NEWS THIS WEEK

• GTA Online Casino Gambling Minigames Become Restricted in Australia
• User-made maps from Steam top-seller Meccha Chameleon have been found to contain malware, just as the game's official Discord server got hacked
• Will you power down your PS5 for a week in protest of Sony's all-digital future? A new petition encourages you to pull the plug on PlayStation
• Valve has released the CAD design files for the Steam Machine's exterior, leaving us asking: how long before someone makes a GabeCube skin?

RELEASE RADAR

• BIG WALK - 4 August 2026 - PC, PlayStation 5, Switch 2
• BEAST OF REINCARNATION - 4 August 2026 - PC, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5
• POKEMON POKOPIA EXPANSION PASS - 5 August 2026 - Switch 2
• MARVEL TŌKON: FIGHTING SOULS - 6 August 2026 - PC, PlayStation 5
• RESTORY: CHILL ELECTRONICS REPAIRS - 7 August 2026 - PC
• CAPY CASTAWAY - 7 August 2026 - PC

‍Pocket Casts: You can now rate the show on Pocket Casts, give us a five star review learn more by heading here https://pocketcasts.com/ratings 

Apple Arcade: Enjoy unlimited access to over 200 incredibly fun games with no ads and no in-app purchases. From puzzle and adventure games to sports, racing, and multiplayer action games, everyone can count on finding something to love. Head to sifter.com.au/arcade to start your free trial* of Apple Arcade today and you'll be supporting independent video games journalism. *New subscribers only. AU$9.99/month after free trial. Plan automatically renews after trial until cancelled.

You can support SIFTER's independent gaming journalism by

☕ Tipping us on KoFi https://www.ko-fi.com/sifterHQ

👕 Wearing our merch https://sifter.store/

💬 Talking to us on the SIFTER Discord https://www.sifter.com.au/discord

SIFTER is produced by Kyle Pauletto, Fiona Bartholomaeus, Adam Christou, Chris Button, Naomi Jackson. Cat Jahneand Mitch Loh are Senior Producers and Gianni Di Giovanni is our Executive Producer. Thanks to Audio Technica Australia and Apple for their support of SIFTER.

NEWS THIS WEEK

• EA Sports FC simulations correctly predicted the FIFA World Cup winner would be Spain, and it's not the first time it has happened
• Data set for EA Sports FC simulations
• Magic: The Gathering Reveals Star Trek Universes Beyond Set
• New MTG Stardew Valley and Hatsune Miku Secret Lairs revealed, with 79 cards total!
• Jurassic Park Fans Go Viral With Tear-Jerking Tribute to Sam Neill In Path of Titans
• Cult of the Lamb: The Board Game Kickstarter

RELEASE RADAR

• HALO: CAMPAIGN EVOLVED - 28 July 2026 - PC, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5
• TRUCK-KUN IS SUPPORTING ME FROM ANOTHER WORLD?! - 29 July 2026 - PC, Xbox Series X|S
• RITA - 30 July 2026 - PC

‍Pocket Casts: You can now rate the show on Pocket Casts, give us a five star review learn more by heading here https://pocketcasts.com/ratings 

Apple Arcade: Enjoy unlimited access to over 200 incredibly fun games with no ads and no in-app purchases. From puzzle and adventure games to sports, racing, and multiplayer action games, everyone can count on finding something to love. Head to sifter.com.au/arcade to start your free trial* of Apple Arcade today and you'll be supporting independent video games journalism. *New subscribers only. AU$9.99/month after free trial. Plan automatically renews after trial until cancelled.

You can support SIFTER's independent gaming journalism by

☕ Tipping us on KoFi https://www.ko-fi.com/sifterHQ

👕 Wearing our merch https://sifter.store/

💬 Talking to us on the SIFTER Discord https://www.sifter.com.au/discord

SIFTER is produced by Kyle Pauletto, Fiona Bartholomaeus, Adam Christou, Chris Button, Naomi Jackson. Cat Jahneand Mitch Loh are Senior Producers and Gianni Di Giovanni is our Executive Producer. Thanks to Audio Technica Australia and Apple for their support of SIFTER.

NEWS THIS WEEK

• Roblox Will Let Anyone Use AI to Turn Text Prompts Into a Basic Game on Their Phone
• Nintendo Pulling Bikini Chef Kawasaki Fan Designs From Kirby Air Riders, Players Say
• Bungie's mixing up Marathon with a new 'experimental PvE mode' in next update
• Pro Jank Footy Release Date Confirmed, Arrives August

RELEASE RADAR

• FADING ECHO - 21 July 2026 - PC
• TEARS OF METAL - 22 July 2026 - PC
• SPLATOON RAIDERS - 23 July 2026 - Switch 2
• GRIM DAWN: FANGS OF ASTERKARN - 23 July 2026 - PC
• PATH OF EXILE ONE: CURSE OF THE ALLFLAME - 25 July 2026 - PC

‍Pocket Casts: You can now rate the show on Pocket Casts, give us a five star review learn more by heading here https://pocketcasts.com/ratings 

Apple Arcade: Enjoy unlimited access to over 200 incredibly fun games with no ads and no in-app purchases. From puzzle and adventure games to sports, racing, and multiplayer action games, everyone can count on finding something to love. Head to sifter.com.au/arcade to start your free trial* of Apple Arcade today and you'll be supporting independent video games journalism. *New subscribers only. AU$9.99/month after free trial. Plan automatically renews after trial until cancelled.

