Despite rumors, the highly-anticipated Phantom Blade Zero demo never materialized after the recent State of Play deep dive.
Today’s major takeaway in the PlayStation universe revolves around Phantom Blade Zero. Many gamers were expecting the release of a playable demo during Sony’s recent State of Play presentation, as reports had previously suggested its imminent arrival on the PS Store. However, according to PushSquare, the presentation concluded without any mention of a demo, leaving fans puzzled and somewhat disappointed. This absence could suggest changes in Sony’s release strategy or simply a delay in the demo’s launch.
Over in the subscription world, the staggered release schedule for August 2026’s PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium games has started rolling out, per PlayStation Lifestyle. However, players in the UK, USA, and Japan may find themselves waiting longer than usual for some titles, as Sony tests this new region-based release timing. Players globally can enjoy notable additions like “Kingdom Come: Deliverance II” and “Vampire Survivors” today, while “Hell is Us” will hit later this month.
PlayStation Lifestyle also lists the games exiting the PS Plus library in September 2026. “Persona 5 Tactica” is one of the major titles confirmed to be leaving, alongside “EA Sports Madden NFL 26” and “Toy Story 2” for Premium subscribers. Those looking to play these titles should do so quickly before they depart the catalog.
For those looking to make digital purchases, the PS Store’s “Ready, Set, Play” sale is ongoing, offering significant discounts on a wide selection of PS5 and PS4 games. According to PushSquare, this sale runs until August 26, 2026, providing an excellent opportunity for gamers to expand their libraries at reduced prices.
In sales figures, PlayStation Blog reports that “EA SPORTS FC 26” and “Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced” topped Asian download charts in July, reflecting strong continued interest in major franchise titles across the region.
Lastly, those tracking upcoming releases should note that many new titles are arriving this week, including “The Sinking City 2” and “Mortal Shell 2.” PushSquare lists over 25 new PS5 and PS Plus games set to launch between August 17 and 23, making it a busy time for gamers ready to dive into fresh experiences.
