Commander Fury

It’s almost Zed Time again. The gore-drenched co-op FPS, Killing Floor 3, is exploding its way onto PS5 on July 24. In preparation for launch, Studio Creative Director Bryan Wynia and Design Director Leland Scali from Tripwire Interactive took me through what to expect in this big, brutal and bloody sequel to one of the best blasters on the block. Play Video PlayStation Blog: In terms of gameplay, what was the main focus for Killing Floor 3? And what sets it apart from its previous titles? Leland: It really was adding depth to existing systems. So, in Killing Floor 1 and 2, you could progress the player and add skills. You essentially have passive, throwable, and gadget skill sets. It’s much more robust and there’s more choices the player can make. Depending on what you choose, you could end up synergizing early skills with later skills, or you could find better mixes later. Bryan: There’s also the new player hub, where you can adjust those skills, weapon mods, and other elements. But we wanted to find ways to keep it as immersive as possible. So these skill trees aren’t just numbers under the hood, but things you can actually see and feel when you play the game. Leland: And we’ve modernized player movement. You can now do things like slide and clamber. But once we did that, we knew we needed to improve how the enemies moved, too. So instead of them walking around objects to get to you, they jump and climb over things. No matter where you go, they can go too. Verify your age to view this content. Verify your age to view this content. How has the Zed Time mechanic been reworked? Leland: When we started testing KF3, some of the early feedback we got was that this feature is cool, but what causes it? So there’s a bar at the top of the screen that you’re filling by doing different actions like destroying Critical Zones or killing enemies. And once it’s about to trigger, the whole team can take advantage at the same time. Also each Perk has two unique skills that increase as the player increases their proficiency level. This increases the effectiveness of the Perk during Zed Time as the player progresses. These are just some ways in which we’ve enhanced Zed time to be more of a meaningful tool in the player’s arsenal, rather than a random event. Bryan: We hired a former SWAT team leader and weapons expert, and I remember him saying that in combat there’s this clarity that becomes present. That’s a huge source of inspiration for Zed Time. You can feel overwhelmed in the moment, but when it kicks in we put the power in your hands. Verify your age to view this content. Verify your age to view this content. Can you tell us more about the new Critical Zone system? Leland: So when you damage certain enemies enough, their armor breaks off and exposes a Critical Zone. Destroying that puts them in a state where you can perform this gory [explosive] execution on them, and by using Zed Time you can get them in that state quickly. Bryan: I think players enjoy communicating that they’re skillful at something, so that was one of the biggest driving factors for implementing the Critical Zone system. You have multiple ways of killing enemies: you can unload rounds, go for headshots or you can look for Critical Zones to really take advantage. Leland: For example, the Impaler boss has a ton of Critical Zones. If you destroy the ones on his arms, you’ll be able to disable him from firing rockets, while destroying the Zones on his back stops him from firing smoke grenades. Being able to disable abilities is really cool because you quickly realize if we fight him in a certain way at the beginning of the match, it’ll benefit us later in the following phases. Are there any new updates to the weapon mods system that you can reveal? Bryan: With a first-person shooter you experience and interact with the world through your weapons, so it was important to give players more than cosmetic ways of customizing their guns. For example, in the sharpshooter class I keep my distance and do really precise high damage. So, I’m going to craft weapon mods that are various types of sights and grips for when I aim down the sights. I can then combo those with skills, like taking a knee when I shoot does increased damage. We still want the identity of these weapons to be kept – we’re not turning a shotgun into a sniper rifle – but you can use mods to play with it the way that you like. Leland: And you can modify ammo. So you can craft something like fire ammunition for a gun that’s not normally fire based. Which is useful for a new system called Wave Mutations, which randomly changes certain properties of the upcoming wave. A certain enemy may be more susceptible to freeze damage, for example, and instead of normally having to focus on a different enemy if you’re not a suitable class, you can craft a modded weapon to deal that freeze damage. Are there any particular things you want players to pay attention to when they boot it up for the first time? And do you have any tips for them? Bryan: I’d love for players to dive into some of our outer loops, looking at skill trees and weapon mods, and learning about Critical Zones. It’s about showcasing your skill and taking advantage of new features like movement and dynamically fighting your way through a wave to show you’re the best Zed hunter on the internet. Verify your age to view this content. Verify your age to view this content. In terms of tips, the biggest thing that helps you survive is prioritizing targets. Just because that Zed is the closest one to you doesn’t necessarily mean that’s the one you should shoot first. There could be a Husk or a Siren at the back of the battlefield that’s lining up a shot that can take you out. Leland: And when you hit the Critical Zone of some of the bigger Zeds they essentially turn into a bomb, which is super useful when you’re surrounded by low-level enemies – that big guy’s explosion will take out all the little guys. So even if you take a bit of damage focusing on that Critical Zone, that’s tactically a better move. Killing Floor 3 launches on July 24. View the full article

PlayStation’s Summer Sale is almost here! Kick off the season with a wide range of offers on digital PS5 and PS4 games and add-ons at PlayStation Store starting July 16 at 00:00am PDT/BST/JST. The promotion includes the likes of EA Sports FC 25 Standard Edition for 79% off (PS5, PS4), Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 – Cross-Gen Bundle for 45% off (PS5, PS4), Assassin’s Creed Shadows Digital Deluxe Edition for 25% off (PS5), Forza Horizon 5 Standard Edition for 25% off (PS5) and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 for 10% off (PS5) for a limited time.* But there’s many more titles included! You can preview just some of those games below, while the full list of PlayStation Store offers will be revealed when the sale begins – visit the PlayStation Store page here once the sale is live to browse available games and discover the next gaming adventure to embark on. *Sale refreshes at 00:00am PDT/BST/JST on July 29 and some deals will be replaced by new offers. Sale ends on August 13 at 23:59 PDT/BST/JST. Certain deals end before August 13. Check PlayStation Store for details of individual deals. View the full article

Hello PlayStation readers! I’m Chris Darril, creator of Bye Sweet Carole and founder of Little Sewing Machine. Bye Sweet Carole is a special project, one that reimagines the animation that inspired me in childhood, interwoven with homages to video games that today’s players can relate to. Before the game launches on PlayStation, it’s my pleasure to introduce the first and exclusive look at The French, a mysterious character found sneaking into Bunny Hall by Lana. They seem to have an interest in heat and flames — could this be a clue to Carole’s disappearance? Introducing The French As mysterious as they look, this is clearly someone who has shared proximity with Carole. Eyes cast down, but what did they see? What intentions do they hide? Is there a secret in the burning flames they hover around? Players will find out alongside Lana soon enough. Drawing inspiration for a modern fairytale Shifting from making films to video games has been a life-changing experience. Carole started off as a mistake: one day, while playing with my unfinished Remothered prototype in RPG Maker, I created a dreamy, cell-shaded protagonist. Instantly, the image reminded me of those early popular animated films featuring pastel-coloured princesses against dark backdrops. Connecting this visual concept to video games was the first hurdle: titles like Resident Evil on the first PlayStation, Clock Tower, and Gris were all foundational sources of gameplay inspiration. Their slow, measured approach to storytelling and unique atmospheres informed our initial development, refined with modern messaging designed to evoke the same child-like awe in a now fully-grown video game player today. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Moving pictures to interactive pictures As game designers, we are already directors, and the “cinematography” of video games is equally important. The presentation of a world makes an impact on the audience, and in both cinema and games, technology brings the storytelling to life. You’ll always meet technological limitations, so remaining fluid is absolutely critical in the development stage. You start with the concept, then jump to the storyboard, then the rough animation, clean-up, and then the colors. Exporting animation happens differently if it’s a cutscene, a video, or eventually a game scene, so you have to find people just to export each animation. As with filmmaking, collaboration is key. The art & artists behind Bye Sweet Carole The animation of Bye Sweet Carole was hand-drawn, frame by frame. Sacrificing even just one frame means the magic of the old-fashioned animation style is lost. Computers made the production much smoother, but we made certain that the tangible expression of the animation style is always felt when playing the game. PlayStation players will be able to see the true labour of love in full 4K display. We’ve also ensured that the visual and audio components work in harmony. The soundtrack was composed by Luca Balboni, a frequent collaborator. The large cast of characters will be fully voiced by Rossa Caputo in the Italian dub, Lani Minella (voice of the iconic Infected of The Last of Us), and Elsie Lovelock as our protagonist Lana. Conclusion Doing something that by today’s standards is considered “old school” wasn’t easy, and required a huge learning curve. On behalf of the entire team, we hope all players will enjoy meeting The French and experiencing Bye Sweet Carole later this year by purchasing the game from PlayStation Store or at their favourite retailer. We aspire for the game to be a modern fairytale, one that feels like a deep-seated memory: sad, yet peaceful, and long-lasting. It’s the best, most ambitious game I’ve ever worked on, and for those that missed it, our most recent trailer is a fantastic place to start. There is one more mystery I can shed light on today, and that is confirming that Bye Sweet Carole is available from major retailers on discs. Today, players who want to experience the nostalgia of physical pieces of media inspired by nostalgia can pre-order a copy now in many regions and storefronts. Of course, the PlayStation Store is always open for those that appreciate modern accessibility of digital copies. We still have several surprises to reveal about Bye Sweet Carole, so stay tuned—we’re incredibly excited to bring this love letter to life. View the full article

Last week, we asked you traverse the world of Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, and share different ways that Sam gets around using using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this week’s highlights: ChristianNOTJay shares Sam ziplining in front of a massive moon cresting over mountains call_me_xavii shares Sam pausing his tri cruiser in the desert to let a kangaroo pass by ​​ Chescone shares Sam riding a coffin board across the water ​​ Milz_VP shares Sam hitching a ride with a launchable cargo catapult F1Str4nd shares Sam getting some air after driving the truck off a ramp MohdNazif shares Sam riding along with the monorail Search #PSshare #PSBlog on Twitter or Instagram to see more entries to this week’s theme, or be inspired by other great games featuring Photo Mode. Want to be featured in the next Share of the Week? THEME: Ghost of Tsushima – 5th Anniversary SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on July 16, 2025 Next week, Ghost of Tsushima is turning 5! To celebrate Jin’s journey for honor and justice, share your best captures using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured. View the full article

