Category: Video Gaming

Capcom’s upcoming new IP, Pragmata, features a main antagonist that’s really a rogue AI on the moon making the life of a spaceman and his android buddy difficult. But as much as artificial intelligence is in the news lately, especially in gaming, the developers of Pragmata say they had absolutely no idea it would be such a hot topic when they started developing the game.

Speaking to me at Tokyo Game Show 2025, game director Cho Yonghee and producer Naoto Oyama tell me that the concept for Pragmata simply came from Yonghee thinking about the moon, and asking the team to brainstorm ideas for a game set on the moon. From there, developers pitched a “black and white world” on the moon, and the concept of the enemy being AI came later.

But none of the team, they said, knew they were about to release a game about an enemy AI at a time when real-life AI was such a fraught subject.

“We really couldn’t predict that AI would be this big from where we started from what you see now, but now that we have AI become this huge thing in the real world, we see like, ‘Oh, maybe we should have added this or that from what you see in the AI right now,’” Yonghee tells me. “So we are like, ‘We should have thought of that.’”

However, the pair confirm that the real-world shifts around AI didn’t impact the game’s story or direction. By the time it became a hot topic, the direction was already set.

“We have this sort of the idea of the AI in the game locked down very early in the development back when we released the concept trailer back a few years ago,” Oyama says. “And so we had that as what you see in the game basically. And then we really couldn’t predict that the AI would become this big right now.”

“Yeah,” Yonghee adds. “So the real life AI’s progression or development, it’s been so fast that it’s perhaps overtaken what do we have in the game right now. So what you see in the game might not look as amazing than what’d you compared to real life.”

I laughed a bit at this and remarked that I didn’t think we had Dianas running around in the real world just yet.

“We created to be in the near future, but the future has come closer,” Oyama replies.

“Yeah, just the word AI is getting a bit old right now,” Yonghee says. “So maybe by the time that we reach the age or the time where Pragmata takes place, people are not using the word AI even anymore.”

We recently got another look at Pragmata at Capcom’s Online Program alongside TGS, and we had a hands-on preview of the game at Gamescom earlier this year. We also spoke with Oyama and Yonghee about early ideas for Pragmata, including the possibility that it might feature a talking dog. Pragmata is out sometime next year.

Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. You can find her posting on BlueSky @duckvalentine.bsky.social. Got a story tip? Send it to rvalentine@ign.com.

We’re only one day away from the release of Ghost of Yōtei on PS5! We’re so excited for players to experience this journey alongside Atsu, and in celebration of the game’s release, here’s a look at official Ghost of Yōtei merchandise* available now and coming soon to select retailers.

Youtooz – Ghost of Yōtei Atsu Vinyl figure

$29.99 USD | Available starting on October 3 at 3pm EST from Youtooz.

Youtooz is releasing a Ghost of Yōtei Atsu Vinyl figure on October 3, which showcases Atsu preparing to unleash her awaited vengeance, wearing a long, feathered cloak over yellow and brown armor with a pair of katanas strapped onto her back.

Mondo – Ghost of Yōtei Art Print

$90 USD | Available for pre-sale October 2 at 11am CT from Mondo.

Mondo is excited to present a new screen-printed art print by Japanese illustrator, Yuko Shimizu, timed with the launch of Ghost of Yōtei. Beautifully illustrated using Buddhist Sutra calligraphy brushes, this breathtaking portrait of Atsu was inspired by traditional ukiyo-e woodblock prints.

Here’s a quote from artist Yuko Shimizu on designing this print:

“I was excited to illustrate this Ghost of Yōtei poster. Not just because it is the game everyone is waiting for, known for all the beautiful details, reminiscent of old Kurosawa films. I wanted the poster to have the feel of traditional ukiyo-e woodblock print with a modern touch. I loosely modeled this based on Tomoe-Gozen, a legendary 12th-century female samurai who was mentioned in The Tale of the Heike.”

