Those eager to be the first to play The Duskbloods in its first closed network test were met with widespread login errors, and it appears that server issues were bad enough that From Software pulled the plug on this first session.

"We regret to inform you that today's session is now closed," From Software wrote in an X post. The session was scheduled for 3 AM to 7 AM PT / 6 AM to 10 AM ET, which is at the end of the day in Japan. "We will continue to work on improving the servers and will announce future schedules at a later date."

The post's vague wording leaves it unclear if From Software will try to keep to its original schedule. The announced times included a second test session for Friday, followed by more sessions over the weekend, but it's unknown if that will still occur.

https://twitter.com/fromsoftware_pr/status/2090766523422101948?s=20

On the bright side, this is why we have network tests in the first place. Functioning servers for an online game like The Duskbloods are obviously essential, and From Software can work on the appropriate fixes after this first online test turned out to be a dud.

Sure, it's disappointing that players couldn't immediately get their hands on characters like Zork, but this is all in favor of a smooth launch for the Switch 2 exclusive.

Should sessions resume as planned, players will be able to experience the same technical test that GameSpot played for its preview of The Duskbloods. Our preview called the game "exciting" and said that it "represents From Software’s penchant to upend expectations and chart new territory."

Prime Video's God of War series has a new actor playing the stoic god-killer Kratos, and as previously reported, it is indeed Dave Bautista. After the original actor cast for the role, Ryan Hurst, suffered a bicep tear during filming that forced him to leave the role, Amazon and Sony moved quickly to find a replacement. Variety reported that Bautista will now play the iconic video game character across two planned seasons.

We can see it.

While it's bad news for Hurst--who recently revealed how shredded he got the role--Bautista is well-suited to the part. A former WWE performer, Bautista made a name for himself in the sports entertainment promotion, first appearing as an intimidating enforcer for Reverend D-Von. Working under the ring name of Batista, his career took off after he joined Triple H's Evolution stable. Winning multiple championships throughout his run, Batista's whole gimmick was that of a hulking monster who towered over most of his opponents and dominated them with brute force--no small feat considering that WWE had no shortage of physically imposing performers on the roster.

Beyond his physicality, Bautista has also proven his acting chops across multiple film and TV projects. In 2014's Guardians of the Galaxy, he portrayed Drax the Destroyer, a fan-favorite role in which he played a bruiser with a tender heart (and remarkably good comedic timing), and Bautista used that momentum to build a successful acting career in Hollywood. While he has gotten slimmer over the years, the actor is expected to bulk up quickly for the role of Kratos, given how he has kept himself in shape and has been praised for his commitment to preparing for roles. It may not be the "GoW" dream role that Bautista has famously lobbied for, but Kratos could be a good match for the seasoned actor.

It'll still be a while before God of War arrives on TV screens, but until then, there's still a lot to look forward to in that universe. The next big game in the series, God of War Laufey, launches on February 18, 2027, for PS5, and it'll be followed by a remake of the original God of War trilogy and another Kratos-led adventure.

It's the 25th anniversary of Xbox this year, and to celebrate, Microsoft is releasing a limited-edition version of the Xbox Series X that is reportedly very expensive. Announced earlier this year, the new model could cost as much as $900, and a new leak claims that it'll be released on November 27. At the time of writing, that means you'd need to save up a little over $9 a day to afford this console.

Would you pay extra for a limited-edition Xbox Series X?

According to the usually reliable Dealabs, this version of the Xbox Series X will cost $100 more than the current Xbox Series X, which features a "carbon black" design. That's also the same price as a PlayStation 5 Pro, following its price increase earlier this year. While it's not as powerful as Sony's beefier machine, it does include a disc drive. It's also worth noting that this could be a sign of things to come, as Microsoft has already warned that it expects to raise Xbox console prices again in 2027 as the AI-driven components crisis continues to push prices for console storage and memory up.

Chances are, if you're buying this, it's purely for looks. The console and its controller are dressed in a translucent green finish that allows you to peek at their inner workings, and Xbox says that owners will also discover a few hidden Easter eggs throughout the chassis.

https://youtu.be/1-INYU6FLgI

The console has 1TB of storage capacity--Microsoft has since discontinued its 2TB Xbox Series X thanks to rising memory costs--and the anniversary edition controller will also be available as a standalone purchase. This version of the peripheral is full of nods to Xbox's history, from the original face button colors to the rear bumpers referencing the black-and-white buttons on the original "Duke" controller.

Meanwhile, Sony has also rolled out a new special edition of its PS5 console, with this new variant sporting a design that's inspired by Marvel's Wolverine. While it's not quite as snazzy as the Xbox Series X with its Mountain Dew green finish, the mustard-yellow, claw slashes, and a Wolverine illustration by superstar comic book artist Jock do make for an eye-catching design. If you're interested, you can preorder it now--or console covers if you already have a PS5--and the limited-edition DualSense controller through PlayStation Direct.

