NewsLand: Gaming Digest – May 2026
From The Witcher 3’s surprise new expansion and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 to fresh Xbox hardware details, GTA 6 updates, and Battlefield 6’s biggest season yet, here are the gaming stories that defined May 2026.

May is traditionally the month in the gaming calendar when the industry starts to gear up for the summer season. This year, however, it wasn’t just about waiting for Summer Game Fest or more previews of highly anticipated new releases; the past few weeks have brought surprises that would have sounded like pure fantasy just a few years ago. The Czech studio Warhorse Studios is reportedly developing a major RPG set in the world of The Lord of the Rings, Geralt of Rivia is returning after nearly a decade in a new expansion for The Witcher 3, and Microsoft is gradually unveiling its vision for the future Xbox, which is said to be coming dangerously close to a classic gaming PC.
But the rest of the month certainly didn’t fall behind. Battlefield 6 received its biggest update to date, Forza Horizon 6 managed to leak online before its release (fortunately, this didn’t harm the game in any way), and Sony announced a price increase for the PlayStation Plus service. There was also new information about GTA 6, Total War: Medieval III, the return of the Steam Controller, and record sales for Subnautica 2. If you didn’t have time to keep up with all the news about games, consoles, and major publishers in May, we’ve prepared a Gaming Digest of the most important stories that took place in the gaming world over the past month.
The Witcher 3 With New Expansion Coming Soon!
Polish studio CD Projekt RED is once again proving that it takes the support of its single-player games seriously. Nearly ten years after the release of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, it has officially confirmed a third paid expansion titled Songs of the Past. The new expansion is being developed in collaboration with Fool’s Theory, which is also working on a remake of the original Witcher from 2007. The expansion will arrive next year on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, with older-generation consoles left out this time, similar to the situation with Phantom Liberty for Cyberpunk 2077. And although there has been speculation for some time that the story might revolve around Ciri due to the upcoming The Witcher 4, players will once again step into the shoes of Geralt of Rivia.
The developers haven’t revealed many details yet, but the first piece of artwork has already sparked a flurry of fan theories. In it, Geralt stands facing a strange tree-like creature, and his sword also catches the eye. Along with the announcement of the expansion (the studio deliberately avoids using the term “DLC” because they consider story expansions—which offer many hours of gameplay, new characters, and a new story—to be true expansions), there was also less-than-welcome news for PC gamers: The Witcher 3 is significantly tightening its hardware requirements. The game now officially supports only Windows 11, SSD drives, and DirectX 12, while support for Windows 10, HDDs, and DirectX 11 is being phased out. CD Projekt RED claims this is a necessary step for future updates and compatibility with new content. In other words, Geralt may be back, but your old computer might not be up to the task of handling his next adventure.

Modern Warfare 4 is Revealed in its First Trailer, and a Beloved Studio Returns to the Series
After years of experimentation and mixed reactions from fans, Activision is once again relying on a name that carries extraordinary weight within the Call of Duty series—Infinity Ward, the studio behind the Modern Warfare series. The new Modern Warfare 4 will also be the first title in the franchise to definitively leave the previous generation of consoles behind, and according to the developers, this is no coincidence. The studio’s ambition is to push the technical aspects of the series further than ever before, which is intended to be reflected not only in the visuals but also in the actual feel of the shooting. The new Ballistic Authority system overhauls how weapons function from the ground up, integrating ballistics, sound, movement, and camera work into a single cohesive system. The result is intended to be a more authentic combat experience, where every shot feels more precise and natural than in previous installments.
But that’s far from the only new feature. This time, the campaign moves away from traditional Middle Eastern conflicts and shifts its focus to the Korean Peninsula, where escalating tensions escalate into a war with global consequences. Alongside the familiar Captain Price, a young soldier named Park takes center stage, his fate intertwined with operations spanning from Asia to global metropolises.
Multiplayer will be based on a combination of classic maps, expansive battlefields, and the new Kill Block mode, which changes the layout of the combat zone during a match. Big War maps, where infantry and vehicles will be combined, will also be included. The DMZ will also see significant changes thanks to dynamic weather, moving units, and changing mission objectives. Modern Warfare 4 arrives on October 23 for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2, though it will come to Game Pass at a later date.



