Title: Speedrunner Discovers Groundbreaking New Glitch In Pokémon FireRed On Switch Date: Sat, 21 Mar 2026 18:12:19 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/pokemon-firered-leafgreen-glitch-speedrunning-2000680817 Swiss runner iamClemi accidentally hit the L button while choosing a starter, but something was off

Title: Nathan Fillion Explains Why He’s Not Continuing Firefly’s Story Beyond Serenity Date: Sat, 21 Mar 2026 16:00:17 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/nathan-fillion-uninterested-in-continuing-fireflys-story-past-serenity-alan-tudyk-2000680804 The animated series proposal would take place when all the characters are still alive

Title: Crimson Desert Dev Promises To Fix The Controls After All Of The Complaints About ‘Discomfort’ Date: Sat, 21 Mar 2026 15:37:31 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/crimson-desert-controls-fix-update-patch-2000680802 Pearl Abyss is "listening closely to your feedback," and its already working on a patch for those wonky controls

Title: You Can Finally Watch The Mystery Science Theater 3000 Episode That’s Been Lost For 37 Years Date: Sat, 21 Mar 2026 15:01:41 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/lost-episode-of-cult-tv-show-uploaded-to-youtube-mst3k-lost-media-2000680792 There's a reason Mystery Science Theater 3000 instructed fans to "keep circulating the tapes"

Title: Warframe Players Fear The Game Has Been Hacked After Receiving ‘Nefarious Invites’ [Update] Date: Fri, 20 Mar 2026 21:21:11 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/warframe-hack-invite-digital-extremes-support-report-2000680686 Digital Extremes is telling players not to accept these invites

Title: All the hype has already made Crimson Desert one of the biggest launches on Steam this year Date: Fri, 20 Mar 2026 08:49:30 +0000 Link: https://www.vg247.com/crimson-desert-steam-launch-numbers Crimson Desert, the open-world action RPG off-shoot from Korean MMO Black Desert Online, has officially launched, nearly six years after it was initially revealed. The game has been building up a lot of momentum over the years, which recently coalesced to turn it into one of 2026’s most anticipated titles. Read more

Title: Crimson Desert Review: Story Buried in the Sandbox Date: Wed, 18 Mar 2026 22:00:00 +0000 Link: https://www.vg247.com/crimson-desert-review Crimson Desert is a champion bodybuilder of a video game. Its gigantic world bulges with incredible scale, with shining graphical fidelity and a muscular combat system which excels at pulling poses with an undeniably impressive wealth of options. Read more

Title: Heartopia goes to the movies with its next event Date: Wed, 18 Mar 2026 08:53:56 +0000 Link: https://www.vg247.com/heartopia-dreamlight-cinematics-festival-details Heartopia’s next in-game event has been announced, and it’s one you may not have seen coming. Developer XD Games revealed Dreamlight Cinematics Festival, an upcoming limited-time event that celebrates cinema and movie-making. Read more

Title: Zenless Zone Zero Version 2.7 brings Angels of Delusion to the battlefield with playable Nangong Yu Date: Mon, 16 Mar 2026 09:39:19 +0000 Link: https://www.vg247.com/zenless-zone-zero-update-2-7-nangong-yu-hollow-champion-competition HoYoverse has delivered another Special Program for the second day running, this time for Zenless Zone Zero. The developer revealed the full details of Version 2.7, subtitled Champions Never Fall to the Past. Read more

Title: Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.1 livestream reveals a pared-back, four-week update as HoYo plays catch-up Date: Fri, 13 Mar 2026 14:13:44 +0000 Link: https://www.vg247.com/honkai-star-rail-version-4-1-star-rail-fest-ashveil A new Honkai: Star Rail Special Program has concluded, which means some fresh news about the game’s upcoming major update. Version 4.1, unveiled today as Unraveled for Daybreak, is the action RPG’s next moment, kicking off on March 25. Read more

Title: Minecraft Dungeons 2 Revealed, And It's Coming This Year Date: Sat, 21 Mar 2026 10:30:00 -0700 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/minecraft-dungeons-2-revealed-and-its-coming-this-year/1100-6538931/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f During Minecraft Live today, Mojang announced Minecraft Dungeons II. The sequel to 2020's dungeon-crawler is set for release this fall on all major platforms--as well as Game Pass--and people can start wishlisting the game today.Back in May 2025, it was reported that a sequel to Minecraft Dungeons was in the works, and has been for several years, so the announcement today was not a total surprise. Continue Reading at GameSpot

Title: The Next Minecraft Drop Could Be Its Most Chaotic Yet Date: Sat, 21 Mar 2026 10:30:00 -0700 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-next-minecraft-drop-could-be-its-most-chaotic-yet/1100-6538930/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f During Minecraft Live, Mojang announced its next drop: Chaos Cubed. While the drop doesn't have a confirmed release date as of yet, we're already excited for the chaotic potential it's sure to unleash. Among the things coming to Minecraft in Chaos Cubed is the brand new Sulfur Cube, which sees its physics and properties change as it absorbs various materials, though how that might work remains a mystery for now. We're taking the "Chaos" in Chaos Cubed pretty seriously, though.Based on our first look, we're imagining that feeding Sulfur Cubes wood will cause them to become sturdy, structural blocks, while perhaps sneaking them a slime ball will turn them into gelatinous, bouncy bundles of fun. While Mojang hasn't gone into the specifics of the physics that can be affected, that hasn't stopped us pondering the possibilities. You'll be able to feed a Sulfur Cube manually, or it can choose to absorb a material of its own accord, as long as it's in range.The Sulfur Cube will be found in the new Sulfur Caves environments. These areas can spawn in many of the overworld's biomes, meaning there should never be one too far away. Digging down should lead you to a cave with sulfur pools and new blocks to mine. Be careful though--sitting near these pools of water for too long will cause you to obtain the noxious effect, which we imagine will cause you damage over time.Continue Reading at GameSpot

Title: Microsoft Plans To Make Windows 11 Less Annoying Date: Fri, 20 Mar 2026 17:20:00 -0700 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/microsoft-plans-to-make-windows-11-less-annoying/1100-6538934/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f There are a lot of improvements coming to Windows 11 in March and April, according to Microsoft's Windows chief, Pavan Davuluri. And while some of the adjustments may not arrive right away, one of the more immediate changes will give users more control over how they use Windows 11 while also cutting down on AI integration in programs that don't need it.Davaluri detailed the upcoming changes in a blog post. One of the first notable options will be the ability to reposition the Windows 11 taskbar, which Davaluri noted was one of the most-requested changes. He later wrote that Microsoft will "be more intentional about how and where Copilot integrates across Windows." Programs like Notepad, Snipping Tool, and Photos will subsequently have "unnecessary Copilot entry points" removed.Users will also have more flexibility to decide whether to skip updates or schedule them at their leisure rather than being forced to go through with those downloads just to shut down or start up their systems. Davuluri added that File Explorer will be given a refined performance that will allow it to function more quickly and reliably. Widget options are also on the way that will allow users to choose how often they appear.Continue Reading at GameSpot

Title: Super Mario Galaxy Movie's Anya Taylor-Joy Barfed The First Time She Voiced Peach Date: Fri, 20 Mar 2026 15:33:00 -0700 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/super-mario-galaxy-movies-anya-taylor-joy-barfed-the-first-time-she-voiced-peach/1100-6538933/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f Anya Taylor-Joy is returning as the voice of Princess Peach in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, but she recently shared that voicing the character wasn't quite what she expected. During an appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers, Taylor-Joy said she threw up the first time she had a recording session for The Super Mario Bros. Movie."It's super fun," Taylor-Joy told Meyers. "But I will say the first time I ever did a session, I did not realize how taxing it would be because you're yelling continuously the whole time. I think the first time I ever did it, I threw up. I'm pretty sure, like, I drank so much water and I was like, 'Gotta do it.'"Taylor-Joy went to explain that she had to take part in the "efforts" at the end of the session. That's the part where she had to act out Peach's actions with every yell, grunt, and gasp called for in the script. She said that it felt "really cool" to do them, before adding, "You kind of visit yourself back and you think, 'God, I hope no one ever sees this,' because they do film them."Continue Reading at GameSpot

