Category: PlayStation

With our latest Mm Original, Tren, out today in Dreams, we decided to catch up with Media Molecule creative director (and BeechCorp CEO) John Beech. Here, he talks to us about bringing his personal project in-house to Mm, how his childhood experiences of play inspired the toy train game, and how his relationship with toys and play has changed as he’s grown from a little kid into a big one.

As a reminder, Dreams is also be available as a Monthly Game for all PlayStation Plus members to redeem from August 1 – September 4 and add to their library. Dreams will also come to the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog for Extra and Premium members starting August 15.

Mm: How did Tren go from something you were working on individually to being picked up by Mm?

John Beech: Tren was probably one of the first games that helped define that process of little projects becoming something larger within Dreams. But Mm has always had this game jam culture where we’re encouraged to make weird and wonderful things, and just experiment. Originally, Tren was more of a personal project, just something I was making in my spare time. I think I started initially by working on it during some Friday game jams at work, and then I took it home and I continued working on it in my spare time a lot.

And at some point, I think I was showing it off because I was really excited about it, and the leadership team at Mm approached me and said, “John, we really like what you’ve done here. This looks really cool. Is this something you would actually like for us to take on board and for you to do at work full time?” At that point, Tren had grown into such a fully formed idea in my mind that I jumped at the chance to fully create my passion project.

What’s changed about making Tren since that happened?

From then on, we’ve really taken the time to explore what it means to transition it from a personal project to a fully-fledged Mm approved release. This has included bringing various people on board, defining what the sign-off process is, the green lights and the milestones, and all that production gubbins and working out how to bring this to life. So it’s been a really big team effort that’s sort of coalesced around that initial seed of excitement for Tren.

Tren has this almost childhood toy box-style aesthetic with the wooden trains and track pieces. Do you often use your childhood experiences when creating your own games?

Absolutely. Especially with Tren I wanted to bring to the game my vision of the world, and show just how joyous that spark of creativity can be. Whatever you design has to have a sense of authenticity because you’re actually pulling from your direct first-hand experiences. In the case of Tren, it came from my love of playing with those toy trains as a kid. I really wanted to grasp that sense of nostalgia and make something that those who love trains would enjoy. But then there’s also a sort of meta-narrative within Tren, which relates heavily to me, as my dad used to make lots of toy train sets when I was very young, and it was the thing that I would bond with him over. He’d come home from work and start making these little toy trains, so I would always hang around and watch and learn and get involved with whatever he was working on.

How has your relationship with toys evolved as you’ve grown up?

Now I have a child of my own, and I sort of understand the view from the opposite side. My daughter, Betty, would love to come and play with me all the time, but I have to work. She doesn’t quite understand when I’m working that she can’t just start playing toy trains with me. So it’s giving me that wonderful dual view of the world of being a child compared to being a parent. For me, Tren represents that parent-child connection, and so I hope that it resonates with people who are playing it, and that it appeals to adults as well as children. I think that approach really leads the sense of wholesome authenticity.

In a similar way to you playing with wooden trains your dad made, do you want Betty to play Tren eventually?

100%. So the cool thing about it is that I’ve bought a lot of toy trains now for “research” purposes. Betty plays with them, and regularly we go down to the living room, and we make a train set together, and it’s actually really helpful for Tren development. So I can look at how I’ve laid out a train track in our living room and then relate that directly to Tren. Many of the environments that I’ve created within Tren’s world are based on my own house because I’ve been slowly renovating it over the last two years, which is coincidentally about how long I’ve also been working on Tren. So I literally look around me – and I’ve got a brick wall here, and everything’s exposed, and I’ve got bits of plasterboard, and so it was very easy for me to bring that chaotic house renovation style to Tren – and of course, bring Betty along for the ride.

Tren is available to play now on PS5 and PS4, exclusively in Dreams.

The fighting game genre has many notable franchises. One of the earliest to earn iconic status is Mortal Kombat. It punched its way onto the arcade scene in 1992 and quickly found its way to the home console market, wowing players with at-the-time realistic visuals and controversial over–the–top gore. That controversial content ushered in the now-industry standard ratings system, but Mortal Kombat’s legacy has been defined by much more than that. For over 11 mainline installments, the series built gameplay innovations and an ever-growing roster atop its core 1-on-1 fighting system.

Ahead of the series returning to–and recreating–its “roots” with Mortal Kombat 1, now is an amazing time to look at how it evolved through the eras.

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Last October NetherRealm celebrated the Mortal Kombat series’ 30th anniversary.

