder allows you to create Custom Crews of Freegunners that you bring into a match. Every Custom Crew offers 12 configurable slots, which you can fill with characters from what will become a growing roster of Freegunners and their Variants. Each Freegunner will have multiple Variants, which are unique versions of each character that have special modifiers to their base abilities and can be unlocked by completing various in-game challenges.

This image shows the Freegunner selection screen, with the list of Crew Bonuses that are now applied to your Freegunner running down the left of the screen.

Each Custom Crew must have five unique Freegunners, but you can stack up to three copies of any given Freegunner’s Variants, empowering you to really focus on specific characters that you like to play as and that align best with the broader makeup of your team, the modes you’re playing, or your general playstyle.

However, while Crew Builder enables you to hone your own unique approach to combat strategy, it’s also meant to inspire experimentation with different characters as well. Each Custom Crew comes with four Back Up slots, which are randomly populated with Freegunners not otherwise in your Custom Crew.

Crew Builder also incentivizes you to populate your Custom Crews with characters of different roles. Unlike traditional archetypes, like Tank or Support, each Freegunner in Concord is meant to deliver high-DPS and be effective in a gunfight. Instead, our characters are defined by one of six distinct roles and the impact they can have in combat—whether that’s locking down an area, dominating long sightlines, or flanking enemies.

This image the symbols and descriptions of the six distinct roles Freegunners fall into: Anchor, Breacher, Haunt, Ranger, Tactician and Warden. Each offers a unique bonus, which stack as you play different Freegunners during matches.

Balancing your crew with Freegunners of different roles can give you an edge through special in-match benefits called Crew Bonuses. When you deploy Freegunners of different roles for the first time during a match, you’re granted special bonuses that can increase mobility, improve weapon recoil, reduce cooldown times, and more that apply to any character you deploy from that point on.

When you combine all of these systems—Crew Builder, Back-Up Slots, Freegunner Variants, and Crew Bonuses—there’s so much depth to how you can craft, refine, and master your builds in Concord as your experience grows. It also allows the meta to evolve continuously in exciting new ways, as you unlock new Freegunner Variants and new Freegunners and Variants are introduced over time with each season.

Ultimately, when we step back and think about what drew us to make Concord and what we love most about multiplayer games, it’s exactly that: the potential for continuous evolution. It’s the thrill of the potential possibilities of where we can take the experience moving forward. And it’s the sense of adventure of finding out, together.

Prepare for launch

We can’t wait to welcome you to the Concord galaxy and see how you learn and master each Freegunner and all of our systems in new and exciting ways, beginning with Concord’s Early Access launch for Digital Deluxe Edition owners on Tuesday, August 20 and followed by our global launch on Friday, August 23. Pre-load for all editions on PS5 will begin today, Tuesday, August 13.

This image shows the launch times for the Early Access version of the game on Aug 20 on PS5 and PC10am PT, 1pm EDT, 2pm BRT, 6pm BST, 7pm CEST, 2am JST, 2am KST, 3am AEST.

This image shows the launch times for the standard edition of the game on Aug 23 on PS5 and PC:10am PT, 1pm EDT, 2pm BRT, 6pm BST, 7pm CEST, 2am JST, 2am KST, 3am AEST.

Servers for Concord’s Early Access launch on August 20 will go live at 10:00am PDT | 7:00pm CEST | 2:00am (August 21) JST.

For all the latest on Concord, be sure to follow us on Twitter/X, Instagram, and TikTok, as well as by joining the community in the Official Concord Discord.

*Account for PlayStation Network and internet connection required. Paid for PlayStation Plus membership (sold separately) required on PS5.

Shadows of Doubt hits PS5 on September 26 – new private detective gameplay revealed

Hi PlayStation players! I’m excited to reveal that Shadows of Doubt is coming to PS5 on September 26. We can’t wait for you to launch your investigations and begin tracking down your suspects when the game comes to PS5 next month! 


Shadows of Doubt hits PS5 on September 26 – new private detective gameplay revealed

Shadows of Doubt is an immersive crime-solving detective sim that puts players in the role of a private investigator, scouring the city for clues and evidence on the search for suspects responsible for various crimes and misdemeanours. 

As a private detective, you’ll take on tasks and investigations ranging from theft and sordid affairs, through to kidnappings and murder, uncovering evidence through various means to track down your suspect. Our dream is for players to feel fully immersed as a PI wandering the streets of a dynamic, living city. You can buy and decorate your own apartment, while every street, building, and room is fully explorable, giving you the freedom to fully discover – and investigate – the sci-fi noir world we’ve created. 

Everybody in the city has their own lives, their own living space, jobs, friends, and daily routines. They’ll grab a coffee or have a dance at a bar. And with a serial killer on the loose, any one of them could be the next victim. 

