MindsEye is now available for PC and consoles, offering a single-player action/adventure from IO Interactive and Build a Rocket Boy, the developer founded by Leslie Benzies, veteran of the GTA series. The Windows edition is on Steam where early reviews are rough, and a post on Polygon discusses the game's "very weird launch." The Official Launch Trailer - Director's Cut so you don't have to just picture this in your mind's eye. Here's word:

Welcome to the world of MindsEye, a single-player, action-adventure thriller set in the fictional near future city of Redrock – an intense, super-heated, desert metropolis where technology is king.

Robots carry out manual tasks and an algorithm connects all-seeing devices to make Redrock 'The Safest City in the World'. It’s a living experiment in the existential potential of man and machine. As is the protagonist, Jacob Diaz, a former special-ops soldier haunted by fragmented memories from his MindsEye neural implant. 

The Ubisoft Website announces the promised free-to-play era for Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege is now underway with the official launch of Rainbow Six Siege X. There are still elite versions of the tactical first-person shooter to purchase, but the base game is free. The Windows edition is on the Epic Games Store, Steam, Ubisoft Connect, Ubisoft+, Luna, as well as PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One. If you are a returning player this promises rewards: "Veteran Rewards are now available for Siege’s most dedicated players, offering exclusive recognition and cosmetics. Based on your years of service in Rainbow Six Siege, you’ll unlock unique rewards including skins, exclusive badges, and more to showcase your loyalty. The longer you've been with us, the more you’ll earn." The Launch Trailer takes a look. Here's word on the new version, which boasts significant improvements along with the new business model:

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege X is the undisputed reference in tactical team shooters, where elite strategy and execution triumph. Enjoy free access to Quick Match, Unranked and Dual Front game modes with a selection of operators.

CERTAIN FEATURES LIKE RANKED PLAYLISTS, SIEGE CUP, ADDITIONAL OPERATORS, AND COSMETICS, REQUIRE PAYMENT TO UNLOCK.

Siege X marks the biggest evolution in the game's history, bringing a visual overhaul, an enhanced player experience, and gameplay changes that deepen the game’s tactical core.

A post on X from 1047 Games features CEO Ian Proulx apologizing for sparking "division within the community" by wearing a hat saying "Make FPS Great Again" while promoting Splitgate 2 at the Summer Game Fest. Ian's initial response following the show said he's "not here to apologize," but that's now changed. He admits the hat was intended to break through the noise and attract attention, so file this under the heading of be careful what you wish for. We were ignoring the whole thing, but that's the Streisand Effect for you. There's an interview on IGN where he discusses the hat controversy, and the intro does a good job of summing that up while noting two other complaints from the community spurred by the presentation and the launch of multiplayer portal shooter:

First, at the game’s big battle royale reveal at Summer Game Fest, Proulx wore a hat that read, “Make FPS Great Again” onstage, which drew criticism for its reference to U.S. President Donald Trump’s signature “Make America Great Again” hats, which come with significant political baggage. Then, Proulx called out Call of Duty in his speech onstage, saying he’s “tired of playing the same Call of Duty every year,” which drew ire from developers and fans of Call of Duty. And then on top of that, as the game launched, fans immediately called out a $145 microtransaction bundle on the game’s store that seemed to fly in the face of everything 1047 Games claimed it stood for.

Apple Developer has details on a new Apple Games app that's now available in beta, and will come to all Apple customers in Q4. This includes a video and messaging that are both targeted more at developers and publishers than end users. Here's a bit:

The Games app is a dedicated destination for people who love playing games on their Apple devices. Players can find new games through personalized recommendations based on the games they play, and what their friends are playing — offering an entirely new way for your games to get discovered. The Games app is installed on player’s devices on iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS 26, or later.

The Games app highlights Game Center features and In-App Events to encourage player engagement in your games. Achievements and leaderboards let players track their progress from the Games app, and get notified if a friend passes their score, so they can jump back in or redownload your game — even if they no longer have your game installed. When you use challenges and multiplayer activities, the Games app can recommend your game in more places, making it easy for players to bring their friends in on the action. And In-App Events help you showcase new content in your game on the Home tab.

• The Drifter on Steam (Windows). "A Pulp Adventure Thriller - A murdered drifter awakens. Alive again, seconds before his death. Hunted and haunted, help him untangle a mad web of conspiracy in this fast-paced point 'n click thrill-ride."
• IRONHIVE on Steam (Windows). "Ironhive is a deckbuilding strategy game about surviving in a dying world. Build your colony, ensure the survival of your people, create a legacy that will be passed on to the next generations. As the Ironlord, you are their only remaining hope."

