Patch Notes #10 - weekly gaming digest

Welcome to the 10th edition of Patch Notes, let’s get this bad boy going.

This edition will cover the week from 10 February to 16 February.

What caught my attention this week

Not gaming, but… the situation surrounding the Libra token, Melania token, the president of Argentina, insider trading, and all that.

It's a mind-boggling, disgusting, and disheartening situation. You have to ask yourself what this industry is nowadays.

Biggest news of the week

Relic’s strategy following its Sega split includes ‘smaller-scale’ games and ‘reimaginings’ of classics. - VG Chronicles

After splitting from Sega, Relic Entertainment outlined a strategy focusing on:

1. Commitment to Existing Titles: Continued Company of Heroes 3 support with new DLC and updates.

2. Development of Smaller Games: Actively pursuing smaller in-house games for quicker releases.

3. Reimagining Classics: Plans to modernize classic games with re-releases and remasters.

CEO Justin Dowdeswell highlighted the studio's passion for high-quality gaming. This strategy enhances innovation while leveraging core strengths; smaller games will have shorter development cycles and budgets than more significant RTS titles.

Dragon Quest 12 information to be revealed 'Little by Little,' series creator Yuji Horii Says.- IGN

Dragon Quest 12 is still in development, with information to be released "little by little," according to series creator Yuji Horii. Despite concerns about its cancellation, the team at Square Enix is actively working on the game. This update follows the deaths of character designer Akira Toriyama and composer Koichi Sugiyama.

Dragon Quest 12 was announced as part of the series' 35th anniversary and will be the first mainline entry since 2017's Dragon Quest 11: Echoes of an Elusive Age. Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake recently exceeded sales expectations, selling 2 million copies.

Disney's Fortnite project reportedly reaches a significant milestone. - GameSpot

Disney's collaboration with Fortnite has reached the "stable" build stage of development, marking significant progress. Although details about the partnership remain a mystery, Disney has invested over $1.5 billion into Epic Games to create new content. The project aims to create an immersive "universe" where fans can interact with Disney's Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and Avatar brands within Fortnite.

Fortnite continues to serve as a platform hosting various games and experiences, with past collaborations including Pixar characters and Disney villains. Disney now works with outside teams for game development, with notable recent releases like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.

Monster Hunter Wilds’ Open Beta Test 2 may get an extra day due to a PSN outage. - VG Chronicles

The Monster Hunter Wilds Open Beta Test 2 may get an extra day due to the recent PlayStation Network outage. Capcom has confirmed that the second session will be extended by 24 hours. Capcom acknowledged the issue and is considering adding an extra day to the beta in the future. The second session is set for February 14-17, with the full game releasing on February 28. Players who participate in Open Beta Test 2 will receive a special Bonus Pendant and an OBT 2 Bonus Item Pack

Marvel Rivals sets February release date for the Thing and Human Torch. - IGN

Marvel Rivals will introduce The Thing and Human Torch as playable characters on February 21, 2025. This update, part of Season 1.5, will include major balance adjustments. Mister Fantastic and Invisible Woman were the first post-launch heroes, and Ben Grimm and Johnny Storm are expected to bring new moves and abilities to the roster.

Take-Two Boss Unconcerned by Plummeting PS5 and Xbox Sales, Insists GTA 6 will cause 'A meaningful uptick in Console Sales' in 2025. -IGN

Grand Theft Auto 6 is set to launch in fall 2025 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with a potential PC release to follow later. Take-Two boss Strauss Zelnick expressed confidence that the game's release will drive a significant uptick in console sales, despite plummeting PS5 and Xbox sales. Zelnick also noted the growing importance of the PC platform for multiplatform game sales. While fans may need to wait until 2026 or later for a PC version, the launch of GTA 6 is expected to be one of the biggest entertainment events, boosting console sales as players upgrade to experience the game.

Steam makes its ban on games that rely on in-game ads even more explicit, so no 'watch this to continue playing' stuff will be making its way to our PCs. PCGamer

Valve updated its Steamworks documentation, introducing a new advertising policy that bans in-game ads as a revenue model. This long-standing policy permits non-disruptive product placements and cross-promotions but forbids ads that gate access to gameplay, like "watch this ad to play" designs or ads linked to rewards. Valve's measures aim to curb the rise of these ads seen in mobile games. Furthermore, Valve prohibits NFT and crypto games and mandates disclosure for games using generative AI.

Phasmophobia marks 22m total sales with its 2025 roadmap and changes to maps, kit, and our humble journal. - EuroGamer

Phasmophobia has sold 22 million copies and outlined its 2025 roadmap, which includes reworking maps, new ghost-hunting equipment, seasonal events, and a new location. The first update, Chronicle, will refresh the journal and replace the Photos tab with a media tab for images, videos, and sound recordings.

