Title: Everything’s Riding On A Marvel Tōkon Redemption Arc After 2026 Becomes A Parade Of Disappointing 2D Fighting Games Date: Fri, 21 Aug 2026 17:22:34 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/marvel-tokon-2xko-avatar-invincible-fighting-games-fgc-2000726673 The year started off with a lot of promise for fighting games

Title: AI-Generated Image Found In Spider-Man: Brand New Day Art Book As Film Crosses $2 Billion At The Box Office Date: Fri, 21 Aug 2026 15:30:27 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/spider-man-brand-new-day-ai-concept-art-book-marvel-2000726642 This comes four months after the news that Disney laid of over 1,000 employees at Marvel Studios, many of whom worked in the concept art department

Title: GTA 6 Leaker Continues Taunting With Fresh Footage Of Hyper-Realistic Streets Date: Fri, 21 Aug 2026 15:02:02 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/gta-6-leaker-continues-taunting-with-fresh-footage-of-hyper-realistic-streets-2000726645 Seriously, those puddles

Title: Archive Of Our Own Isn’t Worried About The Wattpad User Exodus And You Shouldn’t Be Either Date: Fri, 21 Aug 2026 14:45:49 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/archive-of-our-own-wattpad-smut-ban-fanfiction-2000726632 'Users do not need to worry that anyone’s works will be taken down due to a baseless report or a mass-reporting campaign, if one were to occur'

Title: Roblox Claims A Dead Kid ‘Waived All Rights’ Because She Clicked ‘Agree’ At 8 Years Old Date: Fri, 21 Aug 2026 14:15:26 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/roblox-legal-court-case-audree-heine-terms-conditions-dismissal-2000726607 The corporation claims a child waived all rights because she clicked 'agree' at 8 years old

Title: Monopoly Go x The Simpsons crossover is almost here Date: Tue, 02 Jun 2026 08:41:21 +0000 Link: https://www.vg247.com/monopoly-go-the-simpsons-crossover-details Monopoly Go players have been looking forward to a major crossover event for what felt like months, and though most of the details ended up leaking, nothing actually beats official information. Read more

Title: Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.3 will take us deeper into the World in Canvas and make Mortenax Blade playable Date: Fri, 22 May 2026 13:43:44 +0000 Link: https://www.vg247.com/honkai-star-rail-version-4-3-all-details HoYoverse has today delivered full details on the next major update for Honkai: Star Rail. Version 4.3, dubbed The Lethe Below the Living, will be available for all players on June 1. The upcoming update adds a new chapter to the Planarcadia arc, and introduce a new playable character. Read more

Title: Forza Horizon 6 explodes on Steam even before it's officially out Date: Fri, 15 May 2026 11:00:02 +0000 Link: https://www.vg247.com/forza-horizon-6-steam-numbers-big-launch Steam is abuzz this week with a couple of long-anticipated launches, but in Forza Horizon 6’s case, at least, the game isn’t even out for what will be most of its players. The anticipated sequel in the open-world driving game series doesn’t officially launch until May 19, but owners of its most expensive version - the Premium Edition - can play it right now. Read more

Title: Mystic Messenger's most loyal players are getting banned in droves for seemingly playing the game too much Date: Fri, 15 May 2026 10:02:10 +0000 Link: https://www.vg247.com/mystic-messenger-ban-wave-thousands-of-hourglasses-anniversary Mystic Messenger, arguably one of the best dating sims around, has been dormant for about seven years. Despite not receiving new content or any meaningful updates in all that time, the game remains popular with its core fans, many of whom just woke up to some shocking news about their accounts. Read more

Title: Forza Horizon 6 review - The driving game for everyone still can’t seem to escape its car-collecting legacy Date: Thu, 14 May 2026 12:00:03 +0000 Link: https://www.vg247.com/forza-horizon-6-review There is this idea that, for a long-running series to remain as consistently popular as Forza Horizon has been, it needs to diminish itself somewhat with each new entry, gradually losing more and more of its edge in a bid to appeal to the widest possible audience. Read more

Title: I’ve Played (Almost) Every Zombie Game, And This New One Still Feels Excitingly Fresh Date: Fri, 21 Aug 2026 17:10:40 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/ive-played-almost-every-zombie-game-and-this-new-one-still-feels-excitingly-fresh/ For as long as I can remember, I've enjoyed zombie fiction. I've always figured it's because I saw Romero's classics at way too young an age, but I've never wavered in my enthusiasm for the undead, be they in movies, TV shows, books, or video games. By now, I feel like I've seen, read, and played nearly all of them. It's that familiarity with the genre that has had me so excited for No More Room in Hell 2 over the past few years, even through some early-access growing pains, and why I'm glad to see the 1.0 release stick the landing. It's been a long journey to this 1.0 build for Torn Banner, the team behind the PvP medieval combat series Chivalry. I've been playing No More Room in Hell 2 for about two years now in early access and have watched as its studio tried to strike a chord with the community, which at times seemed fed up with the sequel and preferred its under-the-radar original. Balancing issues, bugs, and overall design issues got in the way at times, but I feel as though most have been washed away in its current form. No More Room in Hell 2 is a first-person zombie-survival game designed for teams of eight. Right away, that's a pretty cool feature, as zombie games tend to be made for massive lobbies of dozens, like DayZ; smaller co-op teams, like Left 4 Dead; or solo experiences, like Days Gone. The novelty of eight players is a boon to the game, but it wouldn't mean much if, ultimately, that's all it had going for it. Thankfully, it has a lot else that works well in its favor.  In its purposely slower-paced story missions, you'll move through campaigns set on large maps in Pennsylvania with a lot of lateral space to explore, taking you from the woods to residential neighborhoods to downtown areas and more, completing objectives as a group and hopefully escaping with the same number of beating hearts you arrived with. No More Room in Hell 2 clearly draws on timeless zombie-fiction imagery, with the undead springing from caskets, banging on doors and windows until they break their seals, and shambling through graveyards like someone should warn Barbara. While the new console version naturally doesn't look as nice as the PC edition I've been playing for the past two years, the game has a strong sense of atmosphere no matter where you're playing it. No More Room In Hell 2 takes players to a wide range of locations that feel like classic zombie-fiction set dressing. In some campaigns, you'll start alone and must find each other through exploration. These missions are my favorites, as they feel especially desolate and dangerous, and that's always been what I look for in zombie games. Throughout early access, this was always meant to be a slow-burning, Romero-esque walk through hell, and it excels by achieving that vision. Though nearly all zombies in the game are of the classic slow-moving type, even just one of them can spell trouble. They're relentless. In fact, on higher difficulties, there may even be too many, offering not enough breathing room for the highs to feel as high as they should. But on normal difficulty, the game finds a sweet spot.  Killing just one of them often takes four or more swipes with a melee weapon, and that's if you're diligently hitting them in the head, chipping away at their skulls as their brains flop out like someone's stepped on a tube of toothpaste. Body blows will only serve to tire you faster than it will take out the restless ghouls--unless you happen to have a sharp weapon and cut off enough of their limbs to halt them. Letting them into your personal space is a tense affair, as it's important to let them get just close enough for you to hit them, but not close enough that they slash or bite at you. Learning to measure them up correctly is an early hurdle that will decide who lives or dies. Managing stamina is a thoughtful and near-constant exercise in survival. A powerful kick ability allows you to gain some vital breathing space when you're being surrounded, but it also eats away a big chunk of your stamina. The same is true of running. Very early on, I learned to stay aware of my surroundings, because while running from the horde behind you may seem absolutely crucial, you may be heading straight toward another and won't stand to survive if you're exhausted when you get there. Further demonstrating how seriously this game takes its zombie fiction, you can get infected mid-mission, and if you're not careful, you'll not only turn into one of them, but you'll become a speedier variant, losing control of your character as you're left to torment your fellow survivors from beyond the grave. You can help your infected teammates, or you can wait for them to turn and then lop off their limbs. This element is No More Room in Hell 2's coolest, because it allows for some really fascinating social dynamics. Pills will temporarily keep the infection at bay, and anyone infected will give away their illness by coughing every once in a while. But what if you don't have pills, or what if no one is willing to share theirs? They're not abundant enough to go around, so I've seen some people choose not to share, opting to take their chances with the fast ghoul who will soon come charging toward whoever is nearby.  On the flipside, the infected person could distance themselves and try to hide their illness, just like the selfish guy in any zombie movie's group of survivors. This may buy them time to find a cure, or just escape with infected status while keeping their character alive. If they're more altruistic, they can instead sacrifice themselves just before they turn--provided they have any ammo--sparing their fellow survivors from dealing with the mess. It's a hard decision to make in either case when you're playing on difficulties higher than beginner, because permadeath is a part of the experience. Characters are re-rolled randomly, applying some basic stats and a backstory, and you can customize their clothing if you'd like. From there, you'll level them with each successful campaign, unlocking skills of your choosing at regular intervals that help you lean into particular builds. Knowing I had no plans to use guns all that much, I often grabbed skills that buffed my stamina and melee damage, and it's really satisfying to see a character come together over many hours.  But should they die, they're lost for good.  The stakes feel so high. Taking my level 20+ character into a round that quickly went into the gutter was nerve-racking. Thankfully, these lengthy campaign missions that typically take anywhere from 30-60 minutes offer a few early exits on your travels. If you're determined to just get out alive, you can extract early, even as an individual, at the cost of any character XP gains. But hey, at least you'll be leaving with your life. While heavy, weighted melee combat helps sell this immersive experience even more, gunplay on controller leaves something to be desired. The aim assist isn't reliable enough, as it's quite sticky but then doesn't track zombie heads well, meaning you'll often waste ammo hitting them in the chest, while trying to correct for it feels hard to pinpoint, too. It's serviceable at closer range, but only barely, and partly because the zombies are attracted to noise, and you ought not be firing loud weapons unless it's the only thing keeping you alive in any given moment.  This means you can, and probably will, get through some missions without ever using guns. I do wish my co-op partners understood that better so we could keep the hordes off our backs more often, but even these teammate frustrations feel authentic to what living in a zombie world might feel like.  While you should stick to beginner difficulty for a few early rounds, the game is at its best when permadeath is in play on higher difficulties. The teamwork required in this game is intense, and some would-be-selfish players must find themselves banding together at times, because the deeper you get into a mission, the harder it becomes, and you don't want to fight off that final horde with a deficit in your team size. There are plenty of times where you or a teammate could be totally gassed and about to be swarmed, only for an ally to save the day. But in this world, there's little time to celebrate, as the next horde likely isn't far off. Another issue the game's newly implemented controller support suffers from is strangely janky menus. Exploring options screens or even different overlays in the main menu, like moving from character upgrades to the in-game store to the challenge system, often feels clunky; my cursor would disappear, and I'd need to guess where I'm clicking.  It's merely an annoyance in the main menu but can become a bigger issue on missions, like if you have a teammate playing music that his headset is picking up and you can't easily get to the mute button. No More Room in Hell 2 doesn't let you stop and breathe very often, so when this happened to me, I didn't have time to fumble around in the social menu. Instead, I found myself wishing that guy would just get bitten. I'm not proud of it. It's sad what these apocalyptic times make of us. Outside of the main campaign-style "Objective" mode, there's also a wave-based survival mode. I've never been nearly as interested in wave-based zombie modes--it's why I don't even bother playing Call of Duty Zombies these days--but I like No More Room in Hell 2's survival mode just fine as a shorter alternative to the lengthy missions. They're good for farming weekly challenges and leveling characters faster than the real attraction allows, but I'd sooner just decide to play when I have the time for the game's best version of itself. Though No More Room in Hell 2 clearly leans into decades of zombie history, it feels, most of all, like a great mash-up of two of my favorite zombie games: It has the dread-inducing, life-or-death stakes of State of Decay wrapped in a tight co-op experience reminiscent of Left 4 Dead. Though some subpar shooting mechanics keep it from being as enjoyable as either of those, that's also a very high bar in my mind, and No More Room in Hell 2 still accomplishes a hell of a lot.

