The Square Enix team behind Final Fantasy Tactics — The Ivalice Chronicles didn't just remaster the iconic strategy RPG, they had to go through the trouble of remaking the source code from scratch, according to Bloomberg. In an interview with Blo

After a long, busy day, you boot up your gaming device but don’t quite feel like diving into an intense session. Instead, you open a broadcast of one of your favorite streamers and spend the evening laughing at commentary, reacting to unexpected moments, and just enjoying your time with fellow gamers. Sounds familiar?This everyday scenario perfectly captures the way live streaming platforms like Twitch, YouTube Gaming, or Kick have transformed the gaming experience — turning gameplay into shared moments where gamers broadcast in real-time while viewers watch, chat, learn, and discover new titles.What started as friends sharing gameplay clips has exploded into a multi-billion-dollar ecosystem where streamers are popular creators, viewers build communities around shared experiences, and watching games has become as popular as playing them. But how did streaming become such a powerful force in gaming – and what does it mean for players, creators, and the industry alike? Let’s find out!Why Do Gamers Love Streaming?So why are millions of gamers spending hours every week watching others play instead of jumping into a game themselves? The answer isn’t just one thing – it’s a mix of entertainment, learning, connection, and discovery that makes live streaming uniquely compelling. Let’s break it down.Entertainment at Your Own PaceSometimes, you just want to relax. Maybe you’re too mentally drained to queue up for ranked matches or start that complex RPG quest. Streaming offers the perfect low-effort alternative – the fun of gaming without needing to press a single button. Whether it's high-stakes gameplay, hilarious commentary, or unpredictable in-game chaos, streams let you enjoy all the excitement while kicking back on the couch, grabbing a snack, or chatting in the background.Learning and Skill DevelopmentStreaming isn’t just for laughs – it’s also one of the best ways to level up your own gameplay. Watching a skilled streamer handle a tricky boss fight, execute high-level strategies, or master a game’s mechanics can teach you far more than a dry tutorial ever could. Many gamers tune in specifically to study routes, tactics, builds, or even to understand if a game suits their playstyle before buying it. Think of it as education, but way more fun.Social Connection and CommunityOne of the most powerful draws of live streaming is the sense of community. Jumping into a stream isn’t like watching TV – it’s like entering a room full of people who love the same games you do. Chatting with fellow viewers, sharing reactions in real-time, tossing emotes into the chaos, and getting shoutouts from the streamer – it all creates a sense of belonging. For many, it’s a go-to social space where friendships, inside jokes, and even fandoms grow.Discovery of New Games and TrendsEver found a game you now love just because you saw a streamer play it? You’re not alone. Streaming has become a major discovery engine in gaming. Watching creators try new releases, revisit cult classics, or spotlight lesser-known indies helps players find titles they might never encounter on their own. Sometimes, entire genres or games blow up because of a few well-timed streams (Among Us, Vampire Survivors, Only Up! – all made big by streamers).Together, these draws have sparked a whole new kind of culture – gaming communities with their own languages, celebrities, and shared rituals.Inside Streaming CultureStreaming has created something unique in gaming: genuine relationships between creators and audiences who've never met. When Asmongold reacts to the latest releases or penguinz0 delivers his signature deadpan commentary, millions of viewers don't just watch – they feel like they're hanging out with a friend. These streamers have become trusted voices whose opinions carry real weight, making gaming fame more accessible than ever. Anyone with personality and dedication can build a loyal following and become a cultural influencer.If you've ever watched a Twitch stream, you've witnessed chat culture in action – a chaotic river of emotes, inside jokes, and reactions that somehow make perfect sense to regulars. "KEKW" expresses laughter, "Poggers" shows excitement, and memes spread like wildfire across communities. The chat itself becomes entertainment, with viewers competing to land the perfect reaction at just the right moment. These expressions often escape their stream origins, becoming part of the broader gaming vocabulary.For many viewers, streams have become part of their daily routine – tuning in at the same time, celebrating milestones, or witnessing historic gaming moments together. When a streamer finally beats that impossible boss, the entire community shares in the victory. These aren't just individual entertainment experiences — they're collective memories where thousands can say "I was there when it happened," creating communities that extend far beyond gaming itself.How Streamers Are Reshaping the Gaming IndustryWhile players