From the publisher that brought us Kerbal Space Program comes Tales of the Shire, a “heart-warming” game set in J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy world. The title is set to launch on PC and console sometime in 2024.

Described as “cozy”

Developed by TV, film, and game studio Wētā Workshop, and published by Private Division, not much is known about Tales of the Shire. A brief teaser trailer was released but doesn’t reveal anything beyond its rather snug aesthetic, as a woman is seen sketching in her notebook.

The game will be set in Middle-Earth as part of the Lord of the Rings universe, but there don’t appear to be any details about the story so far. A press release says it will be “fully revealed next year.”

All we really know at this stage is that a pleasant and rather restful “Hobbit life awaits.” You can follow the game on social media to stay up-to-date.

In terms of platforms, we don’t know that either. We know it’s coming to PC, but we can also expect it to be released on current-gen consoles, possibly even previous-gen. However, that’s just speculation on our part.

By far one of the most influential fantasy franchises of all time, The Lord of the Rings has been a dense source for video game adaptations. While the majority of titles typically focus on action and/or the original books/movies, Tales of the Shire sounds like it may be offering something a little different.

No doubt additional information will be inbound soon, so we’ll hopefully be able to reveal more as time goes on.

The post Cozy Lord of the Rings Game Tales of the Shire Coming 2024 appeared first on PlayStation LifeStyle.

For those excited about the continuation of the beloved Yakuza series, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth has been confirmed for release on January 26, 2024. The game is set to launch on previous and current-gen consoles, as well as on PC. It received two new trailers today, one focusing on story and the other on gameplay.

Watch Two New Trailers

Infinite Wealth will be available both physically and digitally on the above-mentioned date. It’ll be coming to PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, as well as the Microsoft Store and Steam.

A direct sequel to 2020’s Yakuza: Like a Dragon, this upcoming installment is the eighth main entry in the action series and will feature two “larger-than-life heroes, Ichiban Kasuga and Kazuma Kiryu,” who are “brought together by the hand of fate.”

You’ll get to explore Yokohama’s Isezaki Ijincho as well as Hawaii, which is the first time the series has branched out to an overseas location.

The game will be released in a number of editions. First and foremost is the standard version of infinite Money, but you can also get the Deluxe Edition, which comes with the Master Vacation Bundle.

But if you’re feeling extra flash, you can opt for the Ultimate Edition. This will set you back $109.99 but does come with everything the previous versions boast, along with some additional bundles and the Yakuza CD collection set.

There’s also a pre-order bonus called the Hero’s Booster Pack. This allows you to increase your party’s level and job rank by one.

The post Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Release Date Set Alongside New Trailers appeared first on PlayStation LifeStyle.

Last week, Unity caused a major stir among the community with its intended Runtime Fee policy. The controversial fee received a near-universal negative response, largely from angry developers. This could be why the company has since issued an apology.

Is the damage too far gone?

In a recent post on Twitter, Unity assured people that the team had been listening to feedback. The post goes on to say it apologizes for the “confusion and angst the runtime fee policy we announced on Tuesday caused.”

As a result, the company has now said that it will be “making changes to the policy,” with updates being shared “in a couple of days.” At this stage, we can’t say what Unity has in store, but it’s the hope of many that it will go back on its new pricing plan.

For those who don’t know, last week Unity announced it would be introducing additional fees for developers. Commencing January 1, 2024, this new policy would make it so that studios who have built a game using the toolkit would have to pay an additional cost each time their game is installed.

While it did try to counter immediate backlash by insisting that this would not affect the majority of developers, it was a unanimously unpopular decision as far as the community was concerned.

Further updates from the tech firm backpedaled a little bit by insisting that the new fee would only be applied to new installations. This means that studios would not be charged if someone uninstalled and reinstalled a game, for example.

However, by this point, the damage was already done. Many developers have now sworn off using Unity in the future, but we’ll see whether the upcoming changes to the proposed Runtime Fee can somehow make amends.

The post Unity Apologizes for Controversial Policy, Will Be ‘Making Changes’ to It appeared first on PlayStation LifeStyle.

There’s not much longer to wait until Remedy Entertainment’s Alan Wake 2 finally drops, but in the meantime, there’s been some exclusive footage uploaded that shows off more gameplay from the anticipated sequel.

It’s been a long wait

After 13 years, horror fans are keen to see what’s in store for the follow up to 2010’s Alan Wake. This latest video published on IGN’s YouTube channel previews 11 minutes of play from the game itself.

This segment follows FBI Agent Saga Anderson in the earlier parts of Alan Wake 2. Over the next ten minutes or so, you’ll get to see some of the combat, puzzles, story elements, and, of course, the unsettling atmosphere of Bright Falls.

