Title: Phil Spencer Says Goodbye: ‘[Xbox] Deserves A Thoughtful, Deliberate Plan For The Road Ahead’ Date: Fri, 20 Feb 2026 21:07:21 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/phil-spencer-goodbye-email-memo-xbox-microsoft-2000672084 The 38-year veteran of Microsoft calls his time there an 'epic ride'

Title: Xbox’s New Boss Promises Not To Flood It With ‘Soulless AI Slop’ Date: Fri, 20 Feb 2026 20:56:52 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/xboxs-new-boss-promises-not-to-flood-it-with-soulless-ai-slop-2000672087 Asha Sharma, formerly the head of Microsoft's AI division, promises more 'great games' made by humans

Title: Phil Spencer Retires From Xbox And Sarah Bond Resigns As Microsoft’s AI Exec Takes Over Date: Fri, 20 Feb 2026 20:27:25 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/phil-spencer-xbox-leaving-retirement-microsoft-2000672059 Microsoft's gaming division sees a big leadership change amid its messiest console generation yet

Title: PlayStation Fans Are Furious And They’re Taking It Out On Marathon Date: Fri, 20 Feb 2026 19:26:13 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/playstation-fans-mad-marathon-bluepoint-boycott-ps5-bungie-2000672040 Bungie's upcoming live-service first-person sci-fi shooter is landing at the worst possible time following Bluepoint's reported shutdown

Title: Pokémon FireRed And LeafGreen On Switch Has A Sick Special Edition Most People Can’t Get Date: Fri, 20 Feb 2026 18:45:30 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/pokemon-firered-leafgreen-switch-edition-japan-center-2000672041 The GBA ports are coming to Switch next week

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 Game About Monster Politicians Somehow Less Evil Than The Real Thing Date: Fri, 20 Feb 2026 12:34:00 -0800 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-game-about-monster-politicians-somehow-less-evil-than-the-real-thing/1100-6538329/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f The Fractured Kingdom is holding an election in Cavalier Game Studios' new card-based roguelike Prime Monster. This nation has a three-party system that lets players choose between Viscount Sucksworth of the Vampiric Victory party, Orcs-4-U representative Chopper Badstone, and The Zombified People's Movement's prime shuffler, Rotilda De Cay. They're all monsters here, and there's no promise too outrageous for them to make in order to gain political power. The demo for Prime Monster is out now on Steam, and the cards let players unleash every dirty trick in the book. Murder isn't out of the question, but why kill your political opponent when you can smear their good name and ruin their reputation? Some fates are worse than death for these mostly dead creatures.Cavalier Game Studios is going for political satire with some of the available initiatives, including calls for same-hex marriage and demands to release the nosferatu files. And rather than discouraging players from making false promises to the electorate, Prime Monster rewards them for lying. The more outlandish the promise, the more likely it is to keep you in power. These voters are pretty gullible, and they don't seem to mind voting for the greater evil.Continue Reading at GameSpot

Title: Phil Spencer Leaving Xbox, As Microsoft AI Boss Takes Over Date: Fri, 20 Feb 2026 12:29:00 -0800 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/phil-spencer-leaving-xbox-as-microsoft-ai-boss-takes-over/1100-6538330/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer is retiring from the company and Xbox president Sarah Bond is leaving in a massive shakeup for the gaming giant.Spencer had been with Microsoft since 1988, starting as an intern and rising through the ranks to become the overall head of gaming within Microsoft. IGN was first to report the news.Spencer will officially retire from Microsoft on Monday, February 23. Xbox president Sarah Bond is resigning from the company.Continue Reading at GameSpot

Title: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, And Switch 1 Sales Dropped In January For The US Date: Fri, 20 Feb 2026 11:16:00 -0800 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/ps5-xbox-series-x-s-and-switch-1-sales-dropped-in-january-for-the-us/1100-6538327/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f The newest sales data for the US video game industry has arrived, and one of the takeaways is that hardware sales continue to slide for all major platforms--except the Switch 2, it seems.Circana's report for January 2026 sales in the US showed that spending on hardware rose by 16% year-over-year, jumping to $248 million for the month. This growth was achieved despite the PS5 seeing a 17% decline in spending, the Xbox Series X|S posting a 27% decline, and the original Switch falling even more dramatically by 79% compared to last year.The Switch 2, it seems, was the savior for hardware spending in January 2026, and it did well enough to offset all of those declines. Despite that, the Switch 2 was actually January 2026's No. 2 top platform for unit and dollar sales. The PS5 was the No. 1 overall console platform in January 2026 by those metrics, even with its 17% year-over-year decline in sales.Continue Reading at GameSpot