Equally, that means anybody could be the perpetrator, and it’s up to you to track them down. While each case is different, you’ll typically want to try a few tried and tested measures to get some early leads. Take out the fingerprint scanner to comb the scene for fingerprints, or if CCTV is available, scrubbing through it may help you spot any suspicious characters. There are lots of ways to gather evidence, from browsing call logs for recent contacts, or collecting sales slips thrown in the trash. Alternatively, there’s always the option to take the more dubious route by bribing citizens for information, hacking private terminals or breaking into private apartments. There may be repercussions to your actions, but we’ve built Shadows of Doubt with multiple ways to solve each case, meaning you can always be the detective you want to be. 

As well as improving as a detective and earning a chunk of cash by solving each case, the main form of player progression in Shadows of Doubt comes via Sync Disks, genetic updates that give you a permanent upgrade, and increasing your Social Credit level. Each time you find a Sync Disk in the city or receive one as a reward, you’ll be given a choice from a selection of upgrades, making for some interesting decision-making and introducing some RPG-like elements to the game. Upgrades range from traditional buffs like additional health or inventory space, through to more interesting modifiers that subtly change how you play the game. Social Credit levels act as a form of experience level that you gain when completing cases. There are a host of benefits that come from levelling up, from being able to buy property in the city to citizens being more likely to let you into their homes. There are a host of other benefits that I can’t wait for you to discover as well, but the overall idea is that you may choose to play Shadows of Doubt with different builds across different generated cities. 

Exclusive to the PS5 version, we’ve been able to take advantage of the DualSense Wireless Controller to immerse players even further into the world of Shadows of Doubt. Feel the nuance of lockpicking through haptic feedback or – my favourite – feel the subtle pitter patter of rain when the weather takes a turn. But of course, Shadows of Doubt wouldn’t be a true detective sim if you didn’t also have an umbrella at your disposal. 

Shadows of Doubt has been a real labour of love for myself and the team over the last 7 years, and we’ve been so excited to see the response the game has already received. It’s a game that can be as deep or complex as you’d like it to be, and we’ve worked hard to build intricate systems that power the sandbox behind the game’s crimes and citizens to make it as fun and fresh to play no matter your playstyle. We can’t wait to see how you crack each case when Shadows of Doubt launches September 26 on PS5.

Official PlayStation Podcast Episode 491: Darkest Shadow

Email us at PSPodcast@sony.com!

Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or download here


Howdy folks! This week the PlayStation Podcast gang returns with a quick episode to discuss this week’s news and new releases on the horizon. Plus the team talks Jak and Daxter, Darkest Dungeon II, and Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree.

Stuff We Talked About

  • Upcoming releases:
    • Madden NFL 25 | PS5, PS4
    • Cult of the Lamb: Unholy Alliance | PS5, PS4
    • Dredge: The Iron Rig | PS5, PS4
  • Dead by Daylight Update Blog
  • God of War Ragnarök PC Specs Blog
  • Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Zombies Blog
  • Jak and Daxter
  • Darkest Dungeon II
  • Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree

The Cast

Sid Shuman – Senior Director of Content Communications, SIE

Tim Turi – Content Communications Manager, SIE

O’Dell Harmon Jr. – Content Communications Specialist, SIE


Thanks to Dormilón for our rad theme song and show music.

[Editor’s note: PSN game release dates are subject to change without notice. Game details are gathered from press releases from their individual publishers and/or ESRB rating descriptions.]

Share of the Week: Running

Last week, we asked you to get characters on their feet and share moments where they are running #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this week’s highlights:

secondcapture shares an armored Ratchet running in Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart.

WarDaddyPlatine shares Amicia running from the rats in A Plague Tale: Innocence

SeeyoulaterHihi shares their V and a cat running next to a watery landscape in Cyberpunk 2077.

laya_photo shares Aerith, Cloud, and Red XIII running along a railroad track in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.

shimo_ps shares protagonist of The Cub running through a blue and purple landscape

MrioMoreno5 shares players running and celebrating on the pitch in eFootball 2024.

Search #PSshare #PSBlog on Twitter or Instagram to see more entries to this week’s theme. Want to be featured in the next Share of the Week?

THEME: Essential Items
SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on August 14, 2024

Next week, we’re diving into your inventory. Share items or artifacts that are essential to the game of your choice using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured. 

Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions reveals Triwizard school pitches

Calling all students of Beauxbatons, Hogwarts and Durmstrang! We are excited to reveal the Triwizard Quidditch Cup in Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions.


Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions reveals Triwizard school pitches

Featuring the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Beauxbatons Academy of Magic, and Durmstrang Institute for Magical Learning, the Triwizard Quidditch Cup will be included in the game’s Career mode. This tournament marks the first adaptation of the iconic international schools from the wizarding world. We could not be more excited to show off this exclusive look at the pitches and give some insight into what players can expect to see when the game launches digitally September 3 on PS5 and PS4.  Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions will be available at no extra charge for all PlayStation Plus members as a Monthly Game from Sept 3 to Sept 30!

We knew from the beginning that we wanted to leverage the fact that Quidditch Champions is not limited to Hogwarts, or locations we have seen in the films. Quidditch is an international sport enjoyed by witches and wizards worldwide, and it is natural for students of every wizarding school to play the sport in their own unique way.

