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PlayStation Lifts Regional Restrictions on Selected Steam Games

Play Station

14 June, 2025

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Sony now allows players in multiple countries to buy and play several PlayStation games on Steam without regional restrictions. Critics had lodged complaints for months. Steam users can now access these titles regardless of their country.

Why Restrictions Existed

Regional lockouts prevent people in certain areas from accessing content. Companies impose them for licensing rules, pricing differences, localization delays, or legal constraints. Steam and console platforms have used region coding to enforce such limits. Sony first applied restrictions when Helldivers 2 launched in early 2024. The game required a PlayStation Network (PSN) account to play on Steam. As a result, Steam delisted Helldivers 2 in 177 regions where PSN didn’t operate.

Backlash Over PSN Requirement

Sony enforced mandatory PSN sign-in for all new players starting May 6, 2024, and extended it to existing players by June 4, 2024. They justified it by citing safety and security for PlayStation users. Many Steam players responded with negative reviews. Due to heavy backlash, especially in countries unable to access PSN, Sony reversed the requirement. They agreed to remove PSN login and regional lockouts. Helldivers 2 and other popular PlayStation titles resumed global availability on Steam.

PlayStation Games Restored on Steam

On June 14, 2025, Sony lifted regional restrictions on Helldivers 2, God of War Ragnarök, Spider‑Man 2, and The Last of Us Part II Remastered on Steam. Players worldwide can now purchase and play these titles. Gamers in previously blocked regions no longer face errors or “unavailable” messages in Steam stores. They can now freely buy and play major PlayStation titles. Sony removed those barriers without announcement, but confirmed the change in update logs. This move signals PlayStation’s evolving PC strategy. They now treat Steam users more like a unified market, moving away from console-first restrictions. Sony’s rollback is a step toward a more open global marketplace.

Potential impact on future PlayStation and Steam-released games

Sony’s decision could guide how they launch future titles on PC. Removing geographic restrictions may set a precedent for simultaneous worldwide PC releases. Steam users can expect fewer region-based limits in the future. Sony’s decision may influence other console publishers. Steam users now get full access to major PlayStation games. Rival developers could follow suit to remain competitive. The global standard may be shifting.

Check Before Buying!

Availability may still vary due to age ratings, licensing, or local regulations—for example, Germany enforces rules banning certain symbols. Steam listings will still note any game-specific regional exceptions. Always check the store page before purchase. Even without regional blocks, users may still need a PSN account for some PlayStation PC games. Sony may integrate features like cloud saves, achievements, or DLC management—even if purchase restrictions are gone. Sony continues investing in PC ports. Over the past year, they released several exclusive titles on PC. Lifting region restrictions shows a maturation in their PC rollout strategy. This could lead to increased brand loyalty and long-term profitability.

Shuhei Yoshida Says OMUT Will Be Among the Hardest Games Ever

Sony

Cyberez

10 June, 2025

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

At Summer Game Fest 2025, Yoshida previewed over twenty titles. He singled out OMUT, warning it ranks among the toughest games players will face. Yoshida tweeted that “OMUT will be one of the hardest games you’ve ever played”. He added the catch: despite the punishing difficulty, players won’t stop. That balance of frustration and obsession speaks to its design goals.

What Makes OMUT So Challenging?

Yoshida didn’t elaborate on mechanics. Still, when someone with his experience flags difficulty, it hints at intricate systems. Expect tight controls, precise timing, and repeated trials. Games this tough require mastery and careful balance. At SGF 2025, Yoshida joined Easy Allies to preview more than twenty games. Around the 1:29:52 mark, he paused to emphasize OMUT. His commentary carried the weight of a long career guiding AAA and indie titles alike.

Why Yoshida’s Words Matter

He helmed PlayStation’s global studios from 2008 to 2019.
He guided indie developers after moving to PlayStation Indies.
He tested early builds of narrative hits like Ghost of Tsushima and The Last of Us.

When Yoshida labels OMUT a top-tier challenge, gamers and journalists alike sit up.

What We Know About OMUT

A recent debut at SGF 2025 indicates it’s in late development.
Designers likely aimed for intense difficulty and high engagement.
Yoshida’s quote implies loops of failure and rewards that drive continued play.

