Latest news with #AppleArcade
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
GTA 6, Ghost of Yōtei and more top games to hit PCs and consoles in 2025
The gaming world is gearing up for a major wave of new releases that promise to keep players busy through 2025 and beyond. After years of anticipation, GTA 6 is set to launch in May 2026, drawing massive attention from fans worldwide. Alongside it, several other major titles are shaping up to redefine gaming experiences on consoles and PC. GTA 6, Wolverine, and Mafia: The Old Country and other games are set to set to release soon.(Pexels) Here is a closer look at five highly anticipated video games slated to launch soon: GTA 6 GTA 6 tops the list as one of the most anticipated gaming titles since GTA 5's release over a decade ago. The game will introduce players to a reimagined Vice City, now part of the fictional Leonida County. This installment features the franchise's first female lead Lucia alongside a male protagonist. Players can expect detailed environments, cinematic missions, and a dynamic world filled with interaction. The GTA 6 is scheduled for a delayed release in May 2026, GTA 6 will be available on PS5, PS5 Pro, and Xbox Series X/S. Mafia: The Old Country Mafia: The Old Country is scheduled for release on August 8, 2025, and will take players to early 20th-century Sicily. This installment shifts focus from American organized crime to the origins of Sicilian mafia families. Available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, the game promises a raw and authentic experience, complete with a Sicilian voice dub to add to its atmosphere. Also read: Mafia: The Old Country releasing on 8 August, 2025: Here's everything you need to know Ghost of Yōtei Ghost of Yōtei, the sequel to Ghost of Tsushima, is another title generating excitement. Developed by Sucker Punch Productions, the game is expected to deliver an open-world samurai adventure set in feudal Japan. Although specific details remain limited, the game aims to build on the combat and exploration mechanics that made the original successful. Like its predecessor, it will likely remain exclusive to PlayStation 5 and PS5 Pro. Also read: Apple Arcade to add UNO: Arcade edition, What the Car? and more in June game lineup Wolverine Wolverine is the next Marvel game from Insomniac Games, creators of the Spider-Man series. The game, planned for PS5, features the iconic mutant in a new adventure. Early footage hints at dynamic combat and puzzle-solving elements as players navigate Logan's world. There is hope among fans that Wolverine could eventually team up with Spider-Man or even Deadpool in future installments. Also read: GTA 6 trailer 2 reveals new protagonists, action-packed story, and Vice City chaos Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra is a World War II - themed action-adventure game set for release in 2026. Developed by Square Enix and directed by Amy Hennig, the game will feature characters such as a young Captain America, Black Panther's grandfather Azzuri, Gabriel Jones, and Nanali. Powered by Unreal Engine 5, it promises cinematic visuals and a storyline focused on battling Hydra.
The Verge
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Verge
Netflix and Apple are backing away from great games
For the last few years, subscription gaming services like Apple Arcade and Netflix have offered mobile game developers something of a haven for high-quality, premium mobile games: a type of game that had become vanishingly rare following the rise of the microtransaction-stuffed free-to-play model. But as these services' once enviable lineup of indie games dwindles, that haven appears to be shrinking. In 2021, Netflix announced a new gaming initiative, offering users a chance to play games through the streaming service's mobile app. Apple launched a similar program with Apple Arcade just two years before that. Both services offered an interesting value proposition: Pay a monthly subscription fee to get access to a library of premium games, with some of those games available as mobile exclusives. Those games would have no ads or in-app purchases, and the money paid to studios would ostensibly be used to fund the development of more games. The games themselves covered an interesting range of genres and topics, from strategy games featuring depression and dodgeball to finding one's place by literally rearranging the space around you. Netflix funding something like Harmonium: The Musical, a game about a Deaf girl's love of music, signaled that the platform was taking its gaming initiative seriously, bringing titles from off the beaten path to the platform. But now that game appears to have been pulled from Netflix's lineup. In addition to serving as a publisher, Netflix took the additional step of outright purchasing game studios like Oxenfree developer Night School Studio and Cozy Grove studio Spry Fox to make bespoke games for the service. But late last year, Netflix closed down the studio it spun up to produce what was going to be the service's first blockbuster AAA game. Then, just this month, it announced it was going to delist some of its most notable third-party titles, including indie darlings like Hades and the Monument Valley series. Netflix is increasingly focused on games tied to its own content. In its most recent quarterly earnings report, the platform briefly extolled its continued investment in titles like Squid Game: Unleashed and Thronglets — games tied to Netflix-produced Squid Game and Black Mirror, respectively. This focus, though, seems to come at the expense of adding existing original games from independent developers. It's easy to understand this shift. While these services don't share much about hard numbers, third-party reporting suggested that the majority of Netflix users never engaged with the platform's gaming offerings. And the games they were playing, in however limited amounts, were familiar titles. It's no surprise that GTA had Netflix's biggest game launch. At GDC 2025, Netflix's president of games, Alain Tascan, spoke to The Verge about the platform refocusing its gaming efforts, saying of indie games, 'We will continue supporting some of them, but I feel that indie gamers are not really coming to Netflix to find indie games.' So far Apple has only purchased a single game studio to make content for Apple Arcade, though its retreat to more casual offerings follows a similar pattern as Netflix. Original or indie games appear less frequently in favor of those attached to big, family-friendly IP like Uno, Angry Birds, and Bluey, all three of which are featured in Apple Arcade's July update. Payouts from Apple Arcade have reportedly been shrinking while developers have complained that it's hard to get their games noticed on the platform. The free-to-play model has conditioned users that spending money for gaming content can be optional. Casual games like Monopoly Go make money through in-game advertisements or opt-in consumer spending on microtransactions, and few traditional paid games outside of Minecraft are now able to break through that mindset. Subscription services were viewed as a kind of equalizer. With investment from Apple and Netflix and elsewhere, quality games could be brought to a platform not generally associated with quality gaming experiences. Developers could fund their vision and not have to worry about monetization, while consumers could access those games with a monthly subscription and no added costs. But a few years in, the aim of these services has been adjusted, and casual games designed to keep eyeballs on an app for as long as possible, or promote the latest streaming series, have won out. Despite strong lineups of indie games, neither Netflix nor Apple could really cut through the noise, and their offerings are no longer unique. Worse still, the unique games they did have now have fewer places to go. Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All by Ash Parrish Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Analysis Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Apple Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Entertainment Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Gaming Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Netflix Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Streaming Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Tech