Insert Coin – Ghost of Yōtei apparel & accessories

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Onryō Hoodie | RRP (Recommended Retail Price) £59.99 / $82 / €69

Atsu T-shirt | RRP – £29.99 / $34 / €29

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Ghost of Yōtei Tote | RRP – £16.99 / $23 / €20

Gingko Crest Enamel Pin | RRP – £5.99 / $8 / €7

Available now, Insert Coin developed a Ghost of Yōtei collection, complete with apparel, a tote bag, and an enamel pin – all inspired by the video game.

Fangamer – Ghost of Yōtei apparel & more

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“The Hunters” Long Sleeve Shirt | $45 USD – Available for pre-order October 16

Atsu’s Bounty Poster T-shirt | $36 USD – Available for pre-order October 16

Look out for a curated product collection coming soon from Fangamer. The collection includes two shirts: one showcases a stylized version of Atsu and the wolf, while the other features custom elements including the bounty poster and revenge list with fabric patches sewn on. Fangamer is also releasing a six-piece pin set that has been modeled to represent Atsu and the masked members of the Yōtei 6, as well as a custom sake cup and carafe set coming soon. Visit Fangamer for more details.

Prime 1 Studio – Ghost of Yōtei Atsu Statue in ¼ Scale

Ghost of Yōtei – 1/4 Scale statue of Atsu (WiP)

Prime 1 Studio has been developing an upcoming Ghost of Yōtei statue of Atsu in ¼ scale. The statue will come with multiple swappable parts allowing fans to pose their figure and will also feature the wolf as her companion – stay tuned for more details from Prime 1 Studio.

Mad Engine – Ghost of Yōtei apparel

Ghost of Yotei Black and Yellow Minimalistic Logo T-Shirt | $22.99 USD

Check out an official Ghost of Yōtei shirt from Mad Engine that features the iconic game logo printed on your choice of four different colors. Available now at Amazon.

For Pokemon fans, it’s once again time to catch ’em all, this time in grocery store aisles. Campbell’s launched the Catch-a-Can Sweepstakes, which has a grand prize that includes a Nintendo Switch 2.

There are eight different cans of chicken soup with Pokemon-shaped pasta to nab, with each can displaying a different popular pocket monster like Eevee or Charizard. Collecting at least four different cans makes you eligible for the sweepstakes’ first prize, which is a Campbell’s Pokemon-themed bowl.

But devoted trainers and soup lovers who collect all eight cans will have a chance to win the grand prize, which, alongside the Switch 2, includes a copy of the upcoming Pokemon Legends: Z-A, and a limited-edition collectible can. Campbell’s Pokemon Pewter City Special Stew isn’t available in stores, and the soup company calls the can a “true collector’s item.”

All you have to do to enter the sweepstakes is collect Pokemon-themed cans of Campbell’s soup and submit a photo of yourself and the soup cans on the Campbell’s website. The sweepstakes begins today and ends on October 31 at 8:59 PM PT / 11:59 PM ET.

True to Pokemon, some of these themed cans are rare and will be harder to find than others. If you’re missing any of the cans, you may have to employ some similar tactics as you would in a Pokémon game, such as trading with friends or searching online. Listings for cans of Pokemon Campbell’s soup are already all over eBay.

For those who want a proper Pokemon experience, Pokemon Legends: Z-A hits stores on October 16. GameSpot’s latest preview of the title says that studio Game Freak “might have pulled it off” with its real-time battle system.

Delve into a psychological survival horror, play as the GOAT, and puzzle out worlds within worlds with the PlayStation Plus Monthly Games lineup for October.  Alan Wake 2, Goat Simulator 3, Cocoon will be available to PlayStation Plus members from Tuesday October 7 until Monday November 3.

Also starting October 7 Midnight Murder Club will be available as a Game Trial for PlayStation Plus Premium members. Enjoy up to one hour with this time-limited trial, and if you decide to purchase the full game, your progress and trophies will carry over.

