Category: News

Halo Studios has announced that it will share more information about its latest project in the Halo franchise on October 24, during the Halo World Championship in Seattle. Previously known as 343 Industries, the developer rebranded to Halo Studios during last year’s championship and revealed that future Halo games would utilize Unreal Engine 5. Fans have eagerly anticipated updates, and this announcement provides a definitive timeline for when they can expect to hear more. Speculation about major Halo announcements had been circulating, fueled by a conversation an attendee had with a Halo Studios representative at the Halo Championship Series Open in Dallas.

The representative hinted at a significant revelation set for 2025, confirming the excitement surrounding the franchise’s future. Recent communications from Halo Studios support these rumors, leading fans to wonder about the accuracy of other speculations floating around. Historically, Halo games have maintained a complicated relationship with the extensive Halo literature, but this connection may deepen in light of the upcoming Halo 7. A blog post from Halo Studios stated that fans can anticipate learning more about Project Foundry and the franchise’s direction at the upcoming event.

While they remain tight-lipped about specifics, they have clarified the timing and platform for these updates. In addition to the game announcements, a new book titled Halo: Edge of Dawn is also on the horizon, adding to the excitement. Halo Studios has acknowledged fan speculation, emphasizing that the Halo World Championship will be the prime opportunity for fans to receive authentic updates. Given that 2025 marks the 25th anniversary of the franchise, the anticipation for a significant announcement is heightened.

Xbox has previously hinted at grand plans for the anniversary in 2026, making the upcoming event crucial for die-hard fans.

A dedicated Pokemon enthusiast has created an impressive handcrafted puppet of Dratini, making it appear as if the iconic Dragon Pokemon is sitting on their shoulders. The Pokemon franchise has captivated fans for years, introducing over 1,000 unique creatures, which has sparked a wave of creativity.

Fans have produced everything from new Pokemon designs and evolutions to apparel and home decor influenced by the franchise. This recent puppet project highlights the artistic talents of a Pokemon lover, focusing on a classic character.

Dratini is one of the original 151 Pokemon and represents a significant part of the Dragon type lineage, being one of only three Dragon Pokemon introduced at the beginning. As part of its evolution line, Dratini was one of the first “pseudo-legendary” Pokemon, notoriously hard to find in the Kanto region, with the powerful Dragonite as its ultimate form.

The popularity of Dratini has led to various fan creations, including mini wood carvings, but this innovative puppet design takes it to another level. Worldwarallen, a Reddit user, showcased their extraordinary Dratini puppet on the official Pokemon subreddit.

The puppet is designed to rest on their shoulders, with the user’s right hand and arm manipulating the puppet’s neck and head. Notably, the puppet features a fake arm, enhancing the illusion that Dratini is moving independently.

This project is not Worldwarallen’s first foray into Pokemon cosplay; they previously created a Pidgeotto animatronic that garnered accolades at a convention. Fans have lauded the puppet and suggested ways to make it even more lifelike.

Ideas included enhancing the fake arm’s appearance and adding sound effects, like a squeaking device to replicate Dratini’s in-game cry. Meanwhile, excitement continues to build in the Pokemon community, with game developer Game Freak preparing to release Pokemon Legends: Z-A and revamp the Trading Card Game with new features this Fall, keeping fans eagerly engaged with the franchise.

Capcom has announced an exciting collaboration between its popular fighting game, Street Fighter 6, and the renowned K-pop band Aespa. This partnership will introduce a new bonus outfit for players, but with a reminder to take note of its limited availability. Street Fighter 6 was originally launched in 2023 and later saw a release on the Nintendo Switch 2 alongside the console’s debut. Built using Capcom’s RE Engine, the game includes cross-platform play and rollback netcode, featuring three main modes: Fighting Ground, World Tour, and Battle Hub.

Capcom is committed to keeping players engaged with fresh content, recently sharing details on Sagat, the next downloadable content (DLC) character. This announcement adds to the excitement as players have the opportunity to take part in this limited-time collaboration. Street Fighter 6 allows players to customize their Avatar characters, enhancing their overall experience. The collaboration was made public through the official Street Fighter Twitter account, revealing various themed items that will be available.

