One of the most valuable revenue-generating titles like Pokemon Go is changing hands. We’ll break that down today. In other gaming news, PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium games have been revealed, with one standout title that every subscriber should try. Meanwhile, Microsoft is gearing up for a big 2025, releasing a slew of games on Game Pass and other platforms. One major release might arrive even sooner than expected.
Katamari Damacy Returns, But There’s a Catch
A surprising new game reveal has left some fans disappointed after discovering its platform exclusivity. A new Katamari Damacy game, titled Katamari Damacy Rolling Live, will launch exclusively on Apple Arcade. This marks the franchise’s first original game in nearly eight years. While it’s exciting to see a fresh installment, limiting it to Apple Arcade might frustrate long-time fans.
Apple Arcade titles don’t include microtransactions, ensuring a full experience without extra costs. The game arrives on April 3, alongside Space Invaders Infinity Gene, Roller Coaster Tycoon Classic Plus, The Game of Life 2 Plus, and Sesame Street Mecha Builders Plus. Players who purchased an Apple device recently might have a free trial to Apple Arcade, making it easier to check out Katamari Damacy Rolling Live.
A New Hope for Star Fox Fans? (Gaming News)
Another intriguing announcement is Wild Blue, a new title from Chuhai Labs, an indie studio led by Giles Goddard, a programmer on the original Star Fox. The game’s trailer playfully avoided mentioning Star Fox directly, but the resemblance is unmistakable.
While Wild Blue currently only has screenshots available—somewhat generic in appearance—it’s worth keeping an eye on for fans craving a classic Star Fox-style experience. It’s now available for wishlist on Steam, with more details expected soon.
Power World’s Crossplay Update Coming Soon
Power World players can expect a crossplay update later this month. The official account confirmed the update will enable multiplayer across all platforms, along with world transfer for Pals. To celebrate, the game is currently 25% off on PlayStation Store and Steam.
Despite its initial popularity, Power World has seen a slight drop in active players. However, this update should help revitalize engagement. Considering its early access status, continuous improvements and new features will be key to sustaining interest.
Pokémon GO Sold in a $3.5 Billion Deal
One of the biggest announcements this week is that Pokémon GO and other Niantic-developed games are changing ownership. According to Financial Times, Scopely, a Saudi-owned developer known for Monopoly GO, has agreed to a $3.5 billion deal to acquire Pokémon GO and several other Niantic properties.
Scopely, which was itself acquired by Savvy Games Group in 2023 for $4.9 billion, now boasts an audience exceeding 500 million players, largely due to Monopoly GO’s massive success.
What’s Next for Niantic? (Gaming News)
Niantic’s CEO John Hanke revealed the company is shifting focus to a new project, Niantic Spatial, which aims to develop AI-driven mapping technology. This transition suggests that Niantic had been gradually moving away from gaming, something Pokémon GO players had speculated on for a while.
While Scopely has assured players that the Pokémon GO development team will remain intact, history suggests that studio acquisitions often lead to personnel changes over time. A key concern for players is whether Scopely will introduce aggressive monetization strategies, given the company’s track record with mobile games.
For now, Pokémon GO remains unchanged, but its long-term direction will depend on how Scopely handles the franchise. Fans will be watching closely.
PlayStation Plus Extra & Premium March 2025 Lineup (Gaming News)
Sony has revealed the March 18 PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium lineup, featuring several noteworthy additions.
PlayStation Plus Extra Titles:
- UFC 5 (PS5)
- Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown (PS4, PS5) – Highly recommended for Metroidvania fans.
- Captain Tsubasa: Rise of New Champions (PS4)
- Mobile Suit Gundam: Battle Operation Code Fairy (PS4, PS5)
- Arcade Paradise (PS4, PS5)
- Bang-On Balls Chronicles (PS4, PS5)
- You Suck at Parking (PS4, PS5)
- Siberia: The World Before (PS4, PS5)
PlayStation Plus Premium Titles:
- Arcade Paradise VR (PSVR2)
- Armored Core (PS1 Classic)
- Armored Core: Project Phantasma (PS1 Classic)
- Armored Core: Master of Arena (PS1 Classic)
The addition of three classic Armored Core games is notable, especially after the success of Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon. PlayStation is releasing these all at once, giving fans a chance to experience the franchise’s roots.
If you haven’t yet, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is a must-play, delivering excellent 2D action with Metroidvania elements.
Oblivion Remake Rumors Gain Traction
The long-rumored Oblivion Remake might be arriving sooner than expected. According to Video Games Chronicle (VGC), the game could be revealed in the coming weeks and released as early as April.
Microsoft’s Packed 2025 Release Slate
If true, this release adds to Microsoft’s already stacked lineup for early 2025. The first half of the year includes:
- Forza Horizon 5 (PlayStation release)
- Indiana Jones and the Great Circle (April launch)
- South of Midnight
- Clair Obscur
- Potential Oblivion Remake launch in April
Microsoft’s aggressive release strategy contradicts its earlier claim that Avowed was delayed due to too many holiday releases. If Oblivion Remake does launch in April, it could be multi-platform, following Microsoft’s trend of expanding releases beyond Xbox.
A shadow-drop reveal is possible, similar to how Microsoft handled Hi-Fi Rush and Ninja Gaiden Black. However, given Oblivion’s legacy, a full marketing campaign would make more sense.