Title: All Sealed Abyss Artifact Locations In Crimson Desert Date: Fri, 20 Mar 2026 14:24:00 -0700 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/crimson-desert-sealed-abyss-artifact-locations-guide/2900-7618/ Are you spending hours looking for all Sealed Abyss Artifacts in Crimson Desert? These curious-looking objects can be found all over the continent of Pywel. That said, there are just too many of them, and trying to collect them all can be very taxing indeed. Fortunately, our guide here has you covered. However, given that we're also going to discuss late-game locations, you can expect a bunch of spoilers, too. Crimson Desert's Sealed Abyss Artifacts: How to find them and what does each one entail?Think of the Crimson Desert Sealed Abyss Artifacts as a cross between collectibles and challenges. There are over a hundred of these polygonal objects scattered throughout the game world. If you're searching the length and breadth of the continent for them, then you need to activate your Blinding Flash ability--i.e. press the lantern button and light attack button simultaneously.The glints of light you see in the distance can either be Abyss Nexus fast travel points, Abyss Cresset puzzles, or Sealed Abyss Artifacts. It's also worth noting that Sealed Abyss Artifacts are mostly found on altars and cairns by the roadside.Upon obtaining a Sealed Abyss Artifact, the challenge tally requirement will briefly appear at the left-hand side of your screen. Examples include defeating a certain number of enemies with a type of weapon or traveling a total distance while mounted on a horse.If you need to recheck the tally requirement, go to the Journal: Challenges menu. There, you'll see tabs for Mastery, Combat, Life, and Minigame objectives. Don't check the Sealed Abyss Artifacts through the inventory, since the descriptions therein are akin to riddles or cryptic passages. How to claim your Sealed Abyss Artifact rewardsWhenever you complete a Sealed Abyss Artifact challenge, the polygonal-shaped icon will appear at the right-hand side of your screen. Check your inventory to see which one of these objects is flashing, then select it. The item will open up and you'll receive your reward. These include Abyss Artifacts (skill points), Faded Abyss Artifacts (skill reset currency), and Abyss Gears (weapon and armor mods). Sealed Abyss Artifacts in Central HernandThe map above shows the locations of the Crimson Desert Sealed Abyss Artifacts in the region of Hernand, specifically the central part of the region with its capital and surrounding areas. Central Hernand Sealed Abyss Artifact locations and challengesArtifact 1: Sword of Trials ILocation - Near the fast travel point across Three Saints' Falls.Challenge requirement - Defeat three enemies within 30 seconds using a sword.Artifact 2: Shield of Unchanging Will I Location - Near the stables at the back of Castle Hernand.Challenge requirement - Defeat three enemies with a shield.Artifact 3: Sharpened Spear IILocation - Go to the confluence of rivers southeast of Hernand to discover a Greymane Shrine.Challenge requirement - Defeat 30 enemies within 30 seconds while using a spear.Artifact 4: Sword of Trials IIILocation - Along the road between Hernand Castle and the nearby farms.Challenge requirement - Defeat three enemies with a sword without taking damage.Artifact 5: Sliding Down the SlopeLocation - Due east of the Trading Post and Stables along Nas River.Challenge requirement - Slide down for 50 meters.Artifact 6: Keeping Balance on the WindLocation - Along a hilly path at Unicorn Cliff.Challenge requirement - Walk 10 meters on a rope.Artifact 7: Night of the Silent Banner PikeLocation - Along the road that leads to St. Halssius House of Healing.Challenge requirement - Destroy 10 Banner Pikes at night without being detected.Artifact 8: Spot the Trickery in DuoLocation - At the northeastern part of Anvil Hill between the Abyss Cresset and underground Abyss Nexus teleporters.Challenge requirement - Use Insight to catch a cheater in a Duo match.Artifact 9: The Herder's LamentLocation - Between the "A" and second "N" in "Hernand" on the world map.Challenge requirement - Sell three goats to Bram at the camp ranch.Artifact 10: Overwhelming Slash IIILocation - By the lakeside ruins southwest of Haunted Hill.Challenge requirement - Knock back 10 enemies within 30 seconds while using a sword.Artifact 11: Judgment of the StormLocation - Just past the encampments northeast of Haunted Hill.Challenge requirement - Defeat 30 enemies within one minute.Artifact 12: Father of the EarthLocation - North of the fast travel point in Three Saints' Falls.Challenge requirement - Carry five birds. Sealed Abyss Artifacts in Southern HernandThese are the Crimson Desert Sealed Abyss Artifacts in the southern reaches of Hernand. You're going to travel along these roads to reach the Scholastone Research Institute and Elowen the Witch NPC. Southern Hernand Sealed Abyss Artifact locations and challengesArtifact 1: Dancing Blade, Shining Shield ILocation - Due southeast of the Witchwoods.Challenge requirement - Defeat five enemies with a rapier within 60 seconds.Artifact 2: Shield of Unchanging Will IILocation - Near the village of Kharonso.Challenge requirement - Block 10 arrows with a shield.Artifact 3: Harmonious Hooves IVLocation - Along the road that leads south to Sunset Valley--i.e. It's past the field where you fight the Reed Devil boss.Challenge requirement - Ride on a horse from Sunset Valley to Varnia. (This means you have to stay on the road and ride from the southwestern edge of the map to the northeastern edge.)Artifact 4: EquipmentLocation - Just outside Sunset Valley at the southwestern tip of the world map.Challenge requirement - Craft a sword and a bow at the Smithy.Artifact 5: Harmonious Hooves VIILocation - Along the main road near the border between Hernand and Demeniss.Challenge requirement - Ride a Priden for over 100 meters.Artifact 6: Bare CourageLocation - Near a bandit camp north of Willow River.Challenge requirement - Take down three enemies within one minute without using a weapon.Artifact 7: Sword of Trials IILocation - At the base of the Steel Mountains south of the Spire of Insight.Challenge requirement - Defeat three enemies at the same time while using a sword. Sealed Abyss Artifacts in Northern HernandThe map above shows the locations of just some of the Sealed Abyss Artifacts in the northern sectors of Hernand. You don't need to rush things, since you'll be heading to these places to complete objectives in the Duchy of Calphade. Northern Hernand Sealed Abyss Artifact locations and challengesArtifact 1: Bow Aimed at Fate IILocation - On the riverbed south of Deepfog Basin.Challenge requirement - Defeat seven enemies in a row using only normal arrows.Artifact 2: Into the BarrageLocation - Along the main road at the eastern part of Deepfog Basin.Challenge requirement - Defeat five enemies at once while using a cannon.Artifact 3: Sharpened Spear IIILocation - At the pathway north of Hook Rapids.Challenge requirement - Take down five enemies within five seconds using the Stab ability.Artifact 4: DisruptionLocation - Across the river from Stormtalon Ridge.Challenge requirement - Defeat 10 One-Eyed Jackals while wearing the Black Bears' Leather Helm.Artifact 5: Touch of DarknessLocation - North of the Abyss Nexus teleporter in the Hills of No Return.Challenge requirement - Assassinate three enemies within one minute.Artifact 6: Sharpened Spear VLocation - Next to a Street Shop vendor halfway between the Hills of No Return and Drakesfall Gorge.Challenge requirement - Defeat five enemies without taking damage from spears while maintaining 100% health.Artifact 7: Animal MeatLocation - On a mountain ridge due north of the Sage's Peak.Challenge requirement - Acquire all meat knowledge.Artifact 8: Ground-Shaking Impact IIILocation - This is in front Trovak Camp, which is almost at the border of Pailune.Challenge requirement - Send five enemies flying at once with a two-handed club or axe.Artifact 9: The Vanished WagonLocation - Along the main road south of where you found Artifact #9.Challenge requirement -Artifact 10: Worth Its WeightLocation - In the farmlands north of Calphade.Challenge requirement - Sell 10 pigs to the Livestock Fence.That does it for our guide on where to find Sealed Abyss Artifacts in Crimson Desert. These are just the challenge tallies for the items in Hernand. We'll continue updating this guide with the locations for the collectibles in the other regions, so stay tuned. In the meantime, we encourage you to check our articles about the best skills/abilities and Ancient Ruins puzzles.The lands of Pywel are vast and you are the only one who can keep the peace. As you explore distant realms and battle numerous foes, you might want to read about various tips in our Crimson Desert guides hub.

