Palworld Online is a mobile MMORPG heading to iOS and Android in 2026, designed to bring the essence of the PC title to mobile and encourage players to connect and venture together.
Kakao Games has announced its upcoming PC MMORPG titled 'ArcheAge S: Strait of Freedom', developed by XLGAMES. The game is being crafted for a global audience, focusing on optimizing the experience for PC users, and is led by PD Kim Kyung-tae, who was part of the original 'ArcheAge' planning team. Kakao Games has secured global publishing rights for the game and aims to enhance its portfolio with this title. The original 'ArcheAge' debuted in 2013 and has been well-received for its world-building and player freedom. 'ArcheAge S' is set to be released next year, with further details to be announced.
Microsoft is considering a potential shift in its PC gaming strategy, which may involve moving its games away from Steam, according to Jez Corden from the Xbox Two Podcast. This is not a confirmed strategy but has emerged in internal discussions. Under new CEO Asha Sharma, Microsoft is undergoing a transformation to consolidate its brand under the "Xbox" umbrella, focusing on proprietary titles. However, Corden expressed skepticism about the likelihood of this shift due to the financial implications, suggesting that moving away from Steam could lead to significant revenue losses.
Microsoft is expanding the testing of its redesigned taskbar for Windows 11 to the Beta Channel of the Windows Insider Program with the release of Beta Build 26220.9022 on July 31, 2026. This update allows selected participants to reposition the taskbar along any edge of the screen—top, left, right, or bottom—and introduces a more compact variant that reduces icon size and overall height. Users can adjust their taskbar position through the Settings menu under Personalization, and Windows will adapt associated flyouts and animations accordingly. The implementation aims to restore flexibility lost when Windows 11 was launched, where the taskbar was fixed to the bottom of the screen. However, some features remain under development, and limitations exist for alternative positions, including incomplete touch gestures and a simplified search box. The compact taskbar feature currently only supports reduced height at the top or bottom positions. Microsoft is also exploring taskbar positioning across multiple monitors but has not guaranteed different positions for each screen. The recent updates include renewed certificates for the Windows Insider Program and additional builds, with the timeline for stable release of these taskbar adjustments still uncertain.
Alternative third-party app stores are becoming more prominent on Android, with major companies developing their own storefronts to bypass Google. These stores will be accessible for download directly from the Google Play Store in the U.S. for the first time. This shift is driven by developers' dissatisfaction with the "app tax" imposed by Google and Apple, along with international regulatory efforts like Europe’s Digital Markets Act, which require tech giants to open their platforms to competition. While this change offers more choices for users, it also raises security concerns as the Google Play Store's protective measures may be weakened, leading to potential risks from counterfeit app stores. Additionally, the rise of third-party stores may complicate subscription management and billing, as each store will likely implement its own payment system. This fragmentation could increase the risk of data breaches and complicate user experience. The future may see a competitive landscape similar to streaming services, potentially driving Google to improve its offerings.
Sony announced its plan to transition to a fully digital gaming platform by 2028, ceasing production of game discs. This decision has raised concerns among gamers regarding ownership and accessibility, particularly the ability to trade in games and access libraries during service outages. CFO Lin Tao stated that Sony is committed to this digital shift, emphasizing the strength of curated content and the stability of the gaming environment. Tao also noted that physical discs are not a significant differentiator for their products and expressed a vision of coexistence with PC games. Additionally, estimates suggest that the material costs for the upcoming PlayStation 6 could exceed 0, raising questions about pricing and competition in the market amid ongoing supply chain challenges.
Sony has confirmed its commitment to a disc-less gaming model for upcoming PlayStation consoles. CFO Lin Tao stated that the absence of discs will not significantly influence gamers' decisions to switch to PC gaming, highlighting the strengths of curated content, a stable game environment, and affordability compared to high-end gaming PCs. Sony is proceeding cautiously with phasing out physical game discs, noting that any backlash has not negatively impacted their business. Anticipation for the PS6 includes advancements in cloud streaming technology and a new horror game, along with a patent for innovative modular controller technology featuring a touchscreen interface.
On July 31, 2026, Perp Games and Project Cloud Games launched their action role-playing game, The Relic: First Guardian, for PlayStation 5 and PC. The game features the player as The First Guardian, who must restore the realm of Arsilthus by sealing the Void. A day-one patch has been implemented, and ongoing support is planned. Players will face 80 unique bosses inspired by Korean folklore, engage in fast-paced combat, and explore a semi-open world with three regions. The game is priced at £44.99, with a digital DLC available for £8.99, and a physical boxed version will be released on September 4th for the same price. The game is also set to launch on Xbox Series and Nintendo Switch 2 later in the summer.
Alex Cope shared how a surprise game reignited his passion for gaming amidst the industry's burdensome state, characterized by fatigue from live service models and monetization strategies. He found enjoyment in American Truck Simulator and Euro Truck Simulator 2, appreciating their vast open worlds that allow for solo exploration and community engagement. The driving experience is central to his enjoyment, with no rigid campaign structure and the freedom to traverse any map from the start. The journey itself is meditative, with leveling up providing longer, rewarding drives rather than just monetary gains. The games feature a modding community that offers extensive customization options, and the multiplayer aspect allows players to join convoys and engage with others. Both games are compatible with handheld devices like the Steam Deck, which he prefers for gaming, and they continue to receive updates. While there are some performance limitations, the overall experience remains impressive, providing a soothing escape from daily gaming. The base versions of the games are affordably priced, with ample opportunities for exploration in the core maps.
Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, was designated as a "terrorist" and "extremist" by Russia's FSB on July 29, ahead of parliamentary elections in September, due to claims that Ukrainian intelligence services extensively use Telegram. Durov, who has dual citizenship in France and the UAE, publicly expressed defiance against this classification by sharing content emphasizing "freedom of expression." This designation aligns him legally with Aleksei Navalny, though it does not extend to the Telegram platform itself. Telegram remains popular in Russia despite regulatory challenges and has been used by Russian intelligence services. Durov has resisted government pressure to allow access to the app's security infrastructure. The FSB is attempting to tighten control over Telegram, but its significance for political mobilization complicates these efforts. Additionally, Durov faces legal threats in Europe related to content moderation on Telegram.
