Hey, everybody! Sid, Tim, and Kristen are back this week to discuss this week’s State of Play Japan, which focuses on the Japanese and Asian markets, the thrill of going topside in Arc Raiders, and all the games the team has been playing and looking forward to. This episode also includes an interview with Miles Leslie, Associate Creative Director, Treyarch for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7
Stuff We Talked About
Next week’s releases:
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 | PS5, PS4 (out today)
Where Winds Meet | PS5 (out today)
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl | PS5
SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide | PS5
One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4 | PS5
State of Play Japan — This week‘s State of Play Japan highlighted our studios in the Japanese and Asian markets. Some of the biggest announcements included:
MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls – Second closed beta coming December 5
Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake revealed
Gran Turismo 7 – Power Pack DLC announced
Octopath Traveler 0 – Demo available now, full game out December 4
27″ Gaming Monitor with DualSense Charging Hook coming to U.S. and Japan
Elden Ring Nightreign – The Forsaken Hollows DLC coming December 4
Lumines Arise developer interview — Enhance Games shares tips to help you master this visually stimulating puzzler, along with delving into the game’s design philosophy. Out now on PS5 w/ optional PSVR2 mode.
Kristen Zitani – Senior Content Communications Specialist, SIE
Thanks to Dormilón for our rad theme song and show music.
[Editor’s note: PSN game release dates are subject to change without notice. Game details are gathered from press releases from their individual publishers and/or ESRB rating descriptions.]
This week marks PS5’s fifth anniversary! To celebrate, we asked you to share unforgettable moments from the last five years using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here’s this week’s highlights:
Dande_Lion55shares the iconic fight between Kratos and Thor in God of War Ragnarōk
PattyGnandshares pixel-level celebration in Astro Bot
FrameCaptureVPshares Ellie swinging an axe through the shadows in The Last of Us Part II Remastered
ibis_monkshares Aloy taking to the skies in Horizon Forbidden West
secondcaptureshares an epic armor set in Demon’s Souls
sorathlunashares Higgs playing his battle guitar atop a pillar with a gigantic BT in the background
Search #PSshare #PSBlog on Twitter or Instagram to see more entries to this week’s theme, or be inspired by other great games featuring Photo Mode. Want to be featured in the next Share of the Week?
THEME: Side Quests SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on November 19, 2025
Next week, we’re headed on a side quest. Share moments that transpire when you venture off the golden path in the game of your choice using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured.
Hello, Rovers. Happy to see you again. This time, I’ll walk you through the latest updates of Wuthering Waves Version 2.8. In Version 2.8 To the City Set in Amber, set to launch on November 20, Rover will be joined by a new Resonator companion, Chisa, on a journey to the enigmatic fallen city, the Chronorift Metropolis — Honami. There, abnormal frequencies abound, and the loop of time awaits someone to set it free. Expect new stories, characters, locations, optimizations, and more content.
New main quest: Step into the fallen city in the looping crisis Honami
After the Rinascita arc concluded, Rover returned to the Black Shores and learned that they had unexpectedly captured a completely new frequency. During the Black Shores’ continued investigation, they found a rift leading to an unknown Sonoro Sphere. Rover will enter the mysterious Chronorift Metropolis through the Sonoro entrance.
The Chronorift Metropolis was once a thriving commercial hub, previously known as Honami City. But decades ago, it was destroyed by the Lament and permanently sealed within a Sonoro Sphere, eventually becoming what we see today. The once-bustling skyscrapers are now covered in overgrowth. Seawater has flooded lowlands and roads. But the Lament that brought ruin to this city never truly vanished. It still lingers in the city, sometimes giving rise to unstable anomalies.
The recurring Lament has trapped the city in a time loop, resetting and destroying it over and over. The people you see moving about are no longer who they once were. They’re now known as the Left Behind—phantoms repeating the habits of their former lives, reliving the same daily routine. The entire city, along with its Left Behind, is imprisoned within the Sonoro Sphere, cut off completely from the outside world. It’s Rover’s unexpected arrival that brings change to this sealed space.
In Version 2.8, Main Quest Chapter II Act XII Stagnant Dawn on Wastelands and Main Quest Chapter II Act XII Segue Flowing Starlight in the Iris will both become available on November 20. In this iridescent, end-of-days metropolis, break the Lament that engulfs the city.
New Resonators: Chisa & Buling
Long black hair, striking red eyes, and crisp, simple uniform, the mysterious science-minded stop student Chisa will debut in Version 2.8 and unveil the secrets hidden beneath Honami with Rover. Chisa’s Forte is Clipping. Though she arrived in Honami by accident, with her calm, serious nature and exceptional learning abilities, she adapted here quickly and managed to carve out a safe haven in this fallen city with her Forte.
Those giant scissors Chisa wields look heavy, but she handles them with ease. Chisa was born into a tailor’s family, so she could shift their form to suit her needs in different situations. She uses them not only to cut papers into shapes she loves but also as handy and versatile tools.
Chisa is a 5-Star Havoc Resonator who wields a Broadblade as her weapon. During battle, Chisa swings her massive scissors along precise geometric trajectories, with crimson trails flashing from the edges, pinpointing enemy weaknesses with calm, calculated grace. Under certain conditions, she can switch her scissors into a high-damage chainsaw form, allowing her to deliver rapid and devastating finishing attacks. When Chisa activates a specific skill, her red scissors project a semi-transparent giant phantom. She briefly steps back, then clips forward, cutting through the enemies. When unleashing her Resonance Skill, a unique vision manifests in Chisa’s eyes, marking all enemies within range. She then uses the winch on her scissors to pull some of the marked targets closer for a slicing attack.