The klassic era

Mortal Kombat | Release: 1992 | Arcade
Mortal Kombat 2 | Release: 1993 | Arcade
Mortal Kombat 3 | Release: 1995 | Arcade and PlayStation
Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 | Release: 1995 | Arcade and PlayStation
Mortal Kombat Trilogy | Release: 1996 | PlayStation
Mortal Kombat 4 | Release: 1997 | Arcade and PlayStation

Arcades were shaken to their core when Mortal Kombat hit the scene in 1992. The series takes characters from across the realms to fight and test their might in a martial arts tournament. It’s unveiled that the tournament is an ancient ritual to stop a half-dragon warlord of an otherworldly realm from invading and conquering Earth. Our fate lies in the hands of a martial arts prodigy, a special forces agent, and a movie star in way over his head. The series shifts toward full-on wars between the realms, time-traveling shenanigans, and alternate-timeline insanity. Making MK home to one of the wildest and most entertaining story rides in gaming.

Unlike its brethren fighting series, Mortal Kombat used a more realistic aesthetic with digitized graphics to create the cast of the game instead of the then-popular sprite work. This and the gore of the game stole the show, making Mortal Kombat stand out from the competition. Thanks to the game’s “Fatality” finishers, complex inputs that’d activate a highly creative and overly gory animation as one kombatant finished off the other for good, the game quickly went down in ‘90s pop culture history, helping push the perceived need for a videogame age rating system.

Comparatively simplistic to the mechanics of today’s fighting titans, the original Mortal Kombat packed in tons of systems seen in the series now. Aside from the aforementioned Fatalities, special moves inputted with simple direction and button combinations (no need for the circular motions), and a dedicated block button are franchise staples. Also, juggle combos-which entail launching your opponent into the air and following up with another attack-are still some of the most hype maneuvers to see, even in the upcoming Mortal Kombat 1. All in all, the original Mortal Kombat is an amazing piece of history to revisit and see where it all started.

Mortal Kombat returned to the arcades a year later, in 1993, with the direct sequel, Mortal Kombat 2. This dug more into the story and events behind the kombat and diversified the Fatalities, including the rage-inducing Friendships and Babalities.

The fighting system was also refined. MK2 added a crouching punch, buffed the roundhouse kick, made crouching punches and kicks more unique from one another, and lowered all-around attack recoveries to allow more combos. Famously, the gameplay was tweaked to run a bit faster than its predecessor, making MK2 a great step up in terms of fun, quality, and challenge.

Mortal Kombat 2 was fast. But Mortal Kombat 3 introduced a run mechanic, allowing characters to literally charge toward their opponent, creating even more combo and pressure opportunities. Speaking of combos, MK3 debuted unique character combo chains. Stage transitions, Mercy finishes, and Animalities also show up for the first time. As with its predecessor, new characters joined the roster, including kompetitive character Kabal, who debuted and would go on to be one of the most used characters in the tournament scene for the game.

Despite these additions, MK3 was seen as a bit of a disappointment due to the lack of certain fan-favorite characters like Scorpion and Kitana. This prompted Midway’s release of Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3, an expansion of the title. The gameplay is largely the same, with a few move list additions, balance changes, and the first appearance of the 2-vs-2 mode.

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While a version of MK3 was the franchise’s debut on PlayStation, Mortal Kombat Trilogy marked the first new title in the series to release on Sony’s home console. Being somewhat of a “Best of” celebration of the Mortal Kombat series, the game is built on systems introduced in UMK3, but returns missing characters and stages from MK1 and MK2 to the roster. It also debuts the Aggressor Bar, which boosts attack damage and speed for any kombatant when filled. This title also is where Brutalities originate.

Mortal Kombat’s fourth entry is the first time the series left the digitized real actors and went to 3D polygonal graphics. The game shares many similarities with its predecessor UMK3 like the return of the run button and combo chains—albeit, with a maximum damage cap to stop broken combos—but introduces a weapon mechanic that allows each character to pull out a special weapon. The biggest change here is the move towards 3D fighting arenas. While characters still largely move on a 2D plane, sidestepping is possible, giving a peak at the future of the series.

The 3D Era

Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance | Release: 2002 | PlayStation 2
Mortal Kombat: Deception | Release: 2004 | PlayStation 2
Mortal Kombat: Armageddon | Release: 2006 | PlayStation 2
Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe | Release: 2008 | PlayStation 3

Deadly Alliance took the Mortal Kombat series in a new direction, iterating on MK4’s transition into 3D and improving it further. Ditching the run mechanic and 2D style, Deadly Alliance introduced more variation in character move lists. Each kombatant comes equipped with two hand-to-hand and one-weapon combat styles, all of which can be swapped at the press of a button. This title also comes with Konquest mode, the series’ first dedicated story mode, and the debut of the Krypt, a mode where you open up coffins using in-game points to unlock various secrets.

It was followed up by Deception, which expanded the 3D era of the franchise with the addition of stage transitions, interactive stage weapons, insta-kill stage hazards, and a combo-breaking maneuver. This title also introduced Hara-Kiri to the franchise: Self-destruct match enders that are the opposite of Fatalities. These allowed the losing player to input a Fatality-like combination before the winner to end the match on their terms instead of being finished off. 