Title: Skate Players Unload On EA Over Broken Promise About Not Paywalling Maps Date: Fri, 20 Feb 2026 11:12:00 -0800 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/skate-players-unload-on-ea-over-broken-promise-about-not-paywalling-maps/1100-6538325/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f EA is bringing back the Isle of Grom in Skate Season 3, but fans aren't happy about it because only players who have purchased a premium pass will be able to freely revisit the tutorial island. Essentially, it will be locked behind a paywall for everyone else, which goes against the promise EA made last year before Skate hit early access.Thus far, the fan response to EA's announcement has been largely negative.pic.twitter.com/HiUgJYqW9c — Roland Udvarlaki (@Techusiast) February 19, 2026 now what happened to this pic.twitter.com/MTq8TDsx6V — ִ ࣪ ˖ ࣪ rei lynn ! ᰔ ݁₊ (@nkocharm) February 19, 2026 EA subsequently issued a response that it launched Skate in early access "so we could build it with players, not behind closed doors ... Yes, sometimes plans have to change. That's part of the deal when you're building in public. We're here, we're listening, and we're going to keep shaping skate. Together."Continue Reading at GameSpot

Title: Rayman's 30th Anniversary Edition Is Just The "First Step" In Franchise's Comeback, Ubisoft Says Date: Fri, 20 Feb 2026 11:09:00 -0800 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/raymans-30th-anniversary-edition-is-just-the-first-step-in-franchises-comeback-ubisoft-says/1100-6538322/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f Ubisoft recently announced a 30th anniversary edition of the 1995 original Rayman, but that might not be the only project the company has on tap for the iconic franchise.Speaking to Variety, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot said the 30th Anniversary Edition of the game is "the first step in the brand's comeback."Guillemot did not have any news to share in the interview about what's next for Rayman, but the executive said Rayman has "unique charm and enduring appeal," and more is in store.Continue Reading at GameSpot

Title: Xbox boss Phil Spencer retires, replaced by Microsoft AI exec, Asha Sharma Date: Fri, 20 Feb 2026 20:52:22 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/xbox-phil-spencer-retiring-microsoft-ai-exec-asha-sharma-sarah-bond/ In a shocking turn of events, there has been a major executive turnover at Xbox, which will see both Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer and his heir apparent, Xbox president Sarah Bond, exiting the company. In Spencer's place, the current president of Microsoft's CoreAI, Asha Sharma, will take over, according to a report from IGN.

Title: Supreme Court strikes down Trump tariffs that hit board game publishers Date: Fri, 20 Feb 2026 20:41:51 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/supreme-court-tariff-decision-wingspan-team-stonemaier/ “Relief!” That was the first word from Jamey Stegmaier, co-founder of Stonemaier Games, after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down sweeping tariffs that had rattled the board game industry — along with every other sector of the global economy — for months. "Relief that the tariff taxes can't skyrocket on a whim tomorrow, a fear I've lived with every day since April," he told Polygon via email.

Title: Fortnite Interference story quest walkthrough Date: Fri, 20 Feb 2026 20:31:33 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/fortnite-guide-interference-redacted-story-quest-visitor-zero-point-shard/ With the Visitor's entrance in Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 1, players are now able to complete the "Interference" story quests.

Title: Stanley Kubrick's final film is streaming free on Tubi Date: Fri, 20 Feb 2026 19:32:42 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/stanley-kubrick-eyes-wide-shut-dream-story-analysis-streaming/ While Eyes Wide Shut was Kubrick’s highest-grossing film at the box office, its audience reception was abysmal at the time: a baffling D- on CinemaScore. Several factors could be responsible: Kubrick’s unexpected death, six days after he privately screened a supposed final cut of the film, fueled rumors about its actual state of completion, while also raising questions about the record-breaking production shoot, which lasted 400 days. Also, Warner Bros. made the unfortunate decision to market the film exclusively as an erotic thriller, banking on the popularity of leads Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, who were married at the time. While Eyes Wide Shut is provocative, Kubrick’s interpretation unravels like a paranoid fever dream, rejecting traditional narrative structures in favor of an anxiety-inducing humiliation ritual that Dr. Bill Harford (Cruise) experiences overnight.