Title: These 20 one-season anime are perfect for unwinding during the weekend Date: Sat, 21 Mar 2026 18:01:17 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/best-one-season-anime-binge-watch-weekend/ There’s an understated beauty to immersing yourself in a sprawling anime series. A thousand-episode-plus saga like One Piece might feel daunting, but investing in such an epic character journey is extremely rewarding — especially when the creators of a beloved franchise reinvent their narrative in progress midway, as JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure does with the Netflix adaptation of Steel Ball Run.

Title: Planescape: Torment is the best D&D RPG of all time, and it's still waiting for a sequel Date: Sat, 21 Mar 2026 17:30:17 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/dnd-planescape-torment-best-rpg-setting/ Labels are rarely as useful as they pretend to be, but mentioning Planescape: Torment to any RPG or video game expert as “one of the best RPGs of all time” is more likely to be met with a “you know what you’re talking about” smile than a “get out of here” scoff. In 1999, developer Black Isles Studios took the vast Dungeons & Dragons setting known as Planescape and used it to build a revolutionary genre-defining masterpiece that is still studied and discussed today. Despite that, Planescape: Torment never got a sequel, and it remains, to this day, the only D&D video game to take place in that setting.

Title: After Project Hail Mary, watch Ryan Gosling's even better outer space epic Date: Sat, 21 Mar 2026 17:01:18 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/first-man-ryan-gosling-in-space/ In the Andy Weir adaptations The Martian and Project Hail Mary, novelist Weir and screenwriter Drew Goddard invent sci-fi problems that feel reasonably grounded within the world of the movie. Then, we watch movie stars like Matt Damon and Ryan Gosling attempt to solve those problems. It’s been a durable formula so far, boosted in Project Hail Mary by liberal use of full-IMAX space sequences.

Title: A Pokémon FireRed failure that could only happen in 2026 Date: Sat, 21 Mar 2026 16:31:18 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/pokemon-firered-save-data-fail-switch/ The same way my barely legible high school handwriting has devolved over 25 years of PC word processing, so too have my instincts to pause and save a game. I blame the advent of autosave, checkpoints, Xbox Quick Resume, and games with such high stakes that I can’t help but save every two seconds in case things blow in my face. (Thank you, Baldur’s Gate 3). But I’m not perfect. I get lazy. And this week, I learned an important lesson eight hours into the newly ported Pokémon FireRed for Nintendo Switch: you still gotta smash that save button.

Title: This lost gem from a forgotten animation pioneer is streaming free online Date: Sat, 21 Mar 2026 16:03:17 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/bubble-bath-review-lost-animated-gem/ The 80-minute movie barely has enough plot to make up a short story. Prospective bridegroom Zsolt Mohai gets cold feet on the day of his marriage, and runs to hide in the apartment where Annika Parádi, a nurse studying to enter medical school, is looking after an elderly widow. Zsolt has never met Anni, but knows she’s a good friend of his fiancée, socialite Klárika Horváth, and hopes she’ll intervene for him with Klári, breaking the news that he isn’t going to show up for the wedding. That process is complicated both by Anni’s attraction to Zsolt, and by Klári obliviously arriving at the apartment to pick Anni up for the ceremony, with a belligerent prize-fighter in tow.

Title: Smooth Moves: 90 Frames-Per-Second Virtual Reality Arrives on GeForce NOW Date: Thu, 19 Mar 2026 13:00:09 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-virtual-reality-update/ It’s a double feature on GFN Thursday. This week, GeForce NOW offers smoother sights in virtual reality (VR) and a sprawling new land to conquer. Streaming at 90 frames per second (fps) comes to supported VR headsets. And Crimson Desert, which recently surpassed 3 million wishlist additions on Steam, debuts in the cloud with GeForce RTX 5080‑class power. Catch it as part of four new games on GeForce NOW VR, but Make It 90 FPS Power levels rising … to 90 fps. VR in the cloud is getting a smoothness upgrade. GeForce NOW is boosting support for Apple Vision Pro, Meta Quest devices and Pico devices to stream at up to 90 fps for Ultimate members, bringing crisper motion and more responsive gameplay straight from the cloud. The app update is starting to roll out to members starting today. Members can transform the space around them into a personal gaming theater with GeForce NOW, playing favorite PC titles on a massive virtual screen. With support for up to 90 fps for Ultimate members, gameplay feels smoother, movement more natural and action more comfortable. All premium members can continue to enhance their experiences with NVIDIA RTX and DLSS technologies in supported titles. Just fire up GeForce NOW on supported VR platforms, step into a virtual big screen and let the cloud handle the heavy lifting. From chill sessions in a virtual theater to high‑octane firefights, 90 fps helps keep every moment looking sharp and feeling responsive. A Storm Brews Into the cloud with “Crimson Desert.” Pearl Abyss’ Crimson Desert, a stunning, open‑world action adventure set in a war‑torn fantasy land, pairs large‑scale exploration with cinematic storytelling and hard‑hitting, combo‑focused combat. One moment is a quiet ride across windswept plains, the next is a chaotic clash against towering foes with mystical power effects lighting up the battlefield. Follow Kliff, a mercenary whose close‑knit group is destroyed in a sudden ambush. The journey centers on exploring a massive, detailed world, taking on story missions, riding mounts, finding supplies and facing dangerous enemies as Kliff works to bring his scattered companions back together. GeForce NOW brings 5080-class power to the game across supported devices, delivering high settings, smooth action and lush visuals without the need to worry about system specs. Members can jump into its cinematic battles and sweeping landscapes on the device of their choice, from low‑spec laptops to compatible TVs and mobile devices. Joining the Family It’s time to make an offer no tank can refuse. World of Tanks is rolling out the red carpet for Battle Pass Special: Mafia from March 19-29, welcoming the respectable family from the fine city of Lost Heaven and bringing their signature mix of loyalty, ambition and firepower to the battlefield. Recruit iconic characters from 2K’s original Mafia game, unlock stylish 2D looks like Little Italy and Lost Heaven Noir, and command the Italian Predatore tank to make sure every deal ends with a bang. Respect is earned — and it’s best earned playing on GeForce NOW, where the action hits fast and smooth — powered by the cloud. In addition, members can look for the following: Everwind (New release on Steam, March 17, GeForce RTX 5080-ready) Retro Rewind – Video Store Simulator (New release on Steam, March 17) Crimson Desert (New release on Steam, March 19, GeForce RTX 5080-ready) Fallout 3 (Steam) Cyberpunk 2077, Forza Motor Sport, Icarus and Ark Survival Ascended — currently available to all GeForce NOW members — will no longer be available on the free tier starting Wednesday, April 1, as the basic rig type does not meet the game’s updated minimum system requirements. Premium members can continue to play these games uninterrupted. For some icing on the cake, the GeForce NOW Reddit community is running a giveaway for a VR headset. Find details on how to enter. Plus, check out GeForce NOW creator Airie Summer’s gaming giveaway on X much love to nvidia for the community giveaways ♡@logitechg pro grade performance gears https://t.co/lRpSTKhQHJ @nvidiagfn entries open @ channel during the following times xoxomarch 12, 19, & 26 from 09:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. ethttps://t.co/q67SOJNpbO #nvidiapartner pic.twitter.com/uQ6L1rcVcj — airie (@airiesummer) March 12, 2026 . 

