Patch Notes #12 - weekly gaming digest
Welcome to the 12th edition of Patch Notes, let’s get this bad boy going.
This edition will cover the week from 24 February to 02 March.
What caught my attention this week
The creative process for WoW's Liberation of Undermine raid highlights the effort behind each boss encounter. Scott Morin's discussion of Mug'Zee, the two-headed ogre security boss, reveals a blend of Warcraft lore and gangster film influences. They designed fight mechanics prioritizing player positioning to control which head is active, creating two boss fights in one space.
The sound design is equally impressive. Theresa Kim and Jake Archer's unique approach involved sourcing sounds from antique stores and using electromagnetic microphones for frequencies beyond human hearing. Their strategy of creating "bad" sounds paradoxically enhances the goblin aesthetic, including processing saxophone through guitar amps for a chaotic goblin jazz feel.
Oh, and don’t get me started on the Jazz band music.
I wanted to share this video because it shows that Blizzard still has it, despite what people claim on the Internet (must be true, innit?). The same goes for their reveal of the "Emerald Dream” expansion for Hearthstone, which made me reinstall the game and purchase the pre-order (even though I don’t play Druid, but hey, it was Ysera!).
Biggest news of the week
Black Myth: Wukong sees 30% of sales from International Markets. - Genki Twitter
Black Myth: Wukong" has achieved impressive global success, selling 25 million copies worldwide. Notably, 30% of its player base, approximately 7.5 million copies, are outside China. This marks a significant increase from the initial 20% and 25% estimates in the following months. The game's growing international popularity is attributed to effective word-of-mouth and marketing efforts.
The first Mortal Kombat 1 T-1000 gameplay looks straight out of Terminator 2, and a surprise Kameo DLC character is coming, too. IGN
NetherRealm has revealed gameplay for Mortal Kombat 1's DLC character, the T-1000, inspired by Terminator 2. Voiced by Robert Patrick, he launches on March 18 for Khaos Reigns owners and March 25 for all others. Madam Bo, a fan-favourite, will appear as a DLC Kameo fighter.
The T-1000 features iconic moves from the film, like blade and hook arms, plus a Fatality that echoes the famous chase scene. Madam Bo's gameplay was also teased. NetherRealm aims to support Mortal Kombat 1 long-term, promising potential DLCs and ongoing franchise investment from Warner Bros.
Destiny 2 bug is so popular that Bungie turns it into a feature. EuroGamer
Bungie has decided to turn a widespread bug in Destiny 2 into a feature. The bug, which mistakenly made class-locked Exotic weapons available to all classes, received such positive feedback from players that Bungie kept it. While acknowledging that this won't always be the case for bugs, the team decided to "let this ride" due to the enthusiastic response.
Removing class constraints might make some animations look odd, but Bungie sees this as an opportunity for fun and creativity in videos and art. Despite this change, the studio aims to ensure that the Exotic Glaives feel most potent in their intended initial classes.
Monster Hunter Wilds | Reviews. Shinobi602 Twitter
Monster Hunter Wilds has received highly positive reviews, with top scores from several outlets. It achieved perfect scores from VGC, VG247, Press Start, and DualShockers. Overall, the game has a Metacritic score of 89 and an OpenCritic score of 90, indicating strong critical acclaim.
Sony prepares for Potential US import Tariffs by creating duplicate supply chains and stockpiling inventory. Genki Twitter
Sony says it is creating duplicate supply chains and stockpiling inventory in the US to prepare for potential US import tariffs on its hardware.
Tekken 8 sales top three million; DLC character Anna Williams announced. Gematsu
Bandai Namco has announced that Tekken 8 has surpassed three million units sold, achieving this milestone faster than its predecessor, Tekken 7. Additionally, the DLC character Anna Williams will be available on March 31 for Character Year 2 Pass owners and April 3 for all users.
Following Anna's release, more downloadable content is planned for the "Season 2 Character & Stage Pass," including new stages and characters throughout 2025 and early 2026. Tekken 8 launched via Steam on January 26, 2024, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC.
Lies of P: Overture DLC gets a story trailer following its recent reveal. RPG Site
Neowiz and Round8 Studio have released a new story trailer for Lies of P: Overture DLC, which will be launched for consoles and PCs this summer. This prequel chapter takes players back to the start of the Puppet Frenzy, leading into Lies of P. The trailer, revealed during the ID@Xbox showcase, introduces Lea, a Stalker with mysterious motives, and her link to Geppetto’s Puppet.
The DLC features new locations, weapons, and Legion Arms for unique combat styles. The narrative promises vengeance, tragedy, and dark secrets as players uncover the events leading to Krat's collapse. Lies of P is available on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC.