Title: Compulsion Games Is Now Officially An Ex-Xbox Studio Date: Fri, 21 Aug 2026 16:46:00 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/compulsion-games-is-now-officially-an-ex-xbox-studio/ Compulsion Games, the Canadian game developer behind South of Midnight and We Happy Few, has officially parted ways with Microsoft. After Microsoft confirmed that Compulsion was one of five Xbox studios it was divesting of, Compulsion boss Guillaume Provost has now confirmed it's a done deal. This was hinted at recently when the Steam page for South of Midnight listed Compulsion as the developer and publisher. Now, it's official, with Provost confirming to Games Beat that its management team acquired the studio and staff, while Microsoft transferred the developer's IP back to the studio. What this means in practice is that if you buy a Steam copy of South of Midnight--one of 2025's best games--the money goes to Compulsion, not Xbox. Provost said it will take some time before the change gets implemented on other storefronts. Provost did not disclose the specific terms of the deal, but he said staffers at Compulsion really wanted to stick together. “I did this deal for the team first and foremost. I asked the team, ‘Do you want to stay together?’ The team told me we would rather eat rocks and drink gasoline rather than be split up,” Provost said. Some Compulsion developers opted to leave the studio after Provost warned staff that the company was at risk of closure. However, Provost said the majority of senior staff stayed on. Provost went on to say that part of Compulsion's team is now working on an unannounced game that was already in the works before it split off from Xbox. Microsoft was the financial backer of Compulsion and its projects, so Provost is now taking meetings with various, unnamed parties to secure its financial future. “I just want to make sure that we’re setting the team up for success,” Provost said. “We’re going to take things slow. We’re going to meet with everyone. Everything is relative. Compared to all of us losing our jobs on July 6, this is a pretty good deal. I would say the exit was gracious on Microsoft’s part." The other four studios that Microsoft divested from included Double Fine, Ninja Theory, Undead Labs, and Arkane. Double Fine, led by Tim Schafer, regained its independence like Compulsion did, and Schafer will discuss the company's future outlook during a livestream today, April 21. Ninja Theory and Undead Labs, meanwhile, were sold to unnamed buyers. Arkane is entering a period of consultation with respect to its home country of France's local laws. This all happened as part of a "reset" of the Xbox business under new CEO Asha Sharma. She also laid off 1,600 people in July, with another 1,600 set to lose their jobs this fiscal year.

Title: Nintendo’s War On Switch Emulators Continues With 400 More GitHub Takedowns Date: Fri, 21 Aug 2026 16:17:40 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendos-war-on-switch-emulators-continues-with-400-more-github-takedowns/ Nintendo is doing what Nintendo does: issuing DMCA takedown notices to anyone who illegally offers access to any of the company's games. That's exactly what happened earlier this week, as Nintendo wiped out over 400 Switch emulators from GitHub. According to an August 21 TorrentFreak report, the Mario maker sent the proprietary developer platform seven DMCA takedown notices targeting Nintendo Switch emulator repositories. This includes Suyu (the Yuzu successor that became popular after Yuzu shut down in March 2024), the Android emulator Skyline, and a few lingering Yuzu forks. In total, some 401 repositories were nuked off GitHub, with 311 of them being Suyu. Now that they're removed, if you attempt to visit the repository on GitHub, you'll receive either a 404 error or a pop-up notification that it's been taken down. In the DMCA pop-up notification, Nintendo states that the targeted repositories "offer, link to, or otherwise provide access to Nintendo Switch emulators." The company said these emulators violate Technological Protection Measures (TPMs), which act as digital locks controlled by copyright owners to prevent copying data illegally. "Specifically, these Nintendo Switch emulators illegally circumvent Nintendo's TPMs in order to run illegal copies of Nintendo Switch games," the notice reads. "Nintendo Switch games are encrypted using proprietary cryptographic keys (prod.keys) which protect against unauthorized access to and copying of the copyrighted games. During operation, the emulators at the reported repositories necessarily use unauthorized copies of these cryptographic keys to decrypt unauthorized copies of Nintendo Switch games, or ROMs, at or immediately before runtime without Nintendo's authorization." With Nintendo summoning the Eye of Mario on 401 repositories earlier this week, and over 8,500 repositories in May 2024, this brings the company's repository death count to almost 9,000 on GitHub alone. And with Nintendo filing a lawsuit against Yuzu creator Tropic Haze in February 2024, which resulted in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom being pirated over one million times before it launched, the company's war on emulators continues.

