How about a two-for-one today? Perhaps something from the RTS tower defence and city builder departments? Oh, and we’ll throw in a medieval flavouring too, on the house. With all of that mixed together and wrapped up nicely, you get Bergfriend, a game in which you build medieval castles to your own specifications, and then defend them from rival knights who want to take them from you.
You ever just blink and 10 years of your life have gone by just like that? I wonder if that’s how the developers behind Scrap Mechanic feel, given that the survival sandbox game about building fancy machines out of whatever you can get your hands on celebrated its 10th year in early access back in January. That’s a long time! So long I don’t want to think about it, so instead let’s look forwards by about, I don’t know, 20 days, as that’s when Scrap Mechanic will be launching into 1.0.
**Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls Encounters Availability Challenges on Steam in 132 Nations**
The anticipated fighting game, *Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls*, crafted by Arc System Works and brought to market by Sony Interactive Entertainment, is creating excitement for its distinctive gameplay mechanics and impressive animations. Slated to debut on August 6, the game will, however, be unavailable for purchase in 132 designated nations on Steam. The primary cause of this substantial limitation seems to be linked to the absence of PlayStation Network (PSN) services in these areas.
### The 132 Nations Impacted
SteamDB has cataloged the nations influenced by this decision, including Jamaica, Iran, Belarus, Egypt, and Nigeria. These nations are marked by the lack of PSN, which restricts the game’s online connectivity capabilities. Since there has been no formal comment from Sony explaining the reasoning behind this choice, it raises concerns regarding the repercussions for both players and the company.
### Historical Background
This scenario echoes a previous dispute surrounding *Helldivers 2*, where the game’s availability was also confined to a specific list of countries. The overlap in the countries included for both titles indicates a systematic problem associated with PSN’s regional services rather than isolated occurrences.
### Possible Cause: Crossplay Considerations
Though the precise rationale for the limitation remains uncertain, the crossplay feature could significantly influence this decision. *Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls* has revealed that it will support crossplay between PC and PS5 gamers. This configuration requires linking a PSN account, which becomes challenging in territories where PSN services are unavailable. Critics contend that restricting access to the game in these areas primarily due to crossplay considerations is an erroneous strategy, as players could simply choose to forgo this feature.
### Consequences for Sony
Sony’s choice to restrict the game’s availability might result in negative public relations repercussions. The timing of this announcement has sparked curiosity, especially as reports indicate Sony may shift away from releasing its single-player titles on PC, focusing instead on live-service games. If accurate, this strategic move could reshape Sony’s relationship with its broader gaming community, particularly among PC gamers seeking varied titles.
### Conclusion
As *Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls* nears its launch date, the debate surrounding its unavailability in 132 nations emphasizes wider concerns in the gaming sector, particularly regarding regional access and the ramifications of online connectivity. The situation highlights a challenge for companies aiming to reconcile cross-platform functionality with inclusive access, raising significant questions about the future of gaming in areas where online services are still limited.
Since being founded back in 2017, Summerfall Studios have only managed to put out a couple of games, 2023’s Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical, and last year’s Malys, a devil exercising deckbuilder. Unfortunately for the studio, neither game did amazingly, but according to co-founder and Dragon Age writer David Gaider, the studio is hoping to work on something new still: a heist RPG.
# The Steam Machine: A Nostalgic Reflection on Gaming History
History has a tendency to resonate across eras, and within the gaming sphere, the launch of Valve’s Steam Machine exemplifies this principle. Last month, Valve began sending out its eagerly awaited Steam Machine, a device anticipated to connect the worlds of PCs and consoles. Yet, the initial enthusiasm was swiftly eclipsed by hardware glitches reminiscent of previous gaming failures.
## Initial Anticipation and Challenges
Upon receiving their Steam Machines, users were filled with enthusiasm. Gamers were keen to delve into the possibilities offered by this hybrid of PC and console. Unfortunately, many faced immediate obstacles, including a fault designated the “red line of death.” One Reddit user, me_hill, encapsulated their experience: “The Steam Machine was pretty cool for the 20 minutes that it worked.” After a short gaming session with *No Man’s Sky*, the device experienced a catastrophic failure following an update, rendering the console inoperable.
This problem appeared as a glowing red line on the device, signifying a GPU malfunction according to Valve’s troubleshooting recommendations. Early reports indicated that users risked having a bricked device, but a common fix—unplugging the unit—worked for some, permitting the system to reboot and operate once more.
