Xbox takes over publishing duties for Kojima's 'Physint' after PlayStation's surprising withdrawal.
In a surprising shake-up within the gaming industry, Xbox has picked up publishing duties for ‘Physint’, an upcoming title from renowned game developer Hideo Kojima. According to The Verge, this move comes after PlayStation abruptly cancelled its involvement with the game. Sony, which previously published Kojima Productions’ ‘Death Stranding’ games, framed its decision as a “difficult decision to step away,” suggesting that the split was not due to any ill will. However, Kojima’s own remarks via social media indicated it was an unexpected move by Sony, with the studio having to quickly transition publishing responsibilities over to Xbox.
This development is not just a simple publishing switch; it highlights deeper changes within the competitive landscape, where relationships between major studios and platform holders can shift rapidly. Microsoft’s acquisition of Kojima’s new project gives it a significant addition to its gaming library amid fierce rivalry with Sony.
Nintendo Switch 2 Gets Important VRR Support Update
Nintendo has addressed a notable missing feature in its new console by adding Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support for the Switch 2 in TV mode. The Verge reports that this enhancement, now part of the 23.0.0 firmware update, allows the console to align its display’s refresh rate with its frame rate, thereby smoothing gameplay and reducing screen tearing. This puts the Switch 2 on par with other high-end consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X. Another addition in the firmware is a toggle for handheld boost mode, enhancing flexibility in gameplay experiences.
WARDOGS Launches with High Player Count
New first-person shooter WARDOGS has made an impressive entry into the gaming arena, clocking over 266,000 concurrent players in just minutes post-launch, according to Destructoid. Priced at $39.99, the game finds itself nestled between major franchises like ‘Call of Duty’ and ‘Battlefield’, aiming for a middle-ground appeal that mixes hardcore and more casual shooter elements. Whether WARDOGS will maintain such popularity over the long term remains to be seen.
Mourning a Legendary Anime Voice Actor
The anime and gaming communities are mourning the loss of Mike McFarland, a prolific voice actor known for roles in ‘Dragon Ball’, ‘One Piece’, and ‘Attack on Titan’. As reported by GameRant, McFarland passed away on September 9 at the age of 56. He was a beloved figure in the anime English dub industry, cherished for his contributions both as an actor and ADR director. His legacy includes iconic characters and extensive work behind the scenes in major franchises that have impacted audiences worldwide.
