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Here’s everything you need to know this week in the world of gaming.

TOP NEWS

• Black Myth: Wukong has helped Steam shatter another record
  Last weekend, Steam hit a historic milestone, surpassing 37 million concurrent users for the first time with Black Myth: Wukong leading the charge. The game, which already set records as the most popular single-player game by peak concurrent users, also became the most-viewed game on Chinese live-streaming platforms on its launch day.

  (Euro Gamer)

  

• Metal Gear Solid 4 Is Coming To PS5 And Xbox
  The next installment in Konami’s Metal Gear Solid Master Collection remains unconfirmed, despite mounting evidence and reports of its existence. Konami producer Noriaki Okamura offered a cryptic response when asked about Metal Gear Solid 4 and Volume 2, saying, "You can probably connect the dots." IGN’s own reporting and datamined evidence strongly suggest that MGS4, MGS5, and Peace Walker will be part of the next collection, but it seems Konami is holding out for a big reveal at a future event.

FIRST PERSON SHOOTERS

Call of Duty Black Ops 6 Beta

The highly anticipated Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 beta has finally arrived, running over two weekends: August 30 to September 4 and September 4 to September 9. During this period, players can dive into eight new multiplayer maps and game modes, while also unlocking nine exclusive cosmetic and weapon rewards unique to the beta.

Weekend One Maps: What to Expect

The first weekend introduces the following core and strike maps:

• Core Maps: Derelict, Scud, Skyline, Rewind

• Strike Maps: Pit, Gala

For weekend two, expect the addition of Babylon to the core maps and Stakeout to the strike maps.

Harsh Criticism from PC Players

Despite the excitement, the beta is facing heavy criticism, especially from the PC community. Reports of severe technical issues—frequent crashes, poor optimization, and more—have made the game nearly unplayable for many.

A Familiar Yet Flawed Experience

Black Ops 6 feels like a return to the familiar, yet it’s not all positive. The game’s movement mechanics, including the much-hyped ‘omnidirectional’ movement, have sparked debate.

While the new system promises to shake things up, it feels cumbersome, particularly on controllers. Whether these changes will enhance or hinder the series remains to be seen, but for now, many players are left wondering if the innovation was worth it.

LATEST NEWS

Headline Round-Up

GENERAL

• We’ve hit a point in gaming where $70 has become the norm for major releases. Michael Douse, a developer from Baldur’s Gate 3, chimed in, arguing that with soaring development costs, many games should actually be priced even higher. (MP1ST)

• New rumors are swirling that Sony might soon reveal the PlayStation 5 Pro. Insider reports hint at an announcement in the coming months, the console’s standout feature: PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR), an AI-driven tech aimed at enhancing 4K gaming performance. (techalert24.net)

NEW RELEASES

• Sony’s new multiplayer shooter, Concord, has sparked more chatter for its flop than its gameplay. Despite being a high-profile first-party title, it debuted on August 23 with just 697 concurrent players on Steam, and that number hasn’t improved. As of now, only 130 people are playing, leaving many to wonder how a major Sony release could stumble so badly right out of the gate. (IGN)

COMING SOON

• PlayStation fans have been spoiled for choice in recent years. 2023 alone delivered blockbusters like Resident Evil 4 (remake), Diablo 4, Street Fighter 6, Final Fantasy 16, and Marvel's Spider-Man 2. With 2024 shaping up to be just as exciting, the PS5 library is rapidly expanding, and the best is likely still to come. Meanwhile, the PS4 continues to get cross-generation titles, keeping those who haven't upgraded yet in the loop. So, which upcoming PS5 games will steal the spotlight in the coming months? (GAMERANT)

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