If you forget about the New Game+ Showcase, then the Xbox Developer_Direct looks to be the first major “Direct” style presentation for the year, as is tradition. Microsoft has already confirmed the presence of Fable, Forza Horizon 6 and Beast of Reincarnation, but there are rumors of a “secret” fourth title. Which is par for the course, honestly – remember when Hi-Fi Rush exploded into the world?
Insider Shinobi602 initially reported this, noting that he was “not very excited” based on his personal tastes, without mentioning any further details. VGC’s Andy Robinson followed up by alleging that it would be a third-party title. However, the site has since posted a correction. “This is a smaller original game from a first-party studio, and not a third-party game.”
Let the speculation run wild, especially considering rumors of Obsidian Entertainment working on four new games. Perhaps a sequel to Pentiment is on the cards? Of course, there’s also Double Fine Productions, which released Keeper last year but could have another project, this one directed by Tim Schafer, to showcase.
Could we perhaps see something from Ninja Theory? Hellblade 3 doesn’t seem all that likely, especially given how long ago the studio’s next project was allegedly greenlit. However, there is Project: Mara, which the studio has been quietly working on in the background since 2020.
With the Developer_Direct set for January 22nd, the wait is excruciating. Interestingly, we may get some other bombshell announcements, including Fableallegedly launching day and date on PS5 alongside Xbox Series X/S and PC.
CORRECTION: VGC has since been told this is a smaller original game from a first-party studio, and not a third-party game, as first reported. Apologies for the mix-up. https://t.co/VO3Zt03ipE
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Gears of War: Reloaded – last year saw several once-exclusive Xbox titles making the jump to PS5. However, the undisputed most popular port is Playground Games’ Forza Horizon 5. Initially launched in 2021, the open-world racer reportedly passed five million sales on Sony’s console last week, according to Alinea Analytics’ Rhys Elliott.
“That’s over $300 million in revenue from a port of a four-year-old game,” he said. “Xbox’s move to third-party is no mystery, especially given Microsoft’s lofty profitability mandates.”
Forza Horizon 6 is the first title in the franchise to be available on a rival console. There’s also the fact that Forza Horizon 5 has been consistently popular since its release (which had more than ten million players in the first week). Combined with the fact that Playground Games continues to offer new content and features, the PS5 version’s success makes sense.
It’s thus more than a little odd that Microsoft wouldn’t prioritize launching Forza Horizon 6 on the PS5 alongside other platforms. Instead, it’s arriving sometime after the Xbox Series X/S and PC versions, which allegedly launch in the first half of this year. Lest you think this is a tactic to push more players to pick up the Xbox version or even purchase Game Pass, the staggered release is apparently due to the PS5 version not being ready.
This year’s Xbox Developer_Direct is on January 22nd, and Playground Games is bringing both of its big titles – Forza Horizon 6 and Fable. The former will receive its first-ever gameplay reveal while the latter gets a deep dive into its lovely fantasy world. Interestingly, while Forza Horizon 6 is PS5-bound at a later date, it seems that Fable could be a day-and-date multiplatform release.
This is according to VGC’s Andy Robinson, who shared on the site’s latest podcast, “Fable’s day and date. That’s what I’ve been told. Those are the sort of details where insiders misstep, right? Those are the sorts of details that can be changed a week before or a day before. The other stuff is kind of like a bit more set in stone. Yes, it’s coming to PlayStation 5.” Perhaps more intriguing is that the studio has reportedly been “targeting PS5 for a while.”
Why isn’t Forza Horizon 6 getting the same treatment, especially with how successful Forza Horizon 5 was on PS5? It’s also arguably the bigger brand, appealing to a larger spectrum of consumers. Robinson doesn’t know the “full story,” but heard that, allegedly, “It just wasn’t ready. I don’t know how true that is, because I mean, it’s going to be absolutely massive, but that game would be absolutely massive if it’s launching on everything day one, right? You’d kind of think that’s a bit of a hindrance for them.
“I mean, even Xbox stalwarts are starting to drift away from playing on the console now. It’ll have a humongous PC launch, but PS5, I mean, look at Indiana Jones: The Great Circle. It did so well when it came out on PS5 afterwards.” And yet here we are with Forza Horizon 6 arriving who-knows-when. That said, Robinson imagines that the team (which includes Turn 10 Studios) will “do their best to get that out as soon as they can.”
