“Sony ending physical support from 2028 could slash disc releases as early as 2027 or even sooner,” he wrote. “Physical delivers far less revenue per unit to developers, longer lead times, and unnecessary costs in a demanding industry where many already lose money.”

While he confirmed that CI Games still plans to release Lords of the Fallen 2 on disc, he brought up the fact that the medium is getting “harder to justify” since physical copies account for less than 20 percent of game sales, with the vast majority coming from digital purchases.

“At $69.99, retail margin takes 25-35%, distributors another 10-20%, and physical production ~$10,” he explained in a follow-up post. “That leaves studios with just over $26 per unit — compared to ~$49 on digital at highest margin. It only gets worse as prices drop. Large publishers sit on the better side of the equation, but even they make significantly more per digital sale. From a pure ROI standpoint, the choice is obvious.”

Sony’s recent announcement has been followed up by many in the industry discussing the future of gaming. Among these is former PlayStation executive Shawn Layden, who called the decision a “fairly dramatic” one. While understanding the fact that digital game sales have been overtaking physical sales over the last several years, he noted that he wasn’t part of these discussions since he left the company back in 2019.

“I had no idea it was going to happen. I don’t necessarily agree with it, but I don’t work in the business any more. Maybe it’s just too prohibitively expensive to stamp out discs,” he said.

Notable game designer Hideo Kojima has also expressed concerns over Sony’s decision, noting that it might accelerate the process of all art going fully digital. This, in turn, would make it incredibly difficult for people to access things like books or music in case of a sudden emergency that blocks off digital access to these things.

“Eventually, even digital data will no longer be owned by individuals on their own initiative,” he wrote. “Whenever there is a major change or accident in the world, in a country, in a government, in an idea, in a trend, access to it may suddenly be cut off. We will not be able to freely access the movies, books, and music that we have loved. I would be a have-not. That’s what I’m afraid of. This is not greed.”

Interestingly, recent rumors have indicated that PlayStation might allow publishers to re-order discs for games that were released before January 2028 even after the deadline.

So what happened? According to CI Games founder and CEO Marek Tyminski, “As development progresses, we have worked closely with the Gameplay Feedback Team, a dedicated group of seasoned Souls-like veterans within our Launch Creative Team. Their valuable ongoing input, combined with the team’s vision, has identified meaningful opportunities to further refine and strengthen the overall experience.

“These enhancements will benefit from additional integration, iteration, and polishing time, enabling the team to deliver the highest possible quality at launch.”

Of course, there’s no denying how beneficial it is to launch the title in a relatively less busy period. “This updated release window also strategically positions Lords of the Fallen 2 outside of a highly competitive holiday period, ensuring the game receives the dedicated attention it deserves.” As you’ll recall, that’s the same reason why Fable was delayed out of 2026 (with Playground Games also benefiting from the extra polish).

It’s worth noting that CI Games apparently targeted August for launch, at least according to one designer’s online portfolio. Perhaps as development progressed, the team realized that more time was required, and delaying it to this Fall/Holiday season wouldn’t be ideal, given the launch of Grand Theft Auto 6.

Either way, with so many other releases this year, especially from July to October, it’s probably better for Lords of the Fallen 2 to take its time and polish whatever it can. Perhaps avoid the technical problems that plagued its predecessor. More updates will be provided en route to the new release date, so stay tuned.

At one point, we see the player unleash a frost wave that freezes an enemy, allowing for follow-up attacks with the weapon. If you prefer something with more reach, a larger blade is available, though we’re yet to see if it has a sick flourish animation as well.

Of course, other weapons exist, from two-handed axes and greatswords to good ‘ol fisticuffs. Weaving magic is highly encouraged, but nothing says that you’re here to protect the last kingdom like a solid dropkick to the face of any enemy. Dual-wielding, another notable new feature, also looks quite fast and fluid.

Lords of the Fallen 2 launches this Fall for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2. While an official release date is unconfirmed (a designer’s portfolio seemingly leaked that it’s in August), it will launch on day one for Steam. This is thanks to CI Games exiting its agreement with Epic Games, which would have exclusively handled distribution rights for the PC version.