These include a new commentator from visual artist Naevis and a special outfit for Juri accompanied by a K-pop-inspired remix of her theme music, along with Aespa-themed visual effects before matches. Earlier this year, Street Fighter 6 had also collaborated with Capcom’s Monster Hunter Wilds and featured a crossover with Overwatch, further expanding its gaming universe. However, players should note that Juri’s outfit will only be available for one year, specifically from July 4, 2025. While some fans had hoped that the K-pop collaboration might offer free items, most comments about Juri’s skin were positive, with many agreeing that it looked stylish.

Looking ahead, the Capcom community can anticipate more DLC characters in Street Fighter 6’s Year 3 release schedule. Following Sagat’s introduction, C. Viper is set to join the roster this year, while Alex and Ingrid are confirmed for a 2026 release. Players are reassured that all four DLC characters will still appear in the Masters mode within the World Tour, even without the Year 3 character pass.

Sega has effectively dashed any hopes of revisiting the beloved game, Sonic Adventure 2, in the near future. Originally launched in 2001, this game remains a fan favorite and is regarded as one of the best titles released on the Dreamcast.

Over the years, Sega has experienced various ups and downs, from being a significant competitor to Nintendo in the early ’90s to ultimately exiting the hardware market shortly after the new millennium began. Despite these changes, Sonic the Hedgehog has consistently been a cornerstone of Sega’s identity.

A series of successful games featuring this iconic character has cemented his place in pop culture, alongside film adaptations that have performed well at the box office. Among the standout titles in Sonic’s extensive library is Sonic Adventure 2, but hopes for a remastered version were recently extinguished by Sega’s Takashi Iizuka, head of Sonic Team.

During a discussion with Shacknews, Iizuka confirmed that there are “no plans” for a remaster or remake. He emphasized that updating the Dreamcast classic to modern gaming standards would require as much effort as creating a new game, leading him to choose the latter.

This response fundamentally closed the door on any potential revival of Sonic Adventure 2, a game that was delisted in several regions in November 2024. While the lack of a remaster is disappointing for many avid fans, Sega is not entirely looking back.

They are poised to release Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds across PC and consoles on September 25. This new game has generated excitement among fans with its unique crossovers and gameplay opportunities.

Players can engage in a quest for the Chaos Emeralds, choosing sides between heroes and villains, as well as partake in various racing and competitive modes. Additionally, fans can raise their own Chao pets, enhancing their abilities through mini-games and missions across numerous action-packed stages.

Borderlands 4 fans are excited to claim a free in-game cosmetic, but there is a slight catch that might deter some. The highly anticipated release date of September 12 is fast approaching, and Gearbox’s marketing efforts are intensifying, building excitement among fans.

Recently, it has been confirmed that the game will include a Photo Mode, although this feature will not be available at launch. As the countdown continues, players hope Gearbox will reveal more features while keeping some surprises for the game’s release.

In a recent blog post on Steam, Gearbox announced that players who own Borderlands 4 can claim the Hazard Pay weapon skin ahead of its launch. To obtain this cosmetic, fans must subscribe to newsletters and digital marketing through their SHiFT account and link their preferred platform accounts on the SHiFT website.

Once the game launches, players can log into their SHiFT account in-game to receive the free weapon skin. While the requirement to sign up for newsletters may not sit well with everyone, players will find that there’s no rush to claim the cosmetic.

The offer for the Hazard Pay skin remains available until 11:59 PM PT on December 31, 2030. This timeline ensures that even those who choose not to pre-order can still receive the skin after the game launches.

However, the lead-up to Borderlands 4’s launch has not been without controversy. Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford’s comments about the game’s price have raised concerns among the community.

For fans looking to get their looter-shooter fix before September 12, Borderlands 3 is currently on sale for just $2.99 as part of the Steam Summer Sale, which runs until July 10.