Get ready to enjoy new Diamond 99 All-Star player items, Programs, Moments, Missions, and more highlighting some of the most impactful players and plays from the 2025 MLB All-Star Week. Today, Friday, July 11, marks the start of the 2025 MLB All-Star Week at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia. For those that can’t make it to the big game, don’t worry, as MLB The Show has you covered with all-new All-Star content covering the 2025 MLB Draft, Home Run Derby, and the 95th annual MLB All-Star Game. MLB The Show 25: A guide to all things All-Star Get ready to experience the excitement of 2025 All-Star Week events in MLB The Show 25! Start your All-Star adventure with a FREE 2025 All-Star Team Affinity Voucher Pack, available in The Show Shop, allowing you to select 1 of 31 items including any of the 30 All-Star Vouchers to turn in for a 2025 All-Star player card to anchor your Diamond Dynasty squad. If you have earned all of them, then you can choose the 2025 All-Star Game Deluxe Pack featuring additional players from the Midsummer Classic. You’re on the clock! Take control in the 2025 Draft Program on Sunday, July 13, featuring players added to the 2025 Draft Series as their names are called on Draft Day. Experience the new content THAT NIGHT and play as all-new stars. Then the following night, take a swing with fan-favorite 2025 Home Run Derby Series players in the Home Run Derby Program. Look for new cards dropping after the champion is crowned! ​​ On Tuesday, stay up late after the game with us to relive the excitement of the Midsummer Classic in a Program featuring more 2025 All-Star Series rewards. With dozens of MLB Draft picks, all eight Home Run Derby participants, and 40+ ASG player items headed your way, this is shaping up to be one of the most exciting content drops of MLB The Show 25! For those fans who have been finishing their Team Affinity My Journey programs, this is when you can redeem each respective team’s 2025 All-Star Game series player. Look for All-Star rewards in these themed Diamond Dynasty* modes: All-Star Game Diamond Quest – A rouge-like, single player mode consisting of a risk-and-reward boardgame style experience where both luck and skill play a part in your success. All-Star Game Showdown – A single player experience where you’ll build your own Showdown Squad to compete in a series of challenges where you’ll test your skills against prolific pitchers from the past and present. Moonshot: Home Run Derby Event – A time-limited experience where you’ll bring your best hitters to face off against common-rated pitchers in Truist Park, the site of this year’s MLB All-Star Game. Earn win streak rewards and Multiplayer Program progress. Midsummer Classic Mini Seasons Challenge – a single player styled foray through the fictitious World Baseball League consisting of 28, 3-Inning regular season games culminating in a chance to make the playoffs and, potentially, the championship. …and much more in MLB The Show 25. MLB The Show at the 2025 All-Star Village If you’re attending in-person the 2025 All-Star Week festivities at Truist Park in Atlanta, then be sure to stop by the MLB The Show booth to get hands on with MLB The Show 25. Snap a photo and take home a printed keepsake, and pick up a limited-edition postcard featuring a special code to redeem in-game items — exclusively for fans at All-Star Village! Test your luck with Coach’s Locker Loot, a one-of-a-kind interactive touchscreen game available only inside the booth. Tap your way for a chance to win awesome rewards like Stubs, Packs, a special-edition MLB The Show x HOMAGE T-Shirt, and even signed, authenticated MLB memorabilia. You can choose to reserve a time through the official MLB All-Star Experience Pass app to play Coach’s Loot Locker and receive your MLB The Show photo op, or feel free to walk in and enjoy the booth. While you’re at the booth, don’t miss the chance to check out our Legends Wall, celebrating some of the all-time greats from the Atlanta Braves. Then take a walk down memory lane at our 20th Anniversary Showcase, featuring a full franchise timeline and an interactive wall where you can mark the year you started your journey with The Show. And last but not least, don’t forget to pick up and play MLB The Show on one of 20+ playable consoles right at the booth! For all the latest information on MLB The Show, head over to TheShow.com, sign up for The Scouting Report, and follow our X, Facebook, and Instagram accounts. *Internet connection is required. View the full article

We just had an exciting State of Play gameplay deep dive air for Sucker Punch’s Ghost of Yōtei, and this included a first look at the PS5 Console – Ghost of Yōtei Limited Edition Bundle, featuring a new intricate console design with a matching DualSense Wireless controller. Play Video These stunning designs capture Sucker Punch’s fictional depiction of Ezo (which is now known as Hokkaido), and the world that players will embark on to explore Atsu’s tale of vengeance. Mt. Yōtei is an iconic location and has become a symbol for Hokkaido as well as Atsu herself, which is why we wanted to reflect the beauty of the region and landscape by paying homage to two beautiful Japanese visual traditions. Fans will also love that both consoles feature a special maker’s seal engraved with PlayStation shapes on the back of the console’s top cover as well as on the DualSense Wireless controllers. Play Video The PS5 Console – Ghost of Yōtei Gold Limited Edition Bundle will be available globally, and is inspired by the Japanese art form, kintsugi, a traditional process to repair broken ceramics with lacquer and gold. The design captures the essence and aesthetic of kintsugi, symbolizing beauty in imperfection and mirroring Atsu’s own personal journey of healing and resilience amidst the adversities she’ll face along the way. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image This bundle comes with a matching DualSense wireless controller, featuring a striking silhouette of Atsu on the DualSense touchpad. We’re proud of these fantastic designs from the teams at Sucker Punch, which were made in close collaboration with the design team at Sony Interactive Entertainment. Sucker Punch shared with us why they decided to pursue these unique forms of art: We’re proud of these fantastic designs from the teams at Sucker Punch, which were made in close collaboration with the design team at Sony Interactive Entertainment. Sucker Punch shared with us why they decided to pursue these unique forms of art: The PS5 Console – Ghost of Yōtei Limited Edition Bundles include a limited edition PS5 console with disc drive, matching DualSense wireless controller, and a digital copy of Ghost of Yōtei Standard Edition that includes pre-order content, featuring a unique in-game mask, as well as a set of seven PSN avatars featuring concept art of Atsu and each member of the Yōtei Six. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image If you already own a PS5 (model group – slim) or PS5 Pro console, we have great news for you, too. You’ll be able to purchase Console Covers for PS5 (model group – slim) and PS5 Pro – Ghost of Yōtei Gold Limited Edition – in limited quantities through select authorized PlayStation retailers. Both console covers feature the same kintsugi inspired designs and maker’s seal found on The PS5 Console – Ghost of Yōtei Gold Limited Edition Bundle. The DualSense Wireless Controller – Ghost of Yōtei Gold Limited Edition will also be available as a standalone purchase. We recognize the importance of capturing the essence from which Ghost of Yōtei draws its inspiration, and we hope players deeply feel this influence through these designs as they experience the game. We can’t wait for you to follow the wind again and experience Atsu’s journey when Ghost of Yōtei releases on October 2. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Ghost of Yōtei Gold Limited Edition PS5 Console Bundle and Accessories PS5 Console – Ghost of Yōtei Gold Limited Edition Bundle Available at select retailers PlayStation 5 (model group – slim) Console Covers – Ghost of Yōtei Gold Limited Edition Available at select retailers PlayStation 5 Pro Console Covers – Ghost of Yōtei Gold Limited Edition Available at select retailers DualSense Wireless Controller – Ghost of Yōtei Gold Limited Edition Available at select retailers Ghost of Yōtei Limited Edition PS5 consoles and accessories will be available on October 2nd in limited quantities. Pre-order information will be shared at a later date. Check our blog for more details. View the full article

We just had an exciting State of Play gameplay deep dive air for Sucker Punch’s Ghost of Yōtei, and this included a first look at the PS5 Console – Ghost of Yōtei Limited Edition Bundles, featuring new intricate console designs with a matching DualSense Wireless controller. Play Video These stunning designs capture Sucker Punch’s fictional depiction of Ezo (which is now known as Hokkaido), and the world that players will embark on to explore Atsu’s tale of vengeance. Mt. Yōtei is an iconic location and has become a symbol for Hokkaido as well as Atsu herself, which is why we wanted to reflect the beauty of the region and landscape by paying homage to two beautiful Japanese visual traditions. Fans will also love that both consoles feature a special maker’s seal engraved with PlayStation shapes on the back of the console’s top cover as well as on the DualSense Wireless controllers. Play Video The PS5 Console – Ghost of Yōtei Gold Limited Edition Bundle will be available globally, and is inspired by the Japanese art form, kintsugi, a traditional process to repair broken ceramics with lacquer and gold. The design captures the essence and aesthetic of kintsugi, symbolizing beauty in imperfection and mirroring Atsu’s own personal journey of healing and resilience amidst the adversities she’ll face along the way. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image The PS5 Console – Ghost of Yōtei Black Limited Edition Bundle will be exclusively available at direct.playstation.com*. This version draws inspiration from another Japanese traditional art form, Sumi-e, which is the use of black ink on paintings. Expressing the landmarks of Ezo through bold black brush strokes, this design captures the essence of the land’s beauty and mystery, while echoing Atsu’s inner struggle and journey towards redemption. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Both bundles come with a matching DualSense wireless controller, featuring a striking silhouette of Atsu on the DualSense touchpad. We’re proud of these fantastic designs from the teams at Sucker Punch, which were made in close collaboration with the design team at Sony Interactive Entertainment. Sucker Punch shared with us why they decided to pursue these unique forms of art: The PS5 Console – Ghost of Yōtei Limited Edition Bundles include a limited edition PS5 console with disc drive, matching DualSense wireless controller, and a digital copy of Ghost of Yōtei Standard Edition that includes pre-order content, featuring a unique in-game mask, as well as a set of seven PSN avatars featuring concept art of Atsu and each member of the Yōtei Six. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image If you already own a PS5 (model group – slim) or PS5 Pro console, we have great news for you, too. You’ll be able to purchase Console Covers for PS5 (model group – slim) and PS5 Pro – Ghost of Yōtei Gold Limited Edition – directly from PlayStation where direct.playstation.com is available* and in limited quantities in other regions through select online retailers. Both console covers feature the same kintsugi inspired designs and maker’s seal found on The PS5 Console – Ghost of Yōtei Gold Limited Edition Bundle. Both designs of the DualSense Wireless Controller – Ghost of Yōtei Limited Edition will also be available as a standalone purchase. We recognize the importance of capturing the essence from which Ghost of Yōtei draws its inspiration, and we hope players deeply feel this influence through these designs as they experience the game. We can’t wait for you to follow the wind again and experience Atsu’s journey when Ghost of Yōtei releases on October 2. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Ghost of Yōtei Limited Edition Bundle and Accessories Purchase Information Ghost of Yōtei Gold Limited Edition PS5 Console Bundle and Accessories PS5 Console – Ghost of Yōtei Gold Limited Edition Bundle Available globally at select retailers and direct.playstation.com* PlayStation 5 (model group – slim) Console Covers – Ghost of Yōtei Gold Limited Edition Available at direct.playstation.com* and select retailers outside of these regions PlayStation 5 Pro Console Covers – Ghost of Yōtei Gold Limited Edition Available at direct.playstation.com* and select retailers outside of these regions DualSense Wireless Controller – Ghost of Yōtei Gold Limited Edition Available globally at select retailers and direct.playstation.com* Ghost of Yōtei Black Limited Edition PS5 Console Bundle and DualSense Wireless Controller PS5 Console – Ghost of Yōtei Black Limited Edition Bundle Available exclusively at direct.playstation.com*. DualSense Wireless Controller – Ghost of Yōtei Black Limited Edition Available at direct.playstation.com*. Also available at select retailers in Japan. Ghost of Yōtei Limited Edition PS5 consoles and accessories will be available on October 2nd in limited quantities. Pre-order information will be shared at a later date. *Regions where direct.playstation.com is available: U.S., U.K., France, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Spain, Portugal, Italy and Austria. View the full article

