PlayStation vet Layden warns of tech companies disrupting games

Video games can be pricey. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that. But the latest generation of console platforms also brought a new standard for AAA releases. Instead of paying the once-standard fee of $59.99 on a new game, we’re digging deeper into our wallets to meet that $69.99 price tag. As a result, knowing what video games to pick up at launch and which to hold off is crucial for our bank accounts. So, if you’ve been saving back on the funds, then check out a new sale promo being offered at the official PlayStation Store.

YouTuber, Pitstoptech, has created the world's first modular gaming handheld console using Framework's Intel Core i7-1260P mainboard.

During the New Game+ mode of Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon there are several exclusive missions that will appear throughout your repeat playthroughs. The first one found in Chapter 3 is called Mission 18-B: Prevent Corporate Salvage of New Tech which comes in the form of a Decision Mission. While the corporation attempts to gather some new technology from the Central Ice Field, the Rubicon Liberation Front will reach out to destroy PCA mechs to ensure that they can’t be reverse-engineered for the benefit of either Balam or Arquebus. This guide will provide a walkthrough of Mission Mission 18-B: Prevent Corporate Salvage of New Tech in Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon.

NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139… leads the pack of new titles coming to the PlayStation Plus Extra and Deluxe/ Premium catalogue, this month. Starting September 19, all higher-tier PS Plus members can delve into a post-apocalyptic realm where machines and androids are stuck in a proxy war, and follow a brother's quest to cure his sister Yonah from a life-threatening disease. Fight back sickness-ridden monstrosities through a customisable blend of magic and swordplay, all the while accompanied by a talking book. NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139… will be available on the PS4. Another standout this month is Unpacking, a calm puzzle game where you pull possessions out of cardboard boxes and decorate homes — jumping in time and across houses to slowly unspool an intimate story. It's out on PS4 and PS5.

The fine folks over at Noclip are currently undertaking a huge restoration project, digitising hours and hours of gaming-related footage from a forgotten archive of tapes. If you hit up the YouTube channel, where all of this stuff is free to watch, you'll see old video game trailers, footage of cancelled projects, and old E3 press conferences. Sony's memorable E3 2006 presser has already been restored, and now, its presentation from E3 2010 is now available to watch in the best quality possible.

This Week in Business is our weekly recap column, a collection of stats and quotes from recent stories presented with a dash of opinion (sometimes more than a dash) and intended to shed light on various trends. Check every Friday for a new entry.

Google has begun public testing for its new Playables feature on YouTube, which brings games to the video platform.

Greetings, PlayStation Stars members! With the arrival of September, a fresh wave of campaigns and collectibles is upon us. Get ready to conquer new challenges, earn rewards, and expand your digital collectibles to refresh your display case. Stay connected throughout the month on PlayStation App for more. 

AI Roundup: Rapid advancements in AI are taking place on a daily basis as can be gauged by the announcements by companies, big and small. IIT Bombay has announced a new Chair Professorship in generative AI in collaboration with Google Cloud; Tencent Holdings is preparing to announce its new AI chatbot soon.

The Ratatan team has announced it'll be hosting a celebratory livestream as the game's Kickstarter campaign comes to a close on 1st September 2023. The Patapon-inspired title has raised almost ten times its original pledge goal to secure 18 stretch targets — the campaign currently sits on £962,000 raised having initially asked for £108,000. The livestream will take place this Friday at 1pm BST / 5am PT / 8am ET.

In the world of mobile gaming, a perfect controller can be hard to come by. Even with our personal favourite, the Backbone One, it can feel like you need to make compromises on comfort and accuracy, particularly if you have larger hands or want to take part in longer sessions. You can always connect a regular gamepad via Bluetooth, but if you don't have a good way to set your phone up as a display or there are connection issues, this isn't a perfect fit either. 

Former chairman of PlayStation Studios Shawn Layden has Thoughts and somewhat dire warnings about the videogame industry's future, though what exactly he means by "the videogame industry" is a little open to guesswork.