Armageddon is seen by many as the end of the 3D era, and follows the groundwork set by Deception and Deadly Alliance. However, the addition of launcher air combos similar to those in the new Mortal Kombat 1, a parry system, and the ability to create a kharacter and fatality added just enough flavor to make this another well-received entry.

Finally, there’s Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe. While largely its own thing, it did introduce a rich cinematic story mode that’d become standard for future Mortal Kombat titles.

The new era

Mortal Kombat | Release: 2011 | PlayStation 3
Mortal Kombat X | Release: 2015 | PlayStation 4
Mortal Kombat 11 | Release: 2019 | PlayStation 4

2011’s numeral-less entry returned the series to its 2D roots and served as a reboot of sorts, recounting the storyline of the first three games but with a timeline-tampering twist: a future Armaggeddon-era version of Raiden sending a message of warning to his earlier self.  

The gameplay is reminiscent of MK2, with all the speed, cheap projectiles, and high-damage kombos intact. Aside from the groundbreaking cinematic story mode, the gameplay brings a few new additions, including the super-combo X-Ray attacks and non-franchise guest characters, such as Freddy Krueger and Kratos (who is exclusive to the PS3 version). There is also the debut of assist attacks in the game’s new 2-vs-2 tag match mode. 

If Mortal Kombat (2011) can be seen as a modern MK2, then Mortal Kombat X is UMK3. Like its ancestor, X reintroduces the run button, which amplifies combos and lets you apply even more pressure on an opponent. Brutalities also return, but this time appear as finishing blows that are triggered when certain requirements are met. The biggest change is the addition of three different variations for each character that you can choose from during character selection. These alter the cast’s movesets and basically make them entirely different characters.

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Whereas 2011 and X sped things up, Mortal Kombat 11’s gameplay was more methodical and focused on slow decision-making, with the intent being on buffing defense. This was implemented by introducing flawless blocks, a perfectly timed block that allows you a brief window to perform a reversal, while breakaways allowed players to escape juggles.

The offense also gained some new swag in the form of Fatal Blows, a new standard super move replacement for X-Rays that players can only use under 30% health. There are also Krushing Blows, powerful attacks that can be used when specific requirements are met during kombat. The defining feature of MK11 is its customization, which, like X’s variations, can completely change a character’s move list. However, this time around, you get to decide which moves a character keeps and changes.

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Mortal Kombat 1

The Mortal Kombat series has evolved many times over the decades, and it’s looking to do so once more with its next reboot, Mortal Kombat 1. So far, we’ve seen this new entry take some pieces from many of its predecessors to make something all new. You can learn more about it with our hands-on report and interview with series co-creator, Ed Boon.

You can witness this latest evolution when Mortal Kombat 1 releases on September 19 for PlayStation 5.

A seasoned wizard who infects her foes with the irresistible urge to dance. A high-level sorcerer who sows the seeds of chaos in battle with strategically placed portals. A bard that wields the psionic powers of a mindflayer (a.k.a illithid). Who will you become at the pinnacle of your power in Baldur’s Gate 3? That’s completely up to you.

In Baldur’s Gate 3, your late-game build can be as varied as you want it to be and can be changed at any time, giving you an opportunity to experiment with different spells and discover the class that complements your playstyle best.

Introducing illithid powers

In Baldur’s Gate 3, you and your companions each carry the burden of a parasite that dwells within you, a tadpole placed deep inside your brain that poses a constant looming threat of illithid transformation.

But as dangerous as these creatures may be, they are also a source of great power. For those who wish to experience their power, you need only to surrender to the tadpole within you and consume the parasites you find in jars and skulls throughout the Forgotten Realms.

Each consumed tadpole unlocks a new tadpole power in a skill tree of 25 powerful illithid abilities. These powers are split into five branches. Some can be used to manipulate and control those around you, pushing them to say things in dialogue they otherwise would not. Others endow you with psionic abilities to push and pull enemies like ragdolls in battle. You can even become a displacer beast, the iconic and monstrous tentacled feline from the D&D bestiary. The deeper you go through the illithid skill tree, the more powers you’ll discover.

Yet, while a tadpole can provide you with powerful benefits, it also requires sacrifice. Give in to the parasite within you and become half-illithid to gain the most potent mindflayer abilities at higher levels. In turn, you may lose a part of yourself. And remember, not everyone in your party will agree with your decisions to explore your psionic side, and your companions’ perception of you can undergo a significant shift based on your approach.

Respect your destiny

Whether you only want to make a few tweaks to your existing character build or you’re looking to experiment with completely new playstyles and class combinations, respecting your characters can be done at any time.

