Title: The Sicko’s Guide To Steam Next Fest February 2026 Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2026 23:03:26 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/steam-next-fest-feb-2026-indie-demos-2000672657 The game demo parade should be an opportunity to fly your freak flag

Title: The Video Game Industry Is Not Equipped to Handle What Comes Next Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2026 18:30:05 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/game-industry-generational-divide-roblox-nintendo-2000672648 Why is it, when the player base has never been wider, people are buying fewer games?

Title: New Tencent Studio Working On AAA Open-World Games Closes Without Ever Releasing Anything Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2026 17:45:57 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/timi-montreal-tencent-closed-kaiju-netease-2000672641 TiMi Montreal studio has quietly closed less than five years after getting announced

Title: Every Legend of Zelda Visual Aesthetic, Ranked From Worst To Best Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2026 16:50:01 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/legend-of-zelda-art-totk-botw-link-tears-of-the-kingdom-1850579660 From cel-shaded oceans to macabre masks, here’s the definitive ranking of every Link game's looks

Title: Elon Musk Reportedly Delayed An Update To Grok Because It Kept Getting Questions About Baldur’s Gate 3 Wrong Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2026 16:19:10 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/elon-musk-baldurs-gate-3-grok-xai-2000672632 The rich reactionary is as gamer-pilled as ever

Title: Nioh 3 is, unsurprisingly, the fastest-selling game in the series with over a million units sold Date: Fri, 20 Feb 2026 09:31:18 +0000 Link: https://www.vg247.com/nioh-3-one-million-sales-fastest-selling Even before the game came out, it was pretty easy to guess that Nioh 3 would be a hit. From the word of mouth leading up to launch, to the well-received free demo, there was little chance the action RPG wasn’t going to be a major deal. Read more

Title: Genshin Impact Luna 5 takes the squad back to Mondstadt, finally makes Varka playable Date: Fri, 13 Feb 2026 14:23:10 +0000 Link: https://www.vg247.com/genshin-impact-luna-5-varka-return-to-mondstadt The latest big content update has been revealed for HoYoverse's breakout game, Genshin Impact. Version Luna 5, which has the unusually long and needlessly layered title — Song of the Welkin Moon: Variation - Homeward, He Who Caught the Wind — is set to arrive February 25. Read more

Title: You're not crazy, trying to heal in Nioh 3 sometimes doesn't work - and Team Ninja is fixing it Date: Fri, 13 Feb 2026 11:56:12 +0000 Link: https://www.vg247.com/nioh-3-patch-1-03-01-elixir-healing-bug-crash-fixes Nioh 3 has received a hot new update that brings plenty of bug fixes to very specific issues, but it also implements fixes for a few of the most common - and incredibly annoying - bugs. Patch 1.03.01 arrived earlier on all platforms, and it comes with a chunky set of notes. Read more

Title: Watch the Battlefield 6 Season 2 gameplay reveal here Date: Thu, 12 Feb 2026 11:34:14 +0000 Link: https://www.vg247.com/battlefield-6-season-2-reveal-watch-times After a one-month delay, we’re finally days away now from the start of Battlefield 6’s Season 2 of live service. The second season is being revealed today, following weeks of teasers, and some Battlefield Labs testing of the first new map arriving with the new season. Read more

Title: Diablo 4’s next class is the Warlock, but you can sort of play it today in Diablo 2: Resurrected’s new DLC Date: Thu, 12 Feb 2026 10:10:04 +0000 Link: https://www.vg247.com/diablo-4-warlock-reveal-diablo-2-anniversary-spotlight Diablo 4’s segment in the big Diablo 30th Anniversary Spotlight was among the biggest, even if the reason most of us tuned in was somewhat spoiled earlier in the same livestream. Blizzard unveiled the Warlock, the second of two classes coming to the game with the upcoming Lord of Hatred expansion. Read more

Title: New Neon Genesis Evangelion Series In Development With Nier Automata's Yoko Taro At The Helm Date: Mon, 23 Feb 2026 03:48:00 -0800 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-neon-genesis-evangelion-series-in-development-with-nier-automata-yoko-taro-at-the-helm/1100-6538340/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f Landmark anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion recently wrapped up its 30th anniversary celebrations with the major announcement that a new series is in production, with Nier: Automata's Yoko Taro writing it. Additionally, Toru Yatabe (Chainsaw Man) and Kazuya Tsurumaki (Rebuild of Evangelion) will direct this new project, and it'll feature music by Nier: Automata composer Keiichi Okabe.Further details on the project remain locked up tighter than Lilith's remains at NERV headquarters, as Evangelion's official website only announced the talent involved in this next chapter for the franchise. It's likely still in a very early stage of production, but fans are already reacting positively to the announcement. Taro himself has mentioned several times in interviews how Neon Genesis Evangelion inspired his own works, which combine high-concept ideas with multiple endings. A perfect fit for Evangelion, when you look back at the history of the franchise."I thank you for praising NieR: Automata's story, but actually it's pretty much just a retelling of Evangelion, so there’s not much originality to it," Taro said to IGN at the time. "I don't really watch recent movies, so I'm mostly inspired by memories of works I saw in the past."Continue Reading at GameSpot

Title: How to Light Up Your Production Lines in Satisfactory Date: Mon, 23 Feb 2026 02:52:00 -0800 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/how-to-light-up-your-production-lines-in-satisfactory/1100-6538298/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f Lighting up your production lines in Satisfactory is easy at first--you're building outdoors, and the power of the sun takes care of any visibility problems you might have, at least during the day. But building outdoors isn't sustainable. You'll have immensely long, confusing, and inefficient factories that will make the game less fun to play. It's better to build buildings to house those machines, and that's where lighting comes in. Lighting for visibility, information, and style are all worthwhile pursuits, and will even require different applications of components in some cases. This is a starter guide for lighting up your factory, covering general ideas and concepts and some technical aspects of light.Light Sources:There are three different light sources in Satisfactory. The sun, factory lighting, and repurposed signs.LightsThere are a few different standard lights in Satisfactory, including a standard ceiling light, two different kinds of flood lights, and street lights, all of which can be controlled through a lighting control panel.Continue Reading at GameSpot

Title: How To Find Free Roblox Abyss Star Shards Date: Mon, 23 Feb 2026 02:52:00 -0800 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/how-to-find-free-roblox-abyss-star-shards/1100-6538274/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f Star Shards are one of the more important currencies you can get in Abyss, the latest Roblox game to take the platform by storm. While the objective is to upgrade your equipment to explore further and get fish, there are also quests to complete and other activities that reward you with the game's most elusive resource.Of course, the easiest way is to redeem one of the available Abyss codes and gain all the bonus Star Shards that way, but you can also earn them as daily login bonuses during events, and buy them from the in-game shop. However, there are several other ways you can get Star Shards without paying a thing.Daily Rewards are a quick way to grab some Star Shards whenever you start up the game.How to earn free Abyss Star ShardsFrom what has been put in the game so far, there are five major ways to get Star Shards in Abyss:Continue Reading at GameSpot

