Category: News

Resident Evil Requiem, the much-anticipated newest addition to the franchise, is set to return players to Raccoon City on February 27, 2026, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. Initially planned as an open-world game featuring multiple protagonists and online co-op gameplay, the final direction of Requiem has taken a more traditional approach. The game was notably highlighted at Summer Game Fest 2025, where it was the last big announcement of the event. In this installment, players will take on the role of Grace Ashcroft, the daughter of Alyssa Ashcroft from Resident Evil Outbreak.

Grace is depicted as a nervous introvert, venturing through Raccoon City three decades after a devastating missile strike. The challenges she faces will include horrifying threats that push her to confront her deepest fears. Despite several design experiments that had the game leaning toward an action-oriented and cooperative style, director Koshi Nakanishi expressed that these directions didn’t align with fan expectations. During a Capcom Spotlight broadcast, it was revealed why beloved character Leon S. Kennedy is not the lead in this game.

Nakanishi described Leon as “a bad match for horror,” highlighting that his character’s demeanor doesn’t lend itself to the fear-driven narrative that Requiem strives for. In contrast, Grace’s fearful nature makes her journey through terror more compelling. Though fans will have to wait until 2026 to experience the game, excitement is already building, evidenced by over a million wishlists added. Players can expect a horror experience that allows for switching between first and third-person perspectives while staying true to the franchise’s roots.

Capcom assures fans of a single-player and offline experience, catering to the expectations of long-time residents of the Resident Evil universe.

Arrowhead Game Studios has announced a new update for Helldivers 2, featuring the highly anticipated Pillars of Freedom cape. This item has been a topic of conversation among players for months, especially in light of a review-bombing campaign the game successfully navigated.

The update aims to enhance the overall gameplay experience, coinciding with a recent significant battle on Super Earth and the removal of region locks from the PC version. In addition to the new cape, the studio has teased exciting future content, including leaks about an Automaton Homeworld and a new enemy type named the Observer.

For now, fans can enjoy the long-awaited cape, which emerged from the controversy surrounding PSN Account Linking on the PC and the subsequent review bombing. This update also features balancing changes, particularly aimed at leveling the battlefield against players by buffing a notorious enemy faction.

Arrowhead addressed various bugs in a smaller hotfix and responded to player feedback by nerfing Leviathans. Notably, they reduced their spawn rates, made their cannons destructible, and adjusted damage mechanics to create a more enjoyable gameplay environment.

Moreover, the Pillars of Freedom cape is not the only new cosmetic item. Following a recent event where players successfully repelled Illuminate forces, another cape named Protector of the Heart was introduced, displaying the Helldivers logo in a striking design.

With Helldivers 2, players can immerse themselves in thrilling cooperative gameplay, strategizing alongside friends to combat alien threats. The game emphasizes teamwork, allowing players to utilize powerful weapons and unique abilities to complete missions effectively.

Enlist today and become part of Super Earth’s elite military unit dedicated to promoting peace and democracy in a chaotic universe.

A player of Dune: Awakening recently voiced concerns on Reddit about the rise of griefers in the newly expanded PvE zone of the Deep Desert. With the release of patch 1.1.0.17, Funcom altered the game’s dynamics by significantly shrinking the PvP area in the end-game map, leading to tensions as players adapt to the changes. The Deep Desert in Dune: Awakening is structured into nine layers, each consisting of nine sectors, totaling 81 sectors. Previously, eight layers were dedicated to PvP encounters.

However, the current patch has transformed this landscape by extending the PvE zone to cover five and a half layers, resulting in a 50-50 split between PvE and PvP. The southern half of the Deep Desert is now entirely dedicated to PvE activities. In his Reddit post, user xxTRYxxHARDxx shared his frustrating experiences with griefers who are exploiting the game’s mechanics. These players, using Scout Ornithopters, have been ambushing those operating Carrier Ornithopters and Harvesters collecting Spice.

