Ancient World War 2 real-time strategy game R.U.S.E. has returned to Steam after over a decade’s absence. Original developers Eugen Systems have acquired the rights from Ubisoft and put forth a Definitive Edition with Steam Deck support, which includes all the updates and DLC. If you already own it, you’ll get all that at no additional charge in the form of a 2.4GB update.
Electronic Arts has just concluded its final year as a public company with record-breaking sales. *Control 2* is making progress and remains within budget. The latest update on Microsoft’s “return to Xbox” initiative features a new startup logo. Welcome to your *Kotaku* Checkpoint summary for May 6, 2026, where we introduce a new member of the Xbox team who presents an intriguing *Guitar Hero* analogy regarding AI.
GameStop’s innovative CEO Ryan Cohen recently appeared on the OpenAI-owned TBPN network to mitigate issues surrounding his eBay acquisition attempt after an appearance on CNBC left him sounding as though he had just been concussed. The stock has yet to bounce back from its post-cable-news downturn. GameStop staff are not impressed.
### EA experienced an outstanding year, largely due to *Battlefield 6*
The top-selling game of 2025 catapulted the soon-to-be Saudi Arabia-owned publisher to an impressive annual sales figure of $8.026 billion. Despite quarterly earnings reflecting a year-over-year drop in live-service revenue, investors can still expect a generous dividend ahead of their private equity buyout slated for this summer.
“Thanks to our talented teams and disciplined execution, we achieved a record FY26, underscored by the remarkably successful launch of our renowned *Battlefield* franchise,” CEO Andrew Wilson stated in a press release. “With the recent completion of a debt process that saw strong investor interest and our ongoing positive interaction with regulators, we are eager to close the transaction and the opportunities it presents.”
This earnings report follows just two months after an unspecified number of *Battlefield 6* developers were let go across the company, despite the title’s significant success. “We’ve made specific adjustments within our *Battlefield* organization to better align our teams around what is most important to our community,” EA declared in a statement at that time. “*Battlefield* continues to be among our top priorities, and we are committed to investing in the franchise, driven by player feedback and insights from Battlefield Labs.”
### We might see *Final Fantasy 7 Remake* part 3 DLC
Part 1 received *Intergrade*, part 2 received nothing. What about part 3? That is contingent on “how strongly fans continue to support *Final Fantasy 7* as both a game and a franchise,” Naoki Hamaguchi stated in a recent interview with ntower (via Gamesradar). He remains “open to exploring those possibilities proactively.”
### *Control 2* was developed for an estimated $50 million and Remedy aims to maintain this approach
“The team and the studio have performed excellently to stay on course. They have done remarkable work to create a triple-A game on a relatively modest budget. This is something we have seen from Remedy before and will see again,” new CEO Jean-Charles Gaudechon noted during a recent earnings call (via Game Developer).
He added, “Honestly, there is something quite extraordinary about the way games are developed and managed at Remedy. It hasn’t always been that way, I recognize. There have been challenges in the past. However, the team has done outstanding work on *Control Resonant*.”
### Xbox is introducing a new boot-up logo
A new boot-up experience is on its way next Wednesday. Turn the sound up!
### Full-priced game purchases have become a rare luxury
According to a recent survey of gaming audiences by IGN Entertainment, 62 percent of players no longer purchase full-price games. “[Gen X] comes from a perspective of midnight openings for full-price games, console bases… [they] want to extract as much value as possible from each purchase,” stated company SVP of marketing Karl Stewart (via GamesIndustry.biz).
He further explained, “In contrast, Gen Z lives in a world of platforms… games are everlasting, and community and social interaction are essential to their identity. They desire to be part of a community where they can assert, ‘I’m the most knowledgeable. I know the most about this game.’”
### Investors may be pushing Nintendo to increase the Switch 2’s price
The company’s stock price has declined for five consecutive months as it keeps the price steady on a $450 console, even though Sony and Microsoft have raised prices on their devices. Bloomberg reports that investors are looking for Nintendo to implement a similar price adjustment to “safeguard” profit margins on the Switch 2. Naturally, Nintendo must ensure robust sales of the new console, and so far, there have been numerous reasons for players to hold onto the previous generation version.
### *Dying Light* franchise director departs after 13 years
Tymon Smektala joined Techland in 2013.
Crystal Lord incoming…
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Regular RPS readers might remember me writing a couple of times last year about a modder kicking off an attempt at porting Morrowind into Elden Ring. Their early progress looked promising, if living under the cloud of several complex things the group would have to figure out in some form to get it working.
After about half a year of major updateless silence, modder InfernoPlus has emerged from the dungeons of Vvardenfell to reveal that the mod’s now “mostly playable”, following several months of battling a number of infuriatingly complex issues.