You can support SIFTER's independent gaming journalism by

☕ Tipping us on KoFi https://www.ko-fi.com/sifterHQ

👕 Wearing our merch https://sifter.store/

💬 Talking to us on the SIFTER Discord https://www.sifter.com.au/discord

SIFTER is produced by Kyle Pauletto, Fiona Bartholomaeus, Adam Christou, Chris Button, Naomi Jackson. Cat Jahne and Mitch Loh are Senior Producers and Gianni Di Giovanni is our Executive Producer. Thanks to Audio Technica Australia and Apple for their support of SIFTER.

NEWS THIS WEEK

• Xbox cuts four (but really five) studios and thousands of jobs
• Resetting XBOX
• Update from Compulsion Games
• Double Fine is Independent again
• ‍17 years later, Minecraft is finally adding somewhere to sit
• Two brothers admit to stealing more than £71,000 worth of Pokémon TCG cards after failing to escape the police and hide the loot‍

RELEASE RADAR

• TEETO - 15 July 2026 - PC, PlayStation 5, Switch, Switch 2
• DENSHATTACK! - 15 July 2026 - PC, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Switch 2
• MOSS: THE FORGOTTEN RELIC - 16 July 2026 - PC, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Switch, Switch 2
• DESKTOP EXPLORER - 18 July 2026 - PC

‍Pocket Casts: You can now rate the show on Pocket Casts, give us a five star review learn more by heading here https://pocketcasts.com/ratings 

Apple Arcade: Enjoy unlimited access to over 200 incredibly fun games with no ads and no in-app purchases. From puzzle and adventure games to sports, racing, and multiplayer action games, everyone can count on finding something to love. Head to sifter.com.au/arcade to start your free trial* of Apple Arcade today and you'll be supporting independent video games journalism. *New subscribers only. AU$9.99/month after free trial. Plan automatically renews after trial until cancelled.

You can support SIFTER's independent gaming journalism by

☕ Tipping us on KoFi https://www.ko-fi.com/sifterHQ

👕 Wearing our merch https://sifter.store/

💬 Talking to us on the SIFTER Discord https://www.sifter.com.au/discord

SIFTER is produced by Kyle Pauletto, Fiona Bartholomaeus, Adam Christou, Chris Button, Naomi Jackson. Cat Jahne and Mitch Loh are Senior Producers and Gianni Di Giovanni is our Executive Producer. Thanks to Audio Technica Australia and Apple for their support of SIFTER.

NEWS THIS WEEK

• Sony Just Killed Discs: Physical Disc Production to End January 2028 for New Games Releasing on PlayStation Consoles
• PlayStation Removes Access to 500+ Movies Users Already Purchased
• Splatoon Raiders Nintendo Direct: Every Announcement - How Would You Rate It?
• Mario Kart World gets two new Knockout Tour routes and a new Photo Mode feature in latest update
• Subnautica 2 studio Unknown Worlds' CEO resigns as Krafton agrees to pay $250m bonus

RELEASE RADAR

• MOONLIGHT PEAKS - 7 July - Switch, PC
• DIGIMON STORY: TIME STRANGER - 9 July - Switch, Switch 2
• ASSASSIN'S CREED BLACK FLAG RESYNCED - 9 July - PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC

Pocket Casts: You can now rate the show on Pocket Casts, give us a five star review learn more by heading here https://pocketcasts.com/ratings 

Apple Arcade: Enjoy unlimited access to over 200 incredibly fun games with no ads and no in-app purchases. From puzzle and adventure games to sports, racing, and multiplayer action games, everyone can count on finding something to love. Head to sifter.com.au/arcade to start your free trial* of Apple Arcade today and you'll be supporting independent video games journalism. *New subscribers only. AU$9.99/month after free trial. Plan automatically renews after trial until cancelled.

You can support SIFTER's independent gaming journalism by

☕ Tipping us on KoFi https://www.ko-fi.com/sifterHQ

👕 Wearing our merch https://sifter.store/

💬 Talking to us on the SIFTER Discord https://www.sifter.com.au/discord

SIFTER is produced by Kyle Pauletto, Fiona Bartholomaeus, Adam Christou, Chris Button, Naomi Jackson. Cat Jahne and Mitch Loh are Senior Producers and Gianni Di Giovanni is our Executive Producer. Thanks to Audio Technica Australia and Apple for their support of SIFTER.