tune in for fun and connection, behind the scenes, streaming is quietly reshaping how the gaming industry approaches everything from marketing to game design. What started as casual gameplay broadcasts is now influencing major decisions across studios and publishers.The New Marketing Powerhouse. Traditional game reviews and advertising have taken a backseat to streamer influence. A single popular creator playing your game can generate millions of views and drive massive sales overnight – just look at how Among Us exploded after a few key streamers discovered it, or how Fall Guys became a phenomenon through streaming momentum. Publishers now prioritize getting their games into the hands of influential streamers on launch day, knowing that authentic gameplay footage and reactions carry more weight than any trailer or review. Day-one streaming success has become make-or-break for many titles.Designing for the Stream. Developers are now creating games with streaming in mind. Modern titles include built-in streaming tools, spectator-friendly interfaces, and features that encourage viewer interaction like chat integration and voting systems. Games are designed to be visually clear and exciting to watch, not just play. Some developers even create "streamer modes" that remove copyrighted music or add special features for streamers. The rise of streaming has birthed entirely new genres — party games, reaction-heavy horror titles, and social deduction games all thrive because they're inherently entertaining to watch.The Creator Economy Boom. Streaming has created entirely new career paths and revenue streams within gaming. Successful streamers earn through donations, subscriptions, brand partnerships, and revenue sharing from platform-specific features like Twitch bits or YouTube Super Chat. This has spawned a massive creator economy where top streamers command six-figure sponsorship deals, while publishers allocate significant budgets to influencer partnerships rather than traditional advertising. The rise of streaming has also fueled the growth of esports, where pro players double as entertainers – drawing massive online audiences and blurring the line between competition and content.Video Game Streaming in NumbersWhile it’s easy to feel the impact of streaming in daily gaming life, the numbers behind the trend tell an even more powerful story. From billions in revenue to global shifts in viewer behavior, game streaming has grown into a massive industry reshaping how we play, watch, and connect. Here’s a look at the data driving the movement.Market Size & GrowthIn 2025, the global Games Live Streaming market is projected to generate $15.32 billion in revenue. By 2030, that figure is expected to reach $18.92 billion, growing at an annual rate of 4.32%.The average revenue per user (ARPU) in 2025 stands at $10.51, showing consistent monetization across platforms.China remains the single largest market, expected to bring in $2.92 billion this year alone.Source: Statista Market Insights, 2025Viewership & Daily HabitsThe number of users in the live game streaming market is forecast to hit 1.8 billion by 2030, with user penetration rising from 18.6% in 2025 to 22.6% by the end of the decade.In 2023, average daily time spent watching game streams rose to 2.5 hours per user, up 12% year-over-year — a clear sign of streaming becoming part of gamers’ daily routines.Sources: Statista Market Insights, 2025; SNS Insider, 2024What People Are WatchingThe most-watched games on Twitch include League of Legends, GTA V, and Counter-Strike — all regularly topping charts for both viewers and streamers.When it comes to creators, the most-streamed games are Fortnite, Valorant, and Call of Duty: Warzone, showing a strong overlap between what streamers love to broadcast and what audiences enjoy watching.In Q1 2024, Twitch users spent over 249 million hours watching new game releases, while total gaming-related content reached around 3.3 billion hours.Sources: SullyGnome, 2025; Statista, 2025Global Trends & Regional PlatformsChina’s local platforms like Huya (31M MAU) and Douyu (26.6M MAU) remain key players in the domestic market.In South Korea, following Twitch’s 2023 exit, local services like AfreecaTV and newcomer Chzzk have positioned themselves as alternatives.Meanwhile, Japan and Europe continue to see steady engagement driven by strong gaming scenes and dedicated fan communities.Source: Statista, 2025Event Livestreaming Hits New HighsNintendo Direct was the most-watched gaming showcase in 2024, with an average minute audience of 2.6 million.The 2024 Streamer Awards drew over 645,000 peak viewers, highlighting how creator-focused events now rival traditional game showcases.Source: Statista, 2025As game streaming continues to evolve, its role in the broader gaming ecosystem is becoming clearer. It hasn’t replaced traditional gameplay – instead, it’s added a new dimension to how people engage with games, offering a space for connection, discovery, and commentary. For players, creators, and industry leaders alike, streaming now sits alongside playing as a core part of the modern gaming experience – one that continues to grow and shift with the industry itself.

