Marvel Rivals Unveils New Team-Up Changes for Upcoming Season 3 Release

The eagerly awaited Season 3 of Marvel Rivals is set to introduce thrilling new features and characters that players have been anticipating. Key highlights include the introduction of Blade and Jean Grey/Phoenix as playable characters. Jean will take on the role of the newest Duelist, showcasing ranged attacks and high mobility to disrupt enemy formations. Her ultimate ability involves merging with the Phoenix Force, making her a formidable opponent.

Conversely, Blade will join the game in mid-season 3.5, and while specific details about his abilities are not yet confirmed, leaks suggest some exciting potential game mechanics, including a skill resembling Ana’s anti-heal from Overwatch 2. Developers have also released a new overview detailing significant changes for Season 3, particularly focusing on Team-Ups. A confirmation of previous rumors reveals the Primordial Flame Team-Up between Phoenix and Wolverine. This dynamic combination enhances Wolverine’s abilities, allowing him to unleash the Phoenix Force with his Feral Leap, inflicting burn damage on nearby enemies while granting him life steal on attacks.

Another new Team-Up, Everburning Bound, features the Human Torch creating a gadget for Spider-Man, which provides a flaming web that damages and applies burn effects over time. Furthermore, adjustments have been made to existing Team-Ups. The Symbiote Shenanigans Team-Up now includes Hela alongside Jeff and Venom, enabling unique symbiote abilities to ensnare enemies. The Stark Protocol Team-Up has expanded to encompass Squirrel Girl, Iron Man, and Ultron, giving her a nanotech gauntlet that commands squirrels to explode on contact.

However, some Team-Ups like Storming Ignition and ESU Alumnus will be removed. As Season 3 kicks off on July 11, players can also expect new content featuring Knull as the main antagonist. The exciting new map, Klyntar: Celestial Husk, along with venomized skins for characters like Jeff and Rocket Raccoon, promises to enrich the gaming experience for all players. Quality-of-life improvements will further enhance the enjoyment of Marvel Rivals.

Over 100 Classic Retro Games Set to Join Xbox Game Pass Library Soon

The developers of Xbox Retro Classics have exciting news for gamers: they plan to introduce over 100 new titles to the Xbox Game Pass during 2025 and into the following year. Launched on May 21, the service started with more than 50 classic games from Activision.

In addition to a diverse library, Xbox Retro Classics features special achievements, challenge modes, and high-score rankings, providing added motivation for players to compete. Since its debut, Xbox Retro Classics has seen the addition of a few titles, but this latest announcement will significantly expand the library, essentially tripling the offerings.

The service is backed by the Antstream Arcade team, which has also developed a separate cloud gaming platform. This platform gives Xbox players access to over 1,300 classic games and has gained traction, now being available on the latest PlayStation consoles, including the PS5.

Looking ahead, the Antstream Arcade team has hinted at a roadmap containing approximately 120 classic retro titles set to launch in the near future. While they have not specified which games will be included in the Xbox Retro Classics, fans can look forward to new challenges and tournaments for these upcoming titles.

Despite past collaborations with major brands like Disney, it’s unclear whether any of those titles will feature in the new batch for Xbox. This news arrives as speculation about a potential price increase for Xbox Game Pass circulates.

While Microsoft’s future pricing strategies remain uncertain, the addition of numerous titles could enhance the service’s value. For now, while gamers anticipate the arrival of the 120 new titles, several exciting new retro games, including remakes like Legend of Mana and Trials of Mana, will soon be available on Xbox Game Pass.

Sons of the Forest Sees Significant Increase in Player Count

The player count for Sons of the Forest has dramatically increased by approximately 457% in July compared to May. This open-world survival game was officially launched in February 2024, after achieving impressive numbers during its early access phase in 2023, where it attracted over 400,000 players.

Now, around 16 months post-launch, the game has reached a new peak in popularity, largely due to two significant events occurring simultaneously. Early on, Sons of the Forest made waves by becoming one of the most searched games on Google in 2023, coupled with a successful early access period and a well-received global launch.

Although the initial excitement eventually subsided, the game maintained a devoted player base, with between 10,000 to 20,000 players actively exploring Site 2. Recently, there has been a resurgence, with thousands of new players joining the ranks of Endnight Games’ survival title.

