Grand Theft Auto VI is coming this year after a long wait, and as it gets closer, rumors have begun to pop up about its launch. One rumor that has gained considerable traction is that the game would launch as a digital-only title, with a physical release coming at some point after release. The logic behind the rumor was that a physical release of the game could lead to early leaks ahead of the game's launch, and that publisher Take-Two might be willing to go to great lengths to avoid this.

As it turns out, though, this is not the plan. Talking to Variety following an earnings call, Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick has confirmed that the publisher does not intend to delay the game's physical release. When asked directly about the rumor that the game will not be available physically on launch day to avoid potential leaks, Zelnick gave a straightforward response: "That's not the plan".

Based on this, it seems that you'll be able to buy the game on disc on launch day if that's your preference, which is good news for physical games stores around the world. Zelnick also said that the game's release date, November 19, 2026, is still locked in, although rumors will likely continue to circulate right through to release date--there's speculation that the game will carry a larger-than-normal price tag, for instance.

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In a recently-released roadmap for the future of Borderlands 4, one milestone was suspiciously absent--the game's Switch 2 port, which was previously delayed indefinitely just 10 days before its original launch date. Now, publisher Take-Two Interactive has revealed why that's the case, and it's not good news for anyone holding out for the game on Nintendo's hybrid console.

In an interview with Variety, spokesperson Alan Lewis has revealed that development on the Switch 2 version is paused. "We made the difficult decision to pause development on that SKU," he told the outlet, while affirming that the company is still committing to the system with upcoming games like PGA Tour 2K25 and WWE 2K26.

The use of the word "pause" indicates that development on the Switch 2 port of Borderlands 4 could, theoretically, resume in the future, as it's not technically cancelled, but there's no guarantee that this will happen. The game reportedly sold below expectations at launch, despite also having the biggest launch in the franchise's history.

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Another Magic: The Gathering Secret Lair Superdrop is on its way, two weeks after the Fallout TV show featured in a quartet of themed drops. This time, however, there are seven drops themed around Dungeons & Dragons, and two of them focus on fan-favorite heroes from Baldur's Gate 3.

Shadowheart, Dark Justiciar

First is Secret Lair x Dungeons & Dragons: Shadowheart's Devotion, which highlights the half-elf cleric of Shar. Her legendary creature card from Battle for Baldur's Gate is among the five reprints in the drop, along with an ancient dragon and three cards that would synergize well with her in a Shadowheart commander deck:

• Shadowheart, Dark Justiciar
• Beseech the Queen
• Black Market
• Victimize
• Ancient Bronze Dragon

Gale, as he appears on Brainstorm

The other Baldur's Gate 3 drop is called Secret Lair x Dungeons & Dragons: Gale's Ambition, and it features the wizard from Waterdeep. Like Shadowheart, Gale's previous legendary creature card is paired with four other reprints that complement his powers:

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Recently, popular video game stocks like GTA 6 owner Take-Two ($TTWO), game development engine Unity ($U), and sandbox game Roblox ($RBLX) saw huge sell-offs that hammered share prices in the wake of Google's announcement of a new generative AI tool called Project Genie.

The product claims it can create worlds "generated in real time," and people quickly put it to use to create rip-offs of Mario and Fortnite, among many others. The generative AI tool seemingly spooked some investors, prompting the stocks to get hammered. But how big of a threat to the industry mainstays is Project Genie, or generative AI systems like it?

"Wall Street has lost the plot again"

Rhys Elliott of Alinea Analytics told GameSpot that "Wall Street has lost the plot again" and that generative AI is "not coming to eat the games industry."

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As part of Take-Two's earnings announcement today, the company confirmed that Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto VI remains on track for release on November 19, 2026. There was no reason to believe it might be delayed again, but the company said today that it remains on track.

GTA 6 was originally set to release in Fall 2025 before it shifted to May 26, 2026 and then again to November 19, 2026. Rockstar said it needed more time to make the game the best it could be.

Take-Two boss Strauss Zelnick told IGN that marketing for GTA 6 will begin in earnest this summer. "Any time you're getting closer to marketing beats, you're obviously in a place where your confidence level is as high as it can be," he said of GTA 6 making it out on time this November.

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After a few weeks of rumors, Epic Games finally revealed that Chappell Roan will be the next Fortnite Festival headlining artist when the new music pass launches on Thursday, February 5. As is usually the case with these things, Roan will have a skin, the Pink Pony Club jam track, and other cosmetics on the new Heartcore music pass, along with an additional set of items and jam tracks available for direct purchase in the item shop.

