The 2025 gaming news saga continues with major updates across various platforms. Nintendo is ending its rewards programs, raising speculation about future plans. Confusion surrounded layoffs at Marvel Rivals, but recent reports clarified the situation. Xbox Game Pass is seeing both additions and departures this month. PlayStation’s classics catalog may expand, and rumors suggest a Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater sequel or remaster is coming. Additionally, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth reviews have been released, offering insights into the latest installment.
Nintendo Ends Gold Points and Game Vouchers Programs (Gaming News)
Nintendo is discontinuing two popular rewards programs. The My Nintendo Gold Points program will stop allowing users to earn points after March 24, 2025. However, physical game purchases made before that date will remain eligible for rewards within a year of release. Gold points will still be redeemable for 12 months. The Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers program will also no longer apply to Switch 2 games, leading to speculation about future reward system changes.
Marvel Rivals Layoff Confusion Clarified
Reports of mass layoffs at NetEase’s Marvel Rivals studio caused confusion online. Initial claims suggested the entire development team, including the director, had been dismissed. However, only the U.S.-based support studio was affected. The core development team in China remains intact. The game continues to perform well, with nearly 300,000 concurrent players. These layoffs appear to be part of a broader strategy to reevaluate NetEase’s overseas investments.
Xbox Game Pass Additions and Departures for February
Several new titles are now available on Xbox Game Pass. “AOW,” a recent Microsoft release, is on cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S. Other games joining the service include “EA Sports F1 24,” “Warhammer 40K: Rogue Trader,” and “Watch Dogs: Legion.” On February 28, several games will leave, including “F1 22,” “Maneater,” “Paw Patrol World,” “Space Engineers,” “Warhammer 40K: Boltgun,” “Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty,” and “Yakuza 3 Remastered.”
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater Sequel or Remaster Rumors Intensify
Speculation about a new Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater game is growing. Professional skater Taon Jones recently mentioned a new release. Details remain unclear, but reports suggest either “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 & 4” or “Tony Hawk’s Underground 1 & 2” could be in line for a remaster. “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 & 2” was highly successful, making a follow-up likely. A reveal could take place during an upcoming Xbox Developer Direct.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Review Scores Arrive (Gaming News)
Reviews for “Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth” have been published. The PlayStation 5 version holds a score of 79 on Metacritic. The Xbox Series X|S version stands at 87, and the PC version sits at 81. Reviewers praise the game’s engaging mini-games and fast-paced action. Some critics highlight limited combat variety and occasional camera issues. While some describe it as an exciting experience, others feel it lacks the depth of past titles in the series.
This week’s gaming news continues to bring big changes and surprises. Nintendo is shifting its rewards system, while Marvel Rivals remains successful despite layoffs. Xbox Game Pass sees updates, and PlayStation expands its classics. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater rumors grow, and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth gets reviewed. Stay tuned for more updates and announcements.
