Total Gaming Network - News

Activision's Halo is Rumored to be a Reboot

Shawn Zipay — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 18:50:30 GMT

They are becoming exceedingly efficient at reboots.

It is rumored that Halo will be rebooted as a franchise after Activision was given control following the latest "reset" of all things XBOX at Microsoft. This claim comes from TechnicalHalo on Twitter, who says, "lore is not going to be continued."

This rumor follows the news from yesterday that XBOX laid off an additional 268 employees, many of whom came from Halo Studios. As part of the ongoing "reset" at XBOX, several franchises and studios were shuffled around. This includes moving Halo to Activision, with what remains of Halo Studios serving only as a support studio.

TechnicalHalo claims that the next Halo will begin a "new chapter" for the franchise. He continues to flatly state that the "lore is not going to be continued."

Keep in mind that this is just one "insider" saying these things right now. There have been no additional claims by other known insiders, one way or another, on whether Activision plans to reboot the Halo franchise.

The latest Halo release was Halo: Campaign Evolved. This was a remake of the original Halo campaign that also marked the debut of the franchise on PlayStation. The last new Halo title was 2021's Halo Infinite.

XBOX Continues Layoffs and Closures - 268 New Layoffs and Ninja Theory Shuttering

Shawn Zipay — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 04:28:00 GMT

Cuts across Halo Studios and other first-party studios.

XBOX continues its reign of terror today as it announces another 268 layoffs across first-party XBOX studios, as well as the "XGS management and central functions layer." Ninja Theory will be shuttered. Several other studios are being shuffled around. As for Arkane, "consultation(...) remains underway."

The unfortunate news was shared with the public earlier today by XBOX executive vice president and chief content officer Matt Booty. Booty had this to say about the various studio reorganizations which are now underway. This includes word that Activision will work on the next Halo game, Obsidian is now under Bethesda, and Playground Games joins with Turn 10 Studios.

Activision will expand its remit to World’s Edge, as well as Rare. Activision will also be developing the next Halo title, led by a new, purpose-built team that is separate from ongoing development and plans for Call of Duty. A small team at Halo Studios will continue supporting the Halo community and games in-market.
Bethesda will expand its remit to include Obsidian, which will continue its current projects, including Grounded, as well as the new Fallout project made in collaboration with Bethesda Game Studios.
King will expand its remit to include Microsoft Casual Games, uniting our two global leaders in casual game design and live operations.
Playground and Turn 10 will come together as one studio focused on the Forza and Fable franchises. These two studios have been creative and franchise partners for over a decade, and today’s changes will formally move their work into one team.

Undead Labs seemingly joins Compulsion and Double Fine as gaining their independence from XBOX. From Booty's wording, it sounds like Undead Labs retains their IPs, back catalogs, and runway funding just as Compulsion and Double Fine did. Undead Labs will, with a new publisher, still release State of Decay 3 day one on Game Pass.

When it comes to Ninja Theory, Booty says "two separate agreements (...) fell through." XBOX will "now begin consultation with employees on a proposed closure while continuing to explore other paths forward."

Today's news is a continuation of the planned layoffs that began this past July when XBOX laid off 1,600 employees. At the time, XBOX says they planned to lay off over 1,600 additional employees in the year ahead. Today's layoffs are not the end.

Bungie is Bringing Back Destiny and Evolving Marathon

Shawn Zipay — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 19:46:57 GMT

This includes unvaulting major content.

Destiny 2 died months ago. The game's developer, Bungie, suffered mass layoffs shortly after. Despite all of this, Bungie announced today that they are going back to Destiny.

A new studio update from studio head Poria Torkan and head of product Josh Deane says that Bungie is aiming to "return Destiny to its original promise." The studio also plans to make some major changes to the game. First and foremost, this includes the unvaulting of major game content that had met its end when Bungie introduced its highly hated Destiny Content Vault.

A video message from Torkan and Deane focuses on the future of Destiny within Bungie.

As we shared in the video, we are beginning the work of bringing vaulted Destiny 2 campaigns, destinations, and raids back into the game, where they will be available to all Destiny 2 players.

Bringing this content back is not as simple as restoring old files. Changes made to Destiny 2 since Beyond Light require us to update lighting, encounters, combatants, and other underlying systems. That work will take time, but it is necessary to ensure returning content meets the stability and gameplay standards of Destiny 2 today.

Our team is very excited to deliver this for you all and as they progress, we will share more details coming in the months ahead.

This does not mean that Bungie is suddenly about to make Destiny 3. It just means that they are, at the very least, aiming to restore a lot of that vaulted content back into Destiny 2. Beyond that is really anybody's guess. Whatever the case may be, it probably won't be happening anytime soon. It sounds like Bungie is just in the early stages of this plan of theirs.

While Bungie works on restoring old content to Destiny, the team is also working on their extraction shooter, Marathon. Bungie says that the game "needs to evolve." There were no real specifics given on how the studio will accomplish this goal beyond saying that they want to "anchor on what makes Marathon special" while evolving it "beyond the genre constraints we placed on it."

This seems to include a deeper focus on the survival experience, one "that gives players more ways to take on this dangerous alien world."

Through the remainder of Marathon’s first year, we will continue strengthening its combat, world, and competitive tension while giving players more agency in how they engage with the game. That means creating meaningful experiences whether you prefer cooperative PvE, competitive PvP, or the unpredictable tension of Marathon PvPvE.

In the very short term, Marathon will receive an "October Nightfall Refresh" as well as a Symbiosis update in December.

Bungie wrapped up their status update message by talking about how they want to focus "on thinks you want to see from us, and making sure our vision matches our reality." They hope to "find a way back to making games that we want to play, but with you at the center."

For those of you who have been fans of Bungie titles for any amount of time, you know that what Bungie says and what they ultimately do can be vastly different things. Bungie admits that they haven't been particularly good about earning and maintaining player trust over the years, which is honestly quite true.

Trust won't be rebuilt through a single blog, video, or release. We also understand that trust extends beyond gameplay. It includes how we value your time, how we communicate, and how we action your feedback. Listening without action means nothing.

As we move forward, we'll measure ourselves against a few core commitments:

Build a stronger long-term future for Destiny, while honoring and restoring its past.
Evolve Marathon to grow our community and build a sustainable future.
Increase transparency around development priorities.
Communicate more consistently, especially when plans change.

We'll hold ourselves accountable to these goals and share what we're learning along the way. We are working with our Community team to establish a consistent way to report against these commitments and will share that approach alongside our next major updates for Destiny and Marathon.

Bungie is certainly talking the talk (again). Let's see if the current iteration of the studio is also able to walk the walk.

Demo Out Now for Clive Barker's Hellraiser Revival

Shawn Zipay — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 21:55:16 GMT

Raise some hell! But only a little bit for now.

A playable demo for Clive Barker's Hellraiser: Revival is now available through Steam. Along with the demo release, a new trailer, Scarlet Church, was also released today. Both of these come a few weeks ahead of the full game release, which is slated for October 8, 2026 on PlayStation 5, XBOX Series X|S, and PC. A Switch 2 release is also happening but won't be available until October 8.

If you can't see the new trailer below, you can always watch it through the Clive Barker's Hellraiser: Revival website.

In the brand-new Steam demo for Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival, players can dive into the mysterious hellscape of the Labyrinth and face off against the wicked Scarlet Church, which has taken the coveted Genesis Configuration into its possession. You'll be introduced to the main characters of the story and their twisted machinations while traversing an ever-shifting realm of nightmares. Discover the basics of combat, crafting and puzzle solving while preparing your body for the complete experience at launch!

The new trailer for Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival peels the skin back further on one of the game's core antagonists: Marlowe and his sacred (or sacrilegious?) Scarlet Church. Backed by an army of unholy priests, deviants, and cultists, Marlowe seeks the Genesis Configuration puzzle box for his own devious ends. With every slice and drop of blood, the Scarlet Church recruits those bold enough – or foolish enough – to covet Hell’s blasphemous temptations and gifts.

Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival is now available to pre-order on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch 2 for $39.99. The Deluxe Edition is also available to pre-order digitally for $49.99. Players who pre-order either edition of the game will unlock the exclusive in-game Labyrinth Pistol Skin and Martyr Sawblade Skin at launch.

Control Resonant Launch Trailer

Shawn Zipay — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 19:59:30 GMT

One week out from release.

It's almost time to take back a paranaturally altered version of New York. Control Resonant is out September 24, 2026, from Remedy Entertainment, and a new launch trailer dropped today.

This launch trailer features the track "My Favourite Game" by The Cardigans. It builds up the hype ahead of release without revealing too much of the mysteries that await players.

In Control Resonant, players take on the role of Dylan Faden "as he unleashes the full force of the paranatural, tearing through surreal, reality-bending encounters and mastering different forms of the Aberrant to overcome overwhelming enemies and monumental bosses."

Pre-orders are, of course, open for Control Resonant. It will launch on September 24 digitally on PlayStation 5, XBOX Series X|S, Steam, Epic, and on GeForce Now. Physical editions will launch on October 15 for PlayStation and XBOX. PlayStation 5 players who get the Digital Deluxe Edition will get 48-hours of advanced access. Good luck avoiding spoilers for two days.

Standard Editions of the game will be €59.99 / £49.99 / $59.99 (regional pricing may vary).

The full breakdown of pre-order bonuses and digital and physical versions for CONTROL Resonant is below.

Pre-Order bonuses

Pickpocket’s Tool Artifact
Hiss Corruption Outfit for Dylan
Occult Outfit for Dylan (PlayStation Exclusive)

CONTROL Resonant Standard Edition (Digital)
Available for pre-order on Steam, Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.

Includes the base game

Price: €59.99 / £49.99 / $59.99 (regional pricing may vary)

CONTROL Resonant Digital Deluxe Edition
Available for pre-order on Steam, Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.

Includes the base game
AWE Mission Outfit for Dylan
Exclusive Untapped Artifact (Wallet)
Starter Resource Bundle
Digital Artbook
Original Soundtrack
The PlayStation 5 Digital Deluxe Edition also includes 48-hour early access.

Price: €69.99 / £59.99 / $69.99 (regional pricing may vary)

CONTROL Resonant Standard Edition (Physical)
Available for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S from October 15, 2026.

Includes the base game

Price: €59.99 / £49.99 / $59.99 (regional pricing may vary)

CONTROL Resonant SteelBook® Edition (Physical)
Available for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S from October 15, 2026.

Includes the base game
SteelBook® Case
Fine Art Prints (x3)
Key Art Poster

Price: €69.99 / £59.99 / $69.99 (regional pricing may vary)

CONTROL Resonant will also be available on Mac via Steam and the App Store later in 2026.

Minecraft Bedrock 26.50 Wilderness Bound: What Android Players Need Before Downloading

Shawn Zipay — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 19:14:00 GMT

Minecraft Bedrock 26.50 Wilderness Bound can make an established Android world feel new again. The update focuses on outdoor exploration, autumn-colored environments, camping features, and new building options, but players should still prepare before replacing a stable installation or opening an important world in a new build.

What Android Players Should Check Before Installing Bedrock 26.50

Before updating, players can review the build details and supported files when they download Minecraft Bedrock 26.50, then compare the release number with the version already installed on their device. This matters most for anyone using add-ons, resource packs, custom worlds, servers, or Realms that may not move to the new build at exactly the same time.

Wilderness Bound expands exploration with the Dappled Forest, a biome built around red, orange, and yellow poplar foliage. The warmer palette makes it easy to recognize on a phone screen and gives builders a fresh wood family. Fallen trees, shrubs, mushrooms, and other details make the biome feel more like a place to explore slowly than another generic source of resources.

Abandoned Camps add small landmarks to that journey. They fit the outdoor theme and break up long stretches of travel with structures that look as though someone stopped there before the player arrived. For mobile sessions, these smaller points of interest are useful because they create short goals without requiring a major expedition.

Feature	What It Adds	Why It Matters
Dappled Forest	Autumn woodland	New exploration and building atmosphere
Poplar wood	New wood family	More construction choices
Abandoned Camps	Small points of interest	Short exploration goals
Cushions	Decorative seating	Better camp and interior builds
Straw Beds	Temporary rest option	Supports travel-focused survival

New Camping and Building Options

Wilderness Bound is not only about finding a new biome. Cushions, straw beds, and additional building pieces support a more deliberate camping style. A cushion can be used around a campfire or inside a house, while new wool-based shapes give builders more control over decorative forms.

Straw beds are especially relevant to travel because they are meant for temporary use rather than permanent settlement. That makes them useful when a player wants to continue an expedition without treating every overnight stop as a new home.

Small mechanics like these can change the rhythm of survival. Instead of carrying the same permanent setup everywhere, players can move through unfamiliar terrain, rest, collect materials, and continue exploring with less interruption.

Performance Still Depends on the Android Device

A content-rich release can behave differently across phones. New vegetation, particles, lighting, and visual effects add work for the GPU and memory. A recent device may handle those changes easily, while an older model can lose frame rate in dense areas or when several visual packs are active.

The safest approach is to begin with moderate settings. Render distance, texture resolution, background applications, battery-saving modes, and device temperature can all influence performance. Changing everything at once makes it harder to identify the real cause of stutters or crashes.

A copied world without optional packs is a good baseline. If the game runs normally there, add-ons and resource packs can be re-enabled one at a time. This makes it easier to separate a core game problem from a compatibility issue caused by community content.

What to Check Before Downloading

A few practical checks can prevent most avoidable problems before installation:

back up important worlds outside the active save location;
confirm whether the build is stable, Beta, or Preview;
leave more free storage than the package size alone suggests;
verify whether favorite add-ons and servers support the new version;
test the update before opening the only copy of a long-term world.

Why Backups Matter

Minecraft worlds contain more than visible blocks. They also store chunks, entities, inventories, structures, commands, player data, and information created by add-ons. When a newer Bedrock build opens a save, some of that information may be converted for the current version.

That is why downgrading is risky. An older build may not understand data written by a newer release, especially when new blocks or components are involved. A separate backup keeps the original save available if something unexpected happens.

Add-ons deserve the same caution. A pack may import correctly and still show missing textures, broken animations, or entities that refuse to spawn. Testing compatibility before committing a main world is much easier than repairing a damaged setup later.

Before Installation	Recommended Action	Reason
World saves	Create a separate backup	Protects against conversion problems
Add-ons	Check the supported version	Prevents broken behavior or assets
Storage	Keep extra free space	Android needs room for unpacking and cache
Graphics	Start with moderate settings	Makes performance issues easier to diagnose
Servers	Confirm version compatibility	Avoids connection failures

Should You Update Immediately?

Players using mostly vanilla Bedrock can usually move to a stable release with fewer complications than users running several add-ons or custom packs. For heavily modified worlds, waiting until important projects confirm support may be the safer option.

Multiplayer users should also check server and Realm compatibility. Updating too early can leave the client temporarily out of sync with the world they want to join, even when the new version itself installs correctly.

Wilderness Bound gives Android players meaningful reasons to explore and build, but a careful update routine is still valuable. Backups, version checks, free storage, and a short test session can make the move to Bedrock 26.50 much safer.

FAQ

Is Minecraft Bedrock 26.50 connected to Wilderness Bound?

Yes. Bedrock 26.50 is the release branch associated with the Wilderness Bound content drop.

What is the main exploration feature?

The Dappled Forest is the headline environment, with autumn-colored poplar trees and new outdoor details.

Should I back up my world before updating?

