Hi everyone. How have you all been these last few weeks? Enjoying some holidays and some hot summer gaming, I hope!

It is my pleasure today, on behalf of the little robots of Team Asobi, to give you one more update on Astro Bot before we launch on September 6. Please check out our new trailer that unveils a few more cool features we had kept under wraps. 

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New launch trailer gameplay

Let’s start up with new worlds and new gameplay, introducing Handy-D, a cheeky monkey on Astro’s back that lets Astro climb, swing, and slam using its giant hands. This is a returning mechanic we’re taking to a fuller level by mixing it with the core platforming. 

You will also find Muteki (which means invincible in Japanese), a fitting name for Astro’s iron armor that lets him roll around spiky areas, fit inside tight spaces or get blasted like a cannonball! Finally, you’ll also catch a glimpse of Astro turning into a tiny weeny mouse which makes the world, and every surrounding stomp feel huge through the DualSense wireless controller. One of our favorites right there!

Also visible in this new trailer is the way the bots you rescue will affect the adventure. There are 300 total bots to rescue in Astro Bot, of which 150 are PlayStation cameos. We put a ton of love into animating these characters, so they re-enact funny moments from their respective games. So, no matter who your favorite PlayStation characters are, you’re bound to have a laugh with them. Once rescued, these little guys can combine to perform group actions that let you explore more of the hub planet. In the video, you can see a few of the PlayStation characters working together to make a running wall for Astro to get to higher places. 

And finally… the part that a lot of you have been wondering and asking about ever since sharing our first trailer: The hero gameplay! So, yes, at a very few key moments in the adventure, Astro will get to borrow some special abilities from some PlayStation heroes. In this video, we can see how Kratos shares the amazing Leviathan Axe for Astro to use

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 on PlayStation 5 is a stunning game, filled with jaw-dropping action sequences, breathtaking environments, and intense battles that are perfect for capturing glorious screenshots. With the Swarm Engine taking full advantage of the PlayStation 5 hardware, pushing it to its limits to display hundreds of enemies and rich sceneries all at once, you’ll experience what it means to be a soldier in the galactic war that is Warhammer 40,000 like never before. 

Capture yourself shredding Tyranids as towering structures fall in the background. Fight alongside the relentlessly courageous Imperial Guard as they defend the Recidious solar system. The Warhammer universe has never looked so rich. Whether you’re looking to immortalize a perfectly executed move or showcase the intricate details of your armor, Photo Mode is here to make it happen.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to become a master photographer in the grim darkness of the far future. Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2’s PlayStation 5 Photo Mode is more than just a tool—it’s your canvas to create epic, dramatic, and awe-inspiring images. Start your journey as a Warhammer photographer!

Getting started with Photo Mode

You can enter Photo Mode directly from the pause screen during any single-player session. All you need to do is press the Square button and the game will automatically stop, giving you all the time you need to frame the perfect shot. Keep in mind that Photo Mode cannot be accessed during CGI or pre-calculated cutscenes, ensuring you don’t miss any crucial moments in the narrative.

Photo Mode offers a suite of intuitive tools to help you capture the perfect image, and it starts with the ways you can customize your Space Marines (and companions) to set them up just right before the money shot:

• Character Visibility: Celebrating the sheer power and determination of Lieutenant Titus can sometimes require him to be the only subject of your screenshots, so you can choose to show or hide your AI companions with the Character Visibility function. That’s also true for Titus himself, if you’re looking to capture his battle-brothers Chairon and/or Gadriel.
• Helmet Visibility: Some Space Marines among you like to feel the last breaths of their enemies on their skin during combat while others prefer the extra safety and the fierce look of a Primaris Marine’s helmet. Choose whether or not to equip it in your shots with the Helmet Visibility function.
• Facial Expressions: Add some personality to all the Space Marines in your shots with customizable facial expressions. Along with the standard Default, Helmet, and a range of intense emotions like an angry stare, a satisfied grin and more are available for you to play with.

Camera controls

Mastering the camera is key to creating stunning images:

• Free Camera Movement: Move the camera freely on all axes, but note that it cannot stray more than 10 meters from your character or clip through walls.
• Rotation: Rotate the camera to find the perfect angle.
• Vertical Movement: Adjust the camera height to get the best perspective

Activision recently declassified a trove of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 intel, including hands-on with Multiplayer, round-based Zombies, and Warzone. I blasted across six new Multiplayer maps, the undead-infested Liberty Falls, and a Nuketown-inspired Resurgence map. Each Black Ops 6 mode also touts Treyarch’s new Omnimovement mechanic, adding slick fluidity to the series’ signature gunplay.