Attention, Helldivers! The Ministry of Defense Research & Development team has just declassified the following information for immediate release. You have been cleared to field test a new range of experimental weapons built from acquired alien technology. R&D scientists have completed the Control Group Premium Warbond* for deployment to your Super Destroyer! Play Video Weapons & Stratagems First up, in the primary weapon category, is the VG-70 Variable, a seven-barrelled volley gun with three different firing modes: Auto, which has three selectable RPM values; Volley, which fires a single shot from each barrel at once; and Total, which fires all remaining ammunition in one go. Researchers noted that using the Total firing mode with a lot of ammunition may result in bodily harm to the user. Also in need of field testing is the new G-31 Arc grenade. The lightweight G-31 bounces while discharging electricity that strikes enemies (and Helldivers) in proximity. The next declassified item is the PLAS-45 Epoch support weapon which charges plasma into a focused sphere which is then fired. This weapon is ready for battlefield use, but additional research data suggests that it can explode if overcharged. No safe mode is available. But we’re sure you can handle it, Helldiver. This is what field testing is all about! ​​ Next up in offensive technology is the A/LAS-98 Laser Sentry. For this sentry, the ammunition canisters on standard turrets have been replaced with a supersized heatsink, allowing the potential for infinite laser firing. However, R&D would like to remind users that the turret can overheat and explode if the laser is continuously active with no cooldown. Perhaps the most significant and exciting development from the Ministry of Defense is the new LIFT-182 Warp Pack stratagem. R&D has harnessed the power of Dark Fluid to generate a (somewhat) stable wormhole on demand. Once the wormhole is active, wearers can teleport short distances with no cooldown between jumps. In practice, the wearer is pulled into the singularity, dematerialized, and rematerialized again in a new location. The head of R&D noted that the dematerialization process can be somewhat painful, and that users should bear in mind that the wormhole cannot maintain integrity for extended periods–each jump will further destabilize it, and the wearer may experience death should the singularity fully collapse. A small price to pay for ultra-convenient traversal! Armors & more ​​ And don’t forget about proper personal protective equipment! Good field testing involves enforcing safety protocols, which is why we’re outfitting Control Group with two new sets of armor designed to provide adequate battlefield protection. For medium armor, we’ve included the AD-26 Bleeding Edge that will allow for protection and greater ease of movement combined. But for more dangerous experiments, there’s also the AD-49 Apollonian heavy armor that’s meant to assist you with the perils of evaluating all this new equipment. Each armor set looks professionally stylish with the coordinating capes, Conductor of Brilliance and Over Artifice Triumphant, and both armor sets feature a new and exciting passive: Adreno-Defibrillator! After you take lethal damage and the Adreno-Defibrillator detects that the user has collapsed, it activates and revives the user to full health. R&D did indicate that the Adreno-Defibrillator only has enough charge for one use to bring the user to maximum health, and the user will begin losing health continually after activating it. In addition to all this, R&D is including new player cards to match the Conductor of Brilliance and Over Artifice Triumphant capes, and we’re giving you access to a new emote to assist in testing: Protect Eardrums. Covering your ears is the leading method to prevent noise-induced hearing loss. Safety first! And, finally, with great scientific discovery comes much hard work and sacrifice, Helldivers, and that’s why we want to recognize your valiant field testing efforts of the Control Group Warbond with a special title: Exemplary Subject. Wear this to show your squad that you got in on the ground floor of this advanced technology! You’ve been recruited into the Control Group, divers. Report to R&D for field testing on July 17! *Requires base game, paid purchase of Super Credits, and game progression to unlock. View the full article

This month, carve your legend in the neon-soaked streets of Night City as the mercenary V in the dystopian open-world RPG Cyberpunk 2077, join up to five fellow scientists to repel inter-dimensional horrors deep within an underground research facility in the co-op survival and crafting adventure Abiotic Factor, or wrestle with love and duty as ghost-hunters Antea and Red across 17th-century North America in the story-driven action-RPG Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden. All these titles and more are available in July’s PlayStation Plus Game Catalog lineup*. Cyberpunk 2077 is available to play from July 10, with Abiotic Factor launching into the service July 22. We’re exploring new ways to deliver PS Plus Game Catalog titles so this month, in select markets including Singapore, games will be available on varying dates as noted below. PlayStation Plus 15th Anniversary Today’s Cyberpunk 2077’s release forms part of our ongoing PlayStation Plus PlayStation Plus 15th anniversary celebrations, which also includes a special 30% discount for Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, exclusive for PlayStation Plus members. That discount will be available from today until July 23. There’s plenty more to enjoy: head to the PlayStation Plus 15th Anniversary Hub for more information. Play Video PlayStation Plus Extra and Deluxe | Game Catalog Cyberpunk 2077 | PS5, PS4PlayStation Plus Extra and Deluxe | Game Catalog View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Cyberpunk 2077 | PS5, PS4 Cyberpunk 2077 is an open-world action-adventure from the creators of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, CD Projekt Red. Set in Night City, a megalopolis obsessed with power, glamour and body modification, you play as V, a mercenary outlaw going after a one-of-a-kind implant that is the key to immortality. Customise your character and playstyle as you take on jobs, build a reputation, and unlock upgrades. The relationships you forge and the choices you make will shape the story and the world around you. Legends are made here. What will yours be? *Cyberpunk 2077 is releasing in Southeast Asia on July 10. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Abiotic Factor | PS5 Abiotic Factor brings a 90’s sci-fi twist and rich character progression to the multiplayer open world survival crafting genre. Up to 6 players can choose their PHDs, build their scientist, gear up, and explore a massive subterranean complex, filled with supernatural artifacts, transdimensional foes, and science experiments gone awry. Home to the world’s greatest minds, GATE operates a global network of secretive research laboratories, spanning every field of scientific study – and the realms beyond. As a GATE employee you extend the bounds of human knowledge, and seek to explain the unexplainable – including anomalies and paranormal entities: from gravity-distorting artifacts to supernatural creatures with an unbridled instinct for violence. Safety, security, and secrecy are of the utmost importance… usually. *Abiotic Factor is releasing worldwide July 22 View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden | PS5 New Eden, 1695. Antea Duarte and Red mac Raith are lovers and Banishers, ghost-hunters who vowed to protect the living from the threat of lingering ghosts and spectres. Following a disastrous last mission, Antea is fatally wounded, becoming one of the spirits she loathes. In the haunted wilds of North America, the couple desperately searches for a way to liberate Antea from her new plight. Immerse yourself in a beautiful, intimate and powerful story between two fated lovers. Challenging decisions will lay on your path, dramatically impacting your story and the fate of New Eden’s inhabitants – be they living people or wandering souls. How much will you compromise your ghost-hunting vow for the sake of your lover who’s become a spirit herself? *Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden is releasing worldwide July 15 View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Planet Zoo | PS5 Build a world for wildlife with Planet Zoo. From the developers of Planet Coaster and Zoo Tycoon, Planet Zoo features an incredible array of authentic animals who think, feel, and explore the world you design around them. Create unique habitats and vast landscapes, and make meaningful choices to nurture animals as you construct and manage the world’s wildest zoos using intuitive console controls. Pick up and play across four engaging game modes: embark on a globe-trotting campaign in career mode, build a network of connected zoos in Franchise mode, put your skills to the test in Challenge mode, or let your imagination run wild in the freedom of Sandbox mode. Manage an amazing living world that responds to every decision you make. Focus on the big picture or go hands-on and control the smallest details. Thrill visitors with iconic exhibits, develop your zoo with new research, and release new generations of your animals back into the wild. Your choices come alive in a world where animal welfare and conservation comes first. *Planet Zoo is releasing in Singapore July 22 and on July 15 in other Southeast Asia markets. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Risk of Rain 2 | PS5, PS4 Escape a chaotic alien planet by fighting through hordes of frenzied monsters – with your friends, or on your own. Combine loot in surprising ways and master each character until you become the havoc you feared upon your first crash landing. Over a dozen handcrafted locales await, each packed with challenging monsters and enormous bosses that oppose your continued existence. Fight your way to the final boss and escape or continue your run indefinitely to see just how long you can survive. A unique scaling system means both you and your foes limitlessly increase in power over the course of a game. Tackle the adventure solo or with up to three friends in online co-op, or compete in the rotating challenge of the Prismatic Trials. Brand new survivors like the Captain and MUL-T join classic survivors such as the Engineer, Huntress, and–of course–the Commando. *Risk of Rain 2 is releasing in Singapore July 29 and on July 15 in other Southeast Asia markets. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Tropico 6 | PS5, PS4 Play El Presidente on the island state of Tropico as you shape the fate of your own banana republic. Play on large archipelagos for the first time in the series. Manage multiple islands at the same time and adapt to various new challenges. Tropico 6 features cooperative and competitive multiplayer for up to 4 players. *PS5 edition is the Next Gen Edition which includes “The Llama of Wall Street” DLC, and the El Prez Pack, which contains one additional mission, new buildings, new customization options for your palace, outfits for El Prez and much more! *Tropico 6 is releasing worldwide July 15 View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image New World: Aeternum | PS5 Experience a thrilling action RPG set on the supernatural island of Aeternum. As a shipwrecked explorer who washes ashore on the mysterious island, forge your destiny on an adventure filled with danger and opportunity. Discover the island of Aeternum: Explore a massive, beautiful world and uncover the secret truth of the eternal island and its strange inhabitants. Endless opportunities to fight, forage, and forge await among the island’s wilderness and ruins. Control magical forces or wield deadly melee and ranged weapons. Timing and positioning are key to defeating enemies in combat. Use your skills to survive the island’s horrors and reap its valuable rewards. *New World Aeternum is releasing in Singapore July 29 and on July 15 in other Southeast Asia markets. PlayStation Plus Deluxe View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Twisted Metal 3 | PS5, PS4 Welcome to our twisted world where the drivers are insane, the explosions apocalyptic and the weapons hard-core nasty. It’s the original and ultimate automotive combat experience! Get twisted with high powered vehicles, an arsenal of weapons and unbeatable bosses! Experience Twisted Metal 3 originally released on the PlayStation console, enhanced with up-rendering, rewind, quick save, and custom video filters. *Twisted Metal 3 is releasing worldwide July 15 View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Twisted Metal 4 | PS5, PS4 Sweet Tooth and his pumped-up posse of evil henchmen have taken control of the most explosive freakshow on wheels! Get ready for high-octane action with a multitude of characters, vehicles, and powerful weapons. Battle through interactive arenas with crisp vehicles and lush battlegrounds for an intense, chaotic experience. Experience Twisted Metal 4 originally released on the PlayStation console, enhanced with up-rendering, rewind, quick save, and custom video filters. *Twisted Metal 4 is releasing worldwide July 15 *PlayStation Plus Game Catalog and PlayStation Plus Deluxe lineups may differ by region. Please check PlayStation Store on release day. View the full article

