Games presently rated PEGI 3, 7, or 12 are influenced, with updates being deployed throughout October. Image credit: PEGI Current digital-only games that feature paid random rewards, like loot boxes, are being re-assessed to PEGI 16 if they possess a PEGI 3, 7, or 12 rating at this moment. Connor Hinde, policy manager at the Games Rating Authority, mentioned in a LinkedIn post that the GRA, which oversees PEGI in the UK, initiated the implementation of the revised criteria for a selection of existing digital titles last week. The updated rating is designated PEGI 16 – Paid random rewards. It is applicable regardless of whether a game was originally rated via PEGI’s Classic methodology or the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC) framework. The modifications will persist in being rolled out gradually through October. The GRA recognized that numerous ratings will alter in a brief period and advised publishers and developers with inquiries to reach...
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Update : Since this was penned, it’s been reported that Liquid Swords, the developer of Samson, is encountering insolvency. Our heartfelt thoughts go out to all individuals impacted by the situation at the Swedish studio. Original Story: Like numerous other Xbox enthusiasts, I’ve been fascinated by Samson from its initial announcement. The game garnered a rather unfavorable reception upon its PC launch, but the Xbox version released a few weeks ago appeared to generate more favorable feedback. Thus, I had to try it out. I’ve only dedicated a few hours to Samson so far on Xbox Series X, but considering it’s the weekend and we have plenty of hectic events approaching in the upcoming weeks (including GTA 6 and the Xbox 25th anniversary), I thought I’d share my early impressions with you before they fade away! In summary, the narrative centers around an individual indebted to some perilous figures, compelling...
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“Defold is a complimentary, robust, all-in-one game engine.” by Fraser Gilbert Yesterday, 5pm Here’s an interesting little tale we stumbled upon during the week! Xbox now officially backs another game engine known as Defold, which is a completely free engine labeled as “robust”, “streamlined” and “efficient”. “Defold is an up-to-date, robust and production-ready all-in-one game engine suite designed for genuine cross-platform game creation with an extraordinarily minimal engine footprint.” The organization behind Defold states that once a developer has registered to gain approval for Xbox console development through Microsoft, they can “log in to the Xbox middleware page using an associated account, locate Defold, and request access”. Subsequently, Defold will furnish numerous tools and documentation essential for releasing games on Xbox, along with access to Xbox-specific developer assistance. “Xbox support is accessible from Defold 1.14.0, with platform-specific features and documentation offered free of charge to authorized developers.” So, what should we anticipate from developers...
Read More“…manage the initiation of tangible Xbox games…” by Fraser Gilbert 4 hours ago During the weekend, we’ve noticed numerous individuals discussing a new job position that has recently been posted by Microsoft, specifically seeking an “Xbox Games Supply Strategist“. The reason it has garnered significant attention is that this position entails tangible games – the job listing indicates that the Strategist will “manage the initiation of tangible Xbox games across all platforms”. “The Xbox Games Supply Strategist will manage the initiation of tangible Xbox games across all platforms, guide development & supervise implementation of global supply positioning strategies throughout all phases of the product lifecycle, ensure that inventory is organized to meet working capital/cost/service objectives, and supervise the sales & channel execution of those games. You’ll collaborate closely with Product Marketing, Finance & various teams within Supply Chain to establish & oversee the supply and sales plan of record. Every day will present a...
Read MoreSigned, not sealed, dispatched by Craig Reid 3 hours earlier If you’ve acquired a physical Xbox title recently, you might have observed that the security sticker has disappeared. It appears this is part of a new packaging strategy, with sources indicating that numerous recent launches have been dispatched without the extra layer of adhesive security. Per VGP Video Games Plus, a private distributor located in North America, the absence of a security seal is merely a fresh ‘packaging initiative’ instead of a deficiency in security.
