Month: June 2025

Official Approval Granted to Halo Fan Game by Halo Studios

The fan project Spartan Survivors, inspired by the Halo universe, has received official approval for development from Halo Studios. This exciting update has thrilled both the fan community and the developers behind the game. Spartan Survivors combines elements of roguelites and bullet heaven genres, challenging players to combat waves of enemies from the Covenant and the Flood.

Initially, there was some concern among fans about the project’s future. However, the development team recently announced through BlueSky that they had been contacted by Halo Studios. The studio expressed appreciation for the game and the effort that went into it, calling it enjoyable.

They requested, however, that the team include a disclaimer noting that Halo is a Microsoft property, and that the game follows the Game Content Usage Rules set by Microsoft, clarifying it is not affiliated with them. Currently, Spartan Survivors is available for download on Itchio, with plans for a release on Steam and Xbox in 2025. While a specific launch date has not been given, the support from Halo Studios has likely boosted the team’s morale and visibility, helping them gain notoriety among other enthusiasts.

A post from earlier indicated that the game was among the most popular on Itchio, contributing to its growing fan base. Historically, Microsoft has maintained a strict content policy regarding its properties. Despite this, fan-made titles often face scrutiny or shutdown by developers and publishers.

Thus, it is refreshing to see an encouraging response in this case. Spartan Survivors is now set to join other developer-supported projects, providing hope for fan communities eager for creative expansions of beloved franchises. Fans of Halo will want to keep an eye on Spartan Survivors and might try it out now on Itchio.

Exciting New Switch 2 Exclusive Game Available at a Great Price!

The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 game, Drag x Drive, is set to launch on August 14 at an attractive price of $19.99. This title is one of the first exclusives revealed during a special Nintendo Direct presentation, joining the ranks of other notable games such as Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza. At its launch, the Nintendo Switch 2 introduced five exclusive games for players to enjoy. Early adopters have already explored titles like Mario Kart World, Fast Fusion, Survival Kids, Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster, and Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour.

While Mario Kart World has garnered more attention, the other exclusives have yet to make a significant impact. However, the good news is that more titles are on their way to diversify the platform’s offerings. Drag x Drive stands out as a creative concept, featuring wheelchair basketball and incorporating the Switch 2’s unique mouse functionality for controls. Its primary focus is a 3v3 multiplayer experience, and while the depth of content is still unclear, the budget-friendly price should entice more players to try it at launch.

In contrast, other Switch 2 exclusives, like Mario Kart World priced at $79.99 and Donkey Kong Bananza priced at $69.99, may deter potential buyers. Furthermore, Drag x Drive is unique in being a multiplayer-only game—an unusual direction for Nintendo. It’s currently the only exclusive with a confirmed release date aside from Donkey Kong Bananza. While the later months of 2023 appear somewhat sparse, particularly regarding original titles, fans remain optimistic for more announcements in the future that could enhance the Switch 2’s lineup.

Pokemon GO Updates Storage Limit for Players

Recently, Pokemon GO has announced an increase in storage limits for both items and Pokemon, allowing players to manage their growing collections more effectively. Over time, as the game introduces new Pokemon and useful items, it was logical to provide players with more space to accommodate their needs. The Pokemon storage limit has now been raised to 10,500, while item capacity has reached 9,500, offering an increase of 700 slots in both categories.

The announcement comes at an opportune moment, as players are gearing up for the global GO Fest anticipated to occur in late June. These annual events provide players with exceptional opportunities to catch rare, limited, and Shiny Pokemon, making the expanded storage more relevant. Furthermore, the introduction of Gold Bottle Caps has sparked discussions among the community about whether the item presents a pay-to-win scenario.

While the new storage limits are appreciated by many, reactions from players have been mixed. Some are thankful for the added space, while others express that they are nowhere close to reaching the previous maximum and do not see the need for an upgrade. Additionally, some players have shared their frustration for having to release Pokemon they once cherished, which they could have kept had the update been implemented sooner.