Yes. Important worlds should be copied before they are opened in a newer build.

Can older add-ons stop working?

Yes. Changes to Bedrock components, resources, or experiments can make some add-ons partially incompatible.

Should weaker Android phones use lower settings?

Starting with moderate graphics and render distance is a sensible way to test performance before enabling demanding packs or effects.

MindsEye Developer Build a Rocket Boy Seems to be Closing

Shawn Zipay — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 02:30:00 GMT

All employees have apparently been laid off.

The Leslie Benzies-led development studio, Build a Rocket Boy, seems to have laid off all remaining employees. Multiple developers have come forward saying they were laid off, with some adding that they believe pretty much everyone at the company has been laid off. This would effectively mean Build a Rocket Boy is no more after releasing only one title, MindsEye.

For Benzies, MindsEye was to be the start of their "Roblox for adults" creation platform, Everywhere. After the monumental failure of that disaster of a game, several rounds of layoffs hit Build a Rocket Boy as the remaining members scrambled to apply a shine to a fetid turd.

At its peak, Build a Rocket Boy employed over 500 developers. The layoffs at the studio began after MindsEye released in June 2025. Reviews of the launch version of the game noted how "buggy" and "boring" the game was, with at least one reviewer stating that the game "just fucking sucks."

Build a Rocket Boy's leadership, Leslie Benzies and Mark Gerhard, claimed that the game's development suffered from both internal and external "saboteurs." Claims that the studio was investigating "criminal activity" were thrown around a lot by leadership, but of course nothing actually ever came of that.

After IOI Partners decided they wanted nothing more to do with that train wreck, Build a Rocket Boy released the "Blacklisted" update for MindsEye. This update was to serve two purposes: 1. It would serve as a soft relaunch of MindsEye. 2. It would include "evidence" of some of that alleged sabotage. The update failed to accomplish either goal.

Though Build a Rocket Boy still exists in name, it seems like it will limp along without any staff. Those who were laid off this week, including artist Adam Ridsdale and principal talent acquisition partner Dan Nawkins, shared messages on social media suggesting everyone has been laid off.

Unfortunately, along with the rest of my colleagues at Build a Rocket Boy, I am facing redundancy and now looking for a new opportunity.

With a very heavy heart I raise my green banner, along with the rest of my colleagues at Build a Rocket Boy. I am 'Open to Work' actively looking for a new adventure.

Senior VFX artist Jason Waller also shared a similar message.

Along with everybody else left at Barb my role is being made redundant.

Build a Rocket Boy has made no public statement about these recent layoffs and apparent closure of the studio. Given past statements by Benzies and Gerhard, we may never actually see a statement made to the public. It's either that or they'll suggest that the layoffs and closure are simply fake news and that this all is just another bit of sabotage.

Slut Squad Idle Crime Game Now Free on PC and Mobile

Major 0 — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 23:42:53 GMT

Idle crime games have carved out a devoted following among mobile and PC gamers who enjoy building empires without needing to stare at their screens every second, and the latest title to make waves in this genre has just dropped its price to nothing at all. This new release blends familiar mechanics with fresh twists, giving both newcomers and genre veterans plenty of reasons to jump in and start building their criminal empire from the ground up.

In brief

The idle crime game 'Slut Squad' is now available for free on both PC and mobile platforms.
Players take on the role of a crime boss, managing a criminal empire by hiring operatives, executing heists, and automating businesses for passive income.
The gameplay features an idle merge system and Gacha mechanics, allowing players to collect and strengthen over fifty unique characters.
The game incorporates narrative elements and character relationship-building, moving beyond simple number-driven progression.
Players can upgrade their base from a humble bunker into a major headquarters to increase their reputation and resource capacity.
The game supports cross-platform play, enabling users to switch seamlessly between desktop browsers and mobile devices.
The experience is free-to-play with optional in-game purchases and provides direct customer support for technical assistance.

Game Features and Mechanics

The Slut Squad game puts players in charge of a sprawling criminal enterprise, tasking them with running an entire crime city from the shadows. Rather than simply following orders, you take on the role of the Boss, assembling a gang of unique operatives and steering every decision that shapes your growing empire. The core loop revolves around hiring thieves, cracking safes, and pulling off increasingly ambitious heists, all while managing the day-to-day business of keeping your crew paid and your operations running smoothly.

Idle Gameplay Systems

At the heart of the experience sits an Idle Merge system that rewards patience just as much as active play. Businesses can be automated to generate a steady cash flow even when you're not actively tapping away, and the game offers up to three hours of offline income, meaning your criminal operation keeps ticking over while you're getting on with your day. Layered on top of this are heist mechanics and Gacha-style elements, which introduce an element of chance and excitement to the otherwise methodical business of empire-building. These systems work together nicely, giving players a reason to check back in regularly without demanding constant attention.

Character Progression and Customization

With more than fifty unique characters to collect, each bringing their own specialties to the table, there's a genuine incentive to experiment with different crew combinations. Merging characters becomes a central strategy, allowing players to strengthen their roster and unlock more effective specialists for specific jobs, whether that's safecracking or leading a heist crew. Beyond the mechanical progression, the game weaves in story features that let players build relationships with their crew members, adding a layer of personality and narrative depth that's often missing from purely numbers-driven idle titles. Hideout upgrades also play a part in the long-term journey, letting you transform a humble bunker into a fully-fledged headquarters as your reputation and resources grow. Seasonal events and themed objectives round out the content, giving players fresh goals and rewards to chase throughout the year rather than settling into a repetitive grind.

Platform Availability and Download Information

One of the more appealing aspects of this release is how accessible it's designed to be. The game is entirely free to play, with optional in-game purchases available for those who want to speed up progress or unlock cosmetic extras, though nothing is required to enjoy the full experience. It's available across both web and mobile platforms, meaning you can start building your crime empire on a desktop browser during a break and continue right where you left off on your phone later that evening.

Cross-Platform Compatibility

Players who prefer diving straight in without any commitment can join as guests, sampling the gameplay before deciding whether to create a proper account further down the line. This low-friction approach mirrors what many gamers have come to expect from established platforms such as Steam, where creating an account is free and grants access to thousands of titles, community discussions, workshops, and broadcasts. Much like signing in to a Steam account opens the door to the Discovery Queue, Wishlist, and Points Shop, getting started here is designed to be quick and painless, removing unnecessary barriers between curious players and the actual fun of the game.

Installation Requirements and Process

Getting set up requires little more than a stable internet connection and a compatible device, whether that's a desktop computer or a smartphone. For those used to installing games through established storefronts, the process here will feel refreshingly straightforward by comparison, skipping lengthy downloads in favour of near-instant access through a browser or lightweight app. Should any issues crop up during installation or gameplay, customer support is available via email at support@desilaza.com, ready to help iron out any technical hiccups. This kind of direct support channel offers reassurance that questions won't go unanswered, something that matters particularly for a title still building its community and reputation. As with any modern gaming platform, players should expect standard practices around account creation, privacy, and data handling, similar to the multilingual support and legal transparency offered by major services, ensuring a smooth and trustworthy experience from the very first login through to years of continued play.

Genshin Impact Is Still One of Gaming's Biggest Success Stories - Here's Why Players Keep Coming Back

Major 0 — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 22:17:48 GMT

Six years on, HoYoverse's open-world RPG shows no sign of slowing down. Whether you're a day-one Traveler or thinking about finally giving Teyvat a shot, here's what makes the game tick in 2026.

When Genshin Impact launched in September 2020, plenty of people expected it to be a flash in the pan. A free-to-play, anime-styled open-world game with gacha mechanics, released simultaneously on PC, PlayStation and mobile? It sounded like a recipe for a quick cash grab. Instead, it became one of the most profitable and most-played games of the decade, and it fundamentally changed how the industry thinks about live-service RPGs.

So what has kept millions of players logging in year after year? The answer is a combination of a genuinely enormous world, a steady drumbeat of content, and a community that has documented every corner of Teyvat in obsessive detail.

A World That Keeps Growing

The scale of Genshin Impact is hard to appreciate until you've spent real time in it. What began as two nations, the wind-swept Mondstadt and the sprawling, mountainous Liyue, has expanded into a continent of distinct regions, each one inspired by a different real-world culture and each one with its own aesthetic, music, enemy types and traversal gimmicks. Inazuma brought lightning-scarred islands and a closed-border storyline. Sumeru delivered lush rainforests and a vast desert. Fontaine put players underwater with a full diving system. Natlan introduced tribal societies and new movement abilities tied to local creatures. Each release has felt less like a DLC drop and more like a new game bolted onto an already massive one.

Crucially, none of this content is locked behind a paywall. The story, the exploration, the puzzles and the world bosses are available to every player from the moment they download the game. Genshin's monetisation lives almost entirely in its character and weapon banners, which means a patient player can experience the vast majority of what the game offers without spending a penny.

Why the Combat Still Holds Up

Underneath the pretty exterior, Genshin Impact has a surprisingly deep combat system. Every character is tied to one of seven elements, and the game's real depth comes from elemental reactions: combining Pyro with Hydro triggers Vaporize, Electro with Dendro creates Quicken, Cryo with Hydro freezes enemies solid, and so on. Building a team is less about stacking the four strongest characters you own and more about assembling four characters whose elements and abilities feed into each other.

This is also where the game gets complicated. Artifact sets, weapon passives, talent priorities, energy recharge thresholds and rotation timing all matter, and the difference between a well-built team and a poorly built one can be enormous in endgame content such as the Spiral Abyss and the Imaginarium Theater. It's the kind of system that rewards research, which is why community-maintained resources have become almost essential. A well-organised Genshin Impact Wiki can save a new player dozens of hours of trial and error by laying out which artifact sets suit which characters, where to farm ascension materials, and how each elemental reaction actually calculates damage.

The Live-Service Model Done Right

Genshin Impact's update cadence has been remarkably consistent since launch. Every six weeks, a new version patch arrives with a fresh chapter of story, new characters on the banners, limited-time events and, roughly once a year, an entirely new region. That rhythm has created a kind of shared calendar for the community. Players know when to save their Primogems, when a favourite character is likely to rerun, and when to expect the next big expansion.

It's a model that many publishers have since tried to copy, with mixed results. What HoYoverse understood early on is that a live-service game needs to respect the player's time. Daily commissions take ten minutes. Resin, the game's stamina system, caps how much farming you can do in a single sitting, which paradoxically makes it easier to step away without falling hopelessly behind. Weekly bosses are, as the name suggests, weekly. The game is designed to be a long-term habit rather than a second job.

The Community Is the Secret Weapon

Ask any long-time player what keeps them invested and, sooner or later, they'll mention the community. Genshin has spawned an entire ecosystem of theorycrafters, map-makers, lore analysts and content creators. Interactive maps track every chest and oculus. Damage calculators let players compare builds before committing resources. Lore videos pick apart Teyvat's history and the mysteries surrounding Celestia, the Abyss and the Traveler's missing sibling.

For newcomers, this can be overwhelming, but it's also an incredible advantage. Very few games have such a deep well of accessible knowledge. Reliable Genshin Impact guides cover everything from your first ten hours, including which free characters are worth investing in and how to spend your early Primogems wisely, through to advanced topics such as optimal farming routes and team compositions for the current endgame meta. Read a little before you pull, and you'll avoid the classic beginner mistakes that leave players with a roster of half-built characters and no clear direction.

Is It Worth Starting in 2026?

This is the question that comes up constantly, and the honest answer is yes, with a caveat. The caveat is that there's a lot of game to get through. A new player faces years of accumulated story content, and the Archon Quests alone can take dozens of hours. Some people find that daunting. Others see it as a feature: it's rare to pick up a free game and know you have hundreds of hours of high-quality content ahead of you before you've even touched the latest patch.

The good news is that the game has become considerably friendlier to newcomers over time. HoYoverse has added catch-up mechanics, streamlined early progression, expanded the free character roster and introduced quality-of-life features that veterans spent years asking for. Combined with the wealth of community knowledge now available, a fresh Traveler in 2026 has an easier ride than anyone who started at launch.

The Bottom Line

Genshin Impact's continued success isn't an accident. It's the result of an ambitious world, a combat system with real depth, a respectful approach to the player's time and a community that has turned a video game into a shared cultural project. Whether you're returning after a break or downloading it for the first time, Teyvat is waiting, and it's bigger and better than ever.

Valve's Steam Frame Now Available, Starting at $1,059

Shawn Zipay — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 21:51:34 GMT

Wait until you see the price of the 1TB model.

Valve just opened sign-ups for their new virtual reality headset, Steam Frame. It officially "launches" today, starting at an eye-watering price of $1,059 for the 256GB model. The 1TB Steam Frame bumps that price up to $1,299.

A purchase of the Steam Frame, either model, includes the wireless VR headset, Steam Frame controllers, and a copy of Half-Life: Alyx.

Valve is once again using the reservation system, as it did with the launch of the Steam Machine. They hope that this system will improve "the purchase experience and limiting resellers." This initial launch is available through Steam for those living in the United States, Canada, the U.K., the EU, and Australia. Komodo will announce availability and pricing in Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

How to get one:
We found the reservation system to be helpful with the launch of Steam Machine by improving the purchase experience and limiting resellers, and are implementing it once again for Steam Frame:

Sign up anytime between now and Thursday, September 17th at 10 a.m. Pacific for the model you'd like to purchase (Steam Frame 256GB or Steam Frame 1TB).
Thursday September 17th at 10 a.m. Pacific: Signups close, and we do a one-time randomization of that list.
- Emails will go out later that day with the results of the randomization, letting you know if you're in the reservation queue (the model you signed up for has been reserved in your name) or on the waitlist (your place in line is beyond the number of Steam Frames currently available for reservation, and we'll notify you if you're moved to the reservation queue.)
As units become available, people in the reservation queue will receive an email with the option to purchase, with the first batch of those starting September 18th. We will continue to go through the reservation queue as units become available.

There are also a handful of additional accessories available for purchase. These include a Power Supply Unit for $29, an Ergonomic Accessories Kit for $59, and a Steam Frame Accessory Replacement Kit for $49.

Accessories:
The following first-party Steam Frame accessories will also be sold separately and available at the following prices shipping direct via Steam (also inclusive of VAT where applicable):

PSU: 29 USD/ 49 CAD/ 39 EUR/ 29 GBP/ 49 AUD/ 139 PLN
Ergonomic Accessories Kit (2 controller hand straps/battery doors, 1 headset top strap, 1 extended light blocker): 59 USD/ 89 CAD/ 69 EUR/ 59 GBP/ 99 AUD/ 279 PLN
Accessory Replacement Kit (1 face gasket, 1 head cushion, 1 standard light blocker): 49 USD/ 69 CAD/ 59 EUR/ 49 GBP/ 89 AUD/ 229 PL

Accessories will be available as an add-to-cart option only at checkout for those who have received a purchase email.

Valve is also suggesting a couple of Steam Frame Compatible Accessories from third-party companies. These include a 5K color passthrough by Arcturus Vision and prescription lens inserts from Zenni. While I cannot vouch for Arcturus Vision, I will say that Zenni makes decent products, as evidenced by the pair of glasses I've been wearing from them for about 3-4 years now. Other accessories may be available. Those that are Steam Frame Compatible will have a special "Steam Frame Compatible" seal.

A couple of quick start guides for the Steam Frame were also released today. These include a quick start guide for the Steam Frame headset itself as well as the official accessories. Valve shared those videos in today's press release, so I might as well share those below as well.

