Darkest Dungeon DLC, a BioShock-style shooter with clowns and other new indie games worth checking out

Plus, Mixtape on Mac, Tetris Effect-style pachinko and a platformer with randomized controls.

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Grand Theft Auto 6’s Latest Leak Told Me All I Need To Know

There is one thing that gets me almost as excited as Jason’s abs

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Nevada allows Uber, Tesla and Waymo to start paid robotaxi service

Nevada's transportation authorities approved the companies' application to charge for robotaxi rides.

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Dave Bautista Officially Confirmed As The New Kratos In Amazon’s God Of War Series

The Guardians of the Galaxy star replaces an injured Ryan Hurst

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Sennheiser's Momentum True Wireless 5 earbuds come with user-replaceable batteries

Sennheiser's latest earbuds are the rare ones that have user-replaceable batteries.

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Fields of Mistria: The Kotaku Review

In my brightest dreams, I see that valley

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Samsung is holding another Galaxy Event on August 27

Samsung says it will be launching a new addition to its S26 lineup next week.

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The Pokémon Center Was Hit By Same Data Breach As Valve, And Customer Orders Are Being Cancelled

Leave it to Pokémon to find a way to rub salt in the wound

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Warren Spector, founding father of immersive sims, has retired from game development

The creator of Deus Ex is retiring.

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Fairphone is finally releasing its first official handset in the US

You can now get Fairphone's reparable handset in the US without jumping through hoops.

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Legendary Creator Behind Deus Ex And System Shock, Warren Spector, Announces His Retirement

'It's just not as much fun for me anymore,' the producer explains of the modern games industry

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PlayStation 5 Version of Fun 2023 Game Blocked by Sony for Weird Reason

The PS5 version of a popular 2023 game that was scheduled for release in 2027 has been blocked by Sony, according to its developer. Stonks-9800 is currently available on PC, where it has an “overwhelmingly positive” rating. The game’s Xbox and Nintendo ports will go ahead as planned.

PS5 version of Stonks-9800 blocked as Sony mistook its dev for a shovelware producer

Players will recall us reporting on Sony’s PS Store shovelware purge this year, which has seen thousands of low-effort junk games nuked from the storefront. Sony has also banned known shovelware devs, terminating their contracts along the way.

Here’s the problem: Stonks-9800 developer Ternox Games isn’t a shovelware dev, and its games aren’t shovelware either. Ternox is an indie developer, and its catalog includes quite a few positively reviewed, fun games.

But it looks like Sony deployed a shovelware filter of sorts that Ternox got caught in, and the dev lost its PlayStation contract. Now, all of its games are being delisted from the PS Store.

“PlayStation Support refuses to listen to my arguments or even respond to my emails in any way,” Ternox tweeted. “I’ve released 10 games in 5 years of work (another 3 of my own games were transferred to my account by other publishers I’ve worked with in the past – a total of 13 games on my account since 2021).”

The full thread can be read below:

STONKS-9800 will not be coming to PS5.

Sony @PlayStation unilaterally terminated my PlayStation developer and publisher agreement without giving me any reason.

My existing games are scheduled to be removed from the PlayStation Store after August 23. pic.twitter.com/NQRnAmdyRb

— Ternox Games ?? 【STONKS-9800】OUT NOW! (@Taimumari) August 16, 2026

The post PlayStation 5 Version of Fun 2023 Game Blocked by Sony for Weird Reason appeared first on PlayStation LifeStyle.

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What actually happens when you let apps track your activity?

What kind of data is being collected by our devices, and how is it being used? Should we "Ask app not to track"?

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Most Anticipated PlayStation 5 RPG Finally Has a Release Date Window

Square Enix‘s most anticipated PS5 action RPG has been given an official release date window after years of rumors. Just before the weekend, Disney fan event D23 took place, during which the companies announced that Kingdom Hearts IV will launch in late 2027.

Square Enix RPG Kingdom Hearts 4 expected to get a PS5 disc release

Kingdom Hearts 4’s late 2027 launch window suggests that the game will get a disc launch, as physical production cut-off date is set for January 2028. However, Square Enix has yet to share launch details, so we’ll have to wait for an official confirmation on this.

In the meantime, here’s the extended D23 trailer:

Square Enix also revealed that Disney and Pixar’s Coco will appear in the game.

“Our hero Sora awakes in the unfamiliar world of Quadratum,” an official overview reads. “As he looks for a way to return from this modern metropolis to his own world, his friends Donald and Goofy head for the Underworld in hopes of finding a clue to his whereabouts.”

As for the combat, Square Enix says that Kingdom Hearts 4’s “dynamic, fast-paced battle system allows you to effortlessly combine attacks and magic, as well as build combos with a brand-new battle feature.”

Players can change Sora’s Keyblade for unique attacks, suited to the ongoing battle, their strategy, and play style.