This month, carve your legend in the neon-soaked streets of Night City as the mercenary V in the dystopian open-world RPG Cyberpunk 2077, join up to five fellow scientists to repel inter-dimensional horrors deep within an underground research facility in the co-op survival and crafting adventure Abiotic Factor, or wrestle with love and duty as ghost-hunters Antea and Red across 17th-century North America in the story-driven action-RPG Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden. All these titles and more are available in July’s PlayStation Plus Game Catalog lineup*. Cyberpunk 2077 is available to play today, July 9, with Abiotic Factor launching into the service July 22. All other titles will be available to play on July 15, which includes Twisted Metal 3 and Twisted Metal 4 for PlayStation Plus Premium members. PlayStation Plus 15th Anniversary Today’s Cyberpunk 2077’s release forms part of our ongoing PlayStation Plus 15th anniversary celebrations, which also includes a special 30% discount for Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, exclusive for PlayStation Plus members. That discount will be available from today until July 23. There’s plenty more to enjoy: head to the PlayStation Plus 15th Anniversary Hub for more information. Play Video PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium | Game Catalog View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Cyberpunk 2077 | PS5, PS4 Cyberpunk 2077 is an open-world action-adventure from the creators of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, CD Projekt Red. Set in Night City, a megalopolis obsessed with power, glamour and body modification, you play as V, a mercenary outlaw going after a one-of-a-kind implant that is the key to immortality. Customise your character and playstyle as you take on jobs, build a reputation, and unlock upgrades. The relationships you forge and the choices you make will shape the story and the world around you. Legends are made here. What will yours be? *Cyberpunk 2077 is releasing July 9 View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Abiotic Factor | PS5 Abiotic Factor brings a 90’s sci-fi twist and rich character progression to the multiplayer open world survival crafting genre. Up to 6 players can choose their PHDs, build their scientist, gear up, and explore a massive subterranean complex, filled with supernatural artifacts, transdimensional foes, and science experiments gone awry. Home to the world’s greatest minds, GATE operates a global network of secretive research laboratories, spanning every field of scientific study – and the realms beyond. As a GATE employee you extend the bounds of human knowledge, and seek to explain the unexplainable – including anomalies and paranormal entities: from gravity-distorting artifacts to supernatural creatures with an unbridled instinct for violence. Safety, security, and secrecy are of the utmost importance… usually. *Abiotic Factor is releasing July 22 View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden | PS5 New Eden, 1695. Antea Duarte and Red mac Raith are lovers and Banishers, ghost-hunters who vowed to protect the living from the threat of lingering ghosts and spectres. Following a disastrous last mission, Antea is fatally wounded, becoming one of the spirits she loathes. In the haunted wilds of North America, the couple desperately searches for a way to liberate Antea from her new plight. Immerse yourself in a beautiful, intimate and powerful story between two fated lovers. Challenging decisions will lay on your path, dramatically impacting your story and the fate of New Eden’s inhabitants – be they living people or wandering souls. How much will you compromise your ghost-hunting vow for the sake of your lover who’s become a spirit herself? View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Bluey: The Videogame | PS5, PS4 Join the fun with Bluey and her family in Bluey: The Videogame! Play a brand-new story set across 4 interactive adventures. For the first time ever, explore iconic locations such as the Heeler House, Playgrounds, Creek and a bonus beach location. Play your favourite games from the TV show, including Keepy Uppy, Chattermax Chase, and more! Experience the joy and wonder of Bluey’s world, explore and collect items for your sticker book, unlock outfits and uncover the many secrets and hidden references throughout each location. Recreate iconic scenes or create your very own Bluey inspired adventures and games. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Planet Zoo | PS5 Build a world for wildlife with Planet Zoo. From the developers of Planet Coaster and Zoo Tycoon, Planet Zoo features an incredible array of authentic animals who think, feel, and explore the world you design around them. Create unique habitats and vast landscapes, and make meaningful choices to nurture animals as you construct and manage the world’s wildest zoos using intuitive console controls. Pick up and play across four engaging game modes: embark on a globe-trotting campaign in career mode, build a network of connected zoos in Franchise mode, put your skills to the test in Challenge mode, or let your imagination run wild in the freedom of Sandbox mode. Manage an amazing living world that responds to every decision you make. Focus on the big picture or go hands-on and control the smallest details. Thrill visitors with iconic exhibits, develop your zoo with new research, and release new generations of your animals back into the wild. Your choices come alive in a world where animal welfare and conservation comes first. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Risk of Rain 2 | PS5, PS4 Escape a chaotic alien planet by fighting through hordes of frenzied monsters – with your friends, or on your own. Combine loot in surprising ways and master each character until you become the havoc you feared upon your first crash landing. Over a dozen handcrafted locales await, each packed with challenging monsters and enormous bosses that oppose your continued existence. Fight your way to the final boss and escape or continue your run indefinitely to see just how long you can survive. A unique scaling system means both you and your foes limitlessly increase in power over the course of a game. Tackle the adventure solo or with up to three friends in online co-op, or compete in the rotating challenge of the Prismatic Trials. Brand new survivors like the Captain and MUL-T join classic survivors such as the Engineer, Huntress, and–of course–the Commando. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Tropico 6 | PS5, PS4 Play El Presidente on the island state of Tropico as you shape the fate of your own banana republic. Play on large archipelagos for the first time in the series. Manage multiple islands at the same time and adapt to various new challenges. Tropico 6 features cooperative and competitive multiplayer for up to 4 players. *PS5 edition is the Next Gen Edition which includes “The Llama of Wall Street” DLC, and the El Prez Pack, which contains one additional mission, new buildings, new customization options for your palace, outfits for El Prez and much more! View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image New World: Aeternum | PS5 Experience a thrilling action RPG set on the supernatural island of Aeternum. As a shipwrecked explorer who washes ashore on the mysterious island, forge your destiny on an adventure filled with danger and opportunity. Discover the island of Aeternum: Explore a massive, beautiful world and uncover the secret truth of the eternal island and its strange inhabitants. Endless opportunities to fight, forage, and forge await among the island’s wilderness and ruins. Control magical forces or wield deadly melee and ranged weapons. Timing and positioning are key to defeating enemies in combat. Use your skills to survive the island’s horrors and reap its valuable rewards. PlayStation Plus Premium View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Twisted Metal 3 | PS5, PS4 Welcome to our twisted world where the drivers are insane, the explosions apocalyptic and the weapons hard-core nasty. It’s the original and ultimate automotive combat experience! Get twisted with high powered vehicles, an arsenal of weapons and unbeatable bosses! Experience Twisted Metal 3 originally released on the PlayStation console, enhanced with up-rendering, rewind, quick save, and custom video filters. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Twisted Metal 4 | PS5, PS4 Sweet Tooth and his pumped-up posse of evil henchmen have taken control of the most explosive freakshow on wheels! Get ready for high-octane action with a multitude of characters, vehicles, and powerful weapons. Battle through interactive arenas with crisp vehicles and lush battlegrounds for an intense, chaotic experience. Experience Twisted Metal 4 originally released on the PlayStation console, enhanced with up-rendering, rewind, quick save, and custom video filters. *PlayStation Plus Game Catalog and PlayStation Plus Premium/Deluxe lineups may differ by region. Please check PlayStation Store on release day. View the full article

Hello! My name is Michael Frei. I worked on Time Flies, a game where you play as a fly coming July 31st to PlayStation 5! It’s a game you may have seen first revealed on the PlayStation Blog a few years ago, and now it’s finally almost here. Before you start playing as a fly, we check where the game is played from. Country selection screen If you are from Switzerland, your average life expectancy according to the World Health Organization is 83.3 years. In the game, we convert the years to 83.3 seconds (you are a fly after all). The goal is to complete your bucket list before you die. Because life expectancy in the United States is 76.4 years, you get 76.4 seconds when you play from the USA. Taking off as a fly This means that the game will be harder in some places than in others. A bucket list But what to do in this world before you die? That is a difficult question to answer. Luckily, the game contains a list of things for you to do. All you need to do is figure out how to do them, and then do them all within one lifetime. It might seem impossible at first, but you can die trying, and eventually you’ll get the hang of it. It is a game about life, but you get many chances. The challenge of making Time Flies was coming up with things a fly can do. My personal favourite is the “Find God” bucket list item. Here are the steps we went through to design it – without spoilers though, so you can go and Find God yourself! ​​ Early rough sketch of a game controller with a fly on the directional pad Step 1: Getting ideas Ok, so you’ve played a million video games. But have you ever played a video game as a fly in a video game? As in, a video game … within a video game? And wouldn’t it be even more meta if you could Find God within that video game? The first idea was a platformer game in which you have to escape hell and reach heaven. But that idea had some issues. Mockup of a platformer game within the game Step 2: Understanding limitations The problem was that you could only trigger one button at a time when playing as a fly. In Time Flies, all your actions are triggered with flight stick controls. You only physically interact with the world by bouncing off, landing or walking on things. There are no trigger buttons or key combos you can use. You can only interact with buttons and trigger buttons by landing on them and walking over them. Screenshot of the final game in the game Step 3: Doing it right The solution was to build a very simple game that only relies on three virtual inputs: the left-right directional pad and a trigger button to start the game. You don’t need to reach for the heavens to Find God – all you need to do is look both ways and head in the right direction (which could be left). And if that is too simple for you, don’t worry: there might be another game hidden in Time Flies! Not only a video game you play as a fly in a video game, but a video game you play as a fly in a video game you play as a fly! It makes sense, we promise. We hope you have fun gaming as a fly in Time Flies when it comes to PS5 on July 31! 🖤 View the full article