Why Always On Community Servers Still Matter in Modern Multiplayer Games

Major 0 — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 20:55:00 GMT

Modern multiplayer games make joining a match almost effortless. A button finds a lobby, fills empty slots and moves everyone into the action. That convenience is valuable, but it solves a different problem from the one community-run servers were built to solve.

Matchmaking creates sessions. A persistent server creates a place. For survival games, sandboxes, simulators and mod-friendly PC titles, that distinction still shapes whether a group plays together for one evening or becomes a lasting community.

A shared world gives play sessions continuity

In a peer-hosted game, the world often depends on one person being online. Progress pauses when that player is unavailable, and the group gradually reorganizes around a schedule. An always-on server removes that bottleneck. Players can gather resources, build, configure factories or explore whenever they have time, while the shared world continues to record the group's history.

This persistence is especially important in games where the environment holds the story. A Minecraft town, a Valheim settlement or a Project Zomboid safehouse gains meaning because players return to it and see the results of decisions made over weeks.

Server rules create a recognizable culture

Public matchmaking applies the publisher's rules to everyone. Community servers can shape a narrower experience through difficulty settings, whitelists, roleplay rules, mods and scheduled events. Two servers running the same game can develop entirely different identities.

That control also creates responsibility. Administrators need clear rules, consistent moderation and a way to communicate changes. The strongest communities do not treat moderation as an afterthought. They design expectations around the kind of play they want to encourage.

Mods extend the life of familiar games

Community hosting gives players room to experiment after the base game becomes familiar. A lightweight quality-of-life plugin can reduce friction. A full conversion can turn the same world into a new experience. Server-side tools can add economies, permissions, maps, quests or custom events without requiring every player to become an administrator.

The result is a feedback loop that benefits games with strong creator communities. Players return for new rules and content, server owners learn what keeps their audience engaged, and mod developers get active environments in which to test their work.

Reliability becomes part of the social experience

Technical reliability is not separate from community health. Frequent downtime teaches players not to plan around the server. Long rollbacks erase collective effort. High latency turns cooperative tasks into frustration. The host therefore becomes part of the experience even when players never see the control panel.

A useful server plan should provide a location near the player base, modern CPU performance, fast storage, backups and protection against network attacks. It should also make routine jobs such as restarts, updates and version changes easy enough that volunteers can manage them.

Services such as Gravel Host game server hosting package those requirements into managed plans for more than 50 supported games, with instant setup, DDoS protection and locations across multiple regions. The appeal is less about avoiding all administration and more about keeping the technical work proportional to the size of the community.

Small servers can be more valuable than large ones

Success does not require thousands of members. A private server for eight friends may create more meaningful interaction than a crowded public lobby. Small groups can establish traditions, divide responsibilities and make decisions without optimizing everything for scale.

For creators and streamers, a server can also provide a dependable place for audience events. For mod developers, it can serve as a live testing environment. For gaming communities that span several titles, it becomes the activity that keeps members connected between major releases.

The server is infrastructure for belonging

Dedicated servers survive because multiplayer is not only about finding opponents quickly. It is also about ownership, memory and repeated contact. Matchmaking gets players into a game. A well-run community server gives them a reason to return to the same people and the same place.

New Character, Minato, Joins Dead or Alive 6 Last Round

Shawn Zipay — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 21:26:50 GMT

She's said to be a "flashy" new character. Get it? Because ti...

Koei Tecmo and Team Ninja added a new character to Dead or Alive 6 Last Round today. The character, Minato, "is a seemingly ordinary high school student with an exceptional talent for dancing whose fighting style blends her flashy dance moves with her impressive physical ability, showcasing her flair and skill."

Minato, also known as TOKYO JK, is best buds with the genius scientist NiCO. Thanks to this friendship, Minato has access to "special devices developed by the 'scientist of blue flashes' and wears these devices while she fights."

Naturally, there is also a Minato Debut Costume Set" available for purchase. This DLC includes five outfits: Happy Wedding Costume, Pirates of the 7 Seas Costume, Nurse Costume, Maid Costume, and Sexy Bunny Costume. Sure, these are all totally appropriate for a high school student.

In celebration of Minato joining the DEAD OR ALIVE 6 Last Round roster, players will also have access for free to four additional characters in DEAD OR ALIVE 6 Last Round Core Fighters, and will be able to battle as Nyotengu, Leifang, Kokoro, and Hitomi in all modes (including online, offline, and Photo Mode) until Sept. 24.

DEAD OR ALIVE 6 Last Round, the definitive version of DEAD OR ALIVE 6, has been optimized for the latest hardware and includes the original 24 characters alongside five characters from the game’s DLC lineup (Nyotengu, Phase 4, Momiji, Rachel, and Tamaki). In the free-to-play DEAD OR ALIVE 6 Last Round Core Fighters edition, players can enjoy the thrilling battles with fighters Marie Rose, Honoka, and NiCO, through Photo Mode and online modes “DOA Quest” and “DOA Central”.

DEAD OR ALIVE 6 Last Round and its free-to-play edition, DEAD OR ALIVE 6 Last Round Core Fighters, are now available on PlayStation®5, XBOX Series X|S, and Windows PC via Steam.

Wardogs Releases to Steam Early Access

Shawn Zipay — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 20:09:47 GMT

3 teams. 100 players. 1 odd man out.

Wardogs was released into Steam Early Access today. The game boasts massive 100-player all-out warfare battles. Wardogs is developed by Bulkhead and published by team17. It's billed as a tactical FPS and is planned for PlayStation 5 and XBOX Series X|S in 2028.

So far, it seems as though the Early Access is nothing more than a queue simulator. I've seen about a quarter of a million people waiting in the queue at one point. It probably doesn't help that errors and false bans are repeatedly forcing players right back to the end of the queue. It seems like the team underestimated how popular the launch would be, despite hitting almost half a million players just during pre-release tests.

The Wardogs Early Access release is priced at $39.99. The price will increase as the game's full release nears. So if you're interested, it would be smart to buy earlier to save some money.

The launch follows a huge response to WARDOGS’ pre-release tests, with nearly half a million unique players joining the August Closed Beta and the final pre-launch test peaking at 245,118 concurrent players on Steam. One reaction kept coming back: players hadn’t had this much fun in an FPS in years.

That feeling inspired the message behind today’s launch trailer, PLAY LIKE YOU USED TO. Paying homage to Halo 3’s iconic ‘Believe’ trailer, it celebrates an era when multiplayer games were social, unpredictable and impossible to put down.

WARDOGS aims to bring that feeling back through 100-player battles between three rival teams, combining tactical gunplay, vehicles, construction and destruction across three maps, each with three variations. Battles can shift from coordinated pushes to complete chaos in seconds, while local voice chat across all three teams brings allies and enemies into the same conversations, creating the unpredictable moments already driving thousands of clips, streams and videos from the community.

Steam Programming Fest is Live

Shawn Zipay — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 18:53:20 GMT

It's a Unix system. I know this!

The Steam Programming Fest is now live on Steam through September 14 at 10 AM PT. These next four days will allow you to pretend to be a 1337 h4x0r. Dust off those Cheeto bags, crack open a cold one (Mtn. Dew), and prepare to code as you've never coded before (because you probably haven't).

Taking a look at some of the "Popular Discounted" titles participating in the sale, we can see some real hidden gems. I don't know. Maybe they're hidden gems? Maybe they're well known amongst the faux-coders community of gamers?

Anyway, some of the top games on sale right now include: shapez 2 - Factory (-50%), Code: Terraform (-10%), The Farmer Was Replaced (-20%), Desktop Explorer (-20%), IT Specialist Simulator (-25%), and Stationeers (-25%).

Hideo Kojima Partners with XBOX on Physint Release After PlayStation Pulls Out of Partnership

Shawn Zipay — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 03:54:38 GMT

Friendship ended with PlayStation, now XBOX is new best friend?

In January 2024, Hideo Kojima's Kojima Productions and PlayStation's Hermen Hulst announced that they were partnering on a new action-espionage title called Physint. This deal would see PlayStation publishing the Kojima-developed title, making it a PlayStation 5 exclusive release.

Outside of a brief update in August 2025 where Kojima shared some of the stars that will appear in the game and a poster, not much else has been revealed. It has been assumed that Kojima Productions was still mainly focusing on the upcoming horror title OD for XBOX Game Studios while development on Physint continued at a slow but steady pace in the background.

Either development wasn't moving fast enough for PlayStation, or the Sony-owned company just wanted to save money, because they ended their partnership with Kojima Productions for Physint.

Hideo Kojima announced tonight that PlayStation wanted to cancel Physint back in June 2026. In the months since, Kojima Productions hunted for a new publishing partner for the game. They ended up going once again with XBOX. The official announcement was first made by Kojima Productions earlier tonight.

Today, we are excited to confirm that our journey with PHYSINT continues with Asha and the team at XBOX.

XBOX understands and shares our bold creative vision, and this expands our relationship with XBOX beyond OD. As we move forward with the development of PHYSINT, we remain committed to redefining the action-espionage genre for players around the world.

Hideo Kojima shared more information on his social media shortly after his development studio's official statement was released.

As confirmed earlier through our official channels, in mid-June of this year, we unexpectedly received notice from PlayStation Studios that they would cancel the PHYSINT project. PHYSINT is an important project both to me personally and to KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS. Determined to keep the project alive, we have spent the last three months searching tirelessly for a new partner. In the course of seeking advice and pursuing negotiations with people across many fields, we found in XBOX a partner with whom we share a common vision for the future, and we have decided to team up with them once again. Please rest assured that development of PHYSINT, our genre-defining action-espionage title, is ongoing and will continue moving forward.

With XBOX now publishing Physint, it is assumed (though unconfirmed) that the game will release on XBOX Series X|S and PC. With XBOX going back and forth on multi-platform releases, it isn't quite out of the realm of possibility that the XBOX-published Physint will also release on PlayStation 5.

Massive Steam Leak Spoils Story and Achievements for Dozens of Games, Some of Which are Not Even Announced

Shawn Zipay — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 03:07:52 GMT

Persona 6, Kingdom Hearts 4, Fable, Penis Bird... All the heavy hitters are here!

In the early hours on Wednesday, August 9, a huge leak brought about by the Steam API spilled the beans on over 125 games. These titles had their achievement lists freely available for anybody with an internet connection to browse.

The situation becomes particularly intriguing when it is revealed that many of the titles mentioned in the leak had not yet been publicly announced. Even more concerning is that several of the leaked achievements included spoilers for characters, locations, and significant plot points in these upcoming games, regardless of whether the games themselves had been announced.

Several unannounced titles surfaced in a recent leak, including new games based on Dune, Star Wars, Sonic, and Avengers, as well as a game inspired by the TV show Twin Peaks. Additionally, significant plot points and locations from various announced titles were revealed in this leak. These titles include Kingdom Hearts 4, Persona 6, Gears of War: E-Day, Fable, Control: Resonant, Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, among many others.

It should go without saying that if you want to avoid all spoilers for any of these titles, you may need to go on a lengthy social media blackout. For example, the Disney worlds and IPs featured in Kingdom Hearts 4 are now known despite Square Enix keeping those locations close to their chest thus far. Dungeon names and the setting for Persona 6 are also now known despite that game not coming out until mid-to-late 2027 at the earliest.

It's important to note that even if a title appears in the list below, there is no guarantee that the game will be released on Steam. For instance, Squadron 42 is included among the titles listed. However, as of now, the single-player component of Star Citizen has not been announced for release on Steam. Additionally, that release is still quite a ways away, so it's uncertain what will happen by the time it arrives.

According to Forbes, the exact cause of the Steam API leak is unclear. What is known is that a "bug allowed these achievements to be accessed through Steam's API." This vulnerability enabled third-party services and websites, such as SteamDB and Exophase, to obtain achievement information, user scores, and player counts for various titles.

The full list of games that had achievements leaked:

4Loop
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Thieves
Alien Breed 35th Anniversary Collection
Anomalith
Armatus
Ashes of the Singularity II
Attack on Titan 3
Beer Collecting Simulator
Billie Bust Up
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night 2
Bluey’s Happy Snaps
Brawl Stars Spin-Off
Brazilian Drug Dealer
Candy Crush Game
Carrion 2
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse
Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival
Clutch
Control: Resonant
Crazy Taxi: World Tour
Custom Hobo
Danganronpa 2×2
Demi and the Fractured Dream
Deus Ex Remastered
DoubleShake
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3
Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World
Dune Game
EA Sports FC 27
Echo Weaver
Escape Academy 2: Back 2 School
Fable
Falsus
Fate/Extra Record
Final Fantasy Resonance
Flock Off!
Game of Thrones: War for Westeros
Garfield: Escape from Monday
Gears of War: E-Day
Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee Remastered
Golf With Your Friends 2
Grave Seasons
Graveyard Keeper 2
Guns of Eschaton
Gussun Oyoyo (Risku Challenge)
Half-Life Multiplayer Fan Mod
Hitman: World of Assassination Collection
HIVESWAP: Act 3
HoloTrials: Case Covered
Horizon Hunter’s Gathering
Jackbox Party Pack 12
Judas
Kena: Scars of Kosmora
Kidbash: Super Legend
Kingdom Hearts IV
Last Epoch
Lords of the Fallen II
Magical Blush
Magicians: The Devil’s Deal
Mega Man: Dual Override
Metal Max 2 Reloaded
Minecraft Dungeons 2
Nailcrown
Nickelodeon Animal Crossing-like Game
Nivalis Nights
Only Up
Order of the Sinking Star
Panzer Dragoon Zwei: Remake
PAYDAY: Aces High
Penis Bird
Persona 4 Revival
Persona 6
PGA Tour 2K27
Planet Zoo 2
Police Simulator
Professor Layton and the New World of Steam
Projekt Z: Beyond Order
PUBG DED .NET
Rayman Origins Enhanced Edition
Remothered: Red Nun’s Legacy
Restitched
Rev. NOiR
Rhapsody in Scarlet
Road Kings
Rurouni Kenshin
Sea of Thieves
Shrek 2 Remaster/Rerelease
Silent Hill: Townfall
Silent Hill: Townfall
Silver Pines
SiN Reloaded
Slime Rancher Gacha Game
Sonic Game
Squadron 42
Star Trek: Outposts
Star Wars Shooter Game
Star Wars: Galactic Racers
Stranger Than Heaven
Stuntman: Hollywood
Stupid Never Dies
Tales of Eternia Remastered
TankRat
Telltale’s The Walking Dead Collection
Terminator: Survivors
Terranigma
Tetris Game
The Avengers Game by THQ
The Free Shepherd
Thief: The Dark Project Remastered
Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis
Touhou Game
Trails in the Sky: 2nd Chapter
Trine 6
Tropico 7
Turok: Origins
Unknown ALF Game
Unknown Twin Peaks Game
Unknown Vehicle PvP Game
Uta Macross
Valor Mortis
Wardogs
Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun 2
Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate – Deathwatch
Warhammer: Survivors
Warrior Cats: Clans of the Forest
Witchbrook

Metroid Ravenous Announced - Release Set for January 28, 2027

Shawn Zipay — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 02:32:30 GMT

Nintendo's usual pricing policies apply.

Nintendo announced Metroid Ravenous during their Direct showcase. The newest mainline entry in the sci-fi action series will be a Switch 2 exclusive and will be released on January 28, 2027. Pricing starts at $59.99 for the digital edition, $69.99 for a physical copy, and $119.99 for a Special Edition that is listed on Nintendo of America's website.