We’ll update our readers when we have more information.

The post Most Anticipated PlayStation 5 RPG Finally Has a Release Date Window appeared first on PlayStation LifeStyle.

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OpenAI reportedly disbanded its preparedness team as part of a 'streamlining' process

As part of a restructuring, OpenAI reportedly disbanded a team that assesses the potential for catastrophic risks with its models.

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Nintendo GameCube discs were small for a reason

The format remains unique in console history.

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How Samsung's Galaxy Watch 8 measures your antioxidant levels

Samsung's newest party trick could actually help you improve your diet, and therefore your overall health.

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A Kingdom Hearts anime is coming to Disney+

Disney has announced an anime based on Kingdom Hearts, featuring a brand new story.

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Stripe is reportedly in talks to buy PayPal

Stripe and private equity firm Advent previously offered a deal PayPal didn't take, the Wall Street Journal says. Now, they're negotiating a new price.

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Four Minutes Of Spider-Man: Beyond The Spider-Verse Leak Online, And They Look Amazing

Sony doesn't want you to see it, however

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Award-Winning 2013 PS4, PS Plus Game Delisted From PlayStation Store

An award-winning 2013 PS4 game has been removed from sale on the PS Store without a warning. Developed and published by The Quantum Astrophysicists Guild, The Bridge was released for the PS4, PS3, and PS Vita, but it seems it’s only the PS4 version that’s been delisted.

Unique puzzle adventure The Bridge’s PS4 version was recently on sale on PS Store

As spotted by users on PSNProfiles, The Bridge was last on sale on the PS Store as recently as the first week of August 2026. This suggests that The Bridge was delisted sometime over the last few days.

Players with access to the PS Store on PS3 and PS Vita have confirmed that The Bridge is still listed for sale, but both storefronts are shutting down, so unless the PS4 version returns, PlayStation players will no longer be able to purchase the game.

The Bridge is still available on Xbox and Steam at the time of this writing.

Players who were PS Plus members back in 2018 may own The Bridge. The game was given away as a monthly freebie in October of that year.

“The Bridge is a puzzle game that forces the player to reevaluate their preconceptions of physics and perspective,” an official overview reads.

We’ll update our readers if the game returns to the PS Store.

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Apple proposes taking a 5-to-15 percent cut from external App Store payments

Apple and Google still aren't done facing Epic Games in court.

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PlayStation 5 Remake of Beloved PS2 Action Game Leaked

An unannounced native PS5 port of a PS2 action adventure game remake has been leaked by rating board ESRB. First released in 2020, Mafia: Definitive Edition is a full PS4 remake of the fan-favorite 2002 game. It looks like PS5 players will soon be able to play the remake natively rather than via backwards compatibility.

Native PS5 port of action adventure game Mafia: Definitive Edition might be a free upgrade

As spotted by a ResetEra user, ESRB recently rated a PS5 and Xbox Series X|S version of Mafia: Definitive Edition. Developer Hangar 13 and publisher 2K have not announced the port.

My guess is that this will be a free upgrade for existing owners, as is usually the case, but we’ll have to wait for an official announcement for confirmation.

Mafia: Definitive Edition was recently on sale on the PS Store, but has since reverted to its full price of $39.99. This indicates that the PS5 port will be announced/released soon.

“Mafia: Definitive Edition tells the story of Tommy Angelo, a hardworking cab driver who’s scraping by in the American city of Lost Heaven circa 1930,” the plot reads. “One fateful night, Tommy has an inadvertent brush with the Italian Mafia that showcases a life of reward too big to ignore. Now he’s embedded in the brutal world of organized crime, doing jobs for Don Salieri’s organization as it wars with the vicious Morello crime family.”

We’ll update our readers when we have more information.

The post PlayStation 5 Remake of Beloved PS2 Action Game Leaked appeared first on PlayStation LifeStyle.

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Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls: The Kotaku Review

Arc System Works’ latest anime fighter is accessible for the Marvel diehards, but deep enough for fighting game veterans

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Meta is giving away 15,000 AI glasses to blind and visually impaired people in Ireland

Meta is donating 15,000 Ray-Ban Meta glasses to an Irish charity supporting people with sight loss.

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Upcoming 2026 PS5 Exclusive RPG Gets Its Own PlayStation Show

PS5 is getting an intriguing new console exclusive action RPG in October 2026, which will be showcased at a PlayStation State of Play event soon. Sony has announced that on Monday, August 17, players will get to watch nearly 20 minutes of Phantom Blade Zero gameplay.

Preorders for promising PS5 console exclusive RPG Phantom Blade Zero are live now

The Phantom Blade Zero State of Play will kick off on August 17 at 7 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. ET. Don’t expect any surprises or other announcements at the event.