• Learn Game Dev with Unity, Godot, Unreal, GameMaker, Blender & C# (pay what you want and help charity) - Humble.*
• Big Bang Unreal & Unity Asset Packs Bundle ( 75 Products ) (pay what you want and help charity) - Humble.*

*Blue's News may receive a commission on sales of this item.

• GameStop Discloses First Quarter 2025 Results.

• Dev Who Launched Game Into Game Pass Warns Against Launching Games Into Game Pass - GameSpot.

• FlightSimExpo 2025. June 27-29, Providence, RI.

• Reagan Invoked the ‘Welfare Queen.’ The New G.O.P. Target Is a Lazy Gamer. - The New York Times (free account required).

• Google begins rollout of Android 16 with several new features - Neowin.

• Mozilla Thunderbird version 139.0.2. Thanks Frans.

• IBM is building a large-scale quantum computer that 'would require the memory of more than a quindecillion of the world's most powerful supercomputers' to simulate - Tom's Hardware.
• EVGA motherboard owners furious over modern GPU issues — DIY users resort to taping over pins to fix RTX 50 Series problem on Z690 Boards - Tom's Hardware.

• 'In the last 10 years, AI has advanced 1 million times' — Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang hails 'incredible' speed of change - Tom's Hardware.
• Sam Altman claims an average ChatGPT query uses ‘roughly one fifteenth of a teaspoon’ of water - The Verge.

• Your Android phone is getting new security protections - and it's a big deal for enterprises - ZDNET.

Last Link of the Day: '28 Years Later' Director Danny Boyle on the Secrets of the Rage Virus' Survival and His Plans for a Trilogy of His Cult Classic Sci - Fi Epic - Collider. Sunshine (spoiler alert) was so good.

SAG-AFTRA announces a tentative agreement on a new Interactive Media Contract with a group of video game companies comprising Activision, Blindlight, Disney, Electronic Arts, Epic Games, Formosa Interactive, Insomniac, Take 2, and WB Games. The strike called almost a year ago over concerns about the use of AI voice actors continues pending ratification: "It is expected the terms of a strike suspension agreement will be finalized with employers soon. Until such agreement is reached, however, SAG-AFTRA members will remain on strike against these employers." The announcement does not include details from the new agreement, but does offer outlook from union leadership on its general principles along with word that there are other such battles yet to be fought:

SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher stated, “Our video game performers stood strong against the biggest employers in one of the world’s most lucrative industries. Their incredible courage and persistence, combined with the tireless work of our negotiating committee, has at last secured a deal. The needle has been moved forward and we are much better off than before. As soon as this is ratified we roll up our sleeves and begin to plan the next negotiation. Every contract is a work in progress and progress is the name of the game.”

Following a head-start for pre-purchasers, Dune: Awakening is now officially available on Steam for Windows, offering a multiplayer survival game set on the unforgiving world of Arrakis from the Dune novels and movies. The PC launch comes with the news that console gamers can expect this to arrive on PlayStation and Xbox some time next year. A new trailer called Your Path to Awakening is here to introduce the game. Pour yourself a refreshing glass of recycled water and read on for more:

More than just survival, Dune: Awakening offers a large-scale, persistent and highly immersive world with social hubs bustling with other players, server-wide politics and intrigue, and a cinematic storyline that will leave you at the edge of your seat.

The Fremen have vanished. Paul Atreides was never born. Lady Jessica obeyed the Bene Gesserit and gave birth to a girl. Duke Leto Atreides survived the assault on Arrakeen and is now locked in a brutal conflict with the Harkonnen over Arrakis and its precious spice.

New Blood Interactive announces ULTRAKILL - Layer 8 - FRAUD, an upcoming "layer" for ULTRAKILL, the Early Access retro shooter. The reveal comes in a First Look (Extended Cut) Trailer showing impressive morphing environments reminiscent of Inception or the works of MC Escher. It features fast action and some vertigo-inducing vertical first-person shooter action. Layer 8 apparently refers to the eight level of Hell, so DOOM players and Dante scholars should feel equally at home. The description says it's "coming soon," and the video concludes narrowing that to this year. Continue here to read the full story.

Unplayed.wtf is a new resource for Steam gamers to help "Conquer Your Steam Backlog." For many of us this is a tall order, and while it won't help create extra time to play, it can help with discovery. Or more accurately, re-discovery. Created by Samantha Bowling, wife of prominent developer Robert Bowling, this will tell you how many unplayed games you own, gives them a "dust score" for how neglected they are, and will even tell you the value of your unplayed library if that's a fact you're to confront. It will also break down your collection by genre, tell you the shelf life of your oldest games, and can recommend games to try, either randomly, or by mood. It does require registration and linking to your Steam account, so you'll have to be comfortable with that to participate. Here's word:

Use the picker tool to help overcome your huge Steam library and overwhelming choice paralysis, gain insights through delightful visualizations, and more. It's my love letter to all games, the people that make them, and the people that buy them. To the games with thousands of hours of play, and that hidden gem that's just waiting to be played.