It’s been such a thrilling time for us here at Naughty Dog, especially as we’ve welcomed so many old and new fans of The Last of Us into the franchise. To celebrate all of your support, we have a surprise in the form of a free update hitting The Last of Us Part II Remastered today! Available for players as part of a downloadable update today, we’ve introduced a new way to play the story of The Last of Us Part II like never before – chronologically. Those who have already played will know its story is told non-linearly, as Ellie and Abby’s motivations, realizations, and emotional stakes unfold across myriad flashbacks and present-day storylines. While this structure is very intentional and core to how our studio wanted Part II’s themes and narrative beats to impact players, we always wondered what it would be like to experience this story chronologically. And now finally, we can answer that question. Through the new Chronological mode, we believe players will gain even deeper insight into Part II’s narrative. Players will be able to see how Ellie being gifted a guitar flows so neatly into her learning to play, for example, while the journey through Seattle will showcase the fascinating parallels between Ellie and Abby’s crisscrossing journeys. You’ll see just how close they come into running into each other, how their actions impact each other, and more. It was no small feat to bring The Last of Us Part II’s story chronologically together, given that Part II’s story is so meticulously put together. We’re grateful to the developers both at Naughty Dog and our partners at Nixxes to make the Chronological mode as smooth as possible. And while we of course recommend players still new to the game to play through Part II’s story as was originally developed, the team’s hard work has paid off with a fascinating new way to enjoy this chapter. And we also wanted to reward players for jumping into this new, transformative approach to our story. In addition to new trophies tied to completing the narrative experience in chronological order, doing so will also unlock two new, perhaps surprisingly familiar skins… View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Yes, that’s right, play as Joel dressed as Nathan Drake and Tommy as Sam Drake in No Return. Particularly as we celebrate Naughty Dog’s 40th anniversary this year, we love getting the chance to spotlight and share in the history of our studio that we love as much as we know you do. These skins will be unlocked for completing the narrative in Chronological, and will be usable in No Return, Part II Remastered’s thrilling roguelike survival mode. A new update for The Last of Us Part II Remastered is available today on both PS5 (via Patch 2.1.0*) and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store (via Patch 1.5**), bringing with it the Chronological mode, as well as a host of additional bug fixes and performance improvements. We here at Naughty Dog are so grateful for all the love and support we’ve seen from The Last of Us fans these last few months. From the launch of The Last of Us Part II Remastered on PC, to The Last of Us Complete on PlayStation 5, to seeing your weekly reactions to season 2 of the television series, it’s been such a pleasure to celebrate this moment with you. *Account for PlayStation Network and internet connection required. *Internet connection required. View the full article

We are less than 100 days away from the launch of Ghost of Yōtei on PS5 on October 2! This week, we can’t wait to give you your best look yet at what to expect with a State of Play gameplay deep dive streaming on July 10. Play Video The Ghost of Yōtei State of Play gameplay deep dive was announced during last month’s State of Play. Our State of Play features nearly 20 minutes of Ghost of Yōtei gameplay hosted by Sucker Punch’s Creative Directors, Jason Connell and Nate Fox. Beyond sharing more about Atsu’s quest for vengeance, we’re excited to show off her new weapons, new ways to personalize your journey at the edge of Japan, new special modes, and much more. The Ghost of Yōtei State of Play gameplay deep dive will stream on PlayStation’s Twitch and YouTube channels on July 10 at 2pm PT / 5pm ET / 10pm BST / 11pm CEST. View the full article

ILL made quite the splash — or rather, splatter — when the trailer dropped at Summer Game Fest 2025. We saw a first-person horror game packed with guts, frenetic combat, and some heinously grotesque creatures — and we loved every disturbing little detail. So what kind of twisted minds can make a game like ILL? Ones well-versed in the horror genre. The developers at Team Clout have plenty of experience with horror, including working on several well-known TV and film projects (e.g. Longlegs, V/H/S/Beyond, It: Welcome to Derry), and they’re eager to bring their brand of terror to a new medium. We asked Team Clout founders and incredible artists Maxim Verehin and Oleg Vdovenko to let us pick their brains about ILL. The unique horror of ILL As Verehin tells us, ILL is “A story-driven action-horror game with visceral visuals, gruesome moments, interesting inspiration, exploration, and wild ideas — a good mix of survival horror elements and first-person 3D action. We’re working to balance the parts where players are s***ting their pants from fright with parts where players are screaming because they’re enjoying the intense action, shooting mechanics, and dismemberment.” Much of the details around the game’s story — which involves a mysterious fort in an Eastern European-like setting overrun by monstrosities — have been kept secret so far. While Verehin intends to keep it that way, he does share some information when we ask. “ILL’s focus is on the personal story of the main protagonist. His story is deeply interconnected with what is happening in the world. Broadly speaking, the world will feel isolated and hopeless. We want players to feel how dark the mood is. I hope the audience will sympathize with the main character and his personal motivations.” “We want ILL to make you feel like the horror is physically happening to you. Not just psychological tension or scripted scares, but a kind of grounded, body-level discomfort. The main thing that sets us apart is how we combine hyperrealistic body horror with a reactive, tactile world. Enemies don’t just die – they suffer, adapt, mutate. Your actions leave a mark, and the world responds.” – Max Verehin, Game Director & Co-founder, Team Clout Play Video Why the name “ILL?” Clearly, a lot of thought and care has gone into the game’s details, and the team wants to keep secrets to heighten the player experience. But we had to know: what’s behind the game’s name? “We really wanted a short, striking name that when you write it, it looks like a logo. The word represents something horrible, something sick, something cursed. Also, it reflects the monsters — I’m not gonna spoil our monsters’ origins, but there’s going to be a cool interconnection between the name and the story of the game.” Verify your age to view this content. Verify your age to view this content. Designing the monsters of ILL The creature designs by Oleg and Verehin have been getting plenty of attention. The pair have a shared background in concept art, and their twisted artistic sensibility has created a game filled with nightmarish encounters. What’s the inspiration behind the creatures of ILL? “Mostly old horror films from the 1970s to the 1990s,” says Oleg. “Everything was done with practical effects and quality animatronics. The imperfections were hidden with smart lighting and strong direction.” Verify your age to view this content. Verify your age to view this content. “In games,” says Verehin regarding early ILL inspirations, “it’s Half-Life 2, Silent Hill, and Resident Evil series – titles where the world felt alive and dangerous, where the horror wasn’t just visual but systemic. We were especially drawn to that feeling of being trapped somewhere real, reacting moment to moment with limited resources. From the beginning, we wanted to build something that felt grounded but deeply disturbing, an experience that doesn’t just scare you, but unsettles you long after you’ve put the controller down. Verehin elaborated on the monster design process. “We don’t have a set process for creating a new monster. Sometimes you have a concept drawing and say, ‘how can I make this concept art a playable character in the game?’ Sometimes you see a video online featuring a scary concept. ‘Can I make a monster like that?’ It sounds ridiculous, but sometimes it works. It’s inspiration that you got from your life experience.” “You also have to consider the monsters from a gameplay standpoint. They have to be fun to fight. There’s a trial and error process. Some designs were rejected because they didn’t work in the game.” The assorted nasties of ILL are more than just ugly faces, however — their uncanny animation adds to the visceral discomfort of looking at them. “We’ve had big help from the team of Mundfish in setting up our animation department.We have a lot of experience doing animation, like making our own short horror animations that taught us how movement should work in order to scare you,” Verehin explains. “We’ll have, for example, a monster that moves normally at first, but we’ll try and tweak it in ways to make it more unique and horrifying.” He shared a funny development story to illustrate. “28 seconds into the Official Trailer, this monster bends over. This is how Team Clout’s Art Director, Alexey Mikhailov, bent over for fun at one of the mockup sessions. The team found it really creepy, and they decided to include it in the game!” Verify your age to view this content. Verify your age to view this content. Oleg mentions that the animation was challenging at first, “especially when working at 60 frames per second. Compared to 30 FPS, animations can feel less cinematic. But over time, I got used to it—and now I actually like the feel of it.” What to expect from ILL gameplay How about the gameplay? Verehin explains: “You explore, you use resources, you find and upgrade weapons. You can use your resources to craft and update weapons. You’ll need to manage your inventory, of course, because resources are limited. There will be intense encounters — sometimes with single enemies, sometimes a small group, and cool moments when you fight waves of enemies and bosses.” There will also be environmental puzzles and interactions. “For example, if you fix the electricity in the area, the environment changes — things might become dark somewhere else. We want the setting to feel believable and realistic.” What are some of the weapons we’ll be using? “A shotgun, an AK- 47–there was like this revolver gun, a sniper rifle, all the standard things — and, not to spoil, but there will be fun, crafty weapons — and a lot of melee weapons as well.” Overall, what do the developers at Team Clout hope players take away from ILL? “We want players to tell each other, ‘Do you know about this game? This crazy thing happened!’ The other person would say, “Okay, but this happened in my playthrough!’ We’re making our game enjoyable for different people–not only horror fans, but also players who want to experience good storytelling and cool action.” ILL is in development for PlayStation 5, with release information to follow. View the full article

Email us at PSPodcast@sony.com! Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or download here Hey, everybody! Kristen and I are back this week to discuss the adventures of making deliveries in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, the range of emotions kindled by Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and some of our favorite PlayStation merch. Stuff We Talked About Next week’s release highlights: EA Sports College Football 26 | PS5 Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 | PS5, PS4 Patapon 1 + 2 Replay | PS5 Full Metal Schoolgirl announcement — D3Publisher’s new action game, featuring cyborgs taking on an evil corporation. Coming to PS5 on October 23 Ghost of Yōtei Collector’s Edition announced — It comes with a Ghost mask, sash, tsuba, papercraft ginkgo tree, art cards, and Zeni Hajiki coin game and pouch, along with some digital items to use in-game. The Cast View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Kristen Zitani – Senior Content Communications Specialist, SIE View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image O’Dell Harmon Jr. – Content Communications Specialist, SIE Thanks to Dormilón for our rad theme song and show music. [Editor’s note: PSN game release dates are subject to change without notice. Game details are gathered from press releases from their individual publishers and/or ESRB rating descriptions.] View the full article