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Anime has become a key pillar of entertainment for several streaming services, and this is one genre where Netflix has made a concerted effort to lock in a few exclusive shows. The anime jewel in its crown is easily Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, the wildly popular prequel and spin-off to CD Projekt Red's Cyberpunk 2077. While the game had its fans following its big turnaround after a disastrous launch, Edgerunners is considered to be a key driving force behind the resurgence of Cyberpunk 2077 several years ago.

A second season was a given, and during a stacked block of reveals at the Anime NYC convention, Netflix showed off a new teaser for the show and an official October release date. Alongside that news, we also got a new look at the upcoming second season of the anime-inspired Blue Eye Samurai, a preview of the adorable Lego One Piece show, a teaser for Bass X Machina, and more. In case you missed it, we've rounded up all the reveals for you to check out below.

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyeHKMfswHk

Out on October 20, the new Cyberpunk: Edgerunners trailer showed off more of Night City's seedy underbelly and the new cast of characters that viewers will follow. Full of blood, neon, and cyber-psychosis, the new season follows washed-up legend Weak, the revenge-seeking nomad D, chrome-obsessed Talia, and young cinephile Roman across a 10-episode story focused on family, obsession, and legacy.

Bass X Machina https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWbZBIrEfqI

A wild and weird Western spin on the story of Bass Reeves--a real-life person who escaped slavery and later became the first Black deputy US Marshal--the new series imagines the legend as a cyborg looking for revenge. Set in a steampunk world, the series is being produced by the anime studios Mappa and Madhouse, and it features Brian Tyree Henry (Atlanta, Transformers One) as Bass. It'll be hitting Netflix on November 3.

Sakamoto Days: Season 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ld4PMbghy78

What if the soft-spoken clerk behind the counter of your local convenience store was secretly the world's greatest assassin? You'd get Sakamoto Days, a hit anime series that earned rave reviews following its first season. The new teaser was light on animation, but it did feature new characters for the second season--Amane, Etsuko Satoda, and Yotsumura--who'll feature prominently in it. The second season of Sakamoto Days launches in January 2027.

Fool Night https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=we-eaYBtUDE

Unveiled earlier this year, Fool Night is an adaptation of Kasumi Yasuda's manga of the same name. The animation is by Sunrise (Mobile Suit Gundam) and Shaft (Puella Magi Madoka Magica), and the show is set in a dystopian future where Earth has been plunged into eternal night. As oxygen ran out and plants began to die, scientists started transforming humans into hybrid plant creatures using a technique called transfloration. The series follows a boy named Toshiro Kamiya, who undergoes a procedure to cover his mother's medical expenses, but the operation causes his life to fall apart. It'll debut on Netflix on November 26.

Blue Eye Samurai: Season 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oCx6HcYz9k

The first season of Blue Eye Samurai was a sleeper hit for Netflix, blending slick animation with hard-hitting storytelling and even harder-hitting action scenes. Season Two shifts locations from 17th-century Japan to London, as Mizu continues her vengeance-fueled journey. It'll arrive January 2027 on Netflix. 

Lego One Piece https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Z8oBbmkgXo

Based on Netflix's live-action One Piece TV series--which is in turn adapted from the One Piece manga by Eiichiro Oda--Lego One Piece features the voices of the cast as they sail the Grand Line in Lego form. It looks adorable, and with Usopp spinning the tallest of tales, Lego feels like the perfect medium to bring his outlandish stories to life. This one is out soon on September 29.

The One Piece The One Piece

There's no trailer yet for The One Piece, but we did get some new key art for this show. A reimagining of Monkey D. Luffy's early adventures in East Blue from Attack on Titan's Studio Wit, it'll premiere in 2027.

To celebrate its 60th anniversary, retailer Best Buy is offering $100 gift cards for only $60, and the timing is great if you want the $100 Ultimate Edition of GTA 6.

The offer is good for one day only, August 22, and you'll need to visit a store in person to get the gift card. Additionally, Best Buy said quantities are limited, so people are encouraged to show up early. The fine print states that each Best Buy location has a minimum of 50 gift cards.

GTA 6's Ultimate Edition costs $100, so if you're interested in that game, you can effectively get it for $60. Alternatively, you could use the $100 gift card to buy the game's $80 standard edition and still have money left over. Or you can use the $100 to buy anything else your heart desires from Best Buy. It's your life.

GTA 6 will be available in a physical copy at Best Buy and other retailers, but the game does not come on a disc. Instead, you'll get a code in the box.

Some of Best Buy's other 60th-anniversary deals include Beats Studio Pro headphones for $160 (was $350), Apple AirPods Pro 3 for $190 (was $250), and up to 60% off a ton of video games.