PlayStation Plus Subscription Prices Are Going Up
Sony has announced a price increase for the PlayStation Plus service for new subscribers in select regions, with the new prices taking effect on May 20. A monthly membership now costs €9.99 and a three-month membership €27.99, while existing users are not currently affected by the changes, with the exception of countries such as Turkey and India. The price hike comes as Sony expands its PS Plus game lineup, which now includes titles such as EA Sports FC 26, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, Star Wars Outlaws, and Red Dead Redemption 2.
Czech Warhorse Studios is Working on a Game Set in the World of The Lord of the Rings
Warhorse Studios has put an end to months of speculation and officially confirmed that it is currently working on two major RPG projects. In addition to the next installment in the Kingdom Come: Deliverance series, the Czech studio is also embarking on the long-rumored project set in the world of The Lord of the Rings. Both games are set to be open-world RPGs, and according to the developers, the focus will once again be on detailed worlds, compelling stories, and characters that will keep you engrossed for dozens of hours. For the fantasy project, Warhorse aims to bring the atmosphere of Middle-earth to life in the form of a grand interactive adventure, though the studio is keeping most details under wraps for now. The only certainty is that we’ll have to wait a long time for its release.
Interestingly, the Kingdom Come sequel also appeared in the financial materials of the Embracer Group, according to which the new game could arrive between 2027 and 2028. Fans are also speculating whether it will be a direct continuation of the story of Jindřich of Skalica and Jan Ptáček, or a completely new spin-off. Meanwhile, behind-the-scenes information has also emerged about the budget for the fantasy RPG set in Tolkien’s world, which is reportedly approaching the $100 million mark.





The New Xbox Is Turning Into a Gaming PC, and Microsoft Is Already Revealing the First Details
During a presentation for developers, Microsoft provided the first detailed look at the future of Xbox, codenamed Project Helix. It is confirmed that the company aims to definitively merge the worlds of consoles and PCs into a single ecosystem. The new generation is set to run on a modified version of Windows 11 and seamlessly run not only Xbox games but also classic PC titles from services like Steam or the Epic Games Store. Performance will be handled by a new AMD chip and the next generation of DirectX.
Microsoft also promises a significant technological leap, where artificial intelligence, neural rendering, and new systems for generating images, textures, and frames in real time will play a major role. The company also aims to more effectively address the growing size of games using new compression technology. Nevertheless, the simplicity of a classic console is to be preserved, and players reportedly won’t have to deal with complicated settings as they would on a standard PC.
According to insider information, from a developer’s perspective, Project Helix will be essentially a standard computer built on AMD architecture, with talk of a Magnus chip featuring Zen 6 and RDNA 5 graphics. Developers are expected to receive the first development versions of the console in 2027, and the actual release is currently most often associated with late 2027 or early 2028.

Battlefield 6 Launches a Major Offensive, and Season 3 Brings Massive Changes
Battlefield 6 has entered its third season, which also marks the biggest update since the game’s release. EA DICE isn’t just adding new content; it’s also making significant changes to gameplay, vehicle balancing, and the overall technical state of the game. The main attraction is the Railway to Golmud map, which is essentially a modernized version of the legendary Golmud Railway from Battlefield 4. It is also the largest battlefield in the game to date, where tanks, helicopters, fighter jets, and infantry clash, with a moving train playing a key role as both teams battle for control of it.
The season also introduces the competitive Ranked Battle Royale mode REDSEC with a ranking system, leaderboards, and rewards, new weapons including the M16A4 and RPK-74M, and extensive updates to vehicles, mines, rockets, and vehicle controls. The developers have also worked on servers, movement synchronization, AI bots, and performance optimization, including support for FSR 4 and Intel XeSS 3.0 technologies. In June, another classic returns—the Grand Bazaar from Battlefield 3, now renamed Cairo Bazaar—followed by more new content and modes.


007 First Light Reveals Final System Requirements, and You'll Need a Real Beast for 4K at 200 fps
IO Interactive has released the final system requirements for 007 First Light, and it's clear that the new James Bond game will really put PC setups to the test. For basic gameplay at 1080p at 30 fps, an older graphics card like the GTX 1660 or RX 5700 will suffice, but the demands rise sharply at higher resolutions. For 1440p at 60 fps, the developers recommend an RTX 4070 or RX 7800 XT, and native 4K already targets the RTX 4080 or Radeon RX 7900 XT.
However, the most attention was drawn to the extreme configuration for 4K gaming at over 200 fps using DLSS 4.5. In this case, the NVIDIA RTX 5080 is paired with 32 GB of RAM and a more powerful processor like the Ryzen 7 7700X. IO Interactive also confirmed support for unlocked frame rates, detailed control and subtitle settings, while technologies such as Path Tracing and DLSS Ray Reconstruction will arrive in a later update following release. 007: First Light was released on May 27, 2026, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Valve has Released a new Steam Controller Aimed at Hardcore PC Gamers
Valve has launched sales of the redesigned Steam Controller, which aims to shake up the PC controller market once again. The new model is available for €99, and initial reactions indicate strong interest from the community. The controller builds on the original model, but this time it relies on more modern technologies, higher precision, and a greater emphasis on comfort during long gaming sessions.
The dual touchpads remain the standout feature, designed to mimic mouse control even more faithfully, whether while gaming or navigating the Steam interface. Valve has added drift-resistant magnetic analog sticks, four haptic motors for more detailed vibrations, and a gyroscope for more precise motion control.
Programmable buttons and extensive customization options via Steam Input, including profile sharing with the community, are a given. The controller works both wired and wirelessly via Bluetooth and works seamlessly with PCs, laptops, and the Steam Deck.
Total War Returns to the Middle Ages and Promises More Authentic Armies and Larger Battles
Creative Assembly has revealed new details about Total War: Medieval III, which is set to deliver a more authentic medieval experience. Armies will no longer depend solely on the faction, but also on the region from which you recruit units, which is intended to add greater strategic depth and historical accuracy. Historians and experts on period weaponry are also involved in the development to make the armies appear more realistic.
At the same time, the developers are preparing a more expansive sandbox and changes to sieges, where castles could feature their own battle types with unique mechanics. Meanwhile, work continues on Total War: Warhammer 40,000, which is set to advance the destruction and technical capabilities of battlefields in particular.



