CD Projekt Red announced that the Blood and Wine and Hearts of Stone downloadable content for The Witcher 3 will be free, effective immediately, ahead of the scheduled release of The Witcher 3 Remastered on September 29.

The two expansions, normally priced at $19.99 and $9.99 respectively, are part of the game's existing downloadable content offerings.

The Remastered edition includes upgraded visuals, revised combat mechanics, enhanced monster AI, a redesigned skill tree, an expanded photo mode, a new tutorial, and reworked looting and quest tracking systems. CD Projekt Red said the updates are intended to improve gameplay quality and will be provided at no additional charge to owners of the base game.

The free DLC is accessible through the digital storefronts of PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X. Nintendo Switch users will not receive the free content, though a native version of the Remastered game is planned for the upcoming Switch 2 console.

The free availability of the expansions may influence the uptake of the Remastered release, and the company has not indicated further changes to its post‑launch support strategy.

Showa American Story is an action‑RPG developed by Xiangyu Luo. The game is set in an alternate late‑1980s United States where Japan achieved economic dominance. Players control resurrected protagonist Choko Chigusa on a road‑trip adventure. A two‑hour demo was divided into four segments: a linear story and combat section, a camp exploration segment for character progression, an open‑map exploration area, and a boss fight. Combat uses four melee weapon categories—bare hands/gauntlets, katanas, drills, polearms—and ranged weapons such as shotguns and assault rifles. Each melee category has distinct statistics that affect Rage generation, attack speed, and damage. Fists generate Rage fastest, while other weapons vary in rate. Rage points, capped at five, are earned by dealing or taking damage and can be spent on ultimates, Rage attacks, chain attacks, perfect dodges, or super recoveries. The current implementation shows pronounced hit‑stop on melee strikes, limited enemy interaction, low poise that makes the character easy to stagger, and inconsistent dodge windows that sometimes require pre‑emptive dodging. These factors can disrupt the Rage Cycle, causing players to lose Rage when attempting to recover. The game features a real‑time leveling system that raises health, stamina, Rage, defense, melee, and shooting stats and awards Battle Points for skill unlocks. Weapons have six attributes—base power, Rage generation, break application, crit rate, crit multiplier, stamina consumption—and can be upgraded to level five using in‑game currency and parts, with seven buff slots available. The base of operations, an RV named "Guren," uses an Action Point system; activities such as drinking, exercising, or bathing grant AP and stat experience while building resistances to status effects, though daily actions require specific facilities and consumables. Visuals show detailed environments, but character models and facial animations appear stiff. The story blends dark humor, meme references, and concepts such as a Zombie Human Rights Association, and difficulty settings are labeled satirically. The soundtrack includes a Japanese cover of "Casablanca" and original compositions by director Xiangyu Luo, performed by vocalist Mayu Wakisaka. The preview highlights a distinctive cultural parody experience, but current mechanical issues may affect the game's long‑term appeal.

CD Projekt Red revealed at Gamescom Opening Night Live that The Witcher 3 Remastered will be released on September 29 for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Switch 2, and will be offered at no additional cost to players who already own The Witcher 3. The update includes improvements to visuals, combat, traversal, mount handling, monster behavior, skill tree, photo mode, UI and other systems, as listed in the announcement. The company also introduced the expansion Songs of the Past, described as comparable in size to previous expansions Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine, with a planned release in 2027. CD Projekt Red confirmed that its next installment, The Witcher 4, is expected to launch in 2028 and will feature Ciri as the protagonist. The free upgrade and the upcoming expansion aim to extend the game’s lifespan while the developer continues to support the franchise.