‍

NEWS THIS WEEK

• Here’s The Aussie Grand Theft Auto 6 Prices
• Grand Theft Auto 6 pre-orders begin at midnight, there's no disc in the box, and physical editions are going out five days early
• Valve says original plan for Steam Machine is ‘no longer viable’ as AI drives up component costs
• MTG Arena workers have successfully unionized with a landslide 83% vote

RELEASE RADAR

• BLOOD GAUNTLET - 29 June 2026 - PC
• CAT SQUEEZE - 1 July 2026 - PC
• RHYTHM HEAVEN GROOVE - 2 July 2026 - Switch 2

Pocket Casts: You can now rate the show on Pocket Casts, give us a five star review learn more by heading here https://pocketcasts.com/ratings 

Apple Arcade: Enjoy unlimited access to over 200 incredibly fun games with no ads and no in-app purchases. From puzzle and adventure games to sports, racing, and multiplayer action games, everyone can count on finding something to love. Head to sifter.com.au/arcade to start your free trial* of Apple Arcade today and you'll be supporting independent video games journalism. *New subscribers only. AU$9.99/month after free trial. Plan automatically renews after trial until cancelled.

You can support SIFTER's independent gaming journalism by

☕ Tipping us on KoFi https://www.ko-fi.com/sifterHQ

👕 Wearing our merch https://sifter.store/

💬 Talking to us on the SIFTER Discord https://www.sifter.com.au/discord

SIFTER is produced by Kyle Pauletto, Fiona Bartholomaeus, Adam Christou, Chris Button, Naomi Jackson. Cat Jahne and Mitch Loh are Senior Producers and Gianni Di Giovanni is our Executive Producer. Thanks to Audio Technica Australia and Apple for their support of SIFTER.

NEWS THIS WEEK

• EA Launches New Advertising Platform Allowing "Brands to Integrate Directly Into Gameplay"
• Battlefield 2142, Other EA Titles to Have In-Game Ads
• Xbox studios Compulsion, Double Fine, and Ninja Theory facing closure, it’s claimed
• Life is Strange Creators Don't Nod Could Run Out of Cash by November
• Fortnite Is Getting Over 30 New Gaming Collabs in 2026 – Sonic, Vampire Survivors & More
• Vampire Survivors Developer 'Reviewing' Fortnite Crossover Plans, After Epic Details Unreal Engine 6 AI Usage

RELEASE RADAR

• DEER & BOY - 23 June 2026 - PC
• DELTARUNE: CHAPTER 5 - 25 June 2026 - PC,PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Switch, Switch 2
• DEAD OR ALIVE 6: LAST ROUND - 25 June 2026 - PC, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5
• STAR FOX - 25 June 2026 - Switch 2

Pocket Casts: You can now rate the show on Pocket Casts, give us a five star review learn more by heading here https://pocketcasts.com/ratings 

Apple Arcade: Enjoy unlimited access to over 200 incredibly fun games with no ads and no in-app purchases. From puzzle and adventure games to sports, racing, and multiplayer action games, everyone can count on finding something to love. Head to sifter.com.au/arcade to start your free trial* of Apple Arcade today and you'll be supporting independent video games journalism. *New subscribers only. AU$9.99/month after free trial. Plan automatically renews after trial until cancelled.

You can support SIFTER's independent gaming journalism by

☕ Tipping us on KoFi https://www.ko-fi.com/sifterHQ

👕 Wearing our merch https://sifter.store/

💬 Talking to us on the SIFTER Discord https://www.sifter.com.au/discord

SIFTER is produced by Kyle Pauletto, Fiona Bartholomaeus, Adam Christou, Chris Button, Naomi Jackson. Cat Jahne and Mitch Loh are Senior Producers and Gianni Di Giovanni is our Executive Producer. Thanks to Audio Technica Australia and Apple for their support of SIFTER.

NEWS THIS WEEK

• Xbox Games Showcase 2026 Reveals New Spyro Game and Bonus Halo: Campaign Evolved Missions
• Everything Announced At The June 2026 Nintendo Direct
• Nintendo Fined €35 Million Over Widespread Joy-Con Defects
• Every game, trailer, and announcement in the PC Gaming Show 2026
• Frosty Games Fest: 51 big games revealed during 2026 showcase
• Nom’s Denshattack interview 

RELEASE RADAR

• DENSHATTACK! - 17 June 2026 - PC, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Switch 2
• THE ADVENTURES OF ELLIOT: THE MILLENNIUM TALES - 19 June 2026 - PC, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Switch 2
• R-TYPE TACTIC I • II COSMOS - 19 June 2026 - PC, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Switch, Switch 2
• EA SPORTS UFC 6 - June 20 2026 - PlayStation 5 - Xbox Series X|S

Pocket Casts: You can now rate the show on Pocket Casts, give us a five star review learn more by heading here https://pocketcasts.com/ratings 

Apple Arcade: Enjoy unlimited access to over 200 incredibly fun games with no ads and no in-app purchases. From puzzle and adventure games to sports, racing, and multiplayer action games, everyone can count on finding something to love. Head to sifter.com.au/arcade to start your free trial* of Apple Arcade today and you'll be supporting independent video games journalism. *New subscribers only. AU$9.99/month after free trial. Plan automatically renews after trial until cancelled.