GTA 6 is Coming to Consoles First, and PlayStation Will Take Center Stage
PC gamers will have to wait a little longer for Grand Theft Auto VI. Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick explained that Rockstar Games traditionally prioritizes consoles because, in his view, a smooth launch is most critical on those platforms. If the launch doesn’t go as expected, it could negatively impact other platforms as well, which is why the studio is focusing on PlayStation 5 and Xbox first.
Zelnick also confirmed that the delay of the PC version is not related to the marketing partnership with Sony, which will have a prominent presence in GTA 6. The game will appear primarily in ads associated with the PlayStation console, and there is also speculation about a special console bundle package with the game. However, this is not exclusive content. Interestingly, while the PC accounts for nearly half of sales for major titles today, Rockstar does not intend to abandon its established strategy for the time being.


Forza Horizon 6 is Picking up Speed. Playground Games Is Preparing New Cars, Expansions, and Bug Fixes
Following the successful launch of Forza Horizon 6, Playground Games is preparing new content designed to keep players behind the wheel in the coming months. The Italian Passion Car Pack DLC is coming in July, featuring models like the Ferrari F80, Ferrari 275 GTB4 Spider, and Alfa Romeo Giulia GTAm. The developers have also confirmed two major expansions that will significantly expand the game. Later this year, Forza Horizon 6 will also be coming to PlayStation 5.
In addition to new content, the studio is also addressing technical issues and community feedback. Drivatars have drawn particular criticism for feeling unbalanced on higher difficulty settings, and players have also reported game crashes and performance fluctuations in the PC version, especially with AMD graphics cards. A discussion has also emerged around the "Maxed Out" achievement for reaching level 100 in Horizon Play, which many describe as an unnecessarily extreme grind.


