Category Archives: Playstation

Games, Gaming, Playstation

Microsoft Announces Forza Horizon 5 for PS5: Literally New Horizon getting explored

In a surprising move and a new teaching of NEVER SAY NEVER, Microsoft has announced that Forza Horizon 5, the beloved open-world racing game, is coming to PlayStation 5 this Spring. Developed by Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios, with Panic Button handling the port, this marks a significant shift in Microsoft’s strategy as it embraces a multi-platform approach.

Forza Horizon 5 has been a flagship title for Xbox and PC since its release in 2021, offering players an expansive open-world experience set in the vibrant landscapes of Mexico. With the announcement of its PS5 port, PlayStation users will finally get to experience the thrill of the Horizon Festival.

The PS5 version of Forza Horizon 5 will be feature-complete, including all previously released DLC packs such as the Hot Wheels and Rally Adventure expansions. Players can look forward to the same content as the Xbox and PC versions, with nearly 900 cars and over 40 thematic game updates.

One of the most exciting aspects of this announcement is the inclusion of cross-play functionality. Players on PS5, Xbox, and PC will be able to join the same multiplayer sessions, ensuring that no one misses out on the best road trips and convoys4. Additionally, a new free content update called Horizon Realms will be introduced, featuring a curated collection of community favorite Evolving Worlds.

The developers at Playground Games are thrilled to see the Forza Horizon 5 community grow with new players on PS5. They are eager to see the creativity and skill that new creators, builders, and racers will bring to the vibrant community. This move is expected to attract a wave of new players to the game, enriching the experience for everyone.

Looking Ahead

While no specific release date has been confirmed beyond the Spring 2025 window, fans can already wishlist the game on the PlayStation Store to stay informed about updates and release times. This announcement sets a precedent for more Xbox titles potentially making their way to PlayStation, making 2025 an exciting year for gamers across platforms.

Games, Gaming, News, Playstation

PlayStation Plus Essential February 2025 Collection announced with a ‘One more thing’

PlayStation Plus Essential subscribers have a lot to look forward to in February 2025! The lineup includes three exciting titles:

  1. Payday 3 (PS5): Dive back into the high-stakes world of heists with the Payday Gang. This cooperative first-person shooter offers thrilling gameplay for up to four players.
  2. High on Life (PS5, PS4): Fresh out of high school with no job and no ambition, you’re suddenly thrust into an intergalactic adventure. Join a team of charismatic talking guns to save humanity from an alien cartel.
  3. Pac-Man World Re-Pac (PS5, PS4): A remake of the beloved 1999 platformer, this game brings improved visuals and mechanics. Help Pac-Man rescue his family and friends from Ghost Island.

These games will be available from February 4 to March 3, 2025. While Payday 3 is exclusive to PS5, High on Life and Pac-Man World Re-Pac can be enjoyed on both PS4 and PS5.

About the ‘One more thing’

In a significant announcement, Sony has revealed that starting January 2026, PlayStation Plus will shift its focus to PS5 titles. While PS4 games will no longer be a key benefit, they will still be “occasionally offered” through the various PS Plus tiers.

This means that PS4 players will see fewer free monthly games, but they can still enjoy titles that are playable on both PS4 and PS5.

As many of our players are currently playing on PS5 and have shifted toward redeeming and accessing PS5 titles from the Monthly Games and Game Catalog benefit, PlayStation Plus is also evolving with this trend and will focus on offering PS5 titles through the Monthly Games and Game Catalog benefit starting January 2026. As we shift to PS5, PS4 games will no longer be a key benefit and will only be occasionally offered for PlayStation Plus Monthly Games and Game Catalog starting January 2026. We may still provide titles that can be playable on both PS4 and PS5 consoles after this date.

Please note, this won’t affect the PS4 Monthly Games that you have already redeemed from PlayStation Plus. You’ll continue to have access to games you’ve already redeemed as long as you remain a member.  For Game Catalog, PS4 games will still be available to play until it leaves the catalog as part of our monthly refresh.

This change reflects the growing trend of players migrating to the PS5, but it may be a disappointment for those who have yet to upgrade their consoles. Sony has assured that any PS4 games already redeemed will remain accessible as long as the subscription is active.