Title: GeForce NOW Raises the Game at the Game Developers Conference Date: Thu, 12 Mar 2026 13:00:53 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-gdc-2026/ GeForce NOW is bringing the game to the Game Developers Conference (GDC), running this week in San Francisco. While developers build the future of gaming, GeForce NOW is delivering it to gamers. The latest updates bring smoother performance, easier game discovery and a fresh lineup of blockbuster titles to the cloud. Game discoverability gets a boost with new in‑app labels for connected accounts for Xbox Game Pass and Ubisoft+. It’ll be easier than ever to see titles already available through linked subscriptions, so members can seamlessly jump into games they already own. Virtual reality gets a smooth upgrade — supported devices now stream at 90 frames per second (fps), up from 60 fps, delivering more responsive and immersive virtual reality (VR) experiences. Account linking is also leveling up. Following Gaijin single sign-on announced at CES in January, GOG account linking and game library syncing are coming soon. The GeForce NOW library continues to grow with new releases joining the cloud at launch: CONTROL Resonant and Samson: A Tyndalston Story. Plus, select Xbox titles will join the Install-to-Play library. In addition, there’s a lineup of five new games to catch this week, including Capcom’s Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection, on top of the latest update for Fortnite. Gaming Is Buzzing GeForce NOW is rolling into GDC with an easier way to keep track of titles, as well as performance upgrades and a growing lineup of major titles ready to stream at launch. Keeping track of which game lives on which service can be tricky. In‑App labels — coming soon to GeForce NOW for connected subscriptions — will help make it simple for members to know exactly what games they can play on GeForce NOW. Once a member connects their Xbox Game Pass Account or Ubisoft+ account, clear labels will appear directly on the game art inside the GeForce NOW app — eliminating guesswork and making it easy to see exactly what’s available to play from their game subscription services. Set it and forget it. Account linking is expanding too. On top of Gaijin single sign-on, GeForce NOW is adding GOG account linking and game library syncing in the coming months.               Smooth moves. Virtual reality is also getting an upgrade. Starting Thursday, March 19, VR devices that GeForce NOW supports, including Apple Vision Pro, Meta Quest and Pico devices, will stream at 90 fps for Ultimate members, an increase from 60 fps. The higher frame rate enhances smoothness, responsiveness and realism across every session — whether gamers are chasing enemies through neon-lit streets or exploring far‑flung alien worlds. GeForce NOW’s Install‑to‑Play library is also expanding with select Xbox titles, including Brutal Legend from Double Fine Productions and Contrast from Compulsion Games. These additions bring more flexibility for members to download and install their owned games alongside streaming favorites. That’s just the start. Highly anticipated games are headed to the cloud at launch: Bending reality. CONTROL Resonant — Remedy’s upcoming action‑adventure role-playing game (RPG) that blends supernatural powers with a warped Manhattan facing a reality-bending cosmic threat. Unravel a family story steeped in myths. Samson: A Tyndalston Story — the game from Liquid Swords is a gritty action brawler, set in the city of Tyndalston, launching on PC. Free to Save the World Chaos in the cloud. Fortnite’s original adventure is back in the spotlight — and soon, it’ll free to play. Fortnite first launched in 2017 as a story-driven co‑op experience, and on Thursday, April 16, the “Save the World” update will officially be free to play for all players. Pre-registration begins on Thursday, March 12. Join forces against hordes of husks, solo or with the squad, in a player vs. environment action-packed story, complete with gathering, crafting and collecting. Pick a favored playstyle with four distinct classes to choose from, over 150 heroes and weapons to upgrade, and loadout customization options to hone builds even further. With hundreds of updates since its original launch and over 100 hours of content, squads can build, grind gear and engineer elaborate homebase defenses to keep the Storm King at bay. “Save the World” isn’t available on mobile devices, including tablets. On GeForce NOW, Fortnite “Save the World” streams straight from the cloud — no waiting around for updates or patches. Low‑latency streaming keeps building, shooting and trap placement feeling snappy across supported devices. Stay in the action with GeForce NOW. Gear Up for Glory The cloud makes it easy to suit up in style. From chaotic infantry clashes to roaring jet dogfights, every match is an unpredictable explosion of strategy and mayhem in EA’s Battlefield 6.  This week, GeForce NOW Ultimate members can drop into the action with serious style — a new reward, the Advancing Gloom Soldier Skin, gives soldiers a sleek, battle-hardened look fit for the frontlines. Members can claim it in their GeForce NOW account portals, redeem it at EA.com/redeem, then show up ready in true Ultimate fashion. It’s available through Sunday, April 12, or while supplies last. Being a GeForce NOW member pays off. Whether streaming on the go or maxing out graphics in the cloud, members get exclusive rewards to keep and flaunt. Start the Games Twin monsters, one cloud. Twin Rathalos, born in a twist of fate, set the stage for the third entry in the Monster Hunter Stories RPG series, launching on GeForce NOW. Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection is an RPG series set in the Monster Hunter world, where players can become a Rider, and raise and bond with their favorite monsters. Play it instantly on GeForce NOW and take the adventure anywhere, on any device. In addition, members can look for the following: Warcraft I: Remastered (New release on Ubisoft, March 11) Warcraft II: Remastered (New release on Ubisoft, March 11) 1348 Ex Voto (New release on Steam, March 12, GeForce RTX 5080-ready) John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando (New release on Steam, March 12, GeForce RTX 5080-ready) Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection (New release on Steam, March 12, GeForce RTX 5080-ready) This week’s additional GeForce RTX 5080-ready game, on top of the addition of John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando, 1348 Ex Voto and Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection: Greedfall: The Dying World 1.0 (Steam, GeForce RTX 5080-ready) What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below.