Suffice to say that it’s seen better days, with the Umbral overtaking everything. As the hero, it’s your job to ensure that the last remaining kingdom doesn’t fall, which is easier said than done with all the threats that you need to deal with.

Lords of the Fallen 2 promises a more fluid combat system than before, with freedom to wield magic and melee weapons in equal measure. As with the previous game, you can venture to the expanded Umbral, though it’s best not to overstay, considering the terrifying beings that await. Co-op is available to make the journey smoother, though, and best of all, campaign progress is now shared.

Since Epic Games is no longer publishing on PC, Lords of the Fallen 2 will also launch on day one for Steam. You can check out the latest trailer from Summer Game Fest here for even more devastating bosses and gruesome sights. Otherwise, head here to learn more about the diversity of builds that the sequel promises to offer.

The trailer also celebrates the fact that the store pages across all platforms for Lords of the Fallen 2 have gone live, which means that players can now start adding it to their wishlist regardless of their platform of choice.

The trailer essentially acts as confirmation that Lords of the Fallen 2 won’t be bound to any period of exclusivity on the Epic Games Store. This comes following the studio’s announcement last month that it had signed a Separation Agreement with Epic Games, ending the latter’s distribution rights to the PC version. However, this decision had no bearing on the technology powering Lords of the Fallen 2, which is developed on Unreal Engine 5.

Lords of the Fallen 2 was unveiled in August 2025, and CI Games had confirmed that the title would expand on the storyline framework that had been set up by the game’s 2023 predecessor. This means that the Lightbearer will be returning in some form, acting as the vanguard against the encroaching darkness. In the years between the events of Lords of the Fallen and the upcoming sequel, the Umbra has also gotten much stronger and will likely serve as the primary antagonistic force in the game.

Such conditions would have likely made the Souls-like exclusive to the Epic Games Store, especially if Epic was providing funding and support. With CI Games exiting the agreement, Lords of the Fallen 2 could now launch on multiple PC storefronts, including Steam.

Of course, the partnership between CI Games and Epic goes beyond the game, especially since it uses Unreal Engine 5. Those agreements are still very much in place, including in relation to “Epic online services, Epic account services, or the Company’s participation in the Fortnite ecosystem.” Hey, if it can have Mortal Kombat, then there’s always a chance.

Interestingly, the Separation Agreement actually occurred on April 14th. Why didn’t CI Games disclose this at the time? Apparently, because it could have “prejudiced the Company’s legitimate interests.” “The Agreement was conditional in nature. Furthermore, under the Agreement, the Company undertook not to disclose its execution prior to its entry into force.” The board also believed that not disclosing the same wouldn’t “mislead the public.”

Lords of the Fallen 2 is out later this year for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC. It doesn’t have a release date, but a CI Games designer accidentally revealed in their portfolio that it may launch in August. Perhaps an announcement at the Summer Game Fest showcase on June 5th, alongside the reveal that it’s indeed coming to Steam? Stay tuned for updates.

It’s been scrubbed with the last line now reading, “I look forward to discussing it more here once the game has released!” But not before Reddit user CrazyFly7494 screen-captured and shared it.

Of course, the main part is “expected.” The sequel may internally be targeting that date if everything goes according to plan and is waiting to hit key milestones before an announcement. Either way, it wouldn’t be surprising – even if its predecessor launched in October 2023, CI Games may want to get ahead of the busy Autumn season.

Besides Grand Theft Auto 6, which could be the most expensive game ever made and then some, you have Marvel’s Wolverine, the potential release of Gears of War: E-Day, Fable, and more. Halo: Campaign Evolved is also allegedly arriving before September.

We’ll have to wait for official confirmation, but this may be good news for fans of the original, seeing as it’s not too long a wait. Head here for more details on Umbral 2.0 and how Hexworks have revamped the land of the dead to be even bigger than before.

But what’s changed? Chief creative officer and creative strategist Ryan Hill said in a press release that it’s more like the “realm of the undead.” “Its former scab-like crust has been ripped away, revealing the raw flesh beneath—an open wound that seethes with newfound hunger.”

