In last week's roundup of gaming news, PlayStation accepts another mainstay studio into it's first-party fold, while Silent Hill rumors seemingly prove true for Konami. Game Rant has compiled some of the biggest gaming news stories from this past week together into a concise post for fans and enthusiasts to stay up to date on the most important events in the industry per week. Highlighting the most relevant stories, this list is not inherently and totally objective, and will not contain every news story this week. Rather, this is intended for gaming fans who want a quick rundown on the largest/most impactful stories that occurred in the last week in games.
In last week's gaming news, Sony Interactive Entertainment announces the acquisition of Housemarque, the studio behind the recent Returnal. Sucker Punch's Ghost of Tsushima is set to receive a Director's Cut version, packed with new features and content on PS4/PS5. Konami announces a "strategic partnership" with Bloober Team, the studio behind Xbox-exclusive The Medium. Video game writer Chris Avellone breaks silence via filing a libel suit against his accusers for the sexual harassment allegations weighed against him last year. Those and more stories in this week's roundup of the biggest games industry news from last week.
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SIE Acquires Housemarque, Rumors Surface of Bluepoint Acquisition
Resogun and Returnal developer Housemarque was officially acquired by Sony Interactive Entertainment this past week. After several years of being a partnered developer for PlayStation consoles, the studio shifted from arcade-like action games (Resogun, Matterfall) into AAA development for PS4/PS5. That led to the roguelite PS5 launch title Returnal, which ended up being a great success for the developer, which was experiencing some financial trouble prior to Returnal's release.
Additionally, this announcement was quickly followed by a Sony acquisition rumor centered on Bluepoint Games, though this was quickly debunked as false. Rumors started to circulate when PlayStation apparently posted an incorrect banner for the Housemarque acquisition social media, containing the Bluepoint Games logo. The studio has since reiterated that Bluepoint Games remains "fully independent," according to updates on its official social media channels, website, and job listings.
Sucker Punch Announces Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut, Iki Island Expansion
After rumors of a "Ghost of Ikishima" expansion, Sucker Punch finally announced a PS5 re-release in Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut. Alongside updated visuals and optimization for the new console, there are several expanded features coming to both the PS4 and PS5 versions of Director's Cut: new Japanese lip sync alongside the voiceover, new haptic feedback options for the DualSense controller, 3D audio support, alongside the expected 4K/60 FPS display options.
One of the highlights of the Director's Cut is the Iki island expansion, which supposedly unlocks as soon as players reach Act 2 of Ghost of Tsushima proper. Jin supposedly has to investigate Iki Island after catching wind of a Mongol presence on the island, and in some way must face unfortunate memories from his past to overcome and take down the threat on the new island. Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut releases on August 20 for PS4 and PS5.
Konami Announces Partnership with Bloober Team for 'Silent Hill-Related' Project
Konami has partnered with Polish developer Bloober Team, the studio behind Layers of Fear and the Xbox-exclusive The Medium, reportedly to work on Silent Hill. According to a Konami press release, the two companies have entered a "strategic partnership" for collaboration. This partnership doesn't outright confirm/debunk anything Silent Hill-adjacent, but it does back up rumors that Bloober had been tapped by Konami to work on a potential sequel/spin-off.
Since the official announcement, VGC has gone on to confirm that the Bloober Team project is "Silent Hill-related" in some fashion. VGC also went on to confirm that "at least one other Silent Hill project" is in the works at another prominent Japanese game studio, but also clarified that the buck may not stop there. Konami may have reached out to various other developers for additional Silent Hill projects, though this remains unconfirmed at this time.
Dying Light 2 Writer Chris Avellone Sues Accusers For Libel
Following a year of silence, video game writer Chris Avellone has filed a lawsuit against his accusers for libel in California. In 2020, several women in the gaming industry publicly accused Avellone of sexual harassment in various instances. Initially, Avellone had made a few apologies on Twitter, but had declined to comment officially on the situation. Shortly after, Dying Light 2 developer had parted ways with Avellone, who was the narrative director on the project at the time.
In several Medium blog posts detailing his stance and intention to file suit, Avellone stated why he has decided to break his silence now. "I have never violated consent with anyone, ever," stated Avellone. "I tried to correct the record, allow voices to be heard, but I was wrong: these attacks were malicious, and they must be challenged." Avellone states the women's accusations stemmed from a "breakup with their friend Jackie," with claims that were allegedly difficult for Avellone to prove false at the time.
GTA 6 Setting is Reportedly Vice City, Potentially Launching in May 2025
More details seemingly leak on the ever-rumored Grand Theft Auto 6, and it seems the game is once again being reiterated as nowhere close to release. Notable leaker Tom Henderson has provided a few additional details on the upcoming entry in Rockstar Games' biggest franchise. Similar to previous rumors, Henderson affirms that Grand Theft Auto 6 has a Vice City setting, and will release at some point in May 2025. So far, the only source to corroborate these leaks is Bloomberg reporter Jason Schreier, who has stated that Henderson's leaks are not that far off from the truth.
Twitch Streamer MikeyPerk's Daughter Found Safe After Missing For Days
Recently, Twitch streamer MikeyPerk's daughter went missing, though as of last Friday, Sarah was found and safely returned home. On June 27, MikeyPerk took to Twitter and his YouTube channel to spread the word on the disappearance of his daughter Sarah. She had apparently snuck out and attended a party with friends, but did not return the night she left for the party. After many fans scoured the Franklin, Ohio area before sending a tip to MikeyPerk, and Sarah was able to return home safely on July 2.
BioWare's Casey Hudson Opening New Studio, Developing New IP
BioWare and Mass Effect alum Casey Hudson announced the opening of a new development studio, a year after his departure from the EA studio. Hudson departed BioWare after the official reveal of Dragon Age 4, though it was unclear whether he was leaving the games industry entirely, or moving on to a new venture. Several of Hudson's colleagues came together to form Humanoid Studios, an independent studio that's already begun work on a brand new IP.