As for GTA 6, the game launches on November 19 for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Rockstar Games will show the game off via Netflix on August 27, but people have already gotten a new glimpse at the game through the many leaks.

There has never been a Five Nights at Freddy's collaboration in Fortnite, but an under-construction building on the game's map has given people hope. Well-known leaker HYPEX shared on X that another user named AlignedEclipse has spotted a structure that looks similar to the pizzeria housing Freddy Fazbear and Chicka the Chicken.

To further fuel the Five Nights at Freddy's crossover fire, inside this building is a stage, according to AlignedEclipse. The newest season of Fortnite is focused on video games, and it's called Override. Sonic the Hedgehog is part of the game's battle pass, while Mega Man and Crash Bandicoot--among other characters--are planned to come to the game soon. In that regard, Five Nights at Freddy's would fit in with those franchises.

https://twitter.com/HYPEX/status/2090407434896474250

The speculation also posits that maybe the collaboration will time up with Fortnitemares, a yearly event in the battle-royale game based on Halloween. Previously, Five Nights at Freddy's has collaborated with Dead by Daylight, bringing Springtrap and Freddy Fazbear's Pizza to the latter title. However, nothing is official, and it's possible Fortnite is just making something reminiscent of the point-and-click survival-horror game. 

Five Nights at Freddy's has recently turned into a successful film franchise, even though the sequel received bear-y bad reviews. Meanwhile, the last game in the series was Five Nights at Freddy's: Secret of the Mimic, which came out last year.

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Ongoing GTA 6 leaks might be the biggest gaming news story happening right now, but there's something much more important to discuss: Zork. We finally know what From Software's new Switch 2 exclusive, The Duskbloods, actually is, and among the many details we've gotten is a reveal of some of the game's playable characters, known as Bloodsworn. One, in particular, stands out. I'll let you take a guess who:

The Duskbloods' Bloodsworn lineup for the network test

That's Zork on the right, a man in an exceedingly pear-like diving suit who wields a hunk of undersea cable as a weapon. He can also howl, fire a cannon carried on his back, and launch his entire body at enemies, which can actually knock enemy players off the map in the ultimate form of humiliation.

Despite loving lil' weirdos, in using character creators, I often fall short of making something interesting; my Commander Shepard's not so different from the one on the front of the box. And, so often, premade characters in games are basically white bread--acceptable in their generic, mass-appeal kind of way. So to see Zork, who looks decidedly uncool in a traditional sense, available as one of the six characters in The Duskblood's network test is thrilling to me. (I'm also tickled that the names of others range from something as simple as Albert to Senator Samir Patres, a name I will never abbreviate or shorten under any circumstances.)

In speaking with From Software's Hidetaka Miyazaki recently, our own Jake Dekker had to ask about Zork. "There’s always going to be your traditional characters, especially in a vampire-like game," Miyazaki said. "You have your traditional Victorian Gothic characters, and then you have other characters that are a little bit more off to the side with Asian influences [like Trang Lanh]. I think Zork is basically as far off to the side as you can get, where he’s a bit of a wild card. It’s always fun to have characters like that, and there’s always people who like characters like that."

"I really want the multiplayer landscape of this game [to] almost feel like a festival," he continued. "You have all these different kinds of characters, they feel and look very different from each other, and [they all come] together and it [feels chaotic]. Zork is definitely a piece of that–just a weird guy who’s in the midst of it, right?"

Zork!

We also got to the bottom of that beak thing on the front of Zork's mask, and is appropriate for a game about vampires, it is indeed for drinking blood.

"[I]f you ever win with Zork, you’ll get a cutscene that will probably reveal that a little bit more," Miyazaki explained. "[His] beak thing extends like a straw, and sucks [blood] up like a mosquito. That’s probably another Ultraman reference of some sort, some sort of monster."

Miyazaki also noted that Zork is one of his favorite characters to play as in the network test version of the game. Based on the internet's reaction to him so far, I expect he won't be alone in that.

With just a few weeks to go before it launches, a new trailer for Marvel's Wolverine has dropped, showing off several of the preorder bonus costumes players can equip to the reluctant hero when they head out into the field. Not only can you change how Logan looks cosmetically, but you can even swap out his default adamantium claws for different designs, including one extra-painful variant that must hurt like the devil whenever he pops them out.

https://youtu.be/sm3uf92SVvA

As you can see in the short trailer, Wolverine has a set of serrated claws that he can use in battle. The Rambo influence looks cool, but those extra edges are definitely going to leave a painful mark, even with a mutant healing factor to patch up jagged tissue damage. On the plus side, at least these claws will come in handy whenever Logan needs to slice through a hard crust of bread or slice some cake.

