RoboCop: Rogue City's New Standalone Expansion Unfinished Business Announced at Nacon Connect 2025
RoboCop: Rogue City will introduce a standalone expansion titled Unfinished Business, set to launch this summer for multiple platforms including PS5 and Xbox Series. This expansion promises to enhance the gameplay experience with new weapons, special missions, and the opportunity to play as Alex Murphy, diving deeper into the game's narrative. The announcement comes off the back of the original game's mixed but ambitious reception, hinting at improvements and expanded content for fans of the franchise.
The addition of new missions and the chance to play as the iconic character Alex Murphy could reinvigorate interest in the game, potentially attracting both fans of the franchise and new players looking for immersive first-person shooter experiences.
Will the expansion be enough to address the criticisms of the original game and elevate the overall perception of the RoboCop gaming franchise?
The gaming landscape in 2025 is shaping up to be dynamic, with anticipated releases such as Assassin's Creed Shadows and GTA 6 generating excitement among players. Nintendo is also set to introduce the Switch 2, which will support most existing titles, further enriching the gaming experience this year. As developers navigate the complexities of delays and new launches, gamers can look forward to a diverse array of titles across platforms.
The convergence of new hardware like the Nintendo Switch 2 and high-profile game releases may redefine player expectations and experiences in the gaming community.
How will the competition between console and PC gaming evolve as new technologies and major titles are introduced in 2025?
A recent leak indicates that Call of Duty 2026 is already under development for the next generation of Xbox, suggesting a potential earlier release for Microsoft’s new console. The game, which is reportedly not intended for current consoles, aims to address visual issues from previous titles and reintroduce a traditional user interface. This development aligns with Microsoft’s strategy to regain market share amidst stagnant Xbox sales, although skepticism remains within the gaming community regarding the feasibility of a 2026 launch.
The implications of this leak could reshape competitive dynamics in the gaming industry, particularly if Microsoft successfully capitalizes on an earlier release to challenge Sony's market position.
How might the timing of the new Xbox release influence consumer expectations and the overall trajectory of the gaming landscape?
Death Stranding 2 has been confirmed to debut on June 26, with pre-orders starting on March 17. The game will be a PS5 exclusive, but details about its pricing remain unknown. A trailer unveiled during the SXSW 2025 panel showcased cinematics and combat, featuring returning characters from the first game.
The inclusion of Solid Snake, a character from Hideo Kojima's Metal Gear series, raises intriguing questions about potential crossovers or nods to other iconic franchises in Death Stranding 2.
How will the new gameplay mechanics and environments expand upon the narrative and themes established in the original Death Stranding game?
Microsoft has announced the addition of three new games to Xbox Game Pass, catering to diverse gaming preferences, including a roguelike deck-builder and a sci-fi farming simulator. Players can look forward to "Monster Train," where they defend a hellish train, "Galacticare," a quirky hospital management game set in space, and "One Lonely Outpost," which focuses on building a thriving colony on a barren planet. These titles not only offer engaging gameplay but also enhance the Game Pass library's appeal to a broader audience.
The introduction of these varied genres reflects Microsoft's strategy to attract a wider range of gamers and keep subscribers engaged with fresh content.
What potential trends could emerge in gaming as platforms continue to diversify their offerings to appeal to various player demographics?
The acquisition of Video Games Deluxe by Rockstar marks a significant expansion of the company's talent pool and expertise, enabling it to further refine and enhance its flagship titles. By rebranding the studio as Rockstar Australia, Rockstar is likely seeking to reinforce its global presence and emphasize its commitment to delivering high-quality gaming experiences. The move also underscores Rockstar's dedication to nurturing and supporting talented developers like Brendan McNamara.
This acquisition highlights the importance of talent development and IP stewardship in the gaming industry, where studios with a proven track record of excellence are increasingly being sought after by major players.
How will the integration of Video Games Deluxe into the larger Rockstar organization impact the creative freedom and innovation that has driven the studio's success to date?
Sony has announced a new initiative named Beta Program at PlayStation, which aims to offer a convenient hub to keep track of any and all pre-release tests for upcoming games on PS5 and PC as well as new features. This centralized platform allows users to express interest in gaining beta access to test participating games, with only one registration required. The program's benefits include streamlining the process of tracking multiple betas and making it easier for fans to participate.