There are calls for the storage upgrades to be cheaper, with many Free-to-Play (F2P) users feeling the pressure of increased costs, raising concerns about the future of monetization in Pokemon GO. Despite these concerns, players have the option to ignore the storage upgrade if they choose. For more casual players, storage management may not be an issue, but for dedicated players, like those who recently caught a staggering 600,000 Pokemon, an even larger storage capacity would indeed be welcomed.

Warhammer 40K: Rogue Trader Introduces Twitch Drops in the Lex Imperialis Update

Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader has recently launched a new Twitch Drop campaign to celebrate the release of its second expansion, Lex Imperialis. This campaign offers players a chance to acquire in-game items such as the Vox-Whistle, Arbites Handcuffs, and Welded Gloves by simply watching an hour of the game on Twitch. Fortunately, fans can obtain these rewards even if they do not own the DLC. Release on June 25, Lex Imperialis is the second expansion of the Warhammer 40K CRPG.

It introduces a new Arbitrator origin, an Overseer archetype, and enhanced shield equipment compatible with one-handed weapons. This update concludes the first Season Pass of Rogue Trader, featuring a 15-hour campaign focused on Solomorne Anthar, a new companion from the Adeptus Arbites. In celebration of the new content, Owlcat Games is offering useful in-game items that will aid players in navigating the dark and grim world of Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader. Players can earn these Twitch Drops by linking their Twitch and Rogue Trader accounts, entering the game, and interacting with a chest featuring a Twitch logo to complete the account linking.

Currently, Twitch Drops are only accessible to PC players, who will receive their items automatically in the linked chest after watching one hour of any Warhammer 40K: Rogue Trader stream on Twitch. Notably, the Vox-Whistle interacts with the Overseer archetype’s familiars but can still be obtained without the DLC. With the release of Lex Imperialis, all DLC from the first Rogue Trader Season Pass is now available. Owlcat Games has also announced a second season pass containing additional expansions set for release in 2026.

This means fans can expect plenty of new content in the coming years, particularly with Warhammer 40K: Dark Heresy also in development.

Call of Duty: Mobile Unveils Gundam Collaboration for Season 6 Adventure

Activision has recently announced an exciting collaboration for Season 6 of Call of Duty: Mobile, featuring the popular Gundam franchise. Following the success of a previous Gundam crossover in Call of Duty: Warzone, this new collaboration promises Gundam-themed operator skins, a unique event, a fresh game mode, and more for mobile players to enjoy.

Despite not receiving as much attention as its console and PC counterparts, like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Warzone, Call of Duty: Mobile has emerged as one of Activision’s major successes. Launched in 2019, the free-to-play game generated an impressive $54 million within its first month and has accumulated over 500 million downloads by May 2021.

Activision continues to support this mobile title alongside its bigger siblings. The upcoming Season 6, titled “Gundams Arrive,” is set to launch on July 2 at 5:00 p.m. PDT.

As the name implies, the season will focus heavily on the new Gundam collaboration. Players can earn or purchase Gundam-themed operators, weapons, and rewards throughout the season.

A new limited-time 4v4 Gundam Team Deathmatch mode will allow players to deploy as iconic Gundam operators, each with their own unique abilities and weapons. In this mode, battles will take place from a third-person perspective, reminiscent of Bandai Namco’s Gundam games.

The setting is an interstellar space station with plenty of points of interest, and players can unlock animated rewards by watching Gundam-inspired sequences at the end of each match. Additionally, players can earn a variety of free rewards through missions and challenges in the Survival of the Fittest event.

Rewards include the legendary weapon J358 — Fin Funnel v Gundam, camos, emotes, and more. The in-game store will also feature new draws to unlock Gundam operator skins and weapon blueprints, enhancing the overall experience for fans of both Call of Duty and Gundam.

Disappointing Update for Nintendo Fans from Dying Light Developers

Nintendo Switch and Dying Light fans are facing disappointment as the upcoming Dying Light: Retouched Update will not be available for the console. The unfortunate news doesn’t stop there—Nintendo fans have been grappling with similar issues related to the franchise for some time. Originally released in 2015, Dying Light is set to celebrate its tenth anniversary with a major update on June 26.