The press hasn’t shared a release date, platform details, or genre. Still, Yoshida’s focus suggests OMUT will target experienced players.

Casting OMUT in a Broader Context

Yoshida praised Ghost of Yotei as improving on Tsushima. That openness hints at why he highlights the game. His boundary-pushing taste suggests that OMUT could redefine expectations of difficulty.

Linking Difficulty and Engagement

Yoshida’s line “you won’t be able to put it down” hints at a design philosophy:

Challenge demands mastery.
Progress feels earned.
Repeated failure feels worthwhile.

Those traits fuel the so-called “just one more run” behavior that hooks players.

What’s Next for OMUT

Here’s what we’ll watch:

Platforms & Release Date
Yoshida’s tweet didn’t mention whether the game is console exclusive, timed, or cross-platform.
Developer Intent
Interviews could explore whether the team targeted Dark Souls–style difficulty, roguelike tension, or test-of-skill mechanics.
Gameplay Reveal
Watch for footage that showcases key design elements, such as precision movement, combat depth, level hazards, or AI behavior.
Reception & Balance Feedback
Post-launch, everything comes down to feel. Is OMUT punishing to players, yet fair?

OMUT in the Difficulty Landscape

Modern AAA titles often balance difficulty options.
Indie hits like Hades or Returnal challenge with reusable death loops.
Soulsborne titles define ruthless yet fair combat.

Now add OMUT to the list, with Yoshida’s endorsement suggesting it will stand out.

Final Notes on OMUT and Dev Philosophy

Yoshida’s legacy includes Gran Turismo adjustments and support for small teams like Team Asobi. His praise of OMUT suggests the game demands skill, not exploits, and respects player growth.

He also spotlighted Nine Sols, AstroBot, and Clair Obscur for their precision in scope and design. OMUT’s difficulty fits that profile: ambitious yet deliberate. For more game reviews and news, stay tuned to our website. Looking for more? Visit our YouTube channel for in-depth guides, exciting gameplay, and the latest updates!

ROG Xbox Ally: Microsoft and ASUS Launch Windows‑Based Handheld

Hardware

Cyberez

9 June, 2025

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Microsoft and ASUS have teamed up to launch something new: the ROG Xbox Ally and the more powerful ROG Xbox Ally X. Both were revealed during the Xbox Games Showcase on June 8, 2025. These are the first handhelds actually to carry the Xbox name. They run Windows 11, so you’re getting a proper PC in your hands—with direct access to Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Remote Play, and even third-party launchers like Steam and Epic.

What’s the ROG Xbox Ally Like?

ASUS didn’t start from scratch. They’ve taken what worked in their original ROG Ally and mixed in design elements from the Xbox controller. Both versions have grips that feel like the Xbox Wireless Controller, and the button layout has been tweaked to feel more familiar for Xbox users. The Ally X gets impulse triggers for better feedback.

When you boot it up, you land straight into a full-screen Xbox-style interface. It’s designed for games first—no distractions, fewer background tasks, and better performance. The built-in Game Bar is hooked into ASUS Armoury Crate SE, so you can tweak performance settings, open your game library, chat, or access apps, all tuned for use on the go.

And yes, it’s still Windows 11 underneath. So, Discord, mods, non-Microsoft stores—everything still works.

ROG Xbox Ally vs ROG Xbox Ally X

Here’s the key difference: the Ally is for the average user who wants power without killing the battery, and the Ally X is for those who want more of everything—performance, RAM, storage, and battery life.

Here’s how the two compare:

Feature	ROG Xbox Ally	ROG Xbox Ally X
Processor	AMD Ryzen Z2 A	AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme
RAM	16 GB LPDDR5X‑6400	24 GB LPDDR5X‑8000
Storage	512 GB SSD	1 TB SSD
Battery	60 Wh	80 Wh
Triggers	Hall‑effect analog triggers	Impulse triggers
Weight	~670 g	~715 g

The standard model hits a balance of performance and efficiency. The X model targets demanding users, offering enhancements in power, memory, and battery life.

