Chris Slate
Chris Slate
40 storiesEditor
Editor - Gaming Platforms & Editorial Analysis
Chris Slate is a games media contributor and editor covering Nintendo, PlayStation, Xbox, platform strategy and the evolution of gaming journalism. His work emphasizes careful sourcing, clear distinctions between confirmed information and speculation, and practical context for readers following major games and industry developments.
Chris.Slate@nextgengamingblog.com
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Education
Arizona State UniversityTopics
- Video game journalism News reporting, criticism, interviews, editorial analysis and professional standards in games media.
- Video game console Console platforms, hardware generations, platform strategy, software ecosystems and changes in how players access games.
- Video game industry The publishing, development, marketing and platform structures that shape modern video games.
40 latest articles by Chris Slate
GTA 5's Michael Actor Rejects Claims GTA 6 Looks Too Familiar
Ned Luke, who played Michael De Santa in Grand Theft Auto 5, has dismissed criticism that Grand Theft Auto 6 appears too similar to its predecessor, highlighting Rockstar's technical progress and new gameplay features shown in recent footage
GTA 6 Fans Trace Jason and Lucia's Apartment to Demolished Miami Block
Grand Theft Auto 6 players believe they have identified the real Miami building that inspired Jason and Lucia's Vice City apartment, but the original structure no longer exists and cannot be visited
Fable Main Story Will Take Around 20 Hours on PC, PS5 and Xbox
Playground Games has confirmed that the main quest in Fable will take approximately 20 hours to complete, with additional side content available for those seeking a longer experience. The game is set for release on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S in February 2027
4 Penny Coffins Revealed as Social Deduction Thriller Set in 1888 London
Other Ocean Interactive has announced 4 Penny Coffins, a social investigation game set in 19th-century Whitechapel, blending detective work with horror elements and supporting both multiplayer and solo play
The Witcher 4 Physical Edition Will Ship Without a Disc After 2028
CD Projekt Red has confirmed The Witcher 4 will still offer a physical collector's box, even after Sony ends PlayStation disc support in 2028. The studio says it will include tangible extras, but a disc may not be possible on PlayStation
EA Motive's Iron Man Game Leak Sparks Surge in Player Interest
EA Motive's in-development Iron Man game was unexpectedly leaked online, prompting an official response and renewed excitement among Marvel fans eager for updates on the long-awaited project
GTA 6 Launches Without Microtransactions or Generative AI, Rockstar Confirms
Rockstar Games has officially stated that Grand Theft Auto 6 will not include microtransactions or generative AI at launch, with the game set to arrive on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S this November
Fibbage Card Game Brings Jackbox's Bluffing Classic to the Tabletop
Jackbox Games has released a physical card game version of Fibbage, adapting its digital bluffing formula for in-person board game nights and expanding the party experience beyond screens
State of Decay 3 Preview Shows Progress Amid Xbox Studio Changes
State of Decay 3 has resurfaced with a promising early alpha demo, revealing expanded community management and improved combat, as Undead Labs navigates ownership changes and prepares for a 2027 release on Xbox, PlayStation 5 and PC
Dragon's Dogma 2: Dark Arisen Expansion Adds Chilling New Region
Capcom has announced Dark Arisen, a major expansion for Dragon's Dogma 2, introducing a wintry region, new enemies, and a loot-driven relic system. The update was revealed ahead of gamescom 2026 and targets players seeking fresh challenges
Join Us Reveals 11 Minutes of Gameplay and PS5 Launch at gamescom 2026
Wolf Haus Games has unveiled over 11 minutes of new Join Us gameplay at gamescom 2026, confirming a simultaneous PS5, PC and Xbox Series X/S release in March 2027 and debuting a trailer featuring real-life former cult members
GTA 6 Extended Look Headlines Week of Major Game and TV Trailers
Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto 6 extended look led a week packed with new trailers, including Fable quest gameplay, The Witcher 3 Remaster, and a Pokémon stop-motion series for Disney+. Here's what was shown and what remains uncertain
Rockstar Chose Netflix for GTA 6 Extended Look, Not the Other Way Round
Rockstar Games has clarified it was their decision to debut Grand Theft Auto 6: Extended Look exclusively on Netflix for a limited period, challenging assumptions about the streaming partnership and raising new questions about future marketing plans
GTA 6 Trailer Sparks Debate Over Streamer Reference in Netflix Showcase
Rockstar's extended Grand Theft Auto VI gameplay reveal on Netflix included a side mission that appears to reference Kick streamer Neon, prompting discussion among creators and fans about the game's approach to real-world influencer culture
NBA 2K27's New Features Highlight Persistent Microtransaction Issues
NBA 2K27 introduces gameplay tweaks and new modes, but early impressions suggest that longstanding concerns around microtransactions and progression remain unresolved, raising questions about the direction of the series
Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy Launches on PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC
Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy has arrived on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC, offering a new prequel story focused on Sophia. The release brings a fresh direction for the series and introduces significant changes to its established formula
GTA 6 Console Versions Target 30fps as 60fps Mode Deemed Unlikely
Technical analysis of Grand Theft Auto 6's latest showcase suggests the game will run at 30 frames per second on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, with experts warning that a 60fps mode is improbable even on high-end PCs
GTA 6 to Avoid Topical References That May Date the Game, Says Rockstar
Rockstar Games has clarified that Grand Theft Auto VI will not include direct references to recent events like the Covid pandemic or Donald Trump's presidency, citing the need for its satire to remain relevant over the game's long development cycle
GTA 6 Extended Look Reveals Range of Side Activities for Players