Bleasdale Farmhouse will be revamped with visual enhancements and a new layout, including ghost locations. Grafton Farmhouse will also receive updates later this year. The game's price rose in September 2024 due to added content since Early Access.

Counter-Strike vs. Valorant: the battle for esports shooter supremacy. Esports Charts

The rivalry between Counter-Strike and Valorant is significant in esports. With its long legacy, Counter-Strike dominates in Western Europe, Russia, and Brazil and is supported by stable teams like G2 Esports and Natus Vincere. Meanwhile, Valorant, launched in 2020, has grown rapidly, especially in Asia and South America, due to Riot Games’ strategic regional leagues and co-streaming. By 2023, Valorant closed the viewership gap, although Counter-Strike still leads in total viewers.

Counter-Strike thrives on Twitch, while Valorant grows through YouTube, TikTok, and regional services, enhancing its global appeal. Both games show regional support, with Counter-Strike strong in Russian-speaking areas and Brazil, and Valorant excelling in Japan. Their esports strategies reshape the competitive shooter scene as Valorant gradually closes the gap with Counter-Strike.

Riot Games Signs Three-Year Deal with the Esports World Cup Foundation. The Esports Advocate

Riot Games has signed a three-year deal with the Esports World Cup Foundation to include League of Legends, Valorant, and Teamfight Tactics in the Esports World Cup 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This partnership will feature these games as official club titles and include global commercial activations. The Esports World Cup is an eight-week competition backed by the Saudi government.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is getting a free demo this week. - VG Chronicles

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is getting a free demo this week, available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam. The demo will be released on February 13 at 7am PST / 4pm CET. Players can explore parts of Honolulu and Madlantis, test the new combat system, participate in ship and deck battles in the Coliseum, and try three karaoke songs. The full game will be released on February 21.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater release date announced, complete with a butt-slapping Ape Escape monkey. EuroGamer

Sony announced the release date for Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater during its State of Play, confirming that the remake of the 2004 game Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater will launch on August 28. The announcement included a trailer featuring the return of the minigame Snake vs. Monkey, which will be available on PS5 and Steam but not Xbox.

New Look at GTA ex-Lead Designer's techno spy thriller, MindsEye. IGN

Leslie Benzies, the former lead designer of Grand Theft Auto 5 and Red Dead Redemption, will release his new game, MindsEye, in summer 2025. A new trailer highlights the high-tech spy thriller, which features third-person gunplay, advanced cinematics, and drive-and-gun shooting. The game follows Jacob Diaz, whose neural implant, MindsEye, alters his memory, driving him to uncover his past while battling an AI military.

Benzies founded Build a Rocket Boy and collaborated with IO Interactive on MindsEye, which will debut the Everywhere platform, a "big budget Roblox." While the trailer didn't mention the platform, MindsEye promises to be an exciting action game from a key industry figure.

Saros is Returnal developer Housemarque's new game, starring Rahul Kohli. GameSpot

Housemarque revealed its next game, Saros, during February 2025's PlayStation State of Play. The single-player action game follows explorer Arjun Devraj (played by Rahul Kohli) stranded on the mysterious planet Carcosa, which is haunted by an eclipse and constantly changing shape. Saros is set to launch in 2026 for PlayStation 5, with enhancements for PlayStation 5 Pro.

The game builds on Returnal's structure, with permanent resources and progression, making each death valuable. Players can permanently upgrade their loadout from an evolving set of weapons and suit upgrades. Housemarque plans a gameplay reveal for later in 2025.

Days Gone Remastered revealed with April 2025 release date. IGN

Days Gone Remastered has been revealed, set for release on April 25, 2025, for PlayStation 5. This remastered version includes new features such as permadeath mode, speedrun mode, an enhanced photo mode, and additional accessibility features. It also supports VRR and PS5 Pro, offering improved visuals in Performance or Quality mode.

Players who own the PS4 version can upgrade to the PS5 remastered version for $10. PC players can purchase the $10 Broken Roads DLC to access new modes and features. Pre-orders for Days Gone Remastered start tomorrow, with bonuses like PSN avatars and early in-game unlocks.

Lies of P’s first expansion have been revealed. VG Chronicles

The first expansion for Lies of P, titled Lies of P: Overture, has been revealed. Set in a new wintry environment, the expansion follows a Legendary Stalker guiding players through untold stories and chilling secrets. Players will journey through Krat, uncover hidden backstories, and face epic battles.

Planned for release in Summer 2024 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC, the expansion explores the origins of the Puppet Frenzy. Lies of P was initially released in 2023 and sold over one million copies in its first month, receiving favourable reviews.

