Saturday, August 29, 2026

GTA 6 Will Have No Microtransactions or Generative AI at Launch, Rockstar Says

Rockstar Games has said Grand Theft Auto 6 will have no microtransactions or generative AI when it launches in November.

The studio behind GTA 6 confirmed this year's monumental open-world game will dodge two potentially controversial practices during a conversation with Kinda Funny Games earlier this week. It means launch should be free of backlash (at least when it comes to these two particular topics) when it arrives in a few months.

Kinda Funny's Andy Cortez said he asked Rockstar if players will be able to use real-world money to purchase things in-game during a preview event that preceded the GTA 6: Extended Look. He went on, saying, "no monetizations in this game."

The site's Greg Miller immediately followed that topic, saying he asked Rockstar "point-blank" if there is generative AI in GTA 6. The team told him that there is "no AI" used in the game.

From Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 to Arc Raiders, generative AI has proven time and time again to be an especially troublesome element for developers to include in their games. The millions of gamers who have waited 13 years for the next Grand Theft Auto might be pleased to hear similar claims won't mar its mid-November release date. The issue of microtransactions, however, does come with a few things worth noting.

Rockstar says GTA 6 will not feature the kind of monetization strategies that allow players to purchase content with real-world cash. That might arrive as good news for an entirely single-player release, but it's also yet another reminder that it doesn't look like the team has any intention of sharing any updates on a new iteration of Grand Theft Auto Online any time soon.

Meanwhile, while Rockstar has made it clear that, while there will be no monetization strategies like microtransactions in a traditional sense, there will be content gated off for some players in the form of its Ultimate Edition. Priced at $99.99 – a $20 increase from the $79.99 standard edition – this version of the game grants access to a host of exclusive content, including cosmetic packs, cars, guns, and even some shops, such as the Electric Fang tattoo parlor and Stock 305 clothing store. An official support page confirmed standard edition owners will be able to purchase an Ultimate Edition upgrade separately.

"Ultimate Edition bonuses are threaded across all aspects of Jason and Lucia's story, with new items uncovered behind each chapter," the page added.

Other than that, it sounds like players shouldn't expect any other microtransaction tactics – or generative AI – when GTA 6 launches for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S November 19, 2026. There will surely be plenty more to show off ahead of its release date, but until then, you can check out IGN's exclusive preview and interview. You can also catch up on every licensed song revealed during the extended look, the GTA Online character who's making a comeback, and everything else Rockstar had to share during its big gameplay debut.

Michael Cripe is a freelance writer with IGN. He's best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).



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The Best Deals Today: Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, Jurassic Park 4K Collection, Nintendo Switch 2, and More

A new weekend has arrived, and today, you can save on Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Nintendo Switch 2, Resident Evil Requiem, Civilization VII, and more. Check out our top picks for Saturday, August 29, below.

Jurassic World 4K 7-Movie Collection for $69.99

The Jurassic series is home to some of the most iconic movies ever, and today, you can score this seven-film collection on 4K Blu-ray for $69.99. This collection packs in the original Jurassic Park trilogy, plus all four Jurassic World films.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth with MTG Card for $34.99

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth for Nintendo Switch 2 is on sale today for $34.99 at Amazon. This physical version of the game includes an exclusive Zack Fair Magic: The Gathering - Final Fantasy card, which is perfect for fans and collectors alike. If you've yet to experience this massive RPG, take a chance and pick up a copy this weekend at a discount. It's pretty great exploring beyond Midgar on the Switch 2, just saying.

Save on Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream

Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream is one of the biggest hits of the year, and you can save a few dollars on physical copies today at Woot. In our 7/10 review, we wrote, "Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream is a deeply funny and equally personal civilization simulator fueled by your creativity, but ridiculous sharing restrictions put a dark cloud over its otherwise delightful paradise."

Resident Evil Requiem for $53.99

Target has Resident Evil Requiem on sale this weekend for $53.99. If you've yet to play the latest RE game, this is a great time to do so. Grace Ashcroft and Leon S. Kennedy join forces to defeat a sinister new threat in a game that combines tense horror with brutal action combat. DLC is planned to be released in the future, so you can catch up now before the next story is out.

