Title: Report: Escapist And Other Gaming Sites Slash Staff As Gambling Firm ‘Pivots To AI’ Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2026 18:39:50 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/the-escapist-esports-insider-clickout-media-layoffs-2000669743 The peculiarly shy company has been buying up gaming sites and turning them into gambling sites for years

Title: Indie Game Engine Manager Says Getting Bombarded With AI Slop Is ‘Increasingly Draining And Demoralizing’ Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2026 18:08:52 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/godot-ai-github-code-indie-unity-2000669746 Godot is a competitor to Unity that's open source

Title: New Star Wars: The Mandalorian And Grogu Trailer Features Clone Wars Bounty Hunter, Creepy Aliens, And…Martin Scorsese Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2026 17:52:52 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/mandalorian-grogu-star-wars-trailer-martin-scorsese-clone-wars-embo-2000669728 The first Star Wars movie in while looks goofy in a good way and is arriving in theaters in May

Title: The Highguard Website Is Down As Players Brace For The Worst Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2026 16:52:55 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/highguard-website-down-shutting-down-servers-free-to-play-shooter-steam-playercount-2000669734 The free-to-play raid shooter found itself at the center of endless online discourse the moment it was announced less than 70 days ago

Title: This Is The Ultimate Trick Shot Of Pokémon Shiny Hunting Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2026 16:44:26 +0000 Link: https://kotaku.com/pokemon-shiny-hunting-odds-red-blue-moltres-crystal-2000669729 Shiny hunting is usually a long process, then you see people pull off something like this

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: Battlefield 6's next season will speed up battle pass progression, and make it so Redsec players who don't own the game can actually make progress Date: Wed, 11 Feb 2026 13:04:13 +0000 Link: https://www.vg247.com/battlefield-6-season-2-major-goals-gameplay-changes Ahead of the start of Battlefield 6’s Season 2 next week, Battlefield Studios has shared some insight into a few of the major goals the developer has with the Season 2 patch. The game’s second season was delayed in mid-January, and the developer even brought back Battlefield Labs to test out some of the new content and features coming with the new season. Read more

Title: Snake Eyes Game Remains In Development, But Changes Are Apparently Afoot Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2026 10:22:00 -0800 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/snake-eyes-game-remains-in-development-but-changes-are-apparently-afoot/1100-6538223/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f Developer Atomic Arcade's new G.I. Joe game focused on Snake Eyes remains in development following upheaval at the studio.Hasbro, which owns the IP and the studio, said in a statement to Wccftech that the game is "not canceled." However, changes are underway behind the scenes."The team is currently taking time to evaluate the path forward for the game. While decisions haven't been finalized, we're committed to providing updates as soon as we're able," Hasbro said.Continue Reading at GameSpot

Title: Marathon Open Beta: How To Get In, What To Expect, And PS Plus Bonuses Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2026 09:17:00 -0800 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/marathon-open-beta/1100-6538154/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f An open beta for Bungie's upcoming shooter Marathon is coming very soon. Announced during Sony's recent State of Play, the open beta is coming to all platforms--PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X|S--and will take place February 26 through March 2.The "server slam," as it's called, will let players try the game at the low cost of $0 just before it releases on March 5. In short, if you're curious about Marathon, this is your chance to try it out before you have to plunk down money to get in.When is the Marathon open beta?The Marathon open beta, or server slam as Bungie wants us to call it, runs February 26 through March 2. The specific times can be seen below.Continue Reading at GameSpot