Last week, we asked you to connect in Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, and share moments from Sam’s new journey using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this week’s highlights: ​​ Dande_Lion55 shares a detailed close portrait of Sam. darkalienstar shares a zoomed out shot of Sam atop a mountain, with a massive moon cresting. calisarah1998 share Sam and Lou balanced on a rock overlooking the landscape. F1Str4nd shares Sam fighting off being overtaken by BTs. Milz_VP shares Sam crossing water by walking across a ladder Boargs shares Sam riding up to a Plate Gate. Search #PSshare #PSBlog on Twitter or Instagram to see more entries to this week’s theme. Want to be featured in the next Share of the Week? THEME: Death Stranding 2: On The Beach – Traversal SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on July 9, 2025 Next week, we’re travelling through the world of Death Stranding 2: On The Beach. Share moments walking, driving, riding, and ziplining using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured. View the full article

It’s time to see which PS5, PS4, PS VR2, and free-to-play games topped last month’s download charts. June saw PS5 players connecting the world in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach and connecting on the pitch in Rematch. Skydance’s Behemoth topped the PS VR2 charts in both the US and EU, and Splitgate 2 debuted at number one in the US for free-to-play. Check out the full listings below. What titles are you playing this month? PS5 Games US/CanadaEUDEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACHREMATCHGrand Theft Auto VEA SPORTS FC 25ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGNGrand Theft Auto VREMATCHDEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACHForza Horizon 5Forza Horizon 5Call of Duty: Black Ops 6ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGNEA SPORTS FC 25F1 25MinecraftMinecraftClair Obscur: Expedition 33Clair Obscur: Expedition 33MLB The Show 25Call of Duty: Black Ops 6Five Nights at Freddy’s: Secret of the MimicResident Evil VillageDELTARUNECyberpunk 2077Resident Evil VillageIt Takes TwoThe Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion RemasteredThe Witcher 3: Wild HuntMortal Kombat 1Split FictionPhasmophobiaThe Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion RemasteredNBA 2K25Lies of PRooftops & Alleys: The Parkour GameRooftops & Alleys: The Parkour GameCyberpunk 2077Five Nights at Freddy’s: Secret of the MimicMortal Kombat 11Phasmophobia *Naming of products may differ between regions *Upgrades not included PS4 Games US/CanadaEUSTAR WARS Battlefront IISTAR WARS Battlefront IIRed Dead Redemption 2Red Dead Redemption 2Grand Theft Auto VEA SPORTS FC 25Gang BeastsGrand Theft Auto VBatman: Arkham KnightThe ForestMinecraftMinecraftCall of Duty: Black Ops IIIBatman: Arkham KnightStardew ValleyGang BeastsThe ForestNeed for Speed HeatDying LightKingdom Come: DeliveranceResident Evil 6Mafia: TrilogyRESIDENT EVIL 5FirewatchMortal Kombat XGod of WarEA SPORTS FC 25Dying LightGod of WarSekiro: Shadows Die Twice – Game of the Year EditionInjustice 2Mortal Kombat XSekiro: Shadows Die Twice – Game of the Year EditionResident Evil 6Need for Speed HeatCall of Duty: Modern WarfareCall of Duty: Black Ops 6RESIDENT EVIL 5Mafia III: Definitive EditionCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Campaign Remastered *Naming of products may differ between regions PS VR2 Games* US/CanadaEUSkydance’s BEHEMOTHSkydance’s BEHEMOTHBeat SaberThe Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners Chapter 1The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners Chapter 1Beat SaberAlien: Rogue Incursion VRAlien: Rogue Incursion VRAmong Us 3D: VRMetro AwakeningGhosts of TaborAmong Us 3D: VRMetro AwakeningThe Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners – Chapter 2: RetributionCreed: Rise to Glory – Championship EditionCreed: Rise to Glory – Championship EditionSynth RidersHorizon Call of the MountainThe Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners – Chapter 2: RetributionArizona Sunshine 2 *PlayStation Store purchases only. Game upgrades or games bundled with hardware not included Free to Play (PS5 + PS4) US/CanadaEUSplitgate 2FortniteFortniteTom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege XTom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege XRobloxRobloxSplitgate 2Maximum FootballRocket LeagueCall of Duty: WarzoneCall of Duty: WarzoneRocket LeagueeFootballMarvel RivalsAsphalt Legends UniteFall GuysDestiny 2Asphalt Legends UniteFall Guys View the full article

Last month, we battled many forms and shapes of the supernatural to connect and escape. Some big new releases included Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, FBC: Firebreak, and Five Nights at Freddy’s: Secret of the Mimic. How does it work? At the end of every month, PlayStation Blog will open a poll where you can vote for the best new game released that month. After the polls close we will tally your votes, and announce the winner on our social channels and PlayStation.Blog. What is the voting criteria? That’s up to you! If you were only able to recommend one new release to a friend that month, which would it be? Note: re-released games don’t qualify, but remakes do. We define remakes as ambitious, larger-scale rebuilds such as Resident Evil 4 (2023) and Final Fantasy VII Remake. How are nominees decided? The PlayStation Blog editorial team will gather a list of that month’s most noteworthy releases and use it to seed the poll. View the full article

Full Metal Schoolgirl is an exhilarating action-shooting game in which machine girls, armed and mechanized from head to toe, storm a giant exploitative corporation and wreak havoc with non-stop shooting and slashing. Two cyborg high school girls rise up to destroy Meternal Jobz, an evil corporation that rules over Japan in a not-so-distant future. The game releases on October 23. Play Video The player becomes stronger through trial and error The battle takes place in a 100-story skyscraper. Standing in your way are the working dead, corporate slaves who have been turned into cyborgs and forced to continue working even after their death. The floor layout and security systems, including traps, change every time you attempt to advance, so you’ll have to go through tons of trial and error as you make your way to the top floor. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image The machine girl can instantly transform her arms into weapons and wield them with ease. She gradually becomes stronger as she acquires more powerful weapons and modification programs (MODs). She can use firearms such as Gatling guns and shotguns, or melee weapons such as chainsaws and blades. Choose the right weapons according to the situation. If you get a game over, you’ll lose your weapons and equipment and will have to start over from the first floor. However, you can use the materials and rewards you obtained from defeating enemies, as well as the money you earn from your livestream(?!), to perform enhancement modifications and improve the basic performance of your Machine Girl. There are over 100 types of weapons and equipment. Power up your machine girl and player skill to destroy the president who awaits you on the top floor. “You there! Have you ever wanted to become a machine? Have you ever wanted to be reborn as a cute, lively girl? Have you ever wanted to become a famous streamer and make money? Have you ever been dissatisfied with your company and wanted to cause a ruckus at the office or factory? I’m sure you have, right? Full Metal Schoolgirl will make all your wishes come true. A huge exploitative corporation doesn’t give its employees days off and forces them to work even after they die. The only ones who can save them are the machine girls, fully armed from head to toe. This intense game takes place in the skyscraper of an evil corporation, where you engage in close -quarters combat in confined spaces. Fire guns, slice enemies into pieces with chainsaws, and destroy everything in sight. Fulfill your desires and relieve stress—that’s Full Metal Schoolgirl.” – Nobuyuki Okajima, Producer, Full Metal Schoolgirl A wardrobe of cosmetic DLC options Pre-orders for the digital version will begin on the PlayStation Store tomorrow. There will also be a Deluxe Edition, which includes the main game as well as various DLCs such as costumes and accessories for the characters. Additionally, the early purchase bonuses will include Akemi Costume: Saki’s Battle Suit from OneeChanbara Origin and Ryoko Costume: Aya’s Battle Suit from OneeChanbara Origin (Deluxe Edition only). If you preorder at least one day before the release date, you will also receive the accessory Furball in 3 Color Varieties and “Now I’m Pissed Cat” in 3 Color Varieties (Deluxe Edition only). PlayStation Plus members also get a 10% discount. Full Metal Schoolgirl is scheduled to be released on October 23. Please look forward to new information in the future. View the full article

Last week, we asked you to share maximalist moments from the game of your choice using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this week’s highlights: JarrinWasHere shares Jesse from Control standing in a sea of yellow sticky notes. call_me_xavii shares the humans of Humanity all bunched together JULY_AA_0510 went all out with the sticker pack for Cyberpunk 2077. secondcapture shares a giant finger-shaped building in Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess Fabricioevm shares the massive landscape of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 with a mountain-sized Nevron in the distance AkiraAoyama_VP shares an onslaught of rats from A Plague Tale: Requiem Search #PSshare #PSBlog on Twitter or Instagram to see more entries to this week’s theme. Want to be featured in the next Share of the Week? THEME: Death Stranding 2: On The Beach SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on July 2, 2025 Next week, deliver shares as you trek through Death Stranding 2: On The Beach. Share moments from Sam’s latest journey using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured. View the full article

