Entertainment

Another weekday, another excuse to pretend my backlog doesn’t exist. When discounts line up like this, it’s less about hype and more about timing. Acquire before they expire. This week brings a solid selection of deals across all major platforms, offering savings on everything from sprawling open-world adventures to classic arcade brawlers. Whether you’re looking to dive into a new RPG or revisit an old favorite, there’s something here to tempt your wallet. Finding quality games at reduced prices is a skill, and these current offers represent some of the best value available for Australian gamers.

The deals span Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PlayStation, and PC, with significant discounts on titles like Resident Evil 4, God of War Ragnarok, and Hades. Beyond the blockbuster titles, there are also some hidden gems and indie darlings available at incredibly low prices. This roundup focuses on providing a curated selection of games that offer a compelling experience for the price, ensuring you’re getting a good return on your investment. The current wave of sales provides a perfect opportunity to expand your gaming library without breaking the bank.

Nintendo Switch Savings

Nintendo Switch owners have a strong lineup of discounted titles to choose from. Super Mario RPG, a confident remake of a 90s classic, is currently available for A$49.90, a 38% discount. The game’s timing-based combat and playful charm make it a perfect choice for those seeking a shorter, more lighthearted experience. For open-world enthusiasts, Star Wars Outlaws Gold Edition is on sale for A$59, offering a scrappy and engaging Star Wars tale focused on scoundrel energy. Fighting game fans can snag Street Fighter 6 Years 1-2 Fighters Edition for A$70.60, a 24% reduction, providing access to a modern fighter with welcoming controls and impressive depth. Classic brawling action is available with Streets of Rage 4 at A$11.20 (a 70% discount), while the enduring loot grind of Diablo III Eternal Collection is available for A$29.60, reduced by 67%.

Xbox Bargains

Xbox gamers can enjoy substantial savings on a range of titles. Prince of Persia The Lost Crown is available for A$19, a 62% discount, offering tight platforming and clever map design. Call of Duty Black Ops Cold War is discounted by 70% to A$32.90, providing a glossy and dependable campaign experience. The critically acclaimed remake, Resident Evil 4, is available for A$35, a 42% reduction. For those seeking a vast open-world experience, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is on sale for A$44.30, a 56% discount. And for a budget-friendly shooter, Halo 5 Guardians is available for just A$7.40, a 75% discount.

PlayStation Pure Scores

PlayStation players also have access to a wealth of discounted games. Borderlands 4 is available for A$49, a 59% discount, offering loud, loot-driven chaos. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 Heart of Chornobyl is available for A$59, reduced by 31%, delivering an oppressive and atmospheric survival shooting experience. The remake of Dead Space is available for A$29.90, a 73% discount, offering clinical sci-fi horror. Family-friendly fun can be had with LEGO Star Wars The Skywalker Saga for A$35.70, a 60% discount. And for fans of strategic combat, Shin Megami Tensei V Vengeance is available for A$69.90, a 30% discount.

PC Gaming Deals

PC gamers can find excellent deals on titles like Stellar Blade (A$76.90, 45% off), God of War Ragnarok (A$57.40, 40% off), and Hades II (A$35.10, 20% off). The original Hades is also heavily discounted at A$12.70, a 65% reduction. Detroit Become Human is available for A$10.70, an 82% discount, offering a branching narrative spectacle.

As noted by Adam Mathew, a passionate game critic, these deals represent a great opportunity to snag quality titles at reduced prices. He highlights the value of these discounts, emphasizing that they allow players to expand their gaming libraries without overspending.

What comes next for gaming deals in Australia? With new sales events regularly appearing, it’s worth keeping an eye on digital storefronts and deal websites for the latest offers. The gaming landscape is constantly evolving, and new discounts are always emerging, providing opportunities for gamers to find great value.

What are your thoughts on these deals? Share your favorite finds in the comments below!

The independent music sector is stepping up its efforts to address climate change with the release of the third annual carbon calculator report from IMPALA, the European trade body representing independent labels. The report provides a detailed overview of the environmental impact of independent music businesses and highlights advancements made to the calculator tool throughout 2025.

Building on previous iterations, this year’s report aims to provide the most accurate assessment of emissions to date, aligning with current best practices for environmental reporting. Launched in 2022, the IMPALA carbon calculator was the first tool specifically designed to measure the environmental impact of independent record labels. It utilizes a standardized methodology aligned with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol), a widely recognized framework for reporting greenhouse gas emissions.

The calculator is powered by Julie’s Bicycle, a non-profit organization supporting the creative community in addressing the climate crisis, and receives support from Merlin and Murmur, as well as EU network grants. The tool empowers IMPALA members to quantify their carbon footprint and identify areas for improvement.

Key Updates to the Carbon Calculator

Several key enhancements have been made to the IMPALA carbon calculator, reflecting ongoing research and evolving industry practices. A significant change focuses on the Music Climate Pact and Vinyl Alliance research into the lifecycle emissions of vinyl manufacturing. This updated methodology provides a more accurate accounting of the environmental impact associated with record production.

Labels can now as well categorize “Recording Studio” as a building type, allowing for a more precise recording of emissions from studio sessions, whether occupied by the label or utilized as a third-party service. The Beyond Carbon survey has been expanded to include a dedicated section on merchandise, enabling labels to better track the environmental impact of their product offerings.

Improvements to the user experience and the addition of new guidance resources are designed to streamline the reporting process and facilitate clear communication of progress. Labels can now quickly access targeted guidance and generate visual reports to showcase their sustainability efforts.

US Expansion and Industry Collaboration

The report also details the outcome of a pilot project launched in the United States in collaboration with the American Association of Independent Music (A2IM) and Merlin. This project marks the first step towards rolling out the IMPALA carbon calculator in the world’s largest music market, signaling a growing global commitment to sustainability within the independent music sector.

Richard Phillips, music lead at Julie’s Bicycle, emphasized the significance of the report, stating, “This third annual report of the IMPALA carbon calculator is a landmark moment for the independent recorded music industry. It provides the most accurate picture to date for the average emissions of an independent label.” He further noted that although vinyl manufacturing remains a significant source of emissions, air freight and business travel contribute a larger percentage to the overall footprint than previously estimated. “In other words that a holistic sustainability strategy is required to tackle multiple areas head on,” Phillips added.

The report also highlights the importance of climate investment and outlines the business case for sustainability, referencing organizations like Murmur that are actively supporting these initiatives. Practical tips focusing on supply chain management and energy transitions are also included, providing actionable guidance for labels seeking to reduce their environmental impact.

The Weidenmüller Sustainability Fund, supported by Merlin, continues to play a crucial role in making the calculator accessible to a wider range of independent labels globally.

As the independent music industry increasingly prioritizes environmental responsibility, tools like the IMPALA carbon calculator are becoming essential for measuring progress and driving meaningful change. The ongoing development and expansion of this initiative suggest a continued commitment to a more sustainable future for music.

What steps will independent labels capture next to implement these findings and further reduce their carbon footprint? Share your thoughts in the comments below.