NCSoft has launched the global early access period for Aion 2, following its successful debut in South Korea and Taiwan. The MMORPG has already secured the top spot among global bestsellers on Steam, signaling strong initial interest from the gaming community.
Game Director Kim Nam-jun stated that the development focused on balancing solo play with multiplayer interactions to ensure players do not feel pressured to engage in group activities if they prefer a single-player experience. The title also features a significant emphasis on flight mechanics within its open-sandbox world, though developers intentionally limited flight during combat to maintain player comfort and ease of navigation.
Seeking to modernize the genre, the team implemented fast-tempo progression and combat systems designed for a global audience. Having refined the content cadence and progression systems based on Asian market data, the developers aim to reduce the fear of missing out for new players. The game is positioned as a fresh take on the MMORPG formula during a period of relative genre scarcity.
Square Enix has announced that a 1,000‑piece jigsaw puzzle titled “Integrity” will be released this month to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Final Fantasy IX. The puzzle, priced at £32.99, features a striking key visual that captures the game’s iconic moments and can be pre‑ordered through the official Square Enix Store. In addition to Integrity, Square Enix is offering two other 1,000‑piece puzzles - Denouement and Reclusion - each showcasing a different key visual from the original 2000 title. The launch comes a year after the game’s anniversary celebrations and follows the announcement of an animated television series in development by Square Enix and Cyber Group Studios. Fans have speculated that the extensive promotion of new merchandise might signal an upcoming remaster or remake, though Square Enix has not confirmed any such plans. A Reddit thread highlighted that the company’s contractual obligations allow continued promotion even if a remake is delayed, drawing parallels to other franchises. While the puzzles provide a tangible way for players to revisit the classic, the release also serves as a marketing push ahead of the holiday season. The final release date is set for later this month, with pre‑orders already open for those eager to add the new memorabilia to their collections.
House of the Dragon fans get a surprise return in the mobile title Game of Thrones: Legends, which launches the Lord of the Hightower summon on October 7. The summon brings six champions from the Targaryen civil war, including Ormund Hightower, Ser Gwayne Hightower, Otto Hightower, Rhaenyra Targaryen, Aegon II Targaryen, and Sunfyre the dragon. Players can acquire these champions by pulling banners, a core mechanic that unlocks new characters or boosts existing ones. The Lord of the Hightower banner runs until November 4, giving a full month to build a House‑of‑the‑Dragon‑themed team. Ormund will also headline the Grand Melee from October 12 to 17, highlighting his role in the game’s competitive mode. October also features several other themed summons, such as Robb’s War, Winterfell, and a second House‑of‑the‑Dragon event, each offering unique champions. The month’s schedule is designed to capitalize on the popularity of the Targaryen saga and the ongoing Game of Thrones: Legends community. Players who enjoy the series will find the new content a timely addition to the game’s roster. The launch aligns with HBO’s upcoming final season of House of the Dragon, keeping fans engaged across both media. Developers have stated that the summon’s design reflects key moments from the books, offering a deeper narrative experience.
Leaks of 13 new regional variants for Pokémon Winds & Waves have surfaced, offering fresh options for players in Generation 10. The rumors surfaced before the games’ official reveal and have continued to circulate, even including a price leak suggesting a higher retail range for the titles. Among the leaked forms are Pikachu, which may adopt a weather‑type skin, and Clamperl, whose evolution could spawn new Water‑type Pokémon. Kecleon could gain a new type, while Psyduck is rumored to become an Ice‑ and Psychic‑type, potentially changing its role in battles. Drowzee may add a secondary type, and Nincada could see a new typing that affects its evolutions. Houndour might shift its Fire‑ and Dark‑type balance, and Salandit could transform into a Poison‑ and Dragon‑type, possibly unlocking a new evolution. Shellos and other classic Pokémon are also expected to receive regional twists. These leaks suggest developers are expanding the roster with diverse typings and evolutions, which could reshape team strategies and gameplay mechanics in the upcoming titles.