A simple trade of gold with a mysterious campmate is all that is needed to restart your build with new starting proficiencies, attributes, spells, and cantrips. This will affect your playstyle and abilities and alter your roleplaying experience as the world around you responds differently in dialogues to reflect your new class.

Respeccing isn’t limited to your customized protagonist either. Companions and pre-authored Origin characters can also be given completely new specializations. Already want to play a Rogue, but love the idea of Astarion by your side from here to Baldur’s Gate? You can respec Astarion into a Wizard, a Fighter, or whatever else you think suits him best. A suggestion? A Raging Barbarian Astarion is something everyone should see before they die.

However, this comes with some warnings and caveats, as some of our Origins stories are heavily tied to their classes. A non-cleric Shadowheart or a Wyll without his Warlock Pact will impact the roleplay options in dialogue and story. And while nothing will break, and their stories can still be told, it won’t be the exact story we intend for you to experience.

The freedom to craft your own build

Late-game builds in Baldur’s Gate 3 can be extremely varied if you want them to be. With Multiclassing, players have the freedom to apply points into any class when they level to forge class hybrids of their own making: warriors who wield arcane spells, rogues who are masters of divine magic, or spellcasters who dabble in martial arts.

Given the full range of possible combinations, having some background as a D&D player is recommended to make the most of this feature. But should you wake up and choose chaos, deciding to instead just evenly spread all your points into every class for no strategic reason whatsoever, the choice is yours – and obviously, there’s an achievement for doing that.

Baldur’s Gate 3 is coming to PlayStation 5 on September 6.

With each PlayStation 5 system software release, we’ve introduced new features designed to enhance the many ways you can access your favorite content, navigate your console, or create new gaming memories with friends. Today, we’re thrilled to roll out a new PS5 system software beta that introduces new accessibility features as well as audio options that allow 3D Audio powered by Tempest 3D AudioTech to be enjoyed on compatible Dolby Atmos-enabled HDMI devices such as sound bars, TVs, or home theater systems. The beta also includes more options to quickly find games and console tips, new ways to connect with other players and customize your multiplayer sessions, and support for larger-capacity M.2 SSDs (up to 8TB).

While beta access will be limited to invited participants in select countries*, we plan to release the update globally later this year. If you’re selected to participate in the beta, you’ll receive an email invitation today when it’s available to download. Some features available during the beta phase may not make it into the final version or may see significant changes.

Without further ado, here are some of the highlights from the beta release:

New Accessibility Features

Use a Second Controller for Assistance. You can now assign a second controller to one account as an assist controller, and use two controllers to operate your PS5 console as if you were using a single controller. This feature introduces a new way for you to enjoy games collaboratively with others or help a friend or child navigate a particularly challenging section of a game.

• To use an assist controller, go to [Settings] > [Accessibility] > [Controllers] > [Use Second Controller for Assistance], and then turn on [Use Assist Controller].
• You can use an assist controller when your main controller is a DualSense or DualSense Edge wireless controller, or a PS5-supported third-party controller.**

System UI Haptic Feedback. You now have the option to turn on haptic feedback effects while navigating your PS5 with your DualSense controller, DualSense Edge controller, or PS VR2 Sense controller.

• When enabled, system sound effects for certain events will also be reflected physically through haptics, such as moving focus, reaching the end limit of a scrollable section, checking a box, or when you receive a notification or boot up a game. This optional feature enhances immersion and is particularly useful for players with some level of sight or hearing disability, who appreciate the additional feedback on their inputs.
• To turn on this feature, go to [Settings] > [Accessibility] > [Controllers], and then turn on [Haptic Feedback During Console Navigation].

Support for compatible Dolby Atmos-enabled audio devices

3D Audio powered by Tempest 3D AudioTech can now be enjoyed by those who own compatible Dolby Atmos-enabled HDMI devices such as soundbars, TVs or home theater systems. Tempest 3D AudioTech specifically renders to the Dolby Atmos audio devices in use – including overhead channels – allowing for even greater levels of immersion in the audioscapes of PS5 games. ***

• To turn on Dolby Atmos, go to [Settings] > [Sound] > [Audio Output] > [Audio Format (Priority)], and then select [Dolby Atmos].

Social feature enhancements

Party UI update. You can now invite a player into a closed party without automatically adding the player into the group or creating a new group. Additionally, players can now send open or closed party invitations to groups instead of only individual players.

Share Screen Preview. When someone’s sharing their screen in a party that you can join, you’ll now see a preview image of their Share Screen, even before you enter the party.

Join friends’ game sessions easily. You can now easily see which of your friends are in an activity you can join under the [Friends] tab.

• The Joinable icon will be displayed next to friends who are playing a game you can join.
• You can join a friend’s game directly by pressing the options button and selecting [Join Game], or by selecting the ”Join” button on their profile card.

