First Pass

49 stories from 4 sources

Control and delays define a fragmented game-news day

Day’s Recap

Supporting Articles

Take-Two Interactive is seeking information from Microsoft and Discord to identify people connected to leaked Grand Theft Auto 6 gameplay. The requests come just months before the highly anticipated game is scheduled to launch.

1:01 PMVariety

Double Fine has confirmed that it once again owns the intellectual property and publishing rights for every game released during its time under Microsoft. That includes major titles such as Psychonauts and Brutal Legend.

6:53 PMIGN

Nintendo has removed more than 400 GitHub repositories tied to Nintendo Switch emulators. The takedowns followed a copyright notice and are aimed at a broad network of emulator-related projects.

2:49 PMPolygon

Embark Studios is pushing all future Arc Raiders Expeditions into early 2027 while it works on major improvements based on player feedback. The delay has left the community split between cautious optimism and frustration.

8:10 PMIGN

The Duskbloods network test is underway, with several scheduled sessions running at different times. Players can check the start and end times for their region before trying to join the test.

10:50 AMPolygon

The first closed network test for FromSoftware's The Duskbloods on Switch 2 ended early because of server problems. Players were unable to get the smooth test run they had signed up for.

10:42 AMPolygon

Other Developments

A curated list of other prominent stories from this day.

Steam picked up a fresh batch of intriguing games this week, including Mortal Shell 2. Five new releases stand out as especially good candidates for a weekend gaming session.

9:00 PMPolygon

The Sinking City 2 wears its Resident Evil influence proudly, with familiar survival horror ideas at its core. What keeps it from feeling like a bargain-bin copy is the strong Cthulhu mythology wrapped around that formula.

8:35 PMIGN

At least 20 soldiers at Fort Stewart in Georgia have reportedly reenlisted after the base offered time off around the launch of Grand Theft Auto 6. The game release has become an unusually effective recruiting and retention incentive.

5:40 PMIGN

The Sims 4 is getting two paid fashion kits inspired by Clueless and Mean Girls. Players can dress their Sims in '90s and early-2000s staples, including miniskirts, matching sweaters, and velour tracksuits.

5:33 PMVariety

The 8BitDo Ultimate 2C is being pitched as a standout budget controller for PC gaming, and it is currently selling for less than half its usual under-$50 price. It works with Windows PC, Android, and Steam Deck.

4:35 PMIGN

A 256GB memory card for Nintendo Switch 2 has reached its lowest reported price so far. It is officially licensed by Nintendo and made by Samsung.

4:33 PMIGN

Make it yours

Build Your First Pass.

Pick your topics, set your cadence, and receive your personalized First Pass in your inbox. It’s that simple!