For PS4 gamers, this means that the next year will be crucial. They will still receive at least one or two PS4 games each month, but it’s a good idea to start planning for a PS5 upgrade if they want to continue enjoying the full benefits of PlayStation Plus.

The February 2025 collection offers a mix of new and nostalgic experiences, but the future of PS4 games on PlayStation Plus is changing. While it’s a bittersweet moment for PS4 gamers, it’s an exciting time for those embracing the PS5.

Games, Gaming, News, Nintendo, Playstation, Xbox

Microsoft & Xbox will double down on more Xbox games on other platforms

Phil Spencer confirmed that more Xbox games will become available on other platforms, including PlayStation in his first major interview for 2025 with Gamertag Radio. He emphasized that they want to make great games accessible to as many people as possible, without putting up barriers.

This move is part of Xbox’s strategy to ensure that their games reach a wider audience.

When asked why gamers should buy an Xbox console, the Microsoft Gaming CEO highlighted the unique capabilities and features of Xbox hardware. He stressed that they want their hardware to stand out based on its merits and not just exclusive games. Phil Spencer wants people to choose Xbox hardware based on its capabilities and the choices they want to make about where they want to play.

The head of Microsoft’s gaming business did share his vision for the future of Xbox, mentioning upcoming titles like Avowed, DOOM: The Dark Ages, South of Midnight, The Outer Worlds 2, and possibly Fable. He also mentioned that Xbox Games Publishing is working on Ninja Gaiden 4, aiming to bring the franchise back to its former glory.

Finally, Spencer reflected on his legacy and the impact he hopes to have on the gaming industry and also, he talked about his passion for gaming and his commitment to innovation and inclusivity in the gaming community. Phil emphasized that he wants to leave a positive mark on the industry and continue to push for new and exciting gaming experiences.

There are insisting rumors that the “silence on Nintendo” at this interview, is because Xbox actually has plans on the brand be involved with Nintendo Switch 2 with surprising launches and Phil Spencer hasn’t been shy on expressing excitement for the Nintendo Switch 2 and his commitment to supporting the console with Xbox games has already gone outside the implicit.

The noise in the rumors mill suggests that we are inbound for an historical Nintendo Switch 2 port of Halo: The Master Chief along with Microsoft Flight Simulator, Starfield, Diablo 4 and Fallout 4.

Business, Gaming, News, Playstation

Insomniac Games CEO Announces Retirement After Three Decades

Ted Price, the founder and president of Insomniac Games, announced his retirement after over 30 years with the studio. Price, who has been instrumental in creating beloved franchises like “Spyro the Dragon,” “Ratchet & Clank,” and “Marvel’s Spider-Man,” shared his decision to step down at the end of March 2025.

In his blog post, Price expressed his gratitude for the fulfilling career he has had and his confidence in the new leadership team. He introduced Chad Dezern, Ryan Schneider, and Jen Huang as the new co-heads of Insomniac Games, who will continue to lead the studio into the future.

Price also acknowledged the challenges faced by the team due to recent events, such as the LA wildfires, and praised the Insomniac employees for their resilience and dedication. He emphasized his commitment to supporting those affected and ensuring a smooth transition for the studio.

Therefore, last week, I felt comfortable announcing to the Insomniac team that after having been incredibly fortunate to enjoy such a fulfilling career in games, I’ll be retiring from the industry at the end of March. Today, I’m sharing this news more broadly.

I actually made this decision last year. For me, after over 30 years of leading Insomniac, I felt it was simply time to step aside and let others pave the way for our team. 

During the past year, I had the opportunity to work with the senior leadership team at Insomniac to create a succession plan that I know will provide the continuity, stability and strong leadership necessary to deliver more of what our fans cherish over the next several decades.

Ted Price founded Insomniac Games in 1994 as Xtreme Software, which was later renamed Insomniac Games in 1995. The studio’s first project was “Disruptor” for the original PlayStation, which didn’t perform well commercially.

In 2019, Insomniac Games was acquired by Sony Interactive Entertainment and became part of PlayStation Studios. This acquisition marked a significant milestone for the studio, solidifying its position within the PlayStation ecosystem.

Ted Price has been the president and CEO of Insomniac Games for over 30 years. Under his leadership, the studio has grown and produced numerous successful games.

Games, Gaming, News, Playstation

Astro Bot wins big at the 14th New York Game Awards

The 14th Annual New York Game Awards, hosted by the New York Videogame Critics Circle, celebrated the best games of 2024 with a spectacular ceremony held in Manhattan. Among the night’s biggest winners was Team Asobi’s Astro Bot, which took home the coveted Game of the Year award, along with two additional accolades for Best Kids Game and Best Music.

Released in September 2024, Astro Bot has been a critical and commercial success. The game, which allows players to control Astro as they attempt to save lost Bots and restore the PS5 mothership, has been praised for its charm, environmental design, and innovative use of the DualSense controller. With a player rating of 100 on OpenCritic, Astro Bot has become the most awarded platformer in history, boasting 110 Game of the Year trophies to date.

During the ceremony, Astro Bot’s director, Nicolas Doucet, expressed his overwhelming shock and gratitude for the win. Doucet admitted that he didn’t expect to win the coveted award and remembered very little of his acceptance speech due to his excitement.

The game’s winning streak doesn’t seem to be over just yet, as more accolades keep pouring in.

While Astro Bot led the night with three wins, other games also received recognition. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree won Best World and Best DLC, and Studio Zero’s Metaphor: ReFantazio took home the award for Best Writing in a Game. Indie hit UFO 50 was named Best Indie Game, and Troy Baker received the award for Best Acting in a Game for his portrayal of Indiana Jones in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.

With its incredible success, fans are eagerly awaiting what Team Asobi has in store for Astro Bot. Recent rumors suggest that more DLC may be coming in 2025, including a possible Tekken crossover. Additionally, a new speedrunning level for Astro Bot was featured in the finals of a recent PlayStation Tournaments XP event, though it’s unclear when this will be added to the game.

The 14th Annual New York Game Awards Winners

Big Apple Award for Best Game of the Year
Astro Bot

Off-Broadway Award for Best Indie Game
UFO 50

Herman Melville Award for Best Writing in a Game
Metaphor: ReFantazio

Statue of Liberty Award for Best World
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

Tin Pan Alley Award for Best Music in a Game
Astro Bot

Great White Way Award for Best Acting in a Game
Troy Baker as Indiana Jones in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

Coney Island Dreamland Award for Best AR/VR Game
Batman: Arkham Shadow

Central Park Children’s Zoo Award for Best Kids Game
Astro Bot

A-Train Award for Best Mobile Game
Zenless Zone Zero

Freedom Tower Award for Best Remake
Silent Hill 2

Chumley’s Speakeasy Award for Best Hidden Gem
Mouthwashing

NYC GWB Award for Best DLC
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

Knickerbocker Award for Best Games Journalism
Simone De Rochefort & Clayton Ashley

Andrew Yoon Legend Award Recipient
Sam Lake

Breaking, Games, Gaming, News, Playstation

PlayStation Live Services future in question?

In a surprising turn of events, Sony has announced the cancellation of two more live service games, one of which was a highly anticipated God of War title. The affected projects were being developed by Bend Studio and Bluepoint Games, two of Sony’s well-regarded studios.

As part of Sony Interactive Entertainment past CEO Jim Ryan’s legacy, one of his last main task was having Sony announcing an ambitious plans to launch over 10 new live service games by 2026.

However, the company’s recent decisions indicate a significant shift in strategy. The cancellations follow the mixed results of their live service experiments, with notable successes like Helldivers 2 and notable failures like Concord.

BREAKING: PlayStation has canceled two more live-service games, from subsidiaries Bend and Bluepoint, Bloomberg has learned.Fans have long wondered what Bluepoint has been working on for the last couple of years. I can report it was a live-service God of War game. www.bloomberg.com/news/article…

— Jason Schreier (@jasonschreier.bsky.social) 2025-01-16T23:09:48.705Z

The two cancelled projects were part of a larger initiative to expand Sony’s portfolio of live service games. According to Bloomberg reporter Jason Schreier, Bluepoint Games was working on a live service game set in the God of War universe. This news came as a shock to fans who had speculated about Bluepoint’s new projects since their well-received PS5 remake of Demon’s Souls.