They utilize the collision system to ground Carrier Ornithopters and force players into vulnerable positions, where they risk being attacked by the Sandworms. This tactic poses significant challenges to players trying to thrive in these new PvE zones. Numerous posters chimed in, recounting similar instances of harassment and suggesting measures like the separation of PvP and PvE zones or enforcing stricter penalties for griefers. While some individuals connect these acts to dissatisfied PvP players, others argue that such behavior doesn’t reflect the majority of the PvP community, which typically seeks fair competition.

As Funcom contemplates solutions, the player base is eager for a resolution. Dune: Awakening, an open-world survival MMO, relies on maintaining an active community to flourish. With its captivating settings and immersive storytelling, players are keen to engage with the rich world of Arrakis without the threat of persistent griefing.

Nintendo recently shared insights into the use of Game-Key Cards for their Switch 2 console. These cards have sparked considerable debate among gamers since the console’s release on June 5, which saw over 3.5 million units sold in just four days. The controversy stems from the fact that Game-Key Cards do not contain the actual game data; instead, they provide a key to download the game, leading to frustration among many players. During Nintendo’s annual shareholders meeting on June 27, President Shuntaro Furukawa addressed concerns raised by shareholders, one of whom referred to the Game-Key Cards as a “half-baked measure.” Furukawa clarified that the decision to implement these cards was driven by the large file sizes of games for the Switch 2.

He emphasized that Game-Key Cards were designed to offer third-party publishers an option for distributing their games in retail, highlighting that the company consulted with these publishers before introducing this method. Doug Bowser, President of Nintendo of America, added that Game-Key Cards help keep production costs low and provide developers with more flexibility. However, he acknowledged that they have not been well-received by gamers. The largest cartridge capacity for Nintendo Switch games is currently 64GB, which further complicates the physical distribution of larger titles.

On a positive note for fans, Nintendo has confirmed that there are no plans to use Game-Key Cards for its first-party titles. While it is uncertain whether this policy will extend to games developed by external companies but published by Nintendo, the company’s commitment to ensuring some physical copies actually contain the full game offers some reassurance to dedicated players.

Hideo Kojima, the renowned game director, has shared his motivation for including VTuber Usada Pekora in the recently launched Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. He expressed that his fondness for Pekora was the main reason behind her inclusion in the game. Initially, fans anticipated that Pekora might only appear as a brief cameo, but her role turned out to be more significant.

Usada Pekora is a well-known Japanese VTuber affiliated with Hololive Production, making her debut in 2019 as part of the third generation of Hololive. The announcement of her involvement in Death Stranding 2 was made in May when Kojima Productions revealed that she would appear as a Prepper NPC. Although the studio did not provide extensive details about how players would encounter her, they hinted at more celebrity cameos in the game.

Since its release on June 26, Death Stranding 2 has received positive acclaim for effectively building upon the strengths of its predecessor. During a recent interview, Kojima elaborated on his decision to include Pekora. He mentioned that after auditioning many potential cameos, he had to decline a large portion, ultimately stating, “If I like something, I will add it in [to the game].”

Kojima found Pekora’s gameplay amusing, which he viewed as a valid reason for her presence in the game. Interestingly, Usada Pekora’s role in Death Stranding 2 goes beyond a mere cameo; she plays a character integral to the game’s main quest. Players will encounter her during “Order 25: Deliver Piping Hot Pizza to the Data Scientist,” where they must deliver a pizza within a tight time frame.

Alongside Pekora, other notable cameos include celebrities like Conan O’Brien and Ma Dong-seok. After the game’s successful launch, Kojima expressed gratitude to fans for their positive feedback and acknowledged the challenges faced during development, noting moments when he felt the game might never reach completion. Following the release, Kojima Productions also issued a patch to resolve a crashing issue related to certain cargo deliveries, ensuring players enjoy a smooth experience in this eagerly anticipated sequel.

Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa has publicly apologized for the ongoing shortages of the highly anticipated Switch 2 console. Despite the overwhelming demand, Nintendo is struggling to keep up with the sales of their latest gaming platform.