Each of her attacks builds up her Forte Gauge. Once it’s full, Chisa can unleash Resonance Skill and transform her weapon. She steps firmly onto the winch, and as dark red particles burst from it, the scissors switch into Chainsaw Mode. Then, Chisa uses the chainsaw to unleash a flurry of swift and unrelenting slashes. When Chisa casts her Resonance Liberation, her eyes glow bright violet, revealing the weak spots of all things before her. She raises her giant scissors and delivers a rending strike to her foes while healing allies at the same time.
This young Taoist Buling from Huanglong, Mengzhou, sports a trendy look and excels in talisman divination, fortune-telling, and other mystical arts. As a free-spirited traveler and Black Shores’ Consultant wandering the world, Buling’s open and cheerful personality wins her friends and intel for the Black Shores wherever she goes. Buling wears something like headphones, which tie directly to her Forte. Her ears are incredibly sensitive to frequencies that haven’t taken shape, so she can often hear sounds others can’t. This special headset she wears helps filter out some of the noise. She can also use her Forte to sense potential danger nearby.
Buling is an Electro Resonator who wields a Rectifier as her weapon. Her combat style is fluid and lively. During battle, the talisman she draws from the casket seems casual, but there’s a method to the madness. The copper coins she flicks are actually lethal finishers, and the crisp-sounding magic bell can lock enemies in a formation. As Buling’s different attacks land, two types of Trigrams form around her, and she can gather up to four Trigrams.
By consuming two Trigrams, she can unleash different enhanced attacks and build up her Forte Gauge. When Buling unleashes her Resonance Skill, she moves as swiftly as lightning to set up a formation around her enemies and summon thunder to strike them. With the clear chime of her magic bell, the enemies are drawn into the center of her formation. When her Forte Gauge is full, Buling can unleash Resonance Liberation, casting a thunder spell and tossing a copper coin that shoots like lightning to damage the enemies. At the same time, the formation expands the magic bell chimes within, immobilizing enemies and continuously damaging them.
New Area: Chronorift Metropolis, Honami City
Version 2.8 introduces the new area, Chronorift Metropolis —Honami City. In this abandoned city, Chiasa used her Resonance Ability and clipped out this safe space—a cafe located at Honami Crossing, as a secret base—shielding it from the influence of the Lament. This Cafe isn’t just a safe haven for Rover and Chisa to catch their breath. It’s also a hub that connects to other parts of the city. In Version 2.8, Rover will set out with Chisa from here, head to more corners worth exploring, and live through the city’s stories firsthand.
In this city, you’ll see not only iridescent, blue skies, gravity-defying skyscrapers, but also the mysterious tower that rises at the city center—Neon Tower.
As you walk with Chisa, a soft breeze flows by, and pink petals drift across the sky like clouds. You’ll encounter sights that heal and give hope. As Version 2.8 launches, get ready to explore the beauty of this fallen city.
New optimizations: One-click absorption of all Absorbable Echoes & Auto Supplement
Besides new content, this update also introduces several QoL optimizations. First, we added the one-click absorption of all absorbable Echoes feature. After the update, with just one absorption action, you can absorb all Echoes within a certain area. Rovers will no longer need to absorb them one by one. Compared to regular overworld exploration, the absorption radius inside the Nightmare Nest will be a bit larger so that Rovers can gather all the daily Echoes in one go.
After the Version 2.8 update, Resonator Ascension, Weapon Ascension, and Skill Upgrade menus will receive a new Auto Supplement feature. When the required upgrade materials are insufficient, clicking this button will open the Auto Supplement screen, where you can directly see which materials you need and use Synthesis, Conversion, or Supply Packs—all without switching to other menus, making it much faster to fill everything you need.
Also, during Synthesis, if low-rarity materials are insufficient, the system will automatically search for lower-rarity materials and Supply Packs and auto-fill the list until the requirement is met. If Synthesis, Conversion, and Supply Packs still cannot provide enough materials, a shortcut button will appear to guide you directly to their acquisition sources.
Last, we have some more exciting news to share—Wuthering Waves PS5 Collector’s Edition Set is scheduled for release in Spring 2026. More details will be announced later on our official social media—follow us and stay tuned. Now, let’s continue this unfinished journey together. Wuthering Waves Version 2.8 To the City Set in Amber will officially launch on November 20. Rovers, see you in Honami!
Five years ago, in November 2020, PlayStation 5 marked a new era of speed, immersion, and creativity. As we celebrate its fifth anniversary, we’re looking back at how PS5 has evolved – year by year – through system software updates, new accessories, and community milestones that continue to redefine play.
2020: The beginning of a new generation
The PS5’s launch in November 2020 redefined what a console could do. Powered by an ultra-high-speed SSD, immersive 3D Audio, and the innovative DualSense wireless controller, PS5 introduced a new generation of immersion never felt before in gaming.
Share Screen debuted, allowing players to watch friends’ gameplay in real time via PS5 and later on the PS App. Since launch, Share Screen has been used more than 1.6 billion times, totaling over 900 million hours. Top shared titles include Fortnite, Roblox, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II, and Grand Theft Auto V.
Accessibility has been at the heart of PS5 since day one. The console launched with11 accessibility features, which has grown to 20 by 2025 – including new additions such as Accessibility Tags and Second Controller for Assistance. One out of every four PS5 users have enabled at least one of these accessibility features.
Every PS5 console and accessory features microtextured PlayStation shapes – on DualSense alone, there are 45,674 tiny triangles, circles, crosses, and squares.
2021: Expanding the experience
As the PS5 player base grew, so did the platform’s capabilities. 2021 focused on updates that expanded social connectivity and storage options:
The first major PS5 system update added Cross-generation Share Play, enabling PS5 players with PlayStation Plus membership to virtually ‘pass the controller’ to friends using PS4. Since launch, Share Play has been used over 700 million times on PS5.