Title: All Roblox Abyss Codes And How To Redeem Them Date: Mon, 23 Feb 2026 02:51:00 -0800 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/abyss-codes/1100-6538270/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f Need some extra star shards in Abyss? While there are plenty of ways to acquire these resources, bonus air tanks to keep you going for longer, and extra potions to boost your catch rate, the handful of Abyss codes out there are very handy for giving you a bit of extra oomph.This up-and-coming Roblox game receives constant updates, each one introducing new quests for players to complete. Having all the latest on where to find Abyss star shards, one of the resources you get from entering codes, is handy, particularly if you're trying to roll for the best Abyss races and the bonuses they give your character.Some codes give away potions that you can use to increase encounters with rarer fish, boost XP gain, or increase your tube's speed. Active Abyss codesBelow are all of the active Abyss codes available right now. Please note that all of the codes are case sensitive, so if it appears in all capital letters, that is what you need to type in. Occasionally, the codes you enter are for specific events, so if it has concluded, then the code shouldn't work in theory.Continue Reading at GameSpot

Title: How To Complete Abyss Valentine's Event Quests Date: Mon, 23 Feb 2026 02:50:00 -0800 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/abyss-valentines-event-quests/1100-6538261/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f Abyss hasn't been out all that long, but we already have the first major in-game event. The Valentine's Event started on February 14 and will last two weeks, specifically until Saturday, February 28 at 1PM ET / 10AM PT. With it comes a few exclusive mutations that you won't see again for at least another year, as well as a handful of quests and exclusive equipment.To get these items in this popular Roblox game, though, you need VTickets. The simplest way to get them is to grind away, catching Valentine-themed fish and hoping you get the VTickets as a bonus for reeling them in. However, there are also a bunch of quests you can partake in to grab more of them at once. So if you want as many VTickets and a whole bunch of Abyss Star Shards to spend on rolling for the best Abyss races before the event is over, here are all the Valentines Event quests and how to complete them.The Valentines Event has the Big Boss sitting on his chair and a vendor where you can exchange your VTickets.Big Boss's QuestAll of Big Boss's quests require you to catch Valentine's event-themed fish. You can find Cupid-mutated fish all around the starting area near the Valentine's Event hub. Look for the bright pink fish with hearts emitting from them. The Lonely-Mutated fish are similar in color, in that they have pink hearts and a pink aura, but their bodies are more black to signify their loneliness. We highly recommend the use of Radar to scan for these elusive variants.Continue Reading at GameSpot

Title: A new Evangelion anime series has officially been announced, written by Nier creator Date: Mon, 23 Feb 2026 12:25:25 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/new-evangelion-anime-yoko-taro-hideaki-anno-writer/ Perhaps Neon Genesis Evangelion is the gift that keeps on giving, or maybe it's just another moneymaking franchise that refuses to go away. In any case, the series is coming back with a new anime, and this time Hideaki Anno won't be writing the script. His substitute, however, is perhaps the only possible choice that won't make franchise fans riot.

Title: The evidence that Knight of the Seven Kingdoms was never knighted Date: Mon, 23 Feb 2026 02:45:18 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/is-dunk-a-knight-in-seven-kingdoms-explainer/ Viewers who’ve followed the show to this point will understand what Lyonel is talking about — Dunk is despondent over the death of Baelor Targaryen (Bertie Carvel), the heir to the Iron Throne of Westeros, who was mortally wounded while defending Dunk in a trial by combat. Lyonel is furious at Dunk’s response, insisting that Baelor “risked nothing” in the fight, since the men on the other side were his family members and Kingsguard “sworn to protect him.” Even though Baelor died from the beating he suffered in that fight, Lyonel still feels the prince’s participation was a sham, and that the gods punished him for it.

Title: Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' season 2 plans tee up 10 more seasons Date: Mon, 23 Feb 2026 02:31:17 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/knight-of-the-seven-kingdoms-season-2-showrunner-interview/ HBO renewed A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms back in November, with season 2 expected to arrive in 2027. That season will adapt The Sword Sword, Martin’s second novella about the adventures of hedge knight Ser Dunk the Tall and his squire Egg, also known as Westeros' king-to-be Aegon Targaryen V. And after that?

Title: Neva Prologue review: prequel DLC enriches a beautiful game Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2026 17:00:17 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/neva-prologue-review-nomada-studio-devolver-digital/ Last week, I received a text from my mom that the family dog, Sophie, who we got when I was in high school and who I really still think of as “my” dog, had broken her leg. It was scary news to receive about a dog who weighs maybe 15 pounds and is on the eve of her 15th birthday. I had to put it out of my mind for the moment as I was just a couple minutes away from joining an interview. When our chat finished, I quickly called my mom to hear what happened. In short, Sophie fell while at the vet, breaking her leg, but she’s doing fine now and should make a full recovery.

Title: 35 years ago, Bride of Re-Animator cast a spell with its horror effects Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2026 16:01:17 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/bride-of-re-animator-special-effects-35-anniversary/ Campy excess is the name of the game in Stuart Gordon’s celebrated 1985 cult hit Re-Animator. His comedy-horror movie has all the hallmarks of a schlocky zombie movie, with tawdry special effects and a storyline that isn’t particularly original. This B-movie sensibility seems at odds with its source material, H.P. Lovecraft’s short story “Herbert West–Reanimator,” which paints a chilling picture of a brilliant mad scientist who pushes the limits of amorality. In Gordon’s film, Herbert West (Jeffrey Combs) is brash and impulsive, in spite of his clinically aloof nature. He’s obsessively dedicated to his mission to reanimate corpses. Brian Yuzna’s 1991 sequel, Bride of Re-Animator, keeps Herbert’s obsession alive, but this wacky follow-up lacks the innate charm of Gordon’s movie.