Warlock: Dungeons & Dragons presented a gameplay trailer at Gamescom Opening Night Live. The trailer featured third‑person combat focused on spells and placed the main character, Katri, in the Domain of Darkon, the largest of Ravenloft's Domains of Dread. The game is scheduled for a 2027 release and will follow Katri throughout the adventure, according to statements from Invoke Studios. The trailer, released during the 2025 The Game Awards, highlighted combat mechanics rather than role‑playing elements. It showed Katri using multiple spell slots and indicated that she will be guided by a patron named Tasha, portrayed by Maggie Robertson. Robertson is known for her performances as Lady Dimitrescu in Resident Evil: Village and as Orin the Red in Baldur's Gate 3. The studio, formerly Tuque Studios, previously developed the 2021 D&D: Dark Alliance reboot, which received mixed reviews. No release date beyond 2027 has been announced, and the game’s design choices continue to be discussed by fans and analysts.

TV Tokyo announced on August 25 that it will produce a television anime adaptation of the Pero Pero★Sparkles characters created by Yurie Sekiya. The characters debuted in 2013 and have since been featured on merchandise and in a 2020 YouTube anime short that attracted millions of views. TV Tokyo said the new series will air on its broadcast network, though a premiere date has not been set. The announcement was reported by Comic Natalie. No details about the studio, director or cast have been disclosed. The adaptation follows a broader trend of converting popular internet and manga properties into televised animated series.

Black Lightning, the CW superhero series starring Cress Williams, will end its run on Netflix on August 31, 2026, concluding a four‑season run that spanned 58 episodes from 2018 to 2021.

The show, based on the DC Comics character Jefferson Pierce, follows a former superhero who returns to protect his family and city amid rising gang violence.

Created by Jenny Isabella, the series adapts the early 2016 trade paperback that introduced the character Black Bomber and evolved into Black Lightning. The storyline centers on Pierce, a high school principal in Freeland, Georgia, who confronts the gang known as the 100 after its members kidnap his daughters, Jennifer and Anissa, prompting his return to vigilantism.

While the series remained grounded compared to other Arrowverse shows, it featured supporting characters such as the archenemy Tobias Whale and highlighted the powers of Pierce’s daughters.

All episodes are available for streaming until the removal date.

The series will be removed from the platform on August 31, 2026, ending its availability on Netflix.

Shogakukan's Shōnen Sunday S magazine announced on Tuesday that the manga adaptation of Detective Conan: The Private Eyes' Requiem, a retelling of the franchise's 10th film, will end in its September issue. The adaptation by Yutaka Abe and Jiro Maruden began in the magazine on February 24. The original 10th film was released as part of the Detective Conan series, which has seen multiple manga adaptations of its movies. The latest film, Detective Conan: Highway no Datenshi, opened in Japan on April 10 and earned 3,502,137,800 yen (approximately US$21.9 million) in its opening three days, setting a franchise record for opening-weekend box office and reaching the top of the Japanese box office. Source: Shōnen Sunday S October issue.

At gamescom Opening Night Live 2026, CD Projekt Red presented the first trailer for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Songs of the Past expansion and announced a new chain weapon for the protagonist Geralt of Rivia.

The expansion revisits the 2015 role‑playing game more than a decade after its initial release and is scheduled for a 2027 launch on PC, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.

The trailer showed Geralt exploring a new region named Letten, described as a rural area with traditional folklore and upcoming quests. The footage included a chain weapon that Geralt uses to grapple enemies before striking, a mechanic that references earlier entries in the series.

Developer Miles Tost said the addition marks Geralt’s final adventure before the upcoming sequel The Witcher 4, expected in 2028. He also noted that the expansion will introduce additional Gwent cards.

No release date has been confirmed, and further information about the expansion is expected in the months ahead.

Gamescom Opening Night Live 2026 opened with a series of game announcements and trailers, hosted by Geoff Keighley.

The event highlighted upcoming releases across a variety of genres and platforms.

Gamescom is a major annual trade show for video games held in Cologne, Germany.

The Opening Night Live segment serves as a preview of the year's major releases.

New trailers were shown for Gears of War: E-Day, scheduled for October 6, Metro 2039, and Final Fantasy 7 Revelation, scheduled for spring 2027.