While progressing through the game’s Career mode, players eventually reach the Triwizard Quidditch Cup where they select one of the three international schools to represent in the cup. Players may choose to represent Hogwarts, where they line up next to the school’s very best such as Cedric Diggory, Ron Weasley and Harry Potter. When competing against Beauxbatons, players may find themselves in a high-speed chase for the Golden Snitch next to Fleur Delacour. While in a high intensity match against Durmstrang, players should be sure to watch out for Viktor Krum, who was skilled enough to play as a Seeker for the Bulgarian National team at 19 – in the World Cup Finals no less. 

Of course, a large part of the inspiration came directly from the Goblet of Fire film, which gives us the only visual glimpse into the students and cultures of two of the greatest magical schools in Europe. It left us wondering, how would students from these schools approach Quidditch? We imagined Beauxbatons students on finely crafted brooms, flying with perfect form and showmanship over a beautifully manicured pitch, and the students of Durmstrang running drills on sturdy brooms in harsh conditions. 

Beauxbatons Academy of Magic sits among the Pyrenees mountains in the south of France. The descriptions of the ice sculptures and fountains in the school bring to mind Baroque architecture and gardens. The grass is perfectly manicured, surrounded by reflecting pools, and the audience views the sport from elaborate and ornate stands. 

By contrast, Durmstrang Institute is located in the far northern reaches of Europe. Contrasting the scenic daytime weather of Beauxbatons, we set Durmstrang’s pitch at night, under the light of aurora borealis. Viking-inspired architecture can be seen surrounding the pitch, with minimal flames to preserve the secrecy of the school. The pitch itself is a way off from the school for the same reason, and the iconic ship the students use to travel is docked beside the pitch, which is surrounded by water. The surface of the pitch is frozen-over black stone, ensuring that athletes who fall off their broom learn from every mistake.

We can’t wait for players to experience the Triwizard Quidditch Cup in Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions when it launches September 3 on PS5 and PS4.

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Isekai Chronicles: city-building gameplay details

Relive the original storyline and spin up a new tale of the Jura Tempest Federation in the first action-RPG based on the popular animated series. That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Isekai Chronicles is available today on PS5 and PS4!


That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Isekai Chronicles: city-building gameplay details

The game has a plethora of elements offering a unique experience for fans and newcomers alike, such as thrilling battles and new storylines directed from the series’ original author. We’re excited to share an in-depth look into the city building features that give you the ability to grow your community from a small village to a great nation.

Create your own Jura Tempest Federation

To quickly recap the series, the Jura Tempest Federation was founded by Rimuru Tempest and was originally a small goblin village before expanding into a great nation that many species called home. In this game, you will be able to create your own Jura Tempest Federation alongside a lively cast of characters.

As you progress through the main storyline and recruit new allies, you can unlock a variety of buildings that can be placed in your own community. There are also unique buildings inspired by Rimuru’s memory from the world before his reincarnation (into a Slime!) that you can choose from as you plan out your city’s development.

Choose from a variety of building types

As you expand your Jura Tempest Federation, take advantage of Tempest Resonance which gives different facility effects that boost character stats for you and your allies as you construct various types of buildings. Facility effects range from increased attack power, reinforced defensive stats, enhanced luck rates, and more. While there’s a variety of buildings to choose from, here are a couple of options that may help you in your adventures.

The Kaijin Weapon Shop and other Kaijin-affiliated buildings like the Weapon Stand and Weaponry all provide an increased ATK boost for you and your allies, giving you the extra strength needed to finish off challenging foes in your next battle.

The Hot Springs enhances the Luck for one character randomly between you and your allies, determined by different conversation patterns within the Hot Springs. Improving your Luck rate will increase your chances to obtain more luxurious items from treasure chests during exploration. Also, who wouldn’t want Hot Springs in their own city if they had the chance?

Gain helpful resources for your journey

Along with facility effects that boost character stats, some buildings provide an additional benefit of producing goods and materials that can be sold, allowing you to earn more gold to construct other buildings.

The bee farm, also known as the Royal Apiary, not only provides a facility effect that boosts Luck rate, but also regularly produces honey which can be collected and sold for gold.

Similarly, there are farms and ranches that produce wheat and beef worth selling for gold to help fund your construction plans for the next building.

Forge your city with a playful spirit

You can’t have a great nation without having some fun! Add unique locations like Veldora’s park to your Jura Tempest Federation which has an amusement park look to it along with other locations such as the Game Pavilion and Rimu Burger for residents to enjoy. Don’t worry, these buildings aren’t just for show, they also provide Luck boosts to your character and allies for a higher chance at luxury treasure chest items in your next exploration.

As you progress further into the story and develop your city, there are several sub-quests that reward you for constructing specific buildings. In the Cinema sub-quest, Gabiru and his team need your help to build the nation’s first cinema – build the Tempest Cinema and receive a generous reward of level experience and gold!

Are you ready to start building your own Jura Tempest Federation?

Enjoy the reincarnated life of an all-powerful Slime as you expand your Jura Tempest Federation and work together with allies to make the nation a better place for all its residents. Start building your own nation today in That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Isekai Chronicles on PS5 and PS4.