This Retouched Update will enhance the game’s textures, lighting, and audio. The refreshed experience will be available on last-generation platforms like the PS4 and Xbox One, as well as the current generation of consoles. However, the Nintendo Switch version was notably absent from the list of platforms receiving this update, prompting concerns from players.

Following inquiries from IGN, Techland, the game’s developer, confirmed that there are no plans to implement the Retouched Update for Dying Light on the Nintendo Switch—or even for the anticipated Switch 2. Players looking to enjoy the game on the new system can only do so through backward compatibility. Fans who own the original Switch or are considering the Switch 2 may find this news disappointing, though it is not entirely surprising.

While Dying Light: Platinum Edition was made available on the Switch, plans for a Cloud Version of the sequel that launched on other platforms in 2022 fell through. Furthermore, there is currently no indication that spin-off Dying Light: The Beast will be released for any console in the Switch family. No official explanation has been provided for the Switch’s exclusion, although the console’s hardware limitations could be a factor.

Despite the Retouched Update being available on older consoles like the PS4 and Xbox One, the Switch is viewed as less powerful, potentially leading to performance issues. While demand for the Nintendo Switch 2 is high, original Switch owners may have to be patient, as there are no current plans for the franchise on their platform. Players on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S can look forward to the update’s release on June 26.

Jack Black’s Cameo Confirmed in Day-One Xbox Game Pass Title

Activision has officially confirmed that Jack Black will make a cameo in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4, set to launch on July 11, 2025. The Hollywood actor will reprise his role as Officer Dick, originally featured in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2.

In addition to Officer Dick, Black will portray a new character named Constable Richard, a British adaptation of his original role. Fans can catch a preview of Constable Richard in a teaser video released by Activision.

Jack Black’s history with the Tony Hawk’s franchise dates back to the 2020 remaster, where he enthusiastically accepted the role of Officer Dick without expecting any payment. His passion for the series and his excitement about being part of it after 20 years made the collaboration all the more special.

Black is no stranger to the gaming world, having made memorable appearances in various titles over the years. The evolution of Officer Dick between the games adds an interesting twist.

In the previous title, he was depicted as a school security guard notorious for his disdain for skaters. According to game director Kurt Tillmanns, the character has taken on a new role as a campus security sheriff in the upcoming remaster.

While the methods for unlocking Officer Dick or Constable Richard have yet to be revealed, anticipation is high among fans. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series has become synonymous with quirky celebrity cameos, embracing both real and fictional personalities.

Alongside Jack Black, the franchise has featured notable figures like Billie Joe Armstrong, Gene Simmons, and popular fictional characters from the comics and gaming world. The upcoming remasters promise to keep this tradition alive while appealing to both new and returning players.

Genshin Impact Unveils the Mechanics of Stygian Onslaught Event

Genshin Impact has recently unveiled Stygian Onslaught, a fresh endgame mode in Version 5.7 that expands the game’s competitive landscape beyond the established Spiral Abyss and Imaginarium Theater. While the previous modes provided engaging challenges, HoYoverse recognized the potential for further enhancement and innovation. Stygian Onslaught draws inspiration from earlier combat events, particularly the Unlimited Fighting Championship from Version 5.5.

What sets Stygian Onslaught apart is its co-op gameplay and the unique mechanic where teams begin with zero energy. While players are enthusiastic about the new mode, it has faced some criticism, even during its beta testing phase. Scheduled for release on June 25, 2025, Stygian Onslaught features six difficulty levels, with players needing only to complete the third level to earn all Primogem rewards.

The subsequent two levels award Dust of Enlightenment, while the most challenging level offers a unique weapon skin. To succeed in the Dire (VI) difficulty of Stygian Onslaught, players must invest in three specialized teams, making it more tailored for serious gamers. The mode includes a daily-reset leaderboard where players can earn Eminence and strive to join the ranks of the 16 Exalted Ones, separated by server.