Buying the music pass--which is included with Fortnite Crew, or can be purchased on its own for 1400 V-Bucks--will instantly unlock the Chappell Roan skin. Players can then unlock the rest of the items on the pass, including several musical instruments and an additional style for the Chappell Roan skin, by gaining XP in any Fortnite mode. There should be a number of jam tracks other than Pink Pony Club included on the pass, but we don't know what they are yet. And there will also be some free items on the pass that you can earn without buying it.

Gallery

Over in the shop, we'll have the Roan of Arc skin, with the singer sporting her iconic armored look from the 2024 VMAs. Roan will also be the first Festival Headliner to have a sidekick--a Pink Pony in the style of a Fortnite piñata--which will be part of her shop bundle. Typically, a season headliner also has at least two new jam tracks in the shop, but Epic's announcement didn't mention any new songs other than Pink Pony Club.

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Resident Evil Requiem is just a few weeks away, but Alamo Drafthouse is starting the party early with its Resident Evil-inspired menu for its upcoming free screenings. Jill Valentine may not be in Requiem, but the original RE heroine is finally getting Jill's Sandwich, which is a play on the infamous line in the first game.

For the record, a Jill's Sandwich is comprised of double all-beef patties, applewood smoked bacon, melty cheese, pickles, a special burger sauce, and a butter-toasted bun. You can wash that down with a T-Virus Cocktail or a Blue Umbrella Serum, although the Drafthouse employees will probably give you a soda if you ask for it.

Jill's Sandwich

The other items on this menu are the Red + Green Herb Hot Dog Combo--which doesn't feature any healing effects from the herbs--and Bingo! Fried Chicken. These items are only available during the Raccoon City Cinema screenings from February 6-27. The films in this mini festival include The Cabin in the Woods, The Thing, The Ring, and Longlegs. The latter is an apt choice, since Longlegs star Maika Monroe recently appeared in a live-action trailer for Resident Evil Requiem.

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Rainbow Six Siege creative director Alexander Karpazis is stepping down from his role on the game. Ubisoft announced in a blog post that Karpazis is giving up the role he's held since January 2022, with Ubisoft veteran Joshua Mills taking over in that role.

Karpazis had worked on Siege for eight years and was previously the game's art director before rising to become the overall creative director.

"I cannot put into words the number of ways this game has impacted my life; the incredible team that I have been a part of, the work we have achieved together, the adventures I have gone on, and the people I have met along the way have had a profound effect on me and have enriched my life season after season," Karpazis said. "It has been an honor spending half my professional career working on Siege."

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Getting into the Baseball Hall of Fame is an impossible dream for most professional players, but that journey will be part of a new addition to MLB The Show 26. This year, the game will let players track their character through college and into the Major Leagues. And if they finish Road To The Show: Road to Cooperstown, then a spot in the Hall of Fame awaits.

The number of the college teams is increasing this year from 11 to 19, with University of Arkansas, University of Florida, Stanford University, and University of Michigan among the schools lending their names, logos, and roster to the game. MLB The Show 26 is also adding the College World Series format and bracket.

Diamond Dynasty is back the game as well, with the World Baseball Classic. Through this mode, baseball goes international with stops in the Tokyo Dome and Estadio Hiram Bithorn. Over 500 new gameplay animations have been added, as well as new hitting and pitching interfaces. Fresh rewards and challenges will also be offered through the game's live-service updates.

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With The Ghoul reactivating Mr. House, Lucy discovering the mainframe of her father’s devices, and Maximus having to protect Freeside, the penultimate episode of Fallout season two raised the stakes for an all-out finale in New Vegas. Yet for as much time as this episode dedicated to building up relationships and faction statuses, episode seven still delivered the goods when it came to action and references to the original games. With that being said, let’s dive right in to this week’s easter eggs:

New (California) Threads

When The Ghoul (Walton Goggins) and Maximus realize they need to stock up to battle the Deathclaws that are overrunning the strip, they head to a secret New California Republic armory. While at first nothing seems to stand out amongst the arsenal of weapons, a single piece stands out: an NCR themed suit of power armor. While we’re not quite sure why this even exists, there’s no denying the power of good brand recognition.

