Patch Notes #15 - weekly gaming digest
Welcome to the 15th edition of Patch Notes, let’s get this bad boy going.
This edition will cover the week from 17 March to March 23.
What caught my attention this week
Balatro wins the Game of the Year award at the GDC Awards.
Winners:
Best Audio - Astro Bot
Best Debut - Balatro
Best Design - Balatro
Best Narrative - Metaphor: ReFantazio (my GOTY from last year)
Best Technology - Astro Bot
Best Visual Art - Black Myth: Wukong
Audience Award - Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Innovation Award - Balatro
Lifetime Achievement Award - Sam Lake
Pioneer Award - Lucas Pope
Social Impact Award - Life is Strange: Double Exposure
Biggest news of the week
Honor of Kings: World gets new GDC 2025 gameplay trailer. RPG Site
Honor of Kings: World, developed by TiMi Studio Group, is an upcoming RPG spin-off of the popular MOBA Honor of Kings. Showcased at GDC 2025, the game features a seamless open world inspired by Eastern fantasy aesthetics. Players will explore the universe of Primaera as a student at Jixia Academy, uncovering mysteries of mystical energies like "the Flux" and "the Flow" while battling the villainous "Man-in-Black" Xin. The game also includes dynamic combat, PvE and PvP modes, and opportunities to build and customize a unique experience.
In addition to action-packed gameplay, Honor of Kings: World emphasizes social and lifestyle elements. Players can craft, farm, and design homes while connecting with others in social hubs. This mix of combat, exploration, and peaceful activities creates a vibrant, immersive world where players can create their saga and unite to save Primaera from impending doom.
Sony formed a new first-party studio, Dark Outlaw Games, headed by Treyarch co-founder and COD Zombies lead Jason Blundell. Shinobi602 Twitter
Sony has established a new first-party studio called Dark Outlaw Games, which will operate under the PlayStation Studios umbrella. The studio is led by Jason Blundell, a veteran game designer known for his work on Call of Duty's Zombies mode and campaigns at Treyarch. Blundell shared that the team has been quietly working behind the scenes and will reveal more details about their projects when they are ready. The studio is currently in the process of hiring and developing its first game.
Lego Pokémon announced, coming 2026. EuroGamer
Lego has officially announced a Pokémon-themed range, set to launch in 2026. The teaser included logos of both companies and a Pikachu tail made of Lego, hinting at exciting future products. This marks the end of Pokémon's long-standing collaboration with Mega Bloks.
First look at Johnny Cage, Shao Khan, Kitana and Scorpion in Mortal Kombat 2 film. Shinobi602 Twitter
The upcoming Mortal Kombat 2 film has unveiled its first look at key characters. Karl Urban will portray Johnny Cage, Martyn Ford will take on the role of Shao Kahn, Adeline Rudolph will play Kitana, and Hiroyuki Sanada will reprise his role as Scorpion. The movie is set to continue the franchise's intense battles and iconic character portrayals. It promises to deliver thrilling action and fan-favorite moments.
Via:https://ew.com/mortal-kombat-2-first-look-karl-urban-johnny-cage-kitana-shao-kahn-exclusive-11696968
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves second open beta test set for March 26 to 31. Gematsu
SNK will host a second open beta test for Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves from March 26 to March 31, 2025, accessible on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series, and PC via Steam. This beta will not require a PlayStation Plus or Game Pass Core subscription. Players can try out online modes like Ranked Match and Room Match and offline modes such as Training and Tutorial. The beta will feature nine playable characters, including the debut of Tizoc, and showcase stages like "Bar Street Stars" and "Universal Arena."
The beta offers a glimpse of the game’s distinct art style, innovative REV System, and two control schemes catering to newcomers and seasoned players. It's a final opportunity for fans to experience the action ahead of the game's scheduled release on April 24, 2025, across all major platforms.
Croc: Legend of the Gobbos remaster launches on April 2. Gematsu
The remaster of Croc: Legend of the Gobbos, a beloved 3D platformer, will launch digitally on April 2, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC via GOG. Physical editions for PlayStation 5 and Switch will follow in Q2 2025 and are available for pre-order. The remaster preserves the charm of the original while introducing modern upgrades like enhanced graphics, improved controls, and retro video modes.
Players will navigate Croc across 45 levels spanning five vibrant worlds to rescue the Gobbos from Baron Dante. Alongside the game, the developers have curated "The Crocipedia," a digital museum featuring behind-the-scenes materials, interviews, and rare content to celebrate the game’s legacy. This remaster bridges nostalgia with contemporary innovation for both longtime fans and new players.