This isn't the only set of alternate claws that you can equip to Logan, as the trailer also showed off a set with pierced fullers--probably to make them a little lighter--and another set has each claw taper into a shape that looks like an arrowhead. Either way you slice it, this is going to hurt for whoever's on the receiving end. As for the suits, the trailer shows off the practical leather outfit that Logan wore during Grant Morrison's New X-Men run of comics, his look from the Age of Apocalypse has been modernized, and the Savage suit is an original design by legendary Wolverine artist Adam Kubert. The Night Hunt suit is also a fresh outfit from Iban Coello--cover artist for the official Marvel's Wolverine prequel comic book--and the Incredible suit references Logan's first full appearance in the pages of Incredible Hulk #181.

That's a solid selection of costumes, and if Insomniac's work on the Spider-Man games is any sign of what to expect, we're guessing there's a lot more of these suits to unlock during the course of the game. Ahead of its release on September 15, fans can also grab a limited-edition Marvel’s Wolverine PS5 bundle, console covers, and a new DualSense controller inspired by the game. For more, you can check out GameSpot's Marvel's Wolverine preview to read up on how Insomniac is deconstructing the character for a new generation.

Here we go again: A new day means new apparent leaked footage of Grand Theft Auto VI. In fact, one of the latest clips appears to show that the person sharing these videos has access to a playable build of the open-world game. 

The leaker, who goes by CyberLeek on social media, posted an alleged gameplay video in which Jason Duval shoots at a wall. The bullet marks spell out "LEEK," seemingly proving that CyberLeek has access to a playable build of GTA 6. Before that footage, the video features a blue-and-yellow prop plane flying over what appears to be Vice City. At one point, the game pauses while the player swaps through different radio stations, like V-Rock playing "For What It's Worth" by Stevie Nicks and Back Country Radio playing "Rhinestone Cowboy" by Glen Campbell. There's even Symphony FM.

CyberLeek is claiming they will release the ending for Lucia Caminos later today, while also offering up an online poll about whether they should. Previous GTA 6 leaks included Jason playing basketball and literally shocking gameplay footage where he shoots people with a taser-like weapon. CyberLeek has claimed to be doing this for the rights of gamers--especially as an act of defiance after Rockstar revealed GTA 6 wouldn't arrive on disc. Keep in mind CyberLeek is also putting advertisements to buy memecoins on these videos, too.

GTA 6 is set to get an official "Extended Look" trailer exactly a week from today on August 27. That footage will first appear on Netflix on 3 PM ET, before then becoming available on Rockstar's YouTube channel at 9 PM ET. GTA 6 is set to come out November 19 on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.

GTA 6: 241 Screenshots To Ease The Wait View Images

Gaming has never been more expensive. We're here to investigate why, and help you play more while spending less. Welcome to GameSpot Cheap Week.

Grand Theft Auto 6's standard edition will retail for $80, and as the highest-profile game to set its price this high, players are likely wondering if other game publishers will follow suit with their AAA releases. That remains to be seen, but at least one industry analyst thinks publishers could be making a mistake if they do.

As part of a wide-ranging interview with GameSpot on how a game's price is determined, Ampere Analytics' Rhys Elliott explained how other publishers could make pricing decisions based on GTA 6's price, believing it opened the floodgates for every major AAA game to be $80.

"So my worry is that a lot of publishers read 'GTA is $80' as a green light and push their own run-of-the-mill or new-IP games to $80, when the right lesson is the opposite. What most will (and should) do instead is hold a $70 base and layer premium editions on top--$80 to $100 with early access, cosmetics, a season pass--the way it's always been done. I'm not saying that's ethical, but it lets the FOMO-prone superfans pay more while everyone else pays the base, or waits for the discount."

With the cost of living rising ever higher and gaming becoming even more expensive over the last few years, $80 for most AAA games is certainly a tough sell (though people are also paying for GTA 6's $100 edition at very high rates). Thus far, we've seen Nintendo even hesitate to price most of its games at $80, with the company opting to keep the major release Donkey Kong Bananza at $70.

As the price of consoles continues to rise--next-gen systems could very well eclipse $1,000--the price of individual games will be even more important for the average consumer. If publishers don't know this already, they're certainly going to learn it soon.

GTA 6 is set for a big reveal on August 27 with an extended trailer coming to Netflix, but ahead of that, alleged gameplay footage is leaking everywhere.

The leaks began earlier this week, and Rockstar owner Take-Two's stock price has fallen this week as well. Take-Two has seen its total market cap lose billions, as the company's share price began the week around $245. Today, shares are trading around $236.

GTA 6 releases this November on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.

The share price of a company can be affected by news, and the GTA 6 leaks have been substantial, generating numerous headlines and even jokes from the US government. Another factor that could be affecting Take-Two's share price includes its top boss Strauss Zelnick selling $10 million worth of shares recently.

Additionally, Take-Two's recent earnings report showed that the company lost more than $30 million the past three months, with net bookings falling, too.

Another new development for Take-Two's stock recently was the disclosure that the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan bought nearly 150,000 shares of the company worth more than $37 million.