Title: All About the Games: Play Over 4,500 Titles With GeForce NOW Date: Thu, 19 Feb 2026 14:00:35 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-battlefield-season-2/ The GeForce NOW anniversary celebration keeps on rolling, and this week is all about the games that make it possible. With more than 4,500 titles supported in the cloud — plus 12 new games this week — there’s always something new to stream, share and discover. The #6YearsofGFN fun continues with a community giveaway hosted on the GeForce NOW Reddit. Share in-game screenshots and memes to celebrate the anniversary for a chance to win prizes such as an Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, a Thrustmaster HOTAS ONE flight stick and more  — through Friday, Feb. 20. Gamers can also join the GeForce NOW community Discord to join in on more celebrations and events. A Library Built for Every PC Gamer GeForce NOW features an ever-growing library of over 4,500 titles that are ready to stream in seconds. From cozy indies and competitive shooters to sprawling role-playing games and strategy epics, the collection has something for everyone. The GeForce NOW library spans popular stores like Steam, Xbox — including supported PC Game Pass titles — Epic Games Store, Ubisoft Connect and GOG.com, bringing together free-to-play hits and paid blockbusters in one place. Install-to-Play further expands access by letting members install Steam games opted in for cloud gaming, doubling the number of titles that can be launched through the service. The GeForce NOW app has curated rows that highlight new releases, RTX-enhanced titles or popular free-to-play picks, while tags make deals and downloadable content easier to spot. Smart library syncing connects supported games directly into the cloud catalog, enabling instant access without downloads or hardware worries. Ultimate members get priority entry with powerful servers to jump into the action even faster. Fight the Fog of War Every move matters. Battlefield 6 erupts into its second season, “Extreme Measures,” taking the fight to contaminated terrain and distorted frontlines. A massive new map, fresh arsenal and agile air support redefine large-scale warfare — pushing squads to adapt and survive across shifting contamination zones and fog-laced choke points. Drop into “Contaminated,” a sprawling German mountainside airbase where the psychoactive VL‑7 smoke twists visibility, strategy and players’ senses. Mask up and press through as helicopters sweep low over objectives for high-risk insertions and surgical strikes. Dynamic cover and ever‑evolving hazards keep combat unpredictable, turning every push into a brutal test of precision and squad grit. On GeForce NOW, the battle starts instantly — no waiting for patches or worrying about download space. Jump straight into the latest content, fully loaded and always in sync, for nonstop action anywhere. Game On! Heist now, sneak later. Styx: Blades of Greed from publisher Nacon lands with a sharp tongue and an even sharper blade. Styx is back to doing what he does best: slipping through shadows, looting anything that isn’t nailed down and talking trash the whole way through. Tight stealth, devious tools and a world powered by precious Quartz make every heist feel like a risky, rewarding score — perfect for anyone who prefers a dagger in the dark over a sword in the spotlight. In addition, members can look for the following: Norse: Oath of Blood (New release on Steam, Feb. 17) Diablo (New release on Ubisoft Connect, Feb. 18) Diablo + Hellfire Expansion  (New release on Ubisoft Connect, Feb. 18) Star Trek: Voyager – Across the Unknown (New release on Steam, Feb. 18, GeForce RTX 5080-ready) STALCRAFT: X (New release on Epic Games Store, Free Feb. 19) Styx: Blades of Greed (New release on Steam, Feb. 19, GeForce RTX 5080-ready) Ys X: Proud Nordics (New release on Steam, Feb. 20) KILLER INN (Steam) Trine Enchanted Edition (Epic Games Store) Trine 2: Complete Story (Epic Games Store) Trine 3: The Artifacts of Power (Steam and Epic Games Store) Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince (Epic Games Store) What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below. Happy 6th Anniversary to @NVIDIAGFN As an official NVIDIA GeForce NOW Ambassador, I’m hosting the @DeadbyDaylight block during their Anniversary Game Night + Giveaway. February 19 Event starts @ 10AM PST Dead by Daylight hosted by me at @ 1PM PST Massive prizes.… pic.twitter.com/TFtHvFWAZk — EloraBliss (@EloraBliss) February 18, 2026

Title: GeForce NOW Turns Screens Into a Gaming Machine Date: Thu, 12 Feb 2026 14:00:58 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-amazon-fire-tv-app/ The GeForce NOW sixth-anniversary festivities roll on this February, continuing a monthlong celebration of NVIDIA’s cloud gaming service. This week brings even more reasons to join the party, as GeForce NOW launches on a new platform with support for Amazon Fire TV devices, and eight new games to keep the streaming going strong. The new app brings GeForce NOW directly to select Amazon Fire TV devices, so members can jump into their PC game libraries on the biggest screen in the house using a compatible controller. The Cloud Turns Up the Heat GeForce NOW continues to expand access across devices, supporting multiple platforms with the latest additions of Linux. From PCs and Macs to smartphones, browsers and smart TVs, the cloud delivers high-performance gaming to nearly any screen, on more devices than ever. Members tap into GeForce RTX power on the screens they already own, extending the value of their membership without extra hardware or complexity. That reach expands again with the launch of the GeForce NOW app on Amazon Fire TV. GeForce NOW is powering up the living room with the launch of the GeForce NOW app on Amazon Fire TV streaming sticks, leveling up big-screen gaming with PC-quality performance. GeForce RTX performance on Amazon Fire TV. The GeForce NOW app on Fire TV is available now with initial support for the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus (2nd Gen) with Fire OS 8.1.6.0 and later and Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen)with Fire OS 8.1.6.0 and later, and Fire TV Stick 4K Max (1st Gen) with Fire OS 7.7.1.1 and later, streaming at up to 1080p60 with standard-dynamic-range graphics using H.264 video encoding and stereo audio. Fire TV owners now have an even more powerful way to play on the big screen. Connect a controller, open the app and stream favorite titles instantly with RTX power behind every pixel — no console required. Cloud gaming has never felt more at home. Stories From the Ninth World Words hit harder than weapons. Torment: Tides of Numenera, inXile Entertainment’s story-focused role-playing game, puts emphasis on choices, characters and dialogue, mixing science fiction and fantasy into a strange, colorful world where every conversation and decision matters. The adventure takes place in the “Ninth World,” a far-future version of Earth built on the ruins of incredibly advanced civilizations. Step into the role of the Last Castoff, a person connected to a powerful, mysterious figure, and get pulled into a mystery that asks one big question: What does a single life truly mean? Expect memorable companions, tough moral choices and plenty of odd, fascinating situations rather than a typical hero-saves-the-world story. On GeForce NOW, this story-heavy experience is easy to jump into, no high-end rig required. Gaming sessions can pick up right where they left off across supported devices, making it simple for gamers to sink back into the Ninth World whenever the story calls. Pixel-Powered Punch Arcade icons and blue‑bomber brawls light up GeForce NOW this week with a retro‑powered surge from Capcom, featuring Mega Man 11, Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection, Capcom Fighting Collection, and the Capcom Beat ’Em Up Bundle. Members can catch them in the cloud, reliving the glory arcade days and timeless showdowns — now streaming anywhere to members’ devices. Gear up, power up, save the future. Mega Man is back — Mega Man 11 is the latest entry in the iconic series that blends classic, challenging 2D platforming action with a fresh visual style. Hadoukens never age. Celebrate Street Fighter’s historic legacy with the Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection. In this collection of a dozen Street Fighter titles, four groundbreaking titles let gamers play with friends and relive the arcade experience through the online Arcade Mode. Where legends throw down. Capcom Fighting Collection includes 10 of Capcom’s most popular arcade games in one bumper collection, from series such as Street Fighter and Darkstalkers to Cyberbots and the first home console port of Red Earth. It’s the perfect collection for arcade veterans and newcomers alike. Grab a friend and clear the streets. Relive the glory days of cooperative arcade games with the Capcom Beat ‘Em Up Bundle. This comprehensive collection includes seven classic titles, each with various multiplayer options and online capabilities. Time to Play Twisted. Reanimal is a twisted little nightmare that leans into creepy-cute horror with a co-op twist. Guide a scrappy brother-sister duo through a haunting, off-kilter world where every shadow hides something worse, every puzzle feels like a dare and “sticking together” isn’t just smart — it’s survival. In addition, members can look for the following: Disciples: Domination (New release on Steam, Feb. 12, GeForce RTX 5080-ready) REANIMAL (New release on Steam, Feb. 13, GeForce RTX 5080-ready) Kingdom Come: Deliverance (Xbox, available on Game Pass, Feb. 13) Capcom Beat ‘Em Up Bundle (Steam) Capcom Fighting Collection (Steam) Mega Man 11 (Steam) Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection (Steam) Torment: Tides of Numenera (Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass) What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below. Our Reddit community is hosting a giveaway! Here's your chance to win: HOTAS Thrustmaster OneAmazon Fire TV SticksG515 KeyboardG522 HeadsetG502X MouseRacing Wheels (G920/G29) How to enter https://t.co/fZ9mKx9p61#6YearsofGFN — NVIDIA GeForce NOW (@NVIDIAGFN) February 11, 2026

Title: GeForce NOW Celebrates Six Years of Streaming With 24 Games in February Date: Thu, 05 Feb 2026 14:00:53 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-feb-2026-games-list/ Break out the cake and green sprinkles — GeForce NOW is turning six. Since launch, members have streamed over 1 billion hours, and the party’s just getting started. Throughout February, members can look forward to new games, fresh ways to play across more devices and even more ways to bring RTX power to every screen in the house. There’s plenty to celebrate: the February games list kicks off with 24 new games. Start with the 10 new games in the cloud this week, including the launch of Team Jade’s Delta Force and the newest title launching in the PUBG universe, PUBG: BLINDSPOT. Reporting for Duty The ultimate extraction. Delta Force, now boots on the ground and fully deployed on GeForce NOW, brings the tactical first‑person shooter from Team Jade (TiMi Studio Group) to the cloud. The game features high-stakes extraction with an all-out warfare mode, giving players a playground of open environments, vehicles and gadgets to pull off coordinated assaults. Players join elite units tasked with tackling high‑risk missions across sprawling maps, from tight urban incursions to rugged open‑terrain operations. Expect strategic objectives, combined‑arms combat with land, air and sea vehicles, and tense firefights where teamwork and planning are just as important as quick reflexes. On GeForce NOW, Delta Force leans into its high‑octane personality: fast drops, big maps and cinematic engagements that look sharp and feel responsive across devices. Members can squad up from almost anywhere, enjoy high‑resolution streaming and smooth performance, and stay ready for every op without waiting on downloads or big updates before jumping into the next mission. New Mission Squad up. PUBG: BLINDSPOT, a new spin-off set in the PUBG universe from Krafton, expands the franchise with a standalone 5v5 top-down tactical shooter. Set across tightly designed maps, matches focus on information, positioning and coordinated team play, with squads clearing angles, locking down objectives and outmaneuvering opponents in fast, round-based firefights. Every callout and ability use matters, turning each round into a layered tactical puzzle rather than a simple test of reflexes. On GeForce NOW, responsive streaming and sharp RTX-powered visuals keep every angle, rotation and clutch play feeling precise, even on lower-powered devices. With support across a wide range of screens, the cloud makes it easy for the gaming squad to jump right into the action, without lengthy downloads or updates getting in the way. Feelin’ February Kick off GeForce NOW’s anniversary month in style. Here’s what’s in store to start the celebration, with this week’s 10 new additions: Indika (New release on Xbox, available on Game Pass, Feb. 3) Menace (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass, Feb. 5, GeForce RTX 5080-ready) World of Warcraft: Burning Crusade Classic Anniversary Edition (New release on Battle.net, Feb. 5) PUBG: BLINDSPOT (New release on Steam, Feb. 5, GeForce RTX 5080-ready) Carmageddon: Rogue Shift (New release on Steam, Feb. 6, GeForce RTX 5080-ready) Delta Force (Steam) Fallout Shelter (Steam) Little Nightmares Enhanced Edition (Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass) Roadcraft (Xbox, available on Game Pass) Wildgate (Epic Games Store) In addition to this week’s additions of Menace, PUBG: BLINDSPOT and Carmageddon: Rogue Shift, this game will also be GeForce RTX 5080-ready this week: HumanitZ (Steam) And look forward to the games coming throughout the rest of the month: Disciples: Domination (New release on Steam, Feb. 12) REANIMAL (New release on Steam, Feb. 13) Kingdom Come Deliverance (New release on Xbox, available on Game Pass Feb. 13) Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora (New release on Xbox, available on Game Pass Feb. 17) Norse: Oath of Blood (New release on Steam, Feb. 17) Star Trek: Voyager – Across the Unknown (New release on Steam, Feb. 18) Styx: Blades of Greed (New release on Steam, Feb. 19) Ys X: Proud Nordics (New release on Steam, Feb. 20) Resident Evil: Requiem (New release on Steam, Feb. 26) Arc Raiders (Xbox) DEVOUR (Steam) Torque Drift 2 (Steam) Trine 3: The Artifacts of Power (Epic Games Store) Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince (Epic Games Store) January in the Books In addition to the 14 games announced last month, 21 more joined the GeForce NOW library: Ancient Farm (Steam) The Bard’s Tale Trilogy (Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass) The Bard’s Tale IV: Director’s Cut (Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass) Blood West (Epic Games Store) Bladesong (Steam) Cairn (Steam) The Gold River Project (Steam) Half Sword (Steam, GeForce RTX 5080-ready) The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon (Steam) The Midnight Walkers (Steam) Paradise Killer (Epic Games Store) Prototype (Ubisoft Connect) Prototype 2 (Ubisoft Connect) Rustler (Epic Games Store) Star Wars Outlaws (Ubisoft Connect, now available on Xbox Game Pass) Styx: Shards of Darkness (Epic Games Store) Styx: Master of Shadows (Epic Games Store) Total War: Three Kingdoms (Epic Games Store) Vampires: Bloodlord Rising (Steam, GeForce RTX 5080-ready) Warhammer 40,000: SPACE MARINE 2 (Xbox, available on Game Pass, GeForce RTX 5080-ready) Waterpark Simulator (Steam) Nova Roma is now set to launch in March and will arrive in the cloud when it debuts. Stay tuned to GFN Thursday for more details. What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below. Hopping into this convo. 2016 vs. 2026 For @CandraHastings, it looks like growth – share yours. pic.twitter.com/o9p3oBBQYD — NVIDIA GeForce NOW (@NVIDIAGFN) February 3, 2026

Title: GeForce NOW Brings GeForce RTX Gaming to Linux PCs Date: Thu, 29 Jan 2026 14:00:49 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-linux/ Get ready to game — the native GeForce NOW app for Linux PCs is now available in beta, letting Linux desktops tap directly into GeForce RTX performance from the cloud. Alongside the expansion comes ten new games, including The Bard’s Tale IV: Director’s Cut and The Bard’s Tale Trilogy for a leveled-up gaming weekend. And operators can squad up in Team Jade’s Delta Force when it deploys in the cloud on February 3, bringing high-stakes tactical action to nearly any device with no downloads required. Linux Just Got RTX Gaming on Linux just got a major RTX upgrade. Starting with support for Ubuntu 24.04 and later, the new app delivers a seamless native experience that fits right into Linux desktop workflows. It transforms compatible Linux systems into high-performance GeForce RTX-powered rigs, streaming supported PC titles directly from the cloud at up to 5K resolution  and 120 frames per second, or 1080p at 360 fps. This new desktop-focused app goes beyond the earlier Linux experience that was tuned specifically for Steam Decks, which targeted handheld-friendly resolutions and up to 1200p at 90 fps. The beta Linux app is built for PCs and notebooks, offering an experience similar to the existing GeForce NOW app on Windows and macOS. With GeForce NOW, rendering happens in the cloud, so demanding titles run on a wider range of devices. Experience how RTX technologies — including ray tracing, NVIDIA DLSS 4 and more — bring games to life with RTX 5080 performance from the cloud. Linux PCs and devices join the GeForce NOW native app family that also supports Windows, macOS, Chromebooks, mobile devices, smart TVs and more — unlocking flexible, on-demand gaming anywhere. Download the app today. For more details, check out all knowledge base articles on the GeForce NOW Linux beta app here. A Tale of the Cloud Adventure calls twice with two legendary journeys from inXile entertainment packed with wit, wonder and a few well-placed lute solos. Sing loud, fight hard and out-charm enemies. Get ready to sing, slash and swindle through the wild world of Caith in The Bard’s Tale IV: Director’s Cut. This dungeon-crawling role-playing game serves up clever puzzles, tactical turn-based battles and a hearty helping of bardic humor. Whether belting out battle tunes or charming foes into submission, gamers can enjoy an adventure that’s never sounded this good. Relive the songs and chaos that started it all. Plus, step back to where the saga began with The Bard’s Tale Trilogy. This remastered collection revives the classic, old-school dungeon crawling and tongue-in-cheek charm that started it all — now with smoother gameplay and polished visuals. It’s nostalgia wrapped in pure fantasy fun. Hot off the Cloud One mountain, countless close calls. Cairn is a survival-climbing adventure from The Game Bakers that pushes pro climber Aava up the unforgiving face of Mount Kami, a sheer giant that no one has ever managed to summit. Realistic climbing systems, resource management and route-planning turn each wall into a tense, puzzle-like challenge — blending simulation detail with atmospheric storytelling. In addition, members can look for the following: The Midnight Walkers (New release on Steam, Jan. 28, GeForce RTX 5080-ready) Cairn (New release on Steam, Jan. 29, GeForce RTX 5080-ready) Prototype (New release on Ubisoft Connect, Jan. 29) Prototype 2 (New release on Ubisoft Connect, Jan. 29) Warhammer 40,000: SPACE MARINE 2 (New release on Xbox, available on Game Pass, Jan. 29, GeForce RTX 5080-ready) Half Sword (New release on Steam, Jan.30, GeForce RTX 5080-ready) Vampires: Bloodlord Rising (New release on Steam, Jan. 30, GeForce RTX 5080-ready) The Bard’s Tale Trilogy (Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass) The Bard’s Tale IV: Director’s Cut (Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass) Total War: Three Kingdoms (Epic Games Store) What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below. Name a food item that gives you… +20 health-2 Dexterity — NVIDIA GeForce NOW (@NVIDIAGFN) January 28, 2026

Title: Flight Controls Are Cleared for Takeoff on GeForce NOW Date: Thu, 22 Jan 2026 14:00:53 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-flight-controls/ The wait is over, pilots. Flight control support — one of the most community-requested features for GeForce NOW — is live starting today, following its announcement at CES earlier this month. Virtual captains can now bring dedicated flight gear into the cloud and feel every roll, yaw and throttle change with even more precision, starting with the Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS One. Time is running out on our T.Flight Hotas One MSFS Edition + 1 month of @NVIDIAGFN Ultimate giveaway! How to enter 1. Follow both @TMThrustmaster and @NVIDIAGFN accounts on social2. Repost this and share on your feed 5 winners will be chosen – ends 1/24. pic.twitter.com/B89mGwJoNQ — NVIDIA GeForce NOW (@NVIDIAGFN) January 19, 2026 Remember to enter the giveaway for a chance to score a T.Flight Hotas One MSFS Edition and one month of a GeForce NOW Ultimate membership — follow Thrustmaster and GeForce NOW, and repost the giveaway post to enter before Saturday, Jan. 24. Also on the horizon, Delta Force from Team Jade (TiMi Studio Group) is coming soon to GeForce NOW, adding another big-name title to the cloud lineup. Get ready for all the action by streaming the four new games in this cloud this week. Pilots Wanted Members can now jump into their favorite flight and space simulation games with a full stick-and-throttle setup streamed right from the cloud. It’s all about dialing in that authentic, hands-on flying experience while keeping latency low and gameplay responsive on GeForce NOW. Full throttle in the cloud. To get right to flying, members can look for a dedicated row in the GeForce NOW app highlighting games that support flight controls, making it simple to spot great titles for putting their new setup through its paces. This initial flight control support rollout is just the beginning, with plans to keep tuning the experience and expand compatibility to more peripherals. Fire up the rig, plug in the Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS One and get ready to take off — the cloud cockpit is open and ready for flight. Your Next Mission: ‘Delta Force’ Team Jade’s Delta Force is coming soon to the cloud, ready to drop players into high-stakes extraction with an all-out warfare mode where coordination and precision matter just as much as raw firepower. When it launches on GeForce NOW, members will be able to jump into the action instantly from almost any device, taking advantage of high‑performance streaming to stay locked at smooth frame rates even in the most chaotic firefights. Get ready to squad up, Delta Force is inbound soon. On GeForce NOW, every long‑range shot, helicopter insertion and tense objective push can feel crisp and responsive, whether playing on low‑powered laptops, Macs or mobile devices. The cloud makes it easy to squad up, drop in and get straight to the mission without worrying about downloads, patches or local hardware. New in the Cloud A graceful little robot having the worst day in the universe. MIO: Memories in Orbit is a neon-tinged metroidvania about a nimble little robot waking up on a massive, overgrown ark called the Vessel with nothing but fractured memories and a whole lot of trouble coming its way. Dart through low-gravity corridors, chain together elegant wall-runs, glides and grapples, and tangle with rogue machines as the Vessel itself quietly steals the spotlight — moody, decaying and just alive enough to keep a few secrets. In addition, members can look for the following: MIO: Memories in Orbit (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass, Jan. 20) Bladesong (New release on Steam, Jan. 22) Rustler (New release on Epic Games Store, free starting Jan. 22) The Gold River Project (New release on Steam, Jan. 23, GeForce RTX 5080-ready) What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below. If you could fly to any video game destination, where would it be? — NVIDIA GeForce NOW (@NVIDIAGFN) January 21, 2026

Title: Share of the Week: Nioh 3 Date: Fri, 20 Feb 2026 18:01:34 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/02/20/share-of-the-week-nioh-3/ Last week, we asked you to explore the world of Nioh 3 and share moments fighting yokai using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this week’s highlights: KeenEyeVP shares their protagonist striking a artful pose Mayuchemaru shares characters wearing ornate armor kisa0315ragi shares their character reeling back to attack an enemy on horse sayaka693518 shares shares a character surrounded in red with a devilish smile flamfura shares a moment of respite near a shrine themarkplumb shares a masked character surrounded by red slashes 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: FramingSUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on February 25, 2026 Next week, find unique ways to frame your subject using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured.

Title: (For Southeast Asia) Festive New Year promotion comes to PlayStation Store Date: Fri, 20 Feb 2026 09:26:26 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/02/20/20260220-psstore/ PlayStation Store Festive New Year promotion comes to PlayStation Store on 4 February*! Enjoy up to 70% off on a huge range of incredible games until 25 February. Highlighted titles include Battlefield™ 6, Black Myth: Wukong, SILENT HILL f and Forza Horizon 5. Head to PlayStation Store to enjoy savings now! View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image PlayStation Plus Players who join PlayStation Plus Extra or Deluxe during 13 February to 26 February can save up to 35% on a PS Plus 12-month membership! Current PlayStation Plus members can save 35% on the remainder of their membership when upgrading a current plan to PlayStation Plus Deluxe.** With PlayStation Plus Extra and Deluxe, get access to monthly games, exclusive discounts, online multiplayer, and hundreds of games through the Game Catalog and Classics Catalog, including hit titles like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Hogwarts Legacy, Sword of the Sea and many more. Explore the Classics Catalog with PlayStation Plus Deluxe, try select games like the epic Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 with Game Trials, and more.** *Festive New Year Promotion starts on 4 February 00:00 JST and concludes on 25 February 23:59 JST. Each title may have different sale periods. Please refer to the information in the title details page.  **Availability of Classics and Game Catalog varies over time, region/country, and plan. See https://www.playstation.com/Plus for details and updates on PlayStation Plus offerings. PlayStation Plus is an ongoing subscription subject to a recurring subscription fee taken automatically (at the then-current PS Store price) at the frequency you choose at purchase until cancellation. Terms apply: play.st/psplus-usageterms

Title: Rager brings the beat to PlayStation VR2 on March 5 Date: Thu, 19 Feb 2026 13:00:29 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/02/19/rager-brings-the-beat-to-playstation-vr2-on-march-5/ Hello again, PlayStation VR2 players! We’re bringing Rager to PS VR2 on March 5, and we can’t wait for you to feel what rhythm-driven combat really means. Rager is a music-driven VR brawler where the rhythm is never background noise. Every strike, block, and dodge is tied directly to the soundtrack. Enemies attack in sync with pounding basslines and war drums, and your survival depends on whether you can match that timing with precision. This is combat built on control and awareness. You step into a shifting digital arena as robotic adversaries close in from every direction. The world forms around you as the music builds, then collapses back into the void when the fight is over. The next track begins, and the pressure starts again. No room for hesitation At launch on PS VR2, Rager includes a full campaign of 12 hand-built levels and three boss fights that escalate the pressure with every track. Each level locks you into a specific weapon and forces you to commit. There is no switching mid-fight. You adapt or you fail. The weapon in your hands changes the fight completely. Sword and Mace demand precision, striking independently with clean, deliberate timing. Axe and Hammer require both hands and full-body movement, rewarding committed swings with crushing impact. Claws and Fists pull you into close range, where attacks come faster and hesitation disappears. Every weapon shifts your stance, your reach, and your rhythm. You are reading the beat while reading the enemy, adjusting your timing in real time as attacks come from every direction. Freestyle mode opens another 12 levels from the start, giving you the freedom to choose your weapon and push your limits. Online leaderboards track every run. When a fight ends, you know exactly where you lost time. If your timing slips, you feel it. If you land clean, you feel that too. Rager rewards discipline. The tighter your movement, the harder it hits.  The PS VR2 experience Rager is built around clarity, feedback, and physical commitment. On PS VR2, those elements come through at full strength. The game runs at a native 90Hz, keeping movement smooth and responsive during the fastest exchanges. When attacks come from multiple directions and the beat accelerates, you need stability. Native 90Hz ensures that what you see and what you feel stay locked together, frame by frame. HDR support deepens the contrast of the arena, sharpening silhouettes and impact flashes against the darkness. Dynamic foveated rendering powered by eye tracking keeps your focus crisp exactly where you’re looking, so telegraphed strikes stay readable even in chaotic moments. Then there’s the feedback. Advanced haptics in the PS VR2 Sense controllers reinforce timing in your hands. A clean strike lands with weight. A blocked attack sends resistance through your grip. Headset rumble adds force to heavy blows and boss slams, grounding you in the center of the arena. The result is combat that feels anchored. When you commit to a swing, you feel the consequence. For players who chase mastery, Rager includes a full trophy list, culminating in a Platinum trophy that rewards precision, discipline, and complete control of the rhythm. On PS VR2, every strike carries weight, every block carries resistance, and every mistake carries consequence.  The arena opens March 5 Rager rewards players who stay sharp under pressure. When the tempo rises and attacks close in from every direction, hesitation costs you. Clean timing wins fights. Control keeps you standing. We’re proud to bring Rager to PlayStation VR2, and we’re excited to see how this community rises to the challenge. If you’re ready to test your timing, your stamina, and your control, we’ll see you in the arena on March 5.

Title: 11 indie gems to look forward to in 2026 Date: Wed, 18 Feb 2026 15:01:27 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/02/18/11-indie-gems-to-look-forward-to-in-2026/ This year is promising some great PlayStation 5 games – our Most Wanted Games of Early 2026 is easy proof of that. But we’re only just getting started. There’s so much more on the way, and with PS5 not only home to the biggest releases but also an exciting hotbed of super cool indie titles, it’s only fair to give you an enticing glimpse at why we’re so hyped for the coming months. Coffee Talk Tokyo | May 21 | PS5 If you’ve ever wanted to safely talk to yokai about their lives (or afterlives) over a cup of joe, then pull up a seat at the Tokyo cafe Chorus Worldwide has set up. If you’re not familiar with the lovely Coffee Talk series, this iteration continues its calming narrative, where you prepare and serve drinks to supernatural customers seeking chilled conversation and warm contemplation. Fishbowl | April TBD | PS5 Play Video As odd as its title might sound, Fishbowl carries a depth that’s already caught the eyes and tugged at the hearts of those who’ve played it. Exploring a journey of grief and self-discovery, the two-person studio of imissmyfriends promises a thoughtful and emotional visual novel. A coming-of-age tale set over a month, Fishbowl features sorting-and-matching puzzle gameplay elements, but, most importantly, it aims to teach players that taking things one day at a time is sometimes the only way to move forward. Hela | TBD 2026 | PS5 Play Video It’s entirely possible that when you first heard the title of this 3D co-op adventure, images of Nordic fire and brimstone came to mind. But never fear, Hela is pretty much the opposite. In fact, the only Scandinavian landscapes that have inspired this wholesome journey are those that have you reaching for the Create button for a revisit. Windup’s beautiful-looking escapade of puzzles and teamwork – via either local split-screen or online if you want to bring a buddy – lets you become a sickly witch’s mousey familiar, brewing healing potions and helping the local village with acts of kindness. Inkonbini: One Store. Many Stories | April TBD | PS5 Play Video Need space for a cosy gaming experience? Nagai Industries has you covered with this nostalgic slice-of-life narrative, where human connections created by everyday events are entirely the point. Inspired by early 1990s Japan, Inkobini sets you in a small-town convenience store where you not only go through the meditative routine of preparing the shop for customers, but also hear their tales and forge relationships. The branching narrative shapes your conversations as you help the neighbourhood grow and thrive. Mina the Hollower | Spring 2026 | PS5, PS4 Play Video One of the most anticipated titles of 2026, Yacht Club Games’ action-adventure blends an 8-bit aesthetic with modern design sensibilities, a combination that helped Shovel Knight become such a beloved indie darling. Genius inventor Mina isn’t just a dab hand with weapons like her Nightstar whip and daggers, but can also use her hollowing ability to burrow underground – perfect for mixing up combat and traversal in the many dungeons of the cursed Tenebrous Isle. Fan favourite musicians Jake Kaufman (the Shantae series) and Yuzo Koshiro (Streets of Rage/Shinobi series) are also along for the adventure’s infectiously slick soundtrack. Mortal Shell II | TBD 2026 | PS5 Play Video Let’s step away from the cosy side for a spell, and get our hands a little dirty with the sequel to Cold Symmetry’s original action-RPG. While standalone from its predecessor, Mortal Shell II continues to deliver the unflinching fights, nightmarish enemies, and haunting open world that fans previously enjoyed. The corpses of departed warriors are yours to awaken and possess to utilize their many abilities. Finishers have been upgraded, and the stamina gauge has been removed to speed up combat. Oh, and there are firearms, too, so your bloody quest to reclaim the Undermether’s stolen eggs gives you a chance to introduce the likes of shotguns and rapid-fire crossbows to your foes. Mouse P.I. For Hire | March 19 | PS5 Play Video Evoking the hand-drawn aesthetic of classic 1930s cartoons, Fumi Games’s first-person shooter blends detective noir storytelling with all-action blasting. If you like jazz, machine guns, grizzled narration, and oversized white gloves, then Mouseburg will be your home away from home. But be warned – just like the animation it apes, this is a game where almost anything can happen. Never Grave: The Witch and The Curse | March 5 | PS5, PS4 Play Video There’s something special about a game that knows how endearing it is, and this vibrant 2D search action roguelike truly owns its charm – or should that be ‘curse’? Simply put, you control a magical hat with the power to possess your foes and use their abilities to venture through ruins, botanical gardens, and more, to help rebuild your ruined village. And what’s better than one cursed hat? Well, bring three friends along for the multiplayer mode and find out. Ontos | TBD 2026 | PS5 Play Video When Frictional Games announced it would be unleashing the spiritual successor to 2015 sci-fi horror Soma, any eager anticipation was rewarded with the first glimpses of Ontos. Swapping underwater chills for a desolate moon base, this disturbing narrative-driven adventure challenges you to scavenge materials, operate machinery, and make moral choices that could result in grave consequences as you delve deeper into the mystery of a failed mining colony. Out of Words | TBD 2026 | PS5 Play Video Easily one of the most unique-looking games in this list due to its eye-catching stop-motion and handcrafted visuals, Out of Words lives up to its title with two protagonists without mouths. In a quest to restore their voices, you and a friend take control of Kurt and Karla in a co-op platform adventure packed with puzzles and environmental challenges, testing your communication and coordination. And beneath the giant fish, tense set pieces, and physics-defying traversals, beats a tender story of connection and love, too. Over the Hill | TBD 2026 | PS5 Play Video It couldn’t have been easy to follow the stylish racing game art of rally, but developers Funselektor Labs and Strelka Games have made something decidedly different, albeit still on four wheels. Over the Hill focuses on exploration and discovery, with a deliberately paced drive through a wilderness of dynamic weather, day/night cycles, and terrain deformation. It’s not a race – it’s all about the journey, upgrading and customizing your vehicle, taking in the scenery, and even joining up to three friends to see what awaits past the sunset.    We might be buzzing to get our hands on these games (and many more, coming), but what about you? Which indie titles are you looking forward to playing in 2026?

