EA's controversial acquisition by a consortium nears its conclusion, as new PS5 games receive mixed receptions and catalogue issues arise.
This week’s PlayStation highlights are headlined by significant movements in the gaming business world and some intriguing new game announcements, alongside the usual controversies and glitches. EA is about to close a monumental financial transaction that could change the landscape of its game publishing, while the PS5 sees both new releases and technical hiccups.
EA’s Major Acquisition Nearing Completion
A major transition is impending in the gaming industry as EA’s controversial $55 billion buyout is set to conclude next week, as detailed by Push Square. The deal involves significant investments from the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake, and Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners. This acquisition has been a subject of debate due to its extensive valuation and the profiles of the parties involved. While it’s not yet clear what changes this will usher in for significant EA franchises like “EA Sports FC” and “Battlefield”, the conclusion of this deal marks a pivotal moment for one of the gaming industry’s largest publishers.
New Releases and Gamer Reactions
Several new titles have dropped on the PlayStation Store, receiving mixed reviews and player sentiments. “The Relic: First Guardian”, a visually impressive action RPG from Project Cloud Games, released to divisive feedback. Despite its captivating setting in the realm of Arsilthus, the game scored only 59 on OpenCritic, with many reviewers expressing disappointment over its execution (PlayStation Lifestyle).
Meanwhile, Genshin Impact is preparing for a sequel-sized update as it continues to support its dedicated player base. This upcoming update, set to release on August 12th, promises to expand the game’s world with new nations and narratives.
Catalogue Issues and Future Expansions
On the service side, “Squirrel With a Gun”, a popular action game previously part of the PlayStation Plus Extra catalog, has vanished without warning due to a persistent PlayStation Store glitch, leaving current subscribers confused about its sudden disappearance. According to PlayStation Lifestyle, this issue allows those who previously downloaded the game to continue playing it, but new subscribers are required to purchase it.
On the horizon, Silent Hill: Townfall gears up for its September release, generating buzz with its unique Scottish setting and retro technology elements. Developers from Screen Burn Interactive, in collaboration with Konami, discussed their creative process and the challenges of maintaining the Silent Hill atmosphere while introducing new gameplay mechanics (PlayStation Blog).
Lastly, a new batch of PlayStation-exclusive titles is set to release soon, with “NASCAR 26” leading the charge. A fresh gameplay trailer was revealed, enticing fans before it officially launches in mid-September (PlayStation Lifestyle).