Take-Two's share price has bounced around a lot so far this year, and, as of today, it's down more than 6% year-to-date. Over the past year, Take-Two stock is up 3.3%. Anyone who has been a long-term shareholder has benefitted greatly, as Take-Two stock is up about 50% in the past five years. When GTA 5 came out in 2013, Take-Two's stock price was about $18. Today, it's above $235.

GTA 6 also suffered a leak in September 2022. At the time, Zelnick said it was "really frustrating and upsetting," but the leaks had no financial impact.

Set for release on November 19, GTA 6 is coming to PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. The developers at Rockstar were reportedly testing the game for Switch 2, but fans should not get their hopes up.

Arc Raiders developer Embark Studios has announced a new collaboration with ... Subway. The partnership that no one saw coming rewards players with a special skin when they buy a sandwich, along with other in-game items.

Now through October 26, people who buy a qualifying meal at Subway will get a code to unlock the Subterranean outfit (one of three skins people can earn during the promotion), along with two in-game items that rotate weekly.

Codes can be redeemed on Embark's website. Another website runs through all the particulars of the promotion. Subway-eaters can choose from the following items right now.

• Option 1: Subterranean and Astrolite outfits, along with Renegade II, Medium Shield X2
• Option 2: Subterranean and Nascosto outfits, along with Canto II and Tactical Mk. 2
• Option 3: Subterranean and Rawhide outfits, along with Osprey II and Surge Shield Recharger x2

Choose your reward.

As you can see in the image below, the Subterranean skin in Arc Raiders has yellow and green flourishes to match Subway's logo. It looks pretty badass, though part of me wishes it looked more like a sandwich.

Dress up like a sandwich in Arc Raiders.

This promotion is kicking off as a lead-in to the game's big expansion, Frozen Trail, on October 8. Embark is now shifting its release cadence to push out larger updates to the game "every six months or so."

Embark had previously avoided crossovers and explained that the game's lore is "too curated" for Fortnite-style cosmetics.

Sega's cult-classic Golden Axe games haven't been relevant since 2008--thanks, Golden Axe: Beast Rider--but a new animated series is looking to bring the retro beat-'em-up back into the spotlight. The first trailer for the series has gone live, and just like the video gams, there's plenty of adventuring, blood, and a potion-hoarding thief getting the stuffing knocked out of it. This is one of Sega's oldest franchises, and even if you never grew up with it, the trailer does a good job at highlighting how the franchise has been resurrected for TV.

Featuring the voices of Lisa Gilroy, Liam McIntyre, and Matthew Rhys as the original trio of Golden Axe heroes, the show follows the gang on their quest to defeat Death Adder--yet again--and save the land of Yuria from the evil forces threatening it. This time, an inexperienced and wildly underprepared adventurer by the name of Hampton Squib joins them to take down the evil wielder of the titular golden axe, but his dreams wildly exceed his abilities.

https://youtu.be/sStbBtfGaLA

Based on the original Sega arcade game, the Golden Axe series is the brainchild of Mike McMahan (Star Trek: Lower Decks) and Joe Chandler (American Dad). As you'd expect--based on the duo's previous work--the show will remain faithful to the source material while also injecting some meta-commentary into the mix. The first trailer hints at this: between excessive violence and other fantasy tropes, Gilroy's character, Tyris Flare, comments on how the gang will make their way through "a series of progressively harder enemies" before they finally face off against Death Adder.

Sega has made a big push to bring its various game properties to the big and small screens over the last couple of years. There's a whole trilogy of Sonic the Hedgehog movies to enjoy--with a fourth on the way--and a live-action series based on the Yakuza games debuted in 2024. Other upcoming projects include adaptations of games like Streets of Rage, House of the Dead, and bizarrely, an OutRun movie directed by Michael Bay.

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The Kingdom Hearts series is one of nine gaming franchises at Disney to reach $1 billion in sales. With that success and the recent news of a Kingdom Hearts TV show for Disney+, some fans are wondering if a movie could be next.

That's the question that IGN put to Walt Disney Animation Studios boss Jared Bush. He didn’t confirm anything one way or another, but said "nothing is impossible" on that front.

"I am always excited to hear what people are passionate about. And I'd say we have a very bright future of new projects coming out. Different ways of putting material out into the world. So I would just say, nothing is impossible," he said.

Bush is the current chief creative officer at Walt Disney Animation Studios, a role he's held since 2024. He also co-wrote and co-directed Zootopia and its sequel, both of which were massive hits. Additionally, Bush co-directed Encanto (earning himself an Academy Award) and wrote the screenplay for Moana.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lybMpYeO9L8

After the Kingdom Hearts series debuted in 2002, filmmaker Seth Kearsley created a pilot for an animated Kingdom Hearts TV show. He posted an early, animatic version online, but it has since been since removed.