Phantom Blade Zero preorders are live now on the PS Store, and here’s an 11-minute trailer to celebrate:

Phantom Blade Zero’s standard edition will cost $59.99. Preordering the base game will unlock the following items early:

• Accessory: Treasure Basin
• Outfit: Legacy

The $69.99 Deluxe Edition will come with the same preorder bonuses alongside the following:

• Outfit: Wulin Legend
• Outfit: Blood-Steel Form
• Digital art book
• Digital soundtrack

In Phantom Blade Zero, we’ll play as a warrior named Soul who is framed for his master’s death and only has 66 days left to live.

“Alone and hunted by his former comrades, he moves through a world of shifting loyalties and silent blades — determined to unravel the conspiracy that has condemned him,” the plot reads.

Phantom Blade Zero will release on the PS5 and PC on October 29, 2026.

The post Upcoming 2026 PS5 Exclusive RPG Gets Its Own PlayStation Show appeared first on PlayStation LifeStyle.

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The unreleased Xbox Elite Controller 3 may have ended up in an unsuspecting buyer's hands

An Xbox Elite Controller 3 may have been sold in a marketplace, months after images of the unreleased model were leaked.

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Google is now sending out emails with discount codes for the Pixel 11

You may want to keep a close eye on your Gmail inbox if you're looking to get a Pixel 11.

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New PlayStation 5 Game in PS2 Era Action Series Gets Release Date

A new PS5 action game in a long-running series has received a release date, and it’ll be out surprisingly soon. Developed by Behaviour Interactive and published by Devolver Digital, Serious Sam: Shatterverse is bringing multiplayer mayhem to current-gen platforms.

PS5 action game Serious Sam: Shatterverse out on August 31

Serious Sam: Shatterverse will release on August 31, 2026 for the PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The game features co-op, first-person shooter, and roguelite gameplay.

Check out a new trailer below:

“As part of the Serious Program, a multidimensional force opposing Uber Mental, you’ll travel across shifting universes to finish battles other Sams couldn’t,” the plot reads. “Mental has been hunting the hero across realities, and in many timelines, he’s already won. Now, it’s your turn to push back. To advance, you must bring down his five lieutenants, each a formidable boss in search of total annihilation.”

Key features include:

• Multiverse Mayhem: Reality cracked and now Serious Sams from multiple universes are fighting the same war.
• Big Guns, Serious Damage
• Escalating Destruction
• Mental’s Horde, Remixed
• Arcade-Style First-Person Shooter Energy

Serious Sam: Shatterverse’s PS Store page is live. A price was not announced and preorders are not live, but the game can be wishlisted.

The post New PlayStation 5 Game in PS2 Era Action Series Gets Release Date appeared first on PlayStation LifeStyle.

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18 Of The Very Finest Cosplay Kits From San Diego Comic Con 2026

Featuring fits from Marvel Rivals, The Last of Us and Nightreign

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OpenAI gives Daybreak partners access to a more powerful cybersecurity model

OpenAI's Daybreak program now has two tiers, with the higher one giving partners access to a more advanced cybersecurity model.

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OpenAI slows down Astra development due to cybersecurity concerns

Meta slowed down development of its Astra model as it couldn't 'rule out critical cyber capabilities.'

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The downsides of switching from iPhone to Android

If you're considering ditching iOS for an Android device, make sure you know what you might be losing.

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Award-Winning 2023 PS5 Adventure Game Under $10 on PlayStation Store

An award-winning 2023 PS5 and PS4 adventure game is 65% off on the PS Store in a limited-time deal that ends this week. Developed by Sad Owl Studios, acclaimed game Viewfinder is under $10 until Thursday, August 13.

Puzzle adventure Viewfinder is just $8.74 in limited-time PS Store deal

PS5 and PS4 players can grab Viewfinder (cross-buy) for just $8.74 this week. The game usually costs $24.99. A free demo is available on the PS Store, but is limited to the PS5 only.

“Challenge perception, redefine reality, and reshape the world around you with an instant camera,” an official overview reads. “Viewfinder is a mind-bending first person adventure game in which you can bring pictures to life by placing them into the world. Beyond photographs, bring paintings, sketches, screenshots and postcards to life while reshaping the world.”

Viewfinder holds a Metacritic score of 82/100 on the PS5. On the PS Store, the game is rated 4.42/5 Stars based on over 8,000 verified votes.

PS Plus users should check their libraries before attempting to purchase Viewfinder, as the game was given away as a monthly freebie to members across all three tiers in September 2025.

PS Plus Premium users can cloud stream Viewfinder.

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Asmongold Says Twitch Banned Him For 14 Days After Latest Vile Comments: ‘I’m Not Sorry’

Twitch won't confirm the reason for the temporary suspension

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The pros and cons of the switch to digital games

More gaming companies are moving toward stopping production of game discs and cartridges. Is it a bad thing?

