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Capcom’s upcoming PlayStation 5 title Pragmata , launching on April 17, is a bold new sci-fi adventure that combines puzzles and action to deliver an experience that is both thrilling and deeply strategic. During the recent hands-on, we also spoke with the game’s director, Yonghee Cho, and producer, Naoto Oyama, who shared some insight into the game’s development as well as its PS5-specific features. (Left) Yonghee Cho, Pragmata director, Capcom (Right) Naoto Oyama, Pragmata producer, Capcom Note: the following interview has been condensed for brevity. PlayStation Blog: How have players been reacting to the Pragmata Sketchbook demo that’s out now? Oyama: We’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback. We expected more mixed reactions, so it’s been a pleasant surprise to see how much the players enjoyed it. I think it’s one of those games where you can’t fully understand what makes it special until you actually play it. That’s why we decided to release the demo fairly early, and we’ve been thrilled by the amount of positive feedback. The game experienced multiple delays, being first revealed in 2020 with a 2022 release window, which was later moved to 2023, and then delayed indefinitely. Even so, the team never lost focus and kept pushing forward. Now that players can finally try the demo, I feel equal parts relief and anxiety. Cho: We never imagined the game would attract this level of anticipation. Although our goal was always to create something unique, every new trailer seemed to amplify the buzz. With that attention came greater pressure, and trying to meet every player’s expectation probably played a part in the delays. The intricately designed streets of New York really stand out, as did details like Diana’s smooth, flowing hair and the metallic finish of the enemy bots. Could you tell us more about the attention to detail that went into the visuals? Cho: I’ve always felt that bold, intentional designs are essential when creating artificial machines. The mechs in this game have a sleek, near-futuristic aesthetic, which gives the visuals a very different feel from other Capcom games like Resident Evil or Devil May Cry. To create beautiful mechanical designs, I worked closely with the modeling and background teams. Natural elements are full of visual information, like a zombie’s blood in Resident Evil. Mechs, on the other hand, can easily appear flat or sterile, so we focused on ways to add depth and nuance. Adding decals and carving subtle grooves helped us create a sense of complexity and scale. Oyama: For the enemy bots, we refined every component, paying attention not only to their smooth exterior, but also how they look after their shields are destroyed by Diana’s hacking. ​​ What inspired the idea to combine gun shooting action with hacking-based puzzle elements? How did those ideas come about and why did you decide to implement them? Cho: From the start of development, we wanted to make something that set itself apart from traditional shooters. That’s how the idea of combining gunplay with hacking in combat came about. Hacking felt like a natural match for the sci‑fi tone we were aiming for, and as we experimented with ways to make it fun and meaningful in gameplay, it gradually evolved into the puzzle‑based system we have today. Oyama: It actually didn’t start out as a puzzle. We went through a lot of trial and error, testing various ideas to see how we could incorporate hacking into gameplay. After exploring various options, we found that the current puzzle system offered the most intuitive controls and the kind of depth that keeps players engaged over time. After playing the game, the mix of shooting and puzzle gameplay felt remarkably well-balanced. How did you nail down that fine balance? Cho: Our goal from the start was to blend shooting and puzzle elements into one seamless experience. If players could finish a battle using only one of those mechanics, it would undermine the concept we were aiming for. In early prototypes, hacking sequences were automatically triggered during firefights, but we quickly realized that approach wasn’t very engaging. On the other hand, giving players total freedom led many to rely exclusively on gunplay. To ensure hacking felt both meaningful and essential, we conducted extensive playtesting to find the right balance. Oyama: It took quite some time before we settled on the idea of turning hacking into a puzzle mechanic. Even after making that decision, we spent a great deal of time fine-tuning it. We wanted the puzzles to feel engaging rather than mandatory, so we refined everything from the visual and sound effects to the way the puzzle grid shifts. We also brought in new playtesters regularly, incorporating their feedback until it all finally came together. In the demo and the hands-on, players can use hacking to disarm traps, weaken enemies, or deflect incoming missiles. Can players expect to see a wider range of hacking options in the final game? Oyama: Each area introduces its own set of enemies and unique gameplay. With every new location, players will encounter new