A tactics game titled Worms: Galactic Tactics, inspired by XCOM, was also presented.

Train Sim World 7 is set for release on September 15.

RollerCoaster Tycoon Wonderworks entered early access.

The sequel Humankind 2 will arrive on PC in 2027.

Silent Hill Townfall, the first first-person entry in the series, launches on September 24.

Valor Mortis, a first-person souls-like shooter, will launch on October 13 for PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.

TankRat is scheduled for January 17, 2027.

Humankind 2 will include climate-change mechanics, according to developer statements.

Murals, an action-adventure game based on Disney-licensed fairy tales, is in development.

Age Twisters, a two-player co-op puzzle adventure, has no release date announced.

Onimusha: Way of the Sword received a demo and additional content.

Mariachi Legends, a Mexican-themed metroidvania, is planned for April 2027.

Elta: Defy All Gods features a dragon-god companion and free-form melee combat.

Nodusfall presents a high-fantasy co-op experience.

Rainbow Six Tactics, an XCOM-inspired tactical shooter, is slated for 2027.

Gears of War: E-Day's story trailer was released after a multiplayer beta.

Ananta, a free-to-play open-world game combining Grand Theft Auto and Spider-Man elements, launches on January 15, 2027.

The Witcher 3 will receive a free remastered upgrade on September 29, including the Blood and Wine and Hearts of Stone expansions and a third expansion preview.

Additional titles announced included Perceptum, a horror game scheduled for 2027.

Acornia: Mirror Worlds, a bake-and-brawl management adventure, is set for release next year.

Valor Mortis was described as a first-person souls-like by Ghostrunner Studio One More Level.

TankRat will let players battle corrupted mech-monsters from an armed vehicle, launching January 17, 2027.

Humankind 2 aims to expand the 4X strategy formula across historical eras.

Murals will let players experience dark twists on classic fairy tales.

Age Twisters is a two-player co-op narrative adventure without a release date.

Onimusha: Way of the Sword added content to its free demo.

Mariachi Legends launches in April 2027.

Elta: Defy All Gods offers free-form melee and platforming.

Nodusfall presents a high-fantasy co-op experience.

Rainbow Six Tactics features 15 operators and global missions.

Gears of War: E-Day emphasizes a narrative focus following its beta.

Ananta combines open-world freedom with social media mechanics and launches January 15, 2027.

Silent Hill Townfall is the first first-person Silent Hill title.

Resonance: A Plague Tale focuses on puzzles and exploration.

Sea of Remnants is a pirate-themed RPG with stylized visuals.

Tides of Annihilation features voice actor Angela Sant'Albano as Gwendolyn.

Lofsong is an exploration puzzle adventure with striking visuals.

Mega Man: Dual Override reveals new boss Twinkle Girl and Proto Man.

Rayman Legends Retold will launch on October 1.

PUBG Ded.Net presents a fast-paced multiplayer shooter.

Control Resonant is scheduled for September on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.

Once Human is available for free on PC and consoles.

Game of Thrones: War for Westeros is expected in early 2027.

Dust: Origins is an isometric shooter from Airship Syndicate.

The Blood of Dawnwalker is scheduled for early September.

Crimson Desert: Enhanced Edition is currently available.

Exodus includes a recruitable octopus in a mechanized warsuit and launches April 7, 2027.

Warlock: Dungeons & Dragons features a pact-making warrior and voice actor Maggie Robertson as Tasha.

Heroes of Might and Magic 3 remake will include its two expansions in full 3D.

No Law is a cyberpunk action game by Neon Giant.

Cinder City is a near-future third-person shooter set in a dystopian Seoul.

Ontos explores a sci-fi mystery on a repurposed moon hotel.

Pony Island 2, from Inscryption creator Daniel Mullins, is described as a phantasmagorical voyage.

Zoopunk features talking animals wielding weapons in a third-person action game.

The Defiant is a first-person shooter set on Chinese World War II battlefields.