M.2 SSD storage expansion gave players freedom to grow their libraries. The use of an industry-standard M.2 format provided a flexible and cost-efficient way to expand PS5 storage, and the feature has since been adopted by millions of players.
We also added the ability to share PS5 game captures through the PlayStation App, resulting in 5.6 billion captures uploaded. Today, nearly half of PlayStation messages are sent from the PS App, with more than 1 billion voice chat sessions taking place through the app.
2021 also introduced PS5’s first color variations – Midnight Black and Cosmic Red, giving players more ways to customize their console and accessories in their favorite color.
2022: More Options, More Ways to Play
In 2022, PS5 evolved further to deliver a richer and more personalized play experience.
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) enhanced visual performance by minimizing visual artifacts for smoother, crisper gameplay. Millions of players have enabled the feature, with 96% of those with VRR-compatible monitors using it regularly.
This was also the year PlayStation Plus introduceda new three-tier service, offering hundreds of games in the Game Catalog for Extra members and Deluxe/Premium members, as well as access to a Classic Game catalog for Premium members. Since launch, the number of unique catalog players has doubled, and the total gameplay hours for Game Catalog and Classic Catalog has also increased – cumulatively hitting 14 billion hours.
PS5 personalization expanded further with new galaxy-inspired color variations: Nova Pink, Starlight Blue, and Galactic Purple.
2023: Pushing the boundaries of play with new accessories
2023 was a year of more breakthrough hardware and innovation.
PlayStation VR2 launched, introducing next-generation immersion with eye tracking, headset feedback and deep immersion with haptic feedback and adaptive triggers through PlayStation VR2 Sense Controller.
Discord voice chat arrived on PS5, connecting players across platforms. Since launch, more than 1 billion Discord voice chat sessions have taken place on PS5, averaging 105 minutes per session.
PlayStation Portal remote player redefined remote play, now accounting for over 50% of all PS5 Remote Play sessions – surpassing streams through mobile, PC, PS4 and PS5 consoles combined.
We also introduced DualSense Edge wireless controller – our first high-performance, ultra-customizable controller – and the Access Controller, a controller kit designed to make gaming more accessible for all.
Cloud Streaming access for PS5 games brought new options for PlayStation Plus Premium members to stream supported PS5 digital games from Game Catalog, Game Trials and purchases from PS Store on their PS5 console.
Additionally, we released a new line of audio products featuring planar magnetic drivers and our innovative PlayStation Link technology that provides lightning-fast, lossless audio connection with Pulse Explore wireless ear buds, followed by Pulse Elite wireless headset in early 2024.
2024: Empowering players and communities
In 2024, PS5 deepened community connection and personalization.
Community Game Help debuted, enabling players to share gameplay hint videos generated from opt-in contributors. The feature is now available across hundreds of PS5 titles, with thousands of helpful community hints contributed by players around the world.
The new Welcome Hub introduced a personalized PS5 home screen space with customizable widgets and backgrounds. Customization has been rising since launch, with the battery widget emerging as the most popular, and personal gameplay screenshots becoming the top background choice among players.
This was also the year we launched the PS5 Pro – our most visually impressive and innovative console to date, along with the PlayStation 30th Anniversary Collection, celebrating 30 incredible years of play and creativity.
2025: Five years of play
Happy 5th Anniversary, PS5! As we celebrate five years of the amazing journey, the numbers tell the story:
PS5 has cumulatively sold over 84 million units globally. If you lined up every PS5 ever sold, together they’d stretch over 28,600 kilometers – long enough to go from Tokyo to San Francisco to London, and then all the way back home again.
More than 7,500 PS5 games have been published by over 4,000 creators around the world. By total playtime, the top three most-played PS5 multiplayer games were Fortnite, Grand Theft Auto V, and Call of Duty Modern Warfare II and the top three PS5 most-played single-player games were Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, God of War Ragnarök and Hogwarts Legacy.
Players have earned a combined 40 billion Trophies on PS5, including 110 million Platinum Trophies.
Across five years, PS5 players have logged a total of 100 billion hours of gameplay.
Five years on, the PS5 platform continues to evolve and connect more players than ever. From the day it launched to today, PS5 has redefined what play can mean for creators and the community alike.
Here’s to five incredible years of play – and to the millions of players who made them unforgettable!
*All figures are based on internal data collected as of September 2025.
Today’s special Japan-focused State of Play was packed with content from start to finish. It showcased fresh gameplay from major upcoming titles, brand-new game announcements, confirmed release dates, and more. Missed the livestream or want a quick recap of everything shown? You’re in the right place.
To start, you can watch the full show below. After that, we break down each of the featured games, highlighting key news, sharing some new trailers, and offering extra insights from the developers through a collection of dedicated PlayStation Blog posts.
BlazBlue Entropy Effect X
BlazBlue Entropy Effect X, a roguelike action spin-off of the BlazBlue series, launches on PlayStation 5 on February 12, 2026. Featuring 14 familiar characters from the series and a brand-new story, the game lets you craft your own playstyle through deep character build options. Pre-orders open today.
During today’s show, the single-player psychological horror anthology BrokenLore revealed two major updates: a new trailer and a January 16 release date for BrokenLore: Unfollow, a story themed around the dark side of social media available for pre-order today. The show also included the surprise reveal of BrokenLore: Ascend, a Tokyo-set survival horror with climbing elements.
The spin-off title from the Coffee Talk series, Coffee Talk Tokyo launches on PS5 on March 5, 2026. Set in a cozy café in Tokyo, this narrative adventure lets players step into the role of a barista who brews comforting cups of coffee and listens to the stories of both humans and yōkai descendants who visit the café.