Black Ops 6 launches on PS5 and PS4 on October 25, but if you want a head start on the action check out full details on the upcoming Beta starting August 30.

Now let’s dig into the hands-on details.

Multiplayer

Omnimovement – Black Ops 6’s new marque mechanic is crackling with potential. You can now sprint and hold the Circle button to dive in any direction while maintaining 360-degree aiming control. By the time I wrapped my mind around the possibilities, and was diving down staircases and doing mid-air 180s to take out pursuers. Another favorite technique is to dive into an enemy-occupied room and gun them down before they can react. Better yet, Omnimovement is globally featured across MP, Zombies, and Warzone.

Global weapon loadouts and progression – Two huge quality-of-life improvements for Black Ops 6 make managing your arsenal smoother. Global weapon progression means you’ll have access to all the weapons and attachments you earn across Multiplayer, Zombies, and Warzone. Additionally, any loadout or Gunsmith edits you make in one mode will be mirrored globally to the other modes.

Kill Order mode – This new mode has both teams protecting their own High-Value Target while hunting down the enemy’s HVT. Treyarch has found a slick balance between chaotic TDM-style action and a light layer of strategic, objective-based play. It’s definitely entering my regular rotation.

Body shields – Got the drop on an enemy? A new body shield mechanic lets players grab an unaware enemy for some extra protection. For a diabolical touch, Treyarch has activated proximity chat across teams to exchange words. Mind your sportsmanlike conduct! 
Best Play – Celebrate your team’s game-winning display or examine your downfall with the return of Best Play cams, which mark the end of the match with a third-person camera flourish.

Shoot doors to open them – A nice hands-free touch.

Treyarch’s MP design philosophy – Black Ops 6 marks a return to the studio’s MP bread and butter: small, fast, three-lane maps. The move away from large, expansive maps means you’ll always be around the corner from some combat. Prepare for 16 all-new maps at launch.

New Multiplayer Maps – I fought across six of the upcoming Core 6v6 ma

Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin students have long demonstrated their house pride in the enchanting sport of Quidditch, which was highlighted throughout the Harry Potter books and films. Famed witches and wizards have competed in Quidditch and with Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions, debuting September 3 as a PlayStation Plus Monthly Game on PS5 and PS4, we’re giving players a chance to take flight and experience the magical game for themselves.  

Next up is a new look at the game, including gameplay mechanics, modes, character customization, and more.

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From the start of development, we recognized that Quidditch, with its deep roots in wizarding tradition, deserved a game built from the ground up to truly capture its competitive spirit and provide an authentic experience. We knew that creating a standalone game was essential to focus on the unique mechanics and features of Quidditch, ensuring a rich and immersive experience that fans could fully enjoy. 

Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions is an immersive, dynamic experience that captures the essence of what makes Quidditch so special. Whether you’re a seasoned competitive gamer or a Harry Potter enthusiast, we wanted to make a game for everyone. This meant including a lot of unlockable content to upgrade and customize your equipment and character – all of which can only be earned through gameplay progression – along with multiple game modes from single-player to online co-op to multiplayer PvP.   

Quidditch history refresher

New to Quidditch, or need a refresher? We’ve got you covered.

Quidditch is a wizarding sport played on broomsticks where two teams face each other with the aim of scoring as many points as possible. Points can either be gained by throwing the Quaffle (the ball) through the hoops at the end of the pitch or by catching the Golden Snitch (a tiny golden ball with fluttering silver wings). Interestingly, when a Snitch is created, the makers have to wear gloves because they are designed to remember the first person who touches them – which certainly comes in handy when there are quarrels about which team caught it. 

The first Quidditch World Cup Tournament was held in 1473 and through the first couple of centuries it only included teams from Europe. Harry Potter had the chance to watch the 422nd final of the Quidditch World Cup in 1994 – a nail-biting showdown between Ireland and Bulgaria, though a lot of the action took place off the pitch. 

Capturing the spirit of Quidditch

Everything you need to know about the Black Ops 6 beta and more, straight from Call of Duty: Next.

For Black Ops 6, Treyarch revisited the standard Multiplayer core modes, added key improvements for Domination and Hardpoint, and the brand-new Kill Order mode you can play during the Beta. Let’s get into all the Multiplayer beta information, plus new gameplay details for round-based Zombies and Warzone.

Black Ops 6 Beta dates

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Weekend one: August 30 – September 4  

Weekend one is available to players who have pre-ordered the game and starts on August 30 at 10am PT, ending September 4 at 10am PT.