Title: Grand Theft Auto 6 Leaks Are Fueling A Crypto Pump-And-Dump Scheme Date: Fri, 21 Aug 2026 16:01:07 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/grand-theft-auto-6-leaks-are-fueling-a-crypto-pump-and-dump-scheme/ As Grand Theft Auto 6 continues to leak via small snippets of gameplay, you might be wondering why each video is plastered with watermarks for a meme coin? It turns out while you're enjoying the early look at Rockstar's latest project, others are literally profiting off of the virality. Each of the leaked gameplay videos have advertised a meme coin called CYBERLEEK, named after the supposed leaker and hosted on the Solana blockchain. This coin seemingly appeared on August 16, just two days before the first gameplay leak occurred. It didn't take long for the price of the coin to skyrocket afterwards, as viewers curious enough to go looking started accumulating vast amounts of it. In the space of a day, the price of the coin increased by more than 5,000%, allowing some early holders to quickly cash out before most were able to react. It's a textbook pump-and-dump scheme that is ongoing, with the price still swinging wildly with new drops of gameplay and new buyers being lured in. It's not uncommon for memecoins to be promoted by exploiting trending topics on X. https://youtu.be/mwgi4ECJwic The extent of this scheme is, however, probably smaller than you might imagine. According to tracking on CoinMarketCap, several buyers have made some modest profit, with the largest coming in at over $22,000 (a 2,000% profit over what was invested). There are similarly large losses as well, with several instances of duped buyers who have lost nearly $10,000 each. This pales in comparison to far wider-reaching meme coins. Take MELANIA, a coin marketed by Melania Trump, which has profits and losses in the several millions as just one example of how quickly thousands of people are willing to bet on short-term investments, Still, it shows an entirely different intent behind these leaks that contradicts the front-facing consumer-friendly goals of the group behind them. There are still a handful of accounts, holding the large majority of CYBERLEEK, that haven't made any sales. Perhaps they're just waiting for things to get really out of hand before walking away with their profits. Grand Theft Auto 6 launches on November 12, with its first gameplay showcase debuting on Netflix on August 27.

Title: “Friendslop” Sounds Like An Insult. What Do Developers Think? Date: Fri, 21 Aug 2026 16:00:00 +0000 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/friendslop-sounds-like-an-insult-what-do-developers-think/ There's an ongoing divide about the word "friendslop." The genre descriptor, born of games like Lethal Company, Peak, and many others in recent years, can be used in both positive and negative contexts, which can make it confusing. Personally, I was trying to reserve the "-slop" suffix for things made by generative AI, but the term has broken containment and is now used widely in conversations about co-op games of a particular type: light on mechanics, welcoming to a wide array of skill levels, and heavy on the opportunity for social hijinks and proximity chat-based laughs, friendslop games aren't going anywhere.  But should we be calling them that? Do the teams making such games find it demeaning? I recently spoke to a handful of studios making games in this vein, and for the most part, they actually seemed okay with it. However, the sentiments they shared with me often had an air of acceptance rather than excitement. "Once the kids are using it, I think you have to just go with it," Developer Mike Boxleiter told me earlier this summer when I first demoed Lazy River, his co-op game about building a raft to survive a water park overrun by zombified patrons. The "kids," I took him to mean, are Gen Z, and perhaps more specifically, TikTok users. Once they've adopted the term and are using it as broadly as they are, there's no putting the toothpaste back in the tube. "It's been hitting me a little harder because we put out a trailer, and it blew up a little bit. And a lot of people got really negative about 'friendslop,' like using it really pejoratively." The duo at Beck & Branch Games, Michel Strömbeck and Nikolai Nyqvist, recently put out Grain Rot, a REPO-inspired co-op game that reimagines the experience with base-building. Strömbeck and Nyqvist told me that while they don't use "friendslop" internally, they understand what players mean by it: "games with a low barrier to entry, a tight replayable loop, and chaos that turns into fun with friends." It doesn't seem they take offense from the term, but it's notable that neither do they use it. Kaleb Alfadda, Blake Reible, and Jon Reilly of Scythe, the team behind Happy's Humble Burger Cult, told me they "don't necessarily avoid" friendslop as a term. On the contrary, they've "come to embrace it," because it usually--though they admit not always--means a "'multiplayer game focused on one fun concept,' rather than 'a garbage game.'” Similarly, Bandit Trap's Michael Balm said his team at Picomy is "not opposed" to the label and knows it caught on because it's an "easy way to describe a certain style of social multiplayer game." But the questionable suffix gives Balm pause. "The only part we're a little hesitant about is the word 'slop,' because it can suggest these games are simple or low effort," Balm said. "In reality, many of them are incredibly well crafted to create fun, chaotic moments between friends. We wanted [Bandit Trap] to be easy to jump into, but we also put a lot of care into the art, mechanics, balance, and all the little details that help create those memorable moments with friends." For Koro Games, the team behind Friendly Steps, the term presents a shortcut to find new players. Developer Vlad Koro told me via email, "We’re used to and enjoy making larger-scale games, and for us, the emergence of friendslop is an opportunity to expand our audience." Yet not everyone is as eager to accept the term, even if it does have its perks. Dwarven Brothers, the studio behind We Are So Cooked, told me that the team has avoided it for the most part. "We like to associate our game with 'friendlike' to give it a more positive-sounding tone," the two-person studio told me, "but we cater to the friendslop genre by using this descriptor sparingly." Of the seven teams I spoke to, I'd categorize only one of them as enthusiastic. Ukraine's Oleksandr Mikulonok, Nikita Vakhnichenko, Diana Lynnyk, and Rostyslav Mykhailyk, of RetroStyle Games and Last Pirates: Die Together, told me they "love" the term, believing whatever derogatory intent that it might have been created with has been wiped away as it's been reclaimed by the community.  Perhaps friendslop's greatest success story so far, Peak. "It started as a jab and the community wore it as a badge, same as roguelike or boomer shooter before it. We use it internally all the time: Our whole competitive research is basically a list of games that steal your evening with friends. If players call Last Pirates friendslop, they got exactly what we promised. Better to be top-shelf slop than forgettable polish." Whether teams love it, avoid it, or have simply accepted it, it's unlikely to go away. Just ask folks who take issue with genre labels like souls-like, metroidvania, walking sim, or JRPG. Despite their efforts, these terms have persisted, embedding themselves in gaming culture as shorthands for a type of experience players may be seeking or have enjoyed before. Like Exorcist Hotline's Hexateam told me, "The name is secondary as long as it gets the point across: it being a fun game to play with friends, with a lot of shitposting. We use [friendslop] because it’s easy." It started as a jab and the community wore it as a badge While "friendslop" isn't yet a sortable label on platforms like Steam, the number of games in this vein currently being developed is too numerous to count easily, and, arguably, developers working in this space could benefit from such a label on storefronts. Is discoverability more important than what sounds to some ears like an insult?  If there was going to be a new term to replace this one--my colleague Claire Lewis suggests "bro-op," for what it's worth--it would likely have to happen very soon, before friendslop is all but cemented in gaming lexicon for decades to come. And if developers making these games are perhaps conflicted but overall content to accept it, then it's very likely here to stay.

Title: Naughty Dog’s New Game ‘Intergalactic’ Adds Beloved Last of Us and Uncharted Vet Date: Fri, 21 Aug 2026 17:03:25 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/naughty-dog-intergalactic-the-heretic-prophet-robert-atkins-downes-casting/ Naughty Dog first revealed its next game, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, almost two years ago at the 2024 Game Awards. In the many months since the sci-fi adventure was announced, the studio has been incredibly quiet. Now the game is showing some signs of life, with a familiar face from some of the studio's biggest games joining the cast of Intergalactic.

Title: 'GTA 6' Leaks Lead Desperate Fans To Get Trolled in the Most Ridiculous Way Possible Date: Fri, 21 Aug 2026 16:40:44 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/gta-6-reddit-lucia-ending-leak-bikini-unmoderated-jason-fake/ Three days into an unprecedented string of Grand Theft Auto 6 leaks, some fans are wondering why none of the content has featured game co-star Lucia Caminos. We've seen plenty of her paramour, Jason Duval, rampaging through Leonida among the handful of gameplay clips that have leaked so far. Some fans are desperate to see Lucia, though — and it's leading them down some hilariously unfortunate paths.

