top of page

KGK Gaming Weekly Gaming News Roundup: Industry Shifts, Technical Revelations, and Upcoming Console & PC Releases

Date: September 2, 2025

Author: KGK Editorial Team


Industry Insight: Japan’s Mobile Decline Signals Console Revival

In a significant shift for the Japanese gaming market, developers are increasingly turning away from mobile gacha titles in favor of console development. Square Enix’s recent decision to sunset long-running mobile games such as Final Fantasy Brave Exvius and Dragon Quest of the Stars has sparked widespread concern among industry professionals. Developers like Suemaru and Alwei have publicly likened the mobile sector to a “sinking ship,” citing oversaturation and diminishing returns.

This trend mirrors similar developments in China, where studios like Amazing Seasun Games are pivoting toward console and PC titles such as Mecha Break. The implications for Western markets are notable: expect a decline in high-budget gacha games and a resurgence of Japanese console IPs.

Two armored characters, one blonde with a sword and one dark-haired, against a blue backdrop. Text reads: Final Fantasy Brave Exvius.
Final Fantasy reaches its twilight

Technical Breakdown: Helldivers 2’s 100GB PC Bloat Explained

Arrowhead Game Studios’ Helldivers 2 continues to thrive across platforms, but PC players have raised concerns over its massive 131GB install size—nearly quadruple that of its console counterparts. Community investigations revealed that the bloated size stems from excessive asset duplication. For example, identical textures are stored dozens of times across different files, with some appearing over 100 times.

While speculation suggests this may be a legacy optimization technique or engine limitation, Arrowhead has yet to provide an official explanation. The issue underscores the growing technical debt faced by live-service titles and raises questions about sustainable content delivery.


Soldiers in futuristic armor battle alien creatures in a vibrant, yellow-hued landscape, with a flag waving and a dramatic sky above.
Helldivers II goes from strength to strength but is feeling the bloat on PC

Game Pass Surge: Gears of War Reloaded & Dragon Age: The Veilguard

Xbox Game Pass delivered a powerhouse lineup this past week, headlined by Gears of War: Reloaded and Dragon Age: The Veilguard. The former is a full remaster of the original third-person shooter, now featuring 4K visuals, modernized controls, and co-op support. The latter marks BioWare’s return to form with a sprawling single-player RPG that blends action combat with strategic pause-play mechanics.

These releases signal Microsoft’s continued investment in high-value Game Pass offerings, reinforcing the platform’s appeal to both legacy fans and new audiences.

Soldiers with weapons in fiery battlefield setting, "Gears of War Reloaded" text above. Intense and action-packed atmosphere.
Gears of War is back and ready for 2025 but missing co-op

Retro Revival: Kazeta OS Turns Mini PCs into Cartridge Consoles

Kazeta, a new Linux-based operating system, is making waves among retro enthusiasts. Designed to emulate the 1990s console experience, Kazeta uses SD cards as game cartridges, eliminating background processes, internet access, and updates. It supports DRM-free titles from platforms like GOG and itch.io, as well as emulated classics.

This minimalist approach offers a purist gaming experience and could become a niche favorite among collectors and preservationists.


Upcoming Releases: September 2–16, 2025

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater

Release Date: August 28Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|SKonami’s ambitious remake of Snake Eater brings modern stealth mechanics and photorealistic visuals to a beloved classic. The reimagined environments and updated controls aim to attract both veterans and newcomers.


Lost Soul Aside

Release Date: August 29Platforms: PC, PS5After years of anticipation, this action RPG finally arrives with fast-paced combat and cinematic flair. Inspired by Devil May Cry and Final Fantasy XV, it’s a solo developer success story turned full-scale production.

Three characters stand amid glowing blue crystals under a night sky. "Lost Soul Aside: Digital Deluxe Edition" text above them, with an ethereal figure in the background.
Lost Soul Aside launches Aug 29th will it be a hit with RPG fans

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance

Release Date: August 29Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, SwitchA spiritual successor to classic ninja platformers, Art of Vengeance blends pixel art with modern combat mechanics. Expect tight controls, stealth segments, and a dynamic soundtrack.


Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar

Release Date: August 27Platforms: PC, Switch 2The latest entry in the Story of Seasons franchise introduces a bustling market economy, seasonal events, and expanded customization. It’s a cozy life sim with deeper trading mechanics.


Super Robot Wars Y

Release Date: August 28Platforms: PC, PS5, SwitchA tactical RPG featuring mecha from multiple anime franchises, SRW Y offers grid-based combat, branching storylines, and fan-service galore. It’s a must-play for genre enthusiasts.


Gears of War: Reloaded

Release Date: August 26Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|SAs noted above, this remaster revitalizes the franchise with enhanced visuals and co-op features.


Stay with KGK Gaming for all the latest gaming news from a community of gamers run by gamers.


Comments


bottom of page