With another stellar year of gaming squarely in the rearview mirror, the staff here at PlayStation Lifestyle decided to take a trip down memory lane, tally up what new games we played over the past 12 months, and see which ones got enough votes to land a spot on our coveted list of best games from 2025.
Interestingly, in what might be an all-time record low, only five Sony first-party titles launched this year (discounting ports and rereleases), so a vast majority of our list is comprised of indie and AAA titles from other publishers. Chances are, you’ve heard of or played most of the games that made the cut, but a couple of our inclusions might take you by surprise.
And without further ado… the list!
(Photo Credit: Kepler Interactive)
10. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Showing just how loaded this year with great games, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 barely managed to lay claim to the number 10 spot. However, there’s no denying the sheer artistry on display with Sandfall Interactive’s debut title. Most RPG fans worth their salt are at the very least familiar with Clair Obscure, but if this one passed you by entirely, we’d love to know what rock you find yourself living under.
(Photo Credit: Deep Silver)
9. Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
We wouldn’t blame you if you forgot that Kingdom Come: Deliverance II even came out in 2025, seeing as how it launched at the very beginning of February. This is the second, and final, European-developed RPG to make it onto our list, but unlike Clair Obscur, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II trades in the linear, dark fantasy Belle Époque setting for a truly stunning recreation of 15th-century Bohemia. If an unrivaled sense of freedom, a vast open-world that’s begging to be explored, and the unforgiving, harsh realities of medieval life and warfare pique your interest, you shouldn’t pass this one up.
(Photo Credit: Konami)
8. Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater
With a handful of Metal Gear fans on staff, it’s no surprise that Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater has slithered its way onto our list. Even though series creator Hideo Kojima parted ways with Konami a decade ago and had zero involvement with the development of this remake, the original PS2 version was (or rather, still is) such a remarkable game, that its success was all but guaranteed. With a handful of quality of life improvements, a modernized control scheme, and a next-gen coat of ray-traced paint, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater looks and plays like a proper remake; anyone claiming that it’s a simple, by-the-numbers cash grab is woefully mistaken.
(Photo Credit: Enhance)
7. Lumines: Arise
Much like the previous entry on our list, Lumines: Arise doesn’t exactly reinvent the wheel when it comes to its moment-to-moment action. In fact, aside from the newly-added Burst mechanic, Lumines: Arise’s gameplay is almost identical to the original PSP version that launched over 20 years ago. Of course, if you know anything about the series, the gameplay is only a part of the magic. From its entrenching, mesmerizing visuals to its stellar soundtrack, Lumines: Arise is a feast for the eyes and ears, and is also a sight to behold when playing in VR.
(Photo Credit: Hazelight Studios)
6. Split Fiction
Having laid out the foundation with A Way Out and upping the ante with It Takes Two, it’s hardly a surprise that Split Fiction was a smash hit right out of the gates. Developer Hazelight Studios has perfected its craft of creating compelling co-operative gaming experiences, and with Split Fiction, it has even managed to upend our expectations once again. Whether you’re taking to the skies on the back of a dragon or fending off cyber-ninjas, there’s plenty of fun to be had here. If we were to make one suggestion, if you give this one a go, try to find a co-op buddy who can play on the couch next to you if that’s at all possible.
(Credit: Dogubomb)
5. Blue Prince
Like a few other titles on this list, Blue Prince sort of took us by surprise when it launched, and once it sank its roguelike hooks into us, we couldn’t get enough of it. Granted, some of its puzzles border on cruelly obscure, and at least one writer on our team lost hours of progress to the dreaded (and thankfully, fixed) save bug, but Blue Prince successfully wormed its way into the inner recesses of our brains, keeping us hooked on its addictive loop of drafting new rooms, uncovering more lore, and peeling back more layers of its seemingly never-ending puzzle. It’s an onion lover’s dream! Or, parfaits, if you prefer.
(Photo Credit: EA)
4. Battlefield 6
After a string of middling releases and years of losing ground to its competitors, Battlefield is finally back, and baby, it’s as good as it’s ever been. Sure, there are dozens of other shooters, competitive and casual alike, that are constantly vying for our attention, but Battlefield 6’s objective-focused, squad-centric flavor of running and gunning offers an experience that few other games come close to matching. The environmental destruction and sheer number of vehicles and weapons to master are just the icing on the cake.