You can support SIFTER's independent gaming journalism by

☕ Tipping us on KoFi https://www.ko-fi.com/sifterHQ

👕 Wearing our merch https://sifter.store/

💬 Talking to us on the SIFTER Discord https://www.sifter.com.au/discord

SIFTER is produced by Kyle Pauletto, Fiona Bartholomaeus, Adam Christou, Chris Button, Naomi Jackson. Cat Jahne and Mitch Loh are Senior Producers and Gianni Di Giovanni is our Executive Producer. Thanks to Audio Technica Australia and Apple for their support of SIFTER.

NEWS THIS WEEK

• Summer Game Fest Live 2026: The biggest news, trailers, and announcements
• Everything Announced At The June 2026 PlayStation State Of Play
• ‍Valve Confirms Steam Machine Will Ship This Summer
• ‍Pokémon card crime spree spreads across Australia

RELEASE RADAR

• SOLARPUNK - June 8 - Switch, Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 5
• WITCHSPIRE - June 10 - PC
• STARSEEKER - June 11 - PC
• TOME OF THE DAMNED - June 12 - PC

‍Pocket Casts: You can now rate the show on Pocket Casts, give us a five star review learn more by heading here https://pocketcasts.com/ratings 

Apple Arcade: Enjoy unlimited access to over 200 incredibly fun games with no ads and no in-app purchases. From puzzle and adventure games to sports, racing, and multiplayer action games, everyone can count on finding something to love. Head to sifter.com.au/arcade to start your free trial* of Apple Arcade today and you'll be supporting independent video games journalism. *New subscribers only. AU$9.99/month after free trial. Plan automatically renews after trial until cancelled.

You can support SIFTER's independent gaming journalism by

☕ Tipping us on KoFi https://www.ko-fi.com/sifterHQ

👕 Wearing our merch https://sifter.store/

💬 Talking to us on the SIFTER Discord https://www.sifter.com.au/discord

SIFTER is produced by Kyle Pauletto, Fiona Bartholomaeus, Adam Christou, Chris Button, Naomi Jackson. Cat Jahne and Mitch Loh are Senior Producers and Gianni Di Giovanni is our Executive Producer. Thanks to Audio Technica Australia and Apple for their support of SIFTER.

NEWS THIS WEEK

• Dragon Quest XII restarted development, now subtitled Beyond Dreams
• Dragon Quest press release
• Steam decks are skyrocketing back into the market in more way than one
• A potential LEGO Cities: Skylines game has appeared via Korea’s ratings board
• Rayman Legends Remake Dubbed ‘Retold’ Leaks Online
• The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Songs of the Past Expansion DLC Announced, First Details Confirmed
• Xbox delays Fable reboot to steer clear of GTA 6 and other 2026 games

RELEASE RADAR

• FATEKEEPER - 3 June - PC 
• FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH - 3 June - Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2
• CALX - 4 June 2026 - PC
• SWAN SONG - 4 June 2026 - PC
• GOTHIC 1 REMAKE - 6 June 2026 - PC, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5

‍Pocket Casts: You can now rate the show on Pocket Casts, give us a five star review learn more by heading here https://pocketcasts.com/ratings 

Apple Arcade: Enjoy unlimited access to over 200 incredibly fun games with no ads and no in-app purchases. From puzzle and adventure games to sports, racing, and multiplayer action games, everyone can count on finding something to love. Head to sifter.com.au/arcade to start your free trial* of Apple Arcade today and you'll be supporting independent video games journalism. *New subscribers only. AU$9.99/month after free trial. Plan automatically renews after trial until cancelled.

You can support SIFTER's independent gaming journalism by

☕ Tipping us on KoFi https://www.ko-fi.com/sifterHQ

👕 Wearing our merch https://sifter.store/

💬 Talking to us on the SIFTER Discord https://www.sifter.com.au/discord

SIFTER is produced by Kyle Pauletto, Fiona Bartholomaeus, Adam Christou, Chris Button, Naomi Jackson. Cat Jahne and Mitch Loh are Senior Producers and Gianni Di Giovanni is our Executive Producer. Thanks to Audio Technica Australia and Apple for their support of SIFTER.