Title: Battlefield 6 Producer On Honoring Vince Zampella And The Future Of The Game Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2026 09:07:00 -0800 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/battlefield-6-producer-on-honoring-vince-zampella-and-the-future-of-the-game/1100-6538211/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f At this year's DICE Summit in Las Vegas, members of the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences came together to honor Vince Zampella, the Call of Duty veteran and Battlefield 6 boss who tragically perished in a car accident in December 2025. Shortly after that event, GameSpot spoke with a Battlefield 6 producer Alexia Christofi about carrying on Zampella's legacy and what the future of the game holds."[Zampella] was always a risk-taker and he kind of put that into us," said Christofi. "Nothing about his legacy is gonna be lost from us, because now it's about making him proud. He's always kind of given us autonomy to do what we think is best in the game and we were super lucky to have his leadership when we did. And it won't be lost, and we'll carry it forward for sure."Regarding a new Battlefield boss to take over Zampella's position, Christofi noted that Battlefield GM Byron Beede is "so driven, and I guess him having Vince as his manager, Vince instilled that into him as well. So we have that leadership from him," before adding "People above my pay grade are still trying to figure out what what happens moving forward."Continue Reading at GameSpot

Title: 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple Steelbook Collector's Edition Preorders Are Live At Amazon Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2026 08:41:00 -0800 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/28-years-later-the-bone-temple-steelbook-collectors-edition-preorders-are-live-at-amazon/1100-6538210/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple - Limited Edition Steelbook (4K Blu-ray) $55 | Release date TBC Preorder at Amazon 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (Standard Blu-ray) $31.77 (was $41) | Release date TBC Preorder at Amazon Last year saw the 28 Days Later film franchise revived in 28 Years Later, the first part in a new trilogy of the post-apocalyptic horror film series. Preorders are now live for the middle film in the planned trilogy, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. While it doesn't have a release date yet, you can pick it up as a limited-edition 4K steelbook release on Blu-ray for $55 through Amazon. 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple - Limited Edition Steelbook (4K Blu-ray) $55 | Release date TBC The steelbook case for 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple features a striking red cover, with Dr. Kelson holding a damaged skull. On the rear is a candlelight vigil that forms the infamous biohazard symbol, and inside the case is a screenshot of Kelson and Samson, an Alpha Infected who has become addicted to the Morphine that Kelson used to subdue him in previous encounters.For special features, the Blu-ray includes an audio commentary track with director Nia DaCosta (Candyman), a behind-the-scenes documentary, and a deleted scene. The Blu-ray also includes a digital streaming code.28 Years Later: The Bone Temple special featuresAudio commentary with director Nia DaCostaBehind the scenes: New Blood, The Doctor and the Devil, Beneath the RageDeleted scene Preorder at Amazon 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (Standard Blu-ray) $31.77 (was $41) | Release date TBC The standard Blu-ray of 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple features alternate cover art of Dr. Kelson in his monument to the dead, and it comes with the same special features. The Blu-ray also comes with a digital streaming code. Preorder at Amazon Set in England after a deadly virus broke loose in the early 2000s and transformed people into feral killers, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple was shot back-to-back with 28 Years Later. The Bone Temple picks up shortly after Spike joins Jimmy Crystal and his band of ruthless survivors, while the enigmatic Dr. Ian Kelson (Ralph Fiennes) continues his work on the Bone Temple.28 Years Later is a sequel to 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later, and if you're looking to complete your collection, these movies are also available on Blu-ray and DVD. The 28 Years Later steelbook edition is still in stock and priced at $38.49 at Amazon (was $45), but if you're fine with regular covers, you can pick the movie up in regular 4K and standard Blu-ray editions.Continue Reading at GameSpot

Title: Zillow For Warcraft Is Now A Real Thing Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2026 08:05:00 -0800 Link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/zillow-for-warcraft-is-now-a-real-thing/1100-6538219/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f The real-world housing market in the US has reached the most unaffordable levels in history, but if you want to buy a home in World of Warcraft, it should be much easier with the game recently adding player housing. To hype that up, Blizzard and the real estate marketplace Zillow have announced a custom "Zillow for Warcraft" website that allows people to browse in-game homes for World of Warcraft.The website will look familiar to anyone who has browsed Zillow before, but in place of your local city is a map of Azeroth with homes dotted all over the place. Users can click on a home to see more photos and details about a property, like the "Seaside Shrine," which has a grog station and a royal purple reading nook. Users can click "Contact Agent" to send an email to learn more about the property and how to move in.Of course, the website is plastered with advertisements for World of Warcraft: Midnight, the upcoming expansion that releases on March 2. Player housing came to WoW back in December for people who preordered Midnight.Continue Reading at GameSpot