The Kingdom Hearts franchise was greenlit by Michael Eisner when he was CEO decades ago; he recently said he has no memory of approving the pitch.

At Disney's D23 event this past weekend, developer Square Enix confirmed that Kingdom Hearts 4 is coming in late 2027--and that date will stick, the franchise's co-creator said. Additionally, Donald Duck was confirmed as a playable character, while characters from Disney's Coco will appear in the game.

When The Duskbloods was officially announced for Switch 2 back in late 2025, the trailer and description that it was a PvPvE title might have sent the wrong message, game director Hidetaka Miyazaki said to GameSpot recently. 

When it comes to PvPvE games, these are generally associated with the extraction-shooter genre, something that The Duskbloods very much is not. As Miyazaki explained, The Duskbloods can't be categorized so simply.

"The PvPvE [label is] a little bit confusing in the context of this game. It's not that we set out with that exact label when pitching to Nintendo," Miyazaki said via a translator. "We had a couple of key things that we really wanted to do: The Sigil and Event system to create this [sense] of constant drama [and] excitement between players. The relationships, [and] the Virtue system contributes to that [as well]. It's not just 100% PvP; there [are] ways to win and enjoy the matches outside of simply playing against other players. Those were the things that we wanted to accomplish first and foremost. Saying it was a PvPvE game makes it sound like that's all that there is, and saying it's a PvE game doesn't really do it justice either. It's sort of just a combination of [the] two. Enemies specifically draw inspiration from our previous titles, and fitting them in made sense for our methodology."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2WytNOG7TM

"When we originally announced the game as a PvPvE title, there was probably a lot of confusion thinking it was like an extraction [game], and there's definitely a sort of an association with that type of gameplay. We definitely look back at that now and think, 'Hmm, maybe that wasn't the best way to refer to it.' It doesn't do the game a lot of justice, but yeah, that was [the reasoning behind it]."

This isn't From Software's first foray into focused online multiplayer play, as last year, the studio launched Elden Ring Nightreign. Following the release of the original Elden Ring and its critically acclaimed expansion Shadow of the Erdtree, Nightreign remixed the souls-like formula with a roguelike twist, challenging groups of players to survive and thrive as they took on bosses while darkness encroached on them.

For more details on From Software's new game before it lands on Switch 2, you can read up on how it was inspired by the likes of Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin and Vampire: The Masquerade, and why The Duskbloods is like nothing we've ever played before. Then check out our primer on what you can expect from it.

From Software has been an industry trendsetter with its souls-like games over the years, but what inspires the studio when it crafts new experiences like The Duskbloods? The brief amounts of gameplay we've seen so far certainly suggest it includes plenty of From Software DNA, with its elegant art direction and hard-hitting action, and game director Hidetaka Miyazaki revealed that tabletop games such as Vampire: The Masquerade also had a hand in shaping The Duskbloods.

One of the core gameplay mechanics--the Virtue System--is inspired by Vampire: The Masquerade's house rules, while classical vampire literature helped to influence the world of The Duskbloods. 

"Systemically speaking, the Virtue system--the victory point system--takes inspiration from board games where such mechanics are common," Miyazaki told GameSpot via a translator. "Additionally, the Sigil system was inspired by tabletop RPGs, particularly house rules that I used to play with. So those systems drew inspiration from tabletop mechanics."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2WytNOG7TM

As for the story of The Duskbloods, Miyazaki said the inspirations are broader and less easy to define.

"From a lore, aesthetic, [and] world-building point of view, there’s nothing completely direct," he said. "Vampire stuff in general is something I’m very passionate about and enjoy reading a lot. There’s definitely a bit of that that has rubbed off on me over time. [Some] things I enjoy include Vampire: The Masquerade, Fevre Dream [by George R.R. Martin], and Dracula Cha-Cha-Cha [by Kim Newman]. Not super old-school stuff, but a bit more modern vampire literature. It’s all very indirect–things that have rubbed off on me over time and things I’ve always wanted to implement. So from an aesthetic point of view, there’s definitely a bit of that."

Everything we've seen so far of The Duskbloods certainly suggests that From Software has been inspired by the idea of romanticized vampires. Tabletop games like Vampire: The Masquerade have focused on the rich societal hierarchy of the bloodsuckers, something that ties into the distinct sense of elegance found in From Software games. 

The Duskbloods doesn't have a release date yet, but it's currently expected to launch for Switch 2 later this year.

From Software's next game, The Duskbloods, is inspired by both vampire literature and tabletop games. But another key figure that the studio looked to for motivation was legendary Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin. That's not too surprising, given Martin's involvement with the studio's smash-hit game Elden Ring, and while he may not have had a direct role in The Duskbloods, his work in vampire fiction still had an impact.