• Albert's Ark Idle on Steam (Windows). "Albert’s Ark Idle is a 2D clicker/idle game filled with exciting adventures! Buy and upgrade buildings, play minigames, make money, sail the seven seas and revive fantastic mythical creatures to bring magic back to the world."
• Bang Bang Barrage on Steam (Windows). "Survive the treacherous sea in this quirky multiplayer shooter game! Play solo or team up and fight off Cthulhu's minions. Master a unique recoil-based mechanic to blast enemies and chart your course. Mix and match upgrades to craft the perfect sea-surviving strategy!"
• BitCraft Online on Steam (Windows, macOS). "Join thousands of players in a true single-world MMORPG. Carve out a cozy nook, master a player-driven economy, or band together to transform the ancient wilderness into thriving cities. From humble beginnings to legend, your choices matter - because in BitCraft, your actions shape our world."
• Cottonville on Steam (Windows). "Create, farm, and style in Cottonville – a cozy dress-up game with farming and sim mechanics!"
• Escape Simulator 2 on Steam (Windows). "Sequel to the best-selling escape room game, brings a fresh take on first-person puzzles with a variety of new rooms to explore solo or with friends. Solve intricate puzzles, uncover hidden secrets, or craft your own escape rooms with Room Editor 2.0."
• HARK THE GHOUL Demo on Steam (Windows). "Slash, kick and magick your way through an adventure brimming with secrets and curious encounters! HARK THE GHOUL offers a meticulously handcrafted world to explore, inspired by the interconnected nature of Hollow Knight and DARK SOULS."
• Kimono Cats on Steam (Windows). "Pop bubbles, collect coins, and build a dream cat village in Kimono Cats – an uplifting festival adventure set in old Japan!"
• Livber- Smoke and Mirrors Demo on Steam (Windows). "Livber: Smoke and Mirrors is an interactive psychological horror story shaped by your choices: one steeped in love, obsession, and madness. Every decision you make, every step you take, will pull you deeper into your own personal insanity."
• Morsels on Steam (Windows). "Morsels is a fast-paced creature collecting roguelite with a rotating roster of characters to switch between at will. Overcome a clique of killer cats as you fight your way out of the sewers in this unique, action-packed journey."
• My Cozy Room on Steam. "Design and decorate your dream space in this relaxing sandbox game! Choose from multiple room layouts, arrange over 500 furniture pieces and decorations, and craft the perfect cozy atmosphere that matches your style."
• Proxy Adventure: Simulation Room on Steam (Windows). "Simulation Room is a fast-paced 2D auto-battler with deck-building mechanics. Unleash powerful program combos, upgrade abilities, summon allies, and equip weapons. Control the battlefield by altering terrain and weather, using gadgets to outsmart enemies. Every move counts—strategize and dominate!"
• Rhythm Storm - Demo on Steam (Windows). "Rhythm Storm is a roguelike bullet heaven with stunning vector graphics, rhythmic action, and overwhelming swarms of enemies. Your vehicle aims and fires freely while everything else dances and moves to the beat in this spectacular audio-visual experience."
• Speed Demons 2 Demo on Steam (Windows). "Speed Demons 2 is an arcade highway racing game featuring explosive action, breakneck speeds, and very intense TRAFFIC. With a pulse-pounding soundtrack, unique side-scrolling perspectives, and TONS of varied modes, vehicles, and races, Speed Demons 2 is a thrilling blend of speed and chaos."

• All Systems Dance Early Access Announcement Trailer. August 20th.
• Escape Simulator 2 is coming on October 21st, 2025.
• Fata Deum - The God Sim - Official Trailer - Early Access Launch in September 2025.
• Grime II - Release Window Trailer. This year.

• Big Bang Unreal & Unity Asset Packs Bundle ( 75 Products ) (pay what you want and help charity) - Humble.*
• The Complete Python, Machine Learning, Bots and AI Mega Bundle+ (pay what you want and help charity) - Humble.*

*Blue's News may receive a commission on sales of this item.

• Embracer CEO Lars Wingefors to become executive chair and focus on M&A - Game Developer. Hasn't over-focus on M&A been the problem?

• Way of the Hunter - Milestone Unlocked: Big News & DLC Reveal.

Official patches.

• Clair Obscur- Expedition 33 - Patch 1.3.0 is LIVE.
• ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN - Patch Notes 1.01.2.
• Satisfactory 1.1 Out now.