The game’s intricate details have won it a substantial following, paving the way for upcoming titles like Serum, which combines crafting and tension. On June 29, Sons of the Forest achieved a peak player count of over 49,000, just shy of the previous record of 53,000 set in October 2024.

This recent uptick can be attributed to two main factors: a major update that added new features and fixed critical issues, and a significant discount during the 2025 Steam Summer Sale, slashing the price to around $10. With an influx of updates, Sons of the Forest is now regarded as one of the best-looking survival games on Steam.

Its polished feel and the developer’s commitment to support make it an appealing option this summer. The ongoing activity in the game’s servers creates an ideal environment for new players to team up and explore together.

Shoppers have only until July 10 to take advantage of the 66% discount, bringing the price down to just $10.99. Additionally, players interested in similar games might also explore Valheim, which is currently available at 50% off.

Marvel Rivals Unveils New ‘Captain Klyntar’ Skin Gameplay for Captain America

The Captain Klyntar skin for Captain America is set to make its debut on July 3 at 7 PM PDT. This new cosmetic addition will be featured in the popular hero shooter, Marvel Rivals, developed by NetEase Games. Additionally, the anticipation continues to build as Season 3 of Marvel Rivals is scheduled for launch on July 11.

This new season will introduce two new heroes, a fresh map, and various balance adjustments to enhance the gameplay experience. Captain America, a prominent character known for his formidable abilities, plays a critical role in the game as one of the Vanguards. His skill set allows him to navigate the battlefield efficiently, offering damage mitigation and protection for his teammates.

He can deftly enter and exit skirmishes, thanks to his remarkable mobility. Moreover, his shield enables him to deflect projectiles, granting him unique advantages against ranged attackers. Exciting visual previews of the upcoming Captain Klyntar skin have been shared by NetEase Games, showcasing Captain America’s striking new look inspired by his appearance in the 2017 comic, Edge of Venomverse.

This costume envelops Steve Rogers in a dynamic symbiote design, giving it an animated presence. Spider-Man will also be joining Captain America with a new Future Foundation skin, launching at the same time on July 3. This outfit features a sleek white and black design accented with blue highlights.

Players can customize the look using an emote that flips the color scheme. Furthermore, the Future Foundation set extends to other iconic heroes like Human Torch, Mister Fantastic, and Invisible Woman, with some skins available for free and others for purchase. With a wealth of new content on the horizon, fans of Marvel Rivals are looking forward to what the future holds for this engaging game.

Beloved Xbox 360 Game Set to Return 15 Years After Its Original Release

A World of Keflings, a beloved city-building game from almost 15 years ago, is making its return to the gaming world with a release on Steam scheduled for July 29, 2025. Originally developed by NinjaBee and launched for Xbox 360 in December 2010, the game enjoyed a warm reception, particularly among casual gamers. This success followed the praise received by its predecessor, A Kingdom of Keflings, which was released in 2008. The announcement for the Steam port came in June, alongside an engaging trailer that highlighted the game’s charming features.

Players can expect a wide array of city-building options, cooperative gameplay for up to eight participants, and an impressive selection of 40 co-op emotes. Localization support will be available for eight languages, including Spanish and Japanese, ensuring a broader audience can enjoy the game. Players will step into the shoes of city-planning giants, aiding the Keflings across three unique in-game worlds. The gameplay revolves around constructing customizable structures and fulfilling various quests, like rescuing a princess or helping quirky witches.

Notably, the game does not include enemies or time limits, nor does it feature character death, making it an inviting experience for fans of cozy titles akin to Stardew Valley. The upcoming Steam version promises to be “updated for modern machines” while maintaining the essential gameplay that fans love. Early comparisons show improved visuals, including sharper textures and enhanced lighting. NinjaBee’s game designer, Steve Taylor, expressed excitement about bringing A World of Keflings to a new audience, noting that fans had long requested this port.

The revival of A World of Keflings indicates a potential trend, as other Xbox 360 titles might also be poised for re-release, making it an exciting time for enthusiasts of this classic console.