The Switch 2 has set impressive records, becoming the fastest-selling video game console in the United States within just a week of its launch, and its associated game, Mario Kart World, has consistently dominated sales rankings. Shortages of game consoles have become a common challenge in the industry, as recent launches of platforms like the PS5 and Xbox Series X also faced difficulties in meeting customer demand.

Similar to those launches, the Switch 2 has been susceptible to resellers, with Yahoo Japan issuing warnings about inflated prices from scalpers. Nintendo is now directly confronting the limited availability of the Switch 2 and acknowledging its impact on fans.

During a recent shareholder meeting, Furukawa revealed that the response to the initial lottery for Switch 2 sales far surpassed expectations, with over two million applicants vying for the opportunity to purchase the console. Since the launch, Nintendo has conducted additional lottery sales, but they continue to apologize for their inability to meet the initial demand.

The console has already sold over a million units in Japan in less than a month. Alongside the success of the Switch 2, Mario Kart World is also achieving remarkable sales, having sold one million physical copies in Japan.

Looking ahead, Nintendo plans to expand its offerings with major game releases, including the 3D platformer Donkey Kong Bananza next month, as well as upcoming titles featuring beloved franchises like Metroid and Kirby. Exciting third-party games like Borderlands 4 will also make their debut on the Switch 2, giving fans hope for increased availability soon.

Capcom has recently unveiled exciting details about Sagat, the iconic Muay Thai master set to join Street Fighter 6 as the next DLC character. Since its launch in June 2023, Street Fighter 6 has been enriching its roster by introducing both returning favorites and unique newcomers.

The latest addition was Elena, a Capoeira fighter, released earlier this month. As Street Fighter 6 gears up for its third wave of downloadable content, fans of the franchise will instantly recognize Sagat.

He first made his mark as the final boss in the original Street Fighter game back in 1987 and has since been a beloved playable character in all subsequent versions. Characterized by his towering stature and formidable Muay Thai techniques, Sagat has toggled between being a villain and an anti-hero, always striving to be acknowledged as the strongest martial artist.

Although he was missing from the initial roster of Street Fighter 6, his return is highly anticipated. Capcom has officially confirmed Sagat’s release date as August 5, 2025.

This was shared in a recent press announcement, which revealed that players would be able to visit Sagat in Thailand to learn his powerful moves within the game’s World Tour mode. A new trailer showcases Sagat’s impressive feats, including a dramatic scene where he plants a large tree before smashing it with his trademark Tiger Uppercut.

In preparation for Sagat’s arrival, Street Fighter 6 will offer a special Sagat Arrives Fighting Pass starting July 4, featuring Sagat-themed content including new colors for Ryu and Ken. Moreover, August 5 will also see the launch of the Outfit 4 update, introducing alternate swimwear costumes for a variety of characters.

Looking ahead, the Year 3 DLC will feature other characters such as Crimson Viper, Alex, and Ingrid, each scheduled for release in the upcoming seasons. For now, players are encouraged to gear up for intense battles with the return of Sagat, who is set to shake the arena once again.

Street Fighter 6 allows players to experience an evolved combat system with various control types to suit different skill levels, and engaging features like Real Time Commentary to enhance the competitive gameplay experience. Additionally, the game offers an immersive single-player mode called World Tour and a vibrant Battle Hub for social interactions and competition among players, making it a comprehensive package for both veterans and newcomers of the series.

Bohemia Interactive has exciting news for fans of DayZ: the announcement of an upcoming expansion titled DayZ: Badlands, scheduled for release in 2026. This expansion will introduce players to a brand-new region, offering fresh challenges that are sure to engage both new and longtime players alike. DayZ originally began as a mod for Arma 2 and has since undergone significant development since its inception in 2012. The game officially launched for PC in 2018, with subsequent releases for last-gen consoles.