The Silent Hill 2 Remake is being followed by a mysterious new game from Konami and Bloober, and pretty much all we know is that it'll be "something truly special". VG247
Following the success of the Silent Hill 2 Remake, Konami and Bloober Team have announced a new collaboration on a mysterious game based on Konami IP. While details are scarce, both companies promise it will be "something truly special."
Bloober Team's CEO, Piotr Babieno, expressed excitement about the continued partnership and highlighted the fruitful collaboration on Silent Hill 2. The new project aligns with Bloober Team's strategy to expand its internal development within a first-party framework, with Konami as the publisher and rights holder.
Xbox Boss says bringing games to PS5 is "Good For Gamers". GameSpot
Microsoft is expanding its strategy by bringing more first-party games to rival platforms like PS5 and Nintendo Switch. Craig Duncan, Head of Xbox Game Studios, believes this approach benefits gamers and studios by reaching a broader audience. Phil Spencer, Microsoft Gaming CEO, echoed this sentiment, stating that restricting games to specific platforms doesn't help the games themselves. This strategy also helps Microsoft financially, allowing them to earn revenue from games sold on other platforms, which can then be reinvested into developing more Xbox games. Not all games follow this strategy, with some remaining exclusive to Xbox for a period before being released on other platforms.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 has been rated in Singapore. VG Chronicles
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 has been rated in Singapore, with a reveal expected in March. The game will be released on multiple platforms, including Switch, PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox One, and Xbox Series. Teasers from Tony Hawk and Activision suggest new parks and classic skaters, building anticipation. Iron Galaxy, which developed the PC version of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2, is also involved. This follows a trend of remakes; the last release was a 2020 remake of the first two games. Teasers include a Call of Duty update featuring a skate park with Tony Hawk logos.
Star Wars Eclipse developer Quantic Dream gives updates amidst NetEase cuts and closures. Eurogamer
Quantic Dream, developer of Star Wars Eclipse, confirmed it is unaffected by layoffs at other NetEase studios. CEO Guillaume de Fondaumière reassured fans that the studio continues developing its projects, with 2024 being its highest revenue year, thanks to Detroit: Become Human.
Despite challenges at other NetEase studios, Quantic Dream's teams in Paris and Montreal are progressing as planned. The company is committed to delivering high-quality titles, but no updates on Star Wars Eclipse's release date were shared.
Call of Duty’s Steam page confirms generative AI use after months of player speculation. VG Chronicles
Call of Duty's Steam page now discloses the use of generative AI tools for some in-game assets. This follows player speculation after the Season 1 Reloaded update for Black Ops 6, which showed signs of AI generation. The disclosure was added on January 27, 2025, but it was recently noticed thanks to SteamDB's feature filtering AI-using games. This complies with Steam's requirement for developers to disclose AI usage since January 2024.
The Sims 4 is finally bringing the burglar back to the series after a decade away. PCGamer
The Sims 4 is reintroducing the burglar in a new update. The update includes burglar alarms and police NPCs for theft responses, reviving the random chaos fans loved. It features interactions with current DLCs, like dogs and werewolves chasing off burglars. The "Heist Havoc" lot challenge boosts burglary frequency on designated properties. This free update is available now, allowing players to install home security systems.
Warner Bros. cancels Wonder Woman game, closes three studios. IGN
Warner Bros. has announced cancelling its planned Wonder Woman game and the closure of Monolith Productions, Player First Games, and WB San Diego studios. This decision is part of a strategic shift to focus on key franchises like Harry Potter, Mortal Kombat, DC, and Game of Thrones. The closures mark a significant loss for the gaming industry, especially given Monolith's history with the Middle-earth games and Player First Games' work on MultiVersus. This move follows a trend of increasing layoffs and studio closures in the gaming industry over the past few years.
Fable delayed to 2026, Microsoft reveals brand new pre-alpha gameplay. IGN
Microsoft has delayed the release of the Fable reboot from 2025 to 2026 while unveiling new pre-alpha gameplay footage. Craig Duncan, Head of Xbox Game Studios, reassured fans that the delay is to ensure the game meets high standards, emphasizing the quality and legacy of Playground, the studio behind the game.
The new gameplay footage showcases combat, city exploration, and a fantasy forest scene, highlighting the visual fidelity and British humour that fans can expect. This reboot, developed by Playground, known for the Forza Horizon series, is the first mainline Fable game since 2010's Fable 3.
