Tom Holland and director Destin Daniel Cretton said the finishing moves from Sony’s Spider‑Man video games influenced the film’s action sequences, as the movie premiered on July 27 and will open in theaters on July 31. The fourth Spider‑Man film is part of a franchise that ties into marketing collaborations with the games. Holland said playing the games the night before the premiere inspired him to incorporate stylized combat into the movie. He noted that the stunt performers, many of whom are gamers, shared screenshots of specific moves with the creative team to shape choreography. Cretton added that the stunt team used the game footage to design real‑world fight sequences. Analysts project the film could earn $180 million to $250 million in its opening weekend, according to Deadline and Box Office Pro. IGN’s Tom Jorgensen rated the film 7 out of 10 and said it effectively refocuses on the most reliable pillars of the webslinger: swinging around New York, saving the day and looking cool while doing so, though he noted that Peter’s inner turmoil sometimes makes the narrative feel repetitive. The release coincides with promotional efforts that include a suit from the film appearing in “Spider‑Man 2” and a second suit inspired by a fighting‑game aesthetic, highlighting the crossover between the movie and its video‑game counterparts.
Art, books, film, gaming, and the conversations defining the week.
Final Fantasy 14 is scheduled to launch on the Nintendo Switch 2 in June, with the eShop listing indicating a required installation size of 117.2GB, roughly half of the console’s internal SSD.
Square Enix will include the base game and five expansions—Heavensward, Stormblood, Shadowbringers, Endwalker, and Dawntrail—each adding new content to the MMORPG.
Square Enix titles for the Switch 2 have shown similarly large footprints; Final Fantasy 7 Remake occupies 90GB and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth 95GB, according to the eShop. The price of 1TB microSD Express cards has risen from $220 to about $350, while a 256GB Samsung P9 card is now $80 versus $55 a year ago. A 512GB SanDisk card has moved from $100 to $130, and a Lexar Play Pro 1TB card has also increased to $350. The broader semiconductor shortage has driven up RAM and SSD prices, leading to higher console prices and incremental PC upgrades, with consumers expected to purchase components monthly before completing a full system overhaul.
Developers have not indicated plans to reduce the storage requirement, and consumers will need to consider additional storage options to accommodate the installation.
Marvel's Spider-Man 2 will receive two free costumes and performance upgrades for PS5 and PS5 Pro this week, ahead of the September 15 launch of its Wolverine single-player game.
Insomniac Games announced the updates, noting that the titles will be added to the game's costume selection screen after a scheduled update.
The new content includes a cel-shaded outfit with bold colors and a larger spider emblem on the chest, described as having an anime-inspired aesthetic, and a "Brand New Day" costume that uses subtle texture and colors referencing the classic comics and animated series.
Both costumes will be available at no cost.
The update also introduces Enhanced PSSR support on PS5 Pro, delivering a 4K resolution at 60 frames per second with advanced lighting technologies, and adds a Power Saver mode to extend battery life.
Unlike the previous Spider-Man release, this title has not received post-launch expansions, and Insomniac has shifted development focus to Marvel's Wolverine, a separate single-player experience.
The company said the visual and performance improvements aim to enhance the overall experience while providing players with additional costume choices.
The Wolverine game is set to launch on September 15 for PS5, expanding the studio's Marvel portfolio.
Pokémon Pokopia will release its underwater DLC, Bubbly Basin, on August 5, 2026, according to a leaked trailer. The expansion adds underwater exploration, aquatic-themed furniture and outfits, and several new water-type Pokémon. A separate leak earlier in 2026 mentioned cosmetic items such as ties, wings and hats, and fans have speculated about possible shiny variants, though this has not been confirmed. Bubbly Basin is offered as part of a $34.99 expansion pass, which also includes two additional DLC updates. Part 2 of the pass is scheduled for release in late 2026, and the final update is expected in 2027, featuring a new town and additional characters. As of March 2026, Pokopia had sold more than four million copies, placing it among the top five best-selling Nintendo Switch 2 titles. Fans of Pokémon Winds and Waves may view the DLC as an early preview of the upcoming mainline title, which also focuses on underwater gameplay. The timeline suggests the mainline game may not launch until after 2027.