Valve unveiled its Steam Frame VR headset on September 20, 2026, priced at $1,059. Sean Hollister’s review praised the device’s ability to play VR and flat‑screen games, though he noted bugs and general instability. The launch follows a similar story with Valve’s Steam Deck, and the company hopes the Frame will correct past issues. Nintendo’s Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave, the latest entry in its strategy‑RPG series, has drawn 130 hours of playtime from the author. The game builds on the strengths of Three Houses and is described as an evolution that will keep players busy on the Switch 2. Fujifilm released the Instax Pal 2, a pocket‑sized digital camera costing $169.95 that offers a 10‑megapixel sensor and a 1.3‑inch LCD. Other highlights include the Boox Palma 3 Picco e‑reader, Marvel’s Wolverine action game, and Hisense’s RoamView 32‑inch 4K touchscreen with a 10‑hour battery. The installer also mentions a new game developer, Dan Dilorio, and his recent releases, adding depth to the tech roundup.
Blizzard has announced that its flagship action‑RPG Diablo 4 will remain free to play on Steam until September 21, giving players a 30‑day trial that caps character level at 30. The promotion allows anyone to download the base game, choose from all six available classes, and explore Sanctuary’s open world, dungeons, and gear‑collection system without spending a dime. Once the trial period ends, the title will be removed from a user’s library unless they purchase it, at which point a 75 percent discount is still available on Steam until September 24, reducing the Standard Edition from $49.99 to $12.49. The free period does not unlock seasonal content such as Season of Hell’s Legacy, but it provides a full experience of the core campaign and combat mechanics. Diablo 4’s story centers on Lilith, the Daughter of Hatred, as she returns to Sanctuary to set the game’s events in motion. The offer is aimed at new players who have been curious about the game and wish to test its features before committing to a purchase. Blizzard’s discount window gives buyers a few extra days to decide after the trial ends.
ArenaNet studio head Colin Johanson has detailed the momentum mechanics planned for Guild Wars 3 during a presentation at Gamescom. The upcoming action-adventure online role-playing game aims to eliminate abrupt stops between exploration and combat. Johanson described the feature as a first for the genre, promising seamless continuity when players transition between distinct actions.
Under the new design, characters maintain physical speed across activities such as riding mounts, gliding, diving, flying, and wall-running. Momentum directly shapes combat encounters, allowing velocity to enhance attack strength and area-of-effect radius. For instance, a warrior descending rapidly from above or leaping from a wall will inflict greater damage while knocking foes into environmental obstacles to stun them.
Environmental awareness will play a key role during battles, requiring players to leverage surroundings to maximise tactical control. While ArenaNet has not finalized an official release date, the studio plans to launch a beta test in autumn 2027. Guild Wars 3 is currently in development for personal computers and the PlayStation 5 console.
Nintendo’s upcoming Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake is slated for a rumored release on November 12, 2026, according to a Twitter/X leak. The leak, posted by GameVerse, lists the remake alongside other Nintendo projects such as Switch Sports Resort and Metroid: Ravenous. Nintendo confirmed that a dedicated Nintendo Direct will air on September 8, 2026, where the company is expected to disclose the official release date and additional details. The remake’s teaser, which shows Link waking up in his own bed, was the only official footage released earlier this year. If the rumored date holds, the game would launch a week before GTA VI, potentially capturing a sizable share of the holiday‑season market. Fans have expressed excitement over the prospect of a modern remake of the classic 1998 title, hoping for updated graphics and gameplay. The Nintendo Direct will also cover other Zelda projects, offering a broader look at the franchise’s future. Until the Direct, the November 12 date remains unconfirmed, and some titles on the leak lack official validation. Players are encouraged to tune in to the Direct for confirmation and further insights into the remake’s features. The announcement underscores Nintendo’s strategy of staggering releases to maximize visibility during peak gaming periods.
Gaming publisher Evil Genius Games has released a new tabletop role‑playing game set in the Pacific Rim universe, titled Pacific Rim: A Cinematic Adventure. The 128‑page adventure is built on the Everyday Heroes system, a 5e‑derived framework that removes magic and adds firearms and mech‑pilot mechanics. Players can create Jaeger pilots, fight Kaiju, and explore political conspiracies and cult threats within the franchise’s lore. The book expands on elements introduced in the original 2013 film, including the BuenaKai cults, and introduces new character classes and professions tailored to the Pacific Rim setting. While the game is currently out of stock on the Evil Genius website, it is available for purchase elsewhere and can be played immediately. The release comes at a time when the franchise has no new films announced, though a prequel series for Amazon Prime Video is in development. Fans of the franchise can now engage with the world through tabletop play while awaiting future media releases. The RPG offers a fresh way to experience the iconic mech‑monster battles that defined the Pacific Rim films.