EA will pay student-athletes $1500 to appear in CFB 26, more than double last year's rate. GameSpot
EA Sports will pay student-athletes $1,500 to appear in College Football 26 (CFB 26), more than double the $600 rate for last year's CFB 25. The company plans to spend $16.5 million on Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals this year, further supporting athletes’ recognition after CFB 25's success. In addition to the appearance fee, players will receive a Deluxe Edition copy of the game, with select athletes earning additional payments as brand ambassadors. EA is also exploring royalty-based payments for specific players.
CFB 25 was a massive hit, becoming the best-selling sports video game in US history and the second-best-selling game overall in 2024. CFB 26, set for release in July 2025, aims to improve upon its predecessor, offering new features and enhancements based on player feedback. While details remain under wraps, EA focuses on delivering an exciting and fan-centred gaming experience.
Assassin's Creed Shadows | Reviews. Shinobi602 Twitter
MC: 83
OC: 82
Microsoft's Adaptive Joystick is geared towards 'players with limited mobility' and is available now for just $30. PCGamer
Microsoft has launched the Xbox Adaptive Joystick, a wired controller designed for players with limited mobility. Unveiled during the 15th annual Microsoft Ability Summit, the joystick is lightweight at 106 g and offers a highly customizable experience with remappable buttons, swappable toppers, and compatibility with various PC and console setups. It integrates seamlessly with the Xbox Adaptive Controller and is affordable at $30, available now via the Microsoft Store.
Customization options include 3D-printable thumbstick toppers and controller profiles managed through the Xbox Accessories app. Microsoft emphasizes its commitment to accessibility, aiming to make gaming more inclusive and affordable for all. The Adaptive Joystick fills a crucial gap in accessible gaming technology while remaining cost-effective for players.
Monster Hunter Wilds was the #1 best-selling game in Japan for the third week! Genki Twitter
For the third consecutive week, monster Hunter Wilds continues its reign as the #1 best-selling game in Japan. This week, it sold an additional 40,632 physical units, bringing its total physical sales in Japan to an impressive 742,869 units. The game's success showcases its enduring popularity among fans.
Hasbro wants Baldur's Gate 4, but isn't in a hurry. EuroGamer
Hasbro has expressed interest in continuing the Baldur's Gate series despite developer Larian moving on to focus on new projects based on its intellectual properties. While Baldur's Gate 3 was a resounding success since its release in 2023, Hasbro is taking a measured approach to plans, including Baldur's Gate 4. SVP of digital games at Hasbro, Dan Ayoub, indicated that updates about the franchise would be shared "in pretty short order" but emphasized that there is no rush to start the next instalment.
Additionally, following the success of Baldur's Gate 3, Hasbro is actively working on new Dungeons & Dragons games. Ayoub highlighted the company's commitment to raising the creative bar and exploring innovative ideas, hinting at ambitious developments for Baldur's Gate and other D&D-related projects in the future.
Microsoft gaming boss Phil Spencer says Xbox fans will see more movie and TV show adaptations, despite the failure of Halo — So what's next?. IGN
Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has confirmed that fans can expect more movie and TV adaptations of Xbox games despite the cancellation of the Halo TV series after its poor reception. Speaking ahead of the Minecraft Movie launch, Spencer expressed confidence in Microsoft's growing expertise in this space, citing lessons learned from previous projects like Halo and the highly successful Fallout Prime Video series. He emphasized that while some adaptations may miss, Microsoft remains committed to producing more.
Future adaptations could include the long-awaited Gears of War Netflix projects, announced in 2022, but no major updates have been shared yet. Spencer highlighted Microsoft's goal to keep improving and exploring new possibilities for bringing its gaming properties to wider audiences.
Two-thirds of total PC playtime last year was on games that are at least six years old, a report says. VG Chronicles
According to Newzoo's latest industry report, 67% of total PC playtime in 2024 was spent on games six years old or older, such as Counter-Strike 2, League of Legends, and Roblox. On consoles, older games accounted for 44% to 49% of playtime, while newer releases like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and NBA 2K25 claimed a smaller share. Only 8% of PC playtime and 15% on consoles were dedicated to games released in 2024.
The report highlights "calcifying" player habits, with gamers averaging ten games played on Steam and PlayStation and nine on Xbox last year. It notes that console revenues for full-price games were down 14% compared to 2023, citing fewer significant releases in 2024, unlike hits like Tears of the Kingdom and Baldur’s Gate 3 in 2023. These trends emphasize a fierce competition for audience engagement, favouring long-established titles.