Weekend two: September 6 – 9  

The second Beta weekend is available to all players and is scheduled to begin on September 6 at 10am PT, ending on September 9 at 10am PT.

Black Ops 6 Beta rewards

Earn cosmetic rewards by reaching Player Level milestones throughout the Multiplayer Open Beta that persist through the launch of Black Ops 6 when it releases on October 25***.  

Pre-order digitally and get the Reflect 115 Camo Pack

Pre-order Black Ops 6 and you’ll receive a variety of pre-order benefits, including the brand-new Reflect 115 Camo Pack for Modern Warfare III, Call of Duty: Warzone.

Pre-order the Digital Edition to receive the following:

• Reflect 115 Camo Pack
• Woods Operator Pack*
• Early Access to the Open Beta**

Pre-order the Vault Edition and receive the previous rewards as well as the following:

• Hunters Vs. Hunted Operator Pack
• BlackCell Season 1
• Mastercraft Weapon Collection
• GobbleGum Pack

Players who pre-ordered the Vault Edition can gain access to the Hunters Vs. Hunted Operator Pack, as well as the Mastercraft Weapon Collection, during the Black Ops 6 Beta.

The Reflect 115 Camo Pack includes the Reflect 115 Mastery Camo, usable in Modern Warfare III and Call of Duty: Warzone. In addition, you receive three Flawless A

Take flight into the wizarding world when Quidditch Champions launches September 3, making its debut as part of September’s PlayStation Plus Monthly Games lineup. That same day*, all PlayStation Plus members** can also enjoy the thrills of making themselves a sporting legend on the diamond with MLB The Show 24, or attempt to survive a horror-themed adventure with Little Nightmares II. 

Let’s take a closer look at each. 

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Quidditch Champions* | PS4, PS5

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Quidditch by playing solo or sharing the magic with friends and family.

Live your Quidditch fantasy: take to the sky as one of the classic positions – Chaser, Seeker, Keeper or Beater – each with their own unique play style. Soar into legendary Quidditch arenas and new maps that showcase never-before-seen areas of the wizarding world. Take on Career Mode to progress from backyard battles in the Weasley Burrow to high-stakes showdowns at the Quidditch World Cup. Rise to become a ch

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a turn-based RPG incorporating real-time elements, focusing on a unique journey to stop The Paintress from ever painting death again. In this early preview of the game’s initial stages, PlayStation fans will get a first look at gameplay in Flying Waters, a mysterious region where Gustave and Lune search for their missing companion, Maelle. 

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Each environment within Expedition 33 offers something distinctive. Flying Waters, for example, defies conventional physics, presenting a setting that is both underwater and not. This surrealistic approach is central to the game’s design, aiming to immerse you in a world where the impossible becomes possible. Inspirations from surrealist art are woven throughout, creating a striking experience that constantly keeps you on the edge of discovery. 

In Flying Waters, you will navigate environments filled with remnants from past expeditions, such as destroyed structures, worn paths, and other telltale signs of previous groups that met untimely ends. Expedition 68 perished here, and by closely examining the area, you can piece together how they met their tragic end. 

Making these environments fun to explore was something key for us. So, we built them to be nonlinear, with a layer of verticality and full of mysteries and secrets. There are multiple tools at your disposal to reach every hidden area: a grapple, climbing hooks left by previous expeditions, ropes… Exploring a level fully will always be very rewarding and you may find secret bosses, items or even entire secret levels by being meticulous in your exploration.

 Combat in Expedition 33 blends traditional turn-based mechanics with reactive real-time elements. During battles, timing is key—whether initiating attacks or defending against incoming strikes. The battle system requires quick reflexes and strategic thinking. While commands are inputted in a turn-based format allowing you to take as much time as you need to establish your strategies, you must also react swiftly during enemy attacks to defend effectively.

Basic attacks in the game deal minimal damage, so you must rely on skills and special abilities to topple powerful enemies. Many skills come with timed commands that enhance damage or provide other bonuses. As battles progress, you will see the turn order displayed on the left side of the screen, giving you a clear unders

NBA 2K25 launches September 4 and packs in enhancements and features aimed at both seasoned hoop gamers and rookies alike. To prepare for tip-off I got some hands-on time with the new Learn 2K mode, which is perfect for newcomers like myself. The beginner-friendly mode teaches mechanics like Rhythm Shooting and Signature Go-To Shots, and the practice boosted my confidence to hold my own on the court. 

Master the fundamentals

As the NBA great Larry Bird once said, “First, master the fundamentals.” With the hands-on event being hosted at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame I decided to do as the greats do, kicking off the experience with a deep dive into basics in the new Learn 2K mode.