Title: Avengers: Endgame Re-release New Footage Runtime Officially Revealed Date: Fri, 21 Aug 2026 16:13:37 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/avengers-endgame-encore-extra-footage-runtime-doomsday/ Before fans fill theaters — not IMAX ones though — this December to see Avengers: Doomsday, Marvel is rereleasing Avengers: Endgame. The re-release of the 2019 Infinity Saga finale is coming back to theaters with new footage to tie it into Doomsday. Now we know exactly how long Avengers: Endgame Encore will be.

Title: Ms. Marvel Is Returning for Official Avengers: Doomsday Release Coming Aug. 27 Date: Fri, 21 Aug 2026 16:11:27 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/avengers-doomsday-official-podcast-iman-vellani-ms-marvel/ With Avengers: Doomsday only four months away, Marvel and Disney are ramping up their promotional efforts for the first Avengers flick in seven years. Doctor Doom is invading Marvel video games, while Marvel Comics is revisiting the precursor to the 2015 Secret Wars event comic, which Doomsday (and, presumably, Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027) takes inspiration from.

Title: GTA 6 Leaks: Take-Two Goes After Microsoft, Discord in New Legal Action Date: Fri, 21 Aug 2026 15:31:02 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/gta-6-leaks-microsoft-discord-subpoenas-rockstar-games/ Grand Theft Auto 6 publisher Take-Two Interactive is officially going after the leaker behind gameplay clips of Rockstar Games' upcoming open-world game. On Thursday, Take-Two Interactive issued subpoenas in federal court to Microsoft and Discord in an attempt to obtain information about Cyberleek, the hacker behind the recent GTA 6 leaks.

Title: Bring the Fire: Play Games on GeForce NOW With New Firefox Browser Support Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2026 13:00:24 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-firefox/ It’s a new way into the cloud.  GeForce NOW welcomes Firefox support to the cloud, opening up another way to jump into high-performance PC gaming straight from the browser, starting today. Whether on a school laptop or everyday PC, it’s now even easier to play supported PC games without downloading a dedicated app. Plus, discover 12 new games streaming from the GeForce NOW library this week, led by Gallipoli.  No Downloads. Just Firefox. This cloud is on fire with new ways to play on Firefox. GeForce NOW is now supported on Firefox, expanding access across even more devices.  Members can outfox big downloads and jump into high-performance PC gaming directly from the browser — no waiting on lengthy game installs or updates. The experience delivers GeForce RTX-powered performance at up to 1440p and 120 frames per second for GeForce NOW Ultimate members.  Simply download the latest version of Firefox, head to play.geforcenow.com and start playing. The cloud handles the heavy lifting, so games are ready to play without taking up valuable storage space on the device. Firefox joins Chrome, Edge and Opera in supporting GeForce NOW on Windows browsers. Deploy the Games Land on the beaches of the Gallipoli Peninsula in BlackMill Games’ Gallipoli, the latest entry in the WW1 Game Series. Fight as soldiers of the British and Ottoman Empires in intense 25v25 objective-based battles across coastal shores, deserts and urban battlefields, with 10 historical classes and over 50 authentic weapons and equipment options. Teamwork is key in its grounded, one-shot-one-kill combat. Take command as an Officer, provide cover as a Heavy Machine Gunner or Sniper, keep the squad going as a Stretcher Bearer and more while navigating challenging campaigns. Head to the frontlines from the cloud with no lengthy game downloads or installs taking up local storage space. Play directly in the newly supported Firefox browser, or take the action across PCs, Macs, Chromebooks, handhelds and more with GeForce NOW cloud saves. In addition, members can look for the following games streaming throughout the week: Stars Reach (New release on Steam, Aug. 18) The Sinking City 2 (New release on Steam, Aug. 18) Gallipoli (New release on Steam, Aug. 20) DIVE or DIE – Children of Rain (Steam) Escape the Backroom (Xbox, available on Game Pass) Hell Is Us (Xbox, available on Game Pass) High on Life (Steam) High on Life 2 (Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass) Parcel Simulator (Steam) Starvester (Steam) The Thaumaturge (Xbox, available on Game Pass) Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered (Epic Games Store) Dates listed above reflect when games are released on their respective stores. GeForce NOW availability may vary, as games are onboarded after release and added throughout the week. Keep an eye on GeForce NOW channels and GFN Thursdays for availability updates on announced titles. To try GeForce NOW in Firefox, start with a GeForce NOW day pass and experience premium cloud gaming directly from the browser. If members later upgrade to a Performance or Ultimate membership, the cost of the day pass can be applied toward the first membership purchase. What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below.

Title: Class Is in Session: GeForce NOW Levels Up Linux, Chromebooks and More Date: Thu, 13 Aug 2026 13:00:33 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-linux-native-app/ GeForce NOW is giving cloud gaming an extra-credit upgrade just in time for back-to-school season. The native Linux app for GeForce NOW is officially out of beta. GeForce NOW is also delivering new cloud optimizations that make Frame Generation feel even more responsive while streaming. On top of that, Performance members will see higher frame rates in demanding games thanks to a CPU performance adjustment.  Plus, learn how GeForce NOW can add high-performance GeForce RTX gaming to the Chromebooks students already rely on for school – and how eligible new owners can take advantage of Chromebook Fast Pass. It all adds up to more ways to move from assignments to adventures across nearly any device. The only homework left is to decide what to play. This week, nine new games join the GeForce NOW library. The Cloud Gets Extra Credit GeForce NOW keeps getting better. The native Linux app for GeForce NOW has officially graduated from beta. Built on months of community feedback, the release focuses on performance, stability and polish while continuing to support Ubuntu 24.04 and later. A new Flatpack repository makes getting started and receiving future updates even easier. Visit the download page for more information and instructions. The cloud handles the rendering, so Linux gamers can tap into the latest GeForce RTX performance while staying on their preferred setup — without local hardware upgrades, compatibility headaches or complicated workarounds. Smooth gameplay makes the grade. GeForce NOW has also optimized DLSS Frame Generation in the cloud, reducing latency and making games feel more responsive. The improvements are especially noticeable when streaming at 60 or 120 frames per second in 1440p and 4K, helping every mouse movement and camera pan feel more immediate. Performance members will also enjoy additional server software optimizations to improve frame rates in select CPU-intensive games, helping demanding titles run more smoothly while delivering an even better gameplay experience. The cloud-side upgrade happens automatically, with nothing for members to install or configure, and at no additional cost. From Class Mode to Game Mode Class dismissed. Game on. Chromebooks already in backpacks can double as a PC gaming powerhouse, with GeForce NOW giving everyday school setups extra credit.  Chromebooks handling lectures, group projects and browser tabs can transform into high-performance GeForce RTX gaming PCs in just a few clicks. When class is out, open a supported browser or app and stream more than 2,000 supported PC games from existing libraries, with the cloud handling the heavy lifting. The same flexibility extends to Macs, Surface devices, everyday laptops, Steam Deck and mobile devices. Plus, eligible new Chromebook and Chromebook+ owners can claim a year of GeForce NOW at no cost with Chromebook Fast Pass, with priority access and no ads.  Study. Stream PC games. Same device.  Ready for the Weekend Follow the chain of command, streaming from the cloud. In addition, members can look for the following new games streaming this week: Car Wash Simulator (New release on Steam, Aug. 10) Pax Autocratica (New release on Steam, Aug. 10) Clawed (New release on Steam, Aug. 13) Hell Let Loose: Vietnam (New release on Steam, Aug. 13) Sandustry (New release on Steam and Xbox, Aug. 13) Cat Mail Co. (Steam) Misery (Steam) Monster Hunter Wilds Prologue Demo (Steam) Pratfall (Steam) To cap things off, a creator known as “Madelyn” recently shared how GeForce now makes cloud gaming affordable and accessible across nearly all her devices, calling it “a game changer” in her video: What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below.