Title: Smile, one of the decade's best horror franchises, is streaming on Hulu Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2026 19:01:17 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/smile-2022-streaming-hulu-paramount-franchise/ Parker Finn’s Smile felt like a miracle when it was released in 2022: a well-crafted original horror movie plucked from the obscure hell of direct-to-streaming release and turned into a genuine box-office hit. It's a clever movie that combines themes of mental health with scares, creating an elevated horror that blends shocking, crowd-pleasing kills, tension and dramatic urgency. Smile is an amalgamation of some of horror's finest classics, updated for savvy contemporary audiences, and a treat for aficionados of the genre, who can see from a mile away where this premise is going for the protagonist.

Title: Ezri Dax returns to Star Trek Online to face a Lovecraftian threat Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2026 18:54:57 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/star-trek-online-corruption-interview-ezri-dax/ Over the past 16 years, Star Trek Onlinehas been building what senior narrative designer Flo McQuibban calls “soft canon” for the iconic science-fiction franchise, bringing TV stars into the game while creating new threats for them to face. The next big event, Corruption, which launches on March 10 to celebrate the free-to-play MMORPG’s 16th anniversary, will see Ezri Dax (Nicole de Boer) of Star Trek: Deep Space Nineleading the charge against the Chimerans, a new species of invaders from another universe. McQuibban spoke with Polygon on a video call to give us an exclusive peek at what’s in store.

Title: The pros and cons of Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' pre-finale flashback Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2026 18:50:16 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/knight-of-the-seven-kingdoms-flashback-episode-game-of-thrones/ But while we get a vivid first-person taste of combat, with Dunk and Aerion pairing off in the jousting arena, showrunner Ira Parker leans into a narrative trend that slows the intense action down considerably. As Dunk goes down in combat, we cut from the action and head into a penultimate-episode flashback. We spend the next 25 minutes watching Dunk’s story from his time as an orphan, shortly after Daemon’s Rebellion ended, through a pivotal moment with the knight he later squires for, Ser Arlan Pennytree.

Title: Over the Garden Wall, Cartoon Network's best show ever, finally coming to Blu-ray Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2026 18:34:24 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/over-the-garden-wall-blu-ray-release-date-special-features/ It's been nearly 12 years since Over the Garden Wall first debuted on Cartoon Network. The 2014 miniseries' legacy looms large in the animation world, as it stands as a perfect autumnal watch thanks to its creepily comfy vibes. We've even named it the best Halloween show in years past — it's that good. And while you can just watch the series on Hulu now, there is a more reliable way to ensure an annual watch: Over the Garden Wall is getting its first Blu-ray release in just two months.

Title: Censoring Stephen Colbert's interviews is bad regardless of your political party Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2026 17:25:10 GMT Link: https://www.polygon.com/censorship-stephen-colbert-late-show-james-talarico-interview/ On Tuesday morning, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert posted an interview on its YouTube page with Texas state representative James Talarico, who is running for Senate in 2026. The segment did not air on Monday night’s Late Show with Stephen Colbert because, as Colbert put it in the opening of the show, "we were told in no uncertain terms by our network's lawyers that we could not have him on the broadcast."