Read MoreHazardous Commando also noticed on the Xbox PC application by Craig Reid 2 hours ago Pay attention, because it seems like Star Wars: Galactic Racer and John Carpenter’s Hazardous Commando may be receiving Xbox Play Anywhere functionality soon. This information originates from Narrow_Leek2452, a fairly trustworthy source recognized for their Xbox Play Anywhere and Xbox PC posts on Reddit. Well, they’re back with yet another update, indicating that both titles have surfaced on the Xbox PC app and are likely to gain XPA support. Both Galactic Racer and Hazardous Commando offer disc to digital compatibility on Xbox Series X|S, so it wouldn’t be overly surprising if PC is included as well. However, as with any unverified news, it’s sensible to approach this information with caution. I’d suggest monitoring your Xbox PC app, and kindly inform us if either title becomes available in your XPA-compatible library. Which of these games would you prefer to see...
Read More“What type of Karia would you prefer to explore with?” by Liam Doolan Yesterday, 7am The Koei Tecmo fantasy alchemy RPG Atelier Karia: The Night Kingdom & the Guide of Memories is set to arrive on the Switch 2 early next year. In an announcement from Gust this week, it was confirmed that a “body shape alteration feature” is officially on the horizon. In a statement on the game’s website, the developer disclosed that this feature’s introduction was influenced by recent community survey results and input. Karia’s body shape “will adjust based on how much she consumes during snacks.” Players will have the option to toggle the body shape alterations “on” and “off” (and fix the shape) according to their preferences. Gust: “When the feature is activated, Karia’s body shape will modify according to how much she consumes during snacks. When it is deactivated, her body shape will remain unchanged regardless of her eating...
Read MoreHere’s what the reviewers articulated by Liam Doolan Yesterday, 8:30am Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is set to officially debut on Switch 2 and various other platforms next week, on 23rd October 2026. Access for the campaign has commenced this week, and critiques are now coming in. If you haven’t encountered it yet, we’ve also posted our own insights on the Switch 2 version here on Nintendo Life, with a comprehensive evaluation to follow. “For players on Switch 2 approaching this entirely new, or returning fans concerned about beginning with #4, you certainly do not need to catch up on prior installments. The summary is a swift two minutes, comprising some tangential details and characters who have no significant role in this entry.” Moreover, below is what additional reviewers have expressed regarding the game’s campaign thus far. Please note, many critiques are still “ongoing”, and final ratings for the whole package (including multiplayer...
Read MoreMission 1 Commence! by Ollie Reynolds Yesterday, 10am Image: Nintendo Life Hello everyone, and welcome back to another installment of Box Art Brawl! Before we dive into this week’s contest, let’s review how last week unfolded. We examined Wii Sports Resort for the, uh, Wii. To say the competition was unbalanced would be quite an understatement. Europe and Japan decisively won the poll with an impressive 84% turnout. North America captured the leftover 16% – better luck next time, right? This week, to commemorate the launch of Metal Slug Advance on Switch Online, we decided to take a look at the original box art for the GBA. Released in 2004 and created by the now-defunct Noise Factory, MS Advance garnered favorable reviews at launch, with gameplay effectively mirroring the mainline series exceptionally well. Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube853k North America and Europe join forces this week to face Japan, so let’s get started,...
Read MoreImage: Nintendo Life Greetings to everyone at the Nintendo Life Mailbox. Is everyone doing well? It’s October, which signifies that with numerous video games being released simultaneously, we find ourselves abundant in games yet short on time (and finances, too). With Ocarina imminent, many are immersed in their gaming as the arrival of Zelda nears, and in addition, GOTY is peeking over the horizon. This is likely why the mailbox has been particularly sparse this month. Don’t forget, if you have anything you’d like to express, we are here and eager to hear your game-related reflections. Each month we’ll showcase a Star Letter, with the author receiving a month’s subscription to our ad-free Supporter program. Make sure to review the submission guidelines located at the bottom of this page. Let’s relax with a cozy drink and explore our dispatch box… Nintendo Life Mailbox – October 2026 Image: Damien McFerran / Nintendo Life “unreasonable heights”...
