Bloodlines 2 Reverses DLC Plans, Silksong Launches Strong, and Xbox Prepares for TGS — Weekly Roundup
It has been a busy week in gaming, with major studios adjusting strategies, indies making headlines, and platform holders gearing up for major showcases. Paradox Interactive has changed course with Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2, Team Cherry’s long-awaited Hollow Knight: Silksong has finally arrived to record-breaking demand, and Microsoft is preparing for a significant presence at Tokyo Game Show. Here’s a full look at the week’s biggest stories.
Bloodlines 2 Reverses Controversial DLC Plans
Paradox Interactive and The Chinese Room confirmed that the Toreador and Lasombra clans, originally planned as paid downloadable content, will now be included in the base version of Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2. Fans had expressed frustration at the idea of having core clans locked behind additional paywalls, and the decision to include them from launch has been widely welcomed.
The developers also reaffirmed plans for two major story expansions, Loose Cannon and The Flower & The Flame, which are set to arrive in 2026. The change underlines how closely developers are listening to their communities and how strongly players are pushing back against day-one paid content.
New Blood Interactive’s Shooters Arrive on Xbox
New Blood Interactive announced that its catalogue of retro-inspired shooters, including Dusk, Amid Evil, Faith, and Blood West, will be coming to Xbox Series X|S and PC through Xbox Play Anywhere. This means players will be able to buy once and play across platforms, carrying progress and achievements with them.
Each title has been optimized for modern hardware, with support for 4K visuals and higher frame rates, making it an excellent opportunity for console players to experience these cult classics in their best form yet.
Xbox Looks Ahead to Tokyo Game Show
Microsoft confirmed its participation in Tokyo Game Show 2025, which runs from September 25 to 28. The company will showcase titles from its internal studios as well as from publishing partners in the region.
Speculation is growing that Forza Horizon 6 could make its debut at the event, with long-running rumors pointing toward a Japanese setting. Fans are also hoping for updates on Ninja Gaiden 4 and possible new projects from Xbox’s Asian publishing arm. With its presence in Japan still developing, the show represents an important opportunity for Microsoft to make an impact.
Hollow Knight: Silksong Launches to Huge Demand
After years of anticipation, Team Cherry finally released Hollow Knight: Silksong on September 4, and the launch has been one of the most significant indie releases in years. Demand was so intense that both Steam and the Nintendo eShop experienced performance issues on release day.
On Steam, the game quickly climbed to a peak of more than 530,000 concurrent players, placing it among the most successful indie launches in the platform’s history. For a small studio, this level of global success is extraordinary, and it shows the enduring appetite for carefully crafted indie titles.
Atomfall Expands with “The Red Strain”
Rebellion’s post-apocalyptic RPG Atomfall received its second major expansion this week. The DLC, titled The Red Strain, introduces a new region called Scafell Crag, along with hostile new enemies, fresh factions, new skills, and multiple alternate endings.
The expansion is available now for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. With its growing scope and steady support, Atomfall is shaping up to be one of Rebellion’s strongest ongoing projects.
Balatro DLC Delayed Beyond 2025
The popular deck-building game Balatro will not be receiving its next free update this year. Developer LocalThunk confirmed that the DLC, often referred to as “Balatro 1.1,” will only be released when it is fully ready, with no fixed timeline.
While some fans may be disappointed, the decision highlights the challenges faced by small developers who balance community expectations with the need to deliver content that meets their own standards. The delay serves as a reminder that indie studios often need flexibility to maintain quality.
Looking Back at the Week
This week’s news highlights how diverse the gaming landscape has become. Publishers like Paradox are rethinking monetization strategies in response to player feedback, while indie studios are demonstrating their ability to dominate global headlines. Silksong’s record-breaking launch and Balatro’s anticipated DLC both reflect the growing influence of smaller teams in shaping the conversation.
At the same time, the focus is already shifting to next week’s Tokyo Game Show. With speculation around Forza Horizon 6 and updates on major franchises, the event could mark a turning point for Xbox in Japan and beyond.
Wrapping Up
From course corrections in AAA publishing to monumental indie launches, this week has been a reminder of how fast the industry evolves. The balance of power between developers and communities continues to shift, and the appetite for innovative, well-crafted games has never been stronger. With Tokyo Game Show just days away, the next chapter in this packed month of gaming news is about to unfold.
I created this website as I feel the state of the games industry and games reporting as a whole has gotten overly negative and full of clickbait. While I understand both of these are a great way to generate engagement, it’s a detriment to those gamers (like myself) that are just trying to enjoy games and not have to worry about the negativity of the current state of the gaming industry. I want a space where gamers can come for unbiased news that doesn’t rely on clickbait or rumours with a dash of humour and have the opportunity to share their passion for games.
