Key Highlights for Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Today brings major developments across the gaming world: Phantom Blade Zero dominates Steam charts ahead of its launch, insiders reveal GTA VI's massive PS5 storage footprint, and Lord of the Rings Online expands into Draugardh.
1. Phantom Blade Zero: 850,000 Pre-Orders and Steam Global Chart Dominance
The highly anticipated dark wuxia action game Phantom Blade Zero launches tomorrow, October 29, at 02:00 UTC, with pre-loading already live across platforms.
According to Alinea Analytics estimates published ahead of launch:
Total pre-orders: Reached 850,000 copies generating approximately $43 million in revenue.
Platform breakdown: Steam accounts for 73.8% of units (69.2% of revenue), while PlayStation 5 represents 26.2% of copies (30.8% of revenue).
Regional split: Around 62.5% of pre-orders originated from players in China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.
Following the review embargo lift with an impressive Metacritic score of 88, pre-orders surged by over 80,000 units in under 24 hours.
Ahead of release, the game claimed the #1 spot in Steam's global top sellers chart by revenue, surpassing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, Counter-Strike 2, and Dota 2.
2. GTA VI Weighs in at 210 GB on PS5: Pre-Load Details Leaked
According to tracking data from PlayStation Game Size (corroborated by Insider Gaming), the standard edition of Grand Theft Auto VI on PlayStation 5 will require a massive 210 GB download.
This represents nearly one-third of the usable SSD space (~667 GB) on the standard PS5 console.
Key leaked dates:
Pre-load start: November 12, 2026.
Official release: November 19, 2026 at midnight.
Note: Rockstar Games has not yet officially confirmed the final file size. The Xbox Series X|S size remains unannounced, and day-one patches may expand total required storage. Physical editions will include a digital download code rather than discs.
3. The Lord of the Rings Online: The Wolves of Mordor (Update 50) Launches Today
Update 50 for The Lord of the Rings Online, introducing The Wolves of Mordor expansion, goes live today, October 28.
Key expansion features:
Storyline: The new epic chapter "...and the Verses of Victory" begins with Ranger Orthonn near Minas Tirith (Midsummer). Requires a Level 160 character; "The Song of Waves and Wind" is recommended.
New Region: Draugardh, an isolated region of Mordor comprising three distinct zones.
Survival Instincts System: Server-wide alternate character progression featuring tactics, lessons, and shared perks.
Neighbours System: Dynamic homestead neighbours featuring unique personalities, evolving moods, narrative arcs, and daily tasks.
4. Nintendo Indie World Showcase Today
Nintendo airs a new Indie World Showcase today, October 28, at 14:00 UTC / 07:00 PT.
Length: Approximately 15 minutes for the global stream and ~25 minutes for the Japanese broadcast.
Focus: Upcoming indie titles arriving on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.
Where to watch: Official Nintendo YouTube channel.
5. PlayStation Plus: November Essential Reveal & 12 Departing Games
Sony is expected to reveal the PS Plus Essential November lineup today (available November 3–30). Don't forget to claim October's lineup before November 2: F1 25, Hunt: Showdown 1896, and Earth Defense Force: World Brothers 2.
Furthermore, 12 titles will leave the Game Catalog on November 17, 2026:
Football Manager 26 Console
Thank Goodness You're Here!
Cricket 24
Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom
Hotshot Racing
Rock of Ages 3: Make & Break
Earth Defense Force 4.1
Rapala Fishing: Pro Series
Yet Another Zombie Defense HD
6. Quick Hits: Freebies and Upcoming Releases
Epic Games Store: Grab Sker Ritual and Home – A Unique Horror Adventure free until October 29. Sorry We're Closed becomes free next week (October 29 – November 5).
Xbox Game Pass: Arriving tomorrow, October 29: Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted, and Terrible Lizards.
Prime Gaming: Kiborg and Trash Goblin unlock tomorrow.
SEGA: Digital pre-orders opened for STRANGER THAN HEAVEN (releasing January 15, 2027 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, including Game Pass day one).