Read MoreImage: Gavin Lane / Nintendo Life The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is often hailed as the best game ever created, praised for its dungeons, its soundtrack, and a critical heritage that remains the most acclaimed title in gaming history. For those of us who experienced it at that moment, it was to gaming what the transformation scene in The Wizard of Oz is when Dorothy’s world shifts to color: sheer enchantment and awe. However, for those who seek art to navigate the unfathomable, it represented something much more delicate and essential. In the summer of my seventh year, my universe crumbled, and that same winter, a Nintendo 64 cartridge became the only refuge I had left to come to terms with the loss of my father. In the summer preceding the European launch of Ocarina of Time on the N64, my father took his own life. My paternal figure, along with my...
Read More(Image credit: Electronic Arts) Video games set in a universe far, far away are arguably more captivating today than they have been for numerous years. But what has shifted? Lucasfilm Games executive Douglas Reilly mentions that the organization is now less limiting with the Star Wars franchise and hints at more forthcoming games that could astonish fans. This year alone, we have received two rather unexpected Star Wars titles. There’s Star Wars: Zero Company, a remarkable turn-based strategy game that forcefully integrates the XCOM formula into a completely different sci-fi universe. Then there’s Star Wars: Galactic Racer, an arcade racing title developed by some of the creators behind Burnout. Both have garnered outstanding reviews. In an interview with The Game Business Show, Reilly states that these partnerships arose from being “more adaptable regarding, like, who we’re open to receiving proposals from and good concepts can emerge from various sources.” Interview: Activision on Game Pass,...
Read More(Image credit: Rockstar Games) Red Dead Redemption and Bully are among Rockstar Games‘ most iconic successes – beyond the behemoth Grand Theft Auto franchise, naturally – but those esteemed titles were nearly never created, as stated by studio co-founder and former chief writer Dan Houser. In a conversation with IGN, the ex-Rockstar lead elucidates that entirely fresh and innovative titles encounter significantly greater obstacles in reaching completion compared to sequels. GTA Co-Creator Dan Houser on How 9/11 and a ‘Kick Me’ Sticker Altered Rockstar Games Permanently – YouTube Watch On “I believe there were numerous occasions when Red Dead was on the verge of not happening. I am convinced there were plenty of instances when Bully was almost scrapped, as well as many other situations where potential games could have faded away,” Houser remarks. “There are plenty of serendipitous instances, or a single successful prototype, or the game unexpectedly coming together, that rescue projects...
Read MoreResident Evil: The Movie The Game is a fan-driven reinterpretation of Zach Cregger’s latest cinematic release, which in turn adapts the legendary survival horror gaming series. An interpretation of an interpretation, if you will. Developer Julian Zamora (chicanogoth on Instagram) recently shared details about their Resident Evil fan project “inspired by the recent film,” showcasing a familiar scene from the movie, this instance in video game rendition. An initial moment from the film exhibits Bryan (portrayed by the ever-engaging Austin Abrams) seeking shelter in a secluded barn, while contending with both a snowstorm and an infected lethal dog. Zamora’s gameplay excerpt replicates that moment, with the barn in the backdrop and a dog pursuing the player character, although it’s evidently still in early development. Similar to the classic PS1 Resident Evil titles of the past, Zamora’s fan creation also employs fixed camera perspectives that meticulously govern what is (and isn’t) visible. The Movie The...
Read More(Image credit: Netflix/Studio Trigger/CD Projekt Red) Cyberpunk: Edgerunners originator Bartosz Sztybor has a fiery perspective on his own creation: the conclusion of season 1, which shattered our hearts into countless fragments, is a “joyful ending” in his viewpoint. “When individuals discuss season one and the finale, the sorrow, and label it a ‘poor ending’ – For me, it represents a joyful conclusion,” Sztybor remarks. As a (painful) reminder, the inaugural season of Edgerunners concludes in a harsh manner: the overwhelming majority of Maine’s crew perishes, including Maine himself. Beloved character Rebecca is eliminated by an unwavering Adam Smasher, before protagonist David – who had aspirations of traveling to the moon with Lucy – procured just sufficient time for the remaining duo to escape, prior to being slain by Arasaka’s enforcer. “I mean, in some way, because it could have terminated in a far worse manner,” Sztybor clarifies, possibly alluding to prior remarks concerning how...