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Big Walk, retro electronic repairs and other new indie games worth checking out

We're looking forward to Big Walk, ReStory: Chill Electronics Repairs, Pigeon: A Love Story and several others this week.

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X is replacing revenue sharing with a new original content rewards program

X is retiring its old rewards-sharing program after September 7.

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Marvel Tōkon Launches To Abysmal 44% Rating On Steam: ‘They Should Have Pushed The PC Release Date Back Until They Figured This Out’

Arc System Works says it’s ‘actively investigating’ reports of performance issues on PC

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Highly Anticipated PlayStation 5 Exclusive Action Game Out With Free DLC

The highly anticipated new PS5 console exclusive action game is finally here, and early impressions from players are very positive. Developed by Arc System Works and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls is out now on PS5 and PC, and there’s a free DLC pack awaiting PS Plus subscribers.

New PS5 action game Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls off to a great start on PS Store

The Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls PS Plus pack is a limited-time freebie that includes five PlayStation avatars: Captain America, Storm, Spider-Man, Doctor Doom, and Ghost Rider. In addition to this, the pack adds a set of victory screen character poses for every hero in the 20-character base roster.

While critic reviews for Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls are still in progress, PS Store users have already awarded the game a rating of 4.5/5 Stars based on nearly 4,000 verified votes. Unlike Steam, PS Store users cannot simply buy games for a few hours to manipulate ratings, so this score is an accurate reflection of what PS Store users think so far.

“Assemble your team of legendary Marvel characters in the ultimate 4v4 tag team fighter from PlayStation Studios, Arc System Works and Marvel Games,” an official overview reads. “Choose from an expanding roster of 20 iconic Marvel characters at launch, each rendered in a bold new anime-inspired art style and members of their own unique teams of equally impressive heroes and villains.”

Have our readers picked up Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls? Share your thoughts on the game with us in the comments below.

The post Highly Anticipated PlayStation 5 Exclusive Action Game Out With Free DLC appeared first on PlayStation LifeStyle.

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Chinese AI model Moonshot Kimi K3 also escaped its testing environment

Kimi K3 also found loopholes in its sandbox environment that allowed it to access the internet.

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Nintendo's Switch 2 console sales just dropped significantly

Nintendo's Switch 2 sales fell ahead of an expected price hike next month.

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FDA approves Moderna's mRNA flu vaccine after initially refusing to review it

After refusing to even review it, the FDA has approved Moderna's mRNA seasonal flu vaccine.

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NASA's PUNCH mission can now accurately predict when solar storms will hit Earth

NASA says its PUNCH mission has greatly advanced the prediction of solar storms.

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OpenAI and Anthropic models went on a hacking spree when tested by the UK's AI research institute

The UK AI Security Institute says OpenAI's and and Anthropic's models engaged in deceptive behavior and harmful activity during testing.

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MasterCraft brings CarPlay and Android Auto to its pontoon boats

If you're searching for an on-water nav app that also includes tunes, WhatsApp and other apps, there's finally a solution.

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Xbox Pushes Forward With FanFest Celebration Even After Laying Off The Guy Who Created It

Xbox will unfortunately be 'celebrating 25 years of play' without the employee who created Xbox FanFest this year

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This Text Is Too Dang Small

Beast of Reincarnation has a major accessibility issue

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Apple is working on a seamless copy-paste experience between iPhones and Windows PCs

Apple is developing seamless copy-paste between iPhones and Windows PCs, but it's unclear if it will be available outside the EU.

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MacBook Air laptops are reportedly in short supply due to Ramaggedon

Not only did MacBook Air prices recently go up, but you couldn't get one today even if you wanted to.

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Common problems with Bluetooth speakers and how to fix them

Struggling with audio dropout or finnicky pairing? Ensure these common Bluetooth speaker problems aren't getting in the way of your auditory delights.

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Wonder Man Showrunner Opens Up About The Sudden Cancellation And Is As Confused As Everyone Else

Andrew Guest took to TikTok to lament Marvel pulling the plug on the show, which was supposed to enter pre-production this month

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Major Tabletop Convention Gen Con Hit By Severe Storm As Ceiling Leaks And Attendees Take Shelter

As the National Weather Service put central Indiana on alert, thousands of tabletop players watched a surreal scene as intense weather cast its own frightening spell

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Can using your phone while charging affect its battery life?

Using your phone while it's plugged in changes the way it charge. Here are some common myths (and truths) about charging smartphones and tablets.

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Engadget review recap: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, Meta Glasses and more

A roundup of recent reviews published by Engadget.

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Truck chaos, climbing with dual-mouse controls and other new indie games worth checking out

Here's our roundup of new indie games you can try now, as well as ones to look forward to in the weeks to come.

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