Title: NVIDIA Virtualizes Game Development With RTX PRO Server Date: Tue, 10 Mar 2026 15:30:07 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/gdc-2026-virtual-game-development/ Game development teams are working across larger worlds, more complex pipelines and more distributed teams than ever. At the same time, many studios still rely on fixed, desk-bound GPU hardware for critical production work. At the Game Developers Conference (GDC) this week in San Francisco, NVIDIA is showcasing a new approach to bring together disparate workflows using virtualized game development on NVIDIA RTX PRO Servers, powered by NVIDIA RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell Server Edition GPUs and NVIDIA vGPU software. With the RTX PRO Server, studios can centralize and virtualize core workflows across creative, engineering, AI research and quality assurance (QA) — all on shared GPU infrastructure in the data center.  This enables teams to maintain the responsiveness and visual fidelity they expect from workstation-class systems while improving infrastructure utilization, scalability, data security and operational consistency across teams and locations. Simplifying Complex Workflows As game development studios scale, hardware can often sit underutilized in one location while other teams wait to access it for production work. QA capacity is hard to expand quickly. Over time, workstation hardware, drivers and tools diverge, making bugs harder to reproduce. AI workloads are often isolated on separate infrastructure, creating more operational overhead.  The NVIDIA RTX PRO Server helps studios move from workstation-by-workstation scaling to centralized GPU infrastructure. Studios can pool resources, allocate performance by workload and support parallel development, testing and AI workflows without expanding physical workstation sprawl. Centralized GPU infrastructure enables studios to run AI training, simulation and game automation workloads overnight, then dynamically reallocate the same resources to interactive development during the day, improving overall utilization and reducing idle capacity. The NVIDIA RTX PRO Server supports virtualized workflows for 3D graphics and AI across the game development lifecycle for: Artists: Providing virtual RTX workstations for traditional 3D and generative AI content-creation workflows. Developers: Powering consistent, high-performance engineering environments for coding and 3D development. AI researchers: Offering large-memory GPU profiles for fine-tuning, inference and AI agents. QA teams: Enabling scalable game validation and performance testing using the same NVIDIA Blackwell architecture used by GeForce RTX 50 Series GPUs. This allows studios to support multiple teams — including across sites and contractors — on one common GPU platform, improving collaboration and reducing debugging issues that can arise from disparate hardware. Supporting AI and Engineering on Shared Infrastructure AI is becoming a core part of everyday game development, spanning coding, content creation, testing and live operations. As these workflows expand, studios need infrastructure that can support AI alongside traditional graphics workloads without introducing separate, siloed systems. With the RTX PRO Server, studios can support coding agents, internal model experimentation and AI-assisted production workflows without spinning up a separate AI stack for every team. The NVIDIA RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell Server Edition GPU features a massive 96GB memory buffer, enabling developers to run multiple demanding applications simultaneously while supporting AI inference on larger models directly alongside real-time graphics workflows. NVIDIA Multi-Instance GPU (MIG) technology partitions a single GPU into isolated instances with dedicated memory, compute and cache resources. Combined with NVIDIA vGPU software, MIG can help studios securely allocate GPU capacity across users and workloads. In combined MIG and vGPU configurations, a single RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell Server Edition GPU can support up to 48 concurrent users, maximizing utilization while maintaining performance isolation. Enterprise-Ready Deployment for Game Studios NVIDIA RTX PRO Servers are designed for enterprise-grade data-center operations. Studios can deploy virtual workstations on RTX PRO Servers via NVIDIA vGPU on supported hypervisor and remote workstation platforms. That means RTX PRO Servers can fit into studios’ existing infrastructure and IT practices, rather than requiring one-off deployments. Major game publishers already use NVIDIA vGPU technology to scale centralized development infrastructure and improve efficiency at studio scale. ​Learn more about the NVIDIA RTX PRO Server. See these workflows live by joining NVIDIA’s booth 1426 at GDC or attending NVIDIA GTC, running March 16-19 in San Jose, California.  See notice regarding software product information.

Title: March Into the Cloud With 15 New Games Coming to GeForce NOW Date: Thu, 05 Mar 2026 14:00:30 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-march-2026-games-list/ March is in full bloom, and that means a fresh wave of games heading to the cloud. 15 new titles are joining the GeForce NOW library this month. Leading the March lineup is Pearl Abyss’ Crimson Desert, an open‑world action‑adventure set in a war‑torn fantasy land, alongside plenty of other games to explore. Whether looking to shake off the winter blues or jump into some bracket‑worthy gaming action, there’s something for everyone in the cloud. March into the cloud and see what’s new — and keep an eye on GFN Thursdays all month for more updates. This week kicks off the month with eight new games. March Gaming Madness In LORT we trust. LORT dials chaos up to 11 and snaps the knob clean off. Big Distraction’s off‑the‑rails adventure hurls players into a world where every corner hides a bad idea waiting to become a great story, powered by wild weapons, weirder characters and “Did that just happen?” moments. Catch every glorious disaster in full fidelity and play it on GeForce NOW, available this week. Here’s are this week’s eight new additions: Kingdom Come: Deliverance II (New release on Xbox, available on Game Pass, March 3, GeForce RTX 5080-ready) Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered (New release on Steam, available March 3) Esoteric Ebb (New release on Steam, available March 3) The Legend of Khiimori (New release on Steam, available March 3, GeForce RTX 5080-ready) Slay the Spire 2 (New release on Steam, available March 5) Docked (New release on Steam, available March 5) Death Stranding Director’s Cut (Steam, GeForce RTX 5080-ready) LORT (Steam) And look forward to the games coming throughout the rest of the month: John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando (New release on Steam, March 12, GeForce RTX 5080-ready) Everwind (New release on Steam, March 17) Crimson Desert (New release on Steam, March 19) Screamer (New release on Steam, March 23) Nova Roma (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass, March 26) Legacy of Kain: Ascendance (New release on Steam, March 31) Subliminal (New release on Steam, March 31) February in the Books In addition to the 24 games announced last month, 18 more joined the GeForce NOW library: Anno: Mutationem (Xbox, available on Game Pass) Blizzard Arcade Collection (Ubisoft Connect) Capcom Beat ‘Em Up Bundle (Steam) Capcom Fighting Collection (Steam) Diablo (Ubisoft Connect) Diablo + Hellfire Expansion  (Ubisoft Connect) Diablo II: Resurrected (Ubisoft Connect) Galactic Civilizations 3 (Xbox, available on the Microsoft Store) KILLER INN (Steam) Mega Man 11 (Steam) MotoGP22 (Xbox, available on the Microsoft Store) Spellcasters Chronicles (Steam, GeForce RTX 5080-ready) STALCRAFT: X (Epic Games Store) Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection (Steam) Torment: Tides of Numenera (Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass) TCG Card Shop Simulator (Xbox, available on Game Pass) Trine Enchanted Edition (Epic Games Store) Trine 2: Complete Story (Epic Games Store) What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below, then see what Blue Thunder Gaming thinks of GeForce NOW.  

Title: The Nightmare Returns in the Cloud: GeForce NOW Unleashes Capcom’s ‘Resident Evil Requiem’ Date: Thu, 26 Feb 2026 14:00:48 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-resident-evil-requiem/ GeForce NOW’s anniversary celebration reaches a chilling crescendo as Capcom’s Resident Evil Requiem creeps into the cloud — and the horrors look better than ever on a GeForce NOW Ultimate membership. To mark the occasion, a special launch bundle rises from the shadows, pairing the game with a yearlong Ultimate membership for a limited time. It’s not a celebration party without treats. GeForce NOW is also offering members a new reward to use in Delta Force. Suit up and grab it alongside 11 new games joining the cloud this week. The Nightmare Returns in the Cloud A new era of survival horror arrives with Resident Evil Requiem, the latest and most immersive entry yet in the iconic Resident Evil series. Experience terrifying survival horror with FBI analyst Grace Ashcroft and dive into pulse-pounding action with legendary agent Leon S. Kennedy. Their journeys and unique gameplay styles intertwine into a heart-stopping, emotional experience that will chill gamers to their core. Requiem for the dead. Nightmare for the living. With GeForce RTX 5080-class power in the cloud, experience Requiem with lifelike lighting, full path tracing, ray‑traced reflections and cinematic realism at up to 5K resolution with high dynamic range, plus NVIDIA DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation for maximum performance. The Ultimate membership keeps every encounter smooth and immersive when streaming from powerful GPUs in the cloud. To celebrate GeForce NOW’s sixth anniversary, a special launch offer emerges from the fog: For a limited time, Resident Evil Requiem is included with the purchase of a 12‑month Ultimate membership. It’s the perfect way to return to the city of disaster and despair, now more haunting and beautiful than ever. Priority Package GeForce NOW marks six epic years in the cloud, and the party lands on the Delta Force frontline with a new reward drop. What a drop. Being a GeForce NOW member is rewarding. All members can get an edge in the Delta Force extraction and warfare game modes with a reward bundle packed with standard gear tickets, premium weapon XP tokens and armament vouchers to fine-tune loadouts and push every op further. Performance and Ultimate members gain even more battlefield muscle with an early unlock of the PP‑19 Bizon, a weapon that brings close-quarters stopping power to every mission. This special sixth-anniversary reward is available through Thursday, March 26, while supplies last. Redeem now and deploy. Ready, Set, Stream This week, members can look for the following: TCG Card Shop Simulator (New release on Xbox, available on Game Pass, Feb. 24) Blizzard Arcade Collection (New release on Ubisoft Connect, Feb. 25) Diablo II: Resurrected (New release on Ubisoft Connect, Feb. 25) Spellcasters Chronicles (New release on Steam, Feb. 26, GeForce RTX 5080-ready) Resident Evil Requiem (New release on Steam, Feb. 27, GeForce RTX 5080-ready) Anno: Mutationem (Xbox, available on Game Pass) ARC Raiders (Xbox, available on the Microsoft Store, GeForce RTX 5080-ready) DEVOUR (Steam) Galactic Civilizations 3 (Xbox, available on the Microsoft Store) MotoGP22 (Xbox, available on the Microsoft Store) Torque Drift 2 (Steam) What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below. What's your bragging rights? Share the latest achievement you got in a game. — NVIDIA GeForce NOW (@NVIDIAGFN) February 23, 2026