The Apothecary Diaries and Ibaraki Prefecture’s Kanko Ibaraki tourism site announced a collaboration for the Ibaraki is Blossoming campaign, including a new key visual and a website update. The partnership, which originally ran from October to January, featured special trains and a stamp rally. Ibaraki TV’s YouTube channel released a promotional video showing the characters Jinshi and Maomao exploring the prefecture through the four seasons. The first anime season premiered in October 2023, with a second season beginning in January 2025 on Nippon TV’s FRIDAY ANIME NIGHT, and both are streamed by Crunchyroll. A third season is set to debut in October 2026, followed by a second part in April 2027. The announcement was posted on the series’ and the tourism site’s X accounts and reported by PR Times.
Shueisha’s Young Jump magazine announced on July 23 that the manga series Märchen Crown is entering its final battle. The series will pause for one week and resume in the combined 36th and 37th issue on August 6.
The manga debuted in Young Jump in March 2025 and has been serialized by Shueisha, with the fourth compiled volume released on June 18. The creative team consists of writer Aka Akasaka, known for Oshi no Ko, story contributor Aoi Kujira, and artist Ajichika, who illustrated Record of Ragnarok. The series is distributed through Shueisha’s MANGA Plus digital platform in English.
The one‑week break follows the announcement of the final arc. The upcoming issue will contain chapters that advance the story toward its conclusion. An anime adaptation premiered in April 2023 with a 90‑minute first episode, and its second season began in July 2024, with a third season debuting on January 14, 2025. The series has been streamed by HIDIVE and Crunchyroll, and a fourth season is planned.
The manga’s final arc will continue beyond August 6, with the creators indicating that the story will resolve in subsequent chapters.
Patch 7.25 introduced the Phantom relic weapon series in Final Fantasy XIV. The first weapon, the Phantom Penumbrae, requires item level 745 and is obtained after completing the Dawntrail main scenario quest and the Occult Crescent quest line that includes "One Last Hurrah" and "Unfamiliar Territory." Players must collect three of each of six demiatma types—Azurite, Urqopacha, Kozama’uka, Malachite, Realgar, and Shaaloani—by completing critical encounters and FATEs in the Occult Crescent. The items are turned in to Gerolt after gathering 18 demiatma and purchasing three Arcanite for 500 Allagan Tomestones of Heliometry each.
Step 2 (patch 7.31) upgrades the weapon to the Phantom Umbrae at item level 760. After completing the previous steps, players speak with Lydirceil to start "Keeping the Old Ways Alive," then submit five items: Rroneek glue (purchased), Ut’ohmu siderite (purchased), and three types of synthetic dark matter that require crafting or gathering of specific materials. The "Aether, Aether, Everywhere" quest requires filling four aetherwells by completing high‑level dungeons, trials, alliance raids, or normal raids, collecting 10,000 aether per well; daily bonuses can increase aether gain. The upgrade concludes by purchasing three Waxing Arcanite and trading them to Gerolt.
Step 3 (patch 7.41) provides the Phantom Obscurum at item level 775. Players must complete the earlier steps, then obtain four items: Umbral clay (purchased), Aspected aether agglomerate, Aspected aetheroconductor, and Aspected aetherocatalyst, each crafted by specific professions using regional resources. The "In Pursuit of Perfection" quest requires collecting 1,200 crystal paste from roulette completions, Critical Engagements, the Pilgrim’s Traverse dungeon, The Final Verse (Quantum), and various raid tiers. After gathering the paste, three chunks of Waning Arcanite are purchased from Ermina and turned in to receive the weapon.
