Gayathri Kallukaran is a Junior Journalist with Eastern Eye. She has a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from St. Paul’s College, Bengaluru, and brings over five years of experience in content creation, including two years in digital journalism. She covers stories across culture, lifestyle, travel, health, and technology, with a creative yet fact-driven approach to reporting. Known for her sensitivity towards human interest narratives, Gayathri’s storytelling often aims to inform, inspire, and empower. Her journey began as a layout designer and reporter for her college’s daily newsletter, where she also contributed short films and editorial features. Since then, she has worked with platforms like FWD Media, Pepper Content, and Petrons.com, where several of her interviews and features have gained spotlight recognition. Fluent in English, Malayalam, Tamil, and Hindi, she writes in English and Malayalam, continuing to explore inclusive, people-focused storytelling in the digital space.
Battlefield 6 launches on PlayStation 5 on 10 October 2025
Open beta weekends confirmed for 9–10 August and 14–17 August
Classic class system returns with subclass customisation
Emphasis on tactical map destruction and dynamic movement
Four large maps and multiple game modes confirmed at launch
Battlefield returns to its roots with modern warfare and evolving tactics
Electronic Arts has officially unveiled Battlefield 6, the latest entry in its flagship first-person shooter series, set in 2027. Taking inspiration from Battlefield 3 and Battlefield 4, the new game reintroduces the class system with enhanced customisation, expands tactical destruction, and adds fresh mechanics to keep firefights fast-paced and adaptive.
The title is scheduled for release on PlayStation 5 on 10 October, with open beta weekends taking place in August, giving players a chance to try out the new mechanics ahead of launch.
Revamped class system adds specialisation and progression
Battlefield 6 brings back the traditional class-based roles—Assault, Recon, Engineer, and Support—with a new “Training” system that introduces subclass perks and upgrades earned during matches.
Assault: Focused on mobility and regeneration, with access to combat stimulants and enhanced accuracy.
Recon: Long-range specialists with marking and suppression abilities. Headshots prevent enemy revives.
Engineer: Experts in vehicle warfare, armed with anti-armour training and repair tools.
Support: Offers revives, ammunition, and defensive cover, with bonuses to health recovery and team healing.
Players can further tailor their loadouts depending on whether the playlist uses “closed” (restricted to class-specific weapons) or “open” (customisable) rulesets.
Destruction becomes a strategic weapon
Destruction has long been a hallmark of the Battlefield franchise, and this entry takes it further. Developers have made map destruction more predictable to encourage tactical use.
Thin barriers and structures can be breached to create firing lines
Buildings can collapse during combat, altering the landscape mid-battle
Rubble can be used as improvised cover, encouraging adaptation on the fly
Creative Director Thomas Andersson noted that destruction is now an integral part of gameplay strategy, not just a visual effect.
Kinesthetic Combat enhances realism and player control
A new Kinesthetic Combat System introduces several enhancements to gunplay and movement, offering players more tactile control during firefights.
Corner peeking: Players can lean around corners for cover-based shooting
Teammate drag-and-revive: Downed allies can be pulled to safety before reviving
Vehicle clinging: Players can hitch rides on tanks and trucks even without a seat
Recoil learning: Guns visually tilt in the direction of recoil, helping players adjust their aim naturally
These features aim to make combat feel more intuitive and immersive.
Large-scale maps with diverse terrain and urban warfare
The initial release includes nine maps, four of which were previewed during early gameplay sessions. Each map includes “Combat Zones,” smaller areas within the main map tailored for specific game modes.
Liberation Peak: A mountainous region ideal for vehicles and snipers
Siege of Cairo: A dense urban environment with destructible buildings
Empire State: Infantry-only combat in Brooklyn’s tight alleys and streets
Multiple game modes to suit squad and large-scale play
Battlefield 6 features returning favourites and smaller-scale modes designed for faster skirmishes.
