October has kicked off with some of the biggest gaming stories of the year. From billion-dollar industry moves to surprise console launches and long-awaited remasters, here’s everything you need to know from this week in gaming.
EA Goes Private in a $55 Billion Buyout
Electronic Arts is going private in a massive $55 billion deal led by Silver Lake, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, and Affinity Partners. This monumental buyout marks a significant shift for EA, especially as it gears up for a promising 2025 lineup that includes highly anticipated titles such as Battlefield 6 and EA SPORTS FC 26. This shift to a private model raises numerous questions and potential implications about how major publishers might operate in the future, possibly prioritizing long-term projects over immediate shareholder concerns.
Xbox Game Pass Gets a Major Overhaul
Microsoft has officially restructured Xbox Game Pass into three new tiers: Essential, Premium, and Ultimate. The Essential plan takes over from Core, while Premium opens up access to a more expansive library of games. Ultimate, on the other hand, is the most comprehensive tier, featuring upgraded day-one releases, enhanced cloud capabilities, and expanded reward systems. These changes, effective as of October 1, set the stage for intensified competition in the subscription gaming landscape, catering to varied gamer preferences and needs.
Oblivion Remastered Goes Physical
Bethesda has confirmed that The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered will receive a Deluxe physical edition on October 13 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. This much-awaited edition not only includes the remastered game but also comes bundled with digital extras such as an artbook, a soundtrack, and new cosmetic gear. Fans have long cherished Oblivion as one of the most iconic RPGs of its time, and this physical release provides an exciting opportunity to revisit Tamriel in a fresh format.
Rock Band 4 Faces Delisting
Rock Band 4 is slated for delisting from the digital stores of PlayStation and Xbox due to the expiration of music licensing agreements. As the game marks its 10th anniversary, this bittersweet development means that while new players will no longer be able to purchase it, existing owners will still have access to redownload the game and all their previously acquired DLC. The legacy of Rock Band continues to resonate, leaving fans hopeful for potential remaster efforts or new content in the future.
ROG Xbox Ally & Ally X Launching This Month
ASUS and Microsoft have confirmed the launch of the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X handheld gaming PCs on October 16, 2025. The base model is set to retail around €599, while the higher-end Ally X will cost approximately €899. Both models are designed to integrate extensively with the Xbox ecosystem, offering gamers robust portable options for gaming on the move, thereby enhancing the gaming experience further.
Hades II Debuts on Switch
Supergiant Games has unveiled that Hades II, the much-anticipated sequel to the acclaimed roguelike, is launching on September 25, 2025, for Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, and PC. This follow-up retains the beloved gameplay mechanics while introducing new gods, weapons, and storylines, promising to keep players engaged with innovative content. Additionally, Nintendo has announced that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is set for release on December 4, 2025, further exciting fans of the long-standing franchise.
New Online Gaming Rules in India
India’s government has rolled out new regulations for online gaming effective October 1. These measures are designed to enhance user safety, establish age restrictions, ensure financial protections, and provide clearer oversight for operators. As one of the fastest-growing gaming markets in the world, this initiative reflects a significant shift aimed at responsible gaming while potentially paving the way for more regulated and safer gaming experiences for consumers.
Esports & Free Game Drops
- The 2025 League of Legends World Championship is set to kick off on October 14 in China, featuring an innovative new format called the Fearless Draft across all stages of the competition.
- Amazon Prime Gaming is offering a treasure trove of 14 free titles for October, including fan-favorites like Fallout New Vegas and XCOM 2.
- Dispatch, an upcoming quirky episodic superhero workplace comedy game starring Aaron Paul, will make its debut on PS5 and PC on October 22.
- Virtua Fighter is officially making a comeback, with a new untitled entry currently in development by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio.
That wraps up this week’s gaming roundup. From groundbreaking buyouts to the arrival of handheld consoles and the return of nostalgic classics, October is poised to be a monumental month for gamers. Stay tuned for next week’s headlines!
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