challenges and mechanics that keep the experience engaging from start to finish. Cho: There are also special hacking sequences where Diana comes to Hugh’s aid. Each sequence is tailored to different enemy encounters and features its own unique visuals that we hope players will enjoy. The demo and hands-on preview featured Hacking Nodes like Decode, which weakens enemy defenses, and Multi-Hack, which propagates effects to surrounding enemies. What other types of nodes are available in the game? Oyama: There will be plenty of different types of nodes. We’ll leave the rest for players to enjoy once the full game is released. Cho: As you progress, players can carry a greater variety of Hacking Nodes at once and experiment with different combinations. For example, pairing Decode with Multi-Hack allows you to lower the defenses of multiple enemies with a single hack, setting them up for shotgun blasts. Oyama: Mixing and matching various nodes and weapons really broadens your tactical options. The more weapons and nodes you unlock, the more freedom you have and the more satisfying the combat feels. Players can also use upgrades to tailor their approach and choose to focus on shooting or hacking. With enough hacking upgrades, you can even out-damage guns and take down groups of enemies with a single powerful hack. Cho: Some players who tried the demo might be wondering whether hacking will get even more challenging in the later sections of the game. However, as you unlock and upgrade more nodes, each hack becomes more powerful and efficient, making the overall gameplay feel faster and smoother. I noticed that conserving Hacking Nodes against weaker enemies is an important part of resource management. Oyama: That’s true. However, you can easily replenish them by returning to the Shelter, so you don’t need to worry about extremely strict resource management. Players are encouraged to use nodes freely, but if you’re being careless, you might find yourself running out at a crucial moment. Cho: You’ll also find a fair number of nodes scattered throughout the areas, so we encourage players to swap them out and experiment with different types. Players will be able to unlock new outfits for Hugh and Diana during a second playthrough that will drastically change their look. What kinds of approaches or ideas went into the 3D Audio sound design? Oyama: Our goal was to create an audio experience that makes players feel truly present in the game environment. To achieve more realistic spatial representation, including reverberation, we analyzed environmental data and generated segmented datasets for each room. We built detailed geometry to simulate early sound reflections, which was then used to calculate spatial audio fields. When enemies close in from all directions, directional sound cues become essential for immersion. Thanks to the sound team’s innovative approach, we were able to achieve an exceptionally high-quality audio design. Cho: The game takes place on the moon, so we also focused on portraying the silence when transitioning from an indoor area onto the lunar surface. We’re excited for players to experience it themselves. Capcom’s proprietary development engine, RE Engine, has achieved remarkable results in PS5 games such as the Resident Evil series. Are there ongoing efforts to further evolve or expand the applications of the engine? Oyama: Our research efforts are ongoing. The key advantage of the RE Engine lies in its flexibility, which allows us to keep adding new features to meet the unique requirements of each title. Feature expansions implemented in one project can be carried over to other titles in development. New capabilities developed through ongoing research can then benefit future releases. Its ability to adapt to internal demands and evolve continuously is what makes it such a powerful development engine. Pragmata launches on PS5 April 17. View the full article

On April 7, Starfield is coming to PlayStation 5, inviting a whole new community of explorers into the Settled Systems. At the same time, Starfield’s biggest free update yet, Free Lanes, and the all-new Terran Armada story DLC will go live across all platforms. For those of you stepping onto the Frontier for the first time, this version of Starfield is the result of years of love from Bethesda Game Studios and the Starfield community. Bigger, deeper and packed with even more ways to play. Play Video PlayStation 5 features Every firefight and dogfight in Starfield hits harder with the PlayStation 5 DualSense controller. Adaptive triggers change from weapon to weapon (including your starship loadout), the light bar keeps tabs on your health and ship integrity, and the touchpad lets you jump between first- and third-person POV or instantly access your map and hand scanner. On top of that, in-game audio logs and non-local ship intercoms will pour through the DualSense controller speaker, immersing you deeper in the action. Starfield has also been visually enhanced for the PlayStation 5 Pro, with a Visual mode that runs 4K resolution at 30 fps and a Performance mode that features improved visuals at 60 fps. Free Lanes update (free for all players) The Free Lanes update is built around Starfield’s core values: rewarding exploration; allowing deep, meaningful customization; and making the experience smoother than ever so you can get lost among the stars, following your curiosity and crafting your story. Free Lanes touches nearly every major element of the game: Expanded space travel options that allow you to freely fly between planets within a star system New space encounters have been added and encounter frequency has been increased A new resource has been added to give you even more control over your gear and ship customization New options for upgrading your Starborn abilities and bringing your favorite gear with you into New Game+ And so much more With Free Lanes, the Settled Systems are more alive than ever. All you need to do is pick a direction and see what you find. Terran Armada (new story DLC) The Terran Armada has risen and they’re bringing “unity” to the Settled Systems in the form of an army of highly advanced robots and enough firepower to put the galaxy in a chokehold. In Starfield’s new story DLC, you’ll fight back through the Incursion system, uncover powerful new tech, explore with a new Companion, and earn rewards that will definitely be worth the risks. You can pick up Terran Armada on its own, or get it bundled with the Premium Edition—or included with the Premium Edition Upgrade. Trackers alliance (creation bundle) Starting at launch, you’ll be able to jump into the Trackers Alliance bounty arc, available for purchase through the Creations menu. The bounty series is complete with seven unique, high-value targets to track down and deal with however you see fit. Each entry is a self-contained story, full of tough choices, memorable marks, and pursuits that will take you all across the Settled Systems. Mark your calendars for April 7, and we’ll see you in the Settled Systems. View the full article

With just a month to go until Pragmata launches on PlayStation 5 on April 17, I had the chance to spend a few hours trying out the game at a recent press event. Diana’s hacking abilities and Hugh’s arsenal This hands-on preview was set in the New York-like cityscape shown during February’s State of Play, allowing players to explore, fight, and upgrade as they pushed toward a boss waiting at the end. Hugh can equip a variety of guns to blast away at enemy “bots,” but their tough armor means regular shots don’t do much on their own. That’s where Diana’s hacking skills come in. When Hugh locks onto a target, Diana pulls up a grid-style Hacking Panel. Drawing a single continuous line through the blue squares triggers a successful hack, dealing damage and temporarily compromising the enemy’s armor. The more squares you connect, the greater the damage and the longer the armor stays disabled. Once their weak points are exposed, you can unleash Hugh’s firepower for some serious damage. That said, enemies won’t just wait around while you’re hacking. You must stay sharp, deciding whether to push your luck and connect more blue squares or cut it short to dodge incoming attacks. Break through shields and dodge missiles that disrupt hacking Some enemy bots are protected by red, shield-like barriers that make them immune to Diana’s hacking. These shields can be destroyed with Hugh’s gun or other attacks, opening the enemy up to hacking once they’re taken down. You’ll be forced to prioritize either hacking or gunfire based on each encounter. Some enemies fire homing missiles at Hugh, but those can be hacked as well. A successful hack allows you to take control and redirect the missile straight back to its sender. Master four weapon types Hugh has access to four types of guns. Aside from the Primary Unit, each weapon breaks once its ammo runs out, so you’ll need to be strategic about when to use them. Landing well-timed combos, like pinning enemies down with the Tactical Unit, hacking them mid-fight, and then finishing them off at close range with the high-powered Attack Unit, feels incredibly rewarding. The Defense Unit, which can lure enemies away, also comes in handy in all kinds of situations. Amplify your hacking abilities with the Hacking Node If you’re carrying a Hacking Node, yellow tiles will appear on Diana’s Hacking Panel. Connecting these and completing a hack will trigger special effects. These range from Decode, which lowers enemy defense, to Multi-Hack, which spreads the effect to nearby targets. Each use consumes one Hacking Node, and once you run out, these perks can no longer be activated. In the full release, various upgrades and customization options will let you carry multiple Hacking Nodes, which will significantly increase tactical versatility. Gear upgrades and gameplay loop The Shelter is a safe haven where you can heal your health and use materials you’ve gathered, such as Lunafilament, to unlock new abilities or enhance your weapons and Hacking Nodes. Once you unlock the Critical Down Node, you’ll be able to knock down weakened enemies and follow up with a strong melee attack, making combat more fluid and intense. Be sure to upgrade and customize your loadout regularly to stay prepared