Highguard, the newly released free-to-play shooter, has made a significant splash on Steam, attracting nearly 100,000 concurrent players on its launch day. However, this impressive player count is overshadowed by a staggering 13,000 negative reviews, revealing a stark divide between player enthusiasm and satisfaction. Despite the excitement surrounding its announcement at The Game Awards, where it was the final reveal of the night, Highguard’s reception has been mixed. Players have expressed concerns primarily about the game’s large map size, which many feel is ill-suited for the 3vs3 matchups.

In a surprising turn of events, Amazon Games has confirmed that its MMO, New World: Aeternum, will go offline permanently on January 31, 2027. This announcement follows the game’s removal from storefronts, including Steam and the Xbox store, marking a significant shift in Amazon’s gaming strategy as they move away from MMO development. Players will still have access to the game they purchased until the servers shut down, but they will no longer be able to buy in-game currency starting July 20, 2026.

Peter Molyneux, a name synonymous with innovative game design, is set to release his final project, Masters of Albion, on April 22. This new title promises to be a culmination of his life’s work, blending elements from his iconic games like Black & White and Fable into an open-world god game. With a team of industry veterans, including Media Molecule co-founder Mark Healey, Molyneux aims to reinvigorate the god game genre, giving players unprecedented freedom to create or destroy their worlds.

As we kick off 2026, PlayStation Plus subscribers are in for a treat with an exciting lineup of free games this January. Among the highlights is “Need For Speed Unbound” for PS5, which promises adrenaline-pumping racing action. With both single and multiplayer campaigns, players can immerse themselves in the vibrant world of street racing, complete with custom rides and a global soundtrack that enhances the experience. In addition to the high-octane thrills of racing, gamers can also dive into the enchanting world of “Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed” on PS4 and PS5.

The gaming community is buzzing with the news that ARK 2 has been delayed until 2028, marking a significant shift in the timeline for one of the most anticipated sequels in recent years. Originally slated for a 2023 release, the game has now been pushed back five years, with developer Studio Wildcard focusing on expanding the existing title, Ark: Survival Ascended, first. This strategic delay is not just about giving ARK: Survival Ascended more time to thrive; it also allows the developers to gather valuable insights from the upcoming content updates.

SEGA is ramping up excitement for the half-anniversary of Persona5: The Phantom X with the upcoming release of update 2.7 on December 25. This update will introduce beloved characters Justine and Caroline from the original Persona 5, enriching the games roster and providing fans with a nostalgic connection to the series. As a free-to-play gacha game, Persona5: The Phantom X offers players a unique twist on the Persona universe, featuring a new group of Phantom Thieves alongside familiar faces.

The upcoming 2.5 update for Zenless Zone Zero, titled “Become the Flame in the Night,” is generating excitement among fans with its enticing giveaways. Players will have the opportunity to receive the S-rank character Zhao, known for his Ice attribute and Defense specialty, along with 1000 Polychromes at no cost. This is a fantastic way for both new and returning players to enhance their gameplay experience without spending a dime.

Bungie has officially announced the release date for its highly anticipated extraction shooter, Marathon, set to launch in March 2026. The game will be available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC for a price of $39.99. This announcement comes after a delay that allowed the developers to refine the game based on community feedback, ensuring a more polished experience for players. One of the most exciting aspects of Marathon is its commitment to a fair gaming environment.

In a significant move for the gaming community, Enhance Games has announced that the online services for their popular puzzle game, Humanity, will be discontinued by the end of March 2026. This decision comes as the studio has observed a decline in user engagement, particularly in the user-generated stage-sharing feature, which has been the sole online component of the game since its release in 2023. As of now, players can no longer share or access new user-created stages, although they can still enjoy the stages they have saved locally.

Remedy Entertainment has officially unveiled Control Resonant, the eagerly awaited sequel to the acclaimed game Control, at The Video Game Awards. This action-adventure RPG promises to immerse players in a warped version of Manhattan, where they will navigate a reality-bending crisis while harnessing the extraordinary powers of Dylan Faden. The game is set to be released in 2026 on multiple platforms, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. In this sequel, players will not only face a mysterious cosmic entity that alters reality but will also explore a vast, unfamiliar world filled with perception-bending locations.

This December, PlayStation Plus subscribers are in for a treat with the addition of highly anticipated titles like Assassins Creed Mirage and Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty to the Game Catalog. These games are set to enhance the gaming experience for Extra and Premium tier members, making it an exciting month for PlayStation enthusiasts. In addition to these blockbuster titles, players can also look forward to the newly released Skate Story and family-friendly options such as Paw Patrol games and Lego Horizon Adventures.

In a bold move, YS Net, the studio founded by legendary game designer Yu Suzuki, has publicly denied any association with a purported Shenmue 4 trailer that has been circulating on social media. The studio’s statement emphasizes that the video, which misuses their logo and could potentially be AI-generated, is entirely unofficial and misleading. This incident highlights the challenges developers face in an era where misinformation can spread rapidly, especially in the gaming community.