Game Hub tournaments tile. In the game hub, you can now see how many tournaments you’ve entered and the highest place you’ve achieved, as well as the start time for the next tournament. You can select the tile to see the full tournament list.

React to messages with emojis. You can now add reactions to messages with emojis, which makes communicating with friends quicker and easier.

Ease-of-use features

Search for games in your library. You can now search for games within your game library.

Game Help improvements. Game Help cards have been improved.****

• In addition to in-progress activities, you can now see available, previously available, upcoming, and completed activities.
• When a card is selected, its details are now displayed on the right side of the card, making it easier to find objectives and their corresponding hints.

Discover new features. Browse useful tips for getting the most out of your PS5 and learn about new features in the new Discover Tips section.

• Go to [Settings] > [Guide & Tips, Health & Safety, and Other Information] > [Guide and Tips], and then select [Discover Tips] to view all the tips.

Mute PS5 beep sound. You can now mute or adjust the volume of the PS5’s beep sound when turning it on or off, or putting it in rest mode.

• Go to [Settings] > [System] > [Beep Sound].
• To adjust the beep sound volume, select [Volume].
• To mute the beep sound, turn on [Mute Beep Sound].

Support for larger-capacity M.2 SSDs

You can now use an M.2 SSD with a maximum capacity of 8TB (up from the previous 4TB limit) to expand storage space on your PS5 console.

Important: M.2 SSDs must meet the requirements outlined on this page. Please read the page linked above carefully before purchasing any M.2 SSDs for use with your PS5.

We always appreciate hearing your feedback as we continue our journey to enhance the PS5 user experience. Please let us know what you think in the comments section below!

*PS5 beta access will be available to selected participants in the U.S., Canada, Japan, U.K., Germany and France (same countries as our last system software beta).
**A DualSense Edge wireless controller cannot be used as an assist controller. Some of the DualSense features, such as motion sensor, haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, will be automatically turned off when the controller is being used as an assist controller.
***Media app providers can update their apps on PS5 to support Dolby Atmos audio, giving users another way to experience immersive audio in movies, TV shows, and more in the future (these app updates are not currently supported in the PS5 beta.)
****A PlayStation Plus subscription is required to use Game Help.

Hi all – Luke Karmali here from the FFXIV PR team, writing to you from our Fan Festival 2023 in Las Vegas!

After a pandemic-forced hiatus, this year sees the return of our physical Fan Fests, and we’re thrilled to be able to share a first look at our fifth expansion, Dawntrail, with our community in-person.

There’s a ton to unpack, but they say a picture paints a thousand words, so let’s start by checking out the newly released Dawntrail teaser trailer that offers a glimpse of the adventures to come:

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As you can see, the Warrior of Light is stepping foot in more tropical climes than ever before – those of the New World, Tural! Alongside Alphinaud, Alisaie and Erenville, Dawntrail will begin with a voyage across the Indigo Deep. A visitor from the New World seeks your aid in a rite of succession to determine the land’s next ruler, with rumours that events could even lead to the fabled gates of a city of gold…

As part of his keynote presentation, Producer and Director Naoki Yoshida gave us a first look at what to expect from Dawntrail when it launches in Summer 2024. In addition to the new story, there’ll be an increased level cap, multiple new jobs, sprawling new areas, new allied tribes, new dungeons, and new core battle content such as FATEs, Hunts, Treasure Hunts, sidequests, and much more.

Here’s a glimpse at just some of the fresh content to look forward to:

• Journey to the New World, Tural, and its capital, Tuliyollal
• Explore new areas, including the mountainous Urqopacha and the forest of Yak T’el
• New Allied Tribes, including the diminutive Pelupelu who wear distinctive masks and inhabit Urqopacha
• Level Cap increase from 90 to 100
• Multiple New Jobs
• Core Battle Content including FATEs, Hunts, Treasure Hunts and Sidequests
• New Dungeons
• New Threats, including Valigarmanda
• Duty Support Update
• New Gear and Recipes
• Expansive New Lifestyle Content
• New Variant Dungeons, Alliance Raid, 8-Player Raid and Ultimate Raid
• PvP Update
• Ongoing Content Updates, including a Blue Mage Update, Inconceivably Further Hildibrand Adventures, New Plans for Deep Dungeons and a Gold Saucer Update

First major graphical update and an even further expanded free trial

As if that wasn’t enough, Yoshida also revealed the game’s first major graphical update will be arriving alongside the expansion, bringing significant improvements to both character and world visuals. The update is planned to improve screen-wide aesthetic appeal, with higher-resolution textures and shadows, and improved materials qualities. We’re excited to share a closer look at this in future!