Let’s take a closer look at the games.

Alan Wake 2 | PS5 

What starts as a small-town murder investigation becomes a living nightmare. From the studio that brought you Control comes a psychological survival horror starring two protagonists in two very different worlds. Play as both the returning Alan Wake and new hero Saga Anderson, witnessing the nightmare unfold from two perspectives – and two realities. Help Wake to rewrite his reality as he attempts to escape the Dark Place and enter Anderson’s brilliant mind as she races to solve the case. As Anderson, explore the magnificent forests and lakes of the Pacific Northwest and meet a cast of quirky characters in the towns of Bright Falls and Watery. As Wake, survive the hostile urban nightmare known as the Dark Place. It takes more than guns to survive: Light is both the ultimate weapon and a refuge in the battle against the supernatural darkness that threatens the heroes. Fight powerful enemies in deadly close-combat encounters, making careful use of limited resources.

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Goat Simulator 3 | PS4, PS5 

Gather your herd and venture forth into Goat Simulator 3 – an all-new, totally realistic, sandbox farmyard experience that puts you back in the hooves of no one’s favorite female protagonist.  That’s right – Pilgor is back, and this time is joined by other goats too. You can invite up to three friends in local or online co-op, create carnage as a team, or compete in mini-games and then not be friends anymore. Get ready for another round of udder mayhem. Lick, headbutt and ruin your way through a brand new open world in the biggest waste of your time since Goat Simulator! 

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Cocoon | PS4, PS5 

From Jeppe Carlsen, the lead gameplay designer of Limbo and Inside — Cocoon is a unique take on the puzzle adventure genre, where each world exists within an orb that you can carry on your back. Wrap your head around the core mechanic of leaping between worlds—and combine, manipulate, and rearrange them to solve intricate puzzles.

Interact with alien environments and biomechanical devices left behind by an ancient civilization. Journey through unique and diverse biomes, from industrial structures to massive organic caverns, and discover how they are connected to one another. Each orb has an ability that can be unlocked, thereby turning the orb into a unique tool for you to utilize within other worlds. Use these abilities to uncover hidden pathways and objects, fire projectiles to trigger switches, and more.

Last chance to add PlayStation Plus Games for September to your library

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PlayStation Plus members have until Monday October 6 to add Psychonauts 2, Stardew Valley and Viewfinder to their game library.

Last month, we faced our fears, mountains, and the opposing team. Some big new releases included Baby Steps, Borderlands 4, Hollow Knight: Silksong, NBA 2K26, and Silent Hill f.

How does it work? At the end of every month, PlayStation Blog will open a poll where you can vote for the best new game released that month. After the polls close we will tally your votes, and announce the winner on our social channels and PlayStation.Blog. 

What is the voting criteria? That’s up to you! If you were only able to recommend one new release to a friend that month, which would it be? Note: re-released games don’t qualify, but remakes do. We define remakes as ambitious, larger-scale rebuilds such as Resident Evil 4 (2023) and Final Fantasy VII Remake.

How are nominees decided? The PlayStation Blog editorial team will gather a list of that month’s most noteworthy releases and use it to seed the poll.

Minecraft has shared some details about its fourth game drop of the year, Mounts of Mayhem. As always though, the first round of information includes some exciting additions the game can expect, but doesn’t expose a lot of details like a release date. Luckily the official blog post about the drop, alongside the announcement at Minecraft Live 2025, has still given us plenty of information to dissect.

As the title suggests, this update is all about adding new mounts to the game and a few items to improve the experience you currently have with mounts. As it stands, you’re only able to ride horses, donkeys, mules, camels and pigs in Minecraft, so it’ll be nice to shake things up and get new mounts to help you traverse open stretches of water as well as just land. Especially now you can craft a saddle. Here’s everything we currently know about the Mounts of Mayhem update.