(Photo Credit: Sony)
3. Ghost of Yotei
Even though its story is a rather conventional revenge tale that doesn’t exactly break the mold, Ghost of Yotei is still a top-tier experience from start to finish. Building off the foundation laid out in Ghost of Tsushima, developer Sucker Punch is firing on all cylinders this time around and pushes the PS5 (and PS5 Pro, for that matter) to its limit. It’s one of the most gorgeous games we’ve seen to date, and with a handful of visual filters and audio mixes to choose from, it’s almost begging to be replayed a second (or even third) time.
(Photo Credit: Giant Squid)
2. Sword of the Sea
2025 saw the launch of a handful of different skating games, but none of them came close to matching the sense of wonder and awe that Sword of the Sea manages to evoke. It strikes an amazing balance between offering up platforming challenges and puzzles, and letting you explore a beautiful world that’s chock-full of surprises that are just waiting to be discovered and experienced firsthand. If you enjoyed Journey, or either of developer Giant Squid’s previous titles (Abzû, The Pathless), this one’s a no-brainer.
(Photo Credit: Sony Interactive Entertainment)
1. Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
Sure, its detractors will be quick to label it as a glorified walking simulator, but Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is so much more than that. It’s a reflection on our current society, a world in which everyone is more connected than ever, but simultaneously, more isolated and alone. It’s a stunning achievement on a technical level, serving up some of the best visuals and most lovingly crafted cutscenes we’ve seen to date. And, for a handful of us staffers and contributors, it’s another opportunity to take a peek into the mind of Hideo Kojima, an absolute juggernaut of a game developer who’s been reinventing genres and subverting expectations for four decades at this point. But, above all, it’s a game about sticks. And ropes. Oh, and chiral networks. And don’t forget Timefall. Plate gates too!
A Sega PS5, PS4 game has been removed from the PS Plus Extra and Premium catalog without a warning. We’re not sure when Endless Dungeon: Definitive Edition disappeared from PS Plus, but we’ve checked several regions’ PS Store pages to confirm that it’s not currently part of the catalog.
Sega game Endless Dungeon was added to PS Plus in June 2025
Endless Dungeon: Definitive Edition was added to PS Plus Extra back in June 2025. While Sony does have six-month deals with some publishers, it’s unusual for a Sega game to leave PS Plus in that span of time, especially without notice.
We’re not sure if Endless Dungeon has been removed in all regions or not, but at the time of writing, it’s not available to claim in U.S. and U.K. PS stores. I looked around on gaming forums to see if anyone else noticed the game missing in the Extra catalog, and saw a few comments from players who said they were only able to play Endless Dungeon because they had previously downloaded it. Those who didn’t claim it are not able to download it for free.
This leads me to believe that Endless Dungeon’s removal is a temporary PS Store glitch. We’ve seen this happen before when Sony updated SKUs for games on the storefront. In the case of Sayonara Wild Hearts, the game disappeared from PS Plus Extra for a week as Sony updated its SKU after its native PS5 port was released.
Here’s hoping that’s also the case with Endless Dungeon.
We’ll update our readers when we have more information.
Microsoft has confirmed that a pair of RPGs will be the next Xbox games to release on the PS5, and both of them will be out on the platform in February 2026. Obsidian Entertainment‘s Avowed will launch on PS5 first, followed by Stoic’s Towerborne.
RPGs Avowed and Towerborne are the next Xbox games headed to PS5
Action RPG Avowed will be available on PS5 on February 17, along with its Anniversary Update. The update will add New Game Plus, Photo Mode, new character appearance, new weapon, new character options, and more.
“You are the envoy of Aedyr, a distant land, sent to investigate rumors of a spreading plague throughout the Living Lands — an island full of mysteries and secrets, danger and adventure, and choices and consequences, and untamed wilderness,” reads an official overview. “Can you save this unknown frontier and your soul from the forces threatening to tear them asunder?”
Stoic’s Towerborne is a side-scrolling action RPG that’s currently in early access. The full game will launch on PS5 on February 26.
“Rise again as an Ace, an immortal warrior reborn to defend the Belfry against the darkness beyond its walls,” a description reads. “Journey across a crumbling world, uncover the mystery of the fallen City of Numbers, and push back the corruption threatening humanity’s survival.”