Conquest: Two large teams compete to control map sectors using infantry and vehicles
Breakthrough: Attackers attempt to push across multiple fronts, while defenders hold them back
Domination: Infantry battles over control points in tight, shifting encounters
Squad Deathmatch: Small squad-based skirmishes, with emphasis on class synergy and teamwork
Beta details and launch date
Players can get hands-on experience with Battlefield 6 during two open beta weekends—9–10 August and 14–17 August. The full game will launch on 10 October 2025 exclusively on PlayStation 5.
Nintendo Direct scheduled for Friday, 12 September at 2pm BST / 9am ET
Longest ever general Direct with a 60-minute runtime
Likely announcements for Super Mario Bros 40th anniversary
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond release date expected
Updates on Switch and Switch 2 games anticipated
Nintendo confirms longest Direct to date
Nintendo has confirmed that its next Nintendo Direct will take place on Friday, 12 September at 2pm BST / 9am ET. The presentation will run for around 60 minutes, making it the longest general Direct in the company’s history. It will feature updates on both upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 titles and games for the current Switch.
Mario’s 40th anniversary points to major announcements
This year marks the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros, with the date falling on Saturday, 13 September. During the franchise’s 35th anniversary in 2020, Nintendo launched several celebratory products, including Super Mario 3D World: Bowser’s Fury, Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit, a Game & Watch device, and the limited-release collections Super Mario 3D All-Stars and Super Mario Bros 35. Currently, no new Mario titles are confirmed to be in development, raising expectations that the anniversary will be a major focus of this Direct.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond likely to get release date
Fans also expect an update on Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. The long-awaited title has recently been rated by classification boards in South Korea, the US (ESRB), and Brazil, indicating that a release date announcement could be imminent. The game is still officially planned for release this year.
What else to expect
Nintendo is also expected to provide updates on its wider line-up:
Pokémon Legends: Z-A – releasing 16 October 2025
Kirby Air Riders – releasing 20 November 2025
Metroid Prime 4 – planned for 2025
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment – due Winter 2025/26
Splatoon Raiders – announced, no release date yet
Rhythm Heaven Groove and Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream – both scheduled for 2026 on the current Switch
The September Direct will be Nintendo’s biggest opportunity this year to showcase its upcoming projects across both generations of hardware.
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Microsoft and LG partner to bring Xbox Cloud Gaming
Microsoft and LG partner to bring Xbox Cloud Gaming to vehicles via LG’s Automotive Content Platform (ACP)
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can stream cloud versions of Xbox titles on in-car screens
ACP currently available on Kia EV3 and will expand to EV4, EV5, and the new Sportage
Platform runs on LG’s webOS, which also provides Netflix, Disney Plus, YouTube, and more
Microsoft will extend Xbox Cloud Gaming to Game Pass Core and Standard subscribers
Upcoming Tokyo Game Show stream expected to reveal Forza Horizon 6
Microsoft is teaming up with LG to bring Xbox Cloud Gaming to internet-connected vehicles. A new Xbox app will soon be available on cars using LG’s Automotive Content Platform (ACP), allowing Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers to play cloud versions of Xbox titles directly on in-car screens. The app can be used while charging an electric vehicle or entertaining passengers during road trips. LG’s ACP is currently available on Kia’s EV3 and will expand to the EV4, EV5, and new Sportage models.
Xbox gaming hits cars
The new Xbox app allows players to stream games directly to compatible vehicle displays. This expansion builds on Microsoft’s previous efforts to bring Xbox Cloud Gaming to smart TVs and mobile devices, giving players greater flexibility in how and where they enjoy their games.
Compatible vehicles and technology
LG’s ACP operates on the webOS platform, the same software that powers LG smart TVs. In addition to Xbox, the platform provides access to popular streaming services including Netflix, Disney Plus, YouTube, and more. Kia’s EV3 already supports the system, with the EV4, EV5, and new Sportage set to follow.