The upcoming sequel takes place nearly a decade and a half after the disappearance of the first game’s protagonist, the titular Alan Wake.

This installment has been in development for some time, with Remedy only acquiring the rights from Microsoft in 2019. This effectively paved the way for the second game, which is probably one of the most eagerly awaited horror sequels of this generation.

Sadly, Alan Wake 2 was delayed earlier this year, but not by much. Initially scheduled to launch on October 17, the studio pushed the date back ten days. This is perhaps due to the month’s busy schedule, with many games due to come out around the same time.

Alan Wake 2 releases just in time for Halloween on October 27 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.

The post Alan Wake 2 Reveals 11 Minutes of Gameplay Footage appeared first on PlayStation LifeStyle.

We have another Persona 5 Tactica trailer to keep us on our toes about the upcoming tactical RPG. This time, we’re treated to a little tease about the gameplay and how you’ll go about strategizing during battles.

Turn the tide

In this latest trailer for Persona 5 Tactica, publisher Atlus shows what you can expect when you go head-to-head with the “oppressive Legionnaires.”

You’ll be given numerous ways to perform actions, choosing a tactic that works. Obviously, the name of the game is strategy, so you’re encouraged to “place your squad strategically” in the battlefield in order to maximize damage to enemies.

One technique that is showcased in the Tactica trailer is the “Triple Threat” attack. This is where all three members of your squad surround an enemy, leading to an “all-out attack that deals massive damage.”

On top of that, we’re also told that there will be five difficulty levels in the game, ranging from “Safe” to “Merciless.” Luckily, if things aren’t going so well (or if they’re going too well), you can change them at any point.

You’ll also need to unlock certain skills as you progress, as well as visit the “Velvet Room” to keep your Personas in tip-top shape.

There’s quite a bit to look forward to if you’re a Persona fan. As well as Tactica, which is dropping soon, there’s also Reload, which is a remake of 2006’s Persona 3. The latter is due for release in early 2024.

Persona 5 Tactica will be coming to PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC and Nintendo Switch on November 17, 2023.

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If you’ve been waiting to hear about the release date for Persona 3 Reload, wait no more as it’s been revealed that the remake of the 2006 game is coming February 2, 2024.

To current and previous gen systems

A recent press release also confirms that Persona 3 Reload will be coming to Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC, but will also be available on Xbox One and PS4. On top of that, publisher Atlus says the game will also be available on Xbox Game Pass from launch day.

If you’re interested in this anticipated RPG, you can pre-order a copy today. Orders placed before February 2 will also receive “Persona 4 Golden BGM Set DLC to jam out to six tracks from Persona 4 Golden in-game.”

Reload is a remake of the original Persona 3, released more than 17 years ago on the PS2. Since the series’ popularity increased, fans have been hoping for a return to what is actually the fourth entry in the Persona franchise.

We were treated to a gameplay trailer at the start of July, as well as some details about the English voice cast.

And just to whet your appetite even further, there’s also a new trailer that’s been released called “Meet the S.E.E.S.” which you can check out above.

The Persona games have enjoyed a long life so far, with the first entry in the Megami Tensei spinoff releasing all the way back in 1996. Since then, there have been a host of installments, and more coming out frequently.

So just to recap: Persona 3 Reload will be out on February 2, 2024, and will be available on current and previous gen PlayStation and Xbox consoles, as well as PC.

The post Persona 3 Reload Release Date Set in New Trailer appeared first on PlayStation LifeStyle.

Tekken 8 has yet to be given a release date, but while we wait for it to launch, the game’s director has said that it hopefully won’t be bundled with the controversial Denuvo DRM software.

Strangely forward-thinking for a AAA title

In a recent post on Twitter, Katsuhiro Harada, who’s been involved with the Tekken franchise since the beginning, has said he has “no plans to introduce Denuvo” to the game.

This will be good news for fans, but it’s tough to say whether publisher Bandai Namco Entertainment will be able to honor the director’s words.

At the time of writing, the Steam page for Tekken 8 doesn’t show that there will be Denuvo or any other third-party DRM tech, so it won’t be part of the game when it does release. While mostly associated with PC gaming, Denuvo has also been introduced for PS5.

It’s become pretty much the industry standard these days for publishers and developers to feature anti-theft/anti-tamper software as part of their games. This is primarily to protect them from copyright infringement or potential hacking.

However, they’ve also become a bit of a thorn in the collective sides of gamers. Denuvo, in particular, is often blamed for poor performance.

Indeed, one person on Twitter said that the last thing a fighting game like Tekken 8 needs is something that could potentially cause it to lose frames during play.