As a multiplayer game releasing in the year 2025 – and one that’s very much modelled after Call of Duty – there was very little chance Battlefield 6 wasn’t going to adopt the now-standard live service content pipeline.

But sometimes it’s good to get things in writing, which is what EA just did.

We’re about ten days away from the official launch of Battlefield 6, and this week, EA announced what its Battlefield Studios squad will deliver post launch – at least the first batch. The developer detailed Season 1, which will kick off October 28 – only 18 days post launch.

The season’s content rollout has somewhat of an unusual structure, but it’s one that looks to guarantee something new every month. Season 1 is split across three stages, each adding new content to the game.

Rogue Ops is the first one, arriving with the season’s kick-off on October 28. This phase adds a new large-scale map called Blackwell Fields, which EA says will support land, and air vehicles. The map is set in/around an airbase in the California badlands.

We’re also getting Strikepoint, a new 4v4 mode where each player gets a single life. Rogue Ops will expand the game’s content further with three weapons – the SOR-300 carbine, Mini Fix sniper rifle, and GGH-22 sidearm – as well as a new APC.

Another unusual thing about Battlefield 6’s seasons is the fact that they’re going to add new attachments for use with its weapons. In the first phase of Season 1, we’re getting the Rail Cover, and the Low Powered Variable Optic (LPVO).

California Resistance takes over on November 18 with another new map, Eastwood. This is another large map, though it only supports land vehicles, and helicopters. Eastwood is another California-set map located around a suburb and a golf course.

The new mode in this phase is Sabotage, an 8v8 affair where teams race to destroy as many sites as they can before time runs out. Teams alternate between attacking and defending each round.

California Resistance introduces the Battle Pickups feature to Battlefield 6, which are superpowered weapons anyone can pick up and use. They’re often scattered around the maps in fixed locations, but come with limited ammo.

Speaking of weapons, you can look forward to another two new arrivals: the DB-12 shotgun, and the M327 Trait revolver sidearm. The attachment pool grows with the Troy Angled grip, too.

The last stage of Season 1 arrives December 9 with Winter Offensive, which has the least amount of content compared to the other two. Rather than a new map, the game’s Empire State launch map is getting covered in ice for a limited time as part of the Ice Lock event.

The developer says the event will introduce a new mechanic called Freeze. It doesn’t explain how it’s going to work, but it does confirm that it’s a gameplay modifier, so presumably it will be available in Portal. Speaking of which, all the new content being added will also be available for use in Portal experiences.

The only weapon getting added with that last phase is the Ice Climbing Axe, which joins the game’s melee weapons roster.

More details about Season 1 will arrive closer to launch, but it’s safe to say this is a nice salvo of content to kick-start the game’s live service journey. Battlefield 6 is out October 10 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.

Today is a big day for Genshin Impact and its players. Not only does it see the start of the second phase of the massive Version Luna I update (previously Version 6.0), the game is also kicking off celebrations in honour of last Sunday’s fifth anniversary of its initial launch way back on September 28th, 2020 (where did the time go?).

Whether you’ve been away for a while, or you’re pretty much done with most of the content that arrived with Luna I, now is a great time to come back.

Genshin Impact’s anniversary events are quite a big deal because they’re among the rare occasions where players can directly get free gacha pulls — in particular Intertwined Fate, the currency used to pull on time-limited banners. HoYoverse gifts these pulls to players only twice in a typical year, and one of those is the annual anniversary celebration.

The 5th Anniversary Celebration event “Rainbow’s End: Silvery Flux” is a good excuse to log in, because you’ll be getting 1,600 Primogems in your in-game mail, alongside an event granting 10 Intertwined Fate pulls (alongside some character and artifact levelling materials, plus regular Mora currency) if you just log in for at least seven days over the next three weeks.

There are opportunities to earn even more rewards. If you complete the Archon Quest within the specified window, you can earn 620 Primogems, and a free Aino unlock. And, if you complete exploration missions – also within the specified duration – you’ll get 400 more Primogems.

