~Gaming

Xbox Wire’s October 2 weekly roundup highlights three Xbox releases arriving October 6: - Gears of War: E-Day — sixty-nine dollars and ninety-nine cents. - STAR WARS: Galactic Racer — fifty-nine dollars and ninety-nine cents. - KINGDOM HEARTS Collection [I–III] — seventy-four dollars and ninety-nine cents. Gears of War: E-Day is also listed for Game Pass and Xbox Play Anywhere. Xbox notes that release dates may change. Source: [Xbox Wire](https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2026/10/02/next-week-on-xbox-new-games-for-october-5-to-9/) 

SFO: Grimhammer III creator Venris temporarily corrupted the popular Total War: Warhammer III overhaul after unauthorized AI-assisted copies appeared on the Steam Workshop. The move drew attention to the dispute; the creator has since restored a working version for game version 8.1.1 while the mod team works on compatibility with version 9.0. The debate raises a practical question for mod users: where should platforms draw the line between community-made compatibility projects and unauthorized reuploads? Source: [PC Gamer](https://www.pcgamer.com/games/strategy/one-of-the-most-popular-total-war-warhammer-3-mods-was-deliberately-corrupted-by-its-creator-to-sabotage-ai-made-copies/)

October's PlayStation Plus Monthly Games are now available to add to your library. Subscribers can claim F1 25 (PS5), Hunt: Showdown 1896 (PS5), and Earth Defense Force: World Brothers 2 (PS4 and PS5) through November 2. Sony says the selection may vary by region, so check your local PlayStation Store for availability and add the games before the offer ends. Source: [PlayStation Blog](https://blog.playstation.com/2026/09/30/playstation-plus-monthly-games-for-october-f1-25-hunt-showdown-1896-earth-defense-force-world-brothers-2/) 

ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE launched worldwide on October 2 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam. It is the first mainline entry in seven years and returns to the fictional Strangereal setting for a new campaign. Bandai Namco says the series' largest multiplayer offering so far includes cross-platform play and an Air Base social hub for up to 100 players, alongside co-op and competitive modes.  Watch the [official launch trailer](https://youtu.be/f8r05a5bukk). Details: [Bandai Namco Europe](https://en.bandainamcoent.eu/ace-combat/news/ace-combat-8-wings-of-theve-takes-flight-today).

Valve’s October 1 Steam Client update is in the Preview/Beta channel. It improves Pyrowave’s automatic bitrate calculation for Remote Play, addresses gradually rising video latency on slow connections, reduces audio dropouts, and adds a recovery dialog when a network cannot handle the chosen streaming settings. The update also fixes repeated Bluetooth BLE disconnects in Steam Controller firmware, especially on Steam Deck. This is still a beta-channel release, not a stable update. Full notes: [Steam Deck News](https://www.steamdeck.com/en/news?p=1)

Sony has introduced Quick Spectral Super Resolution (QSSR), a faster AI upscaling option designed for the standard PS5. The feature is available as an added graphics option in Marvel's Wolverine and Ghost of Yōtei, with both games receiving patches on October 1. Sony says QSSR improves fine detail and image stability through a streamlined neural network tuned for PS5 hardware; it is separate from the higher-performance PSSR option on PS5 Pro. Sony says it plans to make QSSR available to PlayStation developers more broadly, though support will depend on individual games. Official announcement: [PlayStation Blog](https://blog.playstation.com/2026/10/01/ai-upscaling-is-coming-to-ps5/)

A warning about used PC parts and VALORANT bans has become one of r/gaming’s most discussed posts today: more than **7,000 upvotes and 600 comments** when checked on October 3. The headline is alarming, but the important detail is easy to miss: **the report does not prove that a CPU by itself caused the ban.**  ## What the report says — and what it doesn’t PCWorld describes a player who said they bought a secondhand Ryzen 7 5800X3D, installed it, and then received a VALORANT ban. According to the report, Riot Support told the player that other parts in the computer, including the motherboard and storage, were also flagged. That account is not an independently verified diagnosis. It does **not** establish that the processor alone triggered the restriction, and Riot did not comment to PCWorld before publication. The exact hardware identifiers Vanguard checks are not public, so there is no reliable buyer-facing lookup tool to clear a used part in advance. ## Riot’s official policy Riot confirms that an HWID ban can apply to the physical components of a computer, rather than only to one account. Its support page warns that if someone logs into a Riot game on a computer with an active HWID ban, that account can be restricted on that device and receive a separate temporary ban because the system may treat the login as an attempt to evade the original penalty. Riot advises people who suspect a machine is hardware-banned not to log in. This is a serious enforcement action for cases such as cheating or repeated severe misconduct. Riot says affected players can request a review; removal is possible in some cases, but not guaranteed. ## If you’re shopping for used parts - Prefer a seller or retailer with a clear return window and proof of purchase. - Ask about the machine’s history, especially if the seller mentions prior VALORANT or Riot account problems. - There is no public tool to check a CPU or PC against Riot’s ban records. A benchmark or clean Windows install cannot certify that a system is clear. - If you see a VAN 152 / HWID restriction on a used system, stop trying to log in and contact Riot Support. Keep your purchase receipt and listing; don’t try ban-evasion tools or hardware-ID spoofers. **The practical takeaway:** this appears to be a rare edge case, not a reason to avoid every secondhand PC. It is a reason to value buyer protection and a return option when buying from an unknown seller. Sources: [PCWorld’s report](https://www.pcworld.com/article/3250222/your-used-cpu-might-come-with-someone-elses-valorant-ban.html) · [Riot’s HWID ban policy](https://support.riotgames.com/en-us/riot/penalties/understanding-hardware-id-hwid-bans/) · [the r/gaming discussion](https://www.reddit.com/r/gaming/comments/1ww0tvj/your_used_cpu_might_come_with_someone_elses/)