By standardizing the process for accessing pre-release tests across both PS5 and PC, Sony's Beta Program at PlayStation may help level the playing field for indie developers and smaller studios.
How will this new initiative impact the business models of game developers who traditionally rely on early access and beta testing as a means to generate revenue?
Cities: Skylines will celebrate its 10th anniversary next week, but a new update from Paradox Interactive has left many fans of the metropolis building series unimpressed. Poor performance, shallow gameplay, and missing features have kept most players committed to its predecessor, Cities: Skylines. The console release of Cities: Skylines 2 is still uncertain, with no clear date in sight.
Despite the lack of progress on the console release, the disappointment surrounding Cities: Skylines 2 has sparked a wider conversation about the challenges of porting complex games from PC to consoles.
Will Cities: Skylines 2's troubled development serve as a cautionary tale for game developers looking to transition their titles to new platforms?
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is generating significant excitement among gamers, with insider billbil-kun suggesting that a release date announcement could be imminent alongside pre-order details. The sequel is anticipated to retain the unique storyline and gameplay mechanics of its predecessor while introducing new features, including asynchronous multiplayer elements. As fans eagerly await confirmation, the pricing for the Standard and Collector's Editions has also been leaked, sparking further interest in the upcoming title.
The mounting anticipation for Death Stranding 2 highlights the powerful impact of unique storytelling and innovative gameplay in cultivating a dedicated fanbase within the gaming community.
Will the sequel successfully expand on the original's narrative depth, or will it struggle to meet the high expectations set by its predecessor?
11 bit Studios has unveiled a new trailer for its forthcoming game, The Alters, which draws inspiration from the acclaimed title, This War of Mine. Players will assume the role of Jan, who must navigate survival on a doomed planet by forming a crew of alternative versions of himself, each with unique skills and emotional needs. While no release date has been announced, the game is set to launch on multiple platforms, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X, and PC.
The innovative gameplay mechanics of managing both the crew's skills and emotional well-being signal a deeper exploration of character dynamics that could redefine storytelling in survival games.
How might the decision-making aspects of The Alters influence players' emotional engagement with the characters and the overall narrative experience?
Fortnite has just launched Chapter 6 Season 2, adding new rapper Big Dill, a new currency, and armored vehicles. The season continues the story of Fortnite: Lawless, which completely switches up the map once again, featuring large POIs like Crime City, with large buildings that can be explored and looted. As such, there's still a whole new loot pool to try out, and a bunch of hip-hop skins to earn via the new Battle Pass.
The frequent updates and continuous changes to Fortnite are what set it apart from other battle royale games, making it one of the most engaging experiences for players.
Will Epic Games continue to innovate and push the boundaries of what's possible in a battle royale game, or will the series start to show signs of fatigue as it approaches its fifth season?
The highly anticipated Zenless Zone Zero Version 1.6 update will allow players to finally play as Pulchra Fellini, a fan-favorite character who was previously only available as a non-playable agent in the game. The new version also introduces three new playable characters, including two new agents with unique abilities and backstories. The latest update promises to bring significant gameplay changes, new story content, and exciting new features.
By introducing Pulchra Fellini as a playable character, Hoyoverse is acknowledging the dedication of its fan base and providing them with a way to engage with their favorite characters in a more meaningful way.
How will this newfound level of agency for fan-favorite characters impact the overall narrative and gameplay of Zenless Zone Zero, and what does it say about the evolving relationship between game developers and their players?
The publisher of GTA 5, Take Two, is taking Roblox's marketplace, PlayerAuctions, to court over allegations that the platform is facilitating unauthorized transactions and violating terms of service. The lawsuit claims that PlayerAuctions is using copyrighted media to promote sales and failing to adequately inform customers about the risks of breaking the game's TOS. As a result, players can gain access to high-level GTA Online accounts for thousands of dollars.
The rise of online marketplaces like PlayerAuctions highlights the blurred lines between legitimate gaming communities and illicit black markets, raising questions about the responsibility of platforms to police user behavior.
