As Xbox and Microsoft are at the center of an unprecedented controversy due to these 9,000 layoffs, while the company generates billions of dollars, Arrowhead Game Studios confirmed on Thursday, July 3rd, 2025, that their 2024 hit, Helldivers 2, will be available on Xbox Series X starting August 26th. “We know players have been waiting for this, and we’re thrilled to welcome even more Helldivers into our universe. The future holds many surprises, and the more players we have, the more stories we can tell,” said Mikael Eriksson, game director, in a statement published on Xbox Wire. While Microsoft is increasingly venturing into multiplatform, Sony has remained much more reserved so far. Only the MLB The Show franchise, due to contractual reasons, had previously crossed the PlayStation ecosystem boundaries to appear on Xbox. The arrival of Helldivers 2 on the competing console raises a fundamental strategic question: is this an isolated exception or the prelude to a broader shift for Sony? At this stage, no official statement can provide a definitive answer, but the cross-play availability from launch suggests a clear intent to open up to a more interconnected model. The choice of date appears significant: Helldivers 2 launches on Xbox on the same day as Gears of War: Reloaded’s arrival on PlayStation. This remaster of the very first installment in the renowned Xbox series represents another significant breach of traditional boundaries between the two video game giants. Whether coincidence or calculated response, the symbolism remains quite strong.
Launched in February 2024 on PlayStation 5 and PC, Helldivers 2 quickly established itself as one of the year’s major cooperative titles. However, its PC release was not without controversy. The initial requirement to link a Steam account to a PlayStation Network account had caused widespread dissatisfaction, particularly in countries where PSN is unavailable. In response to the backlash, Sony quickly reversed course. Swedish studio Arrowhead, known for its self-deprecation, recently responded to this turbulent period by offering players a free cosmetic cape, a nod to the numerous negative reviews received on Steam. A graceful way to turn the page while thanking their community. Pre-orders for Helldivers 2 on Xbox Store are available now, offering exclusive armor sets. The Standard Edition costs $39.99/£34.99, while the Super Citizen Edition costs $59.99/£51.99. However, Helldivers 2 will not be included in Game Pass on Xbox Series X and S. Furthermore, it’s important to note that Helldivers 2 does not support cross-progression, meaning you can’t transfer your account from PC or PS5 to Xbox Series X. So, grab your exclusive gear while pre-ordering now!
For all you retro gaming enthusiasts out there, take a moment to check out “Retro Gaming Drop: Fan Releases Mortal Kombat 2 for 3DO” by Jonathan Dubinski, published on July 2nd, 2025. Shaun Nicholson, a dedicated software engineer and gamer from the US, has pulled off an incredible feat by creating an unreleased version of Mortal Kombat 2 for the classic 3DO console. This project not only showcases the enduring appeal of retro gaming but also highlights the technical prowess required to bring old favorites back to life on vintage hardware. Dive into the story and appreciate the dedication behind this remarkable achievement at Retro Gaming Drop: Fan Releases Mortal Kombat 2 for 3DO” by Elio Filho. In related industry news, Sophie Laurent’s insightful piece “Capcom’s Steam Revenues Surge by 61.1%” delves into the company’s impressive financial performance on PC platforms over the past fiscal year. As Capcom continues to shift its focus towards digital distribution and the thriving PC market, the article highlights how titles like Monster Hunter World and Street Fighter 6 are driving significant revenue growth through Steam. For a deeper dive into this strategic pivot and its implications for the gaming industry, be sure to check out Sophie’s analysis Capcom’s Steam Revenues Surge by 61.1%. While the gaming world continues to buzz with news of Helldivers 2’s upcoming Xbox launch, there’s another significant update that PlayStation Plus members won’t want to miss. Carlos Mendoza delves into the latest PS Plus offerings and the intriguing issues surrounding Diablo 4’s availability in his recent post from July 2nd. Discover what new titles are joining the roster and why some players are encountering unexpected hurdles with one of the most anticipated releases. Dive into the details at PS Plus Games Available, But Diablo 4 Causing Issues to learn more about these exciting developments and challenges in the gaming community.