Rockstar has released nearly 30 minutes of Grand Theft Auto 6 footage, offering a closer look at the variety of side activities players can expect beyond the main missions, from rally racing to base-jumping and more
Grand Theft Auto 6 Main Story Estimated at 80 Hours by Producer
Rockstar North's Rob Nelson has revealed that his playthrough of Grand Theft Auto 6 took around 80 hours, including the main story and some optional objectives, making it the studio's longest game to date
GTA 6's Dynamic Couple System Brings Romance to the Forefront
Rockstar Games has revealed new details about Grand Theft Auto 6, highlighting a dynamic couple system centred on Lucia and Jason. The feature aims to make their relationship a core part of the story, with player choices influencing its direction
GTA 6 Brings Back San Andreas-Style Stats and Character Progression
Rockstar has confirmed that Grand Theft Auto 6 will feature a detailed character stat system reminiscent of San Andreas, tracking weight, strength, nutrition and more, with player actions directly shaping the protagonists' physical condition
GTA 6 Extended Look Reveals Major Visual and Gameplay Advances
Rockstar Games has released an Extended Look at Grand Theft Auto 6, showcasing new gameplay footage and technical improvements ahead of its November 2026 launch. The presentation highlights lighting, interface changes and attention to detail
Squadron 42 Delayed to 2027 as Cloud Imperium Avoids GTA 6 Launch
Cloud Imperium Games has postponed the release of Squadron 42 to Q2 2027, citing the upcoming launch of Grand Theft Auto 6 as a key reason for the delay. The studio says it wants to ensure the single-player spinoff receives proper attention
Pokémon Issues Statement After X Account Hacked to Promote Crypto Scheme
Pokémon's official X account was briefly compromised, with an unauthorised post promoting a memecoin disguised as a 30th anniversary celebration. The company has now responded and removed the content, but questions remain about the incident
GTA 6 Lets Players Choose Jason and Lucia's Relationship Path
Rockstar North has confirmed that Grand Theft Auto 6 will feature a relationship system for Jason and Lucia, but players can opt out of romance entirely. The feature is woven into the story but remains optional for gameplay
Rockstar Considered Four Playable Characters for GTA 6 Before Settling on Two
Rockstar Games has revealed it once explored having four protagonists in Grand Theft Auto 6, before deciding to focus on a criminal duo. The decision aims to strengthen player connection and narrative depth in the upcoming title
Rockstar Details GTA 6's Satirical Approach and Character Focus
Rockstar has outlined how Grand Theft Auto VI will handle satire and character development, aiming for humour that remains relevant at launch and protagonists players can connect with
Rockstar Addresses GTA 6 Pressure Ahead of November Release
Rockstar North has acknowledged the intense pressure surrounding Grand Theft Auto 6 as the studio prepares for its November 2026 launch, with new footage offering the most detailed look yet at Vice City and its expanded world
Project Motor Racing V8 Power Pack Brings Nine Cars and Road Atlanta
Project Motor Racing will expand on 15 September with the V8 Power Pack, introducing nine V8 race cars across three classes and a laser-scanned Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta circuit. The update follows July's free Aussie Rivals pack
Fable's Combat Preview Reveals Spell Synergy and Humour at Gamescom 2026
Playground Games has showcased new Fable gameplay at Gamescom 2026, highlighting a flexible combat system that blends melee, ranged and magic abilities. The preview also demonstrates the series' trademark humour and experimental spell combinations
Konami Targets Annual Silent Hill Releases as New Projects Multiply
Konami has revealed plans to release a new Silent Hill game every year, with multiple unannounced projects already in development. The publisher aims to keep the horror franchise fresh by exploring new settings and gameplay directions
Brutal Legend Free on PC for 666 Minutes as Double Fine Marks Tim Curry
Double Fine Productions has made Brutal Legend free to download and keep on PC for a limited 666-minute window, following the studio's return to independence and in tribute to the late Tim Curry, who voiced a key character in the game
Showa American Story Preview: Bizarre RPG Mixes Parody with Rough Combat
Showa American Story has resurfaced with a hands-on preview, revealing a retro-inspired RPG world packed with cultural parodies and eccentric humour, but also highlighting concerns about combat depth and mechanical polish ahead of release
Xbox and Ikea Reveal YXSTABY Furniture Line Inspired by Billy Bookcase
Xbox has announced a new partnership with Ikea, unveiling the YXSTABY furniture collection designed for gaming spaces. The collaboration draws on the Billy bookcase as a key influence and will be available in stores this autumn
Path of Exile 2 Sets December 2026 Release for Full 1.0 Launch
Grinding Gear Games has officially scheduled Path of Exile 2's full 1.0 release for 11 December 2026, confirming simultaneous launch on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. The announcement arrived with a new trailer at gamescom Opening Night Live
LEGO Skylines Announced as Paradox Reveals New City Builder at Gamescom
Paradox Interactive has officially unveiled LEGO Skylines, a new city-building game developed by Iceflake Studios and revealed during Gamescom 2026, promising creative city design with LEGO's signature style across major platforms
Roco Kingdom's Global Closed Beta Set for October on PC and Mobile
Morefun Studios has announced that Roco Kingdom, a long-running Chinese franchise, will hold its first global closed beta on 27 October 2026 for PC, iOS and Android, following a successful domestic launch earlier this year
Gears of War: E-Day Preview Reveals Classic Combat and New Features
Gears of War: E-Day has been previewed, offering a first look at its campaign structure, evolved combat mechanics and technical performance on Xbox Series X. Here's what's confirmed and what remains to be seen
1001 Threads of Mizan Preview: New Action-Adventure Blends Solo and Co-op Play
MBC Game Studio has revealed 1001 Threads of Mizan, an action-adventure inspired by One Thousand and One Nights, with a focus on both single-player and drop-in co-op gameplay. Early impressions highlight its unique setting and accessible combat system
Chris Slate