The footage that Nintendo showed off makes it look like the game continues from 2021's Metroid Dread. The big differences in this new title include a greater focus on melee combat as well as the ability to eat your enemies. Those who wanted vore content from Samus will be eating real good come January. Pun intended.

It’s eat or be eaten for Samus Aran in an all-new 2D adventure, coming to Nintendo Switch 2! Plus, the Metroid Ravenous amiibo collection will release with individual Samus and Chozo Statue figures at launch. A third amiibo in the lineup, Samus (Metroid Suit), will be bundled with a Special Edition that includes the game and a steel game case. Both the standard and special editions launch Jan. 28, 2027, and pre-orders begin later today.

The Last Caretaker 1.0 Aiming for Spring 2027 Release

Shawn Zipay — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 02:07:00 GMT

Waterworld but with a robot instead of Kevin Costner.

The Last Caretaker development team, Channel37, says that they hope to release version 1.0 of the game in spring 2027. If all goes according to plan, the game will leave Early Access and become officially available on PC and XBOX, as well as Game Pass.

The Last Caretaker first entered Early Access in November 2025. The game has received seven major updates and has sold over 400,000 copies. Players have averaged "approximately 50 hours in its drowned world."

A roadmap of past and future updates still to come came from Channel37 today. It seems like there are a couple of additional big updates in the immediate future, with several more secret ones coming later.

Accompanying today's news is a new XBOX launch trailer. The launch trailer is just several months early. No biggie. XBOX owners can add The Last Caretaker to their wishlists right now.

THE ROAD TO 1.0
Channel37 reveals a new roadmap covering the journey ahead, highlighting major themes still to come, including new systems, locations, progression, and story developments, while teasing exciting new content already in development, still to be revealed.

The next major step is Update 6.0, planned for PC in early October 2026, expanding the world and its systems as The Last Caretaker moves closer to the larger questions and events shaping the full game.

FROM EARLY ACCESS TO 1.0
The Last Caretaker entered Early Access with a clear mission: recover human seeds from a drowned Earth, restore the systems needed to grow them, and launch humanity back into orbit. Since then, the humans in orbit have formed Committees and reached back toward Earth through Project Eden. New vehicles have opened the ocean vertically, from deep-water exploration to aerial travel. HoloMemories, Cultural Memories, new locations, and quest-lines have revealed more of the world's history.
Alongside new content, Channel37 has continued improving performance, stability, usability, and existing systems, guided by how players actually play.

AFTER 1.0
Spring 2027 marks the end of Early Access and the beginning of the next chapter for The Last Caretaker.

Channel37 will continue expanding the game beyond 1.0, with new content, systems, locations, stories, fixes, and surprises still to come. While 1.0 marks the completion of the Early Access journey and the game’s full release, the world of The Last Caretaker continues to grow.

Eight Years Later PUBG Finally Adds DLSS Support

Shawn Zipay — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 19:46:42 GMT

Plus Wardogs, 007 First Light, and More.

Nvidia updated its list of DLSS-supported titles this week with a generous handful of new and updated games. Some games are getting DLSS 4.5 support, while at least one on the list, NBA 2K27, is the single title that receives DLSS 5 support.

The addition of DLSS to PUBG: Battlegrounds is perhaps the most notable inclusion in today's list. DLSS support for PUBG was first announced in August 2018 alongside the launch of Nvidia's 20 Series GPUs. This also happens to be when DLSS was first introduced to the world. It took eight years and four new DLSS versions, but at least PUBG finally has DLSS support now.

A new GeForce Game Ready Driver is also available today. This new driver is best for those who plan on playing 007 First Light's path tracing update. This driver is also apparently needed for PUBG's DLSS Super Resolution update. It's Game Ready for Active Matter, Aniimo, and Wardogs.

A peak at next week's path tracing update for 007 First Light can be found below.

Here’s a closer look at the new and upcoming RTX games:

Honeycomb: The World Beyond: Frozen Way and Snail Games USA’s survival-sandbox game is available now on the alien planet of Sota7. GeForce RTX gamers can enhance visuals and accelerate performance with DLSS 4.5 Super Resolution and Dynamic Multi Frame Generation, while ray-traced effects are enhanced with NVIDIA RTX Direct Illumination and DLSS 4.5 Ray Reconstruction.
WARDOGS: BULKHEAD and Team17’s large-scale All-Out Warfare FPS enters Early Access on September 10th, following more than 1.5 million Wishlists and over 500,000 players in its August closed beta. GeForce RTX gamers will have day-one access to DLSS 4.5 Super Resolution and Dynamic Multi Frame Generation, while NVIDIA Reflex optimizes PC latency.
PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS: On September 10th, the popular free-to-play battle royale adds support for DLSS Super Resolution. GeForce RTX gamers can use NVIDIA app’s DLSS overrides to upgrade to the latest DLSS 4.5 models, enhancing image quality and accelerating performance across every match and mode.
007 First Light: On September 15th, IO Interactive’s James Bond adventure will receive a major visual update adding path tracing and DLSS 4.5 Ray Reconstruction. Combined with existing DLSS 4.5 Super Resolution and Dynamic Multi Frame Generation support, the update will deliver more immersive lighting, shadows, and reflections. Players without a capable GeForce RTX PC can also stream the game with an Ultimate GeForce NOW membership.
NBA 2K27: NVIDIA DLSS 5 with 3D-Guided Neural Rendering is now available in NBA 2K27, marking the technology’s debut. Available on GeForce RTX 50 Series GPUs and laptops, as well as GeForce NOW, DLSS 5 uses AI to enhance visual fidelity while giving game artists precise control over the final look.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — Remastered: CD PROJEKT RED’s acclaimed RPG returns on September 29th with a free upgrade featuring path tracing, DLSS 4.5 Ray Reconstruction and Dynamic Multi Frame Generation. DLSS Super Resolution is also being upgraded to version 4.5. Gamers can also expect The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — Songs of the Past, a new expansion coming in 2027.
Active Matter: Gaijin Entertainment’s hardcore military PvPvE, PvE and PvP shooter launches on September 15th with DLSS 4.5 Super Resolution, Ray Reconstruction and Dynamic Multi Frame Generation. These technologies accelerate performance and enhance image quality, giving GeForce RTX gamers additional performance headroom for the game’s ray-traced reflections and shadows.
Aniimo: Pawprint Studios’ free-to-play creature-catching open-world RPG launches September 16th with DLSS 4.5 Super Resolution and Dynamic Multi Frame Generation. In early 2027, Aniimo will also introduce NVIDIA ACE, enabling players to interact with their creatures using natural language and voice commands powered by a locally hosted Nemotron Small Language Model running on their GPU.

Dave the Diver Surpasses 10 Million Units Sold

Shawn Zipay — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 18:14:54 GMT

You can have it all, but how much do you want it?

David the self-contained underwater breathing apparatus diver, better known as Dave the Diver, has now surpassed 10 million units sold across all platforms. This figure accounts for the sales that began when Dave the Diver entered its initial Early Access launch in October 2022.

Mintrocket says that their game hit this monumental milestone in August, just before Dave the Diver released on mobile platforms (iOS and Android). Even that mobile release sold quite well, with "1 million units already sold during the soft launch in China."

Dave the Diver is currently available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, XBOX One, XBOX Series X|S, Switch, Switch 2, macOS, Steam, Epic, and is coming soon to iOS and Android.

DAVE THE DIVER is a casual single-player adventure/role-playing/simulation game that pairs deep-sea exploration with sushi restaurant management. Gameplay is built on three pillars: restaurant management, where players can customize their menu, serve guests and grow their reputation, sea exploration where players deep dive into the mysterious Blue Hole, which has lots of secrets to unearth; and boss fights featuring unique mechanics and twists.

This unique gameplay blend, enhanced with a combination of pixel/3D hybrid graphics and Mintrocket’s signature style and humour, continues to resonate with players worldwide.

Over the past three years, DAVE has gone from strength to strength with regular free and premium downloadable content updates featuring cherished IP including Godzilla, Like a Dragon, Dredge, and more. The most recent expansion, DAVE THE DIVER - In the Jungle, released on June 18th this year, has already surpassed 1 million units, attracting both a strong commercial and critical reception, earning a ‘Mighty’ 91/100 rating on OpenCritic.

“Everyone here at Mintrocket continues to be blown away by the passion and love that Dave the Diver attracts even years after launch,” said Jaeho Hwang, Head of Studio and Game Director, Mintrocket. “We are looking forward to expanding the Dave the Diver franchise in the future, including the upcoming cooking simulation and adventure spin-off, Bancho The Chef. We want to thank everyone who has shown their faith in us, and we can’t wait to share our future plans.”

And in case the reference in the supplied image wasn't obvious (as it wasn't to me until I saw it pointed out elsewhere)...

New Extended Gameplay Footage for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake

Shawn Zipay — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 00:12:56 GMT

Fans are divided on the new look for Ocarina of Time.

Nintendo held a special Direct today for The Legend of Zelda's 40th anniversary. The company showcased a handful of new Zelda-related announcements, including a new extended gameplay look at the Ocarina of Time remake, new amiibo figures, new concerts, and the absolutely wild name they gave the upcoming The Legend of Zelda live-action film.

Without a doubt, the biggest reveal from the Direct was the new gameplay footage for the upcoming remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. The extended gameplay footage is presented by producer Eiji Aonuma. Alongside this new gameplay footage, a more general trailer was also released for the remake of Ocarina of Time.

Nintendo announced that The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time will be released on the Switch 2 on November 5, 2026. Fans are already busy on social media and forums debating whether or not the new art style for Ocarina of Time is good or bad.

Also shared with fans today was a "Triforce Medley" arrangement that was specially made for Zelda's 40th anniversary. Nintendo says that the work is "themed around Wisdom, Power, and Courage - the virtues of the Triforce - and includes a medley of various songs." Relatedly, a live orchestra for The Legend of Zelda kicks off in January 2027 in Japan. Further down the line, dates will be added for locations in the U.S., U.K., and Australia. Tickets for the performances in Japan will start to go on sale later this month.

There will soon be special Zelda-themed tickets available soon for the Nintendo Museum. The special tickets will be sold for about one year. The museum will also get a special history of Zelda timeline board installed. On November 5, 2026, the museum will also offer a special photo opportunity where visitors can, at the very least, be near the Master Sword.

Nintendo will soon sell real Ocarinas and other merchandise themed around the Zelda franchise. There will be two different Ocarinas available for purchase. One will be a standard wind instrument from the Nintendo Store, while the other Ocarina is an electronic one from Hori. Other new merch includes LEGO sets for adult Link and Epona. There will also be new amiibo released of young Link and young Zelda.

Of course, what would a 40th anniversary be if Nintendo didn't also announce the release of a limited Ocarina of Time console and matching Pro Controller? Both of these will be available starting October 29, 2026.

Finally, Nintendo let the cat out of the bag on the final title for the upcoming live-action film for The Legend of Zelda. The movie will be called... The Legend of Zelda.

The Legend of Zelda arrives in theaters on April 30, 2027.

Sports Commentator Says NHL 27 is Using Gen-AI Voiceover for In-Game Commentary

Shawn Zipay — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 22:23:42 GMT

As if some of you needed another reason to boycott EA.

Veteran sports commentator John Buccigross says that Electronic Arts and EA Sports are using generative AI for portions of the commentary in NHL 27. The broadcaster shared this news on the latest episode of the Chirping Zebras podcast.

During the episode, Buccigross shared some of his experience working with EA Sports on the NHL games that the studio puts out annually. While Buccigross says that he did record lines for NHL 27, he was also presented with several generative AI lines, using his voice, that will provide further commentary at times throughout the game.

They're using some AI now; they played me some stuff back of my voice. It's like 'Wow, that's pretty good!' If that means less work but the same check, I'll take it.

Sure, Buccigross, you're getting a paycheck now, but that might not be the case in the coming years when you are fully replaced by AI. The fact that Buccigross doesn't see the problematic bigger picture is quite concerning and an indication of the mindset that many still hold when it comes to generative AI taking jobs.

Buccigross continues to share how some of the lines he heard from the generative AI were incorrect.

Sometimes AI will get something wrong. One of the guys was playing it back, and a lot of these guys maybe aren't hardcore sports fans; they're video game extrordinares. They're not always up on the vernacular. So they're playing back my AI voice, and they're like, 'Score! And the crowd gets out of their chairs!' I was like, 'No, they're not chairs. They look like chairs, but we call them seats.'

So, little things like that, you gotta go back and listen because words matter. [...] But then you can make AI smarter; in the future they'll say seats, they won't say chairs. You have to manually put that in. That was kind of a funny anecdote from the process.

This won't be Electronic Arts' first use of generative AI in their games. There were indications that generative AI was used in several assets in Battlefield 6. This year's releases of NCAA College Football, Madden NFL, and FC all have disclosures on their respective Steam pages informing players that generative AI was used during development.

In the past year (since April 2025), several rounds of layoffs have hit various divisions and studios within Electronic Arts. There were several hundred employees laid off at the end of April 2025, another 75 laid off from Cliffhanger Studios in May 2025, and an unknown number of layoffs across Battlefield Studios, Full Circle, and Electronic Arts. More layoffs are expected since EA was sold off. Since the deal was finalized, Electronic Arts told debt investors that it will cut $700 million in annual costs, including $170 million in "organizational efficiencies," better known as mass layoffs.

Old West Weapons Coming to theHunter: Call of the Wild

Shawn Zipay — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 21:14:19 GMT

Become a hunting cowboy not a cowboy hunter.

theHunter: Call of the Wild will soon have a few new weapons for players to hunt with. The Old West Weapon Pack DLC adds a trio of powerful, "iconic" 19th-century classic weapons. These old weapons, which will be new to you, include a "hard-hitting rifle, a double-barreled shotgun, and a single-action revolver."

The new weapons will arrive on September 15 for PlayStation, XBOX, and PC. For more details on the new weapons, read below. Yes, they do have actual names in the game beyond the generics of "hard-hitting rifle" and such. The weapons are the Hween .45-90 Buffalo, Humphrey 10G Coach Gun, and the Maijo .44-40 Special.

This Old West Weapon Pack will sell for $4.99, and you can apparently pre-order it right now if that's the sort of thing you feel like doing for a three-weapon pack.

The Old West Weapon Pack features three firearms:

Hween .45-90 Buffalo - based on the iconic Sharps Model 1874, the most legendary single-shot rifle of the time. This weapon delivers massive destructive force within short-to-middle ranges. A deliberate firearm that rewards absolute precision, it features highly detailed animations, an adaptive dual-mode Buckhorn sight. Choose between versatile Cast Lead Flat Nose ammo for forgiving trajectories on medium-to-large game, or high-impact Soft Lead bullets that maximise stopping power on massive game at 100-150 meters. It also includes two variants of a period-appropriate rifle scope for long-range accuracy.
Humphrey 10G Coach Gun - this thunderous double-barreled shotgun fires heavy 10-gauge brass black-powder shells, blasting a massive, high-damage pellet spread. While its thick white muzzle smoke and unpredictable scatter demand you get close, its external hammers and partial reload, swapping only the spent shell offers great tactile feedback. Fire 10GA Brass Black Powder loaded with Birdshot for small game (classes 1–2), Buckshot for medium game up to bears (classes 4–7), or heavy Slugs for ultimate hard-hitting, short-range penetration on massive game (classes 6–9).
Maijo .44-40 Special - Unleash the ultimate Wild West sidearm fantasy. Based on the legendary top-break Schofield revolver, the single-action Maijo .44-40 trades a sliver of raw power for lightning-fast, superior handling. Its internal automatic extractor purges instantly all six spent casings the moment you break open the frame. Engineered to dominate animal classes 2–5, the Maijo can be loaded with .44-40 Black Powder for a deep, low-frequency boom that shakes the wilderness, or .44-40 Full Metal Jacket smokeless ammo for a fast, snappy recoil pattern and elite, high-velocity penetration.