Tekken boss responds to fan criticising new Anna design in bid to curb toxicity. EuroGamer
Tekken boss Katsuhiro Harada responded to a fan's criticism of Anna Williams' new design in Tekken 8, emphasizing that while most fans welcome the change, there will always be dissenters. Harada sympathized with the fan's preference for the old design but pointed out that past works are still available. He also highlighted the unconstructive nature of the fan's argument and the challenge of pleasing everyone. Harada's comments reflect the broader issue of developers dealing with online toxicity. He also mentioned that negative opinions often spread toxicity if not addressed.
10 Live-Service Games Made Up More Than 40% Of Last Month's US Playtime On PlayStation And Xbox. GameSpot
A recent report showed that over 40% of playtime on PS5 and Xbox Series X in January was on the top 10 live-service games. More than 70% of active users played at least one of these titles, highlighting their dominance in gaming. Games like Call of Duty HQ, Fortnite, and GTA V lead the pack. Their success has influenced the market, prompting publishers to pursue similar games, although some, like Sony's Concord, have not succeeded. Ubisoft will focus more on live service and open-world games ahead.
Sonic Rumble: Sega’s free-to-play 32-player Sonic game has been delayed until spring. VG Chronicles
Sega has postponed the global launch of its free-to-play game, Sonic Rumble, until spring. Initially scheduled for a winter release, the 32-player multiplayer party game is currently in pre-launch across 44 countries. The forthcoming version 1.2.0 update will introduce new modes and features, including Quick Rumble, Rival Rank, and Crews. Sega has assured fans that Sonic Rumble will not feature gacha or pay-to-win mechanics, opting for a Season Pass structure focusing on cosmetic items. The delay is intended to ensure a memorable experience for players.
Callisto Protocol studio suffers layoffs but ‘remains operational’, Krafton confirms.VG Chronicles
Striking Distance Studios, the developer of The Callisto Protocol, has experienced significant layoffs but remains operational, according to its parent company Krafton. The layoffs were confirmed after multiple employees shared the news on LinkedIn. Krafton stated that the reduction in team size aims to maintain agility and sustainability for the studio. Despite the layoffs, ongoing support and plans will not be impacted. The Callisto Protocol, released in December 2022, received mixed reviews and did not meet sales expectations. The studio's most recent release was a roguelike spin-off, with another full-scale game in development.
Farland Saga I&II: Saturn Tribute releases for PC Steam, Switch, PS5, PS4, and Xbox One on June 26 in Japan. RPG Site
City Connection will release Farland Saga I&II: Saturn Tribute for PC, Switch, PS5, PS4, and Xbox One in Japan on June 26. Digital versions are sold separately, while physical copies for Switch and PS5 include both titles. These classic Japanese strategy RPGs, initially released in the late 1990s, feature enhancements like "Always-On Status Display," "Rewind," and "Quick Save & Load." Farland Saga follows Leon and Ralph, warriors branded as traitors after losing their parents in a war, while Farland Saga II centres on Karin, a mage seeking her identity. Both games provide immersive experiences with unique character traits and strategic command.
Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition ‘Overview’ trailer, screenshots. Gematsu
Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition features enhanced visuals and introduces several key elements.
Forza Horizon 5 Drifts Onto PS5 in April. IGN
Forza Horizon 5 will be released on PS5 on April 25, 2025, for Premium Edition buyers and April 29 for everyone else. This version will include all content from the Xbox and PC versions, such as Car Packs, the Hot Wheels expansion, and the Rally Adventure expansion. An update called Horizon Realms will also launch on April 25, adding four new cars, a new racetrack layout, and returning environments from past community favourites.
The game, which received a 10/10 rating from IGN on its Xbox/PC launch, is praised by its reviewer as the best open-world racing game. This release marks another Xbox-exclusive game for PlayStation, following titles like Sea of Thieves, Indiana Jones, and Great Circle.
Xbox at GDC 2025: "Discover the Next Era of Gaming Anywhere". Shinobi602 Twitter
At GDC 2025, Xbox showcased its vision of making gaming accessible on any screen, whether a console, PC, Smart TV, or mobile device. The company aims to empower developers to create cross-capable games that leverage Xbox's capabilities across various devices. The event will highlight how developers can reach more players and share the success stories of those who have maximized this opportunity.
➡️ https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/games/articles/2025/02/xbox-at-gdc-2025/
Atomfall | Gameplay Deep Dive. Shinobi602 Twitter
March 27 for PS4/PS5, PC, and Xbox. Set in 1962, Northern Britain, five years post-Windscale disaster, the game features an open world without a traditional quest system, focusing on investigation and survival through talking, researching, and combat. Players navigate a perilous environment with mines, hostile mechs, and mutated creatures. The economy operates on bartering, lacking real currency. With scarce resources, players must craft upgrades and manage inventory. A unique weapon upgrade system and a metal detector also help locate buried caches.