Step 4 (patch 7.55) adds the Phantom Eclipticum at item level 790. Players complete the previous steps, then talk to Lydirceil to begin "Under No Illusion" and acquire four items: a Monarch whetstone (purchased), an Ancestral alloy ingot, Ascendant twine, and Majestic polish, each crafted or purchased using specific resources. The "Phantoms to Fillet" quest requires collecting 100 of each phantom dispeller type from North Horn critical encounters, FATEs, or duty roulettes. Once the dispellers are gathered, three Ecliptic Arcanite pieces are purchased and handed to Gerolt to finalize the weapon. Additional Eclipticum weapons can be made by purchasing more Arcanite without repeating earlier material gathering.
Step 5 (patch 7.55) upgrades the weapon to the Phantom Occultum at item level 795, adding a visual effect. The "Final Phantasm" quest requires completing a list of Dawntrail duties and FATEs to fill a knowledge crystal with martial memories. The process is ongoing, with updates planned as the final requirements are confirmed.
Overall, the relic weapon series involves multiple patch releases, incremental item level increases, and extensive collection of materials across various game activities, with each step requiring specific vendors, crafting professions, or in‑game currency.
Moonlight Peaks, a cozy game developed by Little Chicken, is set to release in summer 2026. The game follows a protagonist who inherits a family farm after a dispute with their father, establishing a tense home environment.
In the game, the player meets Orlok, a hungover vampire neighbor who asks for help brewing wine. The town is divided into factions based on supernatural identities, and residents discuss the negative reputation of the player's father. Dialogue reveals that the adults' past actions affect the younger generation.
According to Son M, co‑founder of Perfect Garbage, the creators of the upcoming horror‑farming title Grave Seasons, a growing number of developers are exploring more complex narratives within the cozy genre. Moonlight Peaks exemplifies this shift by portraying characters dealing with intergenerational trauma without relying on dramatic abuse.
While the game retains familiar mechanics such as relationship building and event scheduling, its focus on family dynamics and societal division offers a different perspective compared to earlier titles like Stardew Valley. The industry may see further diversification of the genre as developers experiment with thematic depth.
Polygon’s review of Batman: Caped Crusader season 2, released on Prime Video on July 31, 2026, found the show to be a nostalgic effort that delivered occasional strong moments, particularly in its final episodes featuring the Joker, while criticizing several character portrayals and pacing issues. The series, a spiritual sequel to Batman: The Animated Series, follows Bruce Timm’s attempt to reinterpret DC characters through a 1940s film‑noir aesthetic and introduces new takes on villains such as the Riddler and Mr. Freeze, as well as reviving characters like Harley Quinn and Hattie Tetch. Critics noted that the Riddler, played by Ronan Raftery, was portrayed as a brutal thug rather than the clever puzzle‑master of the comics, and that his extended screen time did not improve the narrative. The Joker, voiced by Matthew Needham, was highlighted as the season’s standout, with his final two episodes delivering a complex, threatening storyline that raised the stakes for Batman. Other villains, including a reimagined Mr. Zero and a redesigned Scarecrow, received limited development, and the show was described as often treating Batman more as an observer than an active hero. Nonetheless, the animation was praised for its moody noir visuals and subtle character moments, and Hamish Linklater’s performance as both Batman and Bruce Wayne was singled out for its range. All ten episodes are slated for release on Prime Video, and the series’ future remains uncertain as the review concluded that while the show does not match the quality of its animated predecessor, it retains potential for improvement.
Destin Daniel Cretton said he felt sad when Marvel canceled Avengers: The Kang Dynasty, a project he had been slated to direct after its 2022 announcement. The film was intended to feature Jonathan Majors as Kang, but his removal following legal issues led Marvel to replace him with Doctor Doom; Cretton was later assigned to direct Spider-Man: Brand New Day. In a July 2026 interview with IndieWire, Cretton confirmed feeling disappointed during the industry‑wide strike and said the cancellation made him fear a change in his relationship with Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige, though Feige reassured him and eventually offered him the Spider‑Man role. He noted that the shift did not damage their professional relationship. Box office projections for Spider‑Man: Brand New Day range from $180 million to $230 million, and early reviews have been largely positive, with IGN awarding the film a 7 out of 10. Marvel plans to release Avengers: Doomsday on December 18, 2026; a Comic‑Con clip showed Doctor Doom leading an army of Sentinels, and further details about the film and the X‑Men franchise are expected at the upcoming D23 event.
