Gamescom was nearly a month ago and we're already celebrating the next big gaming event with TGS. Still a pretty big dream of mine to visit TGS or Bitsummit as press (without financialy ruining myself). I had the same dream for E3, so I hope I didn't jinxed those convention with my dreams.

This week, on the Knoebel side of my life, I released my first interview on here! I talked to Geoffroy from Nova-box about their upcoming game, the studio and other stuff. I think it’s pretty cool and you should check it out.

Indie Narrative Painters

Hey welcome to something different. Usually you know me for gaming news and maybe one or two funny posts but today I’m here with a new and hopefully long running series of Interviews! Here, I talk to Geoffroy Vincens from the French Indie studio Nova-box!

//CounterCultureKnoebel

On the Sebastian site, it was an horrible work week and I'm glad it’s Friday. Generally speaking I'm not feeling so well since Gamescom, I guess I have to visit my doctor again.

To end on a postive note, summer is over, welcome fall! I can't wait for foggy october mornings with a nice cup of tea.

Stories of the week:

Japan loves AI,
and I don't mean: AI the Somnium Files.

94.4% of Japanese devs are experimenting or using generative AI. That what you can read in an excerpt of the 2026 CESA Video Game Industry Report presented at TGS by its Japanese organizer, the Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association (CESA)

The sample questionned had 1,349 valid answers.

• 63.0% Use it on a daily basis.
• 22.8% Use it occasionally
• 8.6% are experimenting and testing.
• 0.7% Used it before but not anymore.
• 4.8% Never used it.

Poll by internet during May - August 2026

The annual report data target mostly game developers of the CESA members, including employees from Sony, Level-5, Capcom, Konami, Kodensha or Shueisha for example. (source)

Automaton report that this is a huge rise from last year estimation of 51%. As said, that was an estimation, this year number is the first time the CESA ask directly the question. While in comparison the GDC 2026 State of the Game Industry Report had only 36% of developer using it.

Over 85% of Japanese game developers use generative AI in game development, 2026 CESA survey shows. An increase from last year’s 51% - AUTOMATON WEST

CESA is the organizer of Tokyo Game Show.

AUTOMATON WESTCarlos “Zoto” Zotomayor

Yo-kAI Watch,
and Level-5 attempt to safe it all.

Since last year Akihiro Hino, CEO and president of Level-5, has been trying to explain his company AI use.

Level-5 CEO Wants People To Stop Demonizing Generative AI

Level-5 CEO Akihiro Hino has shared further thoughts on AI after a past interview of his went viral online

KotakuZack Zwiezen

First as an answer to criticsme from a presentation he made in front of participants of a program for young developers where he suggested that 80 - 90% of codes were written by AI. Claiming confusion and that the comment were clearly exagerated, the CEO still defend the use of generative AI for efficiency and time.

今日はめずらしく、自分が作っているゲームの話ではないことを書きます。

【AIをめぐる騒動について】…

— 日野晃博 (@AkihiroHino) 2025年12月26日

Half convince, gamers were ready a year later for the game presentation of the studio. The trailers during the Nintendo Direct last week were soon accused of being created with generative AI. As a confused first answer the CEO explain that the Direct had an old trailer and that their own show would have a later version of the trailer.

【AIの使用について・LEVEL５VISION2026Ⅱ】
今回、イベント内のでの映像についてAIを使用したため…

— 日野晃博 (@AkihiroHino) 2026年9月12日

Even in the growing backlash Akihiro Hino still defend the use of generative AI.

Level-5 Announces Fixes For AI-Generated Presentation

According to Level-5, many of the perceived ‘AI slop’ elements in its recent presentation were due to the rushed nature of the Nintendo Direct, and were not AI-generated

KotakuLewis Parker

Activision Blizzard awful past in the light again

This week a former employee sued Activision Blizzard over sexual harassment. In the filled lawsuit the anonymous woman accused the company of "fostered and tolerated a pervasive ‘frat boy’ workplace culture," where mens and supervisors "openly objectified women, viewed and displayed pornography" and told demeaning sexual remarks.

Former employee sues Activision Blizzard, claiming sexual harassment and discrimination

Activision Blizzard previously agreed to pay about $50 million to settle a California employment discrimination and equal pay lawsuit.

Los Angeles TimesStacy Perman

If you want to hang out with us or want to share the gaming news posts to your own Discord server, feel free to join the //CounterCulture server!

ᴊᴏɪɴ ⁄⁄⋐ ᴅɪꜱᴄᴏʀᴅ ꜱᴇʀᴠᴇʀ

Gaming News Recap

Week 38 | September 11 - 18, 2026 | Edition 192

This week's news categories: Xbox [07], PlayStation [04], Nintendo [04], Other News [22], Numbers [03], Cross-Media [03], Releases Infos [57].

Xbox

1. Mads Mikkelsen, best known for his role in the Bitch Better Have My Money music video, is playing the bad guy in 'Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4'.
2. Bill Skarsgård plays the lead role in Hideo Kojima's 'Physint'.
3. Activision Blizzard sued by former employee over sexual harassment. A woman who worked at the studio for 14 years has accused 10 men of sexual misconduct and retaliation.
4. Game Pass 2^nd wave of September 2026:
   • September 15^th: 'RuneScape: Dragonwilds'
   • September 17^th: 'Kernel Hearts'
   • September 22^nd: 'Dune: Awakening', and 'Well Dweller'
   • September 26^th: 'Mad King Redemption'
   • September 29^th: 'Minecraft Dungeons II'
   • October 6^th: 'Gears of War: E-Day'
   • Premium: 'Marvel Cosmic Invasion', 'Planet of Lana 2', 'Ultimate Sheep Raccoon', 'Routine', 'Ninja Gaiden 4', 'Call of Duty: Black Ops 6', and 'Keeper'
   • Essential: 'Rematch'
5. Microsoft owned studio King (Candy Crush) won't sign collective bargaining agreement after more than a year of negotiations. Workers go on strike on September 25^th.
6. 'StarCraft' is a narrative-driven shooter with a definitive ending and not a seasonal game.
   The story has a beginning, a middle, and an end.
7. Seems like Mick Gordon is making the music for the upcoming 'StarCraft' shooter.

PlayStation

1. PlayStation update version 26.06-14.00.00: Enhance PSSR Image Quality as a default setting, see who's speaking while you're in a voice chat, and Community Activity widget for your Welcome Hub.
2. 'Marvel Tokon' Game Director Kazuto "Pachi” Sekine shared some details about upcoming balancing patches.
3. The next 'Marathon' update got delayed to Dec. 8^th and launches with the Symbiosis update alongside a new shell, permanent PvE experience, and refreshed perimeter zone, the update will also include a social space/firing range, and an experimental TDM mode.
4. Sony has shut down a multiplayer fan mod for 'The Last of Us Part 2'.

Nintendo

1. 'Mario Kart Tour' is shutting down on September 29^th but Nintendo released one final anniversary tour for players to participate in. They also released some stats and Bowser is the most popular character to race as.
2. 30^th anniversary Art Book of Pokémon Video Games developed by GAME FREAK. Volume 1 to 3 launching December 18^th in Japan.
3. 'Pokémon Pokopia' has won the Grand Prize at the Japan Game Awards.
4. 'WarioWare: Move It!' OST now available on Nintendo Music.

Other News

1. Over 85% of Japanese game developers use generative AI in game development up from 51% last year. 61% say they use it on a daily basis.
2. Shinji Mikami will be inducted into the DICE Awards Hall of Fame this week.
3. Level-5 published a new statement about its AI usage and that some failures where made by humans not AI. They also say no AI was used for 'Professor Layton and the new World of Steam'. They will only use AI to boost efficiency in the future.
4. Level-5 CEO Akihiro Hino posted a statement on Twitter where he tried to explain the AI usage. He said no raw AI stuff will be used in the games and that they want to reduce development time from 5 to 2 years. He also said his only goal was to produce a spectacular showcase.
5. Falcom and Neowiz (Lies of P) signed a licensing agreement to develope and publish 'The Legend of Heroes III: Prophecy of the Moonlight Witch' for consoles and PC worldwide.
6. Neowiz has trademarked Wonders of O in Europe. Most likley the subtitle for the 'Lies of P' sequel.
7. Wright Flyer Studios the dev behind 'Another Eden Begins' was not suprised of Final Fantasy Resonance and Octopath Traveler 0. They said We’re all thinking the same way as more eastern devs switch from live-service titles to more tradional RPGs.
8. Grand Theft Auto VI: The Album drops November 19^th. Including 34 original tracks, you can already listen to 6 of them. It will also be available on CD and Vinyl.
9. Coffe Stain's The Big Break Showcase 2026 set for September 29^th.
10. Localthunk shared some news about 'Balatro's 1.1 update. At least 4 new Jokers, a new mechanic, no multiplayer version planned, no 1.2 update planned and a lot more.
11. Bohemia Interactive has acquired a minority stake in the poland based studio and 'Everwind' developer Enjoy Studio.
12. Seems like NetherRealm is currently holding playtest for 'Injustice 3' in California.
13. You can now pre-order Valve's new VR Headset Steam Frame.
    • Steam Frame 256GB kit €1049 / $1,059
    • Steam Frame 1TB kit €1279 / $1,299
14. The Triple-i Initiative Showcase 2026 is set for October 8^th at 9AM PDT.
15. Roblox says Roblox Creators will soon be able to publish games as standalone apps on consoles and PC as part of its already announced Roblox Everywhere initiative.
16. 'Diablo IV' is getting a Geralt skin for its Barbarian class but only if you pre-ordered The Witcher 3's upcoming expansion Songs of the Past on Battle.net.
17. The Art Bible for the cancelled game which became 'Hitman Absolution' has surfaced online.
18. Nex Playground announces $150m in new funding as hardware sales pass one million.
19. Heart Machine has laid off nearly everyone after a publisher has pulled out of an unannounced game.
20. Seems like Build a Rocket Boy is shutting down.
21. IGN got hit with another wave off layoffs.
22. 'Moss' developer Polyarc is shutting down.

Numbers

1. 'Dragon Quest' series cumulative shipments and digital sales surpassed 100M copies.
2. 'Wardogs' has sold 2M copies in 5 days.
3. 'ReStory: Chill Electronics Repairs' has sold 500K copies.
   Free Update launches September 21^st!

Cross-Media

1. The Heart of the Cards - Exodia by Step_on_a_Brick has won the Lego Ideas contest and will become a real set.
2. Sega has some adaptations in the works:
   • A Crazy Taxi comedy movie from Netflix.
   • A new Sonic animated series.
   • And a Stranger Than Heaven movie.
3. An animated Diablo series is now in development for Netflix.

Release Infos

1. 'Edge of Memories' launches November 5^th on Xbox Series, PS5 and PC.
2. Ni No Kuni spin off 'Bloomwalker' is coming to Xbox Series, PS5, Nintendo Switch 2 and PC.
3. 'Dosa Divas' Family Dinner Update now available on Steam!
4. 'Shape of Dreams' out now on XBS, Game Pass, PS5 and Switch 2. Already on PC.
5. 'Hope in the City' launches November 10^th on Xbox Series, Game Pass and PC.
6. 'Faraday Blues' launches in 2027 on Xbox Series, PS5 and PC.
7. 'Zero Parades: For Dead Spies Director's Cut' launches Nov. 3^rd on PS5.
   DC update launches Oct. 1^st on PC.
8. 'Break The Night' announced for PC.
9. 'Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement' launches in 2027 on Xbox Series, PS5 and PC.
10. 'Earth Defense Force 6.2: Invaders from Another World' launches March 18^th 2027 in Japan on PS5.
11. 'Earth Defense Force 6' launches January 28^th on Nintendo Switch 2.
12. 'Lollipop Chainsaw 2 Back2Back' launches in 2027 on PS5.
13. 'Warota: I Live Next to The Demon King’s Castle LOL' launches on PC Early Access on Nov. 13^th.
14. 'Valorant' is coming to XBS & PS5 in New Zealand & Australia on Sep. 23^rd. Already on PC.
15. 'Console Archives Crazy Climber' launches September 17^th on PS5 and Nintendo Switch 2.
16. 'Arcade Archives Mr. Do!'s Castle' launches Sep. 17^th on XBS, PS4/5 & Switch 1&2.
17. 'Noroi Ayashi: The coth Oddity' launches in 2027 on Nintendo Switch 1&2 and PC.
18. 'Terranigma' launches January 14^th on XBO, XBS, PS4/5, Switch 1&2 and PC.
    Physical version for Xbox Series, PS5 and Nintendo Switch 2.
19. Double Fine's 'Thank You Bus Driver' launches October 14^th on PC.
20. Bayonetta, Godzilla & Neon Genesis Evangelion are coming to 'Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds'.
21. 'Wo Long 2: Wings of Ember' launches Mar. 4^th on XBS, Game Pass, PS5, Switch 2 & PC.
    Alpha Demo now available.
22. The GIANT GROUPER (Epinephelus lanceolatus) joins 'Planet Zoo 2'!
23. 'Two Point Museum' DLC Rides & Relics launches October 8^th.
24. 'Cities: Skylines II' Expansion Pass 2 announced.
25. 'FEROCIOUS' now available on Xbox Series and PS5. Already on PC.
26. 'PowerWash Simulator 2' Barbie DLC Pack announced.
27. 'Total War: SHOGUN 2 - Complete Edition' launches October 13^th on PC.
28. 'Probably Stolen' launches October 28^th on PC.
29. 'Of Ash and Steel' is coming to Xbox Series and PS5 alongside Shattered Faith DLC.
30. 'Psychic Force 2012' is coming to PS5, Nintendo Switch and PC in 2027.
31. 'Putty World' reimagining the classic Putty series launches Q2 2027 on Switch 2.
32. 'The Crab Is Walking' from The King is Watching developer Hypnohead announced for PC.
33. 'Hull Rupture' launches November 4^th on Steam. Demo available.
34. Cyberpunk Edgerunners 1 & 2 and 'Overwatch' collab announced for 2027.
35. 'Heartstone' Expansion Reign of the Black Empire launches Oct. 20^th.
    New Monk class in March 2027.
36. 'Cardaire: Eternal Aces' launches November 9^th on PC.
37. A One Piece and 'Fortnite' collab is reportedly happening this year.
38. 'Shade of the Marionette: The Story of Piyorita' from the devs of WitchSpring launches in 2027 on Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch and PC.
39. 'Cyberpunk 2077' is coming to Battle.net.
40. 'World of Warcraft: Forever' launches November 4^th.
41. Xal'atath is coming to 'Heroes of the Storm' on September 28^th.
42. 'Diablo IV: Age of Hatred Collection' is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 on September 15^th.
43. After over 20 years Warcraft III (Reforged) is getting a new campaign.
    'Warcraft III Reforged: Forsaken Kingdom' now available.
44. New 'Borderlands 4' character Loveless the Hacker out now.
45. 'Dragon Slayer: The Legend of Heroes I & II' launches in 2027 on PS4/5, Switch and PC.
46. 'The Rogue Prince of Persia' Anniversary Update now available.
47. 'Crazy Taxi: World Tour' Japan Map revealed.
48. 'Kingdom of Night' launches November 5^th on XBS, PS5 and Switch. Already on PC.
49. 'Starcraft' returns in 2030.
50. 'Diablo V' announced for 2029.
51. 'Underkeep' launches November 5^th on PC.
52. 'Birdcage' launches on XBO, XBS, PS4/5 and Switch on September 23^rd. Already on PC.
53. 'Go Slimey Go!' is coming ro Xbox One/Series, PS4/5 and Nintendo Switch. Already on PC.
54. 'Keep Driving' is coming to Xbox Series, PS5 and Nintendo Switch on September 28^th alongside workshop support for the already released PC version.
55. 'Jujutsu Kaisen Rumble: Survivaton' delayed to 2027.
56. '007: First Light' Nintendo Switch 2 version delayed to March 2027.
57. 'Rayman Legends Retold' delayed to December 3^rd!

Opinion

Less Is Sometimes More Than Enough

Over the last few weeks some of my favorite retro titles which where stuck on old hardware got an exciting new announcement. 'Terranigma' and 'Dragon Quest Heroes: Torneko's Mystery Dungeon' are getting ported to modern systems. Are they a Remakes? Are they a Remastered? No, they're ports, just simple ports. I took me a moment to realize that those games are just ports because I was so excited for more people (and me ofc) being able to play some of my favorite games, games that shaped myself. But then I realize the quiet part... the port part... AND OMG THAT MAKES IT EVEN BETTER! Just straight up ports, some new stuff, some tweaked stuff but itself it's just a port on new hardware and I love it!

Sadly some of my friends and people online were disappointed. I couldn't get why. It's no secret people are skeptical of Remastered and Remakes and I get that. You have a version that is the vision from the original creatores and two decades later someone decides to take this work and gives it a new spin or its own color.

I'm not against those kind of games. I believe they deserve their chance. Sometimes they pull off cool stuff and most importantly, they don't replace the original. In the best case, the original games are still available on modern systems. And yet, online people are disappointed that they're not? Friends and people I would call pretty knowledgeable about video games are still disappointed that those games are only ports.

One thing I heard was Yeah but I can simply download the rom? and to be honest that's a pretty weird thing to say. I always thought the collective agreement was Oh company xy has de-listed the game or a game is over $100 on eBay, let's search for a rom online so I can enjoy playing it. Like if Nintendo don't want me to give them money for 'Pokémon Red' on the Nintendo eShop and I can't buy a lose copy for $100 because I have a dog to feed, how the hell should I play the games without sucking the roms from some shady online site? I know it's not what you want to hear but it's the best way and a part of game preservation.

Another comment was the price point and in my eyes that's a pretty subjective thing. I know not everyone can buy games right now and shit suuuuucks baaaad, but I know some people who buy multiple games a month! I'm sure they can afford it.

I believe all this is less opinion and more venting. Because it kinda makes me angry that I was thinking we all agreed on the sake of game preservation, that we should handle games as art, that they should be available and accessible to as many people as possible.

I am glad those ports exists and I hope we get even more ports of some of my beloved games.

That's everything for this week!

Like always if you like the stuff I post please consider sharing it with your friends! If you want to talk about news or other stuff come join our Discord!

Hope you have a wonderfull weeekend and until next week! Knoebel.

Written by Knoebel & edited by viaz