The other big news for Phase 2 of this update is the arrival of Flins, who players are very much eager to play as, thanks to so many teasers. Flins is a 5-Star Polearm wielder who fires Lunar-Charged strikes. You can spec him so all of the damage is delivered in a single attack, or split it among smaller attacks. Flins will also make for a great companion if you go on exploring the new Nod-Krai region.

Catch up on all our coverage for Version Luna I (6.0) and its banners at the link, and definitely have a look at our Lauma builds. If you never made it to the new region, here’s how to actually get to Nod-Krai.

You don’t have to wait for Prime Big Deal Days to kick off on October 7 to start saving, as the Toshiba 55-Inch Class C350 LED Smart Fire 4K TV is already down to its lowest price ever at Amazon. The LED TV is just $200 (was $400), and several other sizes are also discounted ahead of the shopping event–including nice price cuts on the 75-inch and 65-inch variants. Despite being official Big Deal Days early offers, these budget-friendly Toshiba 4K TVs are shipped and sold by Best Buy

Several other Amazon devices are on sale ahead of Big Deal Days, including Luna Controllers, security cameras, and smart displays. There’s also a long list of other Fire TV devices up for grabs, including the Fire TV Stick HD, Fire TV Stick 4K, and Fire TV Stick 4K Max. Both are capable of turning your HD TV into a smart TV, though the 4K Max is the most compelling due to its support for Wi-Fi 6E, additional storage, and included Alexa Voice Remote Enhanced.

For something even more premium than the Fire TV Stick, check out the Fire TV Cube, which offers everything you’d find on the Fire TV Stick 4K Max plus access to a hands-free Alexa system, inputs for additional devices (like your cable box or gaming consoles), and an ethernet port.

Consider pairing your Fire TV with the Fire TV Soundbar or Soundbar Plus. The Soundbar Plus is the better option right now, as it’s seeing an impressive $100 price cut. The 3.1 channel device features a built-in subwoofer, supports Dolby Atmos, and offers a dialogue enhancer feature for improved clarity. The standard TV Soundbar, meanwhile, doesn’t include a subwoofer but is a nice step up from most built-in TV speakers.

Amazon Fire TV Streaming Devices

And if you want some movies to watch on your new 4K TV, Amazon has a bunch of 4K Blu-rays for $15 or less as part of its early Prime Big Deal Days sale.

As a life-long lover of sci-fi battle scenes, it is always a joy to order a fleet of dozens of starships of all shapes and sizes to hyper-jump to a neighboring planet, then zoom in and watch as they burst into existence on the other side, bearing down on the entrenched enemy as they scramble fighters and bring their guns to bear. It’s something we’ve seen play out many times in Star Trek, Star Wars, Battlestar Galactica, and more, though few games let you control warfare between interstellar powers on the scale of Sins of a Solar Empire 2. It often takes hours of slow and steady management across layers of intimidatingly complex grand strategy systems to build up to those major confrontations, but the payoff is spectacular.

The important thing to know going in is that while this is a bewilderingly complicated real-time strategy/4X hybrid that lets you zoom from a view of an entire solar system down to an individual spaceship in a fleet of hundreds, you do not need to know everything about it to have a good time with it, or even win. I should know – after a few dozen hours playing largely against Unfair (the setting above hard) AI opponents, mostly in four-way free-for-alls, I’ve won more than I’ve lost even though I still have a lot to learn about the many, many differences both large and subtle between the six playable factions and how their fleets, structures, and upgrades interact. Unless you’re in this to mostly play at a high level against human opponents who’ve optimized their build orders and mastered the mechanics, once you get your head around the basics of building your economy, research, and fleet management, I’ve found that you can lean into the aspects that you enjoy most and all but ignore things you aren’t interested in, and still enjoy building your empire and crushing enemies.

Sins of a Solar Empire 2 Official Screenshots