Nintendo Switch 2 for $399.99

The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to increase in price in just a few weeks, but today, you can save on a Grade A Refurbished unit at Woot and take home a console for $399.99. According to Woot, these units have "been inspected and guaranteed to have minimal cosmetic damage & has successfully passed a full diagnostic test which ensures like-new functionality & removal of any prior-user's personal information." All of the original accessories are included as well, so you won't need to pick up a Dock or anything like that.

Nioh 3 for $39.99

Nioh 3 released in early February, and you can save $30 off a PS5 copy today at Best Buy. In our 9/10 review, we wrote, "Nioh 3 delivers best-in-class combat that revitalizes the established formula with a fantastic split between Samurai and Ninja styles, as well as a triumphant move to an open-world structure."

Save on The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Switch 2 Edition

Woot has physical copies of Breath of the Wild - Switch 2 Edition on sale today for $59.99. In our review of the Switch 2 Edition, we wrote, "If you’re yet to try this masterpiece then this is the best place to jump in, and if you’ve already got a copy of the original then the performance upgrades alone make the upgrade price worth it." For those who care about owning games physically, this is a must-add for any Switch 2 collection.

LEGO Harry Potter Book Nook for $76.99

If you're a Harry Potter fan and collect the books, this LEGO Book Nook could be a wonderful way to spruce up your shelf. This set builds out the legendary Hogwarts Express, with Harry and Ron set to board. While this LEGO set normally costs $99.99, you can pick this up today for $76.99 at Amazon.

Save on Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is the ultimate version of the first chapter in the Final Fantasy VII remake series, following Cloud Strife and the party from the very beginning through the escape from Midgar. You can score Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade for $29.99 on the Nintendo Switch 2. If you want to prepare for Final Fantasy VII Revelation next year, this is where to start your journey.

Civilization VII for $19.99

Amazon has Civilization VII on sale for $19.99 this weekend, saving you $20 off a physical copy. In our 7/10 review, we wrote, "Civilization 7's improved warfare and added bits of narrative flair give me reasons to keep clicking one more turn late into the night, but the desire to streamline and simplify this legendary 4X series feels like it has also gone a bit too far, particularly when it comes to the interface."

Noah Hunter is a freelance writer and reviewer with a passion for games and technology. He co-founded Final Weapon, an outlet focused on nonsense-free Japanese gaming (in 2019) and has contributed to various publishers writing about the medium.



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EA Motive's Iron Man Game Reveal 'Didn't Go as Planned,' But the Leak Has Marvel Fans More Excited Than Ever

EA Motive Studio's Iron Man game suffered an unexpected leak, but it may have resulted in Marvel fans being more excited about it than ever.

Leaks in the gaming world are generally perceived as bad. Just look at Grand Theft Auto 6, a game that suffered a waterfall of leaks so significant that it sent Rockstar scrambling to pick up the pieces. When a trailer for Motive's Iron Man game was hit with a leak earlier this week, however, EA chose to handle its unexpected gameplay reveal a little differently.

Unlike GTA 6, Iron Man only had to deal with a controlled (and early-in-development) peek behind the curtain, leaving fans to comb through every second of footage for highlights. Seeing Tony Stark zipping around skyscrapers and dodging enemies on S.H.I.E.L.D. helicarriers is far and away the most we've seen so far, but considering the damage had already been done, EA decided to have a bit of fun with it. Just hours after clips began to circulate on social media, EA erected a new, official X/Twitter account and shared a tongue-in-cheek message. The result? Millions of views and hundreds of thousands of reactions.

"Well, that didn't go as planned," EA's post, which boasts 14.8 million views and 198K likes at the time of this story's publication, said. "But now you know, and we've got a lot more to show you. See you when we're ready."

There had been some concern EA had quietly shelved its Iron Man game when Motive was brought in to help the Battlefield 6 team in 2024. We're just a few weeks shy of four years since its initial announcement, and updates have been few and far between in the time since.

A leak of this magnitude showing an in-development game could have been seen as a net-negative – and for EA, maybe it still is. For everyone else who has waited years to see what a standalone Iron Man game could look, play, and sound like, it couldn't have come at a better time.

