Joel Franey earned a Bachelors in Creative Writing and Games Design from Brunel University in 2017 and a Masters in Creative and Critical Writing from Sussex University. He freelanced across gaming roles—design, PR, reviews, features—before joining USgamer and ReedPop’s guides team in 2019. In 2021, he became a Guides Writer at GamesRadar+, focusing on single‑player and narrative titles while covering major AAA releases. Franey also writes fiction, screenplays, and co‑hosts the comedy podcast “Margaret Thatcher, Templar Spy.” [...]

PS Plus Extra and Premium subscribers can now access the PS5 tactical shooter Hell Let Loose from the service’s catalog. The Team 17 title, released in November 2026, is the first game of the month to join the catalog in the U.S., U.K., and Japan. The rollout follows PS Plus’s staggered release schedule, with other November titles such as Death Stranding 2, Like a Dragon, and MotoGP 26 also added. The catalog update expands the library for subscribers across multiple regions. [...]

The article examines why players continue to enjoy Skyrim fifteen years after its release, arguing that its perceived coziness stems not from gameplay or nostalgia but from the game's design that juxtaposes danger with safe, comforting spaces. It highlights how the game's expansive landscapes, soundtrack, and strategic refuge points create a comforting experience even amid threats. The author critiques common explanations—such as nostalgia and player competence—and cites academic perspectives on the psychological basis of cozy gaming. [...]

Sony announced that the PlayStation 5 has shipped over 100 million units worldwide, a milestone reached on 10 November, exactly six years after launch. The figure reflects sell‑in numbers, meaning consoles shipped to retailers, not those sold to consumers. The PS5 now approaches the PS4’s 117 million sales and nearly matches the original PlayStation’s 102.4 million units. Despite this landmark, quarterly sales have declined, with Q2 FY2026 recording 2.6 million units—its lowest second‑quarter total since launch.

Malcolm’s “Character Limit” game, initially released on Steam, has now launched on the Apple App Store, allowing players to test their linguistic skills on iPhone and iPad. The developer documented the entire creation process throughout 2026, detailing design choices, gameplay mechanics, and the challenges of porting the title to mobile. He plans to discuss the App Store approval hurdles and future updates before year’s end. The app is available for download via the provided Apple link.

Aspyr Media released Shrek 2 Remastered on Steam, drawing mixed reviews. The 2004 title, known for four‑player couch co‑op, now appears with limited options, poor mouse‑keyboard support, and subpar graphics that fail to match the original PS2 quality. Users report local co‑op failures and cutscenes that do not upscale correctly. The game’s online mode requires Epic Games integration, a point of contention for many players. Some reviewers suspect generative‑AI textures, citing “vibecoded” graphics.

PS Plus Extra and Premium subscribers are cautioned against downloading the newly added PS5 title Hell Let Loose without first verifying their library. The game, a multiplayer action shooter by Team 17, was a day‑one monthly title in October 2021, granting permanent ownership to those who redeemed it then. Downloading it via the Extra tier can overwrite that license, potentially locking users out permanently. Sony Support may offer fixes, but success is not guaranteed. The warning highlights the risk of overlapping [...]