PlayStation Plus monthly games lineup for March 2025 announced. Gematsu
Sony has announced the PlayStation Plus Monthly Games lineup for March 2025, available from March 4 to 31. The lineup includes:
Dragon Age: The Veilguard (PS5): An immersive single-player RPG where you lead the Veilguard to defy ancient gods and save the land of Thedas.
Sonic Colors: Ultimate (PS4): A remastered version of the classic game where Sonic frees an alien race from Dr. Eggman's interstellar amusement park.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection (PS5, PS4): 13 classic TMNT games with new features like online play, save anytime, and more.
Reburn, formerly 4A Games Ukraine, announces sci-fi first-person shooter La Quimera for PC. Gematsu
Reburn, previously 4A Games Ukraine, announced La Quimera, a story-driven sci-fi FPS set in futuristic Latin America. Running on the 4A Engine, it's available for PC on Steam, though no release date is set. In 2064, players navigate a dystopian world where microstates depend on mercenaries and engage in battles using customizable exoskeletons and advanced weaponry.
La Quimera features single-player and co-op modes for up to three players. Key aspects include exploring a fragmented world, building a personalized arsenal, facing hostile factions and robotic enemies, and using a combat AI assistant. The game promises an engaging experience, leveraging Reburn's expertise from the Metro series.
Monster Hunter Wilds has reached over 850k peak concurrent players within the first hour of release on Steam. Genki Twitter
Within its first hour of release on Steam, Monster Hunter Wilds had over 850,000 peak concurrent players, surpassing Monster Hunter World's highest peak of 334,000. It is expected to reach over 1 million players later.
Pokemon boss says the franchise could "go downhill" if the company loses its focus. GameSpot
The CEO of The Pokémon Company, Tsunekazu Ishihara, stressed the importance of maintaining focus to ensure the franchise's longevity. He noted that complacency could result in Pokémon's decline, yet the series could endure for decades with ongoing discipline and appealing products. Ishihara emphasised that the company's singular focus on Pokémon enables reinvestment into the franchise, preventing distractions from other projects.
During the Pokémon Presents event, various announcements were made, including unveiling a new game, Pokémon Champions. Ishihara also mentioned the company's partnership with Nintendo and their recent legal action against the developer of Palworld, Pocketpair. The Pokémon series began in 1996 and will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2026.
Gex Trilogy trailer confirms a summer release window. VG Chronicles
The Gex Trilogy releases for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, and PC this summer. It includes all three PS1 Gex games, enhanced with save state and rewind options, widescreen support for the second and third games, a Music Player, a Media Player with promotional material, and a new interview with voice actor Dana Gould.
Developed by Crystal Dynamics, the series follows Gex the gecko in themed worlds battling the evil overlord Rez. The trilogy features the original 2D platformer Gex, Gex: Enter the Gecko, and Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko, where Gex returns to the Media Dimension to save his girlfriend, Agent Xtra.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A's First Trailer reveals rooftop running gameplay and a late 2025 Release Window. IGN
Pokémon Legends: Z-A has unveiled its initial gameplay trailer, featuring rooftop running in Lumiose City and an expected release in late 2025. Players can select from Totodile, Tepig, or Chikorita as their starter Pokémon, exploring the city with enhanced visuals and new gameplay features.
The game offers more complex battle mechanics, enabling players to weaken and capture Pokémon in Wild Zones. The trailer hints at Mega Evolutions for Pokémon, such as Mega Kangaskhan, Mega Absol, and Mega Charizard X. Among the new characters are potential rivals Urbain and Taunie, alongside familiar faces like AZ and his partner Floette.
Pokémon TCG Pocket has passed 100 million downloads. VG Chronicles
Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket has surpassed 100 million downloads since its release in late October 2024. The game, which allows players to collect and trade virtual cards, also earned over $120 million in its first two weeks. A new expansion, Triumphant Light, featuring the Pokémon Arceus, has been released.
Developer Dena announced that ranked matches will be added soon, a highly requested feature. Despite its success, there are no plans to include Pokémon TCG Pocket in the roster of competitive Pokémon games.
Some incredible March game releases. Genki Twitter
Here are some exciting game releases for March:
Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster - Mar 6
Split Fiction - Mar 6
Rise of the Ronin (PC) - Mar 11
Xenoblade Chronicles X - Mar 20
Assassin’s Creed Shadows - Mar 20
Atelier Yumia - Mar 21
Bleach Rebirth of Souls - Mar 21
The First Berserker: Khazan - Mar 27
AI Limit - Mar 27
Biggest releases this week