ZA/UM’s **ZERO PARADES: Director’s Cut** arrived on PC storefronts on October 1 as a free update for existing owners of *ZERO PARADES: For Dead Spies*. The developer describes it as an expanded edition, with about 40,000 words of new material, a new Quisach Roundabout encounter, a Backstage Mode, additional scenes and characters, and quality-of-life and accessibility improvements. The Director’s Cut also adds completed English voice-over and ultrawide support.  The PS5 release is scheduled for **November 3, 2026**. On PC, current owners should receive the edition as an update; check the store page for regional availability and the latest patch details. Watch ZA/UM’s [official announcement trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_acH7Wx1Ew). Sources: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2863680/ZERO_PARADES/ and https://steamcommunity.com/app/2863680

Looking for something to play this month? Here are current discounts from the **US storefronts**, checked October 3, 2026. Prices are in US dollars, before tax; store region, account, platform edition and offer timing can affect what you see. Always confirm the live price on the linked official store page before checkout.   ## Nintendo eShop / Nintendo Store - [Hades II – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition](https://www.nintendo.com/us/whatsnew/battle-beyond-the-underworld-in-hades-ii/) — **$20.99** (was $29.99, 30% off). A substantial action roguelike from Supergiant; Nintendo’s US store showed the discount live when checked; confirm its live expiry on the store page.  - [Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope](https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/mario-plus-rabbids-sparks-of-hope-switch/) — **$5.99** (was $59.99, 90% off). A colorful, turn-based tactics adventure; Nintendo’s US deals listing showed the discount live when checked; confirm its live expiry on the store page.  - [Castlevania Anniversary Collection](https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/castlevania-anniversary-collection-switch/) — **$3.99** (was $19.99, 80% off). A low-cost retro collection, also listed among current US deals. Nintendo’s earlier Customer Appreciation Sale ended September 26, but select game discounts remain live. See [Nintendo’s current Sales & Deals page](https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/sales-and-deals/) for the live list. ## PlayStation Store - [SWORD ART ONLINE Last Recollection](https://store.playstation.com/en-us/product/UP0700-PPSA06959_00-SAOLRMAINGAME000) — **$9.59** (was $59.99, 84% off), for PS4 and PS5. The US Store listing showed the offer ending October 8 at 06:59 UTC. - [Preserve](https://store.playstation.com/en-us/product/EP4632-PPSA26697_00-0981052406726862) — **$7.49** (was $14.99, 50% off), for PS4 and PS5. The listed offer also ended October 8 at 06:59 UTC. - [LOVE ETERNAL](https://store.playstation.com/en-us/product/UP2251-CUSA52815_00-0631046602862782) — **$7.99** (was $9.99, 20% off), with a listed end date of October 8 at 06:59 UTC. Browse [all PlayStation Store US deals](https://store.playstation.com/en-us/pages/deals/); availability can vary by console generation and account region. ## Xbox Store  - [DRAGON QUEST I & II HD-2D Remake](https://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/store/dragon-quest-i-ii-hd-2d-remake/9nf2kmv0rtpp) — **$38.99** (was $59.99; save $21). The official US listing showed the discounted price when checked; confirm its live sale timer before buying. - [SUPERHOT](https://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/store/0e04d6b5-b5c3-406b-b060-c451a070eeb9/BVZ0D05W8MP2) — **$7.49** (was $24.99; save $17.50). A distinctive shooter where time moves only when you move; the official listing showed the discounted price when checked; confirm its live sale timer before buying. See [Xbox Sales & Specials](https://www.xbox.com/en-US/promotions/sales/sales-and-specials) for more deals. Xbox discounts can depend on edition, platform and membership status. These are snapshots, not guaranteed checkout quotes: taxes, regional pricing, and sale timers can change. If a deal catches your eye, open its official store page and verify the price and expiry before purchasing.