Actor Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, 17, said he was eight when The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild released in March 2017 and did not own a Nintendo Switch at the time. He told GamesRadar that he watched playthroughs rather than playing the game himself. Born in September 2008, Ainsworth was eight years old when the game and the console launched. His age is commonly associated with restrictions on independent console ownership. He has since examined the series’ 40‑year history, noting its varied tones, stories, and vocal performances. The live‑action Zelda film is scheduled for release on April 30, 2027 and will incorporate elements from multiple entries in the franchise. Ainsworth currently appears as Prince Daeron Targaryen in House of the Dragon. Whether the film will reference Breath of the Wild specifically remains unresolved.
Preorders are open for the Godzilla Minus One Limited Edition 4K SteelBook, scheduled for release on October 6. The edition is priced at $39.98 on Amazon and $34.99 on Gruv. Godzilla Minus One is the 37th film in the Godzilla franchise and premiered in 2023. The plot centers on post‑war Japan facing a new monster born from the legacy of the atomic bomb. The steelbook includes three discs and extras such as a slipcase, a limited edition poster, and alternate cover art. Other 4K releases of the film are available but lack these additional items. The sequel Godzilla Minus Zero is set for a November 6 IMAX release in North America. Freelance writer Myles Obenza contributed to the report.
PlayStation announced that PlayStation Plus members can claim three free games starting August 4, 2026, and that July titles must be claimed by the following Tuesday.
The free games are part of the monthly benefits offered to subscribers of the PlayStation Plus service.
Big Walk, a day‑one release developed by House House, the studio behind Untitled Goose Game, will be available for PS5 and PS4. The game features an open world with puzzles and terrain that can be explored solo or with friends.
Dying Light 2: Stay Human – Reloaded Edition, the updated version of the 2020 title, will be offered for PS5 and PS4. The Reloaded Edition includes gameplay changes, additional downloadable content and other revisions.
Signalis, a retro‑styled psychological horror game for PS4, follows a technician named Elster searching for a lost partner. The title emphasizes puzzle solving and survival elements.
Sony also announced a free downloadable content pack for PlayStation subscribers beginning August 6, which includes five character avatars—Captain America, Storm, Spider‑Man, Doctor Doom and Ghost Rider—and a set of result‑screen poses for Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls.
Subscribers are reminded to claim the July games before the deadline and may continue to access the free titles through the PlayStation Plus library.
According to IGN, Sony has issued copyright takedown notices to remove footage of the post‑credits scene from Spider‑Man: Brand New Day that was posted on X early on.
According to IGN, Sony has issued copyright takedown notices to remove footage of the post‑credits scene from Spider‑Man: Brand New Day that was posted on X early on. The official theatrical release is scheduled for July 31, following a July 27 premiere and same‑day previews, according to Sony. The post‑credits clip, recorded from inside a theater, began circulating on the platform shortly after the premiere, according to IGN. Sony’s legal team says the material violates its intellectual property rights. While Sony successfully removed several instances of the clip, IGN reported that other versions remained on the platform at the time of writing. Sony has not identified the specific theaters that had early access, and attempts to locate all copies appear ongoing. Industry observers note that such leaks are common for high‑profile superhero films, and the post‑credits scene may contain spoilers for upcoming sequels. The movie is set to open nationwide on July 31, and Sony has advised audiences to avoid social media until viewing to prevent plot spoilers, according to the company. Meanwhile, the new costume worn by Spider‑Man in Insomniac Games’ Spider‑Man 2 has been made available to players.
Ryūto's light novel series The Faceless Mercenary Wants to Settle Down will be adapted into a manga in Square Enix's Monthly Big Gangan, with the first issue scheduled for release on August 25.