Read MoreSure! Here’s a rewritten version with synonyms and altered sentence structure: (Image credit: Broken Mirror Games) The Chief Executive Officer of Silent Hill 2 Remake creator Bloober Team has expressed his dedication to physical gaming media as PlayStation commits to halt disc manufacturing by 2028. “If we can create a retail edition of our games, we aspire to maintain that for as long as feasible,” Piotr Babieno conveys to GamesRadar+ during an interview. Accompanied by Tymon Smektala, Broken Mirror Games’ newly appointed managing director and former Dying Light franchise leader, the pair take a moment to honor the origins of their enthusiasm for gaming as the Bloober publishing branch sets out on a quest to identify “the next Kojima” of horror. “Both Piotr and I hail from a time when being a gamer implied being a collector of items,” Smektala remarks, indicating the space behind him during the video conference. “If I could...
Read MoreExtremely nervous by Aaron Bayne Fri, 1:30pm Recently, PlayStation sent me the PS1 LEGO set, consisting of an impressive 1,911 components. I’ve never really constructed a large LEGO set before; in fact, the last time I engaged with LEGO was probably creating some lousy house during elementary school, over 20 years ago. This LEGO set accurately replicates the console from 1994, featuring a fully functional controller without an analogue stick and a lid that opens to unveil two sliding dioramas of Ape Escape and Gran Turismo. Image: Aaron Bayne As a completed product, I can admire the careful attention to detail, with functional hinges and LEGO pieces redesigned to resemble controller ports as well as the power port situated at the rear. This piece will look fantastic on any shelf. The challenge, at least for me, is that I discovered I dislike assembling LEGO. This set required me more than seven hours to finish,...
Read MoreStreet Fighter film ensemble believes it would be “awesome” Image: Push Square For countless fighting game enthusiasts across the globe, Street Fighter versus Mortal Kombat has represented the ideal showdown since the 90s. Actor Noah Centineo, portraying Ken in Paramount’s newest live-action Street Fighter film, expressed his desire to witness some form of crossover on the cinema screen. In an interview with IGN, when questioned about the possibility of a crossover with Warner Bros’ Karl Urban-led motion picture: “Here’s what I’m hoping for – I want more Street Fighter. If you present an opportunity for us to return and revive these incredible characters, I’m all in, and I know we all are.” Join Push Square on YouTube172k Ryu actor Andrew Koji chimed in: “Absolutely, that’d be amazing!” Responding to the comments on social media, series creator Ed Boon said succinctly: “Game first, then film.” He included a playful winking emoji at the end. Boon,...
Read More“I’m surely gaming on a PS5” by Sammy Barker Fri, 2:30pm Image: Push Square Sony’s extraordinary multi-million dollar GTA 6 PS5 promotional campaign is already delivering returns. A brief reaction video shared by mega streamer IShowSpeed showcases the console maker’s strategy functioning in real time. The company has invested significantly to ensure its device is closely tied to Rockstar’s forthcoming open-world title, and the launch trailer is filled with PlayStation symbolism, including a concise statement indicating that the game ‘Plays Best on PS5’. In Speed’s reaction clip, he inquires with his viewers whether he should choose PS5 or Xbox Series X|S. At this moment, his companion requests him to replay the video, directing Speed to the previously mentioned tagline. “I’m surely gaming on a PS5,” he concludes, in a video expected to be viewed by millions. “If GTA 6 is literally stating ‘Plays Best on PS5’, why opt for Xbox, huh?” The truth is,...