Title: GeForce NOW Shakes Up August With 26 New Games Date: Thu, 06 Aug 2026 13:00:11 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-august-2026-games-list/ August is here, bringing 26 new games for GeForce NOW members.  Command the seas in World of Warships: Legends and discover what’s next in the GeForce NOW library, starting with the eight newly added games this week.  In addition, GeForce NOW is at the QuakeCon gaming conference this week in Grapevine, Texas, with hands-on experiences awaiting attendees. Return to QuakeCon  Visit the NVIDIA booth at QuakeCon to experience GeForce RTX 5080-powered Ultimate cloud gaming in action, with demos showcasing stunning visuals at up to 5K 120 frames per second on an ultrawide display, as well as seamless gameplay on the Lenovo Legion Go S handheld device. Conference attendees can see how thousands of PC games, including fan-favorite Bethesda titles, can move effortlessly across laptops, Macs, handhelds, mobile devices, TVs and more — letting members pick up where they left off on nearly any supported screen. Gamers not at the show can try out Ultimate cloud gaming in action with a day pass and jump into Bethesda titles from any device. All Games on Deck Sail the seas from nearly any screen. World of Warships: Legends drops anchor on GeForce NOW this week, bringing free-to-play naval combat. Captains can command destroyers, cruisers and battleships across massive multiplayer battles while exploring the latest update, featuring the Pacific Hammer Campaign, a new line of U.S. destroyers and more. Chart a course straight into the latest content across devices today without any installs needed, and check out all the games available this week: Big Walk (New release on Steam Aug. 4) Beacon Pines (Free on Epic Games Store Aug. 6) Sovereign Tower (New release on Steam Aug. 6) Expeditions: Samurai (New release on Steam Aug. 7) The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales (Xbox, available on the Microsoft Store) The Incident at Galley House (Steam) Machine Party (Steam) World of Warships: Legends (Steam) And look forward to the games coming throughout the month: Pax Autocratica (New release on Steam Aug. 10) Car Wash Simulator (New release on Steam Aug. 10) Clawed (New release on Steam Aug. 13) Hell Let Loose: Vietnam (New release on Steam Aug. 13) Sandustry (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass, Aug. 13) The Sinking City 2 (New release on Steam Aug. 18) Mortal Shell II (New release on Steam Aug. 20) Gallipoli (New release on Steam, Aug. 20) Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 (New release on Steam Aug. 25) Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass, Aug. 27) Breathedge 2 (New release on Steam Aug. 30) World of Warships: Legends (Steam) High on Life (Steam) High on Life 2 (Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass) Paradise Killer (Steam) Misery (Steam) Pratfall (Steam) Starvester (Steam) Extra Joy From July In addition to the dozen games announced last month, 15 more joined the GeForce NOW library.  Breath of Fire IV (Steam) Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (Ubisoft Connect) CloverPit (Xbox, available on Game Pass) Dinoblade (Steam) Dino Crisis (Steam) Dino Crisis 2 (Steam) Esports Manager 2026 (Steam) Funnel Runners (Steam) Granblue Fantasy: Relink – Endless Ragnarok Demo (Steam) Halo: Campaign Evolved (Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass) Mistfall Hunter (Steam) Onimusha: Way of the Sword DEMO (Steam) Pathogenic (Steam) Sudden Attack Zero Point (Steam) The Life and Suffering of Prince Jerian (Steam) Mistfall Hunter didn’t make it this month. Stay tuned to GFN Thursday for the latest updates. What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below. Share a game screenshot or clip that perfectly sums up your day so far. — NVIDIA GeForce NOW (@NVIDIAGFN) August 4, 2026

Title: Best in Class: Stream PC Games and Study on the Same Laptop With GeForce NOW Date: Thu, 30 Jul 2026 13:00:20 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-back-to-school-2026/ Back to school means balancing assignments, deadlines and downtime. GeForce NOW makes it easy to have it all. With cloud gaming, everyday laptops used for class can also become GeForce RTX-powered gaming setups.  When it’s time to switch from studying to gaming, members can jump into Halo: Campaign Evolved, as GeForce NOW is bringing one of the gaming world’s most celebrated titles to nearly any device through the cloud, alongside eight total games joining the GeForce NOW library this week. From A+ to AAA Gaming  This back-to-school season, the easiest upgrade isn’t replacing laptops in backpacks. It’s unlocking even more from these same laptops, from creating to gaming. With a GeForce NOW membership, Chromebooks, Macs and Surface devices can become GeForce RTX-powered gaming PCs in the cloud. The GeForce NOW library features thousands of supported PC games, letting members stream titles they already own from digital stores like Steam, Xbox PC Game Pass and Epic Games Store in just a few clicks. The cloud keeps games up to date and ready to play, making it easy to jump into a match between classes, after homework or whenever there’s free time. Time spent waiting on downloads, patches and installs becomes time spent in game instead. The Ultimate membership enables best-in-class experiences by delivering 5080-class performance in the cloud with NVIDIA DLSS, ray tracing and NVIDIA Reflex technologies for responsive, visually rich gameplay — all on the hardware gamers already own. A creator known as “Menguiny” recently put this to the test after picking up a MacBook Neo. GeForce NOW turned the laptop — usually the creator’s go-to for editing videos and everyday work — into a top-notch gaming machine, too. Another creator, “TechWithSeong” highlighted that same versatility GeForce NOW offers. Rather than juggling separate devices for work and gaming, he used GeForce NOW Ultimate to stream supported PC games across the devices he already owns — from a MacBook used for editing to gaming on the go with handheld devices. Gamers can start with a day pass and experience all the premium benefits without a monthly commitment. Plus, the cost of a day pass can be applied toward a first membership purchase — it’s like earning a little extra credit along the way. Everyone, at Their Stations Needlers never looked so sharp. Experience the Master Chief’s iconic journey on GeForce NOW in Halo: Campaign Evolved — a modernized remake of Halo: Combat Evolved’s campaign — rebuilt with high-definition visuals, updated cinematics and refined gameplay. Whether discovering Halo for the first time or returning after 25 years to finish the fight, it’s as the Master Chief says: “We’re just getting started.” Crash-land on the mysterious ringworld alongside Cortana and uncover great secrets while battling overwhelming Covenant forces. Fight through the rebuilt campaign, then continue the adventure with three brand-new missions featuring the Master Chief and Sergeant Johnson. Expanded weapons, iconic vehicles, hijackable Wraith tanks and optional Skull modifiers offer even more ways to play. Suit up across PCs, Macs, Chromebooks, handhelds, mobile devices, TVs and more with GeForce NOW Ultimate, powered by GeForce RTX 5080-class performance in the cloud. Experience Halo with NVIDIA DLSS, ray tracing and NVIDIA Reflex technologies delivering higher frame rates and ultralow latency that keep every firefight feeling responsive and worthy of a Spartan. From solo gaming to online co-op modes, GeForce NOW cloud saves let members log in and pick up exactly where they left off across supported devices — no lengthy downloads, extra storage space or expensive hardware upgrades required. The only thing left to carry is the mission. Let’s Play Today In addition, members can stream the following games this week: Halo: Campaign Evolved (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass July 28) Mistfall Hunter (New release on Steam July 29) Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (New release on Ubisoft Connect July 30) Sudden Attack Zero Point (New release on Steam, July 30) The Ranchers (New release on Steam, available July 30) Corsair Cove (New release on Steam and Xbox, available on Game Pass July 31) Funnel Runners (Steam) Pathogenic (Steam) What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below. Which game lore are you so familiar with that you can give a school presentation on it? — NVIDIA GeForce NOW (@NVIDIAGFN) July 29, 2026