World of Tanks is Changing its Pace and Aiming for More Action-Packed Tank Battles with HEAT
Wargaming has unveiled World of Tanks: HEAT, a new free-to-play game that departs from the classic World of Tanks in favor of faster, more arcade-style gameplay. Instead of slow-paced firefights, it focuses on dynamic PvP battles, special hero abilities, and modified armored vehicles in an alternate post-war reality. The game launched on May 26 for PC, Steam Deck, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and via NVIDIA GeForce NOW, offering cross-play and shared progress across platforms.
At launch, there are eight Agents divided into Defender, Assault, and Marksman roles, fifteen customizable tanks, eight maps, and four PvP modes, including Conquest and Hardpoint. The game also runs on a brand-new engine from Wargaming, designed to deliver faster-paced action and modern visuals. The cinematic trailer was directed by Ilya Naishuller, director of the films Hardcore Henry and Nobody.
Trailers & Gameplay Videos
In a Nutshell
• State of Play will take place on June 2, and one of the main highlights will be the new presentation of Marvel's Wolverine from Insomniac Games, which is expected to feature fresh gameplay footage, new information, and the likely launch of pre-orders ahead of the game's release on PlayStation 5.
• Subnautica 2 entered Early Access on May 14 for PC and Xbox Series X/S, including Game Pass, with the sequel to the popular survival hit featuring a new ocean planet, co-op for up to four players, expanded survival mechanics, and new underwater vehicles.
• Subnautica 2 had a record-breaking launch, and according to developer Unknown Worlds Entertainment, more than 4 million copies have already been sold in Early Access, making the game one of the fastest-selling titles of 2026 on Steam.
• Hell Let Loose: Vietnam arrives on June 18 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, with Team17’s new hardcore tactical shooter offering brutal 50v50 battles in Vietnam featuring helicopters, tunnels, and a strong emphasis on teamwork.
• Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 received the major Sim Update 5, which brings support for the PlayStation VR2 headset, a more open-ended career mode, improved communication with air traffic control, optimizations for Radeon RX 9000 graphics cards, and more realistic avionics and weather systems.
• Indiana Jones and the Great Circle arrived on Nintendo Switch 2 on May 12 with the full, uncut content, support for gyroscope controls and Joy-Con “mouse” functionality; the game runs at 30 fps, takes up nearly 60 GB, and the physical version is stored entirely on the card.
• According to behind-the-scenes information, following the remake of Halo: Combat Evolved in Unreal Engine 5, Halo Studios is also preparing remastered versions of the second and third installments, with the new version of the first Halo set to feature three new missions, co-op for up to four players without traditional multiplayer, and a potential release on PlayStation 5.
• Activision has confirmed that the next installment in the Call of Duty series will not be released on PlayStation 4, marking the franchise’s definitive farewell to the previous generation of consoles after years of support; according to insider reports, this could be Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4.
• Summer Game Fest 2026 will take place on June 5 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, where Geoff Keighley will once again host a major multiplatform showcase featuring highly anticipated AAA titles as well as smaller projects; last year’s broadcast was watched by more than 50 million viewers.
• NetherRealm Studios has confirmed work on a new installment in the Mortal Kombat series as well as other as-yet-unannounced projects, while comments from Ed Boon have also fueled speculation about the possible development of Injustice 3.
• Pragmata got off to an exceptionally successful start for Capcom; after a four-year delay, the futuristic action game sold more than two million copies in its first 16 days, and according to initial reactions, it has won over players with its atmosphere and its unconventional blend of action and puzzle elements.
• Capcom has expanded Resident Evil Requiem with the free "Leon Must Die Forever" mode, which, after completing the campaign, offers an arcade-style survival challenge with a time limit, random upgrades, roguelite elements, as well as technical fixes and improved support for the DualSense controller.
• Sony has begun actively encouraging PlayStation 4 owners to switch to the PlayStation 5, with the main draw being the upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto VI, which will not be coming to older-generation consoles at all and is also set to launch a major marketing campaign tied to the PS5.
• According to analysts, the development of Grand Theft Auto VI could have cost more than a billion dollars, making the title from Rockstar Games and Take-Two Interactive by far the most expensive video game in history.
• The planned acquisition of Electronic Arts by a Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund for approximately $55 billion is sparking strong opposition from gamers, who are staging a protest outside the company’s headquarters to draw attention to the controversial acquisition and their long-standing dissatisfaction with EA’s treatment of the community and its employees.
• After years of listening to the community, Blizzard Entertainment has made the original version of Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne 1.29 available via Battle.net, complete with support for offline play and LAN multiplayer, allowing players to return to the classic experience without the issues associated with Warcraft III: Reforged.
• According to the latest leaks, Nintendo is preparing a new 2D adventure from Grezzo Studio to mark the 40th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda series, in which we might be able to play as Ganondorf for the very first time.
• Screenshots from a new 3D installment in Team17’s Worms series have reportedly leaked online; the game is said to focus on turn-based combat and, according to unofficial sources, is already in an advanced stage of development, though the authenticity of the leak cannot yet be confirmed.
• Capcom has released a demo version of Resident Evil Requiem for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2 without prior announcement, in which players can try out the opening sections with Grace Ashcroft and Leon S. Kennedy, while the game itself has already surpassed seven million copies sold.
• Sony’s Days of Play 2026, running from May 27 to June 10, offers big discounts on PlayStation 5 games and accessories—including PlayStation VR2 and DualSense controllers—as well as discounted PlayStation Plus subscriptions and access to new games and trial versions for Extra and Premium members.
• Hasbro has invested nearly a billion dollars in video game projects, and instead of live-service games, it plans to focus on traditional premium RPGs and action-adventure titles from franchises such as Dungeons & Dragons, Magic: The Gathering, and Transformers, including the highly anticipated titles Warlock and Exodus.
• Psyonix surprised fans by announcing that Rocket League will be moving directly to Unreal Engine 6, which is expected to bring significantly more modern graphics, more detailed stadiums, more realistic lighting, and a completely revamped visual style for the game.
• Gran Turismo 7 will receive a free update on June 11 that will add modern hypercars from Le Mans and the FIA WEC to the game, including the Ferrari 499P, Porsche 963, BMW M Hybrid V8, and the futuristic Peugeot 9X8.
• Red Dead Redemption 2 has surpassed 85 million copies sold and, according to Take-Two Interactive’s financial results, has become the third-best-selling game in history, overtaking Wii Sports.