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: 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: God of War Sons of Sparta – Mega Cat Studios discuss origins of Kratos and company’s name Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2026 14:04:11 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/02/16/god-of-war-sons-of-sparta-mega-cat-studios-discuss-origins-of-kratos-and-companys-name/ When Mega Cat Studios sat down to dream big, one name sat at the very top of their wishlist: God of War. Years later, that long-shot ambition has become God of War Sons of Sparta, a newly released prequel developed in collaboration with Santa Monica Studio (SMS). Set at the earliest point in the series timeline, the game casts players as a young, devout Kratos before he knows his true nature as a demi-god, weaving a story about brotherhood and the meaning of being Spartan. Sons of Sparta pairs retro action-adventure design with an emotional God of War story. Mega Cat Studios Founder and CEO James Deighan and Game Director Zack Manko also discuss the origins of the game’s title and the name of the studio. For the full conversation listen to the latest Official PlayStation Podcast episode. Play Video PlayStation Blog: What can you share about the origins of this collaboration with Santa Monica Studio? James Deighan: So one of the things we’ve always done at Mega Cat are these leadership retreats where we talk about what we want to do… what we want to be known for… what inspired us to join the games industry. And one of the things that we’ve maintained, kind of ceremonially, is this “wishlist” of franchises we wish we could collaborate on. And we’ve had God of War listed as number one since the very beginning. And part of that wishlist is also the probability of us being able to do that, which we’ve always had listed very low. And as we continued to grow and make bigger, better games, and got a lot more confidence we started taking bigger swings, and eventually we just made a pitch and reached out and got really lucky that somebody read it, and they were open to having a conversation about what our idea was for a prequel and some kind of pixel art treatment extension of the franchise that we all adore. …so it really is just on multiple layers, a dream come true, working with such a talented team [at Santa Monica Studio], with a franchise we adore. How is Kratos’ relationship with the Greek gods at this point in his life? Zack Manko: This is Kratos as a boy. So it’s pre-god powers. He doesn’t even know he’s a god. But that also means he has a very different relationship with the gods. He’s very devout. He has this faith that he leans on and turns to when things look darkest. And in Sons of Sparta, you see how that pays off. You get Gifts of Olympus, these artifacts blessed by the gods, that allow you to do all these crazy puzzles, exploration, and combat. Ultimately, seeing Kratos as this devout, faith-filled figure, and knowing what comes later with his relationship with the gods…adds a new dimension as well. What went into the decision to set the game at the earliest point in the series’ timeline? Manko: I think there are two reasons, really. First, like you said, it’s a prequel. Our initial pitch was, you know, imagine what God of War would have looked like on [the original PlayStation], you know, what a God of War zero, if you will, would look like. So I think with that in mind the narrative team at SMS thought this time period you know, Kratos as a boy, his formative years, would be interesting to explore, because the events here and what he goes through and what he experiences, it really adds a texture to his character that kind of you can see throughout the rest of the saga. It certainly adds a new lens onto him [when looking back at the Greek games]. Early on, we did think about maybe [making the story] a little bit closer to the events of the Greek saga games that fans are familiar with. But again, I think the writers at SMS thought this is what we need to go to, because seeing Kratos as a boy here resonates throughout the rest of the series, not only with the Greek games, but also, you know, the Norse saga, where you see Kratos as a father with Atreus, and how the events in Sons of Sparta may influence that. And the same sort of, same sort of context, the influences on Kratos as a boy, how that lines up with Kratos’ parenting style in the Norse saga. These formative years of Kratos, this character, seeing all these things that happen and these influences on him. It just adds so much to this character that fans are familiar with throughout the rest of the games. 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 View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Meet Mega Cat, the feline the God of War: Sons of Sparta studio is named after. What can you tell us about the origins of the game’s title and name of the studio itself? Manko: James wanted to name it something Greek yogurt themed, you know, high protein, fitting for Kratos [laughs]. But, um, no, in all seriousness, God of War Sons of Sparta was chosen because it just encapsulates the main themes in the game so well. You know, Kratos and Deimos are the sons of Sparta, and they’re discovering what that means. What it means to be a Spartan, what are the demands there, what’s the cost? Deighan: [Regarding the studio name Mega Cat Studios] we had a beloved cat that I had as a pet that passed. One of our [team members’ now-wife] volunteers at a local animal shelter here, and she was serving a few bottle babies. [Bottle babies] are whenever the shelters are completely overburdened with animals, the trained [certified] volunteers can take [cats] home and help raise them. I was dealing with some pet-loss heartbreak, as you do, and [the shelter had] this one, really aggressive runt in the litter that we ended up taking home and bottle feeding and spending some time with. That was Mega Cat.  So when we first came up with a list of many ideas and names for the company, we included [“Mega Cat”] on the list and started voting and sharing it around with our friends, family, and colleagues. And there was this really overwhelmingly positive response [to the name]… which kind of rolls off the tongue. Early years, it really worked to our advantage, because people confused us with Mad Catz [laughs]. We had all these names that we really went deep on, and we added a Mega Cat at the end of the list. Even our UPS driver was like, “that one’s awesome, man.” God of War Sons of Sparta is available now on PS5.