Known as one of the premier survival games of its kind, DayZ is set in the fictional post-Soviet republic of Chernarus, which draws inspiration from the Czech Republic. The game uniquely combines the harshness of survival mechanics with a zombie apocalypse backdrop, captivating players worldwide. Continued support from Bohemia Interactive has ensured that DayZ remains fresh with major content expansions. The DayZ: Badlands expansion will introduce the Nasdara Province, spanning 267 km² of arid, desert terrain.

This new landscape marks a significant departure from the earlier Frostline expansion, as players will navigate a harsh environment where thirst poses a deadly threat and droughts are common. In addition to new environmental challenges, players can expect more weapons and fresh infected variants. Early concept images hint at abandoned oil fields, sprawling towns, and expansive desert hills, painting a vivid picture of the new region. Although an official release date has yet to be announced, speculation suggests that Badlands could arrive in the first half of 2026, following a similar timeline to the Frostline expansion.

With the latter having recently propelled DayZ to over 73,000 active users on Steam, the anticipation for Badlands may signal a revival for the survival game, making it an excellent time for players to revisit the experience.

EA Sports is set to unveil exciting new features in Madden NFL 26’s “Superstar” single-player mode, responding to fan requests and enhancing player interactions with their NFL star. The iconic football franchise has experienced significant changes in recent years as EA Sports aims to improve both in-game mechanics and overall user experience. Following the introduction of “BOOM Tech,” which revamped in-game physics and animations, along with a refreshed Franchise Mode last year, Madden NFL 26 is now prioritizing Superstar Mode.

Superstar Mode has been a beloved aspect of the Madden NFL series for almost 20 years, allowing players to experience the journey of an NFL career. Players start as rookie backups, gradually rising through the ranks to become top athletes in the league. With the recent launch of College Football 25, gamers can even transfer their college athletes into Madden NFL 26’s Superstar mode.

This year, EA Sports is making substantial changes to this mode. Reported changes include three standout features: Career Chapters, Spheres of Influence, and Game Day Beats. Career Chapters will segment a player’s career into distinct eras, emphasizing key milestones.

The Sphere of Influence focuses on developing relationships with teammates and coaches, fostering an “Inner Circle” connection. Lastly, Game Day Beats introduces unique challenges and modifiers that alter the dynamics of each match. These enhancements aim to enrich the storytelling aspect of Superstar Mode as it celebrates its 20th anniversary.

Players will be able to form deeper bonds with teammates and staff, while Game Day Beats promises a fresh twist on weekly games, making early career experiences more engaging. Madden NFL 26 is set to be released on August 14, holding even more surprises for fans beyond Superstar Mode changes. EA Sports has hinted at new features like “QB DNA” and “Coach DNA,” and improvements to the weather system, promising a more dynamic gameplay experience.

The Plucky Squire has recently received an exciting update that introduces two new game modes: Challenge Mode and Iron Squire Mode. These additions amp up the game’s difficulty significantly, making it a thrilling option for players seeking a more rigorous challenge. This update follows the game’s successful launch in September 2024, where it was widely praised and gained a strong reputation as one of the top indie titles of the year. In this latest update, players can explore Challenge Mode, which presents an array of new features.

This includes fresh enemies such as the Rock Golem and unique metamagic versions of familiar foes like Barfer Bug and Goblin, as well as tougher variants of existing enemies. The mini-games have also been revamped with increased difficulty and new layouts, aside from a few exceptions. The Challenge Mode not only enhances gameplay with these new elements but also introduces additional achievements aimed at players who complete it. For those thrill-seekers wanting even more intensity, Iron Squire Mode is the new frontier, characterized by its permadeath feature.

In this mode, players face irreversible consequences as their save is deleted upon dying, redirecting them to newly implemented “game over” screens. Moreover, quality-of-life updates have streamlined the experience, allowing players to skip dialogue by holding down the X button or space bar, rather than pressing it repeatedly. The introduction of these higher-difficulty modes is designed to engage both newcomers and veterans of The Plucky Squire, making it a compelling period for its community. It remains to be seen how these updates will impact player retention and overall engagement moving forward.