A fresh look at the new Onimusha: Way of the Sword gameplay and protagonist. EuroGamer

Capcom revealed new gameplay for Onimusha: Way of the Sword during the PlayStation State of Play, introducing the new protagonist, Miyamoto Musashi. The game, first announced at The Game Awards, is set for release in 2026. The new trailer showcases intense swordplay against zombie samurai, with Musashi utilizing the environment to his advantage.

Additionally, Capcom announced that a remaster of the PS2 classic Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny will be released on May 23, 2025. This remaster was revealed at Capcom's Spotlight earlier this month.

Borderlands 4 release date announced, coming in September. GameSpot

Borderlands 4 will be released on September 23, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. The announcement was made during PlayStation's latest State of Play presentation, debuting a new trailer showing the game in action. This spring, a special State of Play presentation dedicated to Borderlands 4 is coming.

The game promises more looting and shooting mayhem, with new movement abilities like double jumping, gliding, and grappling. Narrative director Sam Winkler mentioned that the game would reduce its use of toilet humour and meme culture in its jokes.

Sonic Racing: Crossworlds gets its first gameplay trailer at the Sony State of Play and a network test later this month. VG247

Sonic Racing: Crossworlds received its first gameplay trailer during the Sony State of Play. The trailer showcases the game in action with multiple tracks and vehicles. A closed network test for the game is scheduled for February 21.

This marks the first Sonic Racing game since Sonic Team Racing.

Fantasy action adventure game Tides of Annihilation announced for PS5, Xbox Series, and PC. Gematsu

Tides of Annihilation is a fantasy action game inspired by Arthurian legend from Eclipse Glow Games. Launching on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store, it offers over 30 hours of playtime. Players control Gwendolyn, the sole survivor of an Outworld invasion in London, who leads the Knights of the Round Table to defeat demi-gods and save two worlds. Key features include dual-knight fighting, exploring a twisted modern London, and battling over 30 bosses based on Round Table lore, blending classic action gameplay with unique challenges.

Devil May Cry-inspired Lost Soul Aside gets a release date, and a new Gameplay trailer is revealed. IGN

Spirited by Devil May Cry, Lost Soul Aside will be released on May 30, 2025, for PlayStation 5 and PC. A new gameplay and story trailer was revealed during Sony's State of Play 2025 stream. Initially a solo project by Yang Bing, the game receives support from PlayStation's China Hero Project.

The main character, Kesar, wields a shape-shifting weapon and has a dragon-like companion, Arena. The game includes aerial dodging, precision timing, combos, and large-scale boss fights, blending sci-fi with contemporary aesthetics. Preorders begin on February 19, with a digital deluxe edition offering extra content.

SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance launches August 29 for PS5, Xbox Series, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC. Gematsu

SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance launches August 29, 2025, on PS5, Xbox Series, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC. Developed by Lizardcube and published by SEGA, it follows ninja Joe Musashi seeking vengeance after his village's destruction. The game features hand-drawn worlds, multiple paths, and smooth gameplay. Players can use various ninja weapons, unleash combos, and explore striking stages. Pre-orders are available, including a Digital Deluxe Edition with bonuses.

Control 2 has entered full production, confirms Remedy. Shinobi602 Twitter

Control 2 has officially entered full production as of February 2025. Remedy Entertainment confirmed this during their latest financial report. The game is progressing smoothly, with key development objectives being met.

The Max Payne 1 & 2 Remakes are also making steady progress and are on track to achieve key development milestones in collaboration with Rockstar Games.

Alan Wake 2 Tops 2 Million sales and finally starts turning a Profit. IGN

Alan Wake 2 has surpassed 2 million sales worldwide, marking a significant milestone for Remedy Entertainment. The game's success, coupled with the release of The Lake House expansion and the Deluxe Edition, has allowed it to start generating royalties after recouping its development and marketing costs.

Additionally, Control 2 will enter full production by the end of February 2025, while the Max Payne 1 & 2 Remake and FBC: Firebreak (a multiplayer Control spin-off) are also making steady progress. Remedy's CEO, Tero Virtala, expressed confidence in reaching the studio's strategic targets.

Games Industry Layoffs | Round ??? Crytek is laying off 15% of the studio and placing Crysis 4 on hiatus as they focus on Hunt: Showdown 1896. Shinobi602 Twitter

Crytek is laying off 15% of its workforce, about 60 employees, and putting Crysis 4 on hold due to complex market dynamics. It will provide severance packages and career assistance to those affected. Crytek aims to expand Hunt: Showdown 1896 for financial sustainability and is committed to evolving it with new content and driving its CryEngine strategy.