as you venture deeper into the Sectors. Epic battles against colossal enemy bots After plenty of upgrades and customizations along the way, I found myself facing off against an enormous bot at the end of the demo. While the core gameplay of hacking and shooting remained the same, this encounter definitely raised the stakes with various area-of-effect attacks and multiple shields that blocked hacking attempts. Hacking under heavy fire proved challenging, but progress wasn’t lost even when I pulled back to evade, giving me room to calmly finish the hack bit by bit. Having to choose when to break the red shields and shift into offense mode added another layer of tactical depth. Just when I thought the fight was finally over and I was savoring my victory, a sudden hacking prompt triggered mid-cutscene; a final reminder that this game doesn’t let up until the very end. Pragmata delivers a unique gameplay experience that fuses shooting action with puzzle mechanics. I’m excited to see how the full release expands on the game’s tactical depth. Pragmata launches on PS5 on April 17. View the full article

Hello Porters. Jay Boor from Kojima Productions here and we’re 48 hours away from Death Stranding 2 being delivered to PC. To celebrate the moment, we have a new launch trailer debuting today that confirms new features for both the PC and PS5 editions of Death Stranding 2, edited by Hideo Kojima. Play Video For PC players just learning about Death Stranding 2, the game is a standalone sequel to Death Stranding, in which you step into the boots of Sam as he sets out on a brand-new adventure to connect both Mexico and Australia to the Chiral network and ultimately save humanity from extinction once again. A Hideo Kojima game, Death Stranding 2 stars Norman Reedus, Léa Seydoux, Elle Fanning, Shioli Kutsuna, Troy Baker, Luca Marinelli, George Miller, Fatih Akin, Nicolas Winding Refn, Guillermo del Toro, Tommie Earl Jenkins, and Alissa Jung. And now, onto to the newly announced features. Get Wilder with new “to the wilder” mode and more A brand-new challenge is coming to the PC version of Death Stranding 2. For those seeking the ultimate gameplay challenge to accompany the story, “to the wilder” mode tests your porter skills to the extreme in merciless environments filled with deadly enemies, and completing orders will require every ounce of ingenuity you can muster. Although there is no turning back once you embark upon this punishing journey, your reward will be a sense of satisfaction that is truly priceless, and you can expect genuine gratitude from the other porters you help. Sam can also access new fieldware including new bandanas which can be unlocked through the newly added “Trapped in a Strange Realm”; a VR training area where you can relive Sam’s epic confrontations with Neil. Porters can also expect to see visits from the Chiral Feline in the private room aboard the DHV Magellan, new additions – including the Chiral Feline – to Photo Mode. We’re happy to confirm that all these content additions will be coming to the PlayStation 5 version of the game at the same time. Thanks to our friends at Nixxes Software, features exclusive to the PC version include full integration with Nvidia’s DLSS, AMD’s FSR and Intel’s XeSS and upscaling and frame generation technologies as well as uncapped frame rates and customised graphical settings1, super-ultrawide (32:9) support for gameplay, with standard ultrawide (21:9) support for in-game cut scenes2, full mouse and keyboard support with custom keybind mapping, full DualSense controller integration, with haptic feedback, adaptive trigger functionality3, and Spatial Sound Support4. Standard ultrawide (21:9) support will also be made available for the PS5 version. Additionally, players on PC with high-end PC hardware will have the additional option to enable Ray Tracing on Reflections and Ambient Occlusion via additional settings. When enabled, ray-traced reflections are applied on surfaces such as water and tar, while ray-traced ambient occlusion applies ambient lighting affects to scenes, resulting in more realistic shadows in crevices, corners, and between objects. These additional PC options are aimed at players with powerful hardware that want to push visual fidelity beyond the “Very High” graphics settings the game already offers. Though would like to note that Ray Tracing is not part of the minimum or recommended specifications for the core experience and is not required to enjoy the game as intended. And let’s not forget, Porters who connect their account also get unique in-game design patches for backpack customization and an exclusive suit inspired by the PlayStation logo. PS5 players will also receive PlayStation Connection Bonuses on PC launch day as a game update as well. Death Stranding 2 is available in Standard and Digital Deluxe Editions. Digital Deluxe Edition includes: Machine Gun [MP] (Lv.1) early unlock Patch 70: Quokka Patch 71: Chiral Cat Patch 72: Why Me? Battle Skeleton: Gold (Lv1, Lv2, Lv3) Boost Skeleton: Gold (Lv1, Lv2, Lv3) Bokka Skeleton: Gold (Lv1, Lv2, Lv3) Digital Deluxe Edition And if you pre-purchase the Death Stranding 