Expanding Xbox Cloud Gaming reach
The partnership comes as Microsoft prepares to expand Xbox Cloud Gaming to Game Pass Core and Standard subscribers, broadening the availability of cloud gaming across devices and regions. Christopher Lee, vice president of Xbox marketing, said: "Our work with LG is the latest example of Xbox expanding to new places, building on partnerships that already bring Xbox Cloud Gaming to mobile devices, PCs, and TVs. By adding vehicles to the mix, we’re giving players more choice than ever in how they enjoy their games."
- YouTube YouTube/ XBOX
Tokyo Game Show announcement
Microsoft confirmed it will return to the Tokyo Game Show later this month. An Xbox stream is scheduled for 25 September at 03:00 PT / 06:00 ET / 11:00 UK time. Forza Horizon 6 is widely expected to be announced during the showcase. The Xbox teaser features an urban neon street scene, suggesting a possible Japanese setting for the upcoming game.
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The build consists of 270 pieces and features the franchise’s red racing hero
LEGO confirms first Speed Champions set for 2026: Lightning McQueen.
Release coincides with the 20th anniversary of Pixar’s Cars.
Unusual for the theme: no minifigure included.
The first 2026 reveal
LEGO has confirmed its first Speed Champions set for 2026, taking the theme in an unexpected direction. Set 77255 Lightning McQueen celebrates the 20th anniversary of Disney and Pixar’s Cars (released 28 July 2006) and marks the first time the theme has focused on a fictional, animated vehicle.
The build consists of 270 pieces and features the franchise’s red racing hero, complete with printed details and stickers, as well as an anniversary logo on the box.
A shift for Speed Champions
The release follows a year of Formula 1–focused sets but breaks new ground by presenting a character car without any accompanying minifigure. Aside from small polybag builds, it is the first Speed Champions set to omit a minifigure entirely.
McQueen’s signature smile and sponsor decals are recreated using a mix of stickers and possible printed elements, such as tyres and wheel arches — though LEGO has not yet confirmed which are printed.
Price and release date
Set 77255 Lightning McQueen is available to pre-order worldwide at £22.99 / $27.99 / €27.99, with a release date of 1 January 2026. The price point suggests that Speed Champions sets in the US will continue the price increases seen in 2025.
What’s next for 2026?
At present, Lightning McQueen is the only Speed Champions set officially confirmed for 2026. However, several others are listed for release early next year, including a Bugatti Vision GT, a Ferrari SF90 XX Stradale, a McLaren W1, and a Back to the Future Time Machine. At least one more film-inspired vehicle is also rumoured, hinting that Speed Champions may be steering towards more cinematic tie-ins alongside its traditional supercar line-up.
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The Mass Effect series has been in flux since 2017’s underwhelming Andromeda
Hollow Knight: Silksong finally released after years of silence.
Other long-announced titles remain missing in action.
Some may never see the light of day, while others still hold faint hope.
A Post-Silksong World
When Hollow Knight: Silksong was first announced in 2019, many fans doubted it would ever launch. Years of silence fuelled speculation that it was doomed to become vapourware. Against all odds, the long-awaited sequel finally arrived this year, quickly becoming one of 2025’s biggest releases.
Its success has reignited discussion around other long-delayed projects — games teased years ago but still nowhere to be seen. While some might eventually surface, others appear trapped in development limbo.
Tomb Raider
It has been nearly five years since the next Tomb Raider game was first confirmed, and Crystal Dynamics has yet to show anything concrete.
While the brand continues through Netflix’s animated series and an upcoming Amazon live-action adaptation, fans have been left without a new mainline game. Even the official Tomb Raider channels have offered only vague teases, often pointing to cameos rather than a new adventure.
Tekken X Street Fighter
Announced more than a decade ago, this fighting game crossover has faced constant uncertainty. In 2021, reports claimed the project was cancelled, only for Tekken director Katsuhiro Harada to clarify it was merely “on pause.”