The Nintendo Switch 2 version of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker introduces subtle yet significant changes that benefit speedrunners. Speedrunning has long been a popular activity among Zelda fans, though certain entries in the franchise are notably easier to complete quickly. With the updates on Switch 2, The Wind Waker becomes more approachable, making it easier for players to enjoy speedrunning.

Nintendo announced the arrival of The Wind Waker on Switch 2 during its April 2 Direct event. Unlike full remakes or remasters, this version makes use of an emulator, with various improvements that fans have started to explore. YouTuber and speedrunner Linkus7 illustrated these enhancements on June 25, highlighting key changes that make speedrunning more accessible.

One of the most significant updates concerns a glitch that previously allowed players to pass through out-of-bounds areas and interact with chests to skip sections of dungeons. In the original version, landing on the chest caused the level not to load, and attempting to play the Song of Passing would result in a game crash. This issue has been resolved in the Switch 2 version, allowing players to effectively utilize the glitch and the song to progress through dungeons more swiftly.

While not as groundbreaking as the skips in Ocarina of Time, this adjustment still significantly saves time for speedrunners. The second update involves the manual super-swimming mechanic, in which players can make Link swim rapidly to build speed across the map. On the GameCube, this process was challenging.

However, the button remapping functionality in the Switch 2 has made it easier for players to execute super-swimming by quickly changing directions. While The Wind Waker remains one of the more complex Zelda games to fully complete, these enhancements facilitate a faster gameplay experience, even for novice speedrunners. The full impact of these updates on the Zelda speedrunning community remains to be seen, but the Switch 2 may herald a new chapter for Wind Waker runs.

This classic Zelda adventure begins with Link facing a family crisis as his sister is abducted by a monstrous bird. His quest leads to an expansive world filled with unique animation and revolutionary gameplay elements, building upon the successes of Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask. Characters express a wide range of emotions, creating a vibrant atmosphere that immerses players further into the action.

Additionally, players enjoy the intuitive control system that the Zelda series is known for, allowing them to engage with the game in a familiar and satisfying way.

My Hero Academia enthusiasts can look forward to exciting news coming this July, as Bandai Namco is set to reveal a new game based on the popular series. Since its debut in 2016, the manga and anime focused on the superhero academy U.A. High School has garnered a massive fanbase, leading to multiple seasons and spinoffs. The eighth season of My Hero Academia is anticipated to air later this year, alongside the release of the 13th episode of the spinoff series, My Hero Academia: Vigilantes.

The franchise’s success in both manga and anime has spurred the development of several video games. Bandai Namco introduced the My Hero One’s Justice series, which consists of 3D fighting games, starting with the original game in 2018 and its sequel in 2020. Additionally, 2023 marked the launch of My Hero Ultra Rumble, a battle royale game featuring 28 different characters from the My Hero Academia universe. With another game on the horizon, fans are excited about the possibilities.

In a teaser for its upcoming Summer Showcase, Bandai Namco hinted at the game’s introduction, confirming a “new My Hero Academia game” will be a highlight of the event. Although detailed information remains scarce, a brief video featured Deku showcasing his Quirk, “One for All.” The release date for this new game has yet to be disclosed. The announcement could align with earlier leaks concerning the franchise, as Bandai Namco recently filed a trademark for a title called “All’s Justice,” which might indicate a continuation of the One’s Justice series.

This potential new installment would be the first since 2020’s My Hero One’s Justice 2. With both a new game and the eighth season approaching, fans of My Hero Academia can expect an action-packed end to the series they adore. The conclusion promises to be significant, as it wraps up the stories of beloved characters like Deku, Bakugo, and Class 1-A.

There is excitement brewing regarding a potential announcement for WWE 2K25 on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, particularly following a teasing video from the wrestling group, Judgment Day. The latest installment of WWE’s video game franchise, which was released for consoles and PC in March, has pleased fans with enhancements, such as intergender matches, chain wrestling mechanics, and expanded MyRise and Showcase modes. While some features, like The Island mode, have garnered mixed reviews, the game is largely considered a significant evolution of the WWE 2K series.