Co-op play is enabled for various levels, although rewards for the more challenging Fearless (V) and Dire (VI) difficulties are limited to single-player runs. Located in Liyue, Stygian Onslaught provides a new avenue for farming Artifacts through Resin exchange in a Domain of Blessing. However, this option is available only for the first ten days of the challenge and requires clearing at least Hard (III) difficulty.

As players provide feedback in the coming weeks, the evolution of Stygian Onslaught will be shaped by their experiences and suggestions. As players step into Teyvat, they embark on an adventure filled with elemental powers, mysteries, and the quest for answers from The Seven, the elemental gods of this enchanting world.

Rumored Release of Blood Message Could Happen Sooner Than Anticipated

Blood Message, a new action-adventure game by 24 Entertainment, a studio owned by NetEase, has generated excitement since its unveiling in June 2023. Anticipated to be released as early as 2026, this third-person game is designed for both PC and consoles.

The announcement trailer, which debuted on June 19, showcases an engaging narrative that follows a father-son duo on a lengthy journey through Ancient China during the later years of the Tang Dynasty. The studio is known for its previous hit, Naraka: Bladepoint, a popular battle-royale title in China.

Blood Message marks NetEase’s first single-player AAA project, emphasizing a narrative-driven approach with a deeply emotional storyline. Recent leaks have revealed potential release timelines and pricing, stirring interest among fans.

Insider Lunatic Ignus speculates that Blood Message could launch in the second half of 2026 with a price point around $70. They expressed surprise at the timeline, noting that the game’s development began in 2021 and was greenlit back in 2018.

Originally, the game was anticipated to be announced in 2023, suggesting a relatively brief interval between the reveal and anticipated launch. Furthermore, the game is said to take inspiration from the renowned God of War franchise, with insights from its director, who is friends with Feng Ji, the creative force behind Black Myth: Wukong.

The recent leak has captured the attention of fans of both God of War and Black Myth: Wukong. While it’s wise to approach leaks with skepticism, Lunatic Ignus has a reliable reputation, having accurately predicted significant announcements in the past.

As Chinese-made AAA titles like Blood Message gain traction, the gaming community eagerly awaits further developments and hopes that this title will meet the high expectations set by its predecessors. Blood Message promises a blend of melee and stealth gameplay, set against the rich backdrop of 848 AD China.

Specific platform details remain under wraps but are keenly anticipated by enthusiasts.

Exciting Updates for Blitz Royale Fans in Fortnite Announced!

Blitz Royale, the new game mode in Fortnite, has been extended until August 12. This unexpected extension gives players additional time to dive into the action of this roguelike experience, which features 32 players in fast-paced 5-minute matches on a compact map. Each participant receives a random medallion and weapon from prior seasons, and the objective remains the same: eliminate opponents while navigating storm circles.

Initially scheduled from June 18 to July 15, Blitz Royale introduced fresh loot each week, including mythic items tied to popular character sets like Avatar: The Last Airbender and TMNT: Melee Mayhem. The recent announcement by gamer leaker HYPEX on Twitter confirmed the mode’s extension, allowing players to enjoy further weeks of mythic loot. Rumors suggest upcoming themes will draw from the Dragonball, Mortal Kombat, and Jujutsu Kaisen sets, although specific mythic items remain unconfirmed.

The popularity of Blitz Royale has led to impressive player engagement, boasting a peak concurrent count of 443,379 players. This made it the most popular mode in Fortnite, clearly demonstrating its appeal. The quick match format fosters an aggressive playstyle, compelling players to adapt their strategies for success.

The extended duration will provide fans an additional month to refine their approach and aspire to secure the coveted weekly loot. Fortnite continues to offer a dynamic gaming experience where players can collaborate or compete freely. Whether choosing traditional Battle Royale or the no-build format in Fortnite Zero Build, players are invited to explore diverse worlds, engage in live events, or partake in countless creator-made games across various genres.

With cross-platform capabilities, Fortnite remains accessible for players on mobile, PC, and all major gaming consoles.