Bend Studio, known for their work on Days Gone, was reportedly developing a new IP with multiplayer elements that built upon the open-world systems of their previous game. Unfortunately, neither project will see the light of day.

In response to the cancellations, a Sony spokesperson emphasized that neither Bend Studio nor Bluepoint Games would be closed down. The company is working closely with both studios to determine their next steps. Sony’s CEO Hermen Hulst had previously indicated a renewed focus on single-player games, which seems to align with the recent cancellations.

Needless to say that the cancellations have raised concerns among PlayStation fans about the future of Sony’s software lineup. With several live service projects scrapped, there is speculation that Sony may be shifting its focus back to single-player experiences. While this may disappoint fans of live service games, it could also mean exciting new single-player titles from Sony’s talented studios.

Sony’s decision to cancel these live service games marks a significant moment in the company’s gaming strategy. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Sony adapts and what new projects they will bring to the market.

Games, Gaming, News, Nintendo, PC, Playstation, Xbox

LUNAR Remastered Collection for nostalgia & new fans

GungHo Online Entertainment America has just announced the release of the LUNAR Remastered Collection, bringing two beloved JRPG classics back to life for a new generation of gamers. The collection, featuring LUNAR: Silver Star Story Complete and LUNAR 2: Eternal Blue Complete, will be available both physically and digitally on April 18, 2025.

Originally developed by GAME ARTS for the original Playstation, these games have captivated fans with their romantic storytelling and breathtaking soundtrack. The remastered edition not only preserves the heart of the original games but also introduces modern enhancements such as wide-screen support, high-definition pixel and animated art, and quality-of-life updates like customizable battle and strategy setting.

The collection will be available on PlayStation 4 (compatible with PlayStation 5), Xbox One (compatible with Xbox Series X|S), Nintendo Switch, and Steam. Digital editions are priced at $49.99 USD / €49.99 EUR, while physical editions will be available for $54.99 USD in North America and €54.99 EUR in Europe. The physical editions will feature reversible covers with new key arts illustrated by Toshiyuki Kubooka.

Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to the LUNAR saga, this remastered collection promises to captivate you with its timeless charm and enhanced features. Dive back into the enchanting worlds of LUNAR and experience the magic all over again!

Entertainment, Gaming, Movies, News, Playstation

Get a glimpse of the Until Dawn movie

Exciting news for horror fans! The highly anticipated Until Dawn movie, based on the popular 2015 interactive drama horror game by Supermassive Games, is set to hit theaters on April 25, 2025. Directed by David F. Sandberg and written by Gary Dauberman, the film promises to expand the universe of the game while offering a fresh, standalone story.

Back in 2015 in the game, players control eight young adults who find themselves trapped on Blackwood Mountain. The story begins with the disappearance of two sisters, Hannah and Beth Washington, during a snowstorm. A year later, their brother Josh invites his friends back to the lodge to celebrate the anniversary of their disappearance.

As the night unfolds, the group faces various threats, including a masked killer, and must survive until dawn. The game’s unique butterfly effect system means that players’ choices directly impact the story, leading to multiple possible endings.

First Look at the Movie

Sony recently released the first look at the movie, giving fans a glimpse of what’s to come. The teaser trailer reveals that the film will incorporate a time loop mechanic, similar to the game. Characters will relive the same night repeatedly, each time facing different horror scenarios. Director David F. Sandberg explains that this approach allows the movie to capture the same tone and vibe as the game while expanding on its mythology.

The film will follow Clover and her friends as they venture into the remote valley where Melanie disappeared. They will explore an abandoned visitor center, only to be stalked by a masked killer. Each time they die, they wake up at the beginning of the same night, forced to relive the nightmare with different threats each time. The only way to escape is to survive until dawn.