"From a lore, aesthetic, [and] world-building point of view, there’s nothing completely direct," he said. "Vampire stuff in general is something I’m very passionate about and enjoy reading a lot. There’s definitely a bit of that that has rubbed off on me over time. [Some] things I enjoy include Vampire: The Masquerade, Fevre Dream [by George R.R. Martin], and Dracula Cha-Cha-Cha [by Kim Newman]. Not super old-school stuff, but a bit more modern vampire literature. It’s all very indirect–things that have rubbed off on me over time and things I’ve always wanted to implement. So from an aesthetic point of view, there’s definitely a bit of that."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2WytNOG7TM

Fevre Dream was released in 1982 and features cruel vampires who view humans as cattle, while a newer breed seeks to coexist with humans. Beyond his work on the A Song of Ice and Fire books--which were subsequently adapted into a mega-popular live-action series Game of Thrones on HBO--Martin also contributed to the lore and backstory for Elden Ring, devising the 5,000-year history of the game's world. Just don't ask him what his favorite builds are, because he's never played the game.

For more on The Duskbloods, you can read up on how it's like nothing we've played before, and if you're confused as to what it is exactly, you can read GameSpot's breakdown on the elegantly gothic PvPvE Switch 2 exclusive.

It's no secret that the Halo franchise is no longer Microsoft's crown jewel in terms of sales or prominence, and it hasn't been for some time. Halo co-creator Marcus Lehto has now weighed in with his idea for a new game and new development philosophies to help revive the Halo brand. However, Lehto went on to say his ideas are probably "fanciful," in part because he believes Xbox CEO Asha Sharma doesn't have a real interest in reviving the franchise.

Posting on social media, Lehto said his pitch for a new Halo would be a project that does not aim to please all fans. Instead, he believes his idea for a "darker" and "more grounded" Halo game would not be embraced by many.

"It would be a lot darker with a more grounded military feel," he said. "PvP would be the brains, PvE the heart and soul. It would not be 'everyone's' Halo."

https://twitter.com/game_fabricator/status/2090175195390820456?s=46

Lehto went on to say that Halo's lore has "become too convoluted" and is now alienating players who might otherwise be interested in Halo. "My goal would be to carefully thread that lore through a new baseline that allows players [the] opportunity to experience Halo fresh and unencumbered," he said.

"I would probably bench much of the current lore - respect it, but build a new future narrative for both the old and new audiences which makes much more sense," he added.

Lehto went on to say that Halo could have a bright future if management executes, but he thinks this might all be wishful thinking given the new leadership at Xbox these days.

"I'm aware that it's fanciful and that I doubt Asha really gives a sh**," he said.

Lehto also suggested a new Halo game "must be built by a local team together, not outsourced around the globe to a group that has ZERO investment in making something great."

Outsourcing development is a common strategy for game production today. Halo: Campaign Evolved, for example, was developed by numerous studios outside of Halo Studios. The game didn't get off to the best start, and some people didn't enjoy some of the creative decisions, while others were confounded by Microsoft's decision to release a Halo game with no PvP multiplayer. For his part, Lehto said, "Outsourcing killed the game."

In another post, Lehto said he could foresee a future where multiple teams work on parts of a game that they "own." However, Lehto said "the core game and experience has to come from a centralized cohesive team - no exceptions."

This isn't the first time that Lehto has offered a spicy Halo take. Before this, Lehto called out Campaign Evolved for "pandering to a new era of players with 0% attention span." Overall, however, Lehto really loved the game's upgrades.

In other Halo news, it was recently reported that Microsoft could enlist Call of Duty developer Sledgehammer to make a new Halo game.

Circana has released its latest monthly sales report, revealing which games sold the best in the US, and Activision's Call of Duty: Black Ops 1 and 2 ports performed particularly well.

The Black Ops 2 port for PS4 and PS5 was July 2026's best-selling game overall in the US ranked by dollar sales. The Black Ops 1 port, meanwhile, ranked No. 5.

The Black Ops ports for PS4 and PS5 did gangbusters in July.

These games shadowdropped on July 9, priced at $40 (or $20 through August 6 for PS Plus subscribers). The games do not feature many technical or visual improvements, and that was kinda the whole point, as fans called on Activision to give them the OG experience for both, warts and all. That worked out well for Activision and Microsoft, as the games reportedly combined to sell more than 11 million copies, generating more than $430 million.

Previously, the only way to play the games on PlayStation was to find an old PS3 and go from there since they were never made available via backwards compatibility on PS4 or PS5. The pent-up demand helped bolster sales, industry analyst Rhys Elliott said. He added that Activision spent basically zero dollars to market them, nor does the company need to spend money for ongoing development.

Microsoft and Activision are the big winners here, and so is Sony–its 30% cut of the $430 million works out to about $130 million “for doing basically nothing” but hosting them, Elliott said. The games have no doubt sold more copies since Elliott released his report in early August, further enriching the parties involved.