The series began serialization on the Shōsetsuka ni Narō website in July 2024 and moved to the Kakuyomu website in August 2024; Kadokawa began publishing the novels with illustrations by Heiro in July 2025. A television anime adaptation of the series is slated to premiere in October. Seven Seas Entertainment has licensed the light novel series and will release the first volume digitally on October 27 under its Airship imprint.
Daichi Matsuse, who has illustrated works such as Goblin Slayer: A Day in the Life and Re:ZERO -Starting Life In Another World- Chapter 1, is drawing the manga. The story follows mercenary Glenn, who after retiring from combat finds a farm on a distant planet and must defend his new home from threats, including the harassment of a neighbor. Seven Seas Entertainment said the narrative describes Glenn's transition from soldier to farmer, highlighting his ability to detect danger and his use of cybernetic combat when necessary. The manga adaptation will run in Monthly Big Gangan, continuing the series' expansion across multiple media formats.
The upcoming manga issue will launch the series' visual adaptation, and the television anime is scheduled to debut later this year.
Developer Torn Banner announced that No More Room In Hell 2 will release its 1.0 version on August 11 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The game has been available in early access on Steam and Epic Games Store since earlier. It supports cooperative play for up to eight players in first‑person perspective. The experience draws comparisons to Left 4 Dead but features slower pacing and higher difficulty. Players must avoid making noise, using melee weapons to reduce detection. Each round is a run that ends when the player dies, at which point they become a zombie that hunts the remaining team. The game includes a solo mode without permadeath and a training ground for newcomers, plus a wave‑based survival mode. Several maps have been expanded and character customization options have been increased. The developers report that more than 8,000 bugs have been fixed for the launch. The game is priced at $30, with preorder and launch discounts available.
Netflix released a new trailer and key art for the live-action series adaptation of Kisei Tada's manga S and X: Confession of Therapist, announcing a premiere on August 20. Kento Nakajima will portray the protagonist Ichito Shimotori, and the series will feature additional cast members Yūko Araki as Yumi Ichinose, Ryōta Miura, Sawako Fujima, Aoi Nakamura, Rinka Kumada, Sayaka Yamaguchi, Yūsuke Santamaria, and Shirō Sano. The series, directed by Shōgo Kusano with scripts supervised by Tomoko Yoshida and co‑written by Kusano, Ruriko Matsushima, and Takumi Haba, is based on a manga that began in Kodansha's Evening magazine in August 2021 and concluded with its third volume in August 2022. The story follows a sex therapist who treats clients with various sexual concerns, while dealing with his own issues. The trailer and key art were unveiled on July 28.
Prime Video's Devil's Mouth is a shark thriller directed by Jeff Wadlow and starring Lana Condor and Kathryn Newton. The film follows best friends Max and Sara, whose relationship changes after Sara's father's death and her subsequent depression. The story begins with the group entering a cave system in Thailand, where a bull shark can survive in freshwater. As the characters navigate the caves, the film shows Max as outspoken and Sara as quieter. The shark appears intermittently, attacking the group in the underground passages. The director uses on-screen maps to maintain spatial orientation during the sequences. The review, published by Polygon on July 29, 2026, states that the film's focus on the friendship's dynamics adds substance beyond typical shark movie conventions. The Devil's Mouth is available for streaming on Prime Video.
A camera modification for Baldur's Gate 3, created by modder Relysia, adds a true over‑shoulder view and is available through several required mods, released on July 28, 2026.
The game originally offers a top‑down tactical view or a free movement camera; players have reported difficulty maintaining a specific angle while exploring the world launched in 2023.
The mod requires the Baldur's Gate 3 Script Extender, the Mod Configuration Menu, and the WASD Character Movement mods to function, and it provides an over‑shoulder perspective that can be adjusted in height and zoom distance.
It also allows automatic switching between tactical and third‑person views and supports character changes during running, jumping, crouching, or other actions.
The modder has issued several updates and released YouTube explanations within two weeks of the mod’s initial release.