• Lies of P: Overture will have difficulty reduced in future update - Eurogamer.net.

Official trailers.

• Agatha Christie – Death on the Nile – ESRB Story Trailer. Hercule Poirot in a leisure suit? With a partner? Now we've seen everything.
• BOULDER DASH 40th Anniversary Gameplay 2 levels - preview June 10th.
• Den of Wolves - PC Gaming Show Trailer (2025).
• FBC: Firebreak – Gameplay Overview Trailer.
• Titan Quest II Deep Dive - Future Games Show Summer Showcase 2025.

• Nintendo News- Splatoon Raiders, the First-Ever Splatoon Spinoff Game, is Coming to Nintendo Switch 2.

• Uber brings forward trialling driverless taxis in UK - BBC.
• YouTube Ends App Support for Older iPhones and iPads - Cord Cutters News. Thanks Broadband Bulletin via Ant.
• China's electric cars are cheaper, but is there a deeper cost? - BBC.

• 1.5TB of James Webb Space Telescope data dumped on the internet — Tom's Hardware.
• Mozilla shuts down even more Firefox services you might still be using - Neowin.
• YouTube shuts down ad-blocker loophole, tightens restrictions - TechSpot. Thanks Reddit.
• Mozilla Firefox 139.0.4, See All New Features, Updates and Fixes. Thanks Frans.
• MBAM's Windows Firewall Control v6.17.0.0 (02.06.2025). Thanks Ant.

Thanks Console General.

• NVIDIA DLSS 4 Introduces Multi Frame Generation & Enhancements For All DLSS Technologies.
• Nvidia's 20-core N1X leaks with 3000+ single-core Geekbench score — Arm chip could rival Intel and AMD's laptop offerings - Tom's Hardware.
• Evernote version 10.141.5.
• Joplin version 3.3.13.

• Top Google exec Demis Hassabis says AI will rival humans in just 5 years and predicts we’ll 'colonize the galaxy' in 2030—but he draws the line at robot nurses - Fortune. Thanks A.M.
• Meta is reportedly forming an 'AI Superintelligence' team - Engadget.
• Cisco and NVIDIA Advance Security for Enterprise AI Factories - NVIDIA Blog.
• ChatGPT is having some issues - The Verge.

• A Researcher Figured Out How to Reveal Any Phone Number Linked to a Google Account - WIRED (may require registration or subscription).
• Chinese hackers launch major cyberattack campaign against businesses across the world - TechRadar.
• How Cisco plans to stop rogue AI agent attacks inside your network - ZDNET.

• Trump EO axes digital IDs, blames 'illegal aliens' for fraud • The Register. Fraud to be the exclusive province of citizens.
• 4chan and porn sites investigated by Ofcom - BBC.
• Pornhub leaves France over age verification law - BBC.

• CPU/GPU/AIO/SSD Cooler: T-FORCE GC Pro with Dark Airflow I Review - Vortez.
• Motherboard: MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi Review- Great Performance and Value - Guru3D.
• Motherboard: MSI MPG B860I Edge Ti Wi-Fi Review - TechPowerUp.
• PSU: FSP MEGA TI 1650W Titanium power supply review - Tom's Hardware.
• SSD: Crucial X10 Portable Solid State Drive Review - ThinkComputers.org.
• Webcam: OBSBOT Tail 2 Review - The New YouTuber, Streamer, Podcasting AI Camera - TweakTown.

Okay, I think we're finally mostly caught up after the weekend, which has been a wild ride. Here's a distraction I've been meaning to mention. If you're looking for more nestling eagle sightings following Sunny and Gizmo fledging, Frans points the way to Zeearend - Vogelbescherming, which is indeed as Dutch as the title indicates. It's a live webcam of a pair of sea eagles raising a brood. While the same in nature to the Big Bear Bald Eagle Live Nest Cam, it has a different, more serene vibe. Perfect for occasional moments of Zen.

Zen Round-up
Thanks Ant, Neutronbeam, and Max.

Story

• RUMOR: DOCTOR WHO Deal Is "Dead" At Disney But There May Still Be Hope For The Series To Return - ComicBookMovie.com.

Science

• ‘‘Ticking timebomb’- sea acidity has reached critical levels, threatening entire ecosystems – study - The Guardian.
• First-Ever Sauropod Stomach Contents, Dating Back 100 Million Years, Reveal They Didn’t Chew Their Food - IFLScience.

Media

• Why are America's streetlights turning PURPLE? - The Drive. Thanks The Flying Penguin.

Follow-up

• Anti-vaccine advocate RFK Jr. fires entire CDC panel of vaccine advisors - Ars Technica.

The Funnies

• xkcd- Alert Sound. That would explain it!