Arjun Joins the Street Fighter 6 Roster on October 13

Shawn Zipay — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 17:21:02 GMT

Who knew that Yoga could be so dangerous?

A new gameplay trailer is out today for Arjun, the newest fighter coming to Capcom's Street Fighter 6. Arjun will be the second character released in Year 4 of Street Fighter 6 when he arrives on October 13.

Capcom showed off Arjun's deadly Yoga Breathing techniques in a new gameplay trailer. The studio also shared a look at new Challengers artwork and effects that are inspired by the upcoming Street Fighter movie. These new movie tie-ins are available in Street Fighter 6 just for a limited time.

Arjun's biography and fighting abilities can be found below his new gameplay trailer. He will be available for those who purchase the Year 4 Character Pass or own the Year 4 Ultimate Pass.

As for the movie, Street Fighter will hit theaters on October 16, 2026.

Arjun served as a police officer in India until the day his trusted partner was murdered, and Arjun was framed for the crime. Now he lives on the run, dedicating his every breath toward uncovering the mystery behind the death of his partner. Arjun’s Yoga Breathing techniques make him a stalwart powerhouse that sacrifices speed for powerful strikes capable of dealing recoverable damage to his opponent even after being blocked, devastating projectiles and clever traps he that combine to steal his opponent’s breath away in one fell swoop.

Arm of Justice: a versatile winding punch that saps his opponent’s energy with variants for different attack strengths and an optional Follow-up
Cruel Shoulder: a lunging forward shoulder tackle with different properties depending on the strength of the attack
Breathing Ring: a ring of air made through body and spirit that he can follow up with Breathing Shockwave to send the ring forward as a projectile at various angles
Divine Pillar: Arjun blows enough air into the ground to raise the ground into a pillar of earth, with the strength of the attack determining the distance and holding the button delays the pillar’s activation
Justice Beyond: Using Cruel Shoulderto contact an active Divine Pillarallows Arjun to grab the pillar and swing it at his opponent in any direction
Ghastly Interrogation: a command throw that only deals recoverable damage, but can deal normal damage if the opponent has already received recoverable damage
Indomitable Defense: Arjun uses his yogic breathing to hyper oxygenate his muscles so he can turn any incoming melee strikes into counterattacks dealing recoverable damage
Moral Breakdown: While Indominable Defense is engaged, Arjun throws both fists forward to deal recoverable damage on block or normal damage on hit
Howling Destruction: Arjun’s Level 1 Super Art mows down foes with quick bursts of his breathing technique
Instant Oblivion: Arjun’s Level 2 Super Art sends foes flying into the air and far away from him where he can set up a Divine Pillar
Yaksha’s Order: Arjun’s Level 3 Super Art sees him disrupt his opponent’s inner ear before he performs a cinematic devastating attack

Arjun will be unlocked on October 13 for players who own or purchase the Year 4 Character Pass or Year 4 Ultimate Pass. Arjun’s Outfit 1 depicts him while he is on the run in pursuit of vengeance, while Outfit 2 represents an idealized vision of Arjun that his put his quest for justice behind him. Outfit 2 can be unlocked by maxing out his Acquisition Gauge in Avatar Arcade Mode or with Fighter Coins. Arjun is the second character to be released from the upcoming Year 4 roster including Tifa from the FINAL FANTASY VII Remake Series, Bosch, and the previously released Yasmine.

Onimusha: Way of the Sword Surpasses 1 Million Sales on Launch Day

Shawn Zipay — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 23:11:08 GMT

The hunger for a new Onimusha is real.

Cumulative sales of the Onimusha franchise now exceed 10 million units, thanks to very strong first-day sales for Onimusha: Way of the Sword.

According to Capcom, Onimusha: Way of the Sword sales surpassed 1 million units on its September 4, 2026 launch day. It seems obvious that fans of the franchise were very eager for a new game after not getting a fresh release in over 20 years.

Onimusha: Way of the Sword, which marks the first new title in the series in over 20 years, is a swordplay action game featuring protagonist Miyamoto Musashi that is set in Edo-era Kyoto. This title enhances the exhilarating sword-based action of the series with cutting-edge technology while also providing a compelling story and beautiful visual depictions. In addition, through several marketing initiatives prior to launch, such as multiple demo releases and hands-on exhibitions, Capcom worked to expand awareness among a broad range of users, resulting in sales surpassing 1 million units on the day of its release.

The new game serves as a bit of a reboot for the franchise that retains some loose ties to the original titles. Even if you never played the original games, you shouldn't have any issues jumping straight into this new release.

The strong sales are probably helped by the fact that reviews for Onimusha: Way of the Sword are quite positive, sitting at 86% on OpenCritic.

PAX Unplugged Houston Announced

Shawn Zipay — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 21:34:38 GMT

PAX expands with a fifth expo.

PAX co-organizers ReedPop and Penny Arcade announced a fifth entry in their series of PAX expos. The newest is PAX Unplugged Houston and will serve as a complementary expo to the PAX Unplugged event held in Philadelphia every year.

PAX Houston is the second in the tabletop-focused Unplugged expos. This new one will be held at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas. The expo runs from Friday, June 25 through June 27, 2027.

Tickets are expected to go on sale later this year.

PAX Unplugged Houston will provide a second destination for card and board gaming enthusiasts to celebrate their shared passions. The show will host a massive expo floor featuring the biggest exhibitors in analog gaming, panels with industry experts and content creators, tournaments, community meetups, and other activities to bring the PAX community together. Further details will be revealed in the lead-up to the event.

"Whenever we get done with PAX Unplugged out in Philly, I just want to rewind time and do it all again," said Jerry Holkins, co-founder of PAX, Penny Arcade and Child's Play Charity. "This is the next best thing. And it'll be great to see our old friends from down that way."

Onimusha: Way of the Sword Launches

Shawn Zipay — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 17:51:45 GMT

It's been two decades...

Onimusha: Way of the Sword is out today from Capcom. This new release is available on PlayStation 5, XBOX Series X|S, Switch 2, Steam, and Epic. This marks the first new Onimusha game in 20 years.

Travel to a hellishly twisted version of Kyoto during Japan's Edo period. While the game features real-world locations and historical figures, it still brings to life local myths and a dark fantasy world. Playing as Miyamoto Musashi, a young samurai, players will take on plenty of demons.

Supporting Musashi on his journey is the legendary Oni Gauntlet. This powerful artifact grants him extraordinary abilities that surpass human limits, enhancing his strength, agility, and resilience.

The demo for Onimusha: Way of the Sword is still available across all platforms if you would like to try it before you buy it. Onimusha has received quite favorable reviews, sitting at 86% on OpenCritic. The biggest complaints reviewers seem to have are with pacing as well as the game's difficulty, or rather, the lack thereof.

Musashi’s likeness in Onimusha: Way of the Sword is also based on a legend, Toshiro Mifune, the late Japanese movie star whose iconic roles include portraying Musashi in "jidaigeki" period films. In the game, Musashi’s path takes an unexpected turn after a run in with the demonic Genma. He soon finds himself armed with an Oni Gauntlet, a mystical artifact that grants abilities beyond human limits. While this power allows Musashi to slay these monsters from the underworld, he desires to fight with his strength alone. In his quest, he’ll face many gritty, blood-soaked brawls.

The action-packed gameplay of Onimusha: Way of the Sword revolves around satisfying sword-to-sword clashes with a deep arsenal of combat techniques. These maneuvers include parrying, deflecting, dodging, and more. The series’ signature gameplay features, Issen counterattacks and Soul Absorption, also return and add layers of decision making for players in the heat of battle.

Throughout the game, Musashi will also gain Oni Armaments that offer unique tools to turn the tide in his favor, and Oni Abilities that empower him to perform supernatural feats both in and out of battle. These powers also provide ways to explore previously unreachable areas and take on new challenges that await there, such as duels with formidable bosses. Together, these action elements deliver supreme swordplay combat and a gameplay experience that is uniquely Onimusha.

Maneater 2 Announced

Shawn Zipay — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 23:39:27 GMT

"The only thing on the mind of a shark is to eat." - Lil Wayne

Tripwire Interactive and Demiurge Studios announced that they are currently developing Maneater 2 for PlayStation 5, XBOX Series X|S, Switch 2, Steam, and Epic. Once again, these studios are billing this sequel as an open-world action-RPG starring a shark. Or as it's better known to the team: shARkPG.

In Maneater 2, players will eat, explore, evolve, and escape from Neptune's Kingdom. Neptune's Kingdom is a five-star, luxury theme park and resort. Chris Parnell reprises his role as the disgraced reality TV host and narrator Trip Weshaven.

The Maneater 2 development team aims to release the game in 2027.

Maneater 2 takes players to the depths of Neptune’s Kingdom, a five-star, luxury theme park and resort where the splendor and opulence of the Roman Empire lives on… but not for long. Crash an exclusive, invite-only preview event hosting the world's most followed - and most delicious - influencers and media luminaries. Fascinating evolutions are occurring under the surface as a byproduct of the park’s highly-advanced Marine Research efforts to build attractions that push technological, natural - and ethical - boundaries. For the average human, Neptune’s Kingdom is the theme park of their dreams. For the bull shark, it’s a fully realized aquatic sandbox with secrets to uncover, courses and currents to traverse, dangers to overcome and an all-you-can-eat VIP buffet.

Eat: Dominate the top of the food chain and gorge on the five-star global cuisine in Neptune’s Kingdom. Feast upon wild-caught delicacies from the bustling marine ecosystem throughout the park grounds including pufferfish, jumbo crab, piranha, grouper and more, shall we say… unique offerings. Make sure to try the human, it’s delicious.
Explore: The open world is the player’s oyster. Take in the monumental architecture, make a killing on a thrill ride, grab a snack at Mojitodal and discover the secrets lurking in the deep.
Evolve: Marine research and conservation efforts at Neptune’s Kingdom’s aren’t just a great corporate tax break, they’re good for other things as well. What if humanity could provide the ecosystem with genetically modified tools to protect itself? With five different genetic modifications under their belt already, the park’s industry-leading bioengineers are pushing the ethical boundaries of science daily.
Escape: Behind Neptune’s Kingdom’s lavish facade is a disaster waiting to happen. It’s time to tip the scales back in nature’s favor. Mount an attempt to escape this fortress of scientific malpractice and corporate greed - all with the dubious help and one-sided commentary of disgraced reality TV host, Trip Westhaven (Chris Parnell).

Final Fantasy 7 Revelation Releases April 8, 2027

Shawn Zipay — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 23:02:00 GMT

Get ready for a lot of new gameplay footage.

Square Enix says that Final Fantasy 7 Revelation will be released digitally and physically on April 8, 2027. This is a simultaneous release for PlayStation 5, XBOX Series X|S, Switch 2, Steam, and Epic.

The release date announcement comes alongside other major Final Fantasy 7 Revelation news. There is a new, extended gameplay video, and pre-orders for the game also kicked off today.

Square Enix claims that Revelation offers up a "world without boundaries." Players will get to explore the planet by flying around the Highwind airship. While on land, Cloud and crew can mount Chocobos that will also evolve with new abilities throughout the game.

Master the perfected version of the series’ acclaimed hybrid combat system, with new playable characters Cid and Vincent and the new FITS system, which bestows new abilities and greater heights of power through the specialized roles of Warrior, Knight, Black Mage and Summoner. See Cid and Vincent wearing the Knight FITS and Summoner FITS, respectively, in the extended gameplay deep dive.

Today’s footage also reveals new gameplay features. Players can freely swap their active, controlled character, as well as their party makeup, at any time while exploring the world. Quickly scale rooftops and nimbly zip through the environment with the new grappling gun. By choosing which party members undertake certain quests, players can customize their narrative experience, impacting how certain events and scenarios unfold.

Of course, there are a bunch of different editions that are available for pre-order right now. This also includes a new "Trilogy Edition" that includes the first two titles and a pre-purchase of Revelation. Details on those different editions can be found below. Note that digital Switch 2 pre-orders will open at a later date. All other platforms have their pre-orders available now.

Players can pre-order the following editions at global retailers and the SQUARE ENIX Store:

Physical - PlayStation 5, XBOX Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2
- Standard ($69.99)
  - Day 1 Editions available at several retailers include Magic: The Gathering—FINAL FANTASY Final Showdown Promo Card*
  - Amazon Day 1 Edition includes folded poster
- Deluxe ($99.99)
  - Mini-Soundtrack
  - Artbook
  - Day 1 Editions available at several retailers include Magic: The Gathering—FINAL FANTASY Promotional Card
  - Steelbook case
- Collector’s Edition ($349.99) - SQUARE ENIX Store Exclusive
  - All “Deluxe Edition” contents, plus…
    - Premium statue (featuring Cloud, Zack and Sephiroth)
    - Story Expansion Pass**, granting access to two story-centered DLCs planned for later release***
      - Includes in-game accessory Reclaimant Choker
      - Includes Survival Set of useful in-game consumable items
    - In-game equipment Armor: Nymphwing Bracelet
    - In-game equipment Accessory: Risk Taker’s Choker
    - In-game item: Summon Materia: Mecha-Chocobo & Moogle
    - In-game item: Summoning Materia: Polydroid Alexander

Digital - PlayStation 5, PC, XBOX Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2
- Pre-order incentive (all editions): Summon Materia: Mecha-Chocobo & Moogle
- Standard ($69.99)
- Premium ($99.99)
  - Story Expansion Pass*, granting access to two story-centered DLCs planned for later release**
    - Includes in-game item Accessory: Reclaimant Choker
    - Includes Survival Set of useful in-game consumable items
  - Early Access, which allows for access to the game 24 hours before release
- Premium Plus ($109.99)
  - All “Premium Edition” contents, plus…
    - Digital Mini Soundtrack
    - Digital Artbook
    - Summoning Materia: Polydroid Alexander
    - In-game equipment Armor: Nymphwing Bracelet
    - In-game equipment Accessory: Risk Taker’s Choker

Additionally, fans and newcomers alike can digitally pre-order the FINAL FANTASY VII Remake Series Trilogy Edition ($84.99) to gain immediate access to FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE and FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH, plus the pre-order incentive Summon Materia: Mecha-Chocobo & Moogle in FINAL FANTASY VII REVELATION.****

In FINAL FANTASY VII REVELATION, Cloud Strife and his loyal companions face a world that teeters on the brink of annihilation. Grieving a beloved ally, and with their nemesis Sephiroth nearing godhood, the party takes to the skies aboard the airship Highwind in a race against time to stop Meteor, the ultimate destructive magic, and the total obliteration of the planet. The final battle has begun. Everything leads here.