## A Familiar Dismay
The issues faced by the Steam Machine drew parallels to the notorious “red ring of death” that afflicted the Xbox 360, signaling significant hardware issues. This recurring challenge previously cost Microsoft billions in repairs and replacements. Fortunately, the occurrences of the Steam Machine’s malfunctions seem to be limited, though it raises questions concerning Valve’s design decisions that may unintentionally lead to analogous issues.
## Varied Reactions and Pricing Issues
Despite the troubles experienced by early users, the Steam Machine has elicited a broad spectrum of reactions from the gaming community. While some commend its effort to combine the ease of console gaming with the intricacies of Linux-based systems, others remain doubtful. Former Sony Interactive president Shuhei Yoshida notably shared mixed sentiments, acknowledging enjoyment of the device but criticizing its performance and cost.
The increased price, linked to a persistent hardware shortage caused by global supply chain complications, disappointed many gamers. Valve’s challenge in reconciling affordability with state-of-the-art technology in the Steam Machine has ignited discussions regarding the device’s overall worth.
## An Educational Journey
Overall, the rollout of the Steam Machine has emerged as an educational journey for both the manufacturer and its users. Individuals like me_hill have expressed their dissatisfaction while sharing solutions, cultivating a supportive community in the face of technical difficulties. As one user noted, this experience teaches resilience, encouraging gamers to engage with such devices patiently.
As Valve endeavors to resolve these challenges, the future of the Steam Machine remains in question. Gamers aspire for enhancements to improve their experience, hoping for seamless gameplay devoid of previous hardware issues. For the time being, the lessons of gaming history serve as a reminder that every technological advancement comes with its own set of challenges and setbacks.
**Spike Chunsoft’s Anime Expo 2026 Panel: The Comeback of Beloved Titles**
As attendees settled in for Spike Chunsoft’s Anime Expo 2026 panel, a wave of nostalgia washed over the crowd. Renowned for making significant announcements at this convention since launching their Western division, this year’s presentation centered on two iconic franchises: *Steins;Gate* and *Danganronpa*, both of which boast deep-rooted connections with the event.
**The Heritage of *Steins;Gate***
*Steins;Gate* has consistently been a standout at Anime Expo, with its distinct ties to the convention, including an original video animation (OVA) that featured visuals inspired by Los Angeles. Spike Chunsoft acknowledged the franchise’s historical connections during the panel. Notably, over ten years ago, translation team members Andrew Hodgson and H. Anthony Israel played pivotal roles in bringing *Steins;Gate* to English-speaking fans. Their journey has come full circle with their involvement in the remake, allowing them to reconnect with the supporters and community that first championed their work.
**Revealing *Steins;Gate Re:Boot***
The pinnacle of the *Steins;Gate* segment was the reveal of *Steins;Gate Re:Boot*, which presents a complete visual refresh with redrawn artwork and newly animated character portraits. The script for this remake is based on *Steins;Gate Elite*, an earlier version that featured scenes from the anime adaptation, while also including previously omitted text. Additionally, a brand-new storyline focusing on the character Kiryu Moeka broadens the narrative, providing fans with a richer experience.
Moreover, Spike Chunsoft announced *Steins;Gate Octet of Shifting Space*, an epilogue that embraces a retro PC visual style. It has been 15 years since this title was last made available on any platform. The developers highlighted that the remake was entirely produced without AI support, a statement that was met with enthusiastic applause from those present.
**Presenting *Danganronpa 2×2***
Spike Chunsoft unveiled thrilling news for the *Danganronpa* franchise with the announcement of *Danganronpa 2×2*, a remake of the classic original PlayStation Portable and PlayStation Vita game. The updated version features enhanced graphics, improved gameplay mechanics, and a fully redesigned world map.
The panel also introduced an exciting new narrative element: the Slayhem Scenario, a fresh storyline featuring beloved characters co-written with series creator Kazutaka Kodaka. This scenario is set to be 20% longer than the original game’s narrative and is touted as the main highlight of *Danganronpa 2×2*. While the new narrative can be accessed right from the start, players are encouraged to first enjoy the original version for a fuller understanding of the story.
**Release Postponements and Audience Reaction**
Although there were expectations for a 2026 release, *Danganronpa 2×2* will be postponed until early 2027. Spike Chunsoft approached this decision with prudence, considering audience feedback. Fortunately, the panel attendees reacted favorably, engaging with Kodaka’s humorous references to other games like *Grand Theft Auto VI* or *The Hundred Line* to help bridge the waiting period.