Damon & Baby
Coming to PS5 and PS4 in early 2026, Damon & Baby follows a cursed demon lord and a human child on a heartfelt journey. This action adventure game combines exploration with twin-stick shooter combat. Collect loot, level up, and strengthen their bond through every battle.
Digimon Story Time Stranger – Alternate Dimension DLC
Digimon Story Time Stranger is about to expand its adventure. The first Season Pass DLC, Alternate Dimension, arrives this winter, introducing five unique Digimon and a new story centered on key characters. Get ready to explore an entirely new side of the Digital World.
Today, Square Enix shared the latest trailer for Dragon Quest VII Reimagined, launching on PlayStation 5 on February 5, 2026. This reimagined version adds a new episode where you reunite with an adult Keifa in a new area and team up with him once again.
Dynasty Warriors Origins – Visions of Four Heroes DLC
New details for the major DLC Visions of Four Heroes for Dynasty Warriors: Origins have been revealed. Launching on January 22, 2026. The DLC is available for pre-order starting today. It features a new story centered on the Four Heroes, along with new allies, weapons, and expanded 1 vs. 1,000 action across immersive battlefields.
Elden Ring Nightreign – The Forsaken Shadows DLC
The first DLC for Elden Ring Nightreign, The Forsaken Hollows, has been announced for release on December 4, accompanied by a brand-new trailer. This update adds two new playable Nightfarers, the Scholar and the Undertaker, along with two formidable new bosses to put your skills to the test.
At today’s State of Play Japan, a new trailer for Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake was revealed, along with an interview with Makoto Shibata, Fatal Frame Series Director at Koei Tecmo Games. The remake launches on March 12, 2026, with pre-orders available starting today. This full remake of the 2003 Japanese horror adventure invites players to explore a cursed village and confront terrifying spirits using the mysterious Camera Obscura.
Fate Trigger, a next-generation tactical hero shooter, begins early access in Q1 2026. Two new heroes join the roster: Fari, an attacker who creates clones, and TaTa, a defender with mini-turrets. A new map, Pale Blight Outpost, has also been revealed.
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Gran Turismo 7 – Power Pack DLC
Gran Turismo Series Producer Kazunori Yamauchi announced that the Gran Turismo 7 Power Pack will release next month. Coming December 4, this paid add-on will introduce a brand new game mode packed with authentic motorsport challenges including 24-hour endurance racing and full race weekends.
inKonbini: One Store. Many Stories, which gently captures the small moments of everyday life, is coming to PS5 in April 2026. Players take on the role of a convenience store clerk in a quiet town, interacting with familiar faces and shaping their own story through everyday choices.
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Kyouran Makaism
Launching on January 29, 2026, Kyouran Makaism is a new 3D action RPG from the Disgaea team. Turn defeated enemies into 16 types of Familiars, from dragons to the alluring Empusa, then command or transform them into powerful weapons to reclaim your stolen pudding.
MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls
Today, we announced that the next Closed Beta for MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls will launch on PlayStation 5 on December 5 at midnight (PT) / 5 PM (JST). This beta adds Spider-Man and Ghost Rider to the roster, bringing the total number of playable characters to eight. Players can freely mix and match heroes and villains to form a four-character team. It also introduces two new stages, Savage Land and X-Mansion, each featuring unique interactive elements to discover.
Attention hunters — Monster Hunter Wilds Free Title Update 4 arrives on December 16. The update adds the Giant Halberd Dragon, Gogmazios, plus new endgame content and seasonal events.
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MotionRec
MotionRec, launching in Spring 2026, is a record-and-replay puzzle action game where you move, jump, and record your actions to replay them and overcome seemingly impossible paths. Use creative strategies and various gimmicks to explore ruined stages and uncover the mysteries of a machine-dominated world.
Never Grave: The Witch and The Curse
At today’s State of Play Japan, a new trailer for Never Grave: The Witch and The Curse was revealed, and its release date announced, March 5, 2026, for PS5 and PS4, with pre-orders available today. In our interview, Yasuomi Sakai, Producer at Pocketpair, discussed this 2D roguelike game’s boss battles, highlighting their unique attack patterns and special mechanics.
No Sleep for Kaname Date – From AI: The Somnium Files
No Sleep for Kaname Date – From AI: The Somnium Files launches on February 26, 2026, for PS5 and PS4. On PlayStation 5, the game features enhanced visuals that bring every moment of the investigation to life. Join Special Investigator Kaname Date and his AI partner Aiba as they pursue the case of a kidnapped net idol, Iris.
Octopath Traveler 0
A demo for Octopath Traveler 0 is available starting today, ahead of the game’s December 4 launch on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. Play the first three hours and carry your progress into the full release. Create your character, begin your journey, and check out the newly released trailer in today’s show.
This November, Once Upon a Katamari adds new content with the Katamari Dance Dance Remix Pack, featuring five fresh remix tracks and custom costumes. Another pack, the Katamari Neo Remix Pack, will follow this winter. Wrap up the year with new beats and bold new styles.
Pac-Man World 2: Re-Pac – Sonic the Hedgehog Collaboration Set DLC
Starting today, Sonic the Hedgehog speeds into Pac-Man World 2: Re-Pac. Experience brand-new stages inspired by Sonic’s world, packed with signature speed, classic gimmicks, and familiar faces, and face off against Dr. Eggman in an epic boss battle. Available today on PS5 and PS4.
Sonic Racing: Crossworlds – SpongeBob SquarePants Pack DLC
Get the latest update on Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, released in September. Nights, AiAi, and Tangle & Whisper join the race as free collaboration racers. Plus, the SpongeBob SquarePants Pack DLC launches on November 19 PT / November 20 (JST).