Catch up on the series before FINAL FANTASY VII REVELATION arrives by playing the first two entries, FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE and FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH, out now across PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, XBOX Series X|S and PC. Players can take advantage of the Streamlined Progression feature in both titles, with options such as unlimited HP and MP, always-full ATB gauge and easier weapon ability acquisition to streamline the experience for those catching up. The two titles have together garnered massive critical acclaim, including several The Game Awards nominations and awards, over 140 perfect review scores and numerous Game of the Year accolades.

Players with save data from FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE and/or FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH on their console or PC will also unlock special bonuses in FINAL FANTASY VII REVELATION:

FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE:
- Summon Materia: Chocobo & Moogle
- FFVII REMAKE Weapon Skin Set
FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH:
- Summon Materia: Phoenix
- FFVII REBIRTH Weapon Skin Set

*The promo card is included in the PS5 / Xbox / Nintendo Switch2 box (English card only). Bonus item content and specifications are subject to change. Offer only available while stocks last.
**The FINAL FANTASY VII REVELATION Story Expansion Pass will be sold separately at launch.
***Story DLC 1 and Story DLC 2 are planned to be released between Winter 2027 and Spring 2028. Both DLCs will also be available for individual purchase after their respective releases. DLC content, release date, etc., are subject to change without prior notice.
****Pre-orders for the Trilogy Edition are currently available for PlayStation 5, XBOX and PC.

XBOX Adding Major Monthly Time Restrictions to Cloud Gaming

Shawn Zipay — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 22:07:45 GMT

Game Pass Ultimate is limited to just 15 hours per month.

XBOX is about to place some laughably bad time restrictions on cloud gaming for Game Pass subscribers. Starting in November, players will get, at most, just 15 hours per month of cloud gaming access, and that is only for Game Pass Ultimate subscribers.

Those with lesser subscription tiers will get even less time to game on the cloud. Game Pass Premium subs will get just 10 hours per month, and Game Pass Essential subs are limited to just 5 hours of cloud gaming per month.

Currently, there are no restrictions on the number of hours per month that Game Pass subscribers can spend gaming through the cloud. Subscribers will be able to continue playing their games through the cloud until the time limits go into effect in November.

Microsoft claims that they expect the change to only impact 4% of all Game Pass subscribers. It sure comes across as a particularly big "fuck you" to those 4% then.

If an individual utilizes all of their allocated play hours for the month and wishes to continue gaming, they will be required to purchase additional cloud playtime through the Xbox Store. Although specific pricing information has yet to be disclosed, Microsoft has stated that "available hours, purchasing options, and cloud gaming features may vary by market." Further details regarding pricing and additional information will be communicated to the public prior to November.

The reason provided for this change by XBOX is the most obvious one: Money.

We’re introducing this model because the cost of providing cloud gaming grows as more people use it and play for longer. Moving to monthly limits allows us to keep offering the service while continuing to invest in its reliability and performance. We understand that for some players the practical result is a higher cost.

Also in November, XBOX players will be able to purchase cloud playtime hours through the XBOX Store without a Game Pass subscription. XBOX says that this will "provide another option for people who want occasional access to cloud gaming or do not want a recurring Game Pass subscription."

The Three Rs of Planet Zoo 2 - Restoration, Rewilding, and Research

Shawn Zipay — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 20:48:58 GMT

Featuring the reintroduction of species.

The folks over at Frontier Developments shared the fifth episode of their Feature Focus series for Planet Zoo 2. Today's latest shines a bright light on the "reintroduction of species, the rewilding of land, and conservation research." Fans also get a look at a new Planet Zoo 2 feature: Wildlife Reserves.

This trailer takes a look at the Sumatran Wildlife Reserve, a location that was unfortunately hit hard by "human mining efforts." Players are tasked with restoring and rewilding this reserve. Multiple different ecosystems have unique requirements for their inhabitants.

Planet Zoo 2 will release on October 13 for PlayStation 5, XBOX Series X|S, and PC. The Standard Edition will retail at $49.99. There is also a Deluxe Edition for $64.99.

About This Game
Build a wilder world in Planet Zoo 2 – the sequel to the beloved zoo simulation game. Let your creativity soar by constructing and managing distinctive zoos around the world, full of awe-inspiring animals, including fully aquatic and flying species for the first time. Plus, take the next step in animal conservation and release your species into customisable, expansive Wildlife Reserves.

Discover a diverse roster of animal species, each with their own needs & behaviours. New faces join familiar favourites like the Lion and Western Chimpanzee to create iconic zoo rosters in jaw-dropping detail.

Construct beautiful habitats for your animals to thrive in as they interact with the world around them in authentic ways. From authentic herding behaviours to grazing on the vegetation you provide for them. Experience a generational leap of animal detail and immersion with incredible natural movements and expressive emotions that bring each animal to life like never before.

Prepare your diving suit! Fully aquatic species make a splash in their stunning debut! Build custom spectacular freshwater or saltwater aquariums to home an exciting line-up of delightful swimming animals. A new world beneath the water awaits, filled with colourful shoals of fish, Blacktip Reef Sharks, Hawksbill Turtles and so many more!

Soar to great heights with a diverse mix of bright & brilliant fully flying birds including the vibrant Toco Toucan and majestic Secretarybird. House your birds in fully customisable aviaries built from barriers, support poles and dynamic mesh covers, allowing them to fly freely and safely. Observe their dynamic behaviours on the ground and in the sky as they glide around unique habitats.

Conservation goes beyond your zoo! Take on global conservation projects and meet specific requirements to release your animals into fully customisable, expansive Wildlife Reserves across the globe in living ecosystems created by you.

Build the zoo of your dreams across multiple globe-spanning biomes, with four brand-new scenery themes covering iconic architecture from around the world and five returning themes from the original Planet Zoo, providing you with an expansive library of scenery items to build/create with.

Effortlessly design your zoos using a range of ready-to-place blueprints or get creative with the Planet franchise’s iconic piece-by-piece construction tools to bring your own ideas to life.

Delve into every detail with scaling, flexi-colour & easy-to-use pathing systems, together with new foliage and terrain brushes to make grand changes to your zoos and Wildlife Reserves.

Construct perfect habitats for appealing animals to bring in guests, boosting your zoo’s rating and earning money to fund further expansion.

Manage day-to-day zoo life as you create immersive spaces for your guests packed with educational opportunities around every corner. Cater to their requirements with a variety of shops and amenities to curate the perfect day out.

Join FEN (Fauna and Ecosystems Network) in a fun-filled adventure around the world in Career mode. Build a global network of zoos and Wildlife Reserves and trade animals with other players in Franchise mode or enjoy unlimited creativity in Sandbox mode.

Discover a world of community content in the Frontier Workshop. Freely explore and download player-created blueprints and creations from across platforms and subscribe to your favourites to place them in your zoos.

As Battlefield 6's Anniversary Nears EA Shares Major Map Revisions

Shawn Zipay — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 22:40:38 GMT

A two-week anniversary event, map revisions, and more.

Season 4 of Battlefield 6 is rolling into its final phase, and EA has just pulled the curtain back on the upcoming Tidal Strike update. While fans of the Top Gun collaboration will be happy to hear that Carrier Strike and Fighter Sweep are sticking around, Battlefield Studios is bringing plenty of new changes. From an upcoming anniversary celebration to massive structural map reworks being tested for the game's future, here is everything you need to know.

First, a look at some of the big changes Battlefield Studios

Battlefield Labs Tests Massive Map Overhauls

While the Tidal Strike update focuses on immediate balance changes, the biggest news for the long-term health of the game is what Battlefield Studios is testing for Season 5 and beyond.

Through Battlefield Labs, the development team is preparing massive layout changes for New Sobek City and Blackwell Fields in Conquest, fundamentally changing how these maps play. If you've felt like these maps lacked flanking routes or safe approaches, the team is testing heavily altered layouts focusing on:

Increased Verticality: More ways to reach rooftops and gain a tactical height advantage.
Better Pacing & Flow: Greater separation between HQs to stretch the battlefield.
Safer Approaches: Additional terrain breaks and cover to help infantry push objectives without getting immediately shredded by armor.
Vehicle Warfare Rebalancing: Testing new interactions between air and ground vehicles to refine how they counter one another across these newly designed spaces.

Blackwell Fields Old vs. New

New Sobek City Old vs. New

These aren't just minor cover tweaks; they are structural shifts designed to make the Conquest experience far more dynamic when Season 5 eventually rolls around.

1st Anniversary & The Phantom Program

It’s hard to believe, but Battlefield 6 is approaching its first birthday. To celebrate, a two-week anniversary event will kick off toward the end of September. Players can expect a slew of exclusive rewards tied to in-game challenges that can be completed entirely within the regular playlist rotation.

For the Easter egg hunters, The Phantom Program is returning in REDSEC. Dropping into Solos, Duos, or Quads will allow players to hunt for scattered intel to piece together an access code. If you can crack it, you'll be able to breach Fort Lyndon’s security system for a unique challenge.

Tidal Strike: Tsuru Reef Balancing & Gameplay Tweaks

For players currently grinding Breakthrough in the live game, Tsuru Reef is getting a much-needed overhaul with the Tidal Strike update. Data and community feedback showed the map heavily favored defenders, so Battlefield Studios is shifting capture zones, tweaking spawn locations, and opening up new aquatic flanking routes for boats to help attackers gain a foothold.

Combat across the board is also getting a polish:

Cleaned-Up Reticles: Aiming sights have been redesigned with a better "glow" shader and reduced visual clutter to make them easier to read.
Vehicle Balance: The RCB-90 Patrol Boat will be easier to steer and will take less damage from miniguns. Meanwhile, the Little Bird's miniguns will overheat faster, and pilots will no longer see directional lock-on indicators from AA missiles, raising the skill ceiling for evasive flying.

REDSEC Gets Proximity Chat & Leaver Penalties

Battle Royale fans are getting a massive tactical (and chaotic) addition in the Tidal Strike update: Proximity Chat. The new system is entirely directional and accounts for environmental blockers like walls and vehicles. Up to four players can be heard at once, with easy UI toggles to mute or report toxic players.

To clean up the competitive experience, new AFK Kicks and Leave Penalties are being implemented. Players who repeatedly bail on their squads in competitive playlists will now face escalating matchmaking bans.

Finally, for you creative types out there, Battlefield Portal is adding an Ocean Sandbox Map alongside expanded water and cloud customization. Portal will also add official support for King of the Hill and Domination modes.

NexusMods Acquires SteamDB

Shawn Zipay — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 19:31:29 GMT

The focus now is on making money.

After 13 years of operating as an independent resource, the popular Steam tracking platform SteamDB has officially been acquired by Nexus Mods. Originally launched in 2013 as a hobby project by Pavel "xPaw" Djundik and Marlamin, SteamDB grew into a massive platform used by millions to track player counts, pricing history, and backend game updates.

The decision to sell the platform came after its creator experienced severe burnout from the immense mental load of maintaining the database essentially on his own. In a statement, Djundik explained that following the COVID-19 pandemic and the rapid rise of AI, "the internet we once loved is gone," and his passion for the solo project had waned. He began looking for a new owner earlier this year to ensure the site's survival.

What started as a hobby project became something I could never have imagined. I always took pride in what kind of a helpful service I was able to create and sustain for all kinds of gamers and, in later years, developers and publishers. With its helpfulness came growth, but that doesn't come for free. I have always considered SteamDB to be my hobby, but the amount of hours I have worked on it could be considered a full-time job. It was pure passion, and the ever increasing self inflicted workload has taken its toll.

After COVID and with the rise of AI, the internet we once loved is gone, and with it my passion. I have started experiencing burnout with the project, but I powered through.

Moving forward under the Nexus Mods umbrella, the reality of sustaining such a massive infrastructure means a shift in financial strategy. Nexus Mods has been transparent with the community, stating directly that SteamDB now needs to generate revenue to support a dedicated team and long-term investments. However, the new owners have firmly reassured users that every single feature currently free on SteamDB will remain completely free. A detailed FAQ sheds more light on the immediate plans for SteamDB.

We're going to be straight about this rather than dance around it: yes, SteamDB needs to make money.(...)

That said, we want to be smart about it, and it’s very important that we don’t degrade SteamDB from the amazing resource it is today. While we could simply put ads on the website, we don’t think that’s the right approach here. So we’ll be looking at other, lighter-touch ways to make the website sustainable. This may include use of partnerships, integrations, and affiliate links with publishers when you buy a game after visiting SteamDB. These are harder to do, take longer to set up, and may not show the benefits immediately, but we’re happy to take that hit in the interest of doing things right.

To further ease community skepticism regarding monetization, Nexus Mods confirmed there are no plans to introduce intrusive display ads or lock existing data behind paywalls. Users will not be forced to link a Nexus Mods account to use the platform, as SteamDB will retain its own distinct brand, website, and community.

As for tentatively planned changes, the acquisition is expected to deeply benefit the broader modding ecosystem. Nexus Mods plans to leverage SteamDB’s vast historical data regarding game updates, manifests, and file depots to drastically improve mod management and compatibility.

By tapping into SteamDB's backend information, future Nexus mod managers could easily detect the exact version of a game a player is running. This integration would allow the software to determine if installed mods are compatible and automatically warn users if an incoming game update is likely to break their setup. While these new features are being explored, Djundik will remain on board over the coming months to help guide the transition and ensure SteamDB's legacy is protected.

No Rest for the Wicked Delayed

Shawn Zipay — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 00:15:45 GMT

Though still available in Early Access now.

Moon Studios says that the 1.0 release for No Rest for the Wicked has been delayed until March 2027 for both PlayStation 5 and PC. The XBOX Series X|S and Switch 2 releases are currently "to be determined." Pre-orders for the PlayStation 5 version will open in January 2027.

In a post addressed to their fans, Moon Studios says that the extra time will give their studio more time for general polish "and the litany of enhancements expected in the 1.0 version."

No Rest for the Wicked is an action-RPG from the studio that made the first two Ori titles. Moon Studios also moved the cutoff date for the Founders Pack from July 10, 2026 to January 1, 2027 for PC players. All PlayStation 5 pre-orders, when those open in January, will get the Founders Pack.

Those unwilling to wait can still pick up No Rest for the Wicked on Steam Early Access.

The Founders Pack includes:

A New Secret Hideout: Spirit Cavern – The legacy of Moon Studios now lives inside No Rest for the Wicked. A hand-crafted home that bridges both worlds.
Sayer’s Vow: An all new Sword in the stone that only early adopters can extract in the game world.
A Custom Founders Tag ensures players are clearly identified as early adopters.
As a Founder member, players will get access to an exclusive Public Beta Test Realm reserved just for them, even after the 1.0 game launch.

No Rest for the Wicked is the highly celebrated action-RPG from Moon Studios, the same team behind the critically acclaimed Ori and the Blind Forest and Ori and the Will of the Wisps. The game is an enticing blend of dark storytelling, painterly visuals and best-in-class soulslike combat and RPG design. Players take on the role of a “Cerim,” a member of a holy order imbued with mysterious powers, tasked with destroying the Pestilence, an ancient plague that has begun to consume the island Isola Sacra, itself already the site of great political upheaval and death. Players can collect and craft weapons, items and more to turn the tide of each battle, upgrade their character and personal homestead and play their part in an epic tale of bloodshed and bravery. Since its launch in Early Access, No Rest for the Wicked has been supported with multiple major updates, including co-op multiplayer, PvP duels, and expanded combat possibilities.

Monster Energy and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Promotion

Shawn Zipay — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 23:21:40 GMT

Embrace the gamer stereotype for exclusive content.