Title: God of War Sons of Sparta: What you need to know Date: Fri, 13 Feb 2026 20:51:53 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/02/13/god-of-war-sons-of-sparta-what-you-need-to-know/ God of War Sons of Sparta is a brand-new entry to the series available now for the PlayStation 5!  Developed by our partners at Mega Cat Studios, Sons of Sparta takes God of War staples and translates them like never before into a retro-inspired 2D action platformer. Looking to learn more before embarking on a journey back to ancient Greece this weekend? Here’s what you need to know about God of War Sons of Sparta!  Duty, honor & brotherhood Sons of Sparta is a canon story that takes place in Kratos’ youth from the writing team that brought you God of War (2018), God of War Ragnarök, and God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla.  Set during the brutal training period Spartan cadets undergo at the Agoge – Kratos, alongside his brother Deimos, must traverse far beyond the home they know into the beautiful yet dangerous region of Laconia that surrounds the familiar walls of Sparta.  Kratos and Deimos must overcome threats that will put all their training to the test while challenging them to confront the true meaning of duty, honor, and brotherhood.   Play Video Heartfelt performances  Sons of Sparta features a fantastic vocal cast whose performances bring the depth and emotion fans expect from God of War games.  We’re thrilled to have two actors who have both portrayed Kratos in the Greek saga reprise their roles for this game. TC Carson returns as the adult version of Kratos who serves as our story’s narrator, while Antony Del Rio portrays the younger version of Kratos, which he also did in God of War: Ghost of Sparta back in 2010!  We’re also excited to have newcomers join the series, including Scott Menville, as the voice of our young Deimos.  Play Video God of War combat in 2D  Sons of Sparta brings God of War’s kinetic combat to a brand-new genre. Customize your weapons, learn new skills, and harness powerful divine artifacts using the Gifts of Olympus to end your foes with brutal finishers.  Play Video A Spartan’s first weapons Kratos’ spear and shield can each be enhanced and adapted using different attachments. Each attachment comes with its own upgrade path, so you can tailor your build to empower whichever playstyle you enjoy.   Kratos also has access to three primary skill trees where he can learn new abilities to improve his offensive, defensive, and movement kits.  Gifts of Olympus  Throughout his adventures in Laconia, Kratos will acquire Gifts of Olympus, divine artifacts that can turn the tide in combat through their special and super attacks. Some of the Gifts excel in ranged combat – striking with precision from afar or launching an exploding projectile to hit multiple creatures. Others come with their own devastating melee combo to supplement Kratos’ spear attacks.  Myths and legends Sons of Sparta features the return of many iconic creatures from the Greek saga, including hulking minotaurs, nimble satyrs, and undead legionnaires. We worked closely with the team at Mega Cat Studios to faithfully translate the original animations to their 2D representations in-game.  On top of the classics, MCS has also brought in many new creatures from Greek mythology didn’t have the chance to explore in the originals. Explore Laconia  Stunning high-definition pixel art environments will take you on a journey through a variety of locations that bring Kratos’ homeland to life with incredible detail.  As you progress through the main story, you’ll find that Laconia is also full of content that rewards exploration – optional quests, hidden encounters, and loot await! Play Video The sound of Sparta  Bear McCreary returns to score Sons of Sparta with an incredible soundtrack that melds retro aesthetics with God of War’s signature sweeping orchestral and choral style. Get it today The Standard and Digital Deluxe Editions are both available for purchase digitally at PlayStation Store: Standard Edition of God of War Sons of Sparta is $29.99 USD / €29.99 / £24.99 / ¥3480 Digital Deluxe Edition of God of War Sons of Sparta is $39.99 USD / €39.99 / £32.99 / ¥4480 Thank you to all the God of War fans for your continued support, we hope you’ll enjoy Sons of Sparta! 