Thankfully, game director James Lowe offers something more concrete in the latest “Lifting the Veil” Developer Update video. He described it as “a lot bigger and better,” and how it feels less distinct from Axiom because the two realms have begun to bleed into each other.

The team is aware that the first game’s take on the Umbral wasn’t very satisfying. To incentivize exploring the realm and not simply running through as quickly as possible, Lowe says that some things are only possible in Umbral (and vice versa in Axiom). Furthermore, killing things in the land of the living will result in them re-emerging in the land of the dead with “different forms,” which probably explains the “undead” part.

So while Axiom may come across as more like a Souls-like, the development team is really leaning more towards Umbral feeling like a horror game. There’s a definite fear of the unknown, where you won’t know what to expect.

Lords of the Fallen 2 will launch later this year for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC. The first game will reportedly be offered for free with PlayStation Plus Essential this April.

On Twitter, founder and CEO Marek Tyminski said, “The Demon’s Souls remake was an incredible achievement, and we’d be honoured to speak with the talented people behind it about opportunities on Lords of the Fallen 2 and beyond. We have multiple roles available, including some not yet listed on our website.

“If this speaks to you or someone you know, please reach out today – we’d love to hear from you and explore how your skills could help shape our next chapter.”

Besides serving as an incredible gesture for those affected, Tyminski’s statement is notable for the “and beyond” part. Granted, this could mean several things, from DLC to post-launch support. Following its release, Lords of the Fallen (2023) received dozens of updates that added new modes, features, difficulty options, and extensive revamps of the combat.

Bluepoint developers may also lend their expertise for optimization. All of its games have been a masterclass in the same, especially the Demon’s Souls remake, while delivering some of the best graphical fidelity out there. Given the performance problems that Lords of the Fallen launched with, it might help to get that talent on board to prevent the same issues with the sequel.

Lords of the Fallen 2 launches later this year for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC. You can check out the latest details here, including improvements to the animations, world design and dual-wielding.

“With a FromSoft game, and I’m not slamming FromSoftware, once I find my build, I’m in,” said Lowe in the video, which you can check out below. “That’s probably the build I’m going to use for the entire experience, and I’m not going to really mess around with it.”

“Whereas in Lords of the Fallen, I have a few more drives to experiment a bit more and go, ‘Do you know what? I want to try dual-wielding. How does that feel?’ And it’s not that I don’t feel attached to my build, but I feel confident enough as a player to go, ‘I’m going to mess around with this for a few hours.’ Or, ‘You know what, I’ve really struggled against this encounter, let me try and play with something else and see how it goes.’”

It is worth noting that, while FromSoftware’s titles typically do allow players to respec their builds, especially in more recent games like Dark Souls 3 and Elden Ring, doing so is typically a more arduous process than simply picking a menu option. Elden Ring, for instance, needs you to find a special item that can then be consumed to completely reset your build.

The decision to allow players greater or lesser freedom in changing their builds is a fundamental one when it comes to game design. Depending on the developer’s priorities, experimentation can either be encouraged or discouraged. With FromSoftware’s titles, it comes down to the studio’s emphasis on giving players consequences for the choices they make, while still allowing a little bit of leeway by including a way to reset builds.

Back in June, The Outer Worlds 2 game director Brandon Adler had spoken about his own studio’s decision to now allow respecs. He noted that the core vision behind the RPG was to encourage roleplaying.

“Look, if we’re going to do The Outer Worlds 2, I want to make sure that the role-playing is really strong,” he explained. “I want to make sure that you’re building your character and really doubling down – making sure that role-playing comes through the whole experience.”

Despite this decision, Adler was also clear in noting that he doesn’t think allowing players a way to respec their builds is a bad idea.

“There’s a lot of times where you’ll see games where they allow infinite respec, and at that point, I’m not really role-playing a character, because I’m jumping between – well, my guy is a really great assassin that snipes from long range, and then oh, y’know, now I’m going to be a speech person, then respec again, and it’s like… for me, it’s not wrong that people like to play like that,” said Adler.

Lords of the Fallen 2 is being developed for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, and is slated for release later this year. Check out the gameplay trailer from December, as well as the PC hardware requirements.