Closed captions, a feature available in the Java Edition of Minecraft, have been introduced in the Bedrock Edition, addressing a significant accessibility oversight for players transitioning from Java.
The surge in smartphone app releases is driven by the use of 'vibe coding' and AI technology, leading to a significant increase in the number of games hitting the market.
In July, 30 new cozy games are set to launch, with a focus on feline-themed titles. Notable releases include "A Simpler World" (July 14), "High Times" (July 23), "Bookbinding" (July 24), "Moonlight Peaks" (July 7), and "Wabisabi SushiDerby" (July 15). These games feature various elements such as crafting, dating, and farming with supernatural themes.
Sony plans to discontinue the production of physical game discs for the PlayStation 5 by 2028, shifting towards a fully digital licensing model. Frank Cifaldi from the Video Game History Foundation has raised concerns about the preservation of video game history, stating that piracy may become the only means of safeguarding digital works. He criticized the Entertainment Software Association for resisting efforts to create a legal framework for preserving digital content. Cifaldi highlighted that museums and archives are preparing for this digital future, questioning the industry's expectations for cultural institutions as physical media is phased out. The transition to digital ownership has sparked discussions in the gaming community, particularly regarding the lack of backward compatibility in the PlayStation ecosystem and the challenges posed by the closure of digital stores for older consoles. The urgency for solutions to protect video game history is increasing as the industry moves towards a digital-only future.
As of July, several new VR games and downloadable content are set to be released across platforms like Meta Quest, Steam, and PlayStation VR2. Key upcoming releases include:
- Enigmo - July 7 (PC VR)
- Geronimo - July 10 (PC VR)
- Fixer Undercover - July 16 (PC VR)
- Roboquest VR - July 23 (Quest 3)
- Puzzles of the World - July 23 (Quest 3)
- Cybercore Protocol - July 26 (Quest)
- Hyperstacks - July 30 (Steam)
- Streets of Miami VR - July 30 (Steam)
Additionally, the UploadVR Summer Showcase Humble Bundle is active until July 8, with discounts on various titles. The Steam Summer Sale and Meta Quest Summer Sale are also ongoing, with PlayStation VR2 expected to participate later in July.
Old and new games were tested on a phone using GameHub. Low-power 2D games work best, while some newer 3D games struggled to launch or had performance issues. Older games like Skyrim ran smoothly, while a newer game like Dead as Disco required additional components to run. Playing games on GameHub is unpredictable, with older and 2D games being more likely to work well.
Steam has introduced a "personal calendar" feature that highlights upcoming game releases for the next five days based on individual wishlists and preferred game tags. The calendar shows games released in the past month and previews up to six games per day for the next two months. Users can filter by specific game tags and hide games already on their wishlist. Notable upcoming releases include "Beast of Reincarnation" on August 3, "Big Walk" on August 4, and "Fields of Mistria" on August 5. The feature aims to enhance game discovery without overwhelming users, allowing them to find smaller indie games like "Cat Isle." Feedback indicates that the calendar effectively showcases a variety of titles tailored to user preferences.
Xbox Game Pass has added three new titles for PC and Xbox Series X as part of its day-one game initiative in 2026. The new games are:
1. Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions - A sci-fi multiplayer adventure developed by System Era Softworks and Devolver Digital, currently in early access. It has a 40% approval rating on Steam but lacks a Metacritic score.
2. Beastro - A cozy adventure game from Timberline Studio where players engage in culinary creativity. It has a 92% approval rating on Steam and no Metacritic score.
3. Frog Sqwad - A multiplayer extraction puzzle platformer developed by Panic Stations, supporting up to eight players. It has a 90% approval rating on Steam and no Metacritic score.
Subscribers can enjoy these games at no additional cost and receive a 20% discount on each title. The duration of these games' availability on Xbox Game Pass has not been disclosed.
The seventh annual Summer Game Fest showcased upcoming titles for 2026 and beyond, featuring a two-hour presentation with trailers and gameplay reveals. Key announcements included:
- Resident Evil: Veronica - A remake of Resident Evil: Code Veronica set to launch in 2027 on Xbox and PC.
- Cuphead - Two new games: a sequel and an 8-bit arcade title called Mighty Cuphead Adventure.
- Alien Isolation 2 - Teased with a trailer; release date not announced.
- gen ATLAS - A mech-themed game from GenDesign.
- Blood Message - A single-player action-adventure game expected on PC and consoles.
- Stranger Than Heaven - Set for release on January 15, 2027, featuring Tupac as a character.
- HAEX - An open-world survival shooter for 1-4 players.
- Mortal Shell 2 - Open beta now available on Steam.
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin - A game set in a future New York City.
- Gundam: Rogue Orbit - A new entry in the Gundam series.
- Crossfire - A stealth-action single-player adventure.
- Guild Wars 3 - Set to launch with a beta expected in 2027.
- Star Wars: Galactic Racer - Releasing on October 6, 2026.
- Virtua Fighter Crossroads - Announced for 2027.
- RuneScape: Dragonwilds - Launching on Xbox on September 15, 2026.
- 1666 Amsterdam - Entering Early Access in late 2026.
- SAW: Genesis - A multiplayer horror game.
- Star Wars: Zero Company - Releasing on August 27, 2026.
- The Blood of Dawnwalker - Launching on September 3.
- Among Us Story: On Guard - A story-driven spinoff available for wishlisting.
- Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance - Expansion set for 2027.
- Swords of Legends - An action RPG inspired by Soulsborne games.
- Clutch - An open-world racer expected in Spring 2027.
- Chronicles: Medieval - Entering Early Access later this year.
- Palworld - Fully launching on July 10.
- The Wolf Among Us 2 - Set for release in 2027, alongside a remaster of the original.
- Stellar Blade: Blood Rain - Sequel to Stellar Blade.
- Final Fantasy 7: Revelation - Launching in Spring 2027 on Xbox, PC, and PS5.