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Apple Arcade brings SpongeBob SquarePants to three games in summer crossover events
Apple Arcade has launched SpongeBob SquarePants crossover events this summer, bringing the beloved Bikini Bottom characters to three popular games on the subscription service. The limited-time collaborations feature special content in Crossy Road Castle, and SpongeBob: Patty Pursuit. In players can unlock four unique character skins inspired by SpongeBob, Patrick, Sandy, and Plankton through underwater missions. This battle royale event runs until August 25, offering fans a chance to slither through aquatic adventures with their favorite characters. Crossy Road Castle receives a major update with 40 Bikini Bottom-themed levels. Players can race as SpongeBob, Patrick, Squidward, or Sandy while collecting Krabby Patties and dodging jellyfish. The Krabby Patty Kollectathon event launched July 21, followed by the Jellyfish Jam running August 4-17. SpongeBob: Patty Pursuit introduces a challenging endless mode where players navigate increasingly difficult levels without checkpoints or extra lives. This side-scrolling action game tests skills as SpongeBob jumps, bounces, and fly-kicks through dynamic environments, competing for leaderboard dominance. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 3BHK Transformation Possible for ₹4.5 Lakh? HomeLane Get Quote Undo These SpongeBob collaborations follow other major crossover events on Apple Arcade this summer. Bluey appeared in Fruit Ninja Classic+ with themed wands and dojos until September 19, while Paddington brought British-inspired creativity to Crayola Create and Play+ through August 26. Apple Arcade offers over 200 games for Rs 99 monthly with ad-free, in-app purchase-free gaming. The service is available across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro, supporting up to six family members. New device purchasers receive three months free, while Apple One subscribers get access through Individual and Family plans. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
News18
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Apple Arcade August 2025 Game Launches Confirmed: Here Are The Details
Last Updated: Apple Arcade lineup is getting four new exclusive games in August 2025 and here are the details. Apple Arcade is getting a new set of games as a part of the August 2025 lineup. The company has announced the titles that will be making its way to Arcade for Apple users early next month. Apple plans to add more titles to its lineup of around 200 games on August 7, 2025 but its Arcade highlights will focus on four special game additions for its users. Apple is offering its online gaming service for a basic monthly fee which is its lowest in the Indian market and you get to enjoy them ad-free and with the support for in-app purchases. Apple Arcade August 2025 Games Announced: Full Details Apple Arcade will be getting these exclusive games in August 2025: Play-Doh characters in rubber-like form will be part of a gameplay in its World. 'With dozens of interactive zones, collectible special Play-Doh, and regular content updates, Play-Doh World offers creative activities and open-ended, imagination-led play — all in a safe, ad-free environment," the Arcade post highlights. Apple is also bringing the Worms Across Worlds to Arcade next month where, 'Players will chase the mad scientist across worlds in this strategic turn-based action game. Whether battling solo or organizing epic four-team multiplayer mayhem, every challenge and dimension brings players closer to stopping the professor's path of destruction." The last one in our focus is Let's Go Mightycat which is about a cat that 'players can customize their heroic cat with stylish capes, rescue interstellar friends, and launch Mightycat through colorful planetary stages." Apple Arcade is priced at Rs 99 per month and you get the option of one-month free trial as well. The Arcade is also part of Apple One individual and family plans that cost Rs 195 and Rs 365 per month, respectively. And if you buy a new iPhone, iPad or Mac, Apple gives you three months of Arcade for free. view comments First Published: July 14, 2025, 15:43 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
New Indian Express
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Blow off some ‘Steam' with this cosy game
In the game, Hello Kitty and friends crash land on an abandoned island, which seems to have largely been an amusement park. Your character (which can be customised — I made mine look like my cat), is kind of the binding force that fixes the issues with this island. I deliver lost luggage, distribute fruits, cakes, and smoothies, and craft a whole lot of items. The quests are all fairly basic — they involve finding or fetching items and delivering them to the right people. The most effort that you'd have to put in is in searching for the items. This task is also guided very helpfully by a hovering light. So what's the incentive to keep going in the game, if things don't get any more complex than this? I believe there are three reasons. First, completing a quest more than amply rewards my little cat character. I get a lot more out of it than the effort I put into it. Second, I love the cute animations that come up when I gift my friends, specifically when the friend level increases. Incredibly satisfying. Third, and most importantly, is this: I truly believe that inside all of us, there lives a prehistoric human who loves hunting and gathering. This game allows for stress-free and unlimited hunting and gathering. Unlike most games that have persistent worlds and limited resources, Island Adventure constantly rewards us for exploration. There's always a bug to trap, a fish to catch, as well as endless sand dollars, fruits, and precious minerals to pick up. The game was originally released as an Apple Arcade exclusive, and I totally understand why. It's best played on a handheld device. It's the sort of game you can just pick up and play for a few minutes every day. It releases new quests every day and every week. There's also a multiplayer/cooperative element to the game, which I haven't really explored yet. I played it on my portable ROG Ally, as the Steam version of the game is compatible with a controller. The game is currently available for the PC, Nintendo Switch, iPad, and iOS.