Not A Ghoul But Something Much Worse

Throughout the episode, Thaddeus’ (Johnny Pemberton) condition worsens. Curious as to when his nose will fall off, he shows The Ghoul an alarming new mutation he’s developed: a gaping mouth growing in the center of his chest (in addition to his arm falling off). Now while it’s not quite confirmed what exactly he turning into, it’s definitely not a ghoul. For my money, he’s showing signs of turning into a Centaur. One of the most horrifying creatures in the Fallout universe.

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MLB: The Show 26

$60 (Switch), $70 (PS5, Xbox) | Releases March 17

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Sony Interactive Entertainment's popular baseball sim is back. MLB: The Show 26 launches on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch on March 17, 2026. Developed by Sony San Diego, this entry builds on the realistic baseball mechanics of past titles, offering an immersive digital way to experience America's favorite pastime. You can get the standard physical edition of the game for $70 on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, and $60 for the Nintendo Switch version. Preorders are available now at multiple online retailers.

MLB: The Show 26 Preorder Bonuses

By preordering any version of MLB: The Show standard edition, you'll receive the Gold Choice Pack. For the Digital Deluxe Edition, preorders include the Gold Choice Pack and up to 4 days of early access to the full game, starting March 13 at 12:00 AM ET/March 12 9:00 PM PT. These bonuses are only available by securing your copy before the game's launch date.

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Putting AI elements in games has already become a bigger part of the industry, and now Sony wants AI to talk about games as well. Sony has filed a patent for a generative AI podcast that would be starring its video game characters.

The complete patent listing for Sony's LLM-based generative podcast for gamers puts forth some ambitious ideas even though it doesn't settle every issue that may arise from them. According to the listing, Sony sees these podcasts as a way to reach individual gamers with news tailored to their tastes that comes in the form of an audio or video podcast hosted by the main character or characters of a game recently played on the console.

Deepfake voices will sidestep the need for actors, as the LLM creates banter and a news-like program that delivers tips, gaming news, and more games of interest to the player in question. The patent doesn't state if the generative podcast would be limited to Sony's proprietary characters or if it would extend to characters from third-party games.

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The Switch 2 could get a price hike in 2026, but how much more should people prepare to pay? According to Niko Partners analyst Daniel Ahmad, Nintendo may opt to raise the price of the Switch 2 by $50 or $100. The Switch 2 currently sells for $450 on its own or $500 with Mario Kart World.

He said this against the backdrop of the impact of tariffs and increasing memory prices and how those factors could impact the Switch 2's price. Nintendo said in its latest earnings briefing that there will be no impact during the current fiscal year, but for the fiscal year that begins in April 2026, these factors could "put pressure" on the company's earnings, Ahmad said.

"Would need to reconsider pricing / strategy at that point," Ahmad said.

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Bad news for PlayStation 3 owners hoping to watch Love is Blind on their CRT: Netflix is discontinuing the streaming app from Sony's legacy console a month from now.

A Reddit post from a CRT-enthusiast community shared the announcement seen on the PS3 Netflix app, which reads: "Unfortunately, Netflix will no longer be available on this device after March 2, 2026."

Streaming services phasing out support for older devices shouldn't be a surprise, but what's striking about this shutdown is how long the PS3 Netflix app was functioning. Netflix launched for PS3 in late 2009--but due to an exclusivity deal that the streaming giant had with Xbox, the service was only available through a disc that the company sent in the mail. It took until later in 2010 for Netflix on PS3 to go disc-free with a downloadable app. Netflix had a similar arrangement for the Wii, but that app was discontinued in 2018.

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Blizzard executive Holly Longdale has stated that the Warcraft IP is "underutilized," suggesting that the company might have new projects or in store to help beef it up and make the most of it.

To be sure, Blizzard has already expanded the Warcraft franchise in a number of ways, including the 2016 movie and the digital card game Hearthstone, along with books and comics. But Longdale thinks Warcraft has even more room to grow.

"It's a fantastic IP. In my humble opinion, it's been underutilized and I just want to bring it to as many people as possible," she told The Game Business. "And that means evolving what Warcraft means, what it is, and where it's going. We want it to be approachable."

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Epic plans to juice game sales on its PC storefront by bundling free Fortnite cosmetics with third-party titles. The first such instance of this new "official program" appears to be Resident Evil Requiem, as people who preorder the game on the Epic Games Store will receive a Grace Ashcroft skin in the battle-royale title.