The panel came to a close with a light-hearted Q&A segment, during which Kodaka shared entertaining anecdotes about character designs and inspirations, further deepening the bond between the creators and their audience. For many, this session served as a heartfelt reminder of how cherished titles from the past continue to evolve, captivating new generations while honoring their origins.
As the event concluded, the atmosphere underscored the significance of community within the world of anime and gaming, demonstrating how franchises like *Steins;Gate* and *Danganronpa* persist in creating lasting memories for fans attending conventions like Anime Expo.
This week brought the news that Sony will stop selling physical PlayStation games at the start of 2028. Not just for their own games, but third-party, too. Here in the world of PC gaming, we’ve largely been without physical game releases for yonks now, but this move by Sony has stirred up some discussion at RPS. Mainly, is this a big deal or, as ever, a sign of the consoles lazily trudging after the path carved on PC?
This weekend marks the first wedding of the season (and the first of three in July alone). There will be suiting, there will be booting, and there will be demanding the DJ plays Toxic. Though, I might change up the traditional demand to Robyn in honour of her UK tour. She has several equally inappropriate wedding songs – Call Your Girlfriend, Dancing On My Own, Love Kills.
Ah, heck why choose? “Disc Jockey, take the night off, I’ve made you a list of sad bangers!”
**Sony’s Transition to Digital: Revamping Disc Production at DADC Austria**
In a notable advance toward a digital era, Sony Digital Audio Disc Corporation (DADC) is transforming its disc production facility located in Thalgau, Austria. Following the revelation on July 1, 2023, that the firm will halt the creation of first-party and third-party physical PlayStation discs by January 2028, DADC’s CEO, Dietmar Tanzer, expressed that the transition is currently in progress.
In a recent conversation with ORF Salzburg, Tanzer detailed the corporation’s intentions, mentioning that the Thalgau factory is being reconfigured for optical microlens production. This venture is supported by a significant investment of 30 million euros (approximately 34 million dollars) that was designated for microlens manufacturing prior to the production cessation announcement.
The administration of the Thalgau site is also dedicated to retraining the present staff of 300 employees to meet the new production objectives. Although these transformations are taking place, Tanzer could not assure job stability for these workers. He indicated that while the goal is to sustain a workforce near 300, uncertainties persist concerning the future of their roles once the production of physical media comes to an end.
Markus Streibl, who oversees Micro Optics at Sony DADC, remarked that the shift to microlens production was planned prior to the public disclosure, pointing to a strategic change that occurred before the decision to discontinue physical PlayStation discs.
As part of a wider strategy, Sony anticipates mass production of optical microlenses across the company by 2027. This suggests that the Thalgau facility represents merely the initial stage in the extensive overhaul of Sony DADC’s manufacturing capabilities.
This transition underscores Sony’s dedication to adopting digital media in light of evolving consumer preferences and technological innovations, as they prepare for a future where physical discs are no longer integral to the gaming world.
The mobile gaming powerhouse Scopely has strategically placed its investments in Studio AuKnow, a nascent enterprise led by the previous director of the hit mobile game, Umamusame: Pretty Derby. This announcement was made public via a press release from Scopely, highlighting the firm’s continuous dedication to investing in the Japanese market. This action follows Scopely’s significant acquisition of Niantic for $3.5 billion in 2025.
Studio AuKnow features a group of experienced mobile game developers. Under the leadership of founder Takuma Akitsu, who served as the director of the celebrated Umamusame: Pretty Derby until 2024, Studio AuKnow has recruited former developers from illustrious titles such as Pokémon Pocket, Onmyoji, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, and Sonic World Adventure. The company is in the process of creating a new mobile IP and is actively seeking candidates for various roles.
Scopely is part of Savvy Games Group, a state-owned investment firm from Saudi Arabia that has persistently invested in the gaming sector. This strategic investment corresponds with Saudi Arabia’s wider initiative to leverage the rapidly growing mobile gaming industry, particularly in the MENA region. Nevertheless, Saudi Arabia’s investment pursuits, including in gaming, have faced scrutiny from humanitarian organizations due to the nation’s controversial human rights record. Detractors contend that such financial endeavors are efforts to enhance its global standing in tourism and investment.