Given how busy both Capcom and Bandai Namco are maintaining Street Fighter and Tekken, it seems increasingly unlikely that this collaboration will ever materialise. One-off guest character crossovers now provide an easier alternative.
BioShock 4
Six years after 2K announced BioShock 4, development remains troubled. Reportedly, internal progress failed to impress executives, leading to major team changes and overhauls.
Although Take-Two insists the game will eventually release — with former Diablo lead Rod Fergusson brought in to steady development — a launch still feels many years away. By then, the series risks fading from cultural relevance.
Mass Effect 4
The Mass Effect series has been in flux since 2017’s underwhelming Andromeda. BioWare teased the next entry in 2020, but updates since have been scarce.
With BioWare hit by repeated layoffs and EA disappointed by the performance of Dragon Age: The Veilguard, expectations for a timely and polished return remain low. While a release seems inevitable, there are concerns it may lean heavily into live service mechanics.
Dragon Quest 12
Dragon Quest 11 was a rare global hit for Square Enix, yet its follow-up remains shrouded in mystery. First announced in 2021 with only a logo and promises of a darker tone, little else has been revealed.
Reports suggest the tonal shift has complicated development, mirroring the mixed reception to Final Fantasy 16. Meanwhile, Kingdom Hearts 4 — revealed later — has shown more visible progress.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic remake
The remake of BioWare’s classic RPG was announced with fanfare in 2021 but has since faced a troubled journey. Initially handed to Aspyr, best known for ports rather than major projects, the game soon ran into difficulties.
Saber Interactive has since taken over, but with multiple projects already on its plate, concerns remain that KOTOR could be abandoned. Sony has reportedly distanced itself from the project, raising further doubts.
Beyond Good & Evil 2
Perhaps the most infamous case of development hell, Beyond Good & Evil 2 has been in limbo since its reveal in 2017. Once positioned as Ubisoft’s big prestige project, updates gradually dwindled, with little sign of meaningful progress.
The game has lost multiple directors — one tragically passing away in 2023 — and rarely appears in Ubisoft’s financial briefings. After so long, many fans have simply lost faith that it will ever release.
The successful launch of Silksong proves that sometimes patience pays off. But for every game that escapes development hell, there are others that may never reach players. Whether fans will still be waiting when they finally arrive is another question entirely.
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Players have until 1 September to add August’s lineup
September’s PlayStation Plus lineup features Psychonauts 2, Stardew Valley and Viewfinder.
All three games will be available to members from 2 September.
August’s titles — Lies of P, DayZ and My Hero One’s Justice 2 — can be added until 1 September.
Three new games arrive in September
PlayStation Plus members will have access to three new titles next month: Psychonauts 2, Stardew Valley and Viewfinder. The games will be available to download from 2 September.
Psychonauts 2 (PS4)
Players step into the shoes of Razputin “Raz” Aquato, a young psychic acrobat who joins the international organisation of psychic spies known as the Psychonauts. In this platform-adventure, Raz must uncover conspiracies, investigate a mole inside headquarters and face a murderous psychic villain. The game mixes quirky humour, inventive level design and customisable psychic powers.
Stardew Valley (PS4)
The much-loved farming simulator returns, inviting players to restore their grandfather’s rundown farm. Starting with basic tools and limited resources, players can build crops, raise animals, mine, fish and become part of the local community. With freedom to craft your own story, Stardew Valley blends farming, friendship and exploration in a cosy, relaxing experience.
Viewfinder (PS4, PS5)
This first-person puzzle adventure uses a unique instant camera mechanic to reshape reality. Players can bring sketches, paintings, photos and postcards to life, altering environments to solve puzzles and uncover mysteries hidden within its vibrant world.
Last chance for August titles
Players have until 1 September to add August’s lineup — Lies of P, DayZ and My Hero One’s Justice 2 — to their library before they are replaced.