And on top of that, there’s an Even Further Expanded Free Trial on the way. With the launch of Patch 6.5 later this year, our third expansion Stormblood (and in fact all through Patch 4.58) will be joining the Free Trial, meaning newcomers can venture all the way up to level 70 and try out the Red Mage and Samurai jobs, still with no limit on playtime. To paraphrase a film about another adventure that started on the open sea…we’re gonna need a bigger meme!

There’s quite a lot to process here, but we promise it’s just the beginning for Dawntrail and our continued adventures in FFXIV. We’ll be back sharing more information in the next leg of our Fan Festival 2023-2024 tour, which is taking place in London on 21^st October 2023.

Until then – happy adventuring, and may you ever walk in the light of the crystal!

Last week, we asked you to think pink and share pink-colored moments from the game of your choice using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this week’s pink highlights: 

NemesisNat shares V dressed all in pink with a pink weapon in Cyberpunk 2077

E11oGovna shares a pink flamingo and lighting from Control

xenobitz shares a pink-clothed and haired character in Fortnite

Ao__sly shares pink lighting and kanji around a shinto arch in Ghostwire: Tokyo

Sefwick shares the dancer from Bound falling towards a pink backdrop

Photoingame shares a pink car parked against a pink wall from The Crew Motorfest.

Search #PSshare #PSBlog on Twitter or Instagram to see more entries to this week’s theme. Want to be featured in the next Share of the Week? 

THEME: Indies

SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on August 2, 2023

Next week, we’re sending some love to independent games. Share a moment from the indie game of your choice using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured.

Hey there, PlayStation Stars members! As we enter the month of August, get ready for a fresh wave of campaigns. We’ll have challenges lined up to test your skills, reward your efforts, and add unique digital collectibles to your collection. Be sure to stay connected through PlayStation App for the latest updates and surprises. Without further ado, let’s jump right into the campaign lineup awaiting you this August.

PlayStation Plus Games Catalog Campaign  

Available August 1

There are hundreds of games in the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog for Extra and Premium/Deluxe members. The catalog is constantly being updated, so we’ll do our best to highlight gems monthly to play. When you play any one game, you’ll earn 50 points. 

Calling all couch co-op enthusiasts! This month, we’ve handpicked a selection of games from the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog that are perfect for playing with friends and family. Try any one of these titles in August and earn 50 points.

• It Takes Two
• Human: Fall Flat
• Overcooked 2
• Earth Defense Force 5
• Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game
• Worms W.M.D.

PlayStation Plus Monthly Games Campaign

Available August 1

New month, new PlayStation Plus Monthly Games. For this PS Stars campaign, PlayStation Plus members can play any one of the August Monthly Games and earn 50 points. Learn more on the PlayStation Plus Monthly Games blog post for August.

Survival of the Fittest  

Available August 3

Survival of the Fittest this month features a set of great first-person shooter, free-to-play, and multiplayer games.

Play any one of the featured titles this month and snag the August “winner-winner chicken dinner – Tikka Masala” digital collectible.   

• Battlefield 2042
• PUBG: Battlegrounds
• CRSED
• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II

PlayStation VR2 Showtime Campaign  

Available August 10

If you have a PS VR2, this campaign is for you. Start the campaign in PS App, and then play any one of these PS VR2 titles to earn 50 points. 

• Moss [PS5]
• Moss: Book II [PS5]
• Swordsman VR [PS5]
• Startenders: Intergalactic Bartending [PS5]

FYI, PS VR2 owners also can unlock the PS VR2 digital collectible. Did you get yours yet? If not, start the campaign and play to get yours today. 

Wind Down with PlayStation  

Available August 16

Releasing on a Wednesday, this chill campaign rewards your relaxing play with a special ‘Nice Cuppa’ digital collectible. To unlock your reward, start the campaign and play any one of the games featured. 

• The Wild at Heart
• Scarf
• Abzu

As a reminder, PlayStation Stars members can get digital collectibles or points by completing monthly campaigns. PlayStation Plus members enjoy additional opportunities to get points through exclusive campaigns and PlayStation Store purchases. Points received can be redeemed in your Rewards Catalog for PSN Wallet funds, select games, and limited release digital collectibles.  Learn more about PlayStation Stars and join here.

Graves is alive, but former adversaries must now align against a new threat. The Konni Group has infiltrated Al Mazrah, forcing Farah and Alex to unite with Graves to fend off the greater enemy.

Alliances shift in Season 05 of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II and Call of Duty: Warzone, launching August 2 on PS5 and PS4.

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Modern Warfare II — Four new maps at launch, Havoc, Big Capture the Flag

Punta Mar (Core): This seaside retreat overlooks the beaches of Las Almas. Operators battle up and down the main road lined with shops and accommodations. Get a view from the rooftops or flank through the underpass and alleyways in this small map.