Title: Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024: a deep dive into PS VR2 mode Date: Fri, 20 Mar 2026 19:00:04 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/03/20/microsoft-flight-simulator-2024-a-deep-dive-into-ps-vr2-mode/ When Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 was announced last year for PlayStation 5, you could almost hear the inevitable question on everyone’s lips: “Will it support PS VR2?” Asobo Studio and the Microsoft Game Studios team at Microsoft wasted no time with the immediate and welcome revelation that, yes, you’ll be exploring new heights in one of the most advanced flight sims available with a free PS VR2 update launching early this year. But as with any VR mode, it’s not just a matter of pressing a magic button to get the job done. “Cockpit interactions in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 are complex,” explains Jorg Neumann, Head of Microsoft Flight Simulator. “There are so many different instruments, knobs, and switches to interact with. Every interaction model had to be redesigned to fit the PS VR2 Sense controllers to action them in a natural and intuitive manner.” On top of the control elements, there were many technical aspects that posed a variety of challenges to the team, especially those related to ensuring a smooth framerate, something essential to such a visually demanding game. “Getting foveated rendering with Flexible Scaled Rasterization right was quite a challenge,” said Jorg. “It impacts the entirety of the rendering pipeline, and subtle off-by-on-pixel bugs during development could result in dramatic quality issues. “Another tech developed specifically for PS VR2 support was frame duplication, where the render thread would iterate twice for one frame of the main thread, updating the camera position in-between. This technical approach was another key in achieving the framerate needed for PS VR2 support.” Inspirations, feedback and fun With the heavy focus on technical quality there’s always a risk of losing sight of what can make – and keep – a game being fun, but the development team’s strong emphasis on community feedback from prior versions kept their vision clear. Jorg revealed that they also looked at how Gran Turismo 7 effectively used VR as a form of inspiration. Placing the player into the seat of a high powered vehicle is an obvious overlap, with the feeling of being within the high flying environments offered by Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 being something that the studio felt they had to get absolutely right in VR. “It’s the sense of scale,” says Jorg. “On a flat screen, you see a mountain. In VR you feel the sheer mass of the rock wall as you hover your helicopter next to it. Also, flying through a storm is a completely different experience when you can lean forward to look through a clear patch in the windshield.” Navigating with over 100 aircrafts   One of the other factors that had to be taken on board for VR was that different aircraft archetypes provided their own quirks and characteristics, which  meant more considerations. “Airliners were used a lot during development, especially the Boeing 737-8,” said Jorg. “In general, airliners are the most challenging archetype because of their requirements on performance, the sheer complexity of the cockpits, readability, as well as interactions. But now that it all works really well, taking off with a 737 in VR is immensely satisfying! “Helicopters like the Guimbal Cabri G2 are also particularly interesting and immersive in VR, because the peripheral vision in these aircraft is unmatched. In VR, you do not just fly a helicopter, you feel like you are suspended in mid-air. It is a great way to enjoy the scenery.” And while being able to take in the many different environments at your leisure is a big part of the experience, when asked about some of the more thrill-seeking moments in VR, Jorg had a clear favourite. “With the PS VR2 Red Bull Air Races are jaw-dropping, they take on a whole new dimension in terms of authenticity. The ability to look into a high-G turn to spot the next pylon is simply incredible.” “A true-to-life experience” With up to 125 different aircraft to try out, many providing a very different experience via VR, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is looking to deliver an enhanced level of authenticity in simulated flying for both fans and newcomers alike. And if – like me – you’re a little apprehensive around heights, this could be as real as it gets to flying an actual aircraft, which is no mean feat. “For those of us who are pilots, it is uncanny how our body movement mimics what we do when flying a real aircraft when simming in VR,” says Jorg. “Looking over your shoulder for the runway, looking through the side windows for orientation … the actual movement and muscle memory are very similar to flying real planes. VR is making flight simulation a true-to-life experience, and with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 on PS VR2, console players can experience this incredible sensation for the first time.”

Title: Share of the Week: Ghost of Yōtei Legends Date: Fri, 20 Mar 2026 16:00:00 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/03/20/share-of-the-week-ghost-of-yotei-legends/ Last week, we asked you to take on the new Ghost of Yōtei Legends mode using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here’s are this week’s highlights: nna_Roc shares a Legends version of Atsu poised to strike Leumir4 shares a portrait wielding a kasurigama in the Kitsune mask call_me_xavii shares their character standing before a corrupted torii gate pannn03_ shares Atsu with an eye-patch, ready to throw something UkkoVP shares their character approaching a dark see of watchful eyes LosBjornOs shares a black and white portrait leaping into action with a katana Search #PSshare #PSBlog on Twitter or Instagram to see more entries to this week’s theme, or be inspired by other great games featuring Photo Mode. Want to be featured in the next Share of the Week? THEME: Resident Evil 30th AnniversarySUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on March 25, 2026  Next week, we’re celebrating 30 years of Resident Evil. Share your scariest moments from any game in the iconic horror series using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured.