Monster Energy and Call of Duty have teamed up for a special promotion for the launch of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4. This new promotion allows players to unlock exclusive in-game content such as Double XP. It is even possible to win one of four Monster Energy X Polaris off-road vehicles.

Even though Modern Warfare 4 isn't out until October 23, Mon-heads (that's what I think Monster Energy fans probably call themselves) can begin to collect and redeem codes right now. The rewards will be available through March 31, 2027. The promotion is via eligible purchases of Monster Energy Original Green, Monster Energy Zero Sugar, and Monster Energy Zero Ultra.

The first five codes unlock:

1 Code: Large Decal – “Tagged” + 15 minutes 2XP
2 Codes: Weapon Blueprint – Kilo437 AR “Green Light” + 15 minutes 2XP
3 Codes: Operator Skin – “OG Green” + 15 minutes 2XP
4 Codes: Weapon Blueprint – SN Limax Sniper “Canned” + 15 minutes 2XP
5 Codes: Operator Skin – “Zero Chill” + 15 minutes 2XP

And there’s more to come: a mystery drop is planned during the initial live seasons, giving players an additional reward to unlock with another qualifying code once the item is revealed. Plus, select retailers will feature specialty bonus in-game content such as Emblems, Charms, Weapon Stickers and Dual 2XP.

This year, the partnership also extends beyond the digital. Monster Energy is teaming up with Polaris, the global leader in powersports, for four retailer-exclusive off-road vehicle giveaways, giving fans four different opportunities to win through participating stores.

7-Eleven – Polaris RZR Pro XP 4 Ultimate SxS
QuikTrip – Polaris RZR Pro XP Ultimate SxS
Hy-Vee – Polaris Switchback Assault Snowmobile
RTG – Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 Ultimate ATV

To enter, fans should look for Monster Energy Call of Duty promotional displays in-store and follow the instructions at that retailer, including scanning the QR code to access that specific sweepstakes. See participating retailers for full details.

“Monster Energy and Call of Duty have been fueling each other's worlds for years, and we're taking that partnership to another level with Modern Warfare 4,” said Jordi Gayola, CMO of the Americas at Monster Energy. “The rewards build with every code, but what makes this year especially exciting is taking the partnership beyond the game with Polaris and giving four fans the chance to bring some of that action into the real world.”

The limited-edition Monster Energy Call of Duty cans are available in 16 oz. in Original Green, Zero Sugar and Zero Ultra. Special Monster Energy Call of Duty multipacks will also be available in 4, 12, 15 and 24 packs.

Nvidia DLSS 5 to Officially Debut on September 3 with NBA 2K27

Shawn Zipay — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 22:40:14 GMT

Will thankfully be limited to the RTX 50 Series and completely optional.

Nvidia will officially release DLSS 5 on September 3, starting with NBA 2K27. This new "3D-Guided Neural Rendering" iteration of DLSS will be possible only for those with Nvidia GeForce RTX 50 Series GPUs and laptops. It will also be completely optional if you aren't a fan of what it does to the games it's used in.

Nvidia claims that DLSS 5 is "a major step forward in using AI to bring real-time graphics closer than ever to Hollywood-grade photorealism." That is certainly a very bold claim to make, especially after seeing some of the horrors that came about this past week after the DLSS 5 DLL leaked online.

Through a close partnership with developer Visual Concepts and publisher 2K, NVIDIA is bringing DLSS 5 3D-Guided Neural Rendering to NBA 2K27, achieving a new level of authentic sports experience for its players. With DLSS 5, you can see how light naturally passes through player ears, the natural lighting of skin, and how light catches hair, all while preserving the facial geometry scanned from real-world athletes.

DLSS 5 will arrive on September 3 at 9PM PT. You may consider this a warning if you wish. DLSS 5 in NBA 2K27 can be enabled on September 3rd by following these steps:

To enable DLSS 5 in NBA 2K27, players will need to download a new GeForce Game Ready Driver launching on September 3rd at 9pm PT, revealing the option for DLSS Neural Rendering in-game:

Download and install the September 3rd driver from our website or the NVIDIA app
In-game, select “Video Settings,” and turn On “DLSS Neural Rendering”
Configure other DLSS Super Resolution, Frame Generation, and NVIDIA Reflex options to your liking
Toggle DLSS Neural Rendering during gameplay and replays via F9 on your keyboard

Escape from Playtime Announced - 4-Player Co-op Set in the Poppy Playtime Universe

Shawn Zipay — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 20:43:36 GMT

Ah, a new entry in the PPU.

Escape from Playtime is a newly announced 4-player co-op title set in the Poppy Playtime universe. Mob Entertainment shared a first look at this title.

In Escape from Playtime, players take on the role of the "Cute-yet-disturbing Smiling Critters." As these Smiling Critters, you are tasked with finding materials that will be used to build a mysterious project "that promises escape from the factory." Players will have to contend with the "factory's most dangerous denizens" that aim to stop progress on this escape plan.

Escape From Playtime is a co-op survival horror game set deep inside the abandoned Playtime Co. factory. Players take on the roles of the Smiling Critters, the dead-eyed toy line with gaping smiles first introduced in Poppy Playtime: Chapter 3, and explore classrooms, warehouses, testing labs, and the dark corridors connecting them all.

Played solo or with up to three other players, each run sends teams into a dynamically changing section of the facility to find and transport resources for a mysterious Voice. The materials are needed to help build a promised home for toys who prove their loyalty and usefulness. Simple enough, except the factory is filled with rejected Playtime Co. creations stalking the halls. Players will need to search quickly, choose when to split up or stick together, and know when it is time to retreat.

Along the way, players can solve puzzles, uncover clues, scavenge tools, use hiding spots and alternate routes, and turn the factory layout to their advantage. Proximity voice chat adds another risk: communication is essential, but an irresponsible whisper can bring the mission to a brutal end.

As runs are completed, Escape From Playtime reveals a deeper connection to the larger Poppy Playtime story. The Voice promises freedom and a home, but its motives remain unclear. Every resource gathered feeds into something bigger. You are helping build something, but what, and why?

Key Features:

Critter Co-Op: Play solo or team up with up to 3 friends in a fight for survival inside Playtime Co. More Critters means more ground covered and more chances for something to go horribly wrong, all enabled with proximity voice chat.
The Voice: A mysterious Voice sends players into the facility to collect scattered parts and resources. Gather what you need, bring it back safely, and try not to ask too loudly who or what you are really working for.
Scavenge to Survive: Use whatever the factory gives you to stay alive. Search for tools, uncover clues, find hiding spots, create distractions, and use alternate routes to outmaneuver the rejected Playtime Co. creations stalking the halls.
Mini Mode: Crawl, jump, and climb through every nook and cranny of the Playtime Co. factory as a Smiling Critter and experience some of the most iconic Poppy Playtime locations through a new (smaller) set of eyes.
Familiar and New: It’s Playtime Co. as you know it, with a twist. The mysterious Voice seems to be altering the factory’s layout, creating procedurally generated environments that change with each run.

EARLY ACCESS
Escape From Playtime is being built with Early Access in mind, giving players a strong core loop at launch while leaving room for the community to help shape future growth. The initial release is planned to include the full eight-character Smiling Critter roster, one starter zone, and a core enemy lineup. Future updates are expected to expand the game with new zones, Critters, features, and refinements informed by player feedback.

Lawn Mowing Simulator 2 Releases September 23

Shawn Zipay — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 20:08:21 GMT

Cut the grass and then touch it.

Lawn Mowing Simulator 2 is set for release on September 23 on PlayStation 5, XBOX Series X|S, and PC. This is "the sequel to the original fan-favourite mowing sim played by over 3 million players."

Really? 3 million players for the first game? Wild.

Lawn Mowing Simulator 3 tasks you with kicking off an entirely new career in the wild world of lawn care. You will use a range of licensed, real-world equipment. Missions will take you all over the good ol' US of A, mowing everything from suburban lawns to commercial grounds.

You will be able to set up contracts, hire new employees, and maintain your equipment from the comfort of your own fully explorable headquarters.

Lawn Mowing Simulator 2 delivers "cutting-edge new grass technology" that has been "rebuilt from the ground up for Lawn Mowing Simulator 2." Locations will now feature "millions of blades of grass at each location." Lawns feature a "more natural, lifelike appearance, with variations in grass height and tuftiness." This will be a clearer indicator to players of "how to approach each section in cut height and speed."

Experience unbe-leaf-able new leaf blower gameplay with the all-new leaf clearance contracts. Blow around thousands of leaves at once, collecting and capturing them all to leave each location spotless.

Keep mowing fresh with changes to the game world when revisiting locations. One visit to a suburban house may see a new flower bed appear, while the addition of a flagpole or outdoor pool may bring additional challenges during the next; not every visit to the same location is identical each time.

Project Hail Mary Mixed Reality Game Announced

Shawn Zipay — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 19:24:19 GMT

An "untold chapter" from the book turned movie.

A new mixed reality experience is coming this fall for both mixed reality and VR platforms that is based on Project Hail Mary. The "experience" is called Project Hail Mary: Journey Among the Stars, claiming to be "an untold chapter in the Hail Mary mission."

A trailer for Project Hail Mary: Journey Among the Stars was shared today and should give fans a general idea of what this experience is all about. Pre-orders for PICO and Meta Quest 3|3S are coming soon. This experience will also be available for Android XR devices. If your headset is not compatible with mixed reality content, you won't be able to experience it.

Project Hail Mary: Journey Among the Stars is in development at Maze Theory.

About the game
Ryland Grace and his friend and crewmate Rocky must work together in the face of disaster to keep the Hail Mary intact and bring their world-saving cargo to Eridani — Rocky’s home planet, and Grace’s new home.

Step into the role of Ryland Grace in an untold chapter of the Hail Mary mission, experiencing humanity’s last hope firsthand as deep space grows increasingly uncertain around them. As this mixed-reality experience blends your own physical environment with the Hail Mary itself, you’ll diagnose problems, improvise solutions and push the limits of science and engineering to keep the mission alive.

Project Hail Mary: Journey Among the Stars is an interactive mixed-reality adventure about trust, communication and the first true friendship between species, revealing an intimate new perspective within the cinematic world shaped by filmmakers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, based on Andy Weir’s bestselling sci-fi novel.

Features:

Work alongside Rocky to keep the mission alive
Experience a new, untold chapter of the Hail Mary’s story, created specifically for mixed reality
Diagnose failing systems, and improvise scientific solutions
Manage your ship and its precious cargo as you travel through the stars
Experience humanity’s last hope firsthand

Demo Accounts vs Real Money Accounts: Here's What You Need to Know For Sports Betting and Online Gambling

Major 0 — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 17:48:11 GMT

Online wagering offers two distinct experiences: learning in demo mode and engaging in real-money play. Both approaches bring enjoyment, strategy and different levels of excitement. It's always a big question when playing on a site. Should you go with a demo game or a real money game? If this is something you have been asking yourself for a while, here are some tips to bear in mind.

Online sports betting continues to attract interest for its mixture of entertainment and strategy. Demo modes allow users to explore how betting works in a relaxed, risk-free environment. Real-money wagering, on the other hand, introduces higher engagement and more immersive decision-making.

What Is Demo Wagering in Online Gambling and Sports Betting
First things first, what's the major difference here? Demo gambling gives users a chance to understand sports betting and online casino games without any financial involvement. It is often the starting point for those who want to learn how odds, markets and outcomes work in a practical way. It's especially useful for players who don't know exactly what they're doing yet. This means that you can engage in games without having to make any real investment. You get to use the virtual coins offered by the site to place your gambling and betting options.

The appeal of platforms like betway is that they often provide both demo and real-money options in one place, giving users flexibility as they develop their style. Many people start in demo mode, then gradually move into real betting once they feel comfortable with the mechanics. This progression helps create a smoother learning curve and a more enjoyable overall experience.

Real-money Gambling and Sports Betting

Then you have real-money betting.

Real-money gambling adds a layer of intensity that demo play cannot fully replicate. When actual funds are involved, every decision feels more immediate and engaging, which is part of the attraction for many users.

Unlike demo environments, real-money play creates a stronger emotional connection to outcomes. Wins feel more rewarding and losses are real, they're not just made-up numbers in the virtual sky. This dynamic is a key reason why many players find the experience more immersive.

Platforms such as betway are known for offering a wide variety of sports markets, helping users explore different types of events and betting styles. From poker and slot games to major leagues to smaller competitions, the range of options allows for a highly personalised experience.

Entertainment Value and Engaging Experiences

A major part of online wagering’s appeal lies in its entertainment value. It allows sports fans to interact with games in a more active and involved way, turning watching into a more participatory experience. Demo modes contribute to this by letting users explore freely, while real-money play adds intensity and focus.

Different users approach betting in different ways. Some prefer casual exploration, enjoying the process of learning how markets work, while others enjoy the added excitement of real stakes. Both styles contribute to the overall appeal of the experience.

In fact, betway is often associated with a wide selection of betting opportunities, giving users the ability to switch between relaxed play and more competitive engagement. This flexibility is one of the reasons online wagering remains popular, as it allows people to shape the experience around their own preferences.

Creating a Strong Budget Strategy

A solid budgeting strategy helps users enjoy betting in a more structured and sustainable way. It begins with setting a clear amount dedicated to entertainment, ensuring that wagering remains part of a broader leisure plan rather than an open-ended activity.

Breaking this budget into smaller time periods, such as weekly or monthly limits, can make it easier to manage. This approach helps prevent overspending and encourages more thoughtful participation, which is always the goal.

Keeping a simple record of activity can be useful for identifying patterns. This makes it easier to adjust limits if needed and change personal strategies when it's needed.

Responsible Gambling Practices
Finally, responsible gambling plays an important role in ensuring the experience remains enjoyable and balanced. Setting clear limits on time and spending helps maintain control and keeps the focus on entertainment rather than pressure.

Demo modes are useful for building discipline, as they allow users to practice decision-making without financial risk. This can help establish healthy habits before moving into real-money play.

Simple practices such as taking regular breaks and reviewing activity can make a noticeable difference. These habits help keep the experience structured and prevent it from becoming overwhelming. A balanced approach ensures that wagering remains a positive activity. By staying mindful of limits and maintaining perspective, users can enjoy the excitement of sports betting while keeping it under control.

Ultimately, good budgeting and responsible gambling and betting are about balance. It's about approaching the market with caution and excitement at the same time.

Steam PvE Survival Crafting Fest is Live

Shawn Zipay — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 20:08:49 GMT

Can you survive... this new Steam Fest?

This week opens with a new Steam Fest from Valve. The Steam PvE Survival Crafting Fest includes deals on, well, games that focus on survival. These are the games where you forage, hunt, craft, and just try to survive in all sorts of exotic locations such as out at sea, in space, and even your own backyard.

Touching grass has never been more frightening for a gamer.

Looking at some of the most popular games currently on sale, we've got titles such as Palworld (-30%), Project Zomboid (-33%), Breathedge 2 (-20%), Sons of the Forest (-70%), and the ever-popular Terraria (-50%).

The Steam PvE Survival Crafting Fest is live from right now through September 7 at 10 AM PT. Naturally, Valve made a new video for this Fest, so kick back and enjoy the next 1 minute and 31 seconds.

EA Motive Confirms Leak of Iron Man Gameplay Footage

Shawn Zipay — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 22:01:20 GMT

I'm also Iron Man?