2 PC version in the next 48 hours you can get the pre-order bonuses below: Custom Hologram: Quokka early unlock Battle Skeleton: Silver (Lv1, Lv2, Lv3) Boost Skeleton: Silver (Lv1, Lv2, Lv3) Bokka Skeleton: Silver (Lv1, Lv2, Lv3) We are all excited for you to experience this latest version of the critically acclaimed Death Stranding 2. From all of us here at Kojima Productions we would like to extend our thanks to our friends at PlayStation and Nixxes, who helped bring our vision to a brand-new audience, and to the many Porters out there for their continued support. For more information on Death Stranding 2 on PS5 and PC, including pre-purchase details, please be sure to visit the game’s official page. Click here for more details on the full PC specifications. We’ll see you on the beach. 1 Compatible PC and graphics card required. 2 Compatible PC and display device required. 3 DualSense controller and wired connection required to experience the full range of in-game controller features.4 Supports 3D Audio via Dolby Access, DTS Sound Unbound, or Windows Sonic for Headphones. View the full article

PlayStation Portal remote player continues to evolve, with ongoing improvements designed to enhance the way players experience Remote Play and Cloud Streaming. Since our last update in November, we’ve seen strong momentum on PS Portal. Cloud Streaming monthly users grew by 162% year-over-year in January, and over 50% of PS Portal users are now PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers – reflecting growing engagement with the cloud experience. As more players discover new ways to play on PS Portal, we remain committed to continuously refining performance and usability. Today, we’re pleased to share some new features and refinements for our PS Portal users. Starting today, (March 17 PDT / March 18 CET and JST), a new system software update for PS Portal will roll out globally, introducing improvements designed to deliver higher visual fidelity, smoother interactions, and a more seamless overall experience. Here are some details of the new features. 1080p High Quality mode Players can now select a 1080p High Quality mode during Remote Play and Cloud Streaming. This new mode enables players to enjoy games at a higher bitrate compared to the default 1080p Standard mode, providing a smooth and high-fidelity experience.** To enable the mode, go to [Quick Menu] > [Max Resolution] and select [1080p High Quality] during Remote Play or Cloud Streaming. You can apply the change by restarting the Remote Play / Cloud Streaming session. View and download image "1080p High Quality mode setting screen" Download “1080p High Quality mode setting screen” close Close Download this image Refined Cloud Streaming experience We’ve introduced several enhancements to improve usability and reduce friction during Cloud Streaming*** sessions. Improved Product Detail Page: When you select “Stream” on the product detail pages of game bundles, a new UI will show up, allowing you to select a specific game to play from that bundle. Game Invite: If you’re actively streaming a supported title and receive game invites, you’ll now see a clear on-screen notification on PS Portal, ensuring you never miss an invitation while playing. Enhanced Trophy notifications: Trophy notifications now clearly display the trophy name and associated image when unlocked. Platinum trophies will also feature their special animation, bringing greater visibility and celebration to your achievements. Improved Search screen: The search interface has been refined for a smoother experience, such as the On Screen Keyboard display being available immediately when going into search. View and download image "Select the specific game you want to play from the bundle" Download “Select the specific game you want to play from the bundle” close Close Download this image *Sample game for illustrative purposes only Smoother onboarding experience If you don’t have an account for PlayStation yet, getting started is now easier than ever. With an improved UI and onboarding flow, you can now quickly create an account and sign in to your PS Portal by scanning the QR code using your mobile device. View and download image "Scan the QR code to create an account" Download “Scan the QR code to create an account” close Close Download this image We’re excited to deliver these updates and hope you continue enjoying Cloud Streaming on PS Portal alongside Remote Play. Share your comments below! * Data as of December 2025 to January 2026. **PlayStation Portal Remote Player requires broadband internet Wi-Fi with at least 5Mbps for use. For a better play experience, a high-speed connection of at least 15Mbps is recommended. The quality and connectivity of your play experience may vary depending on your network environment. An account for PlayStation is required. ***Requires PlayStation Plus Premium subscription. PlayStation Plus is an ongoing subscription subject to a recurring subscription fee taken automatically (at the then-current PS Store price) at the frequency you choose at purchase until cancellation. Terms apply: play.st/psplus-usageterms View the full article