"CRYING," one popular reply said. "GOATED RESPONSE. LET'S GOOOOOO."

"Very on brand for Iron Man to get hacked and aura farm because of it," another fan said.

"See this is how you handle a leak," another added. "Embrace it and keep cooking. Not burying your head in the sand."

There is an ocean of positive responses to this one post, which dropped almost out of nowhere in the middle of a Friday. Many also stick with the theme, saying that acknowledging the leak in this way feels reminiscent of the kind of move Tony Stark would pull.

It's been so long since we last heard from the next project from the Dead Space remake and Star Wars: Squadrons developer that you don't have to look too hard to find responses from those who had no idea a standalone Iron Man experience was even in development. For them, this might as well be a brand-new game announcement for one of the most popular Marvel superheroes in existence.

Although it's unclear when exactly the leaked footage was captured or how much longer it will be before an official launch, fans online seem to be quite happy with how EA and Motive's Iron Man game is shaping up. Some of the footage suggested things like armor customization and wrist-mounted laser attacks will be part of the experience. A few blink-and-you'll-miss-it moments also teased Marvel comics characters like James Rhodes/War Machine and Pepper Pots could show up throughout what seems to be a globe-trotting adventure, too.

"You know what's funny," another fan online said, "I feel like this leak might have helped them because all I'm seeing is overwhelmingly positive responses to it."

"Their response was great and the footage looked fire," another said. "Can't help but root for them."

Although the leak did turn out to be real, there's a good chance some or even all of what we've seen could be cut before the final build. EA Motive's Iron Man game currently has no release date, nor does it have a list of launch platforms. While we won't share that leaked footage here, we can confirm that clips are absolutely still out there, and you probably won't have to look too hard to find them.

For more, you can see how Iron Man is coming back to theaters with the Avengers: Endgame re-release. You can also read about Avalanche Studios' canceled Iron Man game, which also recently leaked.

Michael Cripe is a freelance writer with IGN. He's best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).



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The Witcher 4 Will Have a Physical Edition Even if Discs Go Away, CD Projekt Red Confirms

The Witcher 4 will still "have a box" for physical game collectors even after Sony stops supporting discs in 2028, CD Projekt Red has confirmed.

Studio joint-CEO MichaΕ‚ Nowakowski confirmed the Cyberpunk 2077 studio still plans to release a physical edition during an interview with The Game Business. He admitted CD Projekt Red has no control when it comes to Sony's plans to halt production for physical PlayStation discs, but they do still have the power to make The Witcher 4 feel special for collectors.

"We don’t know what’s going to be the case," he said. "We know what PlayStation has announced. And we have no influence on the policies of the first parties. The discs for the first parties, including PlayStation, have to be manufactured in their own factories. So, if they stop manufacturing indeed by 2028, then yes [we won’t have a disc]."

Sony infamously announced plans to end production for physical PlayStation games in July, promising the move would take effect starting January 2028. It was a brutal blow to those who have spent decades collecting discs for their favorite games, but it will be especially painful as games previously expected to receive physical support launch without a disc.

The Witcher 4 became one of those titles when CD Projekt Red suggested it was aiming for a 2028 release date. The studio is known for packing its physical releases full of goodies for fans, too. Both standard editions for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Cyberpunk 2077 came with the kind of bonuses you'd expect in a pricier release, including stickers, a map, a letter from the developers, postcards, and more. When Sony – and, potentially, other gaming entities – cease support for physical releases in 2028, that goes away.

Well, at least for most releases, it goes away. For CD Projekt Red, they aren't going down without a fight. While there may not be a disc for The Witcher 4, the team still wants to ensure its undated launch is just as special as the last. That's why, in some form, The Witcher 4 will "have a box."

"But we’re big fans of people having access to tangible collectible things," Nowakowski added. "We’re nerds ourselves, and we like that. We always supported that. So, whatever is the case, we’re going to be for sure having a box. We’re going to have a box that’s going to have some feelies in it. Something you’re going to be wanting to open up and enjoy. But we have no influence actually on what’s the case here."