### Mina the Hollower: An Indie Adventure That Everyone is Excited About
Mina the Hollower, created by Yacht Club Games—the studio behind the popular Shovel Knight—is due to launch on May 29 for $19.99. Initially planned for an October release, the game underwent a last-minute delay as the developers concentrated on enhancing their unique adventure-themed blend inspired by titles such as Castlevania and Link’s Awakening. This choice underscores Yacht Club’s dedication to providing a refined and captivating experience for gamers.
#### Gameplay and Features
Mina the Hollower offers top-down dungeon combat and puzzle-solving elements, appealing to enthusiasts of retro gaming. Its pricing strategy aligns with a wider trend noticed in the indie gaming industry, where a price threshold near $20 has been established after the success of games like Hollow Knight: Silksong and its accessibility. Nonetheless, recent titles have faced hurdles with their pricing, as illustrated by Scott Pilgrim EX, which has had difficulties at the $29 price point, highlighting the sensitivity of players regarding indie game costs.
#### Market Dynamics
Sean Velasco, the studio’s founder, highlighted the implications of the game’s release, telling Bloomberg that sales figures would determine the studio’s future success. A sales goal of 500,000 copies sold would reflect strong performance, whereas numbers as low as 100,000 could indicate problems. The competitive environment of 2026 demands that indie games not only excel in gameplay but also stand out in a crowded market—a pressure that weighs heavily on the team as they approach launch.
#### Timely Release
The release timing of Mina the Hollower is especially opportune, as it comes during a lull in new game releases, positioning it to attract the attention of players looking for nostalgia and adventure reminiscent of Game Boy Advance classics. The excitement surrounding this game has been heightened through previews and demos, including showcases at gaming events like PAX West, where initial reactions indicated that the game was shaping up nicely.
#### Community Engagement
Yacht Club Games has proactively interacted with their fan community, encouraging pre-launch wishlist activity and fostering engagement through social media announcements. Their marketing approach demonstrates an understanding of the significance of player involvement and the increasing expectations for indie games.
In conclusion, Mina the Hollower is set to be not only a captivating addition to the indie gaming sphere but also a critical test for Yacht Club Games’ future projects. With its nostalgic visuals, gameplay mechanics, and thoughtful pricing, the game could secure its place in the competitive gaming landscape as it seeks to engage both seasoned players and newcomers alike. Save the date for May 29 to embark on this eagerly awaited adventure.
Foundational RPG series Wizardry has, over forty years since helping to codify the roleplaying videogame, found itself torn between present-day custodians. Atari announced yesterday that they’d acquired the rights to the first five Wizardry games, as well as “their underlying IP,” and said they’d be re-releasing those five on modern platforms. This morning, however, Japanese publishers Drecom – who bought Wizardry’s copyright and trademark rights in 2020 – tXeeted that contrary to certain reports on Atari’s acquisition, it was they who’d continue to own and manage the intellectual property in the future.
As GameStop works to enhance its presence in the collectibles market while pursuing a significant acquisition, the company has opted for a daring move by launching single, randomized PSA-graded Pokémon cards priced at $5,000. This initiative is part of GameStop’s “Power Packs” program, developed in partnership with PSA, a leading card-grading service.
GameStop’s Power Packs enable customers to acquire a virtual card pack, which includes one PSA-graded card. Customers are able to “rip” the pack digitally and then choose whether to have the card sent to them, sell it on GameStop’s platform (where GameStop retains a portion of the sale), or store it safely in a climate-controlled facility located in Delaware. The program has been operational for several months and offers diverse price points, making it accessible to various budget ranges.
The cost for these digital packs spans from $25 to $5,000, with the latter being a recent addition. As the price escalates, so does the supposed potential value of the cards inside, allegedly providing improved odds of acquiring a high-value card. For example, the top tier, aptly labeled “Neutronium,” presents a 0.4% chance of obtaining a card valued over $40,000. However, these odds unveil a stark reality, showing a 72% probability of ending up with a card worth less than the purchase price, in addition to a 25% chance of receiving a card valued just slightly above the amount spent.
This method bears resemblances to Lucky Box vending machines, marked by the element of chance and the excitement of possible big wins. However, GameStop’s strategy signals a larger concern about adult behaviors in the children’s trading card market, reflecting recent occurrences of heightened demand and inflated prices driven by adult collectors willing to invest heavily in these items.
GameStop’s bold pricing strategy mirrors a trend of the company’s attempts to invigorate its business amidst dwindling in-store sales and evolving consumer interests. The retailer’s ventures across various trends through the years include initiatives in NFTs, investments in cryptocurrency, and focusing on vintage collectibles. This recent pursuit of eBay, highlighted by a proposed $56 billion acquisition, further emphasizes GameStop’s drive towards diversification and innovation in revenue sources, even while facing backlash for perceived price gouging in its collectibles offerings.