Stellar Blade launches on Steam in June. PCGamer

Stellar Blade launches on Steam in June 2025, following its PS5 debut last year. The announcement came during Sony's State of Play, unveiling a crossover with Goddess of Victory: Nikke. The game is optimized for PC, but specific features are still unclear.

Stellar Blade offers exciting combat, boss fights, and beautiful environments. However, it has been criticized for repetitive enemies and a cumbersome dodge mechanic. The protagonist, Eve, experiences notable character development alongside unnecessary sexualization.

Digimon Story: Time stranger confirmed during PlayStation state of play. GameSpot

Digimon Story: Time Stranger was revealed during the February 2025 PlayStation State of Play after a leak. Set for release in 2025, it is the newest RPG in the Digimon Story series. It allows players to explore various worlds and eras while collecting and training digital monsters for turn-based battles. The trailer indicates PS5 as the platform, but it also expected on Switch and Xbox Series X|S. The story revolves around Olympos XII, a group of 12 god-like Digimon.

Elden Ring Nightreign launches May 30. Gematsu

Elden Ring Nightreign, a multiplayer RPG survival game, launches on May 30, 2025, for PS5, Xbox Series, PS4, Xbox One, and PC. Developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco, it features three-player cooperative play with uniquely skilled heroes to combat environmental threats and defeat bosses. Available editions include Standard, Deluxe, Seekers (Europe only), and Collector’s Edition.

The game offers a new adventure in the Elden Ring universe, enabling players to collaborate on challenges and explore its vast world. Pre-orders are available, with editions featuring content like digital art books, soundtracks, and collectibles. It promises an exciting experience for franchise fans.

Nintendo's president announced aggressive production plans for Switch 2, gauging demand through direct and experienced events. Genki Twitter

Nintendo President Furukawa has announced they are moving forward with Switch 2 production to meet high demand. The company will gauge the initial and subsequent demand based on reactions to the Switch 2 Direct airing on April 2 and consumer feedback at Switch 2 Experience events. Furukawa acknowledged the risk involved but emphasized their commitment to meeting consumer expectations.

Sony PlayStation FY2024 Q3 financial results. Genki Twitter

Sony PlayStation's FY2024 Q3 financial results highlight the following key achievements:

• PS5 units sold: 9.5 million

• Lifetime PS5 units: 74.9 million

• Full game software units: 95.9 million

• First-party software units: 11.6 million

• Digital download ratio: 74%

• Monthly active users: 129 million

All the 2025 DICE awards winners revealed. GameSpot

The 2025 DICE Awards recognized top achievements in gaming, with Astro Bot winning multiple honours like Game of the Year and Outstanding Achievement in Animation. Helldivers 2 received accolades for Action Game of the Year and Online Game of the Year. Notable mentions included Metaphor: ReFantazio for RPG of the Year and Black Myth: Wukong for Art Direction. The event also honoured veterans, with Don James receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award and Ted Price entering the Hall of Fame.

IGN has posted tides of Annihilation's 11-minute extended gameplay! 🔥.Genki Twitter

Elden Ring Nightreign will get DLC bosses and characters, according to steam page slip-up. IGN

A now-deleted Steam page for Elden Ring Nightreign seemingly confirmed the game will receive additional DLC, including new bosses and characters. The slip-up suggests that the survival royale, developed by FromSoftware, will continue to expand with more content. The game's first network test is underway, although it has faced some server issues. Elden Ring Nightreign will officially launch on May 30, 2025, for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

Viktor Antonov, the visionary artist who defined Half-Life 2 and Dishonored, has died. PCGamer

Viktor Antonov, the Bulgarian artist known for his work as art director on Half-Life 2 and Dishonored, passed away at 52. Antonov contributed to numerous video games and films, starting his career with Xatrix Entertainment. His defining work included creating the iconic visual identities for the Combine and City 17 in Half-Life 2 and the distinctive design of Dunwall in Dishonored. He also consulted on Doom 2016 and Fallout 4. Antonov's passing was shared by former Valve writer Marc Laidlaw, who praised his brilliance and originality.

Rainbow Six Siege X Teaser.

Ubisoft has released a teaser for Rainbow Six Siege X, promising the most significant transformation in the game's history. The teaser highlights new play methods, deepened tactical gameplay, and major upgrades. The official showcase is scheduled for March 13 at 10 AM PT

Yes, Rare's Everwild is still in development, and Xbox is committed to giving the team the "time" it needs. Eurogamer

Phil Spencer, Xbox Gaming CEO, confirmed that Rare's Everwild is still in development, reassuring fans of its progress. Revealed in 2019 and shown in 2020, there has been little news since. Spencer emphasized Xbox's commitment to giving the development team the time they need for the game's success.

Biggest releases this week