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Super Robot Wars Y DLC Pack 1
Super Robot Wars Y has announced the release date for its first collaboration DLC. DLC Pack 1 launches on November 20 PT / November 21JST, featuring crossover content from Galactic Whirlwind Bryger, The Big O, and Fūto PI: Portrait of Kamen Rider Skull. The update adds new area missions and playable units inspired by these three titles.
Tokyo Xtreme Racer returns to PlayStation after 20 years, launching on PS5 on February 25(PT) / February 26(JST). Race through a sealed-off Tokyo against over 400 rivals, tuning your car for every challenge. With its unique Spirit Point system, victory depends as much on willpower as on speed. Conquer 180 km of faithfully recreated highways.
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Wandering Sword
The RPG Wandering Sword will launch on May 28, 2026, and pre-orders start today. Set in ancient China and brought to life with stunning pixel art, it features dual battle modes, twenty endings shaped by your choices, and a full Japanese voiceover by an all-Japanese cast.
27″ Gaming Monitor with DualSense Charging Hook
Developed by Sony Interactive Entertainment, the PlayStation 27” Gaming Monitor with DualSense Charging Hook is coming to the U.S. and Japan in 2026. It delivers stunning visuals from the latest PS5 games to your desktop, featuring a Quad High Definition (QHD) IPS display up to 2560 x 1440 resolution, High Dynamic Range support, VRR support and refresh rates of up to 120 Hz on PS5 and PS5 Pro consoles, and 240 Hz on compatible PC and Mac devices.
The year is 2035 and the world is on the brink of chaos. When Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 launches on PS5 and PS4 on November 14, players will face new and returning threats in the co-op Campaign, culminating in the replayable Endgame experience.
With game launch only days away, let’s take a closer look at the story so far, followed by more Endgame intel.
Co-op Campaign and Endgame
In Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, PlayStation players will experience an innovative Co-op Campaign that redefines the Black Ops experience. Squad up or go solo across a wide spectrum of high-stakes missions.
From the neon-lit rooftops of Japan to the Mediterranean coast, uncover the truth behind The Guild and the weapon threatening to turn fear itself into a weapon of war. Players will also experience Avalon, an expansive city whose secrets ripple across the Campaign.
One overriding goal with the story of Black Ops 7 was to tell a story that could stand on its own while honoring the legacy of the series. Throughout development, there were meaningful opportunities allowing the reconnection of characters and storylines from earlier Black Ops titles, bringing them into this near-future setting where their presence could elevate the experience. However, it was important to ensure that even players without knowledge of Black Ops lore should expect a deeply immersive and connected story and world.
After completing the first 11 co-op Campaign missions, players unlock the Endgame, a replayable co-op experience designed for 1–32 players in squads of up to four.
Fight through escalating exposure zones throughout Avalon, leveling up Skill Tracks and Combat Ratings, completing dynamic Assignments, and escaping to preserve your hard-earned progress, all while earning Level and Weapon XP and unlocking Weapon Camos.
The Endgame journey
Your C-Link C.O.M.B.A.T. OS unlocks full Loadout customization. Your ultimate goal is to gain enough power to reach the highest exposure zones, where something is leaking massive amounts of toxin into Avalon.
Players begin by selecting an Operator and a Major and Minor Ability, defining your Operator’s unique approach to combat, including abilities like the Hand Cannon, Active Camo, Grappling Hook, and more.
Complete your Loadout, deploy, and then gain power in a match by completing objectives and defeating enemies to raise your Operator’s Combat Rating. When your Combat Rating levels up, you’re given the opportunity to choose one of two Skill Tracks or Skills. These Skills continue to expand as your Operator’s Combat Rating improves over time to the max level of 60.
There are six Skill Tracks in all, from the Gunner with Skills like improved Reload Speed and Fast Weapon Swap to the Surgeon with Skills like enhanced Health Recovery and Fast Revive.
If you’re killed in action, you lose it all. Get in, power up, and get out.
The story so far
It starts with Menendez, the Call of Duty®: Black Ops 2 villain who has returned, threatening to plunge the world back into darkness.
Raul Menendez
“Once again, you shall know fear.” — Raul Menendez Raul Menendez first appears in 1986 as the leader of the Menendez Cartel. He has captured CIA operative Frank Woods and left him for dead. When Alex Mason learns of his friend’s plight, he leaves his son David behind to save Woods.
Woods yearns for revenge, getting the greenlight to invade the villain’s home. In the confusion of battle, Woods throws a grenade inside the house, accidentally killing Menendez’s sister, Josefina.
Several years later, Menendez gets even by tricking Woods into shooting Alex Mason. The villain then blasts Woods in both knees, crippling him. As Menendez suffers, now too shall Woods.
Menendez goes on to form the political movement Cordis Die, spreading propaganda depicting the organization as a defender of the globally impoverished while covertly inciting a second Cold War.
Alex Mason’s son, David, with the help of Woods, is finally able to put a stop to Menendez. Following a multi-generational manhunt, he puts the villain to rest… or so he thinks.
The next frontier: The Guild
As the world recoils at the news of Menendez’s return, The Guild, a global tech giant led by CEO Emma Kagan, rises to the challenge of defending humanity, promising peace through security using advanced tech to safeguard citizens and stand in open defiance against Menendez and his followers.
The fight continues: David and JSOC
Though they’re both enemies of Menendez, David Mason harbors doubts about The Guild’s true motives. It’s up to him and his cohort of elite JSOC Operators to get to the truth of it all, including reports of a weapon engineered to turn fear into an instrument of chaos.
Preorder Call of Duty: Black Ops 7
Black Ops 7 launches on November 14. Preorder your copy today.