Player reactions are mixed; some say the new perspective feels like a fresh experience and appreciate the ability to view large structures from lower angles, while others criticize the change as altering the original design, with some describing it as “sacrilegious.”
The modification may increase player engagement with the game three years after launch, and its possible inclusion in future titles such as Divinity remains undetermined.
The September issue of Hakusensha's LaLa magazine announced that new one‑shot chapters of Shinobu Amano's Last Game and Matsuri Hino's Vampire Knight will appear in the August 4 issue, as part of the magazine's 50th anniversary celebration. Both new chapters are part of a series of special one‑shot releases that also include Maid Sama! and Soredemo Otōto wa Koishitagaru, which were published in the July 24 issue. The Last Game chapter depicts a scene in which Yanagi proposes to Kujou. The Vampire Knight chapter shows the characters before they enter high school. Shinobu Amano launched Last Game in LaLa in July 2011 and concluded the series in 2016; the manga was compiled into 11 volumes, the final volume released in December 2025, and is published in English by Seven Seas Entertainment. Matsuri Hino began Vampire Knight in LaLa in 2004, and the series ended with its 19th compiled volume in November 2013; the final volume was released in October 2014 in North America by Viz Media, and an anime adaptation followed in 2008. Vampire Knight: Memories, a separate series that collected bonus chapters, was published in LaLa DX beginning in June 2016 and concluded in August 2025, with its 11th volume issued in December 2025; Viz Media released the 10th volume in October 2025. The 50th anniversary celebration also highlighted the magazine's long history of featuring shōjo manga. The announcement marks a continued effort by LaLa to commemorate its anniversary with new content from established series.
Double Fine announced on Tuesday that it is laying off 23 employees as it becomes an independent studio after Xbox ended its ownership.
The studio, known for titles such as Psychonauts 2, was acquired by Xbox in 2019 and operated as a subsidiary until the recent restructuring that also affected Compulsion Games, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs.
At the time of the layoffs, Double Fine employed roughly 90 staff members, according to Bloomberg reporter Jason Schreier. The reduction represents about a quarter of the workforce.
Founder Tim Schafer said in a Bluesky post that the decision was made to ensure the studio's survival and long‑term sustainability, noting that the cuts are painful but necessary.
Double Fine became independent earlier this month as part of a broader Xbox restructuring that impacted thousands of employees across multiple studios.
Schafer added that the affected employees made significant contributions to the company's games and culture and will be missed.
The studio said it is committed to supporting the displaced workers.
The layoffs mark the first public workforce reduction among the four studios spun off from Xbox, highlighting the financial pressures facing mid‑size game developers in a challenging industry environment.
The staff of Baki THE GRAPPLER STAGE announced on Tuesday that a stage play based on the manga spinoff Baki Gaiden: Retsu Kaioh wa Isekai Tensei Shitemo Ikkō ni Kamawan will run from March 19 to 22, 2027 at Owl Spot, Toshima Ward Performing Arts Exchange Center in Tokyo.
The spinoff manga launched in Akita Shoten’s Monthly Shōnen Champion in 2020 and follows Kenpo master Retsu Kaioh after his reincarnation following a duel with swordsman Musashi Miyamoto.
Riku Noma, who portrayed Retsu Kaioh in two prior stage productions, will reprise the role. Director and writer Daisuke Tanaka returns to lead the production.
The first stage play, Baki THE GRAPPLER STAGE -Chika Tōgiba-hen-, was presented at Shinjuku Face in December 2024, and the second, Baki THE GRAPPLER STAGE 2 -Saikyō Shikeishū-hen-, ran at the same venue in July 2024.
Hideaki Okuzumi choreographed the fight scenes in the earlier productions.
The upcoming run represents the latest live‑action adaptation of the Baki franchise.
Former BioWare producer Mark Darrah said the original Dragon Age trilogy is unlikely to be remastered because the studio no longer possesses the institutional knowledge required for the Aurora engine.
Darra made the comment during an interview with FRVR, recalling that BioWare had planned a "Champion Edition" that would have included Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, and Dragon Age: Inquisition. The first two titles used modified Aurora engines named Eclipse and Lycium, while the third used DICE's Frostbite engine, making a remaster dependent on specialized expertise that is no longer available within the company.
Unlike Mass Effect, which was built on the Unreal 3 engine and received a 2021 Legendary Edition remaster, the Dragon Age titles lack a development team that understands the Aurora engine, Darrah said, adding that no external studio currently has the capability to recreate it. He also noted that EA may be unwilling to form a new team to undertake such a project, despite Darrah's belief that the franchise could achieve commercial success given the influence of recent titles such as Baldur's Gate 3 on the fantasy market.
Earlier this month, former Dragon Age lead writer David Gaider expressed doubt that the series will continue, citing the underperformance of Dragon Age: The Veilguard and subsequent layoffs that left a core team focused on the next Mass Effect installment. EA is also pursuing a $55 billion leveraged buyout led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, which could increase the company's debt load and prompt the sale of studios such as BioWare.
The future of the Dragon Age franchise remains uncertain as BioWare's current resources and ownership structure evolve.
Marvel’s 2022 strategy game Midnight Suns includes supernatural characters that could appear in future MCU films.
The game was developed by Firaxis Games, known for the XCOM series, and released on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
Although it was initially expected to be an XCOM‑styled title with a Marvel skin, Midnight Suns turned into a role‑playing game with tactical combat and character relationships. Critics praised its writing and depth despite modest sales.
The story follows The Hunter, Lilith’s child, as the player leads a team of heroes to confront Lilith and the elder god Chthon. The Abbey serves as the game’s base and provides lore about the supernatural Marvel universe.
Characters such as Ghost Rider, Blade, Magik, and Nico Minoru appear alongside mainstream heroes like Captain America, Iron Man, and Spider‑Man. The game demonstrates that supernatural heroes can be integrated with established Marvel figures without shifting the tone toward horror.
Midnight Suns uses a turn‑based system that employs card‑based abilities; the design generated discussion at launch but later demonstrated strategic complexity.
The game focuses on the Robbie Reyes version of Ghost Rider, while the MCU may depict the character differently. Johnny Blaze appears as a non‑playable character, and speculation exists that a future film could feature Ghost Rider portrayed by Ryan Gosling.
Midnight Suns is currently on sale for $10.49 on console platforms, providing an accessible way to experience this side of the Marvel universe.
Sega has announced a closed network test for Crazy Taxi: World Tour scheduled for September 11-13 in the United States, with registration required by August 31. The test will be available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5, though Sega notes that participant capacity may be limited on some platforms. The announcement follows the game's reveal at the Xbox Games Showcase in June and a new trailer that highlights a West Coast setting. Sega stated that generative artificial intelligence was used to develop background assets, a claim made on the game's Steam page and reiterated in a comment to Game Informer. Franchise creator Kenji Kanno said the team employed generative AI to generate ideas and references, while human developers created the final in‑game assets. Crazy Taxi: World Tour is slated for release in 2027 and will be the first mainline entry in the series since Crazy Taxi 3: High Roller in 2002. The test will provide early feedback on multiplayer features before the scheduled 2027 launch.
Amazon lists the SPORTSROYALS Multi-Function Power Cage for $263.48 with free shipping after applying coupon code O9N6OVK7. The cage requires about 13 square feet of floor space and stands under 8 feet tall, fitting within typical home ceiling heights. It supports up to 1,200 pounds, including equipment. The unit combines a squat rack, power tower, dip bar, and a lat pull‑down system with a 500‑pound rope. Weights are not included. The cage weighs approximately 150 pounds and is constructed mainly of metal. User reviews say assembly takes a few hours, and the manufacturer suggests having assistance. Built‑in storage accommodates a barbell and Olympic weight plates. The discount applies while the coupon code remains active on Amazon's website.
Amazon is offering limited edition Honkai Star Rail power banks and chargers