Technologies

Everything Announced at PlayStation State of Play in June

Some of the biggest upcoming PlayStation 5 games got trailers, including Ghost of Yōtei, a Final Fantasy Tactics remaster, a 007 game and more.

Sony’s State of Play online event on Wednesday showcased plenty of trailers of upcoming games launching later in 2025 and into 2026. The preview, which lasted less than an hour, showcased new and previously announced PS5 titles as well as a new controller.

The last State of Play was in February and featured previews of games from the studio behind Returnal, including Sonic Racing: Crossworlds, Lies of P: Overture and Saros.

This time, Sony released a few teasers for many of its most-hyped games, including Ghost of Yōtei, Silent Hill F, Pragmata, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, a remaster of the original Final Fantasy Tactics and even more levels from last year’s fan-favorite hit Astro Bot.

The trailer fest also included a reveal of a new official Sony fighting stick, which Sony has given the codename Project Defiant (a final name is forthcoming). While it doesn’t have a release date or price, the company noted that it will have wired or «ultra-low latency» wireless connectivity, a durable design and a sling carry case included for easy transport.

How to watch Sony State of Play

State of Play streamed live on YouTube and Twitch starting at 2 p.m. PT (5 p.m. ET).

007 First Light

We got our first look at the new James Bond game from Amazon MGM Studios, 007 First Light. From the trailer, it’s clear that the game will cover the origins of the super-spy set in what seems like the groovy 1960s. Bond is young and eager, getting his start at MI6, with missions that will take him around the world. 007 First Light is coming in 2026.

Ghost of Yotei

The spiritual sequel to Ghost of Tsushima had a trailer that showed more vibes than gameplay, pretty much just teeing up a gameplay reveal stream coming in July. Ah well.

Marvel Tokon Fighting Souls

Ignore that word salad title — this is a heretofore unlooked-for Marvel fighting game from Arc System Works, famed for the Guilty Gear and BlazBlue series as well as Dragon Ball FighterZ. While a little more grounded than Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 (where are my super jumps?), Marvel Tokon Fighting Souls will have 4v4 tag team battles, promising tight gameplay and fun new costumes for Marvel heroes. It’s coming to PS5 and PC in 2026.

Lumines Arise

A new game in the Lumines universe is coming from the creators of Tetris Effect: Connected, and you can see the impact with a synesthetic combination of music and visuals working together. Lumines Arise comes out in the fall of 2025 for PS5.

Pragmata

Our second big trailer for Pragmata, Capcom’s next single-player adventure, shows even more of the relationship between the astrogear-wearing protagonist and the robot (looking like a small girl) with more capability than she seems. Pragmata comes out in 2026.

Romeo is a Dead Man

Romeo is a Dead Man, a new game from Grasshopper Manufacture, was created by noted game developer Suda51 (Killer7). The trailer opened with a bloody protagonist origin transitioning into gameplay of him, newly reborn, slashing and shooting his way through hordes of dead demon-like things. This game — and whatever panoply of styles and oddball features suitable for Suda51 — is coming in 2026.

Silent Hill f

Another trailer for the next Silent Hill game set in 1960s Japan, this game interspersed cutscenes with some gameplay of main character Hinako, a schoolgirl, fighting horrific mannequin-like monsters in schools and shrines across a mist-covered town. The game comes out on Sept. 25.

Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement

The next game in the Bloodstained series of Castlevania-likes is another side-scrolling, grim action game, which is coming out in 2026.

Digimon Story: Time Stranger

A new Digimon game from Bandai Namco, Digimon Story: Time Stranger is a story-rich RPG with a cel-shaded anime style set in a Japan invaded by monsters. The game comes out Oct. 3.

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles

A remaster of the Final Fantasy Tactics classic, the game has two versions: the original game and the enhanced version with fully voiced dialogue, improved graphics and more. It will launch on PS5 and PS4 Sept. 30.

Baby Steps

Described by one CNET colleague as «open world QWOP,» Baby Steps looks to be a surrealist adventure of a character with one goal: make it to the bathroom. It looks like a zany idea brought to life in Garry’s Mod (and I meant that as a compliment). Baby Steps comes out Sept. 8.

Hirogami

Hirogami is a beautiful-looking platformer starring protagonist Hiro, a master of origami folding themself into different forms to traverse the locations. It’s got a unique animation look where your character moves «on the 2’s», or with half the frame rate to give it the stylized look of Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse. Hirogami is out Sept. 3.

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound

From the makers of the Blasphemous games comes the next side-scrolling action entry in the Ninja Gaiden series, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, featuring two heroes from rival clans who must team up to defeat evil. It’s out July 31 on PS5 and PS4.

Cairn

The upcoming climbing game Cairn got another trailer ahead of its release later this year. In Cairn, you climb using natural handholds, but it’s more than just the ascent — the main character, Aava, has her own personal journey to make in her ascents. Cairn comes out for PC and PS5 on Nov. 5.

Mortal Kombat Legacy Collection

Over 20 different versions of the original Mortal Kombat games are coming to PS5 and PS4 later in 2025. Retro game restorers Digital Eclipse have bundled the first four Mortal Kombat games (as well as Mortal Kombat 3 Ultimate) and more into the Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection, which will also let you challenge players online.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater

Another trailer for the remake of the third Metal Gear Solid game, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, showed off more bosses and, curiously, a crossover with Ape Escape (capture the ape and get a robo-ape mecha to deploy?). Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is out Aug. 28.

Nioh 3

Nioh 3 is coming next year. The reveal trailer for the next entry in the samurai demon-killing game showed off its open-world design and a new ninja play style to complement its armored samurai fighting. The game has a PS5 demo out on Wednesday and will be released in early 2026.

Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow

A new game in the storied Thief franchise, Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow, is a PSVR 2-only game that follows in its predecessors’ medieval stealth adventure footsteps — except this time, players get a virtual reality hands-on perspective. Made by Vertigo Games, creators of Metro Awakening and Arizona Sunshine, Thief VR is coming later in 2025.

Tides of Tomorrow

An oceanborne post-apocalypse game that looks like Waterworld by way of the wildly vibrant Sunset Overdrive, Tides of Tomorrow has another feature that could distinguish it from the crowd: a multiplayer story. Though its exact processes are hard to tell from the trailer, players can follow their friend or favorite streamer to see how their choices shape the collective story of the game. Tides of Tomorrow comes out on Feb. 24, 2026.

Sea of Remnants

Have you ever wanted to sail the seas as a puppet? Sea of Remnants seems like an even more colorful and zany single-player Sea of Thieves with some interesting color and combat mechanics. The trailer showed off dragons and massive floating crab bosses whose shells are coated in gold. Also, what looks like mermaid bosses? Sea of Remnants is coming in 2026.

Sword of the Sea

Yes, Sony debuted a third sea-themed game at State of Play — or rather, one mixing seas and deserts from game makers versed in both. Sword of the Sea is a new indie adventure game from Giant Squid, creators of the iconic games Journey, Abzu and The Pathless. And yes, we’re getting another soundtrack from Austin Wintory. Sword of the Sea comes to PS5 and PlayStation Plus on Aug. 19.

Technologies

Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for Saturday, March 14

Here are the answers for The New York Times Mini Crossword for March 14.

Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.

Need some help with today’s Mini Crossword? It’s the extra-long Saturday version, and a few of the clues are tricky. Read on for all the answers. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.

If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.

Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword

Let’s get to those Mini Crossword clues and answers.

Mini across clues and answers

1A clue: Book parts: Abbr.
Answer: PGS

4A clue: Silicon Valley company that operates a fleet of robotaxis
Answer: WAYMO

6A clue: To a much greater degree
Answer: WAYMORE

8A clue: Contents of a scuba diver’s tank
Answer: AIR

9A clue: South Korean automaker
Answer: KIA

10A clue: Stop on a train route
Answer: STATION

12A clue: Actress Merman of «Anything Goes»
Answer: ETHEL

13A clue: Find another purpose for
Answer: REUSE

Mini down clues and answers

1D clue: Employee’s hourly calculation
Answer: PAYRATE

2D clue: Workout spot
Answer: GYM

3D clue: «Great» mountains of Tennessee, familiarly
Answer: SMOKIES

4D clue: One giving you the dish?
Answer: WAITER

5D clue: Baltimore M.L.B. player
Answer: ORIOLE

6D clue: Used to be
Answer: WAS

7D clue: Suffix with Caesar or Euclid
Answer: EAN

11D clue: Night that NBC once aired «30 Rock» and «The Office»: Abbr.
Answer: THU

Technologies

AI Toys Can Pose Safety Concerns for Children, New Study Suggests Caution

When one child told the toy, «I love you,» it responded, «As a friendly reminder, please ensure interactions adhere to the guidelines provided.»

A new study from the University of Cambridge found that AI-enabled toys for young children can misinterpret emotional cues and are ineffective at supporting critical developmental play. The conclusions could be concerning for parents.

In one report examining how AI affects children in their early years, a chatbot-enabled toy struggled to recognize social cues during playtime. Researchers found that the toy did not effectively identify children’s emotions, raising alarm about how kids might interact with it.