Lumines Arise releases tomorrow, November 11, 2025, on PlayStation 5. It’s been over 20 years since the original Lumines was released at the launch of the PlayStation Portable in 2004. Lumines Arise is a complete reimagining of the series’ block-dropping puzzle gameplay using the latest technology possible on the PS5 (with optional PS VR2 compatibility). We’re confident that you’ve never had a puzzle game take you on an emotional, sound-and-light-filled, synesthetic journey quite like this, whether you’re a longtime fan or picking up Lumines for the very first time.
I’m Game Director Takashi Ishihara from Enhance, and I’d like to take this opportunity, alongside Executive Producer Tetsuya Mizuguchi, on this release-day eve to reveal some behind-the-scenes info on the game’s development and share with you why we think Lumines Arise is so different.
If you’re even a little bit familiar with Tetris Effect: Connected, one look at Lumines Arise and you can tell it comes from the same development team. Playing either one may make it seem like inducing synesthesia (a phenomenon where stimulating one sense involuntarily stimulates others simultaneously) was effortless, but it was actually incredibly difficult to pull off!
At Enhance, synesthesia is an everyday word and exploring this sensory crossover concept continues with Lumines Arise—we wanted every stage in the game to link the experience with your emotions as well. Tetris Effect: Connected did this too, and its Journey mode narrative (though subtle) resonated deeply with players, inciting some powerful emotions in players by the end of the game.
To do this effectively, we had to construct a shared vocabulary within the development team to communicate to each other the vision of what we wanted to achieve in each stage, the feelings we wanted players to feel, and whether or not we were meeting that goal. Being open and honest about what you’re seeing and feeling can be difficult in any work environment, but even with new members joining the team that weren’t part of Tetris Effect: Connected, we were able to do it.
Divergent journeys
In Tetris Effect: Connected, we depicted a journey of the heart using music, lyrics, and visuals. For Lumines Arise, the single-player Journey mode is about your personal progression from darkness into the light.
Although they appear similar, the puzzle gameplay in each is distinctly different. And the differences don’t stop there. With Tetris Effect, we tried to create a “zen-like” state where players could enter a flow that impacts your inner self. Lumines Arise is the opposite—this is an outward journey where you start alone on the first stage and embark into the outside world, encountering various stimuli, experiencing diverse emotions, and meeting other Loomii player avatars along the way. This is the “Arise” part of Lumines Arise. The narrative of leaving your comfort zone, getting out into the world, and discovering something new.
Where Tetris Effect’s visuals were often abstract and introspective, Lumines Arise transports you to real-world environments, including neon-filled city streets (Neon Streets), a peaceful winter landscape (Snowfall), a chaotic nightclub (Mirror Ball), and serene coastal vistas (Island Breeze). Some levels connect you to food so closely you can taste it (yes—Slice & Dice has fruits and vegetables) or creatures you might encounter out in the world, so you can experience their beauty (Goldfish Tango, Seahorse Sway) or fearsome nature (Spider Webs or Serpent Clash).
This “out in the open” narrative is something we wanted to challenge players with in Lumines Arise. The single-player Journey mode has over 35 stages, and we hope you’ll share what feelings and emotions arose during your experience.
Committed to puzzle games
When many people hear “puzzle game,” they might imagine something easily playable on a handheld device.
However, there’s a reason why we at Enhance dare to continue pursuing puzzle games using consoles connected to your TV or in VR. Puzzle games are a genre that, until now, haven’t significantly evolved or changed in terms of music, visuals, or overall experience. We want to change that.
Unlike other games that are more of the “easily enjoyable for a short time” variety, we want to create experiences designed for deeper immersion in a living room, a private space, or VR, allowing players to “play for a long time, forever.” Puzzle games are well-suited for the type of synesthesia connection we at Enhance strive to deliver—games that just feel good to play.
Don’t worry, though—we want to make games in this and other genres that are fun, too! Not only is Lumines Arise a fully formed single-player game, but we also have competitive cross-platform multiplayer, leaderboards you can tackle solo, a variety of rule-changing Missions, and more.
Astro Bot lands in Lumines
We’ve been eager to collaborate with other game creators and forge a connection between Lumines Arise and other game worlds as well. With Lumines Arise releasing on PlayStation 5, an Astro Bot collab was at the very top of our wishlist. Thanks to the amazing people at Team Asobi and PlayStation, we were able to make it happen!
We thought, “What would happen if Astro Bot entered the world of Lumines Arise?” Our biggest concern was balancing the look of our world with the impeccable charm of Astro Bot. We needed to merge Astro’s adorable silhouette and design with the visual style of Lumines in a way that felt natural. We truly had to “feel” our way through it.
We also received direct feedback from Nicolas Doucet, the director of Astro Bot. His comments deepened our already strong appreciation for Astro and spurred us to create something great. The completed Loomi’s adorable yet sharp dance moves perfectly sync with Lumines Arise’s music. I think Astro Bot fans are gonna love it, too. What do you think?
Astro Bot is available exclusively as part of the Lumines Arise Digital Deluxe Edition. Please enjoy working your way through Journey mode with Astro Bot, or playing together as a partner in Burst Battle multiplayer battles.
Tips From the developers
Finally, for everyone playing starting tomorrow, here are a few simple tips from me to help you improve at Lumines Arise.
Master the Timeline
In Lumines, Squares you create don’t disappear immediately. They only clear when the Timeline passes across the screen from left to right and reaches them. The key to high scores is judging the Timeline’s position and deciding whether you can build Squares before its next pass.
If you rush and stack too many blocks, you might not be able to form large Squares. The strategic trick is to deliberately hold off on stacking blocks, then build a large Square all at once right after the Timeline passes!