New monsters, features, and more arrive in the Forbidden Lands with Free Title Update 2, dropping in Monster Hunter Wilds on June 30! Watch the latest trailer for a look at what awaits you. Play Video Monster Hunter Wilds – Free Title Update 2 In addition to what’s featured in the trailer, Free Title Update 2 will also feature improvements and adjustments to various aspects of the game. Make sure to check the official Monster Hunter Wilds website for a new Director’s Letter from Game Director Yuya Tokuda coming soon, for a deeper dive into what’s coming in addition to the core new monsters and features. ● The Leviathan, Lagiacrus, emerges at last View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image The long-awaited Leviathan, Lagiacrus, has finally appeared in Monster Hunter Wilds! Floating at the top of the aquatic food chain, Lagiacrus is a master of the sea, boiling the surrounding water by emitting powerful currents of electricity. New missions to hunt Lagiacrus will become available for hunters at Hunter Rank 31 or above, and after clearing the “A World Turned Upside Down” main mission, and the “Forest Doshaguma” side mission. While you’ll fight Lagiacrus primarily on land, your hunt against this formidable foe can also take you deep underwater for a special encounter, where it feels most at home. During the underwater portion of the hunt, hunters won’t be able to use their weapons freely, but there are still ways to fight back and turn the tide of battle. Stay alert for your opportunities! Hunt Lagiacrus to obtain materials for new hunter and Palico armor! As usual, these sets can be used as layered armor as well. ● The Flying Wyvern, Seregios, strikes View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Shining golden bright, the flying wyvern, Seregios, swoops into the Forbidden Lands with Free Title Update 2! Seregios is a highly mobile aerial monster that fires sharp bladescales, inflicting bleeding status on hunters. Keep an eye on your health and bring along rations and well-done steak when hunting this monster. Missions to hunt Seregios are available for hunters at HR 31 or above that have cleared the “A World Turned Upside Down” main mission. New hunter and Palico armor forged from Seregios materials awaits you! For hunters looking for a greater challenge, 8★ Tempered Lagiacrus and Seregios will begin appearing for hunters at HR 41 or higher, after completing their initial missions. Best of luck against these powerful monsters! Hunt in style with layered weapons With Free Title Update 2, hunters will be able to use Layered Weapons, which lets you use the look of any weapon, while keeping the stats and abilities of another. To unlock a weapon design as a Layered Weapon option, you’ll need to craft the final weapon in that weapon’s upgrade tree. Artian Weapons can be used as layered weapons by fully reinforcing a Rarity 8 Artian weapon. For weapons that change in appearance when upgraded, you’ll also have the option to use their pre-upgrade designs as well! You can also craft layered Palico weapons by forging their high-rank weapons. We hope this feature encourages you to delve deeper into crafting the powerful Artian Weapon you’ve been looking for, all while keeping the appearance of your favorite weapon. New optional features Change your choice of handler accompanying you in the field to Eric after completing the Lagiacrus mission in Free Title Update 2! You can always switch back to Alma too, but it doesn’t hurt to give our trusty handler a break from time to time. A new Support Hunter joins the fray Mina, a support hunter who wields a Sword & Shield, joins the hunt. With Free Title Update 2, you’ll be able to choose which support hunters can join you on quests. Photo Mode Improvements Snap even more creative photos of your hunts with some new options, including an Effects tab to adjust brightness and filter effects, and a Character Display tab to toggle off your Handler, Palico, Seikret, and more. Celebrate summer with the Festival of Accord: Flamefete seasonal event View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image The next seasonal event in Monster Hunter Wilds, the Festival of Accord: Flamefete, will take place in the Grand Hub from July 23 to August 6! Cool off with this summer themed celebration, where you can obtain new armor, gestures, and pop-up camp decorations for a limited time. You’ll also be able to eat special seasonal event meals and enjoy the fun of summer as the Grand Hub and all it’s members will be dressed to mark the occasion. Arch-Tempered Uth Duna slams down starting July 30 Take on an even more powerful version of Uth Duna when Arch-Tempered Uth Duna arrives as an Event Quest and Free Challenge Quest from July 30 to August 20! Take on and defeat the challenging apex of the Scarlet Forest to obtain materials for crafting the new Uth Duna γ hunter armor set and the Felyne Uth Duna γ Palico armor set. Be sure you’re at least HR 50 or above to take on this quest. We’ve also got plenty of new Event Quests on the way in the weeks ahead, including some where you can earn new special equipment, quests to obtain more armor spheres, and challenge quests against Mizutsune. Be sure to keep checking back each week to see what’s new! A special collaboration with Fender Monster Hunter Wilds is collaborating with world-renowned guitar brand Fender®! From August 27 to September 24, a special Event Quest will be available to earn a collaboration gesture that lets you rock out with the Monster Hunter Rathalos Telecaster®. In celebration of Monster Hunter’s 20th anniversary, the globally released Monster Hunter Rathalos Telecaster® collaboration guitar is making its way into the game! Be sure to experience it both in-game and in real life! A new round of cosmetic DLC arrives View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Express your style with additional DLC, including four free dance gestures. Paid cosmetic DLC, such as gestures, stickers, pendants, and more will also be available. If you’ve purchased the Premium Deluxe Edition of Monster Hunter Wilds or the Cosmetic DLC Pass, Cosmetic DLC Pack 2 and other additional items will be available to download when Free Title Update 2 releases. Free Title Update roadmap We hope you’re excited to dive into all the content coming with Free Title Update 2! We’ll continue to release updates, with Free Title Update 3 coming at the end of September. Stay tuned for more details to come. Happy Hunting! View the full article

When you first heard the announcement of Resident Evil Requiem, were the hairs on your arm suddenly standing up on end a sign of excitement, fear… or a little bit of both? Either way, there’s no denying that a new entry to this classic survival horror series always gets the blood pumping. Producer Masato Kumazawa got us a little more under the flesh of what we can expect when we head back to the broken and bleeding shell of Raccoon City… Play Video PlayStation Blog: What does “Requiem” infer about the game’s story? Masato Kumazawa: There are many layers to the title: a requiem for the protagonist, – Grace Ashcroft, – grappling with the loss of her mother eight years ago, and a requiem for all of the people who were caught up in the Raccoon City incident, to name but just a few examples. But once you complete the game, I believe you’ll find even more levels of meaning for the subtitle. “When creating a story set in the ruins of Raccoon City, we felt it was fitting to have a character with a personal connection to the city itself.” What made you want to bring back the Ashcroft family from the Resident Evil Outbreak series, and how does Grace’s inexperience factor into the player’s journey? When creating a story set in the ruins of Raccoon City, we felt it was fitting to have a character with a personal connection to the city itself. In this title, which aims to focus on horror, we introduce Grace as a new, relatable protagonist, who is unlike previous protagonists Leon or Chris. By making Grace someone who reflects the player’s own vulnerability, we believe players will enjoy a gameplay experience filled with tension and immersion. When walking alone down a dark hallway, her breathing becomes erratic; when an enemy suddenly appears, she jumps in fright. Grace is a character with a low tolerance for fear, but she grows throughout the story and eventually begins to confront various horrors with courage. By the time players finish the game, we’re confident everyone will have come to love her! Play Video “With Resident Evil Requiem we wanted to return to a story that continues the overarching narrative rooted in Raccoon City and the secret machinations of the Umbrella Corporation” We clearly see the ruins of Raccoon City and Raccoon City Police Department in the reveal trailer. Why return to this iconic setting? In recent mainline titles like Resident Evil 7 and Resident Evil Village, the series has explored the broader world of the Resident Evil universe by focusing on incidents involving the Winters family. With Resident Evil Requiem, however, we wanted to return to a story that continues the overarching narrative rooted in Raccoon City and the secret machinations of the Umbrella Corporation. As the series celebrates its 30th anniversary, we believe Raccoon City is the most fitting setting. Was Village’s post-launch third-person perspective DLC a test for allowing both first and third-person perspectives? Why was that an important option to give to players? The third-person mode added to Resident Evil Village was created simply in response to fan requests and was not intended as a prototype. Our analysis of recent gameplay trends in the series revealed that many players tend to engage with either first-person or third-person titles exclusively. With that in mind, we’ve included both perspectives in RE9, driven by the desire for all Resident Evil fans to enjoy the latest installment. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image What are the challenges in developing the game to be played so smoothly in both first and third-person at any time? In modern 3D-rendered games some may think that changing the perspective is a simple task. However, in the survival horror genre, where delicate adjustments are made to evoke fear in the player, there are significant differences between first-person and third-person perspectives. These differences affect not only character models and animations, but also fine-tuned balance, UI, sound design, and more. It’s essentially like developing two separate games in parallel. “Fear is something players tend to grow accustomed to over time, but with this title we’ve been more conscious than ever about maintaining a sense of tension throughout the experience.” What would you say are the philosophy and themes of Resident Evil RequiemRE9 in comparison to previous games? The concept of the game is “‘addictive fear”’ – the sense of experiencing something terrifying, but you can’t help wanting to know what happens next; you’re compelled to keep going. Fear is something players tend to grow accustomed to over time, but with this title we’ve been more conscious than ever about maintaining a sense of tension throughout the experience. The reason behind this concept is that recent entries in the series, such as Resident Evil Village and Resident Evil 4, while still horror titles, leaned heavily into action. With the latest installment we wanted to return to a game that puts a strong focus on horror. Are there any notable graphical improvements you’d pinpoint in the trailer that really highlight improvements through increased familiarity with the RE Engine? The RE Engine, which has powered many titles, continues to evolve. In the trailer you’ll notice many details expressed through the visuals, such as sweat trickling down Grace’s skin, the delicate texture of her hair, and the subtle trembling of her lips, showing her anxiety and tension. View the full article

Greetings, scientists! July 22 fast approaches, a date which was forecast by our analysts and tested again and again deep in the labs of our facility! That’s right, we’ve been working on Abiotic Factor, a one-of-a kind co-op adventure. Go it alone or with up to 5 friends as enthusiastic eggheads trapped in a secret underground research and containment facility following an invasion by militant crusaders bent on bringing their science to an unceremonious halt. Use brains – not brawn – to survive, inventing and hacking your way sector by sector, inter-dimensional portal by inter-dimensional portal, to finally – hopefully – escape. Play Video Your first day When you start your first day at the GATE Cascade Research Facility, it’s bedlam in the laboratories. Starting in the quaint Office Sector, it’s up to you and your friends to take matters into your own hands, quite literally. Take care of your basic needs, from raiding vending machines and sleeping on couches to preparing meals from alien meats and breaking into the executive restroom on the coveted third floor… And that’s if the hazardous radiation spills don’t get you first. Build yourself a home inside the sprawling facility, a base or shelter using whatever you can scrap together! Stay cozy and stay safe amidst the scenic vistas of vacant cubicles and machinations of science and paranormal alike. Whether it’s adding an office water cooler to your living room, an advanced power system to keep everything running, or a dozen laser turrets to fend off foes, there’s always something more to invent, build, discover, and explore. Craft the equipment you need to combat a huge range of enemies from this world and a dozen other anteverses. Use destroyed computer parts, salvaged office equipment, alien artifacts and things your tiny human brain can barely comprehend – but it won’t stop you from trying. What are you, a coward? No, you’re a scientist. When you’re not fighting anomalous entities, you’re farming your hydroponics. When you’re not farming, you’re cooking up that meat just right or sitting around a makeshift heater with your pals… or trying to steal an abandoned forklift. As you scour the halls you may find yourself fighting for your life, but instead of fleeing like the scrawny egghead you might feel you are deep down inside, use that big wrinkly brain and science your way through enemy encounters to gain the upper hand, because if there’s one thing you have that they don’t, it’s the power of science at your very fingertips, right next to your calculator wristwatch. Upgrade your weapons at the Enhancement Bench and take a sip of coffee for a job well done. Traveling with friends? Take on the team role that suits you, whether it’s forager, fighter, chef, builder or explorer, there’s a dozen ways to play Abiotic Factor – and a dozen more that you might just invent along the way. Just don’t forget to stay hydrated, okay? A vast labyrinth The GATE Cascade Research Facility is an immense and interconnected underground world. Open up its bizarre secrets and anomalous wonders, chamber by chamber. Create shortcuts and explore every nook and cranny – we have both. Do this all while building up an ever-expanding bag of tricks to deal with the uncanny challenges that each new sector brings, and meet other scientific experts along the way who may help – or hinder – as you strive for ultimate survival. You’ll soon realize that the adventure goes far beyond the facility – to a myriad of strange worlds and distant, supernatural realms unlocked by science and other forces yet unknown to us mere clipboard-clutching mortals. The science must continue Whether you’re tackling your challenges as a mad scientist, or act as a more reserved researcher, through trial and error, you can survive. Just be sure to bring your favorite labcoat – and maybe a few colleagues as well. However you do it, you can discover the wonders, trials, and the triumph of Abiotic Factor on July 22, Day 1 as part of the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog. We’ll see you soon in the GATE Cascade Research Facility. Onwards, to science! View the full article