Earlier this week, we announced that gameplay footage from a previously canceled Iron Man game had been leaked online. This footage originated from a project that Avalanche Studios was developing in the early 2010s. In the conclusion of that article, we emphasized that although Avalanche's Iron Man game is no longer in production, EA Motive is actively developing a new Iron Man game.

Well, it seems like footage from that EA Motive developed Iron Man game has now also leaked online. The footage started to circulate across social media on Friday, August 28. The footage is little more than some random clips pieced together showing Iron Man doing Iron Man things like flying around a city, shooting missiles and lasers, and beating up some bad guys. We also get a brief glimpse of what appears to be a S.H.I.E.L.D. helicarrier and some other characters.

The footage seems like it may have been taken from a longer or larger trailer that was created from an early development build of the game.

In case there was any doubt about the authenticity of the footage, EA Motive confirmed afterward that the leak was very real.

Well, that didn't go as planned. But now you know, and we've got a lot more to show you. See you when we're ready.

The leaked footage, available on Streamable, appears to be dated August 2026. This could suggest that it's an early look at a trailer that EA Motive is putting together for an upcoming showcase or event, such as The Game Awards in December.

EA Motive's Iron Man was announced in 2022. There hasn't been anything new shared about this game until this week.

Next XBOX - Project Helix - Includes 'Family of Devices'

Shawn Zipay — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 15:26:09 GMT

Oh, is everything an XBOX again?

XBOX's new CEO Asha Sharma says the next XBOX, still dubbed Project Helix, will be more than one device. Sharma says that Microsoft has been working on a "great family of devices."

This super huge news was teased by Sharma during an interview with the BBC at gamescom 2026. This is really just about everything Sharma had to say about Project Helix and XBOX's new hardware. The following statement was made after the BBC asked if Project Helix would include a disc drive.

We're not sharing more on Helix, I know you had to ask it. But look, we've been hard at work on a great next generation and a great family of devices for Helix, and we'll share more soon.

Sharma's statement could suggest any number of possibilities. Project Helix could end up being another Series X and Series S situation. That is, perhaps Microsoft will release a more powerful console à la the Series X, while also releasing a less powerful one, a "Project Helix Series S," so to speak.

It's also a real possibility that Microsoft is preparing another handheld companion device. There have even been some rumors that Microsoft could go the Steam Machine route, allowing third-party companies to make their own Project Helix based on reference specifications.

A final name and official reveal for Project Helix has not yet happened. We may see some news during the 25th anniversary of XBOX in November, or perhaps during The Game Awards in December.

Star Wars Zero Company Released

Shawn Zipay — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 22:44:02 GMT

Missing those 90% shots in a galaxy far, far away.

Star Wars Zero Company is now available on PlayStation 5, XBOX Series X|S, Steam, Epic, and the EA app. Take control of former Republic officer Hawks and the Zero Company, an "elite squad of unconventional professionals for hire," as they are recruited for an operation by Republic Intelligence.

Their singular mission is to "Stop the Infinite Coil, a Separatist-aligned cult, and their leader Kundri Fathom before the deadly Shadow Plague consumes the galaxy." All you'll need to do that is have a winning strategy and not miss any of those 90% chance to hit shots. Easy, right?

Lead the Clone Wars’ most cunning operatives in tactical operations, investigations, and other heart-pounding missions through a cinematic original story. Forge deep bonds between squadmates to unlock new combat synergies and turn the tide. Customize Hawk’s combat specialization and appearance, then fill out the team with original and custom-made Star Wars characters, tailoring their appearances, loadouts, and abilities. Strategize and adapt both on the battlefield and at your base of operations, The Den, to make every move count. Star Wars Zero Company charts the future of turn-based tactics by combining deep strategic gameplay with cinematic elegance for a blockbuster tactical thrill ride.

Star Wars Zero Company is now available in retail and digital storefronts for PC via the EA app, Steam, and Epic Games Store, and PlayStation 5 and XBOX Series consoles. The Digital Deluxe Edition, featuring unique cosmetic items inspired by the Clone Wars era, is available for $59.99 SRP on PC and SRP $69.99 on consoles. The Collector’s Edition is available for $299.99 SRP and features a Star Wars Zero Company-themed Hasbro Black Series Thermal Detonator, Steelbook, Desk Mat and more. Alongside the game’s launch, the soundtrack for Star Wars Zero Company, featuring an original score by GRAMMY® award-winning composer Gordy Haab, is available via Walt Disney Records.

XBOX Announced Their Disc to Digital Program this Week

Shawn Zipay — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 21:57:41 GMT

Testing begins August 31st.

This week, Xbox officially announced their disc-to-digital program. While they haven't given it a catchy name yet, the program will allow you to convert the physical disc games you own into digital licenses. This means you'll be able to play those games anywhere.

XBOX claims that "most" XBOX One and XBOX Series X disc-based games support this new feature. Once live, players will be able to claim a digital entitlement "by inserting a supported disc into an XBOX One or XBOX Series X console and launching the game." Once this entitlement is claimed, you can play that game everywhere that XBOX Play Anywhere is supported. This means that your game can be played on PC and various gaming handhelds. You also benefit from cloud saves and synced achievements. You will also be able to play everywhere that XBOX Cloud Gaming is supported. The physical disc will continue to work as always, should you ever just want to sit back down at your actual XBOX console.

According to the details provided in the announcement image, players will receive "one revocable digital license per game disc." This strategy appears to be Microsoft's way of preventing players from easily sharing games with each other to obtain a "free" copy of a game. Each Xbox disc has a unique identifier, allowing Microsoft to track ownership of licenses effectively. Additionally, once a disc is used on another console or account, the digital license will be immediately revoked from the previous account.

XBOX says they are starting with "thousands" of titles and they will add more over time.

The disc-to-digital program opens first for XBOX Insiders on August 31. It is not yet known when this program will leave testing and be made available to non-Insiders.

Silent Hill: Townfall Cast Includes Jovan Adepo, Terry O'Quinn, and Kezia Burrows

Shawn Zipay — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 19:34:00 GMT

Behold, the voice actors.

Konami shared the actors whom you will hear during your playthrough of Silent Hill: Townfall when it releases on September 24, 2026.

The English cast for Silent Hill: Townfall includes Jovan Adepo, Terry O'Quinn, and Kezia Burrows. Adepo voices Simon Ordell, the game's main protagonist. You may recognize Adepo as Elpenor in The Odyssey and Saul in 3 Body Problem.

O'Quinn is Richard, "an enigmatic man who summons Simon back to St. Amelia." O'Quinn is probably best known for his performance as John Locke from Lost. Amongst his many roles, O'Quinn also portrayed Howard Hughes in the awesome 1991 film The Rocketeer.

Burrows portrays Zoe, "a compassionate nurse whose voice reaches Simon through layers of static on a CRTV." Burrows voiced Emma Foster in the 2910 game Observation. She also had roles in Mewgenics, Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, and F1 25. She is also known for her performances in series such as Doctor Foster: A Woman Scorned and Apple Tree Yard.

SILENT HILL: Townfall is the next chapter in the SILENT HILL series, offering a fresh interpretation of psychological horror while remaining true to the franchise's enduring themes of mystery, tragedy and loss.

Experienced entirely in first person, Simon must explore, evade, and survive using a limited set of weapons and tools, including the CRTV, a pocket television used to tune into unstable signals. Evasion is tense; combat is frenetic, while narrative driven puzzles reveal a truth that refuses to stay submerged.

New Final Fantasy 7 Revelation Trailer from gamescom

Shawn Zipay — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 17:05:43 GMT

The WMDs of Final Fantasy 7.

Square Enix shared a fresh look at Final Fantasy 7 Revelation this week at gamescom. The new trailer shared by the developer offers a longer look at the Weapons, those hulking guardians of the planet that make no distinction between friend and foe.

This third and final entry in the Final Fantasy 7 Remake Series includes epic battles on desert sands, high in the sky, and even in the depths of the sea. Yep, Square Enix is including the submarine section from the original Final Fantasy 7 in Revelation, which was a total shock to actually see.

The new gamescom trailer also provided a look at the new Typhon summon, parachuting around the open world, the grappling hook, Chocobo mounts, and a look at Cloud and Tifa in their Warrior and Black Mage FITS. The "FITS" is the name Square Enix has assigned to the system wherein you can change a character's job/profession/role by changing their outfit.

Final Fantasy 7 Revelation is coming to PlayStation 5, Switch 2, XBOX Series X|S, Steam, and Epic in Spring 2027.

In FINAL FANTASY VII REVELATION, Cloud Strife and his loyal companions face a world that teeters on the brink of annihilation. Grieving a beloved ally, and with their nemesis Sephiroth nearing godhood, the party takes to the skies aboard the airship Highwind in a race against time to stop Meteor, the ultimate destructive magic, and the total obliteration of the planet. The final battle has begun. Everything leads here. FINAL FANTASY VII REVELATION delivers the unforgettable, breathtaking finale to one of the most ambitious projects in video game history and the culmination of 30 years of FINAL FANTASY VII storytelling.

In the game, the entire planet is freely explorable via the Highwind airship. Players can drop in via parachute anywhere, seamlessly transitioning from air to land. With Meteor descending and the Weapons unleashing terror, the planet’s conflicts are many, and the party will need to divide and conquer. Choose where to go, who to help and in what order as the planet itself fights for survival. Make one last stand alongside a beloved cast of legendary heroes, making decisions along the journey that can impact aspects of their stories. Customize combat by switching between real-time action and Tactical Mode in the series’ acclaimed hybrid battle system, now expanded and perfected with new playable characters and powerful new abilities.

Gravhounds Early Access in November

Shawn Zipay — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 01:02:15 GMT

It's a real dog-eat-dog world out there.

Gravhounds is an upcoming 1-4 player co-op action builder set to release to Early Access on PC, XBOX Series X|S, and Game Pass on November 2, 2026. The game's announcement trailer was shown at gamescom Opening Night Live and provided viewers with a look at "the game's chaotic, physics-driven mayhem."

Players are tasked with working together to build defensive fortifications as they work towards extracting valuable resources from the hostile alien planets. Oh, and you play as anthropomorphic dogs for some reason?

Gravhounds is in development from Octopus Panic, a studio founded by various veterans of both DICE and 343 Industries.

About GRAVHOUNDS

GRAVHOUNDS is a frantic 1-4 player co-op action builder where players drop into hostile planets as a pack of bio-engineered canine workers built for dangerous planetary operations. To survive the closing swarm and secure their haul, players must bend gravity to their will, improvise under fire, and successfully extract before they are overwhelmed.

Every mission is a risk-reward balancing act with deploying turrets, generators, and complex pipeline networks across treacherous alien terrain. The longer a pack decides to stay and push for high-value materials, the deadlier and more aggressive the alien swarm becomes.

GRAVHOUNDS features:

1-4 Player Co-Op – Intense alone, chaotic with a crew. Combine each Gravhound's unique strengths and improvise to beat back the swarm. Go lone wolf to expand the operation or stick with the pack to stand your ground.
Bend Gravity to Your Will – Use the powerful Grav Beam to fling objects across the battlefield or send enemies flying. Disclaimer: transporting volatile materials may result in unforeseen loss of Gravhounds.
Build to Survive – Deploy turrets, generators, and fabricators to expand your operation. Extend pipelines across hostile terrain to power your base, move critical resources, and keep your eventual escape route alive.
No Two Shifts Play the Same – Unlock powerful new abilities and upgrades mid-shift. Stack bonuses and reshape your loadout to adapt to a swarm that grows deadlier by the second – but so do you.
Move Fast, Die Last – High-speed mobility allows players to boost in any direction, hover, and reposition under heavy fire to race to a teammate's aid or make a last-second dash for materials.
High-Risk Extraction – Seek out treacherous planets for the best materials. Stay longer and push harder to increase your rewards, but beware: every extra second escalates the swarm, turning each shift into a high-stakes bet on what your pack can handle.

GRAVHOUNDS is developed by Octopus Panic, founded by veterans of 343 Industries and DICE, with development led by Halo 4 Creative Director and former Halo Studios Head, Josh Holmes.

“GRAVHOUNDS started with a simple idea: a crew of blue-collar dogs stranded on the far side of the galaxy, still expected to show up for work,” said Josh Holmes, co-founder of Octopus Panic. “For us, the best co-op moments are when things unexpectedly go off the rails, and somehow you still pull it off together.”

Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy Launch Trailer

Shawn Zipay — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 00:40:12 GMT

The prequel is a day away.

The launch trailer for Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy premiered during gamescom this week. Shown during Opening Night Live, the launch trailer gives a small taste of what fans can expect from this more action-focused prequel to the Plague Tale series.

Initial reviews for Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy are in. Resonance's 83% on OpenCritic seems to place it almost perfectly in line with both A Plague Tale: Innocence (82%) and its sequel, A Plague Tale: Requiem (83%).

Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy is out on August 27 for PlayStation 5, XBOX Series X|S, and PC. The trailer is set to a "striking reinterpretation of Depeche Mode's 'Enjoy the Silence'." This prequel is said to offer "a darker journey" for the franchise, which is a rather bold claim to make given what happens in the other two titles.

A darker journey into the world of A Plague Tale

Combining dynamic melee combat, exploration, environmental puzzles and narrative-driven adventure, Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy offers a new perspective on the beloved universe created by Asobo Studio.

Players will uncover Sophia's origins while exploring a parallel story set during the Minoan era, revealing long-buried secrets connected to the island and shedding new light on the origins of the Macula itself. From breathtaking coastal landscapes to forgotten labyrinths hidden beneath the earth, the game delivers an emotional and intense adventure where every discovery brings Sophia one step closer to the truth... and one step closer to the darkness waiting for her.

"This project has also been a special journey for our team, giving us the opportunity to explore a new perspective on the universe we created,” said David Dedeine, Co-Founder and Creative Director at Asobo Studio. “From the writing and gameplay to the music and environments, Sophia's journey resonates with our own; it hasn't been without its challenges, but we put our whole hearts into it.”

Crimson Desert "Enhanced" Revealed

Shawn Zipay — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 21:21:32 GMT

It's like a whole new game.

Pearl Abyss showed up at gamescom Opening Night Live with a new trailer for Crimson Desert. Specifically, they showed off the big 2.0 update for Crimson Desert, an update apparently so grand that they're now calling the game Crimson Desert Enhanced.

The Enhanced update is free to everyone who already owns the game. Included in the 2.0 update are a variety of new cutscenes and dialogue that create a "more cohesive experience" and a better flow to the story. As enjoyable as Crimson Desert is, much of the game's story and lore is easily missable and never actually shared with the player beyond some easily overlooked books. These new additions should hopefully alleviate that issue.

This update also adds five new languages: French, German, Spanish, Japanese, and Portuguese (Brazilian).

To celebrate this "Enhanced" 2.0 update, Crimson Desert is on sale across all digital platforms, including Steam. From now through September 9, you can purchase Crimson Desert for 20% off its normal price.

About Crimson Desert
Crimson Desert is an open-world action-adventure game developed by Pearl Abyss, globally released on console and PC platforms. A devastating ambush in the deep of night by their sworn enemies, the Black Bears, leaves members of the Greymanes dead or scattered across the continent. The Greymane Kliff is determined to reunite with his surviving comrades and rebuild what was lost. On a journey where alliances are forged, dangers abound, and mysterious factions are uncovered, Kliff comes to realize that an unprecedented threat and a destiny greater than he imagined await him.