The publisher, 2K, confirmed at April’s Nintendo Switch 2 Direct livestream that WWE 2K25 will be available on the new console. This announcement marks the return of the WWE 2K series to Nintendo hardware since WWE 2K18 on the original Switch, which had faced criticism due to various technical issues. However, some players have reported better performance on the Switch 2 with their physical copies.

As the news progresses, the implication of the Judgment Day’s cryptic message hints at possibly releasing WWE 2K25 for the Switch 2 on July 1, 2025. While it remains uncertain if this date indicates the launch or a confirmation announcement, the teaser showcases WWE talents Raquel Rodriguez, JD McDonagh, and Finn Balor discussing how players will unleash their group’s dominance across the globe. Observant fans noted that JD McDonagh appeared to be holding what resembles a Switch 2 game case.

Additionally, the excitement doesn’t end with WWE 2K25; 2K is also set to launch NBA 2K on the Switch 2, alongside other titles such as Civilization 7. As fans await further updates, they can look forward to exploring the world of wrestling with their favorite superstars on the go.

Hypixel Studios, once a promising developer in the gaming community, faces a tough situation as its much-anticipated game, Hytale, has been officially canceled by Riot Games. Originally introduced as a competitor to Minecraft, Hytale created buzz among gamers when it was unveiled years ago.

The game’s development was spearheaded by the team known for the successful “Hypixel” multiplayer server. Riot Games acquired Hypixel Studios in 2020, bringing hope for the game’s future.

However, recent announcements cast a shadow on its viability. The cancellation was announced last week, sparking disappointment among eager fans.

Co-founder Noxy indicated that the ambitious scope of Hytale contributed significantly to its downfall, stretching the team beyond what they could realistically achieve. In response to the news, many fans have rallied for alternatives, seeking potential buyers or ways to salvage the game.

Notably, Simon Collins-Laflamme, one of the original founders of Hypixel Studios, has expressed interest in purchasing Hytale back from Riot Games. He mentioned considering an offer of $25 million but cautioned that reviving the game could be a lengthy process with uncertain outcomes.

Furthermore, Collins-Laflamme is not the only developer contemplating the revival of Hytale. ConcernedApe, recognized for creating Stardew Valley, indicated his potential interest in assisting with the game’s resurrection.

However, he too emphasized the need for a thorough understanding of the project’s failures before committing to any involvement. Fans have shown remarkable support, expressing their disappointment through petitions aimed at keeping Hytale alive.

A petition on Change.org has gained over 1,500 signatures, seeking potential playable builds from either Hypixel Studios or Riot Games. While Hytale’s future remains uncertain, it is clear that many are willing to fight for its revival.

During a recent fan event, Matt Ryan, the voice actor for Edward Kenway in Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag, hinted at the possibility of a remake for the game. Ryan mentioned that fans who have completed the game might need to do so again, but he did not provide any additional details. This comment has sparked speculation among fans about a potential remaster of the beloved title.

Edward Kenway, born in Wales in 1693, is a significant character in the Assassin’s Creed universe, serving as the grandfather of Assassin’s Creed 3’s protagonist, Connor Kenway, and a direct ancestor of Desmond Miles. Initially a Royal Navy privateer, Edward’s journey shifts to piracy, immersing him in the ongoing conflict between the Assassins and the Templars depicted in Black Flag. Throughout his adventures, he becomes a Master Assassin, ultimately meeting his demise at the hands of the Templars in 1735.

Several credible leaks have hinted at a remake of Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag, making it a topic of ongoing discussion among fans. The recent comment from Ryan adds to the growing evidence that Ubisoft may be planning to update the game for modern platforms. In a shared video clip, Ryan engaged with a fan during an autograph session, asking if they had completed the game.

His follow-up remark about possibly needing to beat it again fueled excitement and speculation about a remake. Fans have long appreciated Black Flag for its open-world gameplay and engaging naval mechanics, although the graphics and gameplay from its 2013 release may seem outdated to some. A remake would not only bring the game up to modern standards but also allow new fans to experience its popular elements on more advanced hardware.

As anticipation builds, only time will reveal Ubisoft’s plans for the future of Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag.