Alright, let’s kick off this Friday’s news roundup! The weekend is practically here, but before you power down, take a quick peek at today’s essential gaming updates. We’re diving into the world of The Last of Us on TV, gazing into the future of Space Marine 2, crunching some Cyberpunk 2077 sales numbers, and exploring Hideo Kojima’s thoughts on AI.
Hideo Kojima Sees AI as a Game-Changer
During a stop on his recent tour in Saudi Arabia, the visionary behind Death Stranding 2 shared his perspective on the evolution of gaming. Citing a Rolling Stone article, Kojima explained that technology is the driving force behind gaming innovation. He highlighted the shift from 2D to 3D, the advent of online multiplayer, and now, the emergence of AI. He noted that AI, including technologies beyond just ChatGPT, can learn from player behavior and be leveraged in innovative ways for game creation.
Interestingly, despite his insights into gaming’s future, Kojima admitted to preferring museums and movies to extensive gaming, saying he only plays “maybe one game a year.”
Cyberpunk 2077 Physical Sales Dominate on Potential New Nintendo Console
Reported by VGC, CD Projekt Red’s latest financial report revealed a surprising trend: the physical copies of Cyberpunk 2077 for Nintendo’s new console outsold digital downloads significantly. A whopping 75% of copies sold in June were physical game cards. This is notable considering CD Projekt Red chose to use standard physical carts, not the controversial game key system. Cyberpunk 2077 was one of the biggest third-party titles available at the console’s launch to come entirely on a physical game cart.
Given that Cyberpunk 2077 reportedly achieved the distinction of being the best-selling third-party game on the new Nintendo system, it suggests a preference among early adopters for physical media, at least for now.
Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 Adding a New Class in 2026
To mark the one-year anniversary of Space Marine 2, Saber Interactive has unveiled a roadmap filled with exciting content. As detailed in a new announcement, a new class, the Techmarine, is coming to the game. While specific details remain scarce, we know Techmarines will have access to the exclusive Omnissiah Axe. Beyond the new class, players can anticipate new PVE missions, PVP maps, and a range of fresh cosmetic options throughout the coming year.
Rumor: Sony Developing a Handheld PS6 Inspired by the Switch
According to a video by Moore’s Law Is Dead, a YouTube channel known for tech leaks, Sony is allegedly developing a portable PlayStation 6 console designed to launch alongside a more powerful, traditional console. Citing leaked documents, the channel claims this PS6 handheld will function similarly to the Nintendo Switch, offering TV docking capabilities for a more conventional home console experience. The channel speculates a potential price point of around $500 and a possible release in 2027.
Bella Ramsey Responds to Last of Us TV Show Criticism: “Just Play the Game”
Ellie’s portrayer, Bella Ramsey, addressed the reactions to HBO’s The Last of Us, including season two and upcoming season three. Speaking to GameSpot and Culture Crave, she commented on the negative feedback surrounding Joel’s death in season two, stating:
“There is nothing I can do about it anyway. The show is out…There is not really any point in reading or looking at anything. People are of course entitled to their opinions. It doesn’t affect the show, it doesn’t affect how the show continues or anything, in any way, so they’re very separate things to me. So no, I just don’t really engage.”
Ramsey suggested that viewers who strongly dislike the series could simply refrain from watching, adding, “I would say, you don’t have to watch it. If you hate it that much, the game exists. You can just play the game again. You don’t have to watch [Season 3]. If you do want to watch it, I hope you enjoy it.”