PlayStation Payments: Sony has a new PlayStation controller patent that could let players tap a phone or card (via NFC/Bluetooth) to transfer payment info for purchases, cutting manual entry. AAA vs AA Budget Reality Check: Rebel Wolves’ open-world RPG The Blood of Dawnwalker reportedly cost about $40M, reigniting debate over how much big-budget games really need to spend. The Last of Us Season 3 Casting: HBO adds game performers Laura Bailey and Ian Alexander (plus John Goodman), with Bailey voicing a new Seraphites leader and Alexander returning in a different role. Minecraft Still Pulling New Players: Xbox CEO says Minecraft gets 300,000 first-time players daily even after 425M+ copies sold, with more updates teased at Minecraft Live. Pokémon Winds & Waves Leaks: New leaks claim a full Gen 10 map in a Southeast Asia-inspired region, quietly confirming Australia as an explorable corner. Final Fantasy 7 Revelation DLC: Director Naoki Hamaguchi says the two story DLCs were “very recent” fan-driven decisions, not part of the original plan. GTA 6 Collector’s Box Backlash: Reports peg a $400 collector’s box that may not include the game, sparking consumer trust outrage. Pokémon UNITE Esports: South Korea’s team falls to Japan in the Asian Games semifinals, finishing with bronze.