Nintendo will have its logo on Seattle Mariners Jerseys this season, just ahead of the Switch 2 Direct. IGN
Nintendo has announced an expanded partnership with the Seattle Mariners, confirming that the Nintendo logo will appear on Mariners jerseys for the 2025 season, starting with Opening Day on March 27. This collaboration highlights Nintendo’s long-standing connection with the team, including its ownership stake dating back to 1992 (now reduced to 10%). The promotion arrives as Nintendo gears up for the release of the Switch 2, further integrating its branding into sports culture.
In related news, Nintendo will provide updates on its upcoming plans, including the Switch 2, during a Direct broadcast on April 2, 2025, shortly after the MLB season begins. This partnership serves as a reminder of the historic relationship between the two organizations, sparking hope for more crossover potential in the future, like a new Mario baseball game.
Silent Hill 4 joins the GOG preservation program with cut content previously unavailable on PC. IGN
GOG's preservation program now includes Silent Hill 4: The Room and 25 other classic titles, ensuring retro games are playable on modern PCs. The new Silent Hill 4 features Haunting effects and modern controller support. Other additions like Deus Ex, Fallout 2, and Vampire: The Masquerade - Redemption come with discounts during GOG's Spring Sale.
GOG commits to preserving gaming history by offering comprehensive versions of supported titles, including updated features, offline installers, and tech support. With over 100 games, the program aims to safeguard these classics for future generations.
SNES – Nintendo Switch Online adds Nobunaga’s Ambition, Nobunaga’s Ambition: Lord of Darkness, Romance of the Three Kingdoms IV: Wall of Fire, and Uncharted Waters: New Horizons on March 28. Gematsu
Nintendo has announced the addition of four classic Koei titles to the SNES – Nintendo Switch Online library on March 28, 2025. These games include Nobunaga’s Ambition, its sequel Lord of Darkness, Romance of the Three Kingdoms IV: Wall of Fire, and Uncharted Waters: New Horizons, each offering unique historical strategy and adventure experiences.
These retro classics bring iconic gameplay to modern players, focusing on world exploration, diplomacy, and tactical challenges. Their arrival expands the library's offerings, providing subscribers with more nostalgic and enriching gaming options.
Painkiller - Announcement Trailer (Steam/PS5/Xbox Series this Fall). Wario64 Twitter
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2300120/Painkiller/
Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny remaster ‘A Message from the Director’ trailer. Gematsu
Capcom has unveiled a new trailer for the remaster of Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny, introducing the challenging “Hell” mode, in which a single hit results in instant death. The remaster elevates the 2002 classic with improved mechanics, including an affinity system, branching storylines, and modern features such as auto-saves, skippable cutscenes, and multiple aspect ratios. Players will engage in intense swordplay while making choices that shape the narrative.
The remaster also features expanded in-game galleries, updated controls, and special bonuses for pre-orders or purchasing the "Onimusha 1+2 Pack," such as orchestral music and in-game items. Players with save data from Onimusha: Warlords (2019) can unlock exclusive content for protagonist Jubei. This reimagined classic promises to enthral both new and loyal fans of the franchise.
Shuhei Yoshida says The Legend of Dragoon took 3 years to make with a team of 100 developers and cost over $15 million which was A LOT for a PS1 game!. Genki Twitter
Shuhei Yoshida says The Legend of Dragoon took 3 years to make with a team of 100 developers and cost over $15 million which was A LOT for a PS1 game!
The game's Director Yasuyuki Hasebe, came from Square after being a Battle Designer on SuperMario RPG
Skate Story is also coming to PS5 later this year, Devolver Digital has announced (initially only on PC). PS Blog
Skate Story, originally announced for PC, is now coming to PS5 later this year, Devolver Digital confirmed. Players take on the role of a demon made of glass, tasked with skating through nine layers of hell to fulfil the devil’s contract by consuming the Moon. The game features over 70 skate tricks, skate trials, and opportunities to level up while exploring a vivid underworld filled with diverse characters.
Boss fights are dynamic, requiring players to synchronize tricks with the music to inflict damage. The game also boasts a 12-track original soundtrack by Blood Cultures, creating an immersive atmosphere. Along the way, players will encounter quirky characters, learn their backstories, and navigate challenges tied to the Department of Death.
Biggest releases this week