Like or Die is a team-based survival FPS focused on influencer culture.

Final Fantasy 7 Revelation will debut in spring 2027 with a focus on the planet’s weapons.

The Witcher 3’s upcoming remaster adds upgraded graphics, combat, traversal, monsters, skill trees and a photo mode.

The schedule of releases extends through 2027, indicating a busy year for gamers.

Developers continue to announce titles across genres, maintaining interest in the Gamescom platform.

Mark Rosewater, head designer of Magic: The Gathering, said that after 33 years he would consider merging artifacts and enchantments into a single card type if the game were rebuilt. The game’s rules separate artifacts, which are colorless or colored physical objects, from enchantments, which are magical effects tied to each color. Mechanically the two types have become increasingly similar, with artifact creatures and enchantment creatures appearing in all colors. In a recent “Big-Picture Questions” column, Rosewater admitted that the distinction between artifacts and enchantments is largely creative rather than functional. He suggested that a unified permanent type could retain separate subtypes for artifacts and enchantments while allowing all colors to interact with them differently. Rosewater also proposed names such as “Relic” for the combined type, noting that it would fit on a card’s type line. He acknowledged that implementing the change now would be difficult because of player inertia and the large number of existing cards. The original design split the card types to maintain balance through the color pie, but Rosewater said the split may no longer be necessary.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced a 6 billion‑euro (about US$7 billion) plan to construct a new theme park in Cergy‑Pontoise, about 30 km northwest of Paris, with three parks planned, one of which is expected to be themed on Dragon Ball, according to The Japan Times and BBC.

The announcement occurred during a two‑day state visit by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman to France, during which Macron and the Crown Prince signed a memorandum of understanding with Qiddiya Investment Company, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund that also funds a separate Dragon Ball‑themed park in Saudi Arabia. The project is described as being of a scale comparable to Disneyland Paris and is projected to create approximately 22,000 jobs, the Japan Times reported.

Macron stated that the partnership does not entail any moral judgment of other countries, saying France does not ‘lecture others’ when pursuing projects. The proposal has attracted criticism from three journalists’ unions, which have protested the Crown Prince’s visit amid concerns over Saudi Arabia’s human‑rights record, including the 2018 killing of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Neither construction dates nor opening dates have been announced, and the project remains in the planning phase, according to BBC and Breaking Travel News.

No timeline for groundbreaking or operation has been set.

The first Series 6 Magic Puzzle from the Magic Puzzle Company, titled 'Spooky Shire,' is now available at Amazon and Target. The 1,000‑piece puzzle features original artwork by Kasey White and depicts a colorful scene with ghosts, witches, skeletons and pumpkins. The product page indicates that more than 50 easter eggs can be discovered during assembly and that two reference art posters are included. The company states that its puzzles use uniquely shaped pieces and do not rely on AI‑generated images. The timing of the remaining Series 6 puzzles has not been announced; the previous Series 5 puzzle was released in August 2025, with the other titles made available in January 2026, suggesting the next releases may arrive in early 2027.

A new trailer for Final Fantasy 7 Revelation was presented at Gamescom Opening Night Live, following its earlier reveal at Summer Games Fest.

Director Naoki Hamaguchi introduced the footage, which focused on the game's Weapon characters, massive creatures that have played a minor role in the original title but appear to feature prominently in the upcoming installment.

The trailer depicted Rufus Shinra delivering a speech after recent world events, and showed the Weapons described in dialogue as guardians of the planet, with humans portrayed as a harmful invasive species. Visuals highlighted Ultima Weapon and Emerald Weapon, as well as an aerial battle involving Cid's Highwind and ground combat against Typhon.

The game builds on the open‑world foundations of the previous entries in the Remake trilogy, introducing the FITS system that allows players to assign new combat roles to Cloud and other characters. Minigames are presented as optional rather than required for progression.

Additional media, including screenshots of Midgar and commentary from Hamaguchi, are available for further reference.