Will this lawsuit mark a turning point in the industry's approach to regulating in-game transactions and protecting intellectual property rights?
The app version of SimCity has been reimagined to thrive on mobile devices, with an intuitive interface and addictive gameplay that's easy to pick up but challenging to master. The game's open-ended city-building mechanics are still intact, but now players can enjoy a seamless experience without the need for lengthy forms or online accounts. With regular updates and new features added, SimCity BuildIt continues to delight both nostalgic fans of the original game and newcomers alike.
As cities continue to grow and urbanization becomes increasingly relevant, how will mobile games like SimCity BuildIt influence our understanding of sustainable city planning and environmental impact?
What role do you think mobile gaming will play in education, particularly when it comes to teaching students about economics, geography, and urban development?
The Assassin's Creed Shadows requirements for PC and Mac have been finally revealed, outlining the necessary specs to run the game, including different levels of ray-tracing. Assassin's Creed Shadows looks to be a bold new step for the long-running action franchise with dual protagonists and dynamic systems that will affect combat and stealth. The minimum and recommended specs for each level of ray-tracing in-game are also outlined.
The varying requirements highlight the complexity of modern gaming, where individual components such as GPUs and RAM must meet specific thresholds to achieve desired performance levels.
How will Ubisoft's implementation of ray-tracing technology impact the overall graphical fidelity and player experience in Assassin's Creed Shadows?
The Epic Games Store has announced the next free game giveaway for March 2025, an action RPG worth $29.99, Mortal Shell, which will be paired with a time-limited exclusive DLC for World of Warships. This upcoming free title on the platform generally receives a "Mixed" rating on Steam due to its confusing level design and limited variety. Despite this, it features a Souls-like combat system that requires players to manage stamina.
The fact that Mortal Shell is receiving a free game giveaway alongside its DLC for World of Warships suggests a strategic move by Epic Games Store to attract players from both the gaming world and naval enthusiasts.
How will the inclusion of a unique in-game item, such as the Yūbari Japanese Tier IV cruiser, influence the overall gameplay experience and replay value of Mortal Shell?
The upcoming open-world PvPvE extraction shooter SAND promises a gritty dieselpunk experience with barren deserts, towering machines, and plenty of loot. Players will embark on a vast, procedurally generated world filled with ruined cities and deadly threats, fighting to survive and gather resources to upgrade their massive mechanical walkers, known as Tramplers. The game's Early Access launch on April 3 is just around the corner.
As SAND enters Early Access, it raises questions about the importance of post-launch support and community engagement in addressing performance issues, which have already sparked concerns among demo players.
How will the dieselpunk setting and open-world design of SAND influence its appeal to fans of mech simulations and extraction shooters in the long term?
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Breakpoint is available on Steam for a whopping 90% discount, bringing the price down to just $6 instead of its usual $60. The game has over 26,000 reviews and holds a Mostly Positive rating of 72% on Steam, indicating that it's worth checking out for open-world fans. With a vast open world offering plenty of freedom, players can explore, fight, and survive in Auroa, a once-thriving tech haven now controlled by the Wolves.
The key to Ghost Recon Breakpoint's success lies in its ability to balance multiple gameplay mechanics, from tactical planning and stealth to exploration and survival. By mastering these elements, players can create an immersive experience that sets them apart from others in the genre.
How will Ubisoft support the game with post-launch content and updates to address some of the criticisms raised by reviewers and maintain a strong player base over time?
Palworld is now available on the Mac App Store, bringing popular Mac gamers another beloved title to enjoy. The new version includes recent updates and most of its features, but dedicated server hosting will have to wait until mid-March. A cross-play feature that was promised is still missing, which may limit the game's online multiplayer experience.
Despite facing criticism as a "dying" game, Palworld's consistent daily Steam player count demonstrates its enduring popularity among PC players.
What impact will the game's continued updates and content additions have on its overall survival prospects, particularly in light of the ongoing Nintendo lawsuit?
Xbox Game Pass subscribers can now enjoy two new shooter games, Mullet MadJack and Bullet Hell Overdrive, which bring fast-paced action and roguelite elements to the table. These additions enhance the service's already diverse library of games, providing something for every type of player. The inclusion of these new titles is expected to continue attracting subscribers to Xbox Game Pass.