ROG Xbox Ally Display and Controls

Both devices feature a 7-inch, 1080p IPS touchscreen that supports VRR, FreeSync Premium, a 120Hz refresh rate, 500 nits of brightness, Gorilla Glass Victus, and an anti-reflective coating. Controls include dual analog sticks, D-pad, ABXY buttons, bumpers, triggers, view/menu, two assignable back buttons, and HD haptics. The X adds impulse triggers for tactile feedback.

Windows 11 on ROG Xbox Ally

These handhelds run Windows 11 Home with a custom, user-friendly Xbox-focused shell. Game Bar integrates Armoury Crate SE, offering thermal, display, and framerate controls. In gaming mode, background processes only use essential resources. Users get full PC access: install Steam, Epic, Discord, and game mods. The Xbox launchpad aggregates games from Xbox, Game Pass, and other PC storefronts to ease library management.

ROG Xbox Ally Gaming Ecosystem

Players can launch games locally, stream via Cloud Gaming (Beta), or use Remote Play to stream from an Xbox console. The device supports Xbox Play Anywhere for over 1,000 PC and Xbox titles, allowing for seamless syncing of progress across platforms. A new optimization label highlights games that have been fine-tuned for handheld play.

At launch, these handhelds offer a 3‑month Game Pass subscription and native support for Roblox, optimized for handheld mode. The devices also support major storefronts like Battle.net, Steam, and Epic.

PlayStation Game Compatibility on ROG Xbox Ally

Since the devices are full Windows PCs, users can install PC ports of PlayStation exclusives such as God of War and Marvel’s Spider‑Man. Microsoft clarified this isn’t native emulation of console games, but flexibility via Windows and store access.

Market Purpose and Positioning

The ROG Xbox Ally family represents Microsoft’s “platform-agnostic” Xbox Anywhere initiative—consolidating console, PC, cloud, and now handheld gaming under one umbrella. This marks a shift from developing Xbox console hardware toward leveraging gaming-ready Windows handheld PCs.

Release Window and Price Expectations

Microsoft plans to launch both devices during the 2025 holiday season in over 25 countries, including the US, UK, European Union markets, Japan, Korea, and others. Pricing has not been finalized. Estimates range from $599 to $999, depending on the model. The base ASUS ROG Ally currently sells for around $800, so Microsoft may subsidize the pricing.

ROG Xbox Ally Feature Summary

Native Xbox Game Pass, Cloud Gaming, and Remote Play integration
Xbox-branded controller layout with contoured grips
Xbox UI shell atop full Windows 11
Access to major PC storefronts and PlayStation PC ports
Handheld-optimized Game Bar and Armoury Crate SE
Impulse triggers (X model), VRR, freeSync, haptics
Game library aggregation

Why It Matters

The ROG Xbox Ally breaks traditional handheld boundaries. It’s a powerful, flexible device—a mini Windows PC shaped for gaming. Players can carry Xbox, PC, and selected PlayStation games in one portable package. It targets gamers who want access to their entire game library without having to switch devices. Compared to Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch, it offers broader compatibility and deeper Xbox integration.

Its success hinges on delivering smooth performance, decent battery life, competitive price, and a polished handheld UI. Microsoft and ASUS aim for something more than just a portable Xbox—they seek to define a new category of gaming device. For more game reviews and news, stay tuned to our website. Looking for more? Visit our YouTube channel for in-depth guides, exciting gameplay, and the latest updates!

Hitman Co-op Mode Confirms World of Assassination Still Evolving

Hitman

Cyberez

8 June, 2025

IO Interactive has officially revealed a co-op multiplayer mode for Hitman, showing live gameplay for the first time during the June 2025 IO Showcase. Following the event, Christian Elverdam, chief creative officer, explained the mode’s development and its long-term significance for the franchise. The announcement reinforces IOI’s commitment to the World of Assassination platform, confirming that the trilogy continues to grow even after years of updates and additions.

Christian Elverdam details early prototypes and gameplay shifts.

In a post-show interview, Elverdam discussed the origin of the new co-op concept. He stated that the team had experimented with multiplayer options during the development of earlier titles but chose to wait until they could implement it meaningfully. According to Elverdam, co-op creates fundamentally different gameplay opportunities—“a gazillion ways,” as he put it—for players to approach missions. For example, one player could stay in stealth while the other distracts guards or manipulates the environment. IOI sees these dynamics as a natural evolution of the sandbox experience that defines the series.