Use the Center and Sides of the Playfield
If you get tricky blocks like a Checkerboard block that’s hard to use to form Squares easily, don’t hesitate to drop them into the open space on either side. Moving blocks left or right wastes time, so focus on forming Squares in the center and dropping unwanted blocks to the sides—essentially keeping your workspace clean. This makes forming Squares much easier.
New Players, Check Out Training Missions
While the rules of Lumines Arise are simple—create Squares to clear them—you might find yourself wondering at first, “How do I boost my score?” or “How do I aim for Combos?”
When that happens, try going into Missions and trying the Training Missions found within. Here, you’ll find 60 different challenges, covering everything from basic techniques that’ll improve your puzzle play to useful advanced techniques. You can learn step by step, at your own pace, and repeat any of these to keep honing your skills. We highly recommend checking it out.
The entire Lumines Arise team has been eagerly awaiting the day we could finally deliver this game to PlayStation fans.
We hope you’ll immerse yourself in the exhilarating experience created by the perfect harmony of puzzle action and its corresponding sound and light effects. There’s still time for PS Plus members to grab a 10% discount by pre-ordering, so be sure to take advantage of this offer.
This Tuesday, we’re bringing you a special episode of State of Play running for more than 40 minutes, focusing on games created in Japan and across Asia, alongside a few other exciting updates.
From beloved series to distinctive indie creations, the show, hosted by voice actor Yuki Kaji, will be packed with great games, interviews, and new looks at anticipated titles.
State of Play Japan airs on YouTube on November 11 at 2pm PT / 5pm ET / 11pm CEST | November 12 at 7am JST.
The Japanese PlayStation YouTube channel will feature a full Japanese-language version, while the PlayStation YouTube channel will feature the Japanese audio with English subtitles. See you then!
Regarding co-streaming and video-on-demand (VOD)
Please note that this broadcast may include copyrighted content (e.g. licensed music) that PlayStation does not control. We welcome and celebrate our amazing co-streamers and creators, but licensing agreements outside our control could interfere with co-streams or VOD archives of this broadcast. If you’re planning to save this broadcast as a VOD to create recap videos, or to repost clips or segments from the show, we advise omitting any copyrighted music.
Hello everyone. Eric from EverStone Studio, the team behind the Wuxia open-world action-adventure RPG, Where Winds Meet. I’m here to give you the low-down on all the exciting content we unveiled at our recent preview event and what you can expect at launch on November 14.
Where Winds Meet drops you into China’s Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, a time of upheaval, change, and opportunity. It’s a true living world, filled with branching stories, side quests, and choices that matter.
Where Winds Meet is about living your own story in a world that feels real. You can go anywhere, fight anyone, and become whoever you want.
Master the battle and meet with legends
Combat is fast, flexible, and full of style. You can master traditional weapons like the sword, spear, Mo blade, and rope dart, or try creative ones like the umbrella and fan. Each has its own rhythm and tactics, backed by 12 Martial Arts sets and 23 mystical techniques. For the animations, we teamed up with Stephen Tung Wai, a four-time Hong Kong Film Award winner for Best Action Choreography.
Today we’re introducing a new weapon—the Rope Dart. This weapon is designed to use its unique strengths to target an enemy’s weaknesses, leveraging its flexibility and cunning to overcome stronger opponents. It’s a weapon that proves how softness can conquer hardness, the few can challenge the many, and cleverness can overpower brute force—even a mouse can tie up a tiger!
Martial arts are the heart of every Jianghu dream, and compelling combat lies at the core of any great wuxia game. And there’s more to come! Several new weapons and techniques are currently in development, each set to enrich the world of Where Winds Meet in the future.
You Kung Fu masters out there have a lot to look forward to, too. There are lots of bosses and enemies with different fighting styles across dozens of campaigns and regions.
In our latest reveal, players are introduced to a mysterious character previously known only as a shadowy manipulator looming behind the scenes , a pivotal figure whose presence has long been sensed but never clearly seen. This elusive strategist is none other than the widely renowned Nan Zhu. Yet, this first encounter is far from a poetic rendezvous; instead, it unfolds as a perilous game of wits and tension. With every word weaving a trap and murderous intent lurking at every turn, an ultimate fight is about to begin.
The Qinghe and Kaifeng regions
Qinghe is where every wanderer’s story begins, a peaceful region of open plains, quiet villages, and hidden mysteries. It’s the perfect place to slow down, explore, and soak in the early beauty of Where Winds Meet.
But even this tranquil land has its quirks. Rumors swirl about a troublemaker posing as a wanderer, setting wasp nests ablaze, and even stealing horses. Beneath Qinghe’s calm surface lies a network of caves filled with martial secrets and forgotten legends. From the haunted ruins of the Bodhi Sea to the watchful silence atop Halo Peak, there’s always something new waiting to be uncovered.
Kaifeng, by contrast, is the beating heart of civilization. It’s a sprawling ancient city alive with light, sound, and story. You can spend your days in the dazzling Revelry Hall, lose yourself in the bustle of the markets, or descend into the shadows of the Ghostly Market to uncover its buried secrets.
With more than 10,000 NPCs, each with their own motivations, Kaifeng feels truly alive. You can duel, trade, or befriend them, and your choices shape how they see you.
And for those who love history, there are over 1,200 cultural artifacts to collect, turning exploration into a journey through living heritage.
An adventure-packed journey
The story of Where Winds Meet begins in Qinghe, a peaceful corner of the world where the protagonist is raised by Aunt Han and Uncle Jiang. They represent home, family, and ultimately, the ones who inspired the main character’s dream of becoming a wanderer.