The goal, according to Epic, is "to help developers sell more games on the Epic Games Store by leveraging the marketing power of Fortnite." The first partners for the program include Capcom, Genshin Impact's miHoYo, Dave the Diver's MintRocket, and Crimson Desert's Pearl Abyss. Epic has done something similar in the past with Alan Wake 2, as people who preordered the sequel years ago got an Alan Wake skin in Fortnite.

People Spent More But Played Less On The Epic Games Store In 2025See More

This comes as part of a year-in-review blog in which Epic acknowledged people spent more but played less on the Epic Games Store in 2025. Fortnite continues to be the most-popular title on the Epic Games Store, hence the company using its massive appeal to drive third-party sales on the platform. However, Circana senior director Mat Piscatella seemingly expressed doubts about the new program on Bluesky. "Super healthy market when one of the recognized key incentives for driving purchases of a new game on a platform is content for a completely different game that already dominates player engagement [I don't know]," he wrote.

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Nintendo recently held a hands-on showcase event with a bevy of demos for upcoming games. And while less of a focus than the games themselves, the presentation also included an opportunity for a closer look at some of its upcoming products like the new Mario Wonder Amiibo figures and $35 Talking Flower. We had a chance to get hands on with the Alarmo-adjacent doodad and it is certainly a talking flower.

A brief video walked us through the functionality. It will say random phrases from time to time, and you can press a button on the front to prompt it to speak. You can set a wake-up time or bedtime so the flower will wish you well, and that way it'll stay quiet at night. The phrases shift based on the time of day, and it's attuned to the room temperature so it can tell you if it's a little chillier today, and it will alert you if it needs a battery change. In music mode it can activate a "Wonder Mode," playing the Mario Wonder music.

The oddest feature, so to speak, is the ability to tell the time, but Talking Flower will sometimes tell you the wrong time. In the video demonstration he said it was 10 AM, then quickly corrected himself to say it's actually 9 AM. What a little scamp! An unreliable, possibly infuriating little scamp.

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Two union representatives for Ubisoft have voiced their belief that CEO Yves Guillemot should resign. This comes after a wave of layoffs, project cancellations, and studio restructuring that hit the company best known for Assassin's Creed and Far Cry.

In January, Ubisoft announced plans to split the company into several "Creative Houses" dedicated to specific franchises. Internally, it also canceled several projects like Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake, laid off developers, closed studios, and implemented a return-to-office mandate. This has angered many Ubisoft developers, who are planning to strike later this month.

In a recent interview with Game Developer, Ubisoft union representatives Marc Rutschlé and Chakib Mataoui placed most of the blame on the CEO and indicated they'd like a leadership change at Ubisoft. "I think Guillemot should move away at this point. I think the level of hate people have for him [means] he should move on. Then, we could build some sort of trust again," Rutschlé explained.

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Geoff Keighley has announced the first details about 2026's edition of The Game Awards. The host and organizer of the annual event has revealed that this year's show will take place on Thursday, December 10, and once again, it'll be broadcast from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

Keighley said more details will be announced later this year.

The timing is the normal spot for The Game Awards, as the event historically has been held in early December on a Thursday evening.

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Apex Legends Season 28 is also the start of the battle royale's Year 7, and the Respawn team is keeping to tradition by implementing a substantial gameplay change for the game's birthday. Season 28, titled Breach, introduces breakable windows and skylights to Apex Legends called Hardlight Meshes. These surfaces can be breached by squads trying to find additional ways into a building, or reinforced by players bunkering inside who are trying to hold a point-of-interest. These new mechanics sound like some you might find in Rainbow Six Siege (or Highguard, the recently released raid shooter from former Apex Legends developers).

This isn't a small change, either. Hardlight Meshes will be added to all of the maps rotating into the battle royale playlists this season (World's Edge, Broken Moon, and E-District). Save for Olympus, these three maps have the most urban environments of all of Apex Legends' maps. That means there are plenty of buildings that have been remade by the sole conceit that they now have multiple breach points, making them significantly harder to defend.

"As with all new additions to Apex, community feedback will certainly drive the conversation and inform our future updates and tuning," senior game designer Connor Monahan told me. "Playtesting internally, the places where we feel Hardlight [has] the most [impact] fall into two big categories. The first category is buildings previously very difficult to assault that now have narrow weaknesses you can exploit to break in. Examples that come to mind are some Lunar buildings--the tube-shaped structures--on [Broken] Moon, four-story buildings and Powerbank on E-District, and Lava Siphon on World's Edge. There are now new choke points and entries that make pressuring teams bunkered inside much more viable."

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