For now, The Witcher 4 has no release date. As CD Projekt Red tinkers away at its Ciri-led Witcher 3 follow-up, you can see how the team is revitalizing its 2015 hit with an official remaster and the Songs of the Past expansion. You can also check out how both retailers and the gaming industry have lashed out at Sony over its recent decision.

Michael Cripe is a freelance writer with IGN. He's best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).



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Friday, August 28, 2026

Save 42% Off the PS Portal, the Only Way You'll Be Able to Play Grand Theft Auto 6 on a Handheld

Grand Theft Auto 6 is out in November, but only for two platforms: PlayStation 5 and Xbox. That means you won't be able to play it on a handheld gaming PC or Switch 2 portable console for quite a while. If you do want to play Grand Theft Auto on a mobile type device from the comfort of your bed or couch away from the TV, the only easy way will be by using a PlayStation Portal connected to your PS5 console Fortunately, there's a way to get a massive discount on one today.

Xbox gamers can do the same with Xbox Ally using Remote Play, but the cost to own both devices is greater.

PlayStation Portal (Used: Very Good) for $147

Amazon Resale just dropped the price of the "Used: Very Good" PS Portal to $146.99 after a 30% off coupon that's automatically applied during checkout. This is an excellent deal considering the fact that Sony raised the retail price of the PS Portal from $200 to $250 just a few months ago. Amazon Resale is Amazon's official outlet for used items. Amazon states that this "Very Good" item "looks and functions as if it were new. Item may not come in original packaging." You still get the 30-day Amazon return policy so it's a much safer option than buying a used controller off Facebook Marketplace.

The PS Portal, Sony's handheld gaming accessory for the PS5 console, looks very much like an extended split-pad DualSense controller with an 8-inch 1080p LCD screen in the middle of it. It turns your PS5 into a gaming handheld by letting you stream games from your console at up to 60fps. The controller mirrors the same features found on the DualSense, including haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and a touchscreen interface that replaces the Dualsense's touchpad. The Portal can stream your games even when you're outside of your home, with the caveat that you have access to very stable, very fast internet connection. Keep in mind that the PS Portal is not a standalone device. This is strictly a remote player for the PlayStation 5, so you will need a PS5 to use it.

You no longer need a PS5 to play games on the PS Portal. Now, rather than being limited to simply streaming games from a $500 console to a $200 handheld, Sony has introduced a feature that lets owners stream games directly from its PlayStation Now cloud streaming service. No PS5 required. Portal owners can either connect the Portal to their PS5 or directly to Sony’s cloud servers (with some new quality of life beta updates that launched in April). Choose the latter and suddenly you have access to a library of more than 120 games, including Ghost of Tsushima, Resident Evil 3 Remake, The Last of Us Part 1 Remastered, and Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales. It’s worth noting you must be a subscriber to the highest tier of PlayStation Plus, but $18 a month is much more attractive than paying for every new game.

It should be said that the PlayStation Portal isn’t the only way to stream your PS5 games over Wi-Fi within your home. You can mimic its functionality by downloading the PS Remote Play app on a mobile device, including other gaming handhelds like the Steam Deck. That said, it's more complicated to set up and you'll lose out on some of the DualSense's features.

Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.



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Capcom Is Making Life-Sized Statues of Lady Dimitrescu and Albert Wesker, and the Internet Is Being Totally Normal About It

Capcom is making thirsty fans’ dreams come true for Resident Evil’s 30th anniversary exhibition, revealing that it will display life-sized statues of Lady Dimitrescu and Albert Wesker.

There’s something for everyone at Capcom’s RE anniversary extravaganza. Coming to the Shibuya BEAM Gallery from October 30 to December 24, the exhibition will feature real-life recreations of iconic items and creatures from the famous horror game franchise, including “life-sized models of villains crafted with meticulous detail,” as told by SaigaNAK.

Two of these villains have been revealed, and the reactions from the internet have not disappointed.

As posted on the exhibition's official website in late August, Resident Evil antagonist Albert Wesker and Village’s Lady Dimitrescu are getting life-sized statues at the Shibuya exhibition. Concept art for these sculptures have also been shared, showing Lady D sitting in an ornate, plush chair while Wesker stands tall, wearing his iconic sunglasses and trenchcoat combo.