It’s almost time to say goodbye to a divisive BioWare PS4 action RPG (playable on PS5) as it prepares to shut down for good. Frankly, we’re surprised that Anthem stayed live for seven years despite its development being canceled five years ago, but here we are.
PS4, PS5 users can play doomed BioWare RPG Anthem until January 12, 2026
PS5 and PS4 players are reminded that they have until Monday, January 12, 2026 to enjoy Anthem and/or mop up those trophies. PlayStation LifeStyle’s own Tyler Treese managed to pop the Platinum trophy just in time. Don’t miss out on your final opportunity this weekend to earn that rare Platinum!
Anthem was a departure for BioWare that ultimately led the studio down a dark path, but much of the blame for this live service disaster fell on publisher Electronic Arts. The company infamously decided that games-as-a-service was the way to go, and gutted single-player projects along the way.
Anthem was a critical and commercial failure, and at one point, the game’s discs were being sold for pennies. For its part, EA acknowledged the misfire, but not before Anthem’s troubles took their toll on BioWare.
Did our readers play Anthem? Share your thoughts on the game with us below.
The upcoming unannounced The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt DLC seems to be the new worst-kept secret in gaming. Details about the new content began to surface last year, revealing that it will bridge the gap between the 2015 RPG and The Witcher 4. The latest report reveals even more details about the DLC, including where it will be set.
What are the new details for the upcoming unannounced The Witcher 3 DLC?
In a new report from IGN Poland, it is revealed that the publication knew about The Witcher 3 DLC years ago, but did not report on it as they only had information from one source. However, now that it seems all but confirmed, they are sharing what they were told about the upcoming DLC.
“We have a confession to make. We’ve known about work on a potential new expansion behind the scenes for a very long time,” reads IGN’s article. We don’t want to reveal exact dates to protect our sources, but the topic first appeared on our radar years ago. Our source — someone who has repeatedly provided us with reliable, insider information — confirmed directly that a new expansion was in the works, albeit at a very early stage.”
“At the time, we were hearing signs that the team was fascinated by a completely different destination than the frozen north,” the article continues. “There were many indications that the developers were keenly interested in exploring Zerrikania.”
For those unaware, in The Witcher series, Zerrikania is a desert region located to the east of the Northern Kingdoms and the Nilfgaardian Empire. Although the article provides some logic behind Zerrikania being the location for The Witcher 3 DLC, they do not that this information was given to them years ago and development could have changed since then.
“However, we must remember that years have passed since we first learned about a potential DLC set in the desert, and concepts in game development sometimes evolve,” reads the article. “Perhaps the new DLC, after evolving the concept, will take us to the same regions as The Witcher 4.”
Will The Witcher 3 DLC be set in the deserts of Zerrikania or the snowy mountains of Kovir? We’ll just have to wait and see.
Yesterday, an article from investor website TipRanks circulated throughout the games industry: The rumor was that Microsoft is planning to cut somewhere between 11,000 and 22,000 jobs in January, roughly 10% of its current workforce, to allay the increased cost of data center expansion as part of the company’s hard push toward AI development. If […]
Eidos’ iconic Thief franchise returns later this week with Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow. PlayStation LifeStyle spoke with Vertigo Games Principal Designer Nick Witsel and Eidos-Montréal Creative Director Steven Gallagher to learn more about the PS VR2 game. It arrives on PlayStation 5 tomorrow, December 4, 2025.
“Step into the shadows in Thief VR. You are Magpie, a cunning thief orphaned by Baron Northcrest and shaped by the streets. Use VR mechanics to steal, evade, and outsmart the City’s forces. Your goal? A relic in Northcrest’s vault, which uncovers a far greater artifact with a powerful legacy,” says the official description.
Check out our discussion with the duo below, plus some exclusive concept art from the stealth game.
(Photo Credit: Vertigo Games)
PlayStation LifeStyle: One of the reasons why the original Thief games were so innovative was the freedom players had in how they chose to approach gameplay. How does Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow give players agency in how they choose to play and engage with enemies?