Title: Official PlayStation Podcast Episode 534: State of Sparta Date: Fri, 13 Feb 2026 18:43:25 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/02/13/official-playstation-podcast-episode-534-state-of-sparta/ Email us at PSPodcast@sony.com! Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or download here Hey, everybody! Brett, Kristen, and I are back this week to talk about this week’s State of Play, along with all the exciting announcements that came with it. To celebrate the surprise launch of God of War Sons of Sparta, we have a special interview with developer Mega Cat Studios: Game Director Zack Manko and Founder/CEO James Deighan. Stuff We Talked About Next week’s release highlights: God of War Sons of Sparta (out now!) | PS5 Avowed | PS5 Death Howl | PS5 Styx: Blades of Greed | PS5 Star Trek: Voyager – Across the Unknown | PS5 Ys X: Proud Nordics | PS5 Romeo is a Dead Man Suda 51 Interview  — Suda 51 dives into his artistic approach to hyper-violence and sci-fi in his games, while also breaking down the inspirations behind the character Romeo and the story. Monster Hunter Wilds update  —  The update adds the Arch-tempered Arkveld, the return of the Festival of Accord, winners of the Original Weapon and Pendant Design contest, and more goodies on February 18. Helldivers 2 new story arc — The Cyborgs are back, and this time the fight is in the heart of their homeworld, Cyberstan. Prepare with the War Horses Armor Set and new missions and objectives. Battlefield 6 season 2 update — Battlefield 6 and Redsec Season 2 drops February 17 and brings with it a new conflict with Pax Armata in the mountainsides, a new map Contaminated, three new weapons, two new gadgets, and the return of the legendary AH-6 Little Bird. State of Play recap  — If you missed the show, don’t worry. We have all the information and highlights in one place. Your new favorite game may be waiting. God of War Sons of Sparta — The new God of War title was dropped this week, and you can learn everything you need to get started. Live the story of Kratos before he became the God of War. The Cast View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Kristen Zitani – Senior Content Communications Specialist, SIE View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Brett Elston – Manager, Content Communications, SIE View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image O’Dell Harmon Jr. – Content Communications Specialist, SIE Thanks to Dormilón for our rad theme song and show music. [Editor’s note: PSN game release dates are subject to change without notice. Game details are gathered from press releases from their individual publishers and/or ESRB rating descriptions.]

Title: Share of the Week: Romantic Date: Fri, 13 Feb 2026 18:00:05 +0000 Link: https://blog.playstation.com/2026/02/13/share-of-the-week-romantic-2/ Last week, we asked you to share romantic moments from your favorite games using #PSshare #PSBlog. Here are this week’s highlights: legend12480 shares Cloud holding Aerith in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth RazinZamee shares Kratos and Faye touching heads in God of War Ragarök Ninon76278564 shares a Persona 3 Reload date with teammate Aigis Leumir4 shares Maria giving James a sly look in Silent Hill 2 raphxander_ shares Nate and Elena sharing a kiss in Uncharted 4 BBSnakeCorn shares a moment between Lars and Alisa in Tekken 8 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: Nioh 3SUBMIT BY: 11:59 PM PT on February 18, 2026  Next week, take on yokai and warlords alike in Nioh 3. Share epic moments using #PSshare #PSBlog for a chance to be featured.