Title: GeForce NOW Sets Sail With ‘Path of Exile: Curse of the Allflame’ Joining the Cloud Date: Thu, 23 Jul 2026 13:00:16 +0000 Link: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/geforce-now-thursday-path-of-exile-allflame/ Lock in and load up the cloud. GFN Thursday brings fresh updates and new adventures, all ready to play without waiting for downloads. Set sail in Path of Exile: Curse of the Allflame and charge in Battlefield 6 Season 4 both launching major content for members this week. Then revisit Capcom legends like Breath of Fire IV, Dino Crisis and Dino Crisis 2, jump into Halo: Campaign Evolved Advanced Access and discover nine titles arriving on GeForce NOW. The Curse Calls Prepare to brave the unforgiving waters of Wraeclast. Path of Exile: Curse of the Allflame launches Friday, July 24, sending Exiles into the perilous Frozen Seas. Guided by formidable corsair captain Valerie and her cursed navigator Vesper, gamers must piece together scattered treasure charts, board the legendary vessel — the Sovereign — and chart a course into the abyss. Descend into the depths using Allflame Lanterns to uncover valuable relics while surviving the dangers lurking beneath the waves. The update introduces sweeping changes, including a complete rework of sockets and links. The Scion also gains the all-new Luminary Ascendancy, the Mercenaries of Trarthus return alongside mysterious Atlas Anomalies, and the preexisting Abyss, Legion and Talisman mechanics receive revitalized gameplay and exclusive rewards. GeForce NOW members can dive in the moment it launches across their devices, no downloads needed. Learn more about the latest additions on the Path of Exile website. Rise Through the Ranks The next operation begins. Battlefield 6 takes the fight further with Season 4, bringing new battlegrounds, expanded progression and new ways to play.  Take to the land, air and sea with the massive Tsuru Reef and the return of the fan-favorite Wake Island, coming in phase two. Both feature aircraft carriers with operational flight decks, new naval vehicles and a dynamic wave system that helps move every match. The update also introduces Custom Lobbies and Spectator Mode, delivering more ways to play. From large-scale multiplayer battles to intense vehicle combat, GeForce NOW lets members deploy across nearly any device. Ultimate members can stream with GeForce RTX 5080-powered performance across PCs, Macs, handhelds, mobile devices, TVs and more. Whether returning to the frontlines or enlisting for the first time, members can leap into the latest Battlefield update the moment it arrives on GeForce NOW — without waiting for patches. Dragons and Dinosaurs — on Any Device Classic adventures, now in the cloud. Three iconic Capcom adventures arrive on GeForce NOW this week, ready for longtime fans to revisit and new players to discover. Journey through the rich fantasy world of Breath of Fire IV, a role-playing game following the intertwining stories of Ryu and Fou-Lu. Master an array of skills and magic to unlock strategic victories in battle and go head to head with unique enemies using powerful Dragon Transformations.  Raw instinct takes over in Dino Crisis and Dino Crisis 2, the survival-horror series that combines pulse-pounding action, resource management and thrilling dinosaur encounters. Pursued by a relentless prehistoric terror, players fight to survive from the facility to the world of the Cretaceous Period. Whether reliving unforgettable moments or discovering these legendary titles for the first time, gamers on GeForce NOW can experience gaming history on supported devices like Chromebooks, Fire TV and Steam Deck — no legacy hardware required. Spartans — Start Early Spartans don’t have to wait. Players who prepurchase the Premium Edition of Halo: Campaign Evolved can suit up for Advanced Access before the game’s global launch on Tuesday, July 28.  Start the weekend with all the new games arriving on GeForce NOW: ZeroSpace (New release on Steam, available July 20) The Life and Suffering of Prince Jerian (New release on Steam, available July 20) The Planet Crafter (New release on Xbox, available on Game Pass July 21) Carnival Hunt (New release on Steam, available July 23) Dinoblade (New release on Steam, available on July 23) Breath of Fire IV (Steam) CloverPit (Xbox, available on Game Pass) Dino Crisis (Steam) Dino Crisis 2 (Steam) The last word goes to the Community Corner. One GeForce NOW member recently shared they found themselves back on GeForce NOW Ultimate because they missed the flexibility of gaming across devices like Steam Deck. Their post sparked a discussion about why members tap into cloud gaming, whether as a backup, a travel companion or their primary way to play. What are you planning to play this weekend? Let us know on X or in the comments below.

Title: Share of the Week: Katana Date: Fri, 21 Aug 2026 17:00:01 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/08/21/share-of-the-week-katana/ Last week, we asked you to unsheathe katanas from your favorite games and share using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this week’s sharp highlights:  call_me_xavii shares Atsu drawing her katana as a duel begins in Ghost of Yōtei JAA_PhMode_0510 shares a glowing katana in Cyberpunk 2077 JLunarTraveler shares a birdseye view of Jin and his katana in Ghost of Tsushima rorottino shares a red-drenched moment from Death Stranding 2: On The Beach xenobitz shares a character with their katana raised in Fortnite crimsonashtree shares Narmaya holding their katana to the side in Granblue Fantasy: Relink 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: Breathtaking ViewSUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on August 26, 2026  Next week, share breathtaking views and vistas from the game of your choice using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured.

Title: Tails of Iron 2: Blood & Brine – Free Expansion Date: Fri, 21 Aug 2026 15:00:01 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/08/21/tails-of-iron-2-blood-brine-free-expansion/ Today, Blood and Brine, the free expansion for Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter, arrives on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. This new post-game adventure sends Arlo away from the frozen North to Hardshell Brook, a coastal region packed with 11 quests, 10 new bosses, nine armour sets, new music, and a fishing system with 32 aquatic creatures to discover. You’ll need to finish the main campaign before you can set sail. Play Video Cast off for Hardshell Brook After everything Arlo has survived across the Ratdom, his next problem sounds almost relaxing: help two shipwrecked sailors build an aquarium. Jaimie and Sam have washed ashore after losing their vessel, and their plan is to fill a new attraction with rare sea life, draw in visitors, and earn enough to repair their ship. That means somebody has to do the fishing. Hardshell Brook gives Arlo a very different landscape to explore, with sunlit docks, open water and plenty of unfamiliar faces. You’ll cast your line in different fishing spots and hunt down 32 creatures for the aquarium, gradually turning an empty collection into something much stranger. Fishing gives the adventure a quieter rhythm between battles, but we haven’t forgotten what kind of world this is. Some things under the surface are much happier trying to eat Arlo than being displayed behind glass. And as the aquarium grows, so do the questions around Jaimie and Sam. Their story about what happened at sea might not be quite as simple as it first appears. A rougher kind of seaside break Hardshell Brook may look warmer than the snow-covered Wastes, but it is definitely not safer. Across the expansion’s 11 quests, Arlo will encounter new enemies on land and beneath the waves, along with 10 boss fights designed around fresh attack patterns and hazards. We also wanted to make the coast feel different in combat, so Blood and Brine introduces ship arena battles that take fights out onto the water. One moment you might be exploring the harbour or checking a fishing spot; the next, you’re on deck dealing with something enormous that has decided your boat looks like lunch. There are nine new armour sets to collect as well, giving you more options to prepare for these encounters and, just as importantly, more ways to make Arlo look suitably battle-worn for a trip to the seaside. Indie heroes enter the Ratdom One of our favourite parts of making Blood and Brine has been working with other independent studios. We’ve always loved seeing how different indie teams build memorable characters and worlds, so we wanted to bring a few of those familiar designs into our hand-drawn medieval setting. The expansion includes crossover armour inspired by Blasphemous, Cult of the Lamb, Dave the Diver, Death’s Door, Moonlighter, and Beyond Galaxyland. Rather than simply dropping those costumes into the game, our artists redrew and adapted each set so it feels at home on Arlo and inside the Ratdom. Seeing recognisable heroes reinterpreted as armour for a very determined rat has been a lot of fun, and we’re hugely grateful to every team who let us play with their designs. A thank you to everyone who joined Arlo’s journey Blood and Brine started as another adventure for Arlo, but it grew into a much bigger addition than we first expected: a new region, new quests and bosses, new music, a new fishing mechanic, and a small celebration of the indie games we admire. More than anything, it’s our way of saying thank you to everyone who has supported Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter. We hope returning players enjoy discovering what is waiting along the shores of Hardshell Brook, and that anyone who has not yet finished Arlo’s original campaign has one more reason to sharpen their blade. Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter – Blood and Brine is available today as a free expansion on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. Complete the main campaign, ready your fishing rod, and prepare to set sail. The waters of the Ratdom are anything but peaceful. To celebrate the launch, Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter is 60% off on PS5 and PS4 from August 12–26 as part of PlayStation’s Ready, Set, Play promotion.