Read More“That’s rather lavish” by Sammy Barker Yesterday, 1am Image: Push Square Earlier this month, Sony unveiled QSSR, presenting a variant of the renowned PSSR upscaler from the PS5 Pro for standard PS5 devices. At the moment, this innovation is solely integrated into first-party games such as Marvel’s Wolverine and Ghost of Yotei, although it will also be accessible to third-party developers, with many theorizing that its debut may have been strategically aligned with GTA 6. (According to Rockstar’s promotional material, it will “perform optimally on PS5.”) Nevertheless, technology analysts from Digital Foundry are skeptical about any signs of its application in this week’s release trailer, which, as per the video’s disclaimer, was recorded on Sony’s console. During a 20-minute discussion, Rich Leadbetter commented: “I don’t think we’re observing it here. If the internal rendering resolution stands at 1440p, then what role is QSSR playing? If the intention is to upscale to 4K, considering the...
Read MoreRound two forthcoming? by Sammy Barker 4 hours earlier Image: Paramount There had been some worries regarding whether audiences would attend the new live-action Street Fighter film, yet it succeeded in topping the global box office this weekend with a $51.1 million international revenue. While hopefuls had envisioned a figure nearer to $70 million, unless ticket sales plummet drastically over the next weeks, this stands as a commendable outcome for the movie, which was produced on an $82 million budget, as reported by Deadline. Although there’s still a lengthy journey to profitability ahead – particularly with marketing expenses accounted for – it appears that the film should manage to deliver a satisfactory outcome for all stakeholders. For those who are unaware, Paramount is in charge of distributing this film, while Legendary and Capcom shared the funding responsibilities. Critiques were mixed, but viewers have generally reacted more favorably to the film thus far. On Rotten...
Read MoreThe week of October 19-23 is not the biggest release window of 2026, but it is a crowded one, and it lands at a strange moment for the Xbox calendar. With the industry beginning to funnel its attention toward GTA 6, the stream of enormous third-party launches is starting to thin out as publishers clear space around it. That makes the next seven days a good opportunity to look past the obvious. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is the headline act, arriving as one of the largest Xbox first-party launches of 2026. Whether you are here for the campaign or for the multiplayer, it is the release most people will be talking about this week. It is far from the only name worth circling. Final Fantasy Resonance also arrives, offering a change of pace for anyone who has had their fill of shooters, and it gives the week more variety than a quick...
Read MoreBuying games on a budget has become something of an art form, and this week it required more digging than usual. Xbox has not arranged a formal sale event, which means the best offers are scattered across the storefront rather than collected into one tidy promotion. So we did the digging for you. After working through deal after deal in the Xbox Store, a clear set of standouts emerged: more than 25 titles discounted by as much as 90 percent, covering a mix of big-budget adventures and smaller surprises that are easy to miss. A discount of that size is unusual outside of the major seasonal events, and it comes with the usual caveats. Deep cuts tend to land on older releases, on games that have already cycled through Game Pass, or on titles whose sequels are on the way. It is always worth asking why a game is cheap before you commit. The...
Read MoreXbox turns 25 on November 15, and with less than a month to go, the celebrations remain curiously quiet. The milestone has been acknowledged throughout the year, but Microsoft has said remarkably little about how it intends to mark the actual anniversary date. That silence is what makes the next few weeks interesting. A 25th birthday is a natural moment to look back at a console line that reshaped online console gaming, popularised the built-in hard drive, and introduced a generation of players to Halo, Forza and Gears of War. It is also a natural moment for announcements, which is exactly why expectations are running high. The options range from the safe to the spectacular. A curated Game Pass collection of original Xbox and Xbox 360 classics would be easy to deliver. A documentary or a proper retrospective showcase would cost more but land harder. And then there is the perennial hope: some kind...