Though tutorial modes are present in some past NBA 2K games, Learn 2K is a comprehensive tutorial into nearly every facet of the game from shooting to off-the-ball movement and defense. This year’s tutorial mode breaks each category of gameplay down into three difficulty levels: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced, giving the player full control over how deep they want their arsenal of moves to be. While getting my practice reps in, I learned how precise directional analog stick movement must be to execute these effortless-looking moves on the court.

Back to the playground

In addition to the Freestyle, Scrimmage, and Practice Plays modes typically grouped into tutorials, NBA 2K25 adds a fresh way to test your fundamentals with the new Mini-Games mode. Practicing your skills competitively while under less pressure makes Mini-Games a novel addition.

The Shooting Frenzy mini-game gives you an open court to freely practice your jump shot to rack up points. The Knockout mini-game took me back to my playground hooping days, adding a bit more pressure to make three-pointers on the first try. Fail, and you’re “knocked out” by the player behind you if they make their shot first.

One of the most challenging but rewarding mini-games was Dribble Speedrun, where you play as De’Aaron Fox with the goal of sprinting while performing dribble moves on command. The mini-game’s difficulty made for a tense but amusing time, and finally nailing Fox’s tight handles on cue is truly satisfying.

Rhythm of the game

I finished the hands-on experience with QuickPlay. I set up a battle of the California coast with the Golden State Warriors vs. the LA Lakers. The opening animations and gameplay depict the player’s faces and movements faithfully, with Pro Play using real-life game footage to translate into the game. In-game, some of the new mechanics I learned made my game feel formidable.

The new Rhythm Shooting mechanic is stimulating. Hopping into an actual game made me realize the need to learn the rhythm of each player’s shot to be successful. Once getting used to the quick release of Steph Curry, the tempo-based mechanic became intuitive and made me comfortable firing off shots from any range.

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From the moment he popped out of our transformed DualShock DualShock 4 wireless controllers in Playroom VR, it was clear that Astro Bot was going to charm hearts across the galaxy. Eight years later, this amazing character is truly ready to step into the spotlight via his titular PS5 adventure – Astro Bot. So we sat down with Team Asobi’s studio director Nicolas Doucet to get into the nuts and bolts of the origins and evolution of this iconic PlayStation mascot-in-the-making.

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When Konami announced Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater on PlayStation 5, you could almost hear the iconic “!” alert ring across the gaming world’s collective ears. A remake of the stealth genre classic Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater – originally on PlayStation 2 – coming our way? With a wealth of updates and enhancements? There’s no place for Snake to hide – the entire planet is watching…

I got to play a short demo of MGS Delta, as well as talk with the game’s producer, Noriaki Okamura, on how the game is shaping up to be much more than simply solid.

The right team for the job

It’s no small feat to remake a revered classic like MGS3. Which is exactly why Komani and Virtuos Studios’ combined development team has a mixture of talent new and familiar to the original, combining fresh eyes and safe hands.

“We had to sift out some old dev documents, but thanks to the expertise of some of the veterans who worked on Snake Eater we didn’t have to spend too much time figuring out preparation,” says Okamura. “We’re also aware that there’s an entire generation who have never played a single Metal Gear Solid game before.”

Revamped controls with traditional options

Keeping with the vital but tricky philosophy of ensuring Delta appeals to all, a strong focus has been on the controls. Traditionalists to MGS3 will feel right at home, but there’s also an option that will feel natural to modern audiences. So if you prefer to play with a third-person camera on the right stick while being able to move and fire simultaneously via an over the shoulder viewpoint, you’ve got it.

“Initially our goal was to keep things as close to the original as possible,” explains Okamura. “But obviously over the course of 20 years, the way people play games has evolved and changed. So we looked at modern action games to ensure Delta was on par with some of those, so it doesn’t detract from the experience.”

This definitely had a desired effect on my playthrough of the demo, where the changes to Delta created a satisfying illusion of how I remembered MGS3 controlled even though it wasn’t. The transition felt natural, smooth and fun.

Accessibility considerations 

The number of quality-of-life improvements also extend to a modernized menu design and a variety of accessibility options that will invaluably make the game better to play for a wider audience. This includes the ability to tweak how you ready and use your weapons/equipment, removing the need to hold down a button when grabbing enemies, and the chance to change visual elements such as color correction and the center dot display.

Utilizing Unreal Engine 5

Of course, the general presentation doesn’t fall short of upgrades, either. Unreal Engine 5 gives Delta an incredible visual punch. “We didn’t want new players coming