Title: Pragmata interview: combat, hacking, resource management, and more Date: Thu, 19 Mar 2026 12:00:49 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/03/19/pragmata-interview-combat-hacking-resource-management-and-more/ Capcom’s upcoming PlayStation 5 title Pragmata , launching on April 17, is a bold new sci-fi adventure that combines puzzles and action to deliver an experience that is both thrilling and deeply strategic. During the recent hands-on, we also spoke with the game’s director, Yonghee Cho, and producer, Naoto Oyama, who shared some insight into the game’s development as well as its PS5-specific features. (Left) Yonghee Cho, Pragmata director, Capcom (Right) Naoto Oyama, Pragmata producer, Capcom Note: the following interview has been condensed for brevity. PlayStation Blog: How have players been reacting to the Pragmata Sketchbook demo that’s out now? Oyama: We’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback. We expected more mixed reactions, so it’s been a pleasant surprise to see how much the players enjoyed it. I think it’s one of those games where you can’t fully understand what makes it special until you actually play it. That’s why we decided to release the demo fairly early, and we’ve been thrilled by the amount of positive feedback. The game experienced multiple delays, being first revealed in 2020 with a 2022 release window, which was later moved to 2023, and then delayed indefinitely. Even so, the team never lost focus and kept pushing forward. Now that players can finally try the demo, I feel equal parts relief and anxiety. Cho: We never imagined the game would attract this level of anticipation. Although our goal was always to create something unique, every new trailer seemed to amplify the buzz. With that attention came greater pressure, and trying to meet every player’s expectation probably played a part in the delays. The intricately designed streets of New York really stand out, as did details like Diana’s smooth, flowing hair and the metallic finish of the enemy bots. Could you tell us more about the attention to detail that went into the visuals? Cho: I’ve always felt that bold, intentional designs are essential when creating artificial machines. The mechs in this game have a sleek, near-futuristic aesthetic, which gives the visuals a very different feel from other Capcom games like Resident Evil or Devil May Cry. To create beautiful mechanical designs, I worked closely with the modeling and background teams. Natural elements are full of visual information, like a zombie’s blood in Resident Evil. Mechs, on the other hand, can easily appear flat or sterile, so we focused on ways to add depth and nuance. Adding decals and carving subtle grooves helped us create a sense of complexity and scale. Oyama: For the enemy bots, we refined every component, paying attention not only to their smooth exterior, but also how they look after their shields are destroyed by Diana’s hacking. ​​ What inspired the idea to combine gun shooting action with hacking-based puzzle elements? How did those ideas come about and why did you decide to implement them? Cho: From the start of development, we wanted to make something that set itself apart from traditional shooters. That’s how the idea of combining gunplay with hacking in combat came about. Hacking felt like a natural match for the sci‑fi tone we were aiming for, and as we experimented with ways to make it fun and meaningful in gameplay, it gradually evolved into the puzzle‑based system we have today. Oyama: It actually didn’t start out as a puzzle. We went through a lot of trial and error, testing various ideas to see how we could incorporate hacking into gameplay. After exploring various options, we found that the current puzzle system offered the most intuitive controls and the kind of depth that keeps players engaged over time. After playing the game, the mix of shooting and puzzle gameplay felt remarkably well-balanced. How did you nail down that fine balance? Cho: Our goal from the start was to blend shooting and puzzle elements into one seamless experience. If players could finish a battle using only one of those mechanics, it would undermine the concept we were aiming for. In early prototypes, hacking sequences were automatically triggered during firefights, but we quickly realized that approach wasn’t very engaging. On the other hand, giving players total freedom led many to rely exclusively on gunplay. To ensure hacking felt both meaningful and essential, we conducted extensive playtesting to find the right balance. Oyama: It took quite some time before we settled on the idea of turning hacking into a puzzle mechanic. Even after making that decision, we spent a great deal of time fine-tuning it. We wanted the puzzles to feel engaging rather than mandatory, so we refined everything from the visual and sound effects to the way the puzzle grid shifts. We also brought in new playtesters regularly, incorporating their feedback until it all finally came together. In the demo and the hands-on, players can use hacking to disarm traps, weaken enemies, or deflect incoming missiles. Can players expect to see a wider range of hacking options in the final game? Oyama: Each area introduces its own set of enemies and unique gameplay. With every new location, players will encounter new challenges and mechanics that keep the experience engaging from start to finish. Cho: There are also special hacking sequences where Diana comes to Hugh’s aid. Each sequence is tailored to different enemy encounters and features its own unique visuals that we hope players will enjoy. The demo and hands-on preview featured Hacking Nodes like Decode, which weakens enemy defenses, and Multi-Hack, which propagates effects to surrounding enemies. What other types of nodes are available in the game? Oyama: There will be plenty of different types of nodes. We’ll leave the rest for players to enjoy once the full game is released. Cho: As you progress, players can carry a greater variety of Hacking Nodes at once and experiment with different combinations. For example, pairing Decode with Multi-Hack allows you to lower the defenses of multiple enemies with a single hack, setting them up for shotgun blasts.  Oyama: Mixing and matching various nodes and weapons really broadens your tactical options. The more weapons and nodes you unlock, the more freedom you have and the more satisfying the combat feels. Players can also use upgrades to tailor their approach and choose to focus on shooting or hacking. With enough hacking upgrades, you can even out-damage guns and take down groups of enemies with a single powerful hack. Cho: Some players who tried the demo might be wondering whether hacking will get even more challenging in the later sections of the game. However, as you unlock and upgrade more nodes, each hack becomes more powerful and efficient, making the overall gameplay feel faster and smoother. I noticed that conserving Hacking Nodes against weaker enemies is an important part of resource management. Oyama: That’s true. However, you can easily replenish them by returning to the Shelter, so you don’t need to worry about extremely strict resource management. Players are encouraged to use nodes freely, but if you’re being careless, you might find yourself running out at a crucial moment. Cho: You’ll also find a fair number of nodes scattered throughout the areas, so we encourage players to swap them out and experiment with different types. Players will be able to unlock new outfits for Hugh and Diana during a second playthrough that will drastically change their look. What kinds of approaches or ideas went into the 3D Audio sound design? Oyama: Our goal was to create an audio experience that makes players feel truly present in the game environment. To achieve more realistic spatial representation, including reverberation, we analyzed environmental data and generated segmented datasets for each room. We built detailed geometry to simulate early sound reflections, which was then used to calculate spatial audio fields. When enemies close in from all directions, directional sound cues become essential for immersion. Thanks to the sound team’s innovative approach, we were able to achieve an exceptionally high-quality audio design. Cho: The game takes place on the moon, so we also focused on portraying the silence when transitioning from an indoor area onto the lunar surface. We’re excited for players to experience it themselves. Capcom’s proprietary development engine, RE Engine, has achieved remarkable results in PS5 games such as the Resident Evil series. Are there ongoing efforts to further evolve or expand the applications of the engine? Oyama: Our research efforts are ongoing. The key advantage of the RE Engine lies in its flexibility, which allows us to keep adding new features to meet the unique requirements of each title. Feature expansions implemented in one project can be carried over to other titles in development. New capabilities developed through ongoing research can then benefit future releases. Its ability to adapt to internal demands and evolve continuously is what makes it such a powerful development engine. Pragmata launches on PS5 April 17.

Title: Starfield is coming to PlayStation 5 on April 7 Date: Tue, 17 Mar 2026 15:15:07 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/03/17/starfield-is-coming-to-playstation-5-on-april-7/ On April 7, Starfield is coming to PlayStation 5, inviting a whole new community of explorers into the Settled Systems. At the same time, Starfield’s biggest free update yet, Free Lanes, and the all-new Terran Armada story DLC will go live across all platforms. For those of you stepping onto the Frontier for the first time, this version of Starfield is the result of years of love from Bethesda Game Studios and the Starfield community. Bigger, deeper and packed with even more ways to play. Play Video PlayStation 5 features Every firefight and dogfight in Starfield hits harder with the PlayStation 5 DualSense controller. Adaptive triggers change from weapon to weapon (including your starship loadout), the light bar keeps tabs on your health and ship integrity, and the touchpad lets you jump between first- and third-person POV or instantly access your map and hand scanner.  On top of that, in-game audio logs and non-local ship intercoms will pour through the DualSense controller speaker, immersing you deeper in the action. Starfield has also been visually enhanced for the PlayStation 5 Pro, with a Visual mode that runs 4K resolution at 30 fps and a Performance mode that features improved visuals at 60 fps. Free Lanes update (free for all players) The Free Lanes update is built around Starfield’s core values: rewarding exploration; allowing deep, meaningful customization; and making the experience smoother than ever so you can get lost among the stars, following your curiosity and crafting your story. Free Lanes touches nearly every major element of the game: Expanded space travel options that allow you to freely fly between planets within a star system New space encounters have been added and encounter frequency has been increased A new resource has been added to give you even more control over your gear and ship customization New options for upgrading your Starborn abilities and bringing your favorite gear with you into New Game+ And so much more With Free Lanes, the Settled Systems are more alive than ever. All you need to do is pick a direction and see what you find. Terran Armada (new story DLC) The Terran Armada has risen and they’re bringing “unity” to the Settled Systems in the form of an army of highly advanced robots and enough firepower to put the galaxy in a chokehold. In Starfield’s new story DLC, you’ll fight back through the Incursion system, uncover powerful new tech, explore with a new Companion, and earn rewards that will definitely be worth the risks. You can pick up Terran Armada on its own, or get it bundled with the Premium Edition—or included with the Premium Edition Upgrade. Trackers alliance (creation bundle) Starting at launch, you’ll be able to jump into the Trackers Alliance bounty arc, available for purchase through the Creations menu. The bounty series is complete with seven unique, high-value targets to track down and deal with however you see fit. Each entry is a self-contained story, full of tough choices, memorable marks, and pursuits that will take you all across the Settled Systems. Mark your calendars for April 7, and we’ll see you in the Settled Systems.

Title: Pragmata hands-on report: hack-and-blast through a futuristic city Date: Tue, 17 Mar 2026 15:00:31 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/03/17/pragmata-hands-on-report-hack-and-blast-through-a-futuristic-city/ With just a month to go until Pragmata launches on PlayStation 5 on April 17, I had the chance to spend a few hours trying out the game at a recent press event. Diana’s hacking abilities and Hugh’s arsenal This hands-on preview was set in the New York-like cityscape shown during February’s State of Play, allowing players to explore, fight, and upgrade as they pushed toward a boss waiting at the end. Hugh can equip a variety of guns to blast away at enemy “bots,” but their tough armor means regular shots don’t do much on their own. That’s where Diana’s hacking skills come in. When Hugh locks onto a target, Diana pulls up a grid-style Hacking Panel. Drawing a single continuous line through the blue squares triggers a successful hack, dealing damage and temporarily compromising the enemy’s armor. The more squares you connect, the greater the damage and the longer the armor stays disabled. Once their weak points are exposed, you can unleash Hugh’s firepower for some serious damage. That said, enemies won’t just wait around while you’re hacking. You must stay sharp, deciding whether to push your luck and connect more blue squares or cut it short to dodge incoming attacks. Break through shields and dodge missiles that disrupt hacking Some enemy bots are protected by red, shield-like barriers that make them immune to Diana’s hacking. These shields can be destroyed with Hugh’s gun or other attacks, opening the enemy up to hacking once they’re taken down. You’ll be forced to prioritize either hacking or gunfire based on each encounter. Some enemies fire homing missiles at Hugh, but those can be hacked as well. A successful hack allows you to take control and redirect the missile straight back to its sender. Master four weapon types Hugh has access to four types of guns. Aside from the Primary Unit, each weapon breaks once its ammo runs out, so you’ll need to be strategic about when to use them. Landing well-timed combos, like pinning enemies down with the Tactical Unit, hacking them mid-fight, and then finishing them off at close range with the high-powered Attack Unit, feels incredibly rewarding. The Defense Unit, which can lure enemies away, also comes in handy in all kinds of situations. Amplify your hacking abilities with the Hacking Node If you’re carrying a Hacking Node, yellow tiles will appear on Diana’s Hacking Panel. Connecting these and completing a hack will trigger special effects. These range from Decode, which lowers enemy defense, to Multi-Hack, which spreads the effect to nearby targets. Each use consumes one Hacking Node, and once you run out, these perks can no longer be activated. In the full release, various upgrades and customization options will let you carry multiple Hacking Nodes, which will significantly increase tactical versatility. Gear upgrades and gameplay loop The Shelter is a safe haven where you can heal your health and use materials you’ve gathered, such as Lunafilament, to unlock new abilities or enhance your weapons and Hacking Nodes. Once you unlock the Critical Down Node, you’ll be able to knock down weakened enemies and follow up with a strong melee attack, making combat more fluid and intense. Be sure to upgrade and customize your loadout regularly to stay prepared as you venture deeper into the Sectors. Epic battles against colossal enemy bots After plenty of upgrades and customizations along the way, I found myself facing off against an enormous bot at the end of the demo. While the core gameplay of hacking and shooting remained the same, this encounter definitely raised the stakes with various area-of-effect attacks and multiple shields that blocked hacking attempts. Hacking under heavy fire proved challenging, but progress wasn’t lost even when I pulled back to evade, giving me room to calmly finish the hack bit by bit. Having to choose when to break the red shields and shift into offense mode added another layer of tactical depth. Just when I thought the fight was finally over and I was savoring my victory, a sudden hacking prompt triggered mid-cutscene; a final reminder that this game doesn’t let up until the very end. Pragmata delivers a unique gameplay experience that fuses shooting action with puzzle mechanics. I’m excited to see how the full release expands on the game’s tactical depth. Pragmata launches on PS5 on April 17.

Title: All those upcoming spin-offs aside, Pocketpair apparently aren't all that interested in a Palworld "media empire" Date: Sat, 21 Mar 2026 18:09:19 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/all-those-upcoming-spin-offs-aside-pocketpair-apparently-arent-all-that-interested-in-a-palworld-media-empire Palworld has honestly lived, and thrived, a lot longer than I honestly expected to. I guess the people really do want Pokemon with guns! As since its launch two years ago (ignore the coffee I've spat over my screen at that passage of time), there have been announcements for spin-offs in the form of Stardew Valley if it were Pokemon but actually it's Palworld, a dating sim that started as a joke but will now be real, and more recently, a card game. Despite all of that expansion, however, developer Pocketpair say they have "no desire to be a media empire." Read more

Title: "This progress will not be linear": Mega Crit outline their patching process for Slay the Spire 2 after ruffling some feathers Date: Sat, 21 Mar 2026 17:10:44 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/this-progress-will-not-be-linear-mega-crit-outline-their-patching-process-for-slay-the-spire-2-after-ruffling-some-feathers Slay the Spire 2 is, quite notably, a game in early access. This means many things, but most importantly it means that any changes that are made aren't necessarily final, they're just more tests to see what does and doesn't work. The roguelike deckbuilder's first proper update went live yesterday, adding in a phobia mode with some bespoke assets and making a whole bunch of tweaks. It's that second part that has riled up the feathers of some spire slayers (just have a brief trawl of recent reviews), prompting developer Mega Crit to take a moment to explain just how they go about their "patching methodology." Read more

Title: What are we all playing this weekend? Date: Sat, 21 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/what-are-we-all-playing-this-weekend-374 I truly hope the sun has got his hat on this weekend as I'm cycling out to family in the countryside and I'd rather not arrive soaked through by rain. Granted, I will be arriving soaked through with sweat, but I am happy with this outcome. For reasons I can't quite fathom, self-wetted clothes are bearable, weather-wetted clothes are intolerable. Read more

Title: Funi Raccoon is another wonderful pile of rubble to sift through on your computer Date: Fri, 20 Mar 2026 18:30:00 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/funi-raccoon-is-another-wonderful-pile-of-rubble-to-sift-through-on-your-computer This much is certain: I am a raccoon, somewhere in Norwich, and I am trying to catch a train. The trains are regular but they move past at such speed I can barely see them. I attempt to board and am launched like a squashy varmint bullet, hurtling beyond the level boundary into oozy pink checkerboard oblivion. The drunken background music alternates between welcoming me to the Water Zone and telling me to get the fuck out. The Easter Island head on the platform grumbles at me, so I hurl it into the sea. Read more

Title: "As soon as it fired up, he'd get up and go to lunch": How Age of Empires' developers tested mission difficulty Date: Fri, 20 Mar 2026 17:53:00 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/as-soon-as-it-fired-up-hed-get-up-and-go-to-lunch-how-age-of-empires-developers-tested-mission-difficulty When bosses have assessed my work over the years it's usually taken the form of nervously watching their cursor bounce around a Google Doc. They would delete overwrought lines here, add detail to unclear statements there, and sometimes strike our intros that weren't getting to the point – thank goodness I learned my lesson there. It's a nerve-wracking and humbling experience (especially when you've managed to misspell 'RTS'). Naturally, every job has its own assessments, but the level designers working on Age of Empires at Ensemble Studios faced a novel one: studio head Tony Goodman's lunch break. Read more