Read MoreEight games are on their way out of Xbox Game Pass in late October 2026, and the list includes a couple of genuinely popular favourites. Microsoft has confirmed the departures, and all eight are now flagged as leaving soon in the official Xbox mobile app. Leading the group is LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, the sprawling retelling of all nine films that remains one of the most approachable Star Wars games of the past decade. It is a long game by any measure, so anyone hoping to finish it before it leaves will need to commit some serious hours this month. The other headline exit is Deep Rock Galactic, the cooperative mining shooter that built a devoted community around its four-player teams and procedurally generated caves. It is the kind of game that rewards a regular group, which makes its departure from the catalogue a particular loss for players who use Game Pass...
Read MoreInsignia, the fan-run replacement for the original Xbox Live service, is back in the news, and for a good reason. The project has resumed expanding its list of supported games after a quiet spell, with a fresh batch of original Xbox titles now able to go online again. Among the additions is Burnout 3: Takedown, one of the most fondly remembered arcade racers of its generation. Its online mode was a big part of why the game built such a following, and it has been inaccessible through official channels for well over a decade. For anyone unfamiliar with the project, a short history helps. The original Xbox Live service, sometimes called Live 1.0, was switched off in 2010, taking online modes for hundreds of games with it. Insignia exists to bring those servers back, allowing original hardware and some emulation setups to connect to them again. Progress has always been uneven. Some supported games...
Read MoreWe have made it to the weekend, and after a comparatively quiet few days, Nintendo news picked up pace again. The biggest talking point was the arrival of previews for Ocarina of Time on Switch 2, which early impressions have described in glowing terms. It is an unusual position for a game that first released in 1998 to be in. Rather than a simple re-release, the Switch 2 version has been positioned as a proper showcase, and the early coverage suggests the work that has gone into it is substantial. For a generation of players who never owned an N64, it may end up being the definitive way to experience one of the most influential games ever made. The wider week had its own smaller stories, as it always does, but Zelda clearly dominated the conversation. That is hardly surprising given how much affection there is for the game, and how long fans have...
Read MoreCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is already in the hands of anyone who pre-purchased it, and the Switch 2 version has thrown up an interesting technical question. The game offers two different upscaling options, and choosing between them is not quite as straightforward as it first sounds. Upscaling is the technology that lets a game render at a lower internal resolution and then reconstruct a sharper image before it reaches your screen. On Switch 2 it matters more than on most platforms, because the console has to balance image quality against a power budget, especially in handheld mode. Getting that balance right is often the difference between a game that feels responsive and one that looks clean but sluggish. The two options in Modern Warfare 4 represent the classic trade-off. One setting will favour a crisper, more detailed picture at the cost of some responsiveness. The other will prioritise frame rate and input...
Read MoreWe are past the halfway point now. As the Switch 2 launch of Ocarina of Time creeps closer, this weekly crawl through the N64 classic has reached its fifth instalment, and there is no turning back. If you missed the earlier entries, the premise is simple: one dungeon per week, in order, revisiting a game many of us have not properly played in years. This week took us into the Fire Temple, which means the Megaton Hammer finally entered the picture. It is one of the most satisfying items in the game, and it arrives at the point where the difficulty curve begins to firm up rather than flatten out. What stands out on a replay is how confident the design is. The Fire Temple does not simply repeat the pattern of earlier dungeons. It layers vertical navigation, timed elements and a genuinely earned sense of scale on top of what you have already...
Read MoreThe Pumpkaboo’s Sweet Surprises event has arrived in Pokemon Pokopia, and it runs from October 17 until November 1, giving players roughly two weeks to work through everything it offers. The headline attractions are two Generation 6 Ghost-types, making this a worthwhile window for anyone still filling out their collection. If you have taken part in previous Pokopia limited-time events, the structure will feel familiar. Pumpkaboo shows up at a Pokemon Center and asks for a dedicated currency, in this case Pumpkin Candy, in exchange for items that help you build a couple of new habitats. That means the event is as much about decorating as it is about catching, and the rewards are aimed at players who enjoy customising their space as well as battling. The obvious question is how to earn Pumpkin Candy efficiently. Event currencies are almost always tied to ordinary play rather than one-off tasks, so the reliable approach is...
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