RPCS3 has successfully emulated over 75% of PlayStation 3 titles on PC. Sony announced the closure of the PS3 Store in 2027 and will cease new physical disc production for PlayStation titles in January 2028.
Alt-pop artist Au/Ra has released her debut album, ‘Heartcore,’ inspired by her childhood experiences and escapism into fantasy worlds. The album reflects her journey of healing from childhood traumas, which she began addressing through therapy. Growing up between Ibiza and Antigua, she found solace in video games and creative writing, particularly influenced by titles like Final Fantasy 15 and The Lord Of The Rings. Au/Ra debuted with the track ‘Concrete Jungle’ at age 14 and faced challenges with her label, Sony, which affected her music release. Despite these obstacles, she maintained a connection with her fans through gaming and community engagement. The first song she wrote for ‘Heartcore’ was ‘Blah,’ expressing her feelings of betrayal and abandonment, which helped her gain clarity for the album's creative process.
Silicon Valley University in California is offering scholarships, called "Max Achievement Scholarships," to students who demonstrate exceptional gaming abilities, particularly in Minecraft. To qualify, applicants must unlock all 115 achievements in Minecraft and provide verified proof of their accomplishments. Successful candidates can receive up to ,000 to help cover tuition fees. Additionally, applicants must submit a written report connecting their gaming experiences to their educational and career goals and maintain a strong GPA to retain the scholarship. The university also offers similar scholarships for other games like Terraria, No Man’s Sky, and Ark: Survival Evolved.
Denshattack! is a cel-shaded trick-based 3D platformer developed by the indie studio Undercoders in Barcelona, Spain. The game features a protagonist named Emi Araki, a 19-year-old ramen delivery driver in Beppu, Japan, who dreams of riding the VACTRAIN, an underground train. The narrative involves Emi leaving her hometown to confront the mega-corporation Miraidō, which governs the state and operates the VACTRAIN. Players engage in gameplay inspired by classic titles, performing stunts and achieving high scores across 60 levels in eight regions. The game includes boss battles, a scoring system, and a vibrant visual style complemented by a notable soundtrack featuring guest composers. Despite some navigation challenges and minor imperfections, Denshattack! has been well-received for its engaging gameplay and artistic presentation.
The Washington Post has included the 1993 shooter game Doom in its list of the 25 most influential works of American culture, recognizing its significant impact on digital entertainment. Doom is noted for introducing a 3D first-person perspective and pioneering self-publishing, allowing for user-generated content. This acknowledgment highlights Doom's role in shaping the future of video games and digital culture.
Minecraft is recognized by pediatric experts for its creative advantages, enhancing problem-solving skills and fostering teamwork when played with friends. However, excessive gaming can lead to obsessive behaviors, reduced physical activity, and potential health risks. Concerns about online safety and sleep disruption from gaming before bedtime are also noted. Experts recommend establishing clear limits on screen time and monitoring for signs of overuse, such as irritability. The American Academy of Pediatrics' 5 Cs of Media Use framework encourages parents to consider their child's individual needs, choose appropriate content, promote a balance of activities, and maintain open communication about online experiences.
Ubisoft's recent financial report indicates that while new titles are planned, including Black Flag Resynced, the upcoming fiscal year will have a "lighter new release slate." CEO Yves Guillemot confirmed that new entries in the Assassin's Creed and Far Cry series are in development, but release timelines remain uncertain. The company has faced delays and cancellations, exemplified by Beyond Good and Evil 2. Ubisoft has experienced layoffs, studio closures, and restructuring efforts, which have not resolved ongoing issues. There is speculation about Tencent's interest in supporting Ubisoft's new structure, despite not pursuing a stake in 2025.
In 2026, the gaming landscape is marked by industry challenges, including layoffs and anticipation for major releases like GTA 6. Notable game soundtracks include:
- Arcade – Screamer: Features a fusion of rock and electronic elements, particularly in the Arcade mode selection track.
- Eatin' Rats – Mewgenics: Has whimsical lyrics and catchy melodies about cats on a culinary adventure.
- Lone Wolf – Crimson Desert: Stands out with haunting choral elements.
- Club Arch DJ set – 007 First Light: Includes a virtual DJ set by Chase & Status, adding gritty British charm.
- Blood Moon – Life is Strange Reunion: Blends licensed music with original compositions, featuring haunting vocals and atmospheric instrumentals.
- Inner Child – Paralives: Evokes nostalgia with a twangy melody and whimsical undertones.
- In Death We've Just Begun – Marathon: Showcases Poppy's ethereal voice with Son Lux's melancholic composition.
- Cryogenic – In Falsus: Features a standout track by Camellia, combining dreamy vocals with an electronic beat.
- Under the Lights – People of Note: Early impressions suggest it enhances gameplay and motivates exploration.
The Korean Cultural Center New York (KCCNY) is hosting the summer program "It's Time for K-Culture 2026: Escape the Summer, Dive into Korea" until August 22, allowing visitors to engage with popular Korean video games and enjoy traditional snacks from Korean PC bang. The K-PC Bang space features 12 computers and six mobile devices for gaming, including titles like Crossfire and Seoul Station, alongside a food zone sponsored by Nongshim offering PC bang treats. The event's launch attracted over 200 officials from various sectors, including city officials and representatives from educational institutions like New York University’s Game Center, highlighting its significance in promoting Korean culture and fostering connections between Korean gaming companies and the North American market. Lee Yang-hwan from KCCA's New York Business Center expressed hope for future collaborations to aid domestic game companies in launching in North America.
Engaging card games and fishing minigames can significantly extend playtime in video games. Fishing minigames are popular for their charm and the blend of patience and excitement they offer, despite the challenging controls and frantic button-mashing involved. A quiz is available that challenges players to identify fish from 21 different games within a 16-minute time limit.