The report recommends regulating AI toys for kids and requiring clear labeling of their capabilities and privacy policies. It also advises parents to keep these devices in shared spaces where kids can be monitored while playing.

The research behind the study had a limited number of participants, but was done in multiple parts: an online survey of 39 participants with kids in their earlier years, a focus group with nine participants who work with young children and an in-person workshop with 19 leaders and representatives from charities that work with early-years kids. That was followed by monitored playtime with 14 children and 11 parents or guardians with Gabbo, a chatbot-enabled toy from Curio Interactive.

Some findings indicated that the AI toy supported learning, particularly in language and communication skills. But the toy also misunderstood kids and sometimes responded inappropriately to emotional requests.

For instance, when one child told the toy, «I love you,» it responded, «As a friendly reminder, please ensure interactions adhere to the guidelines provided. Let me know how you would like to proceed,» according to the research.

Jenny Gibson, a professor of neurodiversity and developmental psychology at the Faculty of Education at Cambridge, who worked on the study, said that while parents may be excited about the educational benefits of new technology aimed at children, there are plenty of concerns.

Gibson posed overarching questions about the reason behind the tech.

«What would motivate [tech investors] to do the right thing by children … to put children ahead of profits? she said»

Gibson told CNET that while researchers are exploring the potential benefits of AI-based toys, risks remain.

«I would advise parents to take that seriously at this stage,» she said.

What’s next for AI toys

As more playthings are enabled with internet connectivity and AI features, these devices could become a major safety risk for children, especially if they replace real human connections or if interactions are not closely monitored.

Meanwhile, younger people are increasingly adopting chatbots such as ChatGPT, despite red flags. Multiple lawsuits against AI companies allege that AI companions or assistants can impact young people’s psychological safety, including some chatbots that have encouraged self-harm or negative self-image.

AI companies such as OpenAI and Google have responded by adding guardrails and restrictions for AI chatbots.

(Disclosure: Ziff Davis, CNET’s parent company, in 2025 filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.)

Gibson said she was surprised by the enthusiasm some parents showed for AI toys. She was also alarmed by the lack of research on AI’s effects on young children, noting that companies making such products should work directly with children, parents, and child development experts.

«What’s missing in the process is that expertise of what is good for children in these kinds of interactions,» she said.

Curio Interactive, the company behind the Gabbo toy, was aware of the research as it was happening but was not directly involved, Gibson said. The toy was chosen because it’s directly marketed to young kids, and the company had an understandable privacy policy. Gibson said the company seemed supportive of the project.

A representative for Curio did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Technologies

Two Lost ‘Doctor Who’ Episodes Found Intact in Waterlogged Collection

The 1960s episodes featuring the first Doctor William Hartnell will air in the UK in April.

Whovians, rejoice. The BBC is about to unlock a piece of Doctor Who history that even the TARDIS might have forgotten. Two lost episodes of Doctor Who, the iconic sci-fi series, will broadcast in April, the showrunner for the current season confirmed.

The two 1965 episodes, The Nightmare Begins and Devil’s Planet, were donated to the charitable trust Film Is Fabulous by the estate of an anonymous collector.

«The collector did recognize what he had, but how he acquired them has been lost to time,» Professor Justin Smith Leicester of De Montfort University, who led the recovery effort, told the broadcaster.

The researchers said that while most of the donor’s private collection was destroyed by water damage, the Doctor Who episodes were intact.

Doctor Who showrunner, Russell T Davies, celebrated the news on Instagram and said the episodes would air in the UK in April, though no US air date has been announced yet.

«Lost for 61 years! Best of all, these will be made available for FREE on the BBC iPlayer in April,» Davies wrote.

He expressed gratitude to Film Is Fabulous for finding the lost episodes and encouraged people to donate to the registered charity. «Maybe they’ll find more! As the Doctor says… ‘Daleks!'»

The episodes feature the first incarnation of the Doctor, played by William Hartnell, and a typical Dalek plot to take over Earth and the galaxy.

In the 1960s and 1970s, the BBC had a policy of destroying film or reusing videotapes, leading to dozens of episodes of Doctor Who and other popular UK shows like Dad’s Army and Top of the Pops going missing.

Old Doctor Who episodes do surface occasionally, and in 2016, the newly discovered soundtrack for one storyline was turned into an animated series called The Power of the Daleks.

Meanwhile, Disney ended its working relationship with the BBC last year, and star Ncuti Gatwa left the show. However, the UK broadcaster says that Doctor Who will continue, and Russell T Davies is working on a new Christmas special.