Nick Witsel: Indeed, Thief’s approach has always been about providing players with obstacles and a multitude of methods to overcome them. Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow continues this tradition. Levels are provided with multiple paths to your objective, where you need to cleverly figure out which way works best for you. Guards pose the biggest threats, and while you have plenty of tools in dealing with them, everything carries risk. For instance:
Using your blackjack requires that you get close and also leaves you with an unconscious body that might be found.
Throwing an object to create a distraction could result in unwanted attention from other guards.
You could unlock a nearby door and go around, but you might be spotted while picking the lock.
And it’s in weighing these options and deciding what to do that you immerse yourself into the role of the Master Thief.
VR adds a real tactility to the action, especially getting to use the different tools, and sneaking around feels very natural. How does that immersion help the stealth gameplay?
Steven Gallagher: VR is awesome for peeking around corners or over walls, but it’s especially good at quickly checking your surroundings without needing to stop focusing on whatever sneaky business you’re up to. Let’s say you’re trying to quickly pick a lock and slip through a door before a pesky guard you can hear nearby spots you. This is a vulnerable position for a thief to be in with your back to potential danger and unable to quickly check if you’re alone.
Playing a first-person stealth game like this on a screen like a TV or a monitor, you’re usually forced to just hope for the best or disengage and turn your body to be sure you’re still safe. VR, however, allows you to naturally look around as you would in real life while keeping your hands and intention focused on what you’re doing. I find being stealthy in Thief in VR to be a very intuitive way to play, which is a big reason why it’s so enjoyably immersive.
(Photo Credit: Vertigo Games)
The Thief lore is surprisingly rich, as fans know. What was Maze Theory’s approach to the game’s story and getting to view this world in a new, more up-close way?
Witsel: Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow is a game made by fans of the franchise. There were a lot of elements we wanted to cover, whilst also ensuring new players wouldn’t feel lost. Telling the story from Magpie’s perspective, who is relatively new to the City and still has plenty to learn, allows us to introduce players to the setting in a natural way, while also allowing us to involve some familiar faces and voices to guide their way.
It was so exciting to hear Stephen Russell in the trailer. How was it working with Stephen to get Garrett’s sense of humor into this game and bring back such a beloved character?
Witsel: He’s still got it. Garrett was back. It was like this big puzzle piece that completed the picture. It’s been an incredible privilege to work with him.
(Photo Credit: Vertigo Games)
Thief veterans will know what to expect, but what’s your best advice for newcomers who are checking this out first because it’s in VR?
Gallagher: I guess remember that you’re a thief, not a fighter. You can defend yourself if the worst happens, but it’s better to be one step ahead of trouble so you don’t find yourself in it. The immersive nature of VR gives you all you need to be a master sneak thief, so stay sharp, keep your eyes open, and stick to the shadows. They’ll never see you coming.
The original PSVR hardware led to a lot of ports that weren’t as good as the PC counterparts. What impressed the team the most about PlayStation VR2 hardware?
Witsel: The OLED lenses are fantastic at conveying the strong and moody atmosphere of Thief’s lighting. Light and dark play a crucial role in the experience, so we can definitely recommend the PSVR2 Headset for this game.
PS5 and PS4 users can soon play online multiplayer games for free without a PS Plus subscription for a limited time. Sony has announced a free multiplayer weekend that kicks off this Saturday, December 6, at midnight local time.
PS5 and PS4 getting free multiplayer weekend, no PS Plus required
The free multiplayer weekend will end at 11:59 p.m. local time on Sunday, December 7. In other words, folks without PS Plus will have two full days of free multiplayer.
No games are off limits, so this is a good time to mop up those trophies or just have fun without forking out extra cash, and transport yourself back to those PS3 days when online gaming was free.
Do note that you will not be able to access any other PS Plus benefits, like cloud saves.
Sony is currently offering varying discounts on PS Plus memberships, but the offers are mostly targeted towards new subscribers, returning subscribers whose memberships ran out a while ago, or those who wish to upgrade from a lower tier to a higher tier. To find out if you qualify, head over to the PS Plus section of the PS Store via PS App or your console.
A fan-favorite 1999 PS1 exclusive game is headed to the PS5 in two weeks with new features, publisher Limited Run Games has announced. Platform adventure Tomba 2: The Evil Swine Return is headed to all current-gen platforms except Xbox. Unfortunately, however, its previously planned PS4 version has been canceled.
