PlayStation’s Struggles with Digital-Only Sales and Consumer Preference for Physical Discs

July 25, 2026byadmin

Weekly Industry News for the Week Concluding July 24, 2026

This week, the gaming sector experienced notable events, including PlayStation’s firm response to criticism regarding its plan to eliminate physical discs, a significant denial of a Nintendo patent by the Japan Patent Office, and the troubling financial situation of a game development studio. Here’s an in-depth review of the week’s major stories.

Controversy Surrounding PlayStation’s Discs

Amidst ongoing turmoil, PlayStation is still receiving backlash following its declaration to phase out physical discs by 2028. Though there is widespread discontent, the company has not altered its resolution and seems to be tightening control over internal communications related to the matter. Alanah Pearce, a former contributor for God of War Laufey, disclosed that PlayStation is implementing strict restrictions on employee conversations regarding the controversy, hinting at an awareness of the potential public relations repercussions. Pearce emphasized that the degree of social media surveillance is unprecedented, suggesting that the company expects considerable backlash.

Nintendo’s Patent Issues

Nintendo encountered a setback when the Japan Patent Office (JPO) turned down its application for a divisional patent concerning an “in-game monster-capturing mechanism.” The office referenced a 2013 fan-generated gameplay video as part of the reasoning for the rejection, asserting that the gameplay features were not distinctive enough to justify a patent. Nintendo’s legal team voiced disappointment, arguing that the JPO misrepresented their product and inadequately addressed the patent law elements of their appeal.

Resurgence of Age of Empires III Expansion

In a favorable twist, the much-anticipated expansion for Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition has been reinstated. Following a prolonged delay and earlier cancellation, the development team revealed that the expansion, named The Baltic Powers, is set to launch on September 10, 2026. This expansion is expected to bring two new civilizations, a variety of challenge scenarios, fresh game modes, and a host of maps and customization options, reigniting enthusiasm among fans of the franchise.

Trademark for Kingdom Come: Salvation Filed

Warhorse Studios has secured a trademark for Kingdom Come: Salvation, fueling speculation about the next entry in the Kingdom Come series. Speculations regarding potential online multiplayer capabilities have emerged, though the studio has not yet confirmed any details about gameplay or features. Additionally, Warhorse is reportedly developing a new Lord of the Rings game, expanding their development slate.

Closure Looms Over Vermila Studios

In disappointing news, Vermila Studios, the creator of the horror shooter Crisol: Theater of Idols, is said to be experiencing financial difficulties and has laid off a significant portion of its staff. CEO David Carrasco remarked in a statement that the studio is striving to keep operations running despite the grim circumstances but admitted that closure is a real possibility in the near future, underscoring the challenging landscape of the gaming industry.

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Initial Trailer of the Street Fighter Film Displays Encouraging Visuals and Thrilling Elements

# Anticipation Grows for the Latest Street Fighter Film

As the premiere date draws near, fans are sharing a blend of doubt and optimism about the newest iteration of the legendary *Street Fighter* series. The freshly released trailer tantalizes viewers by hinting at a production that embraces the playful essence of its SNES-era origins while featuring a remarkable ensemble cast.

## Film Synopsis

Scheduled to hit theaters on October 16, 2026, the upcoming *Street Fighter* movie chronicles the adventures of Ryu and Ken, who are drawn into the 1993 World Warrior Tournament by the formidable Chun-Li. Their journey, however, is anything but straightforward as they become embroiled in a “deadly conspiracy.” Although the trailer is short and doesn’t reveal much about the broader storyline, it offers a sneak peek at the character designs and suggests the choreography of the fight sequences.