Xbox Game Pass Welcomes Two New Highly Acclaimed Titles for Gamers to Enjoy

Xbox Game Pass has welcomed two exciting titles for its subscribers: Rise of the Tomb Raider and Little Nightmares 2. These acclaimed games add to the impressive collection available through Microsoft’s subscription service, which features a rotating selection of hundreds of titles, including some that are available on launch day. Xbox Game Pass continues to provide significant value for gamers, with an array of choices to suit various interests.

In recent months, Xbox Game Pass has experienced remarkable success, leading some to wonder if this streak can be sustained. Among the standout additions in 2025 are Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered, and Balatro, all of which have garnered attention from subscribers. With such a wealth of options, determining which games stand out can be a challenge.

For July, Xbox Game Pass subscribers can anticipate the arrival of Little Nightmares 2 and Rise of the Tomb Raider, two titles that promise to engage players. Both games were originally released several years ago, ensuring they are available to subscribers across all tiers except Core. Rise of the Tomb Raider, launched in 2015, follows Lara Croft on her adventurous journey in pursuit of a legendary city in Siberia.

With a “Mighty” rating on OpenCritic, the game has been praised for its stunning graphics, rich storytelling, and captivating stealth gameplay. Little Nightmares 2, a follow-up to Tarsier Studios’ popular adventure game, introduces new characters and challenges as players control Six and Mono through the eerie world of Pale City. The game has received a “Very Positive” rating on Steam, making it appealing to fans of both horror and stealth genres.

While the complete lineup for July’s Xbox Game Pass titles has yet to be announced, subscribers can look forward to other exciting releases, such as Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 on July 11 and the much-anticipated Wuchang: Fallen Feathers on July 24.

Space Marine 2 Unveils Anniversary Update and Announces Free Content for Its Second Year

Saber has shared exciting news about what fans can anticipate for Year 2 content of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, alongside an announcement for an upcoming update to mark the game’s anniversary. Space Marine 2, a sequel to the 2011 title, combines hack-and-slash mechanics with shooter elements, featuring the return of protagonist Titus as he leads fellow Space Marines, Chairon and Gadriel, in a battle against the Tyranid swarms. The game’s popularity soared following its launch in September 2024, with over 2 million players joining on the first day. Both fans of the Warhammer franchise and critics praised its visual aesthetics, thrilling action, and strong performances by voice actors Clive Standen as Titus and Adam McNamara as Acheran.

Players are hopeful to see a beloved mode from the original game make a comeback, although a delay in its release has been acknowledged. In a recent Steam update, the development team detailed what players can expect following Space Marine 2’s Patch 8, which introduced the new Siege Mode. They confirmed plans for a second year featuring both free updates and downloadable content (DLC), all part of a new yearly season pass. Upcoming features include fresh PvE missions, new enemies, weapons, and more.

A significant 10.0 anniversary update is set for September, but this will also push back the addition of a new PvP mode. While the PvP mode will be postponed to the larger 10.0 update, which promises a new map and unique Chaos armors, a new melee weapon—the Power Axe—will join the ranks of the game’s existing melee arsenal. Player feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with one fan noting their pride in the team for making Space Marine 2 the best in its genre. Additionally, players are eager for customization updates and the confirmation of Space Marine 3 already in development.

Undisputed Launches Exciting New Update Scheduled for Release in July 2025

Steel City Interactive, the well-known developer behind Undisputed, has rolled out a new hotfix update version 1.4.2. This patch addresses various issues that emerged after the recent release of the 1.4 content update.

Players on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC can now download and install the hotfix, which includes critical corrections for matchmaking, error codes, and enhancements for one of the latest fighters introduced in the game. Following the release of four patches in a brief span of five weeks earlier this year, the studio has directed its efforts toward developing a new DLC pack and the substantial 1.4 content update.

Fans experienced frustration due to the prolonged wait, but were ultimately rewarded with the 1.4 update last month. This update brought significant gameplay improvements, a multitude of bug fixes, and the introduction of three new fighters: Jack Johnson and Jack Dempsey, both Heavyweights, along with Cruiserweight fighter Damian Chambers.