Circana said EA Sports College Football 27, which was July's No. 2 best-selling games based on dollar sales, would have been No. 1 had that game and the EA Sports MVP Bundle been combined. That bundle includes CFB 27 and Madden 27.

Below you can see the top 10 best-selling games of July 2026 in the US. The figures include physical sales and estimated digital sales.

July 2026 best-selling games in the US

1. Call of Duty: Black Ops 2
2. EA Sports College Football 27
3. Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced
4. EA Sports MVP Bundle
5. Call of Duty: Black Ops
6. Halo: Campaign Evolved
7. Splatoon Raiders
8. Echoes of Aincrad: Sword Art Online
9. Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream
10. 007 First Light

After a few solid months, it looks like video game spending hit a slump in July. That's according to new data by Circana, with the analyst firm saying that total video game spending in the US fell 10% year-over-year in July to $4.5 billion. New physical software sales also hit an all-time July low of $85 million--since tracking began in 1995 by Circana--and hardware sales dropped to their lowest July level since 2020. According to Circana, higher hardware prices driven by the components crisis have had a significant impact on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S console sales, and year-over-year metrics continue to suffer against the record-breaking June 2025 launch of the Nintendo Switch 2.

"July video game hardware spending fell 29% when compared to a year ago, to $282 million, the lowest total for a July month since 2020 ($163 million)," Video Games at Circana senior director Mat Piscatella explained in the report. "Total hardware unit sales fell 39% versus July 2025, while the average selling price of a new unit of video game hardware jumped by 16%, to $542.  Unit sales were down on all console platforms when compared to a year ago. PlayStation 5 unit sales fell 6% versus July 2025, while Xbox Series dropped 18% and Switch 2 declined by 51%."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92NCgo5zce0

The PS5 still led the July hardware market in dollar sales, while the Switch 2 sold the most units overall last month. Having been on the market for 14 months, the Switch 2 is outselling the original Switch by 11% over the same period. Circana also noted that for the 2026 year-to-date period, physical game sales for PlayStation consoles accounted for 32% of total US consumer spending, while spending on physical games for Nintendo hardware sat at 63%.

In terms of content, spending fell 9% in July when compared to a year ago, to $4.1 billion. Circana noted a decline in spending on mobile games as the primary driver of this drop, alongside a decrease in spending on console and PC games. For the video game highlights, Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 was the best-selling game of July in dollar sales, thanks to a PS5/PS4 port of it and its predecessor. EA Sports College Football 27 was July’s second-best-selling individual title in full-game dollar sales.

Monopoly Go also experienced a surge in popularity--thanks mostly to a crossover with The Simpsons, and was the biggest game when it came to consumer spending. Pokemon Go also hopped several places upward in the top ten on the back of its anniversary celebrations. "Pokemon Go was the biggest mover, climbing to third during its 10th anniversary month," Sensor Tower's Bryan Isagholian added. "Niantic ran boosted XP events, anniversary-themed Pokemon, and follow-up events through July, alongside larger real-world activations like Go Fest and a Times Square Mega Mewtwo raid. Revenue rose +230% month-over-month."

Resident Evil Requiem is still the best-selling game in the US for 2026, but it could drop a few places soon. As we draw closer to the busy holiday season, sports games like NBA 2K27 and AAA releases like Call of Duty usually emerge as the year's best-sellers. On top of that, early sales for GTA 6 are looking impressive, reportedly bringing in $400 million before the game's launch in November.

Top 10 Best-Selling US Video Games (July 2026)

Based on combined physical and full-game digital dollar sales (7/5/2026 – 8/1/2026). Excludes mobile games and digital add-on content.

1. Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 (Previous Rank: 67)
2. EA Sports College Football 27 (New)
3. Assassin's Creed: Black Flag: Resynced (New)
4. EA Sports MVP Bundle (2026) (New)
5. Call of Duty: Black Ops (Previous rank: 150)
6. Halo: Campaign Evolved (New)
7. Splatoon Raiders (New)
8. Echoes of Aincrad: Sword Art Online (New)
9. Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream (Previous Rank: 6)
10. 007 First Light (Previous Rank: 3)

Top 10 Best-Selling US Video Games to date in 2026

Based on combined year-to-date physical and full-game digital dollar sales. Excludes mobile games and digital add-on content.

1. Resident Evil: Requiem (Previous Rank: 1)
2. 007 First Light (Previous Rank: 3)
3. Crimson Desert (Previous Rank: 2)
4. MLB: The Show 26 (Previous Rank: 4)
5. Call of Duty: Black Ops II (Previous Rank: 130)
6. Forza Horizon 6 (Previous Rank: 5)
7. Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream (Previous Rank: 7)
8. Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight (Previous Rank: 6)
9. Pokemon: Pokopia (Previous Rank: 8)
10. EA Sports College Football 27 (Rank: New)