Goichi Suda, known as Suda51, has expressed a strong desire to revive the cult classic PS2 game, “Michigan: Report from Hell.” Released in 2004, this unique title had players assume the role of a cameraman navigating a misty Chicago while documenting a plane crash. With the rise of social media and the omnipresence of cameras, Suda believes now is the perfect time to reintroduce this game, either as a sequel or a remake.

The upcoming release of Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is set to make waves, not just for its gameplay but also for its staggering file size. At nearly 95GB, this title will occupy almost 40% of the Nintendo Switch 2’s base storage, raising eyebrows among gamers who are accustomed to more compact AAA titles on the platform. While other major releases like Hogwarts Legacy and Cyberpunk 2077 have managed to fit within more modest file sizes, Square Enix’s ambitious RPG pushes the limits of what players can store on their consoles.

In a surprising turn of events, NetEases previously shuttered T-Minus Zero Entertainment is making a comeback as an independent production company. This revival, led by a dedicated group of former staff members, marks a significant shift in the gaming landscape, showcasing the resilience and creativity of industry veterans. Inspired by the independent film world, the new T-Minus aims to adopt a refined development model that prioritizes focused, project-based initiatives and fosters partnerships.

In a groundbreaking announcement, the Halo series is officially making its way to PlayStation with the upcoming release of Halo: Campaign Evolved. This full remake of the beloved Halo: Combat Evolved campaign is set to launch next year, marking a significant shift in the franchise’s accessibility and reach. Developed in Unreal Engine 5, the game promises to deliver stunning 4K visuals and a host of new content that will excite both long-time fans and newcomers alike.

This October, PlayStation Plus subscribers are in for a treat with a lineup that emphasizes horror and nostalgia. The highlight of the month is undoubtedly the remake of the classic survival horror game, Silent Hill 2, which is set to captivate both new players and long-time fans. Joining this iconic title are other thrilling additions like the 2024 remake of Until Dawn and the spooky Poppy Playtime: Chapter 1, perfect for the Halloween season.

NASCAR fans have been buzzing with anticipation for the release of NASCAR ‘25, but a recent confirmation from producer Matt Lewis has put a damper on some of that excitement. In a recent interview, Lewis revealed that the tracks in the game will be locked to their respective series, meaning players won’t have the freedom to race any series on any track. This decision marks a significant departure from previous NASCAR games where players could unlock and race on various tracks, regardless of the series.

The upcoming horror puzzle game oneway.exe, set to launch on October 7 for PC and Mac, promises to immerse players in a chilling narrative that intertwines digital realms with real-life horrors. Developed by Disordered Media, this first-person single-player experience invites players to explore the unsettling environment of an unfinished game, where the tragic stories of its creators manifest as haunting characters and eerie settings. In oneway.exe, players will navigate a virtual operating system, interacting with applications and files in a way that mirrors real-life computing.

As September 2025 approaches, gamers are buzzing about the latest additions to the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog, with WWE 2K25 taking center stage. This months lineup not only showcases the anticipated wrestling title but also includes a diverse selection of games that cater to various tastes, making it an exciting time for subscribers. The PlayStation Plus subscription service continues to evolve, offering more value with its Extra and Premium tiers. While it may not match Xbox Game Pass in terms of first-party titles at launch, the monthly updates keep the catalog fresh and engaging.

The excitement is palpable among NTT IndyCar Series fans as the announcement of a new IndyCar video game by iRacing Studios promises to deliver thrilling racing experiences. This game marks a significant milestone, being the first of its kind since 2004, and fans can expect to dive into the action as early as next year. With Scott McLaughlin from Team Penske involved, the game is set to resonate with both seasoned players and newcomers alike.

In a surprising turn of events, the Standard Edition of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is reportedly set to cost $69.99 in the US, contrary to earlier expectations that it would be priced at $80. This revelation comes from the reliable insider billbil-kun, who has a proven track record of accurate gaming news. With the games release date tentatively set for November 14, this pricing strategy could significantly impact gamers’ purchasing decisions, especially with the competitive landscape shaped by Battlefield 6’s upcoming launch.

As the gaming world gears up for one of its most anticipated events, Gamescom Opening Night Live promises to deliver a plethora of exciting game reveals and updates. Scheduled for August 19, this two-hour showcase will be hosted by the ever-charismatic Geoff Keighley, setting the stage for major announcements from some of the biggest names in the industry. With over 335,000 attendees expected at the main event, the anticipation is palpable.

In a significant move for the gaming community, MiHoYo has announced that support for the PS4 version of Genshin Impact will officially end in April 2026. This decision is driven by the limitations of the PS4 hardware, which can no longer accommodate the growing demands of the game, both in terms of performance and application size. The phased discontinuation begins with the game being delisted from the PlayStation Store on September 10, 2025, marking the end of an era for many players.