## Esteemed Cast

One of the most captivating elements of the film is its varied and distinctive casting choices. Below is the complete roster of actors assembled for this noteworthy project:

– **Noah Centineo** as Ken Masters
– **Andrew Koji** as Ryu
– **Jason Momoa** as Blanka
– **Roman Reigns** as Akuma
– **Callina Liang** as Chun-Li
– **Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson** as Balrog
– **Andrew Schulz** as Dan Hibiki
– **David Dastmalchian** as M. Bison
– **Cody Rhodes** as Guile
– **Vidyut Jammwal** as Dhalsim
– **Eric André** as Don Sauvage
– **Orville Peck** as Vega
– **Olivier Richters** as Zangief
– **Hirooki Goto** as E. Honda
– **Mel Jarnson** as Cammy
– **Rayna Vallandingham** as Juli
– **Alexander Volkanovski** as Joe
– **Kyle Mooney** as Marvin

The diverse array of actors, combining seasoned veterans with individuals known for their unique public personas, injects an element of intrigue and excitement into the film’s creation.

## Nostalgia and Awareness

The film unmistakably leans into a wave of nostalgia for the 1990s, an era that has had a profound impact on gaming and popular culture. Initial feedback indicates that this rendition aims not only to reflect the styles and ambiance of the original games but also to exhibit a self-awareness that the infamous 1994 film lacked. This new direction may sidestep the pitfalls of its predecessor which, while being a box-office failure, has developed a cult following due to its exuberant appeal.

## A Surge of Nostalgia

In multiple respects, this new *Street Fighter* film arrives at a time of ’90s retro revivals, coinciding with the debut of another highly anticipated film: the next *Mortal Kombat* installment. Both movies serve as a nostalgic nod to a cherished period in gaming, fostering a playful competition reminiscent of the console wars of yore.

As we look forward to more information and the impending release, the combination of a vibrant cast and a potentially witty storyline has fans cautiously hopeful about what this latest *Street Fighter* film may bring, aspiring to recapture the glory of a franchise that has both delighted and exasperated audiences for many years.

Geralt’s New Sword from Songs of the Past Expansion Added to Witcher 3 by Modders

Yesterday, May 27th, CD Projekt finally held their hands up and revealed that the extra DLC long-rumoured to be coming to The Witcher 3 is indeed a thing. It’s called Songs of the Past and will arrive in 2027, they said, also lobbing out some promo art of Gerry from the River holding a sword in front of a spooky tree bloke. Cue a Witcher 3 modder cracking their knuckles and immediately getting to work re-creating the sword from the artwork and adding it to the RPG as a way for folks to celebrate the news.

PlayStation Closes Recently Formed Shooter Studio Created by Ex-Call of Duty Director

**Sony Shuts Down Dark Outlaw Games Established by Jason Blundell**

Sony has confirmed the ending of Dark Outlaw Games, a PlayStation studio founded by Jason Blundell, a prominent figure from Treyarch recognized for his impactful work in the *Call of Duty* Zombies series. The studio’s termination was shared internally on Tuesday, representing a disappointing shift for Blundell, who had joined after a prior partnership with Deviation Games was called off.

In a discussion from just one year ago, Blundell conveyed his excitement about the chance to launch a new studio within PlayStation Studios, describing it as a “privilege.” He noted that Dark Outlaw was in its infancy and promised to share more details when they had something significant to showcase. Blundell emphasized the uniqueness of Sony initiating new first-party studios, which made the birth of Dark Outlaw a remarkable milestone.

However, the dissolution of Dark Outlaw Games aligns with a concerning trend for Sony, which has seen a rise in studio closures, including the recent shutdown of Bluepoint Games. This trend raises red flags regarding the stability and long-term strategy for new acquisitions and studio initiatives under the PlayStation 5 era.

Prior to establishing Dark Outlaw Games, Blundell co-founded Deviation Games, which sought to create a live-service title supported by Sony. Reports indicate that the project’s initial funding surpassed $200 million, but Sony chose to retract financial support due to difficulties in the development timeline, resulting in Deviation Games’ closure in 2024.

As the gaming landscape continues to shift, the closing of Dark Outlaw Games highlights the hurdles that new studios encounter, especially in an atmosphere that necessitates both innovation and economic sustainability. This situation is still evolving, and additional information may arise regarding the consequences of this closure for the PlayStation brand and its upcoming endeavors.