Title: Hyper Scape lives! Or at least it might, if one group of folks seeking to revive the game can get it working Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2026 19:06:43 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/hyper-scape-lives-or-at-least-it-might-if-one-group-of-folks-seeking-to-revive-the-game-can-get-it-working Remember Hyper Scape? I acknowledge that this might come across as a tad mean, but in this ridiculously fast-paced world we find in, it can genuinely be hard to remember one failed live service game from the next. For a refresher, this was Ubisoft's attempt at a battle royale game back in 2020, though it didn't pan out as it was shut down only a couple of years later. Well, anyway, it's back! Sort of, not quite, but it might soon, or actually probably eventually, will be thanks to the efforts of a group of people hoping to revive it. Read more

Title: Despite its live service predecessor, you won't have to worry about microtransactions in the impending Crimson Desert Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2026 18:05:21 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/despite-its-live-service-predecessor-you-wont-have-to-worry-about-microtransactions-in-the-impending-crimson-desert I think that with a game like Crimson Desert, you'd be well within your right to have an eyebrow pre-raised considering its online, sort of free-to-play (depending on where you live) predecessor Black Desert Online regarding the like of microtransactions. I know I certainly have! At a glance Crimson Desert certainly looks like it could fall into similar pitfalls if only based on vibes alone. However! Developer Pearl Abyss would quite like you to know that, in that regard at least, you have nothing to worry about. Read more

Title: Assassin's Creed Shadows' new update will let you literally spring into action and check for pointless granular stats Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2026 17:11:20 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/assassins-creed-shadows-new-update-will-let-you-literally-spring-into-action-and-check-for-pointless-granular-stats Video game updates are an incredibly funny thing, mostly because I come from a time where they weren't a thing at all, apart from the odd second printing that patched some things here and there. Which is why my humerus has been particularly tickled by the news that a new Assassin's Creed Shadows has arrived today that, amongst a couple of other things, add in the ability to simply let you jump. Read more

Title: "We have not stopped supporting Pride," Runescape developers say. However, they don't plan to create new Pride quest content in 2026 Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2026 16:42:42 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/we-have-not-stopped-supporting-pride-runescape-developers-say-however-they-dont-plan-to-create-new-pride-quest-content-in-2026 Last June, Jagex - the developers of medieval MMO Runescape - found themselves at odds with players after deciding not to create any new content for Pride Month. Disputed internally at the studio before the discussion then leaked online, the decision appeared to be a retreat in the face of a world turning on minority groups. Following up in September, Games Industry asked Jagex CEO Jon Bellamy if he stood by the call to simply re-run existing Pride-themed quests and events. "Ultimately, my job is governance and protection as much as anything else, and so sometimes those kinds of harsh decisions have to be made to protect the imminent future of the game," he told them. "If there are tough decisions to be made next year, we'll make them. If the world has changed a bit and the environment is different, we will react accordingly." Five months on and with this year's Pride Month on the horizon, we've asked if the environment is different. Read more

Title: Crusader Kings 3 devs Paradox are working with a mystery modder on spreadsheeting up the inbred monarch grind Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2026 15:51:41 +0000 Link: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/crusader-kings-3-devs-paradox-are-working-with-a-mystery-modder-on-spreadsheeting-up-the-inbred-monarch-grind I wake up at 3AM. Do 50 pull-ups on a halberd wedged in the door frame. Do 50 push-ups on the cold stone floor. A servant hands me my protein mead and a wine frappamachiato. I violently double fist the two beverages. I don't eat breakfast, because food that isn't flavourless cup gruel is the enemy of productivity. Then, I'm dressed in my robes for the commute to the throne room. The magic starts. It's 5AM in Crusader Kings 3 and I'm on my medieval monarch grindset. I pull out Paradox's latest dev diary. Oh, look at that, they're working with a mystery modder on bringing exactly the sort of big number tables to the strategy game that I need to tell at a glance whether I'm out-grinding my inbred wealth-creating cousins who rule other nations across the world. Read more