Title: God of War Sons of Sparta review: 2D Metroidvania gives Kratos new depth amid growing pains Date: Fri, 20 Feb 2026 19:00:17 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/god-of-war-sons-of-sparta-review/ Before he was slaying the Greek or Norse pantheon of Gods, Kratos was just a boi training to be a Spartan. The 2D Metroidvania Sons of Sparta, developed by indie studio Mega Cat rather than Sony’s Santa Monica Studio, finds him side-stepping his training and chores as he, along with his younger brother Deimos, venture into the wilds in search of a fellow Spartan who’s gone missing.

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: Survive the Quarantine Zone and More With Devolver Digital Games on GeForce NOW Date: Thu, 15 Jan 2026 14:00:35 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-quarantine-zone/ NVIDIA kicked off the year at CES, where the crowd buzzed about the latest gaming announcements — including the native GeForce NOW app for Linux and Amazon Fire TV sticks, community-requested flight-control support and a stacked AAA lineup for the year. Check out what the creators of the YouTube channels Cloud Gaming Battle and Anytime Anywhere Gaming had to say in their latest videos exploring GeForce NOW at CES: Plus, read what the community said about the upcoming native GeForce NOW app on Linux. The energy continues this GFN Thursday with the launch of Quarantine Zone: The Last Check, Devolver Digital’s most haunting and atmospheric release yet. Check it out along with other top Devolver Digital games on GeForce NOW and nine new games in the cloud this week. Here’s your chance to win a T.Flight Hotas One MSFS Edition + 1 month of @NVIDIAGFN Ultimate. How to enter 1. Follow both @TMThrustmaster and @NVIDIAGFN accounts on social2. Repost this and share on your feed 5 lucky winners will be chosen – good luck! pic.twitter.com/DDxzcGwt8I — NVIDIA GeForce NOW (@NVIDIAGFN) January 14, 2026 And flight sim fans can soar even higher with a Thrustmaster giveaway, featuring the T.Flight Hotas One MSFS Edition and one month of a GeForce NOW Ultimate membership for free — follow Thrustmaster and GeForce NOW, and repost the giveaway post for a chance to win before Jan. 24. Welcome to the Zone Trust no one, file everything. Quarantine Zone: The Last Check drops into the cloud this week, bringing the eerie isolation and grim decision-making of its Steam debut to any device powered by GeForce NOW. Armed with advanced screening tools and instincts, players are put in charge of a critical checkpoint during a zombie outbreak — where one wrong choice could let the infection slip past the post. Screen survivors, manage scarce resources and hold back the undead. Holding the line is only the beginning — reinforce defenses and keep the camp alive as chaos intensifies with each passing day. Quarantine Zone: The Last Check streams at full GeForce RTX 5080 power for GeForce NOW Ultimate members, bringing razor-sharp visuals and ultrasmooth performance to every tense border crossing. Every document check, difficult decision and late-night shift in the guard booth hits harder with maxed-out settings and buttery frame rates, all without long installs or hardware worries getting in the way of the paranoia. No trip through the Devolver catalog would be complete without revisiting its eclectic, chaotic hits already streaming on GeForce NOW. Check out Cult of the Lamb, Ball x Pit, Hotline Miami, Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number, Inscryption and Enter the Gungeon — where every dodge roll matters and every chest hides mayhem. Each of these titles showcases Devolver’s knack for daring design and unforgettable worlds — now all one click away through GeForce NOW. Time to Play Sink into the shadows and steal everything that isn’t nailed down. Styx: Shards of Darkness sneaks back in with a signature goblin grin and a dagger never too far from trouble. Published by Focus Home Interactive, this stealth adventure leans into vertical level design, tight shadows and sarcastic commentary from gaming’s most lovable little assassin. Expect big, open environments to pick apart, a toolkit full of invisibility tricks, traps and clones, and plenty of chances to turn a quiet infiltration into chaotic improv when plans go sideways. In addition, members can look for the following: Quarantine Zone: The Last Check (New release on Steam, Jan. 12, GeForce RTX 5080-ready) Star Wars Outlaws (Ubisoft Connect, now available on Xbox Game Pass) The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon (New release on Steam, Jan. 15) Styx: Shards of Darkness (New release on Epic Games Store, free on Jan. 15) Styx: Master of Shadows (New release on Epic Games Store, free on Jan. 15) Guild Wars: Reforged (Steam) Mon Bazou (Steam) Tavern Keeper (Steam) Waterpark Simulator (Steam) For Game Pass titles on Ubisoft Connect, reference this article on how to log in. What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below.