It appears that both villains will be located in the Evidence of Horror section of the exhibition; Wesker is reportedly placed in the “parasites and biological threats” zone, while Lady Dimitrescu sits in the “zone dedicated to fungi and hallucinations.”

What’s more, Lady D’s statue is reportedly 290 centimeters tall (approximately nine and a half feet) — though it’s unclear if that will be the true height of the sculpture, given that she’s in a seated position.

Naturally, the internet wasted no time telling the whole world all about their upcoming heists of these statues.

“They better put it in bulletproof glass,” one user joked of Dimitrescu’s statue on X. Another simply posted a GIF from National Treasure, showing Nick Cage saying his iconic line: “I’m gonna steal the Declaration of Independence.”

“If true, they are gonna need 'round the clock security for that thing, because I KNOW multiple people will try to run a heist for it,” another remarked.

Somehow, these replies aren’t as freaky as the comments regarding Leon Kennedy’s life-sized statue, which will also be displayed at the Shibuya exhibition. (You can imagine how that went down when it got announced earlier this month. We fear Capcom will legitimately need 24/7 security for that particular sculpture.)

In the meantime, fans can get their Resident Evil fix by checking out our interview with Zach Cregger about his upcoming movie adaptation of the franchise, which comes to theaters next month.

Virginia (she/her) is IGN’s News Editor. With ten years of experience reporting on games and entertainment, she’s got a storied background in the fighting game community, influencer news, and viral online trends. Find her on Twitter at @TheeMissGlaze.



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Thursday, August 27, 2026

Helldivers 2 Boss Happy That GTA 6 Is Skipping PC at Launch and There's No Online Right Away

Pretty much everyone expects the November launch of GTA 6 to dominate the world of entertainment — indeed that’s one of the reasons we have a September crush of video game releases. But according to the CEO of Helldivers 2 developer Arrowhead, there are two very good reasons why developers shouldn’t be too worried.

Speaking to IGN, Arrowhead boss Shams Jorjani said that the lack of a PC version of GTA 6 at launch, as well as the absence of whatever the next generation of GTA Online looks like, means there’s reason to believe games like Helldivers 2 retain their own space.

“Rockstar makes ridiculous, high-effort stuff and it's awesome that games like this get made,” Jorjani said. “On a selfish level I'm happy it’s not hitting PC right away, and that online isn’t dropping at launch. It means Helldivers 2 gets to keep crushing it in our own space, and is also why it won’t be the all consuming behemoth everyone’s worried about.

“Everyone in the industry right now is constantly pivoting strategies and obsessing over early player feedback just to survive. But Rockstar has the brand power to confidently take their time and run their classic play. They have the confidence and freedom to spend a decade doing things the old-school way because they know the core game will deliver. It’s going to raise the bar for sure.”

Of course, Helldivers 2 is also out on console (it’s a PlayStation Studios game and Sony owns the Helldivers IP), but the explosive co-op action game is particularly strong on Steam, where it retains a loyal and sizeable audience of fans even now, two-and-a-half years after launch.

You’d image that the launch of GTA 6 will have an impact on even PC games, but perhaps long-running Steam games that revolve around online play will prove more resilient than others. Let's remember: GTA 6 is a single-player game at launch. There's no online mode at all this November.

GTA 6 is also set for launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S only, which in 2026 feels like an odd release strategy but is in keeping with Rockstar’s playbook. Jorjani touches on this in his comment — Rockstar is perhaps one of the few video game developers around that can guarantee success even skipping PC. GTA 6 is just that big of a deal. There’s nothing like it.

Be sure to check out IGN’s GTA 6 official gameplay reveal live blog, where we’ll bring you all the news across the internet on today’s Netflix exclusive and beyond.

Wesley is Director, News at IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.



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GTA 6 Will Have No Microtransactions or Generative AI at Launch, Rockstar Says

Rockstar Games has said Grand Theft Auto 6 will have no microtransactions or generative AI when it launches in November. The studio behind ...