PS1 classic game Tomba 2: The Evil Swine Return gets PS5 Special Edition this month
Tomba 2: The Evil Swine Return Special Edition will release on December 15 for $19.99. It’s unclear why the game’s PS4 version has been canceled, considering its Switch version is still on and offers cross-buy with Switch 2.
Developed by the original studio Whoopee Camp, Tomba 2 comes with the following new features:
Save Anywhere! There’s no longer any need to make frequent trips to save points.
Rewind! If you miss a jump or get hit, no problem, you can try again!
A museum chock full of classic original packaging and manuals, advertisements, merchandise photos, previously unseen game design documents, and high-resolution original artwork.
The original Tomba 2 released to positive reviews. Back then, our sister site GameRevolution awarded it a B grade, praising the fun gameplay and improvements over the original. However, Tomba 2 earned some criticisms for issues like tricky camera angles.
Sony is rolling out PS5 system software update 25.08-12.40.00for December 2025 starting early this morning, and it’s the least exciting update of the year. From the looks of it, the company wants to plug some vulnerabilities and exploits ahead of the holiday.
PS5 system software update 25.08-12.40.00 patch notes (December 3, 2025)
Complete patch notes for today’s update are as follows:
We’ve improved the messages and usability on some screens.
We’ve improved system software performance and stability.
Do note that this update is being released in phases, so if you’re not being prompted to update your PS5 firmware, there’s nothing to worry about.
Speaking of messages and usability, Sony has quietly made some changes to the PSN messaging system, introducing the ability to see when players are typing messages, the ability to delete sent messages, and read receipts.
The new features are available both on the console and the latest version of PS App. However, as we pointed out recently, read receipts are turned on by default, so if you’re concerned about privacy, make sure to turn them off by following the steps we outlined in this article.
We’ll update our readers if players notice any stealth changes in today’s PS5 firmware update.
Each week Sony brings PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PlayStation VR, and PlayStation Plus owners new content, add-ons, games, and more. Here is the complete global PlayStation Store update. PlayStation LifeStyle catalogs the PlayStation Store updates for the major regions across the globe. Check back every Tuesday to keep up to date with each week’s PlayStation Store Update.
North American Update
December’s PlayStation Plus Essential Lineup
Killing Floor 3 (PS5)
Lego Horizon Adventures (PS5)
Neon White (PS4/PS5)
The Outlast Trials (PS4/PS5)
Synduality Echo of Ada (PS5)
PS4 & PS5 Games
Anarchy Racer: Fury Roads
Apocryphoid
Arcade Archives KARATE BLAZERS
Backrooms: Duck Escape
Bee Simulator: The Hive
Bible Puzzle: Christian Game
Book Shop Simulator
Book Supermarket: Library Manager Simulator
BROK: The Brawl Bar
Brotherhood
Bubble Bobble SUGAR DUNGEONS
Bunninjutsu
Cannon Defender
Celestial Fall
Chaos Method
Chiro Gravitas
The Christmas Pickle
Cowboy Duel: Red Wild West Massacre
Crescent Tower
Crosak
Delivery Driver Massacre
Demolish & Build 3
Dragon Ruins II
Drive Hard
Duck Battle Royale
EL COCO
Emoji Battlefield – Origins
Fast Food Master 2025
Garten of Banban 8: Anti Devil
Ghost Town
HANDYMAN: House Repair and Flip
The Jumping Food Catcher – PS4 & PS5
Junkyard Fury 3
Lost Lands 2: The Four Horsemen
Lost Lands 3
Mage Arena: Voice of Magic
Mars Colonization Expedition: Survival Simulator
MARVEL Cosmic Invasion
Metaloid: Origin
My Existential Crisis
Night Club Manager Simulator
Pin Strike 3
Pixicharm – Orunex
PLATFORM 0
Prison Guard: Warden Simulator
Red Pippy
RENNSPORT
Schildmaid MX
Ski Simulator: Winter Sports
SLEEP AWAKE
Spell Slinger
Star Ores Inc.
Street Racer Collection (QUByte Classics)
Super 3D Maze 16
Supermarket Simulator 2026
Top Gun Global War
Torii
Trigger Path
Trouble☆Witches FINAL! Episode 01 Daughters of Amalgam
Ubisoft’s long-in-development remake of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time seems to be getting close to an official re-reveal as well as a release. Insider Gaming’s weekly podcast discussed Ubisoft in a recent episode, where the hosts also spoke about the company’s in-development projects, like the Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake as well as the rumoured remake of Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag.