Cast includes: Ella Rubin as Clover, Michael Cimino as Max, Odessa A’zion as Nina, Ji-young Yoo as Megan, Maia Mitchell as Melanie, Belmont Cameli as Abel, and Peter Stormare as Dr. Hill (a new character different from his role in the game).

UPDATE – First trailer got released!

CES 2025, Entertainment, Events, Gaming, Movies, News, Playstation, TV Series

Sony to hit deep the gas for Playstation Productions

Sony Pictures has revealed plans to adapt two of its popular video game franchises into feature films: Helldivers 2 and Horizon Zero Dawn. The announcements were made during Sony’s press conference at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas on January 7, 2025, which means that Playstation Productions will stop being AFK.

It was confirmed that works will begin for a Helldivers, Horizon Zero Dawn, both as movies and an anime adaptiation based on Ghost of Tsushima.

The Helldivers 2 movie will be produced by Sony Pictures. The game, developed by Arrowhead Game Studios, is a squad-based co-op shooter set in a dystopian sci-fi universe. Players take on the role of elite soldiers known as Helldivers, tasked with liberating planets across the galaxy from extraterrestrial threats.

The movie is expected to capture the game’s fast-paced, action-packed battles and dark humor.

The Horizon Zero Dawn movie will be a collaboration between Columbia Pictures and PlayStation Productions. The game, developed by Guerrilla Games, is an open-world action RPG set in a post-apocalyptic world dominated by robotic creatures. The story follows Aloy, a young hunter seeking to uncover the mysteries of her past and the collapse of an advanced civilization. The film adaptation aims to bring Aloy’s journey and the game’s stunning visuals to the big screen.

While it was already suggeestd a few years ago that Playstation Productions was having Horizon on the pipeline, but it was rumored to be a series to be showcased on Netflix.

In addition to the film adaptations, Sony also announced an anime series based on Ghost of Tsushima. The series will be produced by Crunchyroll and Aniplex and is set to air in 2027. The anime will be inspired by both the game’s campaign and its multiplayer Legends mode, featuring a supernatural storyline.

This appears to be unrelated to the already announced Ghost Of Tsushima movie that has Chad Stahelski (John Wick movie series) as Director.

Other Announcements

Sony also revealed that the second season of The Last of Us TV series will premiere in April 2025 on HBO and Max. Additionally, a film adaptation of Until Dawn is scheduled to be released in theaters the same month and finally, a reminder that the second season of Twisted Metal TV Series is in production and it is expected that the season will introduce Calypso and the proper Twisted Metal event.

Breaking, Games, Gaming, News, Playstation, Xbox

Two Myths About Black Myth: Wukong Debunked

I guess that timing is something to be decided internally despite the convenience of it and final Game Science, the developer behind the popular action RPG Black Myth: Wukong, has recently clarified the reasons behind the game’s delayed release on Xbox platforms.

The game, which has been a massive success on PC and PlayStation 5, has not yet launched on Xbox and it was finally confirmed by its developer that is due to technical challenges with the Xbox Series S, which in retrospective is not a good narrative for Microsoft and its quest of Xbox Series S to be taken as important as Series X.

The main issue stems from the Xbox Series S’s limited memory. The console has 10GB of shared memory, which is lower than the Xbox Series X’s 16GB. This has caused significant optimization challenges for Game Science, leading to memory leaks and performance issues

Initially and at the same situation when Baldur Gate 3’s Xbox version, Microsoft suggested that the delay was due to internal quality concerns and denied any inherent limitations of the Xbox platform.

However, Game Science’s director, Feng Ji, recently contradicted this by explicitly blaming the Series S’s memory limitations

Despite the delays, Game Science is committed to ensuring that the game meets their quality standards before releasing it on Xbox. They are working on optimizing the game to provide a smooth and enjoyable experience on all Xbox models.

There was speculation that the delay might be due to an exclusivity deal with PlayStation, but Feng Ji’s recent statement has put those rumors to rest. The primary issue remains the technical limitations of the Series S.

Indeed, Xbox fans have expressed disappointment over the delay, as they have been eagerly awaiting the game’s release on their platform. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges developers face when creating graphically intensive games for different console hardware.