Title: Code Vein II Mask of Idris DLC launches September 9 Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2026 14:00:56 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/08/20/code-vein-ii-mask-of-idris-dlc-launches-september-9/ Earlier this year, Code Vein II invited players into a post-apocalyptic action RPG where they fight alongside unique partners, wield powerful blood-based abilities, and battle fierce enemies to prevent the world’s destruction. Today, we’re excited to announce that the Mask of Idris DLC launches on September 9, 2026. This all new DLC introduces a history-altering story separate from the main campaign, taking players on a new adventure alongside two new partners. As you progress through the DLC, you’ll unlock new weapons and Formae to help overcome formidable new bosses. Launching alongside the DLC is a free update for all players, introducing additional features to further enhance the gameplay experience. However, today, we’ll take a closer look at everything coming in the Mask of Idris DLC. (SPOILER WARNING: The trailer content includes story details from the base game) Play Video Please note that certain play conditions must be met before you can access the Mask of Idris DLC. For full details on the required conditions, please visit our official Bandai Namco channels. Once you’ve met the requirements, you’ll embark on a new adventure that transcends time and space to uncover a history-altering story in The Forsaken World. The Forsaken World Throughout Code Vein II, history has been altered countless times, leaving behind scattered pockets of alternate space worlds known as Temporal Rifts. These spaces preserve residual traces of branching paths of history created by the past intervention of the great hero Idris. Though they were meant to disappear over time, the Temporal Rift continued to expand, eventually becoming what is now known as The Forsaken World. At its center lies the Spindle of Pathos, a colossal, swirling force that draws in emotions from across time and space. As its influence continues to grow, it now threatens to consume the world the protagonists are fighting to protect. It is here that your journey begins as you battle to save the world from its impending fate. As you venture into the Forsaken World, you’ll be joined by a new partner, Liv Voda, and Lou Magmell, a familiar face with a different story to tell. Together, you’ll confront powerful new threats and uncover the mysteries hidden in this fractured realm. Liv Voda – The alluring guardian of time and space​ Liv Voda is the original guardian of The Temporal Rift, and half-sister of Valentin Voda. She had abandoned her duties out of boredom and ​ been away from the frontier region for many years. ​ She has a combative personality, and her hair and eyes glow brightly when her emotions run high.​ Liv’s preferred combat style is aggressive attacks with a focus on melee combat. Her weapon of choice is the Halberd. She gracefully dances across the battlefield, relentlessly assailing enemies with continuous attacks from her Formae Chariot Rave and nimble evasive steps. Her Linkage Trait makes enemies more susceptible to staggering from weapon attacks. This trait, combined with her support Formae Mad Blood Dance (which boosts both her own and the protagonist’s attack power, with its effect extending upon each successful hit), forms a powerful synergy. Overwhelm your foes with coordinated teamwork. Lou MagMell – A lonely girl in the Forsaken World​ Lou Magmell is not the same Revenant girl the protagonist encounters in the main story but a different individual who entered the Forsaken World after experiencing a separate tragedy. The truth behind her past will gradually unfold as the story progresses. Despite her own hardships, she joins the protagonists in their fight to halt the expansion of the Forsaken World. New weapons and formae To prepare players for the challenges ahead, the Mask of Idris DLC introduces a collection of new weapons that broaden your combat options. Whether you prefer swift strikes or devastating power, these additions provide new ways to customize your fighting style. Grave Knocker is a martial arts Formae compatible with all weapon types, allowing players to unleash a powerful aerial kick that creates shockwaves to stagger surrounding enemies. Upon landing, a second shockwave expands, making it an effective ability for controlling groups of enemies. Sword of Karma: Idris summons a great sword imbued with the flames of Pathos, allowing players to unleash a series of powerful strikes and extended combo options. With its long reach and devastating final blow that sends flames of Pathos forward, this Formae provides both offensive power and flexibility in combat. Prepare to journey into the Forsaken World with the Mask of Idris DLC, featuring a new story, powerful allies, new weapons, and challenging battles. Whether you’re a returning player or discovering Code Vein II for the first time, experience this new adventure when the DLC launches on September 9.

Title: A field guide to Gran Turismo 7’s 1.71 update, out today Date: Wed, 19 Aug 2026 13:00:46 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/08/19/a-field-guide-to-gran-turismo-7s-1-71-update-out-today/ Gran Turismo 7’s 1.71 update roars onto PS5 today*, bringing with it new cars, as well as introducing  three new World Circuits, while Whistler added as featured Curation in Scapes.  Play Video Each of the four cars in this update offers a different kind of driving experience. Whether you are chasing style, discovery, precision, or something new, this update is built to be explored your way. To help you decide which one to drive first, check out the below guide, detailing what makes each one special and shows you exactly how to jump in. 1.71 update – Car Field Guide  Each car fits into a simple category:  Street Icon Sleeper Pick Pure Driver Next Gen Performance Pick what feels right, start simple, and explore from there. New Cars*** ’97 Toyota Chaser Tourer V *Can be purchased from Used CarsCategory: Street Icon View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Street Icons are all about presence, style, and cultural impact. These are the cars players connect with and make their own. The Chaser has instant attitude. Its stance and silhouette give it a natural presence, while its roots in tuner culture and the world of drifting give this Toyota a ton of street cred. This is the kind of car that quickly becomes a favorite because it reflects how players choose to drive, customize, and express themselves. How to experience it in GT7 Start here: Take it to Tokyo Expressway and run a clean lapThen try this: Add a livery in GT Auto and head to the Tuning Shop to start modifying the ChaserLevel up: Capture a replay or Scapes photo that shows your version of the car ’97 Toyota Mark II Tourer V *Can be purchased from Used CarsCategory: Sleeper Pick View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Sleeper Picks are understated at first glance, but reward players who spend time with them. Not to be confused with the Chaser, the Mark II carries quiet confidence. It may not demand attention immediately, but it connects with players who enjoy discovering something a little deeper. It represents a side of car culture where reputation is built through feel, knowledge, and performance rather than appearance alone. How to experience it in GT7 Start here: Take it to Tokyo Expressway or another urban track and get a feel for itThen try this: Compare it to other road cars from a similar eraLevel up: Tune and test different setups to find what suits your style If you enjoy finding hidden favorites that reward time and attention, this is your car. ’08 Caterham Seven Superlight R500 *Can be purchased from Brand CentralCategory: Pure Driver View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Pure Driver cars strip everything back and focus entirely on the connection between driver and road. The Caterham delivers one of the most direct driving experiences in GT7. Lightweight and responsive, it puts every input in your hands with no distractions. It is less about power and more about precision, making every corner and braking moment feel earned. How to experience it in GT7 Start here: Run a Time Trial on a technical track like Deep Forest RacewayThen try this: Focus on improving lap consistency over multiple runsLevel up: Refine braking, cornering, and racing lines to shave off time If you want to feel every input and improve with every lap, this is where to start. ’25 Hyundai IONIQ 6 N *Can be purchased from Brand CentralCategory: Next Gen Performance View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Next Gen Performance cars represent the evolution of speed, technology, and driving feel. The IONIQ 6 N brings a modern edge to the update. It reflects where performance is heading and invites players to experience something different from traditional expectations. It feels fresh, responsive, and part of a new chapter in driving. How to experience it in GT7 Start here: Take it to a fast circuit like High-Speed RingThen try this: Run a custom race against modern performance carsLevel up: Compare its performance across tracks and refine your driving approach If you want to experience where performance is going next, start here.Want to learn more about August Update 1.71? Then head over to gran-turismo.com.Haven’t purchased Gran Turismo 7 yet but want to get a feel for it? Download My First GT on the PlayStation store for free and hop into the game! Play Video And in case you missed it this past weekend, the Gran Turismo World Series – GT’s live event – was a blast in Tokyo! If you want to catch the excitement in person for the next round in Singapore, tickets are on sale right now: gran-turismo.com/GTWS *Gran Turismo 7 1.71 update will be available for free for Gran Turismo 7 players beginning today at 11:00pm PDT / August 20 at 7:00am BST / 3:00pm JST**. **Internet connection required for update.  ***Credits (paid or via game progression) required to purchase vehicles.