A new mod called Vehicle Cannon lets players turn every gun in GTA 5 into a nozzle that launches cars. The creator demonstrated the effect by firing a shotgun that sent a family sedan into a police helicopter. He says the mod is a step toward making GTA 5 feel more like the upcoming GTA 6 and plans to keep adding new features. Updates are posted on pcgamer.com and Twitter.
Microsoft’s upcoming Fable title was highlighted in a preview at Gamescom, where a short demo called "Mud and Death" was showcased. The clip features the player character fighting alongside a companion named Humphrey through an abandoned mine, using a crossbow, hammer, and a range of spells to defeat wraiths, skeletons, and a Lantern Keeper boss. Filmed on PC at medium graphics settings, the footage emphasizes detailed fog and spell effects, giving a sense of the game’s visual style. Players navigate flooded tunnels and encounter armored skeletons, adding variety to the combat encounters. The demo also hints at the game’s humor and charm, though it remains to be seen how well it translates from the original series. Earlier that day, Microsoft released an 18‑minute Xbox video that expands on the game’s mechanics and atmosphere. The preview offers a glimpse into the modern interpretation of the beloved franchise, sparking interest among fans and newcomers alike.
Xbox unveils 25th anniversary collection at Gamescom in Cologne, Germany, the company showcased a translucent Series X console and a special controller S in a green resin matching the original design. Xbox Chief Technology Officer Scott Van Vliet announced preorders will begin tomorrow, with early access for loyal fans who received emails this morning. Each preorder includes the console, the controller, and a copy of Halo: Campaign Evolved, providing a complete experience. Design teams highlighted the use of translucent green resin to mirror the original Xbox limited edition, while adding Easter eggs and an exploded view display showing Master Chief's helmet embedded in the fan shroud. The new controller features the classic ABXY colors and black and white bumpers, echoing earlier models. Xbox plans to continue iterating on hardware and software to serve players globally, with the anniversary collection serving as a celebration of 25 years of gaming innovation. The event also featured live demos of upcoming titles and a showcase of the company's roadmap for next‑gen hardware. Xbox's commitment to community engagement was highlighted by interactive booths where attendees could test prototypes and provide feedback.
Quake marks its 30th anniversary with a fresh wave of community‑made content. The Q30 Deathmatch Jam delivers 22 brand‑new arena maps, crafted by the scene’s top designers and spanning Gothic castles, sci‑fi kill zones, and the industrial Filth Pit. The pack is compatible with the core game and popular mods such as Iron Whale, Netquake, and Night Dive’s CEX port, as showcased in the Quake remaster. In addition, Machine Games unveiled a brand‑new official episode, Dawn of the Machine, at Quake Con. Together, these releases keep the classic title alive and give players fresh challenges for the anniversary year.
The latest trailer for Kingdom Hearts 4 has been released, providing fans with a deeper look into the game's world and story. The trailer introduces a new location called Quadratum, where characters seem to disappear after being forgotten. Sora, the main protagonist, is also shown to be present in this world, sparking hopes for his return. The trailer also features a glimpse of the game's combat mechanics and a surprise appearance by a character.
The GT World Series continues in Tokyo with the second round of the Nations Cup. Twelve drivers from eight countries will compete in a thrilling event, with a chance to extend their lead in the points or climb up the rankings. The competition format includes a qualifying round, a sprint race, and a grand final, where the top six drivers will be awarded points.
Bethesda's Oblivion Remaster has arrived on the Nintendo Switch 2, bringing improved visuals but struggling performance. Our review explores the game's 1080p visuals, DLSS technology, and frame rate cap, as well as the trade-offs made to achieve a stable 30 FPS.
Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave introduces a new approach to the series with its four distinct story paths, each with unique characters and motivations. The game's combat system has potential, with a new open world and dungeons to explore. Players can experience different difficulty levels and complexity in battles and maps.
Nintendo's recent launch of digital trading cards for the Donkey Kong Challenge has sparked interest in a potential achievement system for the Switch 2. The cards are earned by completing challenges in retro games and can be collected in a physical set. Nintendo's focus on engagement and data collection suggests a possible shift towards a more integrated system.