Title: How open world Soulslike deckbuilder Death Howl was built Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2026 20:00:00 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/02/16/how-open-world-soulslike-deckbuilder-death-howl-was-built/ When we first started working on Death Howl, if you had told me we were building an “open world, soulslike deckbuilder,” I would have looked at you with a fair bit of confusion. It sounds like a recipe made out of components that don’t naturally fit together. Yet, as we prepare to bring the journey of Ro to a new audience on PlayStation 5 from February 19, I’ve been reflecting on how this genre blend came to be. The truth is, the “soulslike” tag wasn’t part of the original design document. A foundation of cards and tactics At its core, Death Howl began as a prototype that I made as a school project back in 2015 after playing the unique and brilliant game called Dream Quest. I’ve always been inspired by Magic: The Gathering and the idea of traversing a world to collect materials for crafting power. Our initial goal was to create an alternative to the traditional roguelite deckbuilder – something that traded linear, “always-start-from-beginning” runs for a free-roaming open world. We also looked at the character skill building where cards replaced traditional weapons and spells, with all combat taking place on a grid. Play Video The accidental Soulslike In general, we never intended to blend so many genres. At its core, Death Howl is an open world deckbuilder. But to achieve that vision, many different designs had to merge. We combined tactical, grid-based combat with deck building. We merged open world exploration with turn-based battles. And as the design evolved, other genre elements emerged organically – including soulslike mechanics. Honestly, I wasn’t even especially familiar with soulslike games when we started. It was something that came about from testers telling us it felt like one. Some elements were already in place. “Sacred Groves” – checkpoint locations much like the bonfires you might know from other games-allow you to heal, but they also respawn all enemies. We had designed these early on. But testers pointed to other traces of the genre in our game. They felt Death Howl earned the soulslike label because of how it rewards pattern recognition. You need to observe enemy behaviors – learning to avoid the frontal charge of a boar, for instance – and embrace the punishing but fair loop of death and adaptation. We made one key adjustment to fit our card-based structure. Instead of sending players back to the last checkpoint, dying in Death Howl returns you to the moment just before the encounter you lost. When Ro dies, she drops “Death Howls” – the currency earned from defeating enemies, used to craft new cards and upgrade abilities. These can be retrieved after respawning, much like souls in other games. This mechanic was perhaps the biggest direct inspiration we took from the genre once we became more familiar with it. The rest emerged more indirectly. But embracing the soulslike direction as an overall concept helped us add even more layers to the experience. For me, it’s still an open world deckbuilder. For others, it’s a soulslike card battler. Both are true. Balancing the dark and the ethereal Genre-blending is one part of Death Howl’s identity. The other is its mood. The world of Death Howl is a spirit realm born from grief, distant memories, and the unknown. To capture that otherworldly feeling, we leaned into a “linocut” or woodcut art style-inspired by heavy metal t-shirts and old-school Scandinavian illustrations – all rendered in minimalistic pixel art. This visual approach mirrors the gameplay in a way. Just as shapes emerge from deep shadows in our art, players must piece together the narrative of Ro’s quest to reunite with her son. The pixel art forces the viewer to imagine the details left in the darkness, creating space for their own interpretation. A journey to PlayStation Building Death Howl taught us that creating something unique often means combining elements that don’t obviously fit together. The result is a game that balances the calm of exploration with the intensity of turn-based combat, all wrapped in a story of resilience and loss. As we bring this experience to PlayStation 5 on February 19, we’re incredibly excited for a new community to step into our Spirit World and discover its secrets. Whether you’re a deckbuilding veteran or a soulslike fan looking for a tactical twist, we hope you’ll find something here that resonates. Death Howl is more than the sum of its genres-it’s a reflection of the creative journey that shaped it.

Title: Resident Evil Requiem is this week's headline PC game but don't forget the Witchers, pirates and pinballs Date: Mon, 23 Feb 2026 12:28:30 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/resident-evil-requiem-is-this-weeks-headline-pc-game-but-dont-forget-the-witchers-pirates-and-pinballs Happy this week all! It’s time for another Steam Next Fest. A time to stock up on unfinished business. A time to litter your desktop with dead-ends. A time to install 30 game demos and play exactly three of them - unless you are RPS supporter Mr_B, who I think accounts for the majority of Valve’s downloads traffic these days. We’re not doing the whole Wishlisted thing this year due to a chronic shortage of wishfulness brought on by our collective advancing age, but we’ll be writing up the hottest demos as they arrive, in a dramatic departure from our regular news coverage of… writing up the hottest demos as they arrive. It’s not all demos, mind: a few developers have scandalous plans to unleash complete games into the storm of prototypes and playtests. Here are the ones we’re thinking about feeding to the Maw. Read more

Title: "They've ghosted me": Saints Row design director says he believes the series is "dead" after pitching prequel Date: Mon, 23 Feb 2026 12:16:59 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/theyve-ghosted-me-saints-row-design-director-says-he-believes-the-series-is-dead-after-pitching-prequel Make sure the dildos are flying at half mast. Saints Row 1 design director Chris Stockman has said he believes the series is "dead", following conversations with Embracer Group about his pitch for a prequel. According to the developer, who currently heads VR studio Bit Planet Games, that chatter about a potential Saints Rowssurection post Embracer's closing of Volition has ended in the publishers ghosting Stockman. Read more

Title: Ubisoft CEO touts “disciplined workforce management” while defending giving his son the keys to Assassin's Creed Date: Mon, 23 Feb 2026 11:08:00 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/ubisoft-ceo-touts-disciplined-workforce-management-while-defending-giving-his-son-the-keys-to-assassins-creed Ubisoft’s CEO Yves Guillemot has confirmed that they are making a bunch of new Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry games, together with some unannounced original projects, in a wide-ranging albeit very rehearsed-sounding chinwag with Variety. Read more

Title: Tencent reportedly shutter open world game studio which had drafted in former Assassin’s Creed director Date: Mon, 23 Feb 2026 11:01:17 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/tencent-reportedly-shutter-open-world-game-studio-which-had-drafted-in-former-assassins-creed-director Tencent have reportedly shut down their TiMi Montreal studio, set up back in 2021 with the goal of creating multi-platform open world games. In those five years, the studio haven't shipped any games, but had brought on former Assassin’s Creed creative director Ashraf Ismail. Ismail was reportedly fired by Ubisoft following an investigation into misconduct, with the developer having been accused of taking advantage of his status to engage in extramarital relationships. Read more

Title: What's on your bookshelf: S.T.A.L.K.E.R. and GSC Game World's Mariia Grygorovych Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2026 12:09:36 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/whats-on-your-bookshelf-stalker-and-gsc-game-worlds-mariia-grygorovych Hello reader who is also a reader! It's time for another instalment of our winningly impromptu article series in which game developers discuss and marvel over books. Let us make the customary ritual sacrifice to Saint Nic Reuben, baron of words and founder of this column. Excelsior! And now, I turn the lectern over to Mariia Grygorovych, executive producer at GSC Game World, developers of S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chornobyl and S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl. Cheers, Mariia! Mind if we have a nose at your bookshelf? Read more