In fact, studios have been known to remove Denuvo post-launch. Games that have had the unpopular DRM tech removed include Resident Evil: Village, Dying Light 2, Hitman, Mortal Kombat 11, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, and many more, according to this source.

As such, many will remain hopeful that Harada will be able to keep Denuvo and or other DRM software well away from Tekken 8.

The post Tekken 8 Director Has ‘No Plans to Introduce Denuvo’ to the Game appeared first on PlayStation LifeStyle.

There seems to be no end to GTA 6 rumors and speculations, and some projections from Rockstar’s parent company could fuel things even more.

A possible early 2025 release?

According to a statement from Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick (as reported by VGC), the holding company is expecting a “significant inflection point in fiscal 2025.”

He adds that this will “include record levels of operating performance,” suggesting that this particular year is going to be a very good one for both Take-Two and Rockstar.

Now, on the surface, this appears to be nothing more than Zelnick giving a brief outline as to how well the company will be doing in the future. But no doubt many will look a little deeper into this comment about “record levels.”

It’s likely that a lot of people will see this as an indication that GTA 6 could be released in 2025, which would certainly factor into Take-Two’s potential “significant inflection.”

Indeed, the report from VGC itself speculates that the game could be heading for a March 2025 release at the latest.

Of course, it’s impossible to say whether or not this is true. Neither Rockstar nor any other party directly involved with the game’s development has confirmed any launch window as of yet.

However, that doesn’t stop people from getting their hopes up. Just a few months ago, there was a rumor going around that GTA 6 could hit the shelves as early as 2024. Again, there’s no evidence for this, so keep those high expectations under wraps for now.

Given that Grand Theft Auto 5 is fast approaching its tenth year, the arrival of GTA 6 can’t be long off, surely. Having said that, all anyone can do is keep guessing until either Rockstar or Take-Two make an official announcement. Whenever that will be.

The post Take-Two Expects ‘Record’ Fiscal Year Fueling GTA 6 Speculation appeared first on PlayStation LifeStyle.

There’s going to be a limited rollout of a PS5 beta update, which Sony says is coming today. This beta patch will include some tweaks and new features for the current-gen PlayStation console.

What’s included in the update?

In a recent post on the PlayStation Blog, Sony says that “invited participants from select countries” will be able to test the new PS5 update, which should be going live shortly.

There are a bunch of things that are being included in this patch, including new accessibility features, such as being able to assign a second controller to an account as an “assist controller.” Beta testers will also have the option of turning on haptic feedback for navigation around the PS5.

There are also some social enhancements, such as allowing invitations into a closed party “without automatically adding the player into the group or creating a new group.” You’ll also be able to more easily join friends in an activity.

One other interesting new feature is the PS5 will now support additional SSD storage, up to 8TB, which is double what was originally allowed. This is specifically for expanded M.2 hard drives, according to the blog post, and storage will need to meet requirements beforehand.

There’s a lot more that’s being implemented with this latest beta update. However, it’s worth reiterating that not all PS5 owners will get this patch rolled out to them just yet.

There’s no date set for when the update will be available on all consoles, but Sony says it plans on releasing it globally “later this year,” so keep an eye out for that. Those who have opted to be beta testers should receive an email at some point if they’ve been selected to test out the new patch.

The post PS5 Beta Update Out Today, New Features Detailed appeared first on PlayStation LifeStyle.

Get ready for Payday 3, as the closed beta is set to begin next week, which will allow you to take on the role of a bank robber in this third installment in the heist series. But, it’s not good news for everyone.

Only on Xbox and PC, for some reason

If you have a PS5 and were hoping to try Payday 3 before it releases on September 21, well it turns out it’s not happening for the Sony console.

A post over on the official Twitter page announces the closed beta will begin on August 2 and go through until August 7. However, it only mentions that Xbox Series X|S and Steam users will be able to sign up for a chance to play the game.

You can find more details on the Payday website, but there’s no mention of the trial coming to PlayStation at all. It also doesn’t look as though the developer or publisher has given a reason as to why it’s not coming to PS5.

A recent press releases confirms what you’ll be able to experience in the beta. If you do manage to sign up for it, the “iconic clown-masked characters that made the Payday franchise infamous are all playable, each with its own unique skillset.”

All difficulties will be available, but weapon levels will be capped at eight, while infamy levels will be capped at 22. You’ll get the chance to take on one heist, and it’ll be up to you whether you choose to take on the mission more stealthily.

We’ve already seen a recent stealth teaser, suggesting that robberies don’t necessarily have to be completed guns blazing.

It seems a bit weird that the closed beta for Payday 3 isn’t coming to PS5, given that the actual game is being released on the system. A lot of PlayStation owners are understandably going to be ticked off at not being given the chance to try before they buy.

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