In a surprising turn of events, 2K Games has replaced the leadership team behind the highly anticipated BioShock 4, signaling a commitment to delivering a game that meets the high expectations of its fanbase. Following a failed internal development review, Kelley Gilmore, the studio head at Cloud Chamber, has left her role, while creative director Hogarth de la Plante has transitioned to a publishing position. This shake-up comes as the narrative of BioShock 4 was identified as an area needing significant improvement.

Nintendo has made waves in the gaming industry with the launch of its latest console, the Switch 2, which has sold over 6 million units in just seven weeks. This impressive figure not only highlights the strong demand for new gaming hardware but also sets a new record for console launches, surpassing the PlayStation 5’s initial sales. Accompanying the Switch 2’s launch was the highly anticipated game, Mario Kart World, which sold nearly as many copies as the console itself, achieving 5.

Nintendo’s ongoing battle against piracy has taken a significant turn as the FBI has seized a major piracy site that hosted thousands of illegal Nintendo Switch games. This operation, executed under a seizure warrant from the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, underscores the severity of the piracy issue that has plagued the Nintendo Switch since its launch. Despite Nintendo’s efforts to curb piracy through system revisions, the console remains a primary target for illegal game distribution.

The anticipation for “Ghost of Yotei” is reaching a fever pitch as PlayStation gears up for a State of Play event featuring nearly 20 minutes of gameplay. Scheduled for July 10, this live stream will be hosted by the creative minds behind the game, Jason Connell and Nate Fox, giving fans an exclusive look at what to expect from this highly awaited title. Set to release on October 2, 2025, exclusively for PS5, the game promises a gripping narrative centered around revenge and personal trauma.

The excitement is building as the Tokyo Game Show 2025 gears up to feature some of the biggest names in the gaming industry, including PlayStation, Sega, and Square Enix. Scheduled from September 25 to 28 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan, this event promises to showcase a wealth of new content, exclusive merchandise, and innovative indie games. Notably, Sony Interactive Entertainment will have a presence in both the Family Game Area and the Indie Game Area, hinting at exciting collaborations and new releases.

In a recent incident that has stirred significant debate within the gaming community, Xbox Game Studios producer Matt Turnbull faced backlash for suggesting that laid-off developers utilize AI tools for career planning and emotional support. This comment, made in the wake of Microsofts massive layoffs affecting thousands, has raised eyebrows and ignited discussions about the role of AI in sensitive situations like job loss. Turnbull’s now-deleted LinkedIn post offered advice on using AI tools such as ChatGPT to navigate the emotional challenges of unemployment.

This week, Bandai Namco is set to captivate gamers worldwide with a highly anticipated showcase featuring new game reveals and updates. Among the highlights is a brand-new game based on the popular series My Hero Academia, alongside a reveal for Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree. Fans can also look forward to an in-depth gameplay presentation of the upcoming Digimon Story: Time Stranger, promising to deliver fresh experiences in beloved franchises.

In a shocking turn of events, Build a Rocket Boy, the studio behind the much-anticipated game MindsEye, has reportedly initiated mass layoff proceedings that could affect over 100 employees. This comes on the heels of a rocky launch for MindsEye, which has been plagued by technical issues and bugs, leading to a significant backlash from players and a dismal Metacritic score. The Edinburgh-based developer has begun a 45-day consultation process, a legal requirement in the UK when laying off 100 or more staff.

NINES has just revealed their upcoming title, Pipeworks Puzzle, and it promises to bring a fresh twist to the classic tile sliding puzzle genre. Set in a charming construction site, players will step into the shoes of a plumber tasked with arranging disordered pipe pieces to match a blueprint. With cute visuals and relaxing tunes, this game aims to offer not just a challenge, but a delightful experience that appeals to both casual and seasoned gamers alike.

In a recent interview, Takashi Iizuka, head of Sonic Team, expressed serious concerns about the impact of game content leaks on the gaming industry. He emphasized that such leaks not only spoil the excitement for fans but can also jeopardize critical licensing deals that developers work hard to secure. With the recent leaks surrounding Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, Iizuka’s comments resonate deeply with both developers and gamers alike. Iizuka explained that publishers strive to create a controlled environment for announcements, aiming to maximize excitement and engagement.

The inaugural IOI Showcase delivered a thrilling blend of nostalgia and innovation, particularly for fans of the Hitman franchise. Celebrating 25 years of Hitman games, the event featured a captivating montage that showcased the series’ evolution, setting the stage for exciting new content. Among the standout announcements was the first-ever gameplay reveal of the Elusive Target crossover featuring Le Chiffre, the iconic Bond villain portrayed by Mads Mikkelsen. This mission, now available in Hitman: World of Assassination, invites players to engage in a high-stakes poker game reminiscent of Casino Royale.

Nacon has officially reclaimed the rights to the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), marking a significant shift in the rally gaming landscape. After Electronic Arts’ Codemasters announced the end of its development on rally titles, Nacon is set to embark on a new journey with exclusive rights for the next six seasons, from 2027 to 2032. This transition promises a complete reboot of the franchise, aiming to deliver an immersive experience that resonates with both long-time rally fans and newcomers alike.