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: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Wireless Gen 2 gaming headset review: good listener, bad talker Date: Fri, 20 Feb 2026 17:35:12 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/steelseries-arctis-nova-7x-wireless-gen-2-gaming-headset-review So much of what the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Wireless Gen 2 does, it does right. Its build quality is outstanding, having a thickness and solidity that most wireless headsets lack. Its stretchy headband, as on pretty much all SteelSeries headsets, successfully tricked my entire skull into thinking it was lighter than it is. It’s flexible, working over Bluetooth or a 2.4GHz dongle, the latter’s USB-C connection also making it a plusher Steam Deck alternative to the Arctis GameBuds. And it sounds, both in games and music, fabulous: audio is powerful but detailed, like you could peel apart the stacked-up layers of a song mix or shooter soundscape into its individual tracks. Read more

Title: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X Wireless gaming headset review: sweet sounds for PC and handhelds Date: Fri, 20 Feb 2026 17:35:09 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/steelseries-arctis-nova-3x-wireless-gaming-headset-review My initial interest in the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X Wireless was sparked by it being, essentially, an over-ear version of the Arctis GameBuds, with a near-identical USB-C 2.4GHz receiver that lets it pull double duty with both a main PC and Steam Deck (slash, handheld PC of your choice). Happily, it’s turned out to be a very fine headset in general, performing a convincing impression of a higher-end model despite its current tag falling towards the lower-middle of wirelessdom. Read more

Title: US Supreme Court strike down majority of Trump's tariffs, so hopefully that's one less hardware buying headache to worry about Date: Fri, 20 Feb 2026 17:02:29 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/us-supreme-court-strike-down-majority-of-trumps-tariffs-so-hopefully-thats-one-less-hardware-buying-headache-to-worry-about For once, I bring what should hopefully be good news for folks looking to buy or upgrade their PC hardware without having to factor in a bunch of inconveniences they can do nothing about. The RAM crisis is still in full swing, but the US Supreme Court have struck down the majority of President Trump's tariffs on imports. These tariffs have been another of the key annoyances complicating the state of play when it comes to hardware companies being able to sell you the bits you need at prices which haven't been driven far above where they should typically be. Read more

Title: XCOM designer Jake Solomon reveals "Life Sims + The Truman Show" game... while announcing his studio's closure Date: Fri, 20 Feb 2026 16:48:13 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/xcom-designer-jake-solomon-reveals-life-sims-the-truman-show-game-while-announcing-his-studios-closure Midsummer Studios announced their existence in May 2024 with a promise to “revitalise the life sim genre”, but now, they’re closing down. Co-founder and former XCOM developer Jake Solomon confirmed the news on social media this week, saying goodbye with some brief pre-alpha footage of Burbank - a build-your-own-TV-series project with a lot of generative AI in it. “We built a studio, we made a game, and I'm really proud of both,” Solomon writes. “Before we close the doors at Midsummer Studios I'd like to share a glimpse of Burbank, the game we poured our hearts into.” Read more

Title: I can't say I enjoy this 19th century turd-collecting game but it did make me laugh when I patted my horse to death Date: Fri, 20 Feb 2026 15:27:53 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/i-cant-say-i-enjoy-this-19th-century-turd-collecting-game-but-it-did-make-me-laugh-when-i-patted-my-horse-to-death Nightsoil is a sombre little top-down narrative adventure about a gong farmer – that is, a collector of human waste – in 1854 London, at the height of the cholera epidemic. Gong farmers were, I understand, required to work after sunset, to avoid causing revulsion among the decent folk. In this case, you’re a gong farmer at the end his tenure, working his final shift alongside his trusty carthorse Ol’ Boy, while reminiscing about his bygone youth and the happier days that might have been. Read more