According to host Mike Straw, reports have indicated that Ubisoft is planning to release the Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake in January 2026. Along with this, the company is also expected to release a new trailer for the title during The Game Awards in December.
“[Tom Henderson] has said in his reports for a while that, before the [Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag] remake comes out, a different remake would be launching,” said Straw. “The Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake […] it’s still the case that the Prince of Persia remake will launch before Black Flag. We know it’s supposed to launch before the end of the fiscal year, before March 31st. But, we’ve learned that the game is currently scheduled to release in mid-January 2026.”
“According to sources, it’s likely that the next look at that game could come at The Game Awards, and that’s where not only a new trailer could drop, but also the firm date itself could be revealed.”
As for some of the other unannounced projects that Ubisoft is rumoured to be working on, Splinter Cell is also reportedly still in development, and Straw has gone on to say that, “Splinter Cell, the remake, from what we’ve seen and what I’ve seen looks good. It’s still coming, still cruising right along. The last official release window report we had was that they were planning to launch it in the second half of 2026.”
Ubisoft had originally unveiled the Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time all the way back in 2021. At the time, however, the company saw quite a bit of criticism owing to the overall poor quality of the visuals and animations of the game. Since then, the company essentially went radio silent and decided to complete the title’s development and polish it further before revealing further details. Originally, the remake was being developed by Ubisoft’s studios in India – Mumbai and Pune.
While the company hasn’t quite revealed any more details in a while, it had taken to social media earlier this month confirm that work is indeed continuing on the title. “Yep, we’re still deep in the game — exploring, building, and ensuring the sands move with purpose,” wrote the company on social media. “This game is being crafted by a team that truly cares, and they’re pouring their hearts (and a lot of coffee) into every step. Thank you for sticking with us.”
The remake of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is expected to come to PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. While largely being a retelling of the same story as the 2003 classic, the remake will also make some changes, including a revamp of Farah to make her “more present”, have “more interactions” with the Prince, and be turned into a “great character”.
Developer Everstone Studio and publisher NetEase Games recently released their open-world action-adventure RPG Where Winds Meet. Currently one of the most played games on Steam, its launch wasn’t without its faults on all platforms, including the PS5. However, the developer announced it is working on fixes, as well as PS5 Pro support in the future.
Open world RPG Where Winds Meet’s update will add support for PS5 Pro PSSR
In a recent update on Steam, the Where Winds Meet developers addressed the issues with the PS5 version of the game and are currently working on implementing those improvements.
“Looking ahead, we’re committed to ongoing improvements in other key issues that concern you most including text localization, PS5 compatibility, and multi-character creation features,” reads the statement.
“For the PS5 platform, we’re working hard to enhance frame rates, stability, and visual quality,” continues the statement. “You can expect to see these gameplay improvements within the year.”
The update continued to list more future goals for Where Winds Meet. One of those goals is to bring PS5 Pro support.
“Over the next two months, we will gradually roll out several updates, including Steam Deck compatibility, optimized multi-timezone display, split outfit customization, PS5 Pro support for PSSR, enhanced audio experience, and more,” says the statement. “Our goal is to create a Jianghu that everyone can enjoy, and we welcome any further suggestions you may have.”
Where Winds Meet was released on November 14 for PS5. It received some mixed reviews. According to the review aggregate site Metacritic, it garnered an average score of 70 across 13 critic reviews. PS5 players seem to agree with that sentiment as its global player rating on the PlayStation Store currently sits at 3.81 stars.
Where Winds Meet is available for the PS5 free-to-play on the PlayStation Store.
Sony Interactive Entertainment regularly brings solid games to the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog. Whether it’s beloved classics like Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus or the newly released critically acclaimed titles like Blue Prince, there is something for every subscriber. That now includes an anticipated Devolver Digital PS5 game that will be brought to the service on launch day.
Skate Story available via PS Plus Game Catalog at launch
Announced on the PlayStation Blog, Sam Eng’s Skate Story will be available on the PS Plus Game Catalog on the same day as its release, on December 8. This means PS Plus Extra and Premium subscribers will be able to play the full game as part of the Game Catalog. Since the Game Catalog is not a perk for PS Plus Essential subscribers, it will not be available for those in the lowest subscription tier.