On the day of a local celebration, a mysterious figure steals the jade pendant the protagonist has worn since childhood. That theft sets off a chain of events that pulls the young hero into a larger conspiracy, starting with the secrets hidden behind the doors of Evercare Clinic and spiraling into a much greater adventure.
As the story expands into the Kaifeng chapter, the stakes rise. Drawn into the Heroic Assembly, the protagonist learns of the “Gold-Making Vessel” a supposed miracle treasure that may, in truth, conceal a darker purpose. What begins as a personal journey quickly becomes a struggle entangled with real historical conflicts and shadowy powers. But is this artifact truly a miraculous treasure, or is it a crucial piece of a far deeper and darker conspiracy? Players can look beyond the myths and uncover the truth hidden within the city’s shadowed corners.
Explore the unknown
We used an innovative approach that combines overt and hidden storylines. The overt storyline, told through the main chapters, follows the hero’s personal journey, charting the growth of a true hero. The hidden storyline, on the other hand, is told through fragmented narratives, with clues scattered across various details of exploration.
All of this combines to form an immersive wuxia experience. Perhaps a roadside beggar or a random book in a room will provide a clue to the hero’s identity or even impact a massive conspiracy involving the imperial court.
Launch and seasonal updates
All of Where Winds Meet’s playable in-game content is completely free! Every player can enjoy all game modes to their heart’s content without any restrictions.
Post-launch, in-game content updates will be released as themed seasons, some of which will advance the core world narrative, while others will focus on introducing new game modes and limited-time events. The first themed season is entitled Blade Out.
Where Winds Meet launches globally on November 14. Pre-download will start from November 12 at 2pm PT / 10pm GMT / 11pm CET. Don’t forget to wishlist and pre-order the game on PlayStation Store to get sweet rewards!
Launch rewards
Players will be greeted with substantial launch rewards, including three exclusive outfits and a variety of other cosmetic items. Additionally, a wealth of progression-based rewards can be claimed as players advance through the game.
First and foremost, on behalf of everyone at San Diego Studio, thank you to the fans for making 2025 a huge year for MLB The Show!
Our mission has always been to create a baseball experience that resonates with everyone from longtime veterans of the franchise to brand-new players picking up the game for the first time. And this year, the team brought fresh ways for you to enjoy the sport you love.
The development team really leaned in, bringing fans all-new ways to enjoy their favorite sport from Road To The Show’s new high school and college journeys, to Diamond Dynasty’s exciting new experiences in Diamond Quest and Weekend Classic.
We introduced gameplay innovations with ShowTech, like revamping the throw meter and adding hundreds of new animations. We also made the offseason more strategic and rewarding in Franchise Mode and proudly continued our commitment to storytelling and baseball history with another season of Storylines presents The Negro Leagues.
And that’s just the beginning.
None of this would be possible without your passion and feedback. Thank you for helping shape the future of MLB The Show. We’re listening and truly appreciate your continued support.
MLB The Show 26, building on wins, tackling feedback, and continuing progress
Last year, we shared information earlier in the season and we aim to continue that going forward. With that said, see below for a sneak peek at a few of our areas of focus for MLB The Show 26:
Gameplay
Gameplay continues to focus on delivering the most authentic on-field baseball experience. We’re focusing on advanced logic and new data metrics… redefining ratings, pitch effects and bat ball physics.
Diamond Dynasty
Now and Later Packs are just the beginning. We will continue delivering engaging content for players to live their MLB fantasy as well as new ways to play and use your squads.
Road To The Show
Experience the ultimate player’s path; building off ‘25, MLB The Show 26 takes Road To The Show further than ever before, with a suite of new colleges and a focus on the mid-to-late career.
Franchise
Continue evolving the front office experience by building deeper, more immersive, and challenging systems shaped by community feedback.
Storylines The Negro Leagues Season 4
Celebrate the rich history of baseball with the continuation of Storylines: The Negro Leagues, the award-winning mode that invites fans to take the field and play in the moments that shaped the careers of some of the sport’s most talented, yet often overlooked legends.
This is just the start — stay tuned for more as we head into 2026. Want to stay in the loop and help us improve? Sign up for MLB The Show’s The Scouting Report for exclusive surveys to share your feedback, get updates, and more.
If you just happen to be jumping back into MLB The Show 25, there is no better time than now, as Now & Later Packs are back this year with a new way to earn as you continue enjoying live content into the new year.
Jump start your journey in MLB The Show 26 with up to 26 The Show packs
What are Now & Later Packs?
Now & Later Packs contain items you’ve come to expect “now” from The Show Packs in MLB The Show 25 with the added bonus of allowing you to redeem a The Show Pack “later” in MLB The Show 26 at no additional cost.
How do I earn Now & Later Packs?
Sign up for The Scouting Report
Those who subscribe by Friday, November 14 at 11:59 p.m. PT will earn 5 Now & Later Packs! Your future self will thank you for this head start in 2026.
Play Diamond Dynasty Content in MLB The Show 25
Earn additional Now & Later Packs in MLB The Show 25 starting Friday, November 21!
Here’s the content forecast:
Friday, November 21: Now & Later Packs in the 11th Inning XP Path
Early 2026: Now & Later Packs in a dedicated Now & Later Program
What do I get in MLB The Show 26
Each Now & Later Pack you earn in MLB The Show 25 will give out a Now & Later voucher that will automatically be redeemed into The Show Packs when logging into MLB The Show 26 during its standard release. Make sure you log into ‘26 with the same account you used to earn Now & Later Packs in ‘25.
While that’s all for today, in the meantime, get a head start and get ready to start earning those Now & Later Packs in MLB The Show 25.
For all the latest MLB The Show information, head to TheShow.com, sign up for The Scouting Report, and follow our X, Facebook, and Instagram accounts.