Hitman’s World of Assassination continues to expand.

The introduction of co-op is the latest update in IOI’s broader plan for the Hitman: World of Assassination framework. Launched initially as Hitman 3 in January 2021, the game evolved in early 2023 into a unified platform that combined content from Hitman 1 and Hitman 2. With this consolidation came the Freelancer mode—a single-player roguelike system that introduced randomization and progression-based gameplay within familiar levels. The co-op update now continues that trajectory by introducing real-time multiplayer coordination into existing mission structures.

The return of Stone and Knight from Sniper Assassin

Players familiar with Hitman 2 may recognize the Stone and Knight duo from the cooperative Sniper Assassin mode. That earlier experiment allowed two players to work together from a distance, taking down targets with synchronized sniper shots. This new co-op mode, however, expands on that foundation. Rather than limiting players to long-range eliminations, Stone and Knight now operate in full, close-quarters missions. IOI confirmed that these characters would be playable in the upcoming mode, alongside Agent 47, though they are not simply clones. Instead, they will showcase their gear, behaviors, and limitations, including disguise rules and character-specific mechanics.

How disguises and mechanics might work in co-op

One key question raised by the community involves disguises. In the gameplay demo, one player—likely Knight, who appears to be female—is shown dragging a male NPC’s body and is prompted to take the disguise. This led fans to speculate whether the game would allow female characters to wear male disguises or whether new limitations would be introduced in co-op. The disguise system has always been central to Hitman gameplay, so any deviations could significantly affect how players plan and execute missions together.

On Reddit, multiple users debated the implications. Some pointed out that if Knight can wear male disguises, it would break the series’ prior logic. Others argued that co-op gameplay needs flexibility, especially when working within time-sensitive missions or split tasks. IOI has not yet clarified these mechanics in detail, though fans expect an official update closer to release.

Fan reactions to the Hitman co-op mode announcement

Reception from the community has been largely positive. On Reddit and other platforms, players expressed enthusiasm about co-op returning to the franchise. Comments such as “slow clap for IOI” and “I’ve been waiting for this for years” appeared frequently after the reveal. Many fans compared the upcoming mode to Splinter Cell’s cooperative campaign, which allowed players to coordinate complex stealth missions. The general tone suggests long-time players see this as a long-overdue evolution of Hitman’s sandbox design.

Mission availability and co-op limitations at launch

While the reveal generated hype, not all details are available yet. Based on statements from IOI and analysis from community members, the new mode will launch with a limited set of missions. The developers referred to it as “a set of exciting missions,” which likely rules out full campaign co-op across all maps at release. Instead, the co-op content may be launched in waves or as a separate mission thread, explicitly designed for two-player gameplay. That modular approach would align with IOI’s recent updates, such as Freelancer, which focused on standalone systems rather than retrofitting the entire campaign.

Will Hitman co-op support cross-platform play?

Another major question concerns cross-play functionality. Players have asked whether the co-op mode will allow friends on different platforms to join the same session. As of now, IOI has not provided any official confirmation. Similarly, there has been no mention of local co-op or split-screen support. Given the series’ design and technical history, local play appears unlikely. Still, online multiplayer with the cross-platform backing could become essential for broader engagement, especially with next-gen consoles and PC players using different storefronts and services.

Co-op mode joins broader IOI development slate.

The reveal of co-op gameplay comes at a time when IO Interactive is expanding its development focus. During the same June 2025 showcase, the studio teased a James Bond-themed DLC titled “First Light.” This indicates IOI is managing parallel projects while maintaining active development on Hitman. The decision to continue building Hitman’s ecosystem shows that the studio views the World of Assassination framework as more than a trilogy—it’s now a long-term platform capable of hosting new characters, missions, and experimental mechanics.

Platform availability for the Hitman trilogy

Currently, Hitman: World of Assassination is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows. On June 5, 2025, the trilogy also became available for the Nintendo Switch 2. That port allows players to access the entire World of Assassination experience, although performance and features vary depending on the hardware. IOI’s continued platform support suggests they aim to make upcoming content, including co-op, available across all systems. However, release schedules and feature parity may differ between platforms.

