World of Warcraft Reveals Upcoming Expansion: The Last Titan Scheduled for Launch Next Year

### Beat the Heat Indoors with July’s PS Plus Games

As summer temperatures continue to rise, many are discovering it challenging to partake in outdoor fun. With the mercury approaching 100 degrees, the thought of relaxing inside with a cool beverage is increasingly tempting. If you’re bunkered down during these sweltering weekends, there’s positive news: PlayStation has revealed its roster of PS Plus games for July, ideal for entertaining you while you stay indoors.

On July 1, PlayStation announced that their monthly array of PS5 and PS4 games will be accessible to all PS Plus members at every tier. The new titles will officially join your library starting July 7, ready to be installed and played at your convenience as long as you keep an active PS Plus Essential, Extra, or Premium subscription. Here’s the lineup of thrilling titles available this month:

– **Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III** | PS5, PS4
– **For the King II** | PS5, PS4
– **Cross Code** | PS5, PS4

It’s vital to act quickly and seize these offerings, as they will only be free until August 3. After this date, a fresh set of games will take their place, so ensure you don’t miss out!

Highlighting this month’s selection is **Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III**. In contrast to its 2011 predecessor, this version provides a renewed multiplayer experience that vows excitement and competitive play. With a wave of new players joining, seasoned gamers will discover ample chances to demonstrate their skills.

Another notable title is **For the King II**, a tactical RPG that many gamers are eager to try. Even if you have bypassed this game until now, its inclusion in the PS Plus lineup might finally inspire you to explore its tactics and strategies.

Completing the list is **Cross Code**, an action RPG launched in 2018 that has earned accolades for its gameplay mechanics and narrative. As former Kotaku writer Jason Schreier pointed out, it’s a game you won’t want to overlook.

Before you add July’s offerings to your account, be sure to snag last month’s freebies. You have until July 6 to obtain **Grounded**, **Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2**, **W40k: Darktide**, and **EA Sports FC 26**.

With these thrilling titles at your fingertips, you’ll have abundant choices to keep yourself entertained indoors while waiting for the temperatures to drop. Happy gaming and stay cool!

### The Perspectives of Game Creators on Streaming and Gameplay Engagement

The convergence of gaming and streaming has generated diverse views among industry professionals, especially among esteemed Japanese game developers. Recently, in a television interview, comedian Hidetaka Kano shared an intriguing insight from Shinji Mikami, the renowned director of the classic games *Resident Evil* and *Resident Evil 4*. Mikami conveyed a critical stance on the phenomenon of players simply viewing playthroughs of his titles on streaming services. He suggested that if audiences are content with just watching a game from beginning to end, it suggests that the game might not be particularly engaging.

Mikami stressed that the primary aim of game development is to craft enthralling experiences that urge players to participate interactively, rather than passively absorb content. He remarked, “Our mission is to create games that inspire people to complete them with their own efforts, even if they’ve observed someone else doing it, so continue to stream.” This viewpoint prompts both gamers and streamers to reconsider their roles in gaming and the experiences that games should deliver.

Interestingly, Mikami’s sentiments resonate with another key figure in the gaming realm, Yuji Horii, the creator of the cherished *Dragon Quest* series. During a comparable discussion, Horii mirrored Mikami’s concerns, indicating that the importance of gameplay diminishes when the audience’s experience is confined to passive viewing.

Nevertheless, not all opinions in the industry coincide with this perspective. A significant trend among Japanese publishers and developers illustrates a more cautious stance regarding live-streaming platforms, like Twitch. Many creators voice worries about the risk of spoilers and content dilution arising from streaming. For example, developer Mages recently declared a prohibition on streaming their newest visual novel, *Steins;Gate Re:Boot*, underscoring a definitive position against extensive gameplay sharing.

The unease surrounding live-streaming was further highlighted by a startling legal incident in Japan, where a 53-year-old man received a suspended prison sentence and a substantial fine for posting a full playthrough of *Steins;Gate: My Darling’s Embrace*. This case demonstrates the legal consequences that can accompany streaming activities and reflects the broader reluctance towards content sharing within the gaming industry.

In summary, while prominent figures like Shinji Mikami and Yuji Horii champion the revitalizing potential of gaming that fosters hands-on engagement, the industry concurrently contends with the challenges and concerns presented by streaming. As gaming continues to develop, the discourse between creators and players regarding the significance of interaction versus passive consumption remains crucial in shaping the future of the medium.

During a random dictionary delve last week I learned that “explore” once meant to cry out. It comes from an old Latin word formed from the prefix “ex-“, describing outwardness, and “plorare”, meaning to cry or weep. Compare “implore” – to beg, cry for something – and “deplore” – to berate, ‘cry of’ something or somebody.

The OED explains (“ex + “planō”, meaning to level off, flatten for understanding) that “explore” may originally have referred to hunters, shouting to scare up animals lurking in the area around them. Exploration was always somewhat predatory, then, perhaps a little anguished. I have to admit, I got misty-eyed on discovering all this, thinking about how this word I’ve written a million times in videogame reviews is a kind of silenced wail.

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