Voice actor Josh Keaton discusses his experience voicing Spider-Man in MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls, a game he grew up playing. He shares his excitement about being part of the game and reprising his role as the web-slinger. Keaton's passion for fighting games and his connection to the character shine through in his conversation.
A preview of Horde Guard, an indie game where players build and defend a city from hordes of monsters. The game features a unique blend of city-building and survival mechanics, with a focus on defense and resource management.
Xbox's backwards compatibility feature offers a treasure trove of classic games that can be played on modern consoles. From iconic cover shooters to open-world westerns, these games have been enhanced with improved graphics and performance. Whether you're a fan of action-packed gameplay or strategic role-playing, there's something for everyone in Xbox's backwards compatibility library.
Game Freak's Beast of Reincarnation has received mixed reviews, prompting director Kota Furushima to apologize for the game's shortcomings. Despite this, the game's presentation has been praised for its maturity and patience. The director acknowledges areas in need of improvement and expresses regret for the game not providing a sufficiently enjoyable experience.
The Grid Games challenge continues with the precision round, where Liam Lawson and Arvid Limblad must cut a banana and a waffle in half using a knife. The challenge requires precision and accuracy, with the contestants aiming to get as close to half as possible.
PS Studios has announced its August lineup for PS+ subscribers, featuring Hell Divers 2, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, and other titles. The lineup includes a mix of PS Studios games and classic titles, with Hell Divers 2 available now and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 and Vampire Survivors arriving on August 18. Additionally, Insomniac Games has shared details about its upcoming game, Marvel's Wolverine, including its storyline, combat mechanics, and new gameplay features.
Nintendo has officially announced the shutdown of Pokémon Bank, a service that allowed players to transfer Pokémon between games. The shutdown is set to occur on February 26th, 2027. In related news, ports of Pokémon Ruby, Emerald, and Sapphire are reportedly planned for late September or October.
A distress signal from SEAF station 31 reveals a mysterious threat turning planets into nightmares and citizens into monsters. The source of the threat is unknown, but its spread must be stopped. The people of SUPER EARTH call upon HELLDIVERS to bring liberty and justice to the heart of darkness.
Marvel's Wolverine game takes an unusual approach to the X-Men franchise by excluding the team from its narrative. This choice allows players to experience a world where mutants are feared and hidden, rather than celebrated as superheroes. The game's developers aimed to create a more realistic portrayal of mutant life, focusing on Wolverine's unique position as an outsider.
GameSpot has reviewed Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls, a fighting game with a twist on the tag format. The game offers both singleplayer and multiplayer modes and has a well-sized roster with room for growth via DLC. However, the Arcadia Rumble mode's arena-focused gameplay was not as engaging as other modes. A patch has addressed issues with the PC version.
Only 4% of gamers have achieved this rare Xbox achievement from the retro classic Doom 2. The achievement requires completing any level on nightmare difficulty, which can be done in under 10 seconds by simply running to the exit. The route involves navigating through a few rooms, avoiding enemies, and reaching the exit on the left-hand side. This achievement is accessible through the Doom plus Doom 2 bundle on Xbox Game Pass. Gamers can save the video of the route for future reference.
DF Retro hosted a live stream playing the Golden Eye and Perfect Dark duology, discussing the game's aesthetic, Unity engine, and controller issues. The streamers noted the game's lightweight performance and smooth visuals, but experienced some controller problems.
Hell Galaxy is a post-apocalyptic space-faring RPG where players control a labotomized brain in a jar. The game features a unique setting, a mix of exploration and combat, and a crafting system. The game's developers have addressed some of the issues present in the early access version, but it still has some wonky and janky elements.
CD Projekt has downsized its development team for the mysterious Witcher spinoff, Project Sirius. The company cited a need to adjust team size to reflect the project's current stage. Nine employees are leaving, with some invited to join other CD Projekt Red projects.
A shortage of physical games for the Nintendo Switch 2 has driven prices up, with two high-profile titles, Indiana Jones and The Elder Scrolls Oblivion, being released on cartridges. This has sparked interest and excitement among gamers, but also concerns about the availability of physical copies.
In Kyoto, Japan, a rich tradition of confectionery has been passed down for centuries. Artisans continue to innovate while respecting the past, blending new sensibilities with traditional techniques. The focus on seasonal ingredients and unique flavor combinations has made Kyoto confectionery a beloved part of Japanese culture.