Long-term plans and timing for Hitman co-op

Elverdam declined to give a firm release date for the co-op mode. Instead, he emphasized that IOI would continue supporting World of Assassination “until we’re done figuring out what this can be.” That phrasing suggests the mode may launch in a beta or limited form, with features being rolled out progressively. Given IOI’s approach to Freelancer mode, a soft launch followed by community-driven iteration seems likely. For more game reviews and news, stay tuned to our website. Looking for more? Visit our YouTube channel for in-depth guides, exciting gameplay, and the latest updates!

Pensioner Gamers Enter the Market as UK Studios Expand

Gaming News

Cyberez

6 June, 2025

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Studios across the East of England are preparing for a demographic shift — the rise of pensioner gamers. More than 50 years after video games entered UK homes, the first generation of lifelong players is reaching retirement age. Gamers who grew up in the 1970s and 1980s are seeking games that cater to their evolving tastes and preferences. Studios in cities like Norwich are rising to meet the demand. They now compete alongside more established names, such as Jagex, Ninja Theory, and Frontier Developments, all based in Cambridge.

Pensioner Generation Was Shaped by Games

Nick Poole, CEO of Ukie — the UK’s video games trade body — highlighted the cultural impact of games. He called the past 50 years “incredible,” and described the emerging group of pensioner gamers as a major milestone. “We couldn’t have predicted this,” Poole said. “The way video games have shaped lives is astonishing.” He credits part of gaming’s modern popularity to the “crossover” with television and film. Hits like The Last of Us and Fallout adapted game worlds into widely successful TV series. “If you love the world and played the game, you’ll want to keep living in it,” he added.

Frontier Developments Grew With the Industry

Frontier Developments in Cambridge has watched the shift unfold from the inside. Game director Rich Newbold joined the studio in the early 2000s. At the time, the team had only 70 employees. “We’ve been around for 30 years,” Newbold said. “We started on a farm in Ely. Now we have about 600 people.” Frontier creates titles like Planet Coaster 2, Planet Zoo, and F1 Manager. The games let players explore space, manage teams, or build theme parks and zoos. Newbold saw interest grow most sharply during the COVID pandemic. “People started to prioritize leisure differently,” he said. “Video games bring joy, but also help meet that need.”

Games Industry Growth in the East of England

Data from Ukie shows significant expansion in the region. In 2016, approximately 2,400 people worked in the gaming industry in the East. By 2024, that number grew to 3,105. The number of game companies rose to 160. The region’s contribution to the UK economy also increased, reaching £212 million — up from £122 million in 2016.

Young Developers Enter a Crowded Space

Iz Head, 23, is part of the next wave of developers. They co-founded Moss Monkey while finishing their final year at Norwich University of the Arts. The idea came after their mother suggested that gaming could be a career. “The scene here is growing fast,” they said. “There are tons of new studios and games coming through. I love being part of it.” Their studio’s project, Outclaw, follows a mischievous spirit cat named Giblet that travels the world causing chaos. But development hasn’t been easy. “We’ve spent a lot of time applying for grants,” Head explained. “There were moments when I considered taking a part-time job. But that would double the time it takes to launch the game.”

Support for Start-Ups Could Be Stronger, Says Studio Founder

Mark Backler runs Sketchbook Games in Norwich. His studio’s latest project, Lost Words, is based on a book by Rhianna Pratchett, daughter of Terry Pratchett. The game tells the story of a girl processing trauma through a fantasy world. Backler wants better conditions for smaller studios. “There’s support out there, but we’re behind countries like France and Canada,” he said. “They offer serious tax relief and infrastructure. Competing with the US or Japan is hard without that.”

Pensioner Gamers Will Push New Frontiers

Backler believes the next decade could redefine the games sector. “As games get more complex, more roles will open up,” he said. “It’s not just about coding anymore.” He lists storytelling, audio design, music composition, production, and marketing as essential jobs in game development. But he also sees room for future experts. “Who knows,” he said. “We might need economists or even architects in games soon.” For more game reviews and news, stay tuned to our website. Looking for more? Visit our YouTube channel for in-depth guides, exciting gameplay, and the latest updates!

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