Steam’s Autumn Sale is live through **October 8 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time**. These are US Steam Store prices checked on October 3; prices and availability can change, and other regions may show different totals or currencies. Steam’s sale page has thousands more offers.  ## Big adventures at a discount  - [Cyberpunk 2077](https://store.steampowered.com/app/1091500/Cyberpunk_2077/) — **$17.99** (was $59.99, 70% off). Night City is a huge open-world RPG with a flexible first-person combat and story build.  - [Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2](https://store.steampowered.com/app/2183900/Warhammer_40000_Space_Marine_2/) — **$14.99** (was $59.99, 75% off). A bombastic third-person action game, with co-op modes for playing with friends.  - [Red Dead Redemption 2](https://store.steampowered.com/app/1174180/Red_Dead_Redemption_2/) — **$14.99** (was $59.99, 75% off). Rockstar’s sprawling Western remains a strong pick for a slower, story-led open world.  - [Baldur’s Gate 3](https://store.steampowered.com/app/1086940/Baldurs_Gate_3/) — **$41.99** (was $59.99, 30% off). A deep party-based RPG with turn-based battles, co-op, and choices that reshape the campaign. ## Great picks under $10  - [The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition](https://store.steampowered.com/app/489830/The_Elder_Scrolls_V_Skyrim_Special_Edition/) — **$3.99** (was $39.99, 90% off). A low-cost entry point to a huge fantasy RPG, with a large PC modding community.  - [Ori and the Will of the Wisps](https://store.steampowered.com/app/1057090/Ori_and_the_Will_of_the_Wisps/) — **$2.99** (was $29.99, 90% off). A gorgeous, fast-moving platform adventure with an emotional story.  - [Resident Evil 4](https://store.steampowered.com/app/2050650/Resident_Evil_4/) — **$9.99** (was $39.99, 75% off). A polished survival-horror action remake and a particularly strong sub-$10 pick. Browse the [official Steam Specials page](https://store.steampowered.com/search/?cc=us&specials=1) and check each product page before buying. Sale prices shown here are for the US store and exclude applicable tax. The seasonal event ends October 8 at 10:00 a.m. PT. *Prices checked October 3, 2026. Offers may change before the stated end date.*

Xbox’s October 1–4 Free Play Days lineup features five Ubisoft games: **Far Cry 6, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, Skull and Bones,** and **The Crew Motorfest**. Xbox Wire says this event is open to all Xbox members, with no Game Pass Ultimate, Premium or Essential membership required for the promotion.  The free-play window runs through **Sunday, October 4**. Install the titles from their individual Xbox store pages or find the Free Play Days collection on console. Progress and achievements carry over if you decide to buy a game, though discounts and availability vary by region and title. Source and installation details: https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2026/10/01/free-play-days-01-10-2026/

**October 2026 guide.** Thatgamecompany’s monthly roundup sets out a busy few weeks for Sky: Children of the Light: the Season of Pearl begins October 16, Days of Mischief starts October 23, and Update 35.0 is currently planned for October 13. The studio says all event times in its calendar are Pacific Time, so convert them to your local time before planning a group run.  ## Dates to save - **October 13 — Update 35.0:** the developer says full patch notes and an update video will arrive later in the month. - **October 16 to December 31 — Season of Pearl:** meet the Old Angler, hear their story and begin a new adventure at sea. - **October 23 to November 12 — Days of Mischief:** return to the Cackling Crab, meet visiting characters and try the new Dark Dragons vs. Crabs game, alongside returning activities such as Broom Races. - **October 23 to November 6 — Community goal:** if players collectively give the rooftop krill 250,000 “hugs” (tackles), everyone receives a special inbox memento.  The monthly schedule also lists Traveling Spirit visits on October 8–11 and October 22–25. Dates can change, so check the in-game news board and the official roundup for updates before you travel. Source and full schedule: https://www.thatskygame.com/news/this-month-in-sky-october-2026-edition/

Capcom’s September 16 main trailer introduces the Norgan region and new enemies ahead of Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen’s October 9 release. Nintendo Switch 2 gets a package with the base game and expansion; the expansion will also be sold separately on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC. Official trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmKyRay8hGc Source: Capcom.

ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE launched worldwide on October 2 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. Bandai Namco calls it the first mainline entry in seven years; it includes a campaign and cross-play multiplayer. Watch the official launch trailer: https://www.youtube.com/embed/F54vGYxj0ts?rel=0  Source: Bandai Namco — https://www.bandainamcoent.com/news/ace-combat-8-wings-of-theve-takes-flight-today

State of Decay developer Undead Labs says it has parted ways with a “significant number” of colleagues after completing its separation from Xbox. In a LinkedIn post tied to its independence announcement, the Seattle studio wrote that not everyone who helped build the studio and the franchise will finish the journey — without naming a headcount. Studio head Philip Holt told IGN that State of Decay 3 remains in active development and that the cuts will not impact the game’s launch. The title is still aimed at 2027 on Xbox, PC, and PlayStation, with day-one Game Pass on Xbox; a closed beta is planned before the end of 2026. Undead Labs is now operating as an independent studio, a path distinct from Ninja Theory, which faces a proposed closure after two failed sale agreements in Xbox’s wider restructuring. Sources: The Verge, IGN, Push Square / Undead Labs. Does Undead Labs’ independence — and these cuts — change how you feel about State of Decay 3’s 2027 window? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8LK86QqnyA