Title: Inside the brutal puzzles of Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival  Date: Wed, 19 Aug 2026 12:15:07 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/08/19/inside-the-brutal-puzzles-of-clive-barkers-hellraiser-revival/ It’s dark. The walls are oppressively grey, spikey and close. And there’s a disturbing noise of chattering teeth that sounds like it’s coming from, well, everywhere. Then, I see him. Flesh warped, eyeless sockets sunken, mouth wide, teeth full. The Chatterer – the source of the ever-present and unnerving noise. Player character, Aidan, runs away, but seconds later Chatterer remerges in front of him in a crackle of electricity. Aidan tries another path of escape and Chatterer again fizzles into view. Down a seething red, fleshy corridor and the chattering figure zaps in front of him again. But there is a way to escape, you just need to know how. Play Video This is just part of my introduction to Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival, a first-person survival horror hitting PlayStation 5 on October 8. And while this is a fairly straightforward puzzle element that I’m being shown, there are far more elaborate and equally disturbing ones that Assistant Game Director Vid Rajin is eager to walk me – or more accurately in this case, run – through. A labyrinth of terror Although Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival features a number of firearms and weapons, that’s not the purpose of the demonstration I’m immersed in. The focus is very much on how the game aims to test your nerve through its reality warping environments and the mysteries they hold, all encased with the gruesome tension the series is famous for. In fact, Hellraiser is a franchise which doesn’t necessarily lend itself to combative action, given its psychological and deeply disturbing investigation of the lines between pleasure and pain. To translate that into a game was one of the challenges faced by the teams at Mad Head Games and Saber Interactive, aiming to give the puzzles an appropriate edge. “We use the Genesis Configuration – a puzzle box – at the centre of things,” explains Vid. “Mysterious puzzle boxes are literally key to everything in Clive Barker’s universe, so it writes itself in terms of helping to craft puzzles and how to manipulate the world. We have a background in adventure games and hidden object puzzle titles, so we took our experience from those, but we want to make sure we have a narrative purpose for puzzles wherever we can.” The earlier example of our encounter with Chatterer is a clear sign of that bleeding of narrative and puzzles, as is another environmental teaser where Aidan is wandering through his house near the start of the game. At first it appears normal – but twisted little elements, such as photos on a wall being crooked or distorted soon become clear. And trying to escape the various rooms only leads to them repeating. The only way to solve this tormenting loop? By turning back instead of trying to move forward, which changes the entire setting. “The labyrinth Aidan is trapped in is intertwined with the real world,” says Vid. “So in the case of the looping rooms, the environment is almost trying to tell Aidan something, to get him to change his perspective, and make the player figure out another approach to what they might have been doing.” Controlling the Genesis Configuration Learning lessons is a fundamental part of any horror story, which makes Vid’s point fit smartly into the game, aping one of the mainstay themes of the genre no matter the medium – you learn or you die. Be it reversing your course to escape the looping room or outmanoeuvring Chatterer by discovering which corridor he doesn’t teleport in front of you in, understanding the importance of finding unconventional routes is crucial. Hints are offered by the labyrinth itself, although for some of the more traditional puzzles, like opening a safe via a sliding picture lock, clues can be something far less intimidating, such as discovering a diagram on a desk. But a chunk of progressing through Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival is through using the Genesis Configuration itself. While it can channel power for offensive abilities like setting enemies on fire, Vid reveals how it’s essential for overcoming many of the present environmental puzzles.  Some puzzles have clear binary solutions. One example is using the Genesis Configuration to rotate a giant wheel, which in turn would realign the narrow walkways Aidan found himself on within a spike-laden room to plot a safe route through. Another demoed its transformative properties: we stood in a courtyard hub, with three main gates. Each one could only be opened by retrieving a statue’s missing item – such as an appropriately macabre tongue or hand – and then changing the Genesis Configuration into the correct shape to act as a key. But there are others which have multiple ways of solving them. What those are, the studio remain tight-lipped, keen for players to discover themselves.  And while many revolve around traversal, the labyrinth itself, and all the horror that await within, there are a few incidental and familiar parts for survival horror fans. “We have classic lock pick mechanism puzzles as well [such as]safe combinations which reward you with useful items, like crafting resources, ammo, some nice upgrades, or even like a new weapon,” says Vid. “And you have to manage your inventory in a similar way to the Resident Evil games.” Inspiration outside of hell Between these types of traditional survival horror puzzles and more surreal, M.C. Escher inspired interiors that help fashion the environment, Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival is shaping up to be something fans will appreciate. The development team – fans themselves – also had the advantage of Clive Barker himself advising from its initial conception and Doug Bradley reprising his role as Pinhead from many of the movies, to help keep them on track. “They were a huge help, especially in giving us small details,” says Vid. “The pressure to make something to honor the franchise is always there, but it’s been alleviated by the positive response from the fans so far.” Prepare for oblivion With a campaign that Vid suggests could take over 12 hours to complete, Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival aims to deliver a sharp experience that captures the visceral and psychological intensity of its source material. And if you own a PS5 Pro, you can expect higher graphic settings and PSSR sSupport to hone in on the horror. Can your chattering nerves handle a piercing face to face with Pinhead and his cenobites? Find out on October 8 when Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival launches on PS5, available for pre-order now.

Title: Sandustry is the first factory simulation game I've played that gets heaps right Date: Fri, 21 Aug 2026 17:00:00 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/sandustry-is-the-first-factory-simulation-game-ive-played-that-gets-heaps-right Before we talk about Sandustry, the excellent new spelunking factory builder from Lantto Games and Hooded Horse, we need to revisit that most quintessentially vidyagame of topics, the post-industrial countryside of Wales. Early on in my recent 105-mile "review" of the MSI Cyborg 14 laptop, I walked through the old slate quarries near the village of Aberllefenni – the longest continually operated slate mining setup in the world until its closure in 2003. Read more

Title: GTA 6 leaker hunt is on, as Rockstar owners Take-Two file subpoenas asking Microsoft and Discord for records Date: Fri, 21 Aug 2026 15:45:04 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/gta-6-leaker-hunt-is-on-as-rockstar-owners-take-two-file-subpoenas-asking-microsoft-and-discord-for-records Well, the chase has begun. Rockstar parent company Take-Two are after the identity of the hacker or hackers behind this week's GTA 6 leak. Having spent a number of days swatting clips with takedowns, while the leakers dumped more and more across the net, Take-Two have filed multiple subpoenas in federal district court asking Microsoft and Discord to share records related to accounts which have been involved in posting and sharing the leaks. Read more

Title: "The lines between redemption and revenge will blur", promises Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2's latest trailer as the series locks in a late October release Date: Fri, 21 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/the-lines-between-redemption-and-revenge-will-blur-promises-cyberpunk-edgerunners-2s-latest-trailer-as-the-series-locks-in-a-late-october-release Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2, the second series of the anime CD Projekt Red and Netflix grafted onto the former's cyberverse following Cyberpunk 2077's release, will premiere on October 20th. Having previously revealed the four new Night City dwellers its plot will be following, the show's creators have now put out another trailer teasing the tale of "revenge and redemption" in store. Read more

Title: Among Shadows is a Nightreign-style dark fantasy RPG with a touch of Among Us that makes me think wistfully of Dark Souls at its most treacherous Date: Fri, 21 Aug 2026 11:42:55 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/among-shadows-is-a-nightreign-style-dark-fantasy-rpg-with-a-touch-of-among-us-that-makes-me-think-wistfully-of-dark-souls-at-its-most-treacherous Among Shadows is the kind of videogame genre arithmetic that often proves less than the sum of its parts, but I'm cautiously enthused by its talk of disease, betrayal and Elden Ring: Nightreign-flavoured swordwizarding. The gist: this is a fantasy action-RPG with an Among Us-style social deduction element. You are a member of the Order of the Secret Fire, sent into a supernaturally blighted region to track down sources of corruption, while looting gear and levelling yourself up. Read more

Title: “We’re going to take things slow": South of Midnight devs now own the rights to all their games again, after quitting Xbox, and are working on a new game Date: Fri, 21 Aug 2026 10:25:45 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/were-going-to-take-things-slow-south-of-midnight-devs-now-own-the-rights-to-all-their-games-again-after-quitting-xbox-and-are-working-on-a-new-game We Happy Few and South of Midnight developers Compulsion Games have announced that they are fully broken up with Microsoft and Xbox, after completing a management buyout. They now once again own the rights to all their own original intellectual properties. Amongst other things, this means that you can buy South of Midnight – summarised by Brendy (RPS in peace) as "a beautiful folkloric tale" and a "plain and unambitious" action-adventure – while still taking part in the BDS boycott against Microsoft's Israeli military connections. When you buy the Steam version of South of Midnight, all your money (after Valve's revenue cut) will go to Compulsion. Read more