As GameStop continues to seek novel paths for profit amidst a transforming retail landscape, its latest venture into high-priced Pokémon cards not only showcases its efforts to leverage collector enthusiasm but also raises concerns about the sustainability and ethics of such strategies in the domain of trading card collectibles. Whether this approach will prove successful or further alienate its customer base remains to be seen.
Firaxis are finally ready to fire the nuke that is Civ 7‘s free Test of Time update, the strategy game’s “biggest and most fundamentally game-changing” revamp yet. The update, headlined by the ability to bypass the Age system and play as one society through an entire game in classic Civ fashion, will arrive on May 19th.
# Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight – A Comprehensive Overview
Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight emerged as one of the standout surprises during last year’s Gamescom: Opening Night Live event. Mechanically, it represents a notable shift from the typical style of Traveller’s Tales’ Lego games, and it appears to be a long-anticipated continuation of the Arkham series. With the release date drawing near, here’s what we know about the game thus far.
## The Clear Arkham Inspiration
Legacy of the Dark Knight is heavily influenced by Rocksteady’s Batman: Arkham series. Set in an expansive Gotham City, players can fly and use grapple hooks as Batman, taking down enemies and solving Riddler challenges. The mini-figure version of Batman navigates the streets via motorcycle and Batmobile, while the combat system features rhythmic punches, kicks, and parries echoing the mechanics found in the Arkham games. With QTEs at its core, players skilled in blocking and dodging can engage fluidly in combat. Fans of the Arkham franchise will recognize well-known gadgets, such as the explosive gel utilized to breach walls, indicating Traveller’s Tales’ effort to bridge the gap left by Rocksteady.
## Making Arkham Gameplay Accessible for Every Lego Enthusiast
In a conversation with Kotaku, Jonathan Smith, Strategic Director & Head of Development Team at TT Games, highlighted that while Rocksteady successfully captured the essence of being Batman, Legacy of the Dark Knight aims to establish a combat system that is reachable for a wider audience. To make this possible, the game provides multiple difficulty levels. This design enables gamers to opt for a less stressful experience with clear commands and straightforward progress, or a more demanding “Dark Knight mode” that necessitates strategic planning, effective gadget usage, and true skill in the gaming mechanics.
> “We’ve got a broad audience of players of all ages, and we want to offer a fulfilling, high-quality experience that requires depth,” Smith remarked.
## Playable Characters
As with most Lego titles, Legacy of the Dark Knight is intended for cooperative gameplay. One player controls Batman, while the other can select from a rotating cast of characters, including Catwoman, Jim Gordon, Nightwing, Robin, Talia al Ghul, Batgirl, Harley Quinn, and the Joker. Each character has distinct abilities crucial for progressing through levels. For example, Jim Gordon’s foam gun can clear obstacles that might hinder Batman’s advancement. Solo players have the flexibility to switch between characters in real time to make the best use of their abilities.
## The Batcave: An Expanding Hub
The Batcave acts as Batman’s main base within the game, serving as a command center. Players can change outfits, arrange collected treasures, store different Batmobiles, and upgrade the Batcave with new tools and furnishings. Additionally, this space will function as the center for managing character improvements, enriching gameplay and advancement.
## A Tribute to the Numerous Batmans That Came Before
Legacy of the Dark Knight pays homage to various interpretations of Batman seen in films, animations, and comics. The game includes appearances from characters across different cinematic versions, such as those from Christopher Nolan, Tim Burton, and Matt Reeves. As players advance, they will come across various depictions of Batman’s history and lore, along with familiar allies and adversaries like Alfred, the entire Bat Family, and iconic villains such as the Joker and Poison Ivy.
## Recognizing Online Culture
The game also acknowledges the “Extremely Online” nature of its fanbase. Previews have showcased witty nods to Batman’s vast media legacy, featuring Michael Caine’s famous tweet and possible references to memes like the “Surfing Joker.” This recognition of the creativity within the online community has the potential to enhance engagement with a varied audience.
## Pre-Order Rewards and Early Access
In line with modern gaming dynamics, Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight provides bonuses for pre-ordering. Players who opt for the $90 deluxe edition will gain access to the game three days before its official launch, enabling them to commence their journey on May 19.
## Release Date and System Information
Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight is scheduled for release on May 22 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, with a Switch 2 version anticipated later in the year.
As excitement builds for this distinctive entry in the Lego franchise, fans are eager to explore the reimagined Gotham and engage with its cherished characters in this innovative interpretation of Batman and his universe.