However, while addressing major issues, update 1.4 inadvertently caused some new problems. Steel City promptly responded with the hotfix on July 1, which resolved several bugs, including an issue with Jack Dempsey’s southpaw hooks not correctly registering hits—much to the dismay of players eager to use him.

The 1.4 update also introduced multi-queue matchmaking, an eagerly awaited feature designed to minimize long wait times by enabling players to choose fighters across various weight divisions. Although the implementation faced some initial hiccups, the latest hotfix has appeared to resolve those matchmaking concerns, allowing players to engage in matches more efficiently.

Additionally, the previous update launched the Mexican Monster DLC pack, featuring seven new fighters, including former Heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr., and also introduced new attire for existing characters. The enhancements and new content seem to be setting a positive trajectory for the Undisputed player community.

Hideo Kojima Celebrates the Success of Death Stranding 2: A Milestone in Gaming History

Hideo Kojima recently took to social media to celebrate the success of his latest game, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. Following its launch, the sequel has been receiving positive reviews and impressive scores on platforms like OpenCritic, quickly establishing itself as a hit. Released on June 26 for the PlayStation 5, this sequel arrives nearly 11 months after the original game. Staying true to Kojima’s distinctive style, Death Stranding 2 incorporates cinematic storytelling, deep philosophical themes, and innovative gameplay mechanics.

The game explores ongoing themes of isolation, connection, and the human experience. It offers expanded gameplay featuring enhanced action, improved combat and stealth systems, environmental hazards like rockslides and floods, and new traversal tools including monorails and plate gates. The sequel also boasts a talented cast, featuring actors like Lea Seydoux, Troy Baker, and celebrity cameos, reinforcing Kojima’s commitment to blending gaming with rich narrative experiences. In his reflection on the game’s reception, Kojima expressed his appreciation for everyone involved and for the support from fans during a heartfelt message shared on Twitter after the Death Stranding World Strand Tour 2 in London.

He described the night as “truly special” and thanked numerous attendees, including Norman Reedus and Lea Seydoux, while emphasizing the significance of the connections made during this time. Kojima also acknowledged the challenges faced during the pandemic in 2020 and reaffirmed his commitment to the game and its fans, stating, “I won’t let go again.” He hinted at future projects while expressing gratitude for the positive reception of Death Stranding 2, noting its unexpected success. With the game being celebrated as one of the highest-rated of 2025, Kojima’s journey continues to resonate with players.

Nintendo Unintentionally Discloses Major Sales Milestone for Switch 2 Console

The Nintendo Switch 2 has achieved a remarkable milestone, selling an astounding 5 million units within just the first month of its release. However, this impressive figure was accidentally disclosed by Nintendo, raising questions about the accuracy and timing of the announcement. For those who experienced trouble securing a pre-order, the success of the console comes as no surprise, as demand has been exceptionally high.

In line with its phenomenal reception, the Switch 2 made headlines when it sold 1.1 million units in the U.S. alone during its inaugural week. This accomplishment made it the fastest-selling gaming console in the country, surpassing even the PlayStation 4. Following this milestone, gaming news outlet Nintendo Prime predicted that the monthly sales figures would be extraordinary, a prediction that ultimately proved correct.

A now-deleted update from Nintendo’s official investor site, which has been preserved by sources like Nintenderos, revealed that it took the Switch 2 just 26 days to surpass the 5 million mark. In contrast, the PlayStation 5 sold 3.4 million units in its first month, and only reached 5 million in approximately two and a half months. Notably, the Switch 2 has even surpassed the lifetime sales of the PS5 Digital Edition in Japan.

Despite these remarkable achievements, some skeptics question the reliability of these figures since the official update is no longer available. Nintendo may have retracted the post due to potential inaccuracies or to avoid confusion. Alternatively, they might be planning a more official announcement to celebrate this achievement.

Regardless, the swift sales of the Switch 2 are indicative of its popularity, even if some players feel it lacks exclusive games. In addition to the console’s success, its launch title Mario Kart World has also performed exceptionally well, selling over 1 million copies in Japan shortly after its release. This was a physical sales figure, implying that the total sales could be much higher.

Overall, both the Switch 2 and its games have made a significant impact, highlighting Nintendo’s continued success in the gaming market.