The official start of the season may be two months away, but basketball is back with NBA 2K26 hitting PS5 and PS4 September 5. The latest entry brings a new gameplay system powered by machine learning, studying today’s superstars, and fun pick-up and play options. 2K invited me to go hands-on with the game  before it launches September 5 on PS5, and I’m here to share what I learned on the court. Also launching starting on September 12 (Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand) and on September 18 (Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam) is the PlayStation 5 Console – NBA 2K26 Bundle. Read on for full details Better ball 2K26 puts considerable effort into improving both sides of the floor, with notable offensive and defensive enhancements. New machine-learning technology helps capture the fundamentals of the game. While playing, I noticed players would run and get set by firmly planting their feet, instead of a gliding effect. While driving into the paint, they would also stop and accurately respond to a defender in their lane. These details add a realistic weight to the sport. Enhanced Rhythm Shooting You can still flick down-up on the right analog stick or simply press square to start your shooting motion, then release at the correct timing for the individual player’s shoot release. However, now the tempo of the play, like in real life, affects your shot. When a good defender bogged me down, I could quickly release my shot and intentionally release it early for a decisive bucket. With a high basketball IQ, any shot has the potential to be a good shot.  Defensive battles Players can swing a game in their favor if the shots aren’t falling, thanks to new improvements centered around real-world tactics. Around the player’s feet, you will see new Rebound Timing Feedback as a green meter that will flash to indicate a well-timed rebound. Learning Chet Holmgren’s rebound timing made me nearly unstoppable under the rim and made me focus on an aspect of the game I had neglected before.  Collisions and interior defense both benefit from a revamped system-driven tech that allows for more real-time interactions instead of scripted mocap animations. If you want to stop a fast break or crowd the lane, players will stop, adjust, and even collide realistically. The game rewards paying attention to the action when the ball isn’t in your hand. Arena atmosphere The devs also upgraded the game spectacle during downtime and timeouts with new crowd variety, interactions, and on-court performances. Cheerleader routines and mascot antics are fun, but my favorite by far was the dance cam. These moments captured the feel of attending a game live and the sense of community that attending a sporting event can create. MyTEAM updates  MyTEAM has received a significant remodel with Triple Threat Park turning Sunset Beach into a nighttime venue. Players are greeted with neon lights, fireworks, and other details that can only be appreciated after dark. Pulling cards and collecting players has also become an even bigger spectacle with dramatic reveals and added flair.   The biggest change to MyTEAM is that WNBA players join the action for the first time in series history. Newcomers like Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark take to the hardwood along with legends like Lisa Leslie. Attributes and Badges are identical for all players, no matter what league they hail from. Also, there is a WNBA Domination tier where your squad will be exclusively WNBA players as you challenge teams to earn Domination stars and crests.  Another first is 2v2 games in Triple Threat Park. Two half courts have been added in the middle of the street, where you can run your favorite two-person team-ups. The park also features four 3v3 courts, including a new option with a beach backdrop, and three 3v3 courts for 6-player co-op matches. These games capture the essence of streetball, featuring players calling their fouls, checking the ball at midcourt, and engaging in some lively trash talk—a great way to mix and match your favorite ball players and have some quick, high-energy games.  All-Star Team Up is now part of MyTEAM, where 10 players duke it out in 5v5 co-op matches. Take your favorite NBA or WNBA players for some very high-level play where being a good role player is the key to success. Earn individual rewards with the new Season Ladder and earn rewards as a team by winning matches. Find the right chemistry with your teammates, because for every five games you win with the same team lineup, everyone will receive rewards, even if the wins aren’t consecutive.  Discover all the new enhancements coming to the court when NBA 2K 26 launches September 5 on PS5. Vertical Stand sold separately PS5 Console – NBA 2K26 Bundle (Southeast Asia details) We’re pleased to announce the PlayStation 5 Console – NBA 2K26 Bundle is launching in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand starting September 12 and is launching in Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam starting September 18. Release dates and availability may vary by region, please check your local retailer for availability and release dates. Players can feel the on-the-court immersion made possible by the DualSense wireless controller’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. Experience NBA 2K26’s authenticity with lifelike animations, heightened player fidelity and authentic atmosphere with 4K resolution*, and enjoy shortened load times and return to the action faster with the PS5 console’s high-speed SSD. In Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, the bundle includes a PlayStation 5 console, DualSense wireless controller, and a digital voucher** for NBA 2K26 Standard Edition. In Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam, the bundle includes a PlayStation 5 console, DualSense wireless controller, and a disc version for NBA 2K26 Standard Edition With a robust focus on features and the game aspects that don’t rely on the players, it’s great to play and watch. No matter your height, you should hit the court when NBA 2K26 comes to PS5 and PS4 on September 5. *4K and HDR require a 4K and HDR compatible TV or display. **Account for PlayStation and internet connection required to redeem voucher

The official start of the season may be two months away, but basketball is back with NBA 2K26 hitting PS5 and PS4 September 5. The latest entry brings a new gameplay system powered by machine learning, studying today’s superstars, and fun pick-up and play options. 2K invited me to go hands-on with the game  before it launches September 5 on PS5, and I’m here to share what I learned on the court. Also launching starting on September 5 in select markets is the PlayStation 5 Console – NBA 2K26 Bundle. Read on for full details Better ball 2K26 puts considerable effort into improving both sides of the floor, with notable offensive and defensive enhancements. New machine-learning technology helps capture the fundamentals of the game. While playing, I noticed players would run and get set by firmly planting their feet, instead of a gliding effect. While driving into the paint, they would also stop and accurately respond to a defender in their lane. These details add a realistic weight to the sport. Enhanced Rhythm Shooting You can still flick down-up on the right analog stick or simply press square to start your shooting motion, then release at the correct timing for the individual player’s shoot release. However, now the tempo of the play, like in real life, affects your shot. When a good defender bogged me down, I could quickly release my shot and intentionally release it early for a decisive bucket. With a high basketball IQ, any shot has the potential to be a good shot.  Defensive battles Players can swing a game in their favor if the shots aren’t falling, thanks to new improvements centered around real-world tactics. Around the player’s feet, you will see new Rebound Timing Feedback as a green meter that will flash to indicate a well-timed rebound. Learning Chet Holmgren’s rebound timing made me nearly unstoppable under the rim and made me focus on an aspect of the game I had neglected before.  Collisions and interior defense both benefit from a revamped system-driven tech that allows for more real-time interactions instead of scripted mocap animations. If you want to stop a fast break or crowd the lane, players will stop, adjust, and even collide realistically. The game rewards paying attention to the action when the ball isn’t in your hand. Arena atmosphere The devs also upgraded the game spectacle during downtime and timeouts with new crowd variety, interactions, and on-court performances. Cheerleader routines and mascot antics are fun, but my favorite by far was the dance cam. These moments captured the feel of attending a game live and the sense of community that attending a sporting event can create. MyTEAM updates  MyTEAM has received a significant remodel with Triple Threat Park turning Sunset Beach into a nighttime venue. Players are greeted with neon lights, fireworks, and other details that can only be appreciated after dark. Pulling cards and collecting players has also become an even bigger spectacle with dramatic reveals and added flair.   The biggest change to MyTEAM is that WNBA players join the action for the first time in series history. Newcomers like Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark take to the hardwood along with legends like Lisa Leslie. Attributes and Badges are identical for all players, no matter what league they hail from. Also, there is a WNBA Domination tier where your squad will be exclusively WNBA players as you challenge teams to earn Domination stars and crests.  Another first is 2v2 games in Triple Threat Park. Two half courts have been added in the middle of the street, where you can run your favorite two-person team-ups. The park also features four 3v3 courts, including a new option with a beach backdrop, and three 3v3 courts for 6-player co-op matches. These games capture the essence of streetball, featuring players calling their fouls, checking the ball at midcourt, and engaging in some lively trash talk—a great way to mix and match your favorite ball players and have some quick, high-energy games.  All-Star Team Up is now part of MyTEAM, where 10 players duke it out in 5v5 co-op matches. Take your favorite NBA or WNBA players for some very high-level play where being a good role player is the key to success. Earn individual rewards with the new Season Ladder and earn rewards as a team by winning matches. Find the right chemistry with your teammates, because for every five games you win with the same team lineup, everyone will receive rewards, even if the wins aren’t consecutive.  Discover all the new enhancements coming to the court when NBA 2K 26 launches September 5 on PS5. Vertical Stand sold separately PS5 Console – NBA 2K26 Bundle We’re pleased to announce the PlayStation 5 Console – NBA 2K26 Bundle is launching in select markets starting September 5. Release dates and availability may vary by region, please check direct.playstation.com where available or your local retailer for availability and release dates. Players can feel the on-the-court immersion made possible by the DualSense wireless controller’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. Experience NBA 2K26’s authenticity with lifelike animations, heightened player fidelity and authentic atmosphere with 4K resolution*, and enjoy shortened load times and return to the action faster with the PS5 console’s high-speed SSD. Bundle includes a PlayStation 5 console, DualSense wireless controller, and a digital voucher** for NBA 2K26 Standard Edition. With a robust focus on features and the game aspects that don’t rely on the players, it’s great to play and watch. No matter your height, you should hit the court when NBA 2K26 comes to PS5 and PS4 on September 5. *4K and HDR require a 4K and HDR compatible TV or display. **Account for PlayStation and internet connection required to redeem voucher

The warning signs were there for Manchester United before Arsenal struck.

Although Pokemon battles have been traditionally fought between two Pokemon trainers, Pokemon Legends: Z-A is increasing the number with a new mode.A new trailer introduces the Z-A Battle Club, a mode that pits up to four players in free-for-all battles. The trainer who defeats the most Pokemon in three minutes is crowned the winner. The trailer is set in an arena in Lumiose City at nighttime and gives an idea of the different tactics players can have and how fortunes can quickly change within the time limit. Just like the core Pokemon Legends experience, battles take place in real-time, so there are power-up items around the arena that players can run and collect, or you can choose to play it safe, or go on the offensive.Continue Reading at GameSpot

The allegations are the latest to accuse Perplexity of improper web crawling.

Football is not the same anymore. Gone are the days of 4-4-2. It has become way more complicated.