Saber Interactive's upcoming game Ride Share Simulator has sparked controversy after a former lead writer accused the company of replacing her with AI. Saber has denied the claim, but admitted to using AI in the game's free ride mode to generate NPC behavior for an infinite number of passengers.
Two players, F2 and F3, participated in a geography challenge where they had to find and place countries and landmarks on a map within a time limit. The challenge was filled with hilarious moments as the players struggled to identify even the most basic locations.
A major leak has hit Nintendo, revealing plans for the Legend of Zelda 40th anniversary. The leak includes photos of a new Pro Controller and Switch 2 system, both featuring the 40th anniversary logo. The Pro Controller is specifically designed for The Legend of Zelda, not Ocarina of Time, which is part of the anniversary celebration. The leak suggests that Nintendo may be treating the movie next year as the big banner release for the anniversary.
The Japanese Football Association has launched a real-life camp inspired by the popular manga and anime series Blue Lock. The camp, which took place in California, aims to identify and develop young players of Japanese descent for the national team. Unlike the fictional story, the camp focuses on friendly competition and offers a genuine chance for participants to represent Japan internationally. The JFA plans to host similar camps worldwide, providing a unique opportunity for young players to grow and improve their skills.
The upcoming turn-based tactics game, Star Wars Zero Company, fails to stand out from its peers. Set during the Clone Wars, the game follows Hawks, a former military officer, and his team of operatives. While the game is good, it relies too heavily on the XCOM formula and lacks innovation. However, the game's emphasis on story and characters shows promise, and the setting and story could be a highlight.
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick believes that streaming technology will revolutionize the gaming industry, potentially increasing the install base by 10 times in the next three years. Zelnick thinks that streaming will make gaming more accessible, allowing non-traditional devices to become gaming machines. He also stated that Take-Two's business is already over 90% digitally distributed, making discs less relevant to consumers.
Quasimorph, a space mercenary game, has finally reached version 1.0 after three years of early access. The game offers a vast and customizable experience, allowing players to engage with various systems and mechanics. The game is set in a grim dark universe where corporations have taken over, and players must navigate the complex web of factions and technologies to survive.
Grounded 2 has received its largest update yet, featuring multiple community-requested features and a new underwater area. The update includes new areas to explore, creatures to discover, and items to craft. Players can now swim and use amphibious vehicles to navigate the park.
Chris Hayes, a programmer at Microsoft, expressed frustration with the company's layoffs and claimed that they don't understand the art of game development. He stated that it's impossible to make AAA games with reduced staff and questioned Microsoft's business model. The remaining developers are reportedly furious about the layoffs.
A growing number of people are competing in esports, a form of competitive video gaming. Research suggests that esports can be a mentally stimulating activity, requiring quick decision-making and reaction times. However, there is also a growing concern about gaming addiction, as players can become engrossed in the game for long periods without feeling fatigued. Experts argue that esports can be a useful tool for teaching teamwork and communication skills, and can even have a positive impact on mental health. But is esports a sport, and can it be considered a legitimate form of competition?
Aliens Fire Team Elite, a cloud-based game on Nintendo Switch, has been shut down without offering refunds to players. This move follows a trend of cloud games being discontinued on the Switch. Meanwhile, Spider-Man 2 has seen a surge in sales due to the release of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, and No Man's Sky is celebrating its 10-year anniversary with impressive statistics and a hint at upcoming updates.
Bethesda's Starfield has been criticized for its large size, with one designer suggesting that the game's many planets and procedurally generated content may have contributed to its disappointing reception. In a recent interview, Nate Perky Pile, a former environment artist on Starfield, expressed his reservations about the game's design, drawing parallels to Mass Effect 1. He suggested that a more focused approach, with fewer planets and bespoke layouts, may have been a better approach.
The highly anticipated game 1666 Amsterdam has been previewed by a gaming expert, revealing significant issues with its combat, puzzle solving, and writing. Despite its promising concept, the game's early access version lacks polish and sophistication. The previewer highlights the game's potential for stealth-driven gameplay and roguelike elements, but notes that these features are not yet fully realized. The game's writing and NPC AI also need improvement to create a more immersive experience.