Strike (Core): Originally featured in Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Strike returns to the series for Modern Warfare II. Battle in the hub of the city through the market, around the clock tower, and down the lengthy main street where danger awaits at every turn.

Deploy to two new Gunfight maps, Lounge and Canals, also launching with Season 05.

All bets are off in Havoc, Big Capture the Flag

Havoc: No Perk Packages, Killstreaks, or Field Upgrades allowed. In this wild take on Team Deathmatch, reaching certain elimination milestones will activate gameplay modifiers that affect both teams.

Get modifiers like Ammo Feeder which auto reloads weapons on eliminations, Boots Off the Ground for moon gravity, Flameshot to swap all loadouts to flame-tipped crossbows and Molotovs. Modifiers stack; the first team to earn 60 eliminations wins the match.

Big Capture the Flag: Play 20v20 Capture the Flag on Battle Maps. Go behind enemy lines as a lone wolf for the stealth play, or charge in with a big force using tanks, helicopters, and launchers.

The mid-season update will add a new Core Multiplayer map fashioned from Building 21.

Call of Duty: Warzone — Fort Resurgence, new vehicles, Champion’s Quest (Vondel BR Only)

Fort Resurgence: Battle in and around Al Mazrah’s Al Bagra Fortress joining the Playlist rotation alongside Ashika Island and Vondel later in the season.

New vehicles

MRAP: The MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) is a turret-equipped, heavily fortified cargo truck that trades speed for attack and defense. Appears sparingly.

Dirt Bike: Carve tight paths through the map, catch air, and pop wheelies with the Dirt Bike, a zippy transport for two that’s light on protection but big on style.

Champion’s Quest: Squads who win five Mini Battle Royale matches in a row on Vondel will unlock the Champion’s Quest. Gather the required elements — beware their strange effects — to construct the M.G.B. Tactical Nuke.

New DMZ features

The Konni Group has infiltrated Al Mazrah, Ashika Island, and Vondel. Shadow Company forces will no longer take the first shot at passing Operators, but friendly fire will not be tolerated.

Active Combat Zones: Test your luck in Active Combat Zones. Intel suggests that higher quality gear and supplies are typically found in these dangerous areas.

Disguise Field upgrade: Don the disguise of a DMZ Combatant from an AI Faction such as AQ Forces or Shadow Company. Members of the disguise’s forces will not fire upon the user, so long as they don’t blow their cover.

Battle Revive: Self-Revive mixed with Battle Rage, this temporarily improves your healing and Tactical Sprint abilities after getting up from Last Stand.

Self-Revive Box: A box full of Self-Revive Kits to keep your squad fit.

Scuba mask: A dual-use mask that breathes underwater and in the gas.

In the mid-season update, play Armored Royale using the new MRAP vehicle. Fortify and repair it and use its mobile Buy Station to get the advantage over your opponents.

General overview — Faction Showdown, new weapons and Operators

Faction Showdown: From August 4 through 16, Operators who eliminate 50 enemy Operators can choose between joining Task Force 141 or the Shadow Company. Take up your faction’s position on the Season 05 Battle Map to earn faction-specific rewards.

All community Operator eliminations will be tracked during the event, with extra rewards given to the faction that earns the most eliminations. Complete all of your faction’s challenges to be eligible for these final rewards, unlocked in a new Battle Pass Sector and including a free Operator skin, a universal weapon camo, and a one-hour Double Battle Pass XP token.

Shadow Company joins BlackCell: Players who purchase BlackCell will unlock Shadow Company’s own Operator Arthur and his faithful companion Merlin. Also get 1,100 COD points, an advanced starting position in the Battle Pass, and more.

New weapons

Season 05 adds two new weapons at launch and four additional weapons in the mid-season. The launch weapons are earned for free in the Battle Pass:

• FR Avancer (assault rifle): A high fire rate and high recoil define this assault rifle that shreds in the hands of a capable Operator.

• Carrack .300 (sniper rifle): This semi-automatic sniper rifle is effective against distant targets and well worth equipping in larger environments.

Plus unlock two new sidearms, an new SMG, and a new melee weapon all arriving in the mid-season, expanding your loadout options.

New Operators

Add six new Operators to your roster, including the CEO of Shadow Company himself, Commander Graves. He is joined by Operators Oz, Arthur, Mila, and Velikan, the previous warden of Building 21 who is looking for revenge.

Watch for the return of the mercenary Mace at the mid-season update.

Call of Duty celebrates 50 Years of Hip Hop

Celebrating five decades of hip hop culture. Get other related rewards and special bundles within the season launch window.

Free Wartracks: As part of the celebration, all players will receive free hip hop Wartracks for logging in between 8/7 through 8/16. Go online in Modern Warfare II or Call of Duty: Warzone on each of those days to receive a new Wartrack spanning three decades of hip hop.