As more shooters join Xbox Game Pass, it will be interesting to see how game developers address the growing concern of loot boxes and microtransactions in their titles.
Will Mullet MadJack's unique blend of roguelite elements and fast-paced action help redefine the first-person shooter genre on PC?
Dotemu has announced its next game, Absolum, a fantasy beat 'em up with roguelike elements, being developed alongside Guard Crush Games and Supamonk. The new game is expected to launch later this year on the Switch, PlayStation, and PC, featuring branching pathways, questing, and challenging bosses. Absolum retains the core beat 'em up action known for Dotemu's previous titles like Shredder's Revenge and Streets of Rage 4.
The emphasis on a "rogue 'em up" experience in Absolum suggests that Dotemu is pushing the boundaries of traditional beat 'em ups, incorporating elements from other genres to create something unique.
How will the fusion of fantasy and roguelike mechanics influence the gameplay and narrative of Absolum, potentially setting a new standard for the genre?
GTA 5 Enhanced is introducing unexpected issues for PC gamers migrating to the new version, including error messages related to unapproved hacks and untransferred mods. The launch also lacks several popular features, such as text chat and the in-game benchmark tool. Rockstar has acknowledged these concerns and promises that all eligible players will be able to download GTA 5 Enhanced.
The frustration among PC gamers highlights a broader issue of accessibility in the gaming industry, where some players may feel forced into using cheats or mods that can lead to account issues.
What measures should game developers take to ensure fair access for all players, particularly those who rely on mods and community-created content to enhance their gaming experience?
FragPunk, an upcoming first-person shooter, has received a last-minute console delay due to unexpected technical challenges in optimization and adaptation. The game, previously set to release on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S on March 7, will now take longer to arrive on console platforms. Console players will receive compensation for their pre-orders, including rewards gained via engagement and a full refund.
This delay highlights the challenges of translating complex gaming experiences from PC to consoles, where hardware and software constraints can be a major hurdle.
How will this technical challenge affect the broader gaming industry's approach to developing console versions of games, particularly in terms of development time and resources?
The announcement of Grand Theft Auto 6's launch exclusively for consoles has reignited frustrations among PC gamers regarding timed exclusivity practices in the gaming industry. While some argue that optimizations for PC take time, many believe that delaying releases for third-party titles is unfair, especially when it leads to forced console purchases to avoid spoilers. This situation highlights a broader conversation about access and fairness in gaming, particularly as competitors like Microsoft push for cross-platform availability.
This debate underscores the tension between profit-driven strategies of game developers and the desires of a diverse gaming community seeking equitable access to content across platforms.
Will the gaming industry ever move away from timed exclusives, or are they an entrenched part of competitive strategy that gamers must accept?
AMD's Vice President of AI Software has hinted at the potential for RDNA 4 GPUs to support the ROCm software stack, although this feature will not be available at launch. Developers have expressed disappointment over the lack of immediate ROCm support, as it is crucial for high-performance computing and AI applications. Despite the initial absence of support, the ongoing developments suggest that ROCm compatibility may be introduced shortly after the GPUs' release.
This scenario highlights the growing importance of software compatibility in the hardware market, particularly as AI applications become increasingly prevalent and competitive among tech companies.
In what ways could delayed software support affect developers' trust in AMD's commitment to the AI and HPC markets compared to Nvidia's established ecosystem?
The highly anticipated remakes of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 and 4 are finally set to launch on multiple platforms, including Xbox, PlayStation, PC, and the Switch, offering a nostalgic gaming experience with modern updates. The collection will feature all the original content from both games, along with new parks, skaters, and soundtrack tracks that capture the essence of modern skate culture. Fans of the classic games can look forward to re-living the thrill of competition and self-expression in the world of professional skateboarding.
This remake represents a significant resurgence of interest in classic skateboarding games, which could have implications for the broader gaming industry's approach to nostalgia-driven releases.
How will the Tony Hawk franchise's continued relevance impact the development of new skateboarding games, potentially shifting the focus towards more authentic and community-driven experiences?