“You are a demon in the Underworld, made out of glass and pain. The Devil has given you a skateboard with a simple deal: Skate to the Moon and swallow it — and you shall be freed,” reads the description.
“Skate fast to destroy vicious demons, help a forgetful frog, and save other tortured souls on your journey from fragile beginner to hardened skater,” continues the description. “Push through hell and discover The Devil’s greatest weakness: humility, perseverance, and a disgustingly sweet backside tailslide.”
PS Plus Extra and Premium subscribers have been treated to day-one releases with the Game Catalog perk for a while now. Just this year, subscribers were able to play Abiotic Factor, FBC: Firebreak, Blue Prince, and Lost Records: Bloom & Rage with their subscription.
Skate Story will be available to purchase on the PlayStation Store when it launches on December 8. As of this writing, it cannot be preordered, but players can add it to their wishlist.
Some of the best PS5 console exclusive games are half price and beyond in limited-timePS Store Black Friday 2025 deal. It’s not often that Sony-published games are more than 50% off (unless they’re practically dated), so make sure to take a look at this promotion before it ends.
Grab these PS5 exclusives at up to 58% off in limited-time PS Store deal
Without further ado, here are the PS5 console exclusive games that are discounted in the Black Friday sale until December 2, 2025:
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 (58% off) – $29.39
The Last of Us Part 1 2022 (58% off) – $29.39
Rise of the Ronin (58% off) – $29.39
Until Dawn* (50% off) – $29.99. [Note: This is the 2024 version]
Silent Hill 2** (50% off) – $34.99. [Note: Formerly timed PS5 exclusive, included in the list as a bonus]
Do note that some of the games listed above are currently available as part of PS Plus Extra or available to try for free as part of PS Plus Premium. However, these games will leave the catalog, and if you don’t think you’ll get around to playing them anytime soon, now is a good time to pick them up.
We’ll look for more gems in the PS Store Black Friday promotion for our readers, so keep an eye out for more.
A new AAA PS5 shooter has been announced, with both its trailer and developer coming as a surprise to many. Godfall developer Counterplay Games revealed its next game Armatus at last week’s Xbox Partner Preview, almost a year after it was reported that the team had been “disbanded.”
Godfall dev’s new PS5 shoot Armatus will launch in 2026
PS5 launch exclusive Godfall wasn’t a critical or commercial success. Counterplay’s acclaimed game Duelyst also failed to garner enough players to keep it alive. Third time lucky? We hope so!
Armatus is a third-person roguelite shooter set in “demon-infested” ruins of Paris. The player is a powerful supernatural warrior from an ancient order, who is searching for a “lost gateway to heaven.”
“Each run, wield your scythe and a gun of your choosing against brutal demons hellbent on your destruction,” reads an official description. “To overcome them, evolve your combat style with powerful celestial abilities and passive enhancements. Die and you will revive to fight again.”
Armatus will release in 2026.
Report of Counterplay Games being “disbanded” came from the verified LinkedIn post of an employee at a partner studio. It’s unclear if it’s the Godfall team that was disbanded or Counterplay was temporarily disbanded and then revived.
Sony is beta testing a PS5 feature update that should please fans who have been begging for better UI personalization. While we don’t expect the PS5 to ever match PS4’s socialization and customization options, it’s nice to see these baby steps towards a better UI experience.
New PS5 personalization feature update should make players happy
As spotted by YouTuber Mystic, Sony has added two new features to the PS5 Welcome Hub for select participants:
Showcase Mode: When your PS5 is idle, widgets disappear to reveal a full view of the background.
Slideshow: the background cycles through images from an album you select.
These beta features are available for a limited time and can be turned on via the Welcome Hub settings menu.
Frankly, I’m surprised that the Showcase Mode wasn’t introduced with the Welcome Hub. One of the first things players noticed was that the widgets hid background images, and the only solution was to remove as many widgets as possible and rearrange them in crafty ways.
Thankfully, we no longer have to do that. Both the Showcase and Slideshow modes are essentially screensavers, and with the latter, players can put all those beautiful in-game Photo Mode images they take to good use.
Again, these aren’t groundbreaking features and nothing like the PS4 themes, but we’re slowly getting there, it seems.