Lara Croft

Play as the legendary treasure hunter and video game icon Lara Croft in a new Operator bundle arriving in the mid-season.

Season 05 Combat Pack

Plus, don’t forget that PlayStation Plus members can download the Season 05 Combat Pack, headlined by the Oni Operator’s skin Oni Eclipse featuring the sleek Shadow Company inspired armor.

And from August 2 at 10am PT through August 3 at 10am PT, Sony players will additionally receive an exclusive Double Player XP bonus.

Season 05 of Modern Warfare II launches August 2

Purchase Modern Warfare II on PlayStation today and get access to a load of content across three modes, including the ability to unlock 14 exclusive Operators for use across both games. Modern Warfare II owners also get Premium XP while playing Call of Duty: Warzone, awarded at the end of every match.

It’s a big day in the Dreamiverse, folks. Try not to go off the rails with excitement as we reveal that our arcade puzzler, Tren, will be pulling into the station exclusively in Dreams on August 1. On top of that, Dreams will also be coming to PlayStation Plus Game Catalog (available to all PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium members) that very same day. That’s er… next week. Wow, that’s real soon. We’d better get those wheels moving.

Good news for all budding Trengineers, then. We’re also trying to keep our composure, as our latest Mm Original has been an absolute labor of love from us here at Media Molecule. This is by far the biggest creation that Mm has released since the initial launch of Dreams way back in 2020 (oof, we feel old).

Still, you might be asking: what even is Tren? Well, to use some BeechCorp* marketing speak, Tren is a remarkable toy engine that challenges you to solve a series of puzzles by getting it from one end of the track to the other. Sound easy? You might think otherwise once you’re faced with the flips, tricks, and acrobatic feats required to complete some truly wild tracks.

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Nostalgia trip

We first revealed Tren back in 2021 at our in-game community convention, DreamsCom, and it’s only grown in scale and ambition since then. Tren began life as the brainchild of our creative director John Beech, who saw the potential of using Dreams to create an ode to his childhood. At its heart, Tren is a game all about the joy of play – after all, while we all have to grow up eventually, you don’t have to lose that spark of childlike wonder.

In John’s own words: 

“Hi all, it’s me, John Beech (sometimes CEO of BeechCorp), popping in to say a few words about Tren.

Designing and working on Tren has been a huge career highlight for me. Starting out as a solo passion project I worked on in my spare time, to a full Mm Original experience utilizing all the great skills and talents of the wonderful people at Mm, every moment has been a joy.

It’s chock full of personal Easter eggs and references, not just from me, but everyone in the studio who worked on it too.

It’s been built with love, care, and respect for what came before, and I cannot wait to see what the incredible Dreams community does with the Tren kit once they get their hands on it.”

We’ll also be catching up with the rest of the Tren team live on launch day at 5 pm BST over on our Twitch channel while streaming our very own playthrough of the game.

– John Beech, CEO, BeechCorp

The Tren bootscreen. Can you feel the nostalgia? [Captured on PS4™ Pro]

Tren is a homage to classic wooden train sets, with an Mm twist. [Captured on PS4™ Pro] 

Hew-it-yourself

With the release of Tren, we’ve also included a new kit featuring over 550 elements, which you can play around with to make your very own Tren tracks. And, as part of the Play & Edit feature in the template, you can alter any of our tracks to create your own delightfully devilish challenges for other players to sweat through.

The Tren Set features over 550 elements for you to create the Tren tracks of your Dreams with. [Captured on PS4 Pro]

Tren’s a really personal game for everyone on the Tren team, and they’ve worked so hard to capture the feeling of being a kid opening up a new toy. We hope it fills you with the same spirit of wonder that we all felt the first time we saw it.

You can make some devious tracks in Tren. [Captured on PS4 Pro]

As you can see here, Tren tracks can quickly go off the rails. [Captured on PS4 Pro]

The world map offers some more chill environments for you to tootle around. [Captured on PS4 Pro]

Plus more

As if that wasn’t enough, Dreams will also be available as a Monthly Game for all PlayStation Plus members to redeem from August 1 – September 4 and add to their library. Dreams will also come to the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog for Extra and Premium members starting August 15. If you haven’t yet explored the wilds of the Dreamiverse, this is the perfect opportunity to look at the phenomenally creative stuff the Dreams coMmunity has been up to. 

All aboard for Tren, then. And if you’re new to the world of Dreams, there’s truly never been a better time to jump in with PlayStation Plus. See you over in the Dreamiverse!

*(The fictional, and ever-so-slightly sinister, corporation behind Tren. For more information, stay tuned to our socials – we think we’ve found a game manual in the attic…)

Dreams requires an internet connection and a PS Plus membership. PS Plus is subject to a recurring subscription fee taken automatically until cancellation. Age restrictions apply. Full terms: play.st/psplus-usageterms