PlayStation Plus is celebrating its 15-year anniversary later this month, and it’s amazing to see how much the service has evolved since it first launched on June 29, 2010. From all of us at Sony Interactive Entertainment, we want to send out a huge thank you to all our fans for your support throughout these years. We hope you can join us for a number of celebratory activities we have planned this summer to commemorate this incredible milestone. But first, here are the July Monthly Games for PlayStation Plus members available July 1 until August 4. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Diablo IV | PS5, PS4 Diablo IV is the next-gen action RPG experience with endless evil to slaughter, countless abilities to master, nightmarish Dungeons and legendary loot. Embark on the campaign solo or with friends (2 player local or up to 4 players online), meeting memorable characters throughout a beautifully dark open world and a gripping story. Dive into an expansive End Game where players can meet in towns to trade, team up to battle larger-than-life World Bosses, unlock robust character and loot customization, and uncover tons more action-packed activities to explore with cross-play and cross-progression on all available platforms. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image The King of Fighters XV | PS5, PS4 Since its debut in 1994, the KoF fighting game series has featured iconic characters and a unique battle system. Now the most epic dream match in KOF history is about to begin! Inheriting the series’ traditional 3-on-3 team battle setup, KoF XV features 39 characters (mixing classic fighters, revived combatants and new warriors), a new combat system and rollback netcode to reduce lag in online matches. There are also a variety of battle options that allow you to choose how you want to play. The PlayStation Plus launch also includes the “Classic Leona” DLC costume, letting you change Leona’s costume to her KoF ‘96 look. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Jusant | PS5 Jusant is an action-puzzle climbing game and a meditative journey to the top of a tall tower. Challenge yourself at your own pace, explore different paths, and unravel the secrets from a bygone civilization. Master your climbing tools and watch your stamina meter to successfully navigate this mysterious and changing tower. As you go higher and hone your skills, you’ll have to figure out how best to use the tools at your disposal to get to where you want to go. Explore alternative paths to find clues about what happened here. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image PlayStation Plus 15th Anniversary Celebrations Throughout this summer we’ll be running a series of activities with many moments to celebrate the 15th anniversary. This month we’re starting off with the following: · Let’s Wrestle! – starting today, PS Plus Deluxe members can jump into a Game Trial of WWE 2K25. Launched in March this year, the latest game in 2K’s incredible wrestling franchise is one of the best yet. So, dive into the action and experience the thrill of playing as your favorite wrestler right now! · Monster Hunter Wilds – another exciting Game Trial opportunity for PS Plus Deluxe members. The ultimate hunting experience awaits in Monster Hunter Wilds – available from June 30. · PlayStation Store Exclusive Offer Weekend – this coming weekend (June 27 – 29), we’ll be offering PlayStation Plus members the opportunity to grab exclusive savings on must-play titles such as Sniper Elite: Resistance, Sid Meier’s Civilization® VII and Star Wars Outlaws. · PlayStation Tournaments – starting this Saturday (June 28), we’ll be hosting a special PlayStation Plus 15th Anniversary Cup tournament. Players will get the opportunity to compete in popular titles like EA Sports FC, NBA 2K, Tekken 8, and more for a chance to win prizes including in-game virtual currency, and an exclusive PSN avatar. Access the Tournament through custom tournament cards or the in-game menu, choose your competition, and prepare to showcase your skills in exciting 1v1 matchups.* · Online Multiplayer Weekend – we’ll have an Online Multiplayer weekend this Saturday and Sunday (June 28 at 12:01am to June 29 at 11:59pm local time) where all players can join online multiplayer matches with no PlayStation Plus membership required. Visit the PlayStation Plus 15th Anniversary Hub for more information: https://www.playstation.com/ps-plus/whats-new/ In the last 15 years we have been focused on providing access to quality game experiences through PlayStation Plus, along with key benefits such as exclusive PlayStation Store discounts, online multiplayer access and more. Since the launch of our Monthly Games benefit (previously known as Instant Game Collection), more than 500 monthly games have been offered. PlayStation Plus Game Catalog for Extra and Deluxe members also launched three years ago with the reintroduction of PlayStation Plus. Some of the recent top games played based on playtime hours (April 1- May 28, 2025) include Ghost of Tsushima, God of War Ragnarök, Grand Theft Auto V, Hogwarts Legacy, Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, and The Last of Us Part I. Thank you again for coming on our PlayStation Plus journey. There’s plenty more to look forward to, including many more great games to come. *Active PS Plus membership required. Must be at least 18+ and a resident of an eligible country. Void where prohibited. Terms and conditions apply View the full article

Players can soon join Sam on the next chapter of his journey when Death Stranding 2: On the Beach arrives on PlayStation 5 consoles on June 26. We recently had a chance to speak with key members of the game’s development team: Yoji Shinkawa (Art Director, Character & Mech Design), Hiroaki Yoshiike (Lead Level Designer), Takayuki Uchida (Technical Art Director, Lead Environment Artist), and Akio Sakamoto (Chief Technology Officer, Technical Director). They gave us insights into their inspiration behind Sam’s next journey and how they brought their ideas to life. More intuitive, satisfying, and grittier combat PlayStation Blog: Were there any key takeaways from using the Decima Engine (a game engine developed by Guerrilla Games) in the first Death Stranding, and did any of those learnings impact the development of the sequel? Sakamoto: When developing the first game, our hands were full trying to master the various features of the engine, partly because it was our first time using Decima, and partly because our highest priority was to release a game as quickly as possible. However, with Death Stranding 2, we kicked off development with a better grasp on the engine, so we were able to leverage its features and make improvements that served our purpose better. Death Stranding 2 was tailored for PS5. How have the graphics evolved, and are there any visual enhancements that were only possible thanks to the power of PlayStation 5 Pro? Uchida: We implemented a new day/night cycle in the open world. This achieves more realistic transitions between the time of day and introduces new dynamics that weren’t present in the previous title. The scenery and atmosphere now change depending on the time of day, so exploration is also more compelling and exciting. For the base PS5’s Performance Mode, we stabilized the framerate by switching the LOD (Level of Detail) earlier to reduce geometry and adjust the resolution dynamically. On PS5 Pro, players can enjoy a higher resolution that is closer in quality to Resolution Mode, while maintaining 60fps gameplay. Combat has been enhanced significantly. What principles guided you when implementing some of the changes? Yoshiike: We focused on making the combat more intuitive, satisfying, and grittier than the predecessor. The previous game required players to switch bullets based on enemy type, which was important to us as part of world-building, but we removed that complexity in Death Stranding 2. We also fine-tuned certain elements, like improving the gunplay to feel snappier and adding slo-mo effects during combat so it’s easier and more satisfying to chain attacks. Sam is a porter, so rather than focusing on stylish moves, we emphasized action that felt more grounded and relied on Sam’s physical capabilities. ​​ Are there any conversations you had with Kojima-san that stand out? Uchida: One day early in development, a casual hallway conversation turned into a full-blown brainstorming session. Kojima-san joined the conversation mid-way, and the atmosphere instantly shifted. He came up with so many incredible ideas at lightning speed, and I was completely awestruck. Kojima-san’s ability to think outside the box and his dedication to the creative process inspired me to stay focused and committed as well. More authentic emotions realized by 4D scanning technology Characters in Death Stranding 2 feel much more expressive and nuanced compared to the previous game. Were there any points of focus or technological advancements that made this possible? Uchida: Story is at the core of Death Stranding 2, so we leveraged 4D scanning for key characters to preserve subtle muscle movements and facial expressions of the actors. As a result, the characters’ actions and emotions feel more authentic, which I think will resonate with players at a deeper level. What was your vision when designing new enemies, including massive bosses and the Ghost Mech? Shinkawa: As always, Kojima-san challenged us to come up with something entirely new and different. Developing new character designs are always difficult, and with the Ghost Mech, we not only came up with a new design, but we also expanded on its origin and backstory. Death Stranding 2 introduces many new weapons and items. What was the thought process behind these new additions? Shinkawa: At its core, the game is about delivering supplies, so we needed to treat weapons as cargo that players carried around. Deciding what to transport is part of the gameplay, so we wanted the weapons to fold and transform into boxes or containers that function as cargo. The change in physical volume can appear uncanny in CGI, but we made sure that the transformation was believable without being visually contradictory. Are there any in-game locations you’d like players to look out for in particular? Uchida: We poured a lot of time and effort into developing the snowy mountains again in this title, and they will offer an even more compelling experience than the first game. The difficulty will vary significantly depending on the climbing route you choose, but players can look forward to breathtaking views at the end of each hard-earned ascent. ​​ Any final words for players looking forward to the game’s launch? Yoshiike: We’re thrilled that Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is finally launching. The game is packed with features and mechanics that many players will enjoy. Players from around the globe can connect and come together via the game’s SSS (Social Strand System). Every player will make connections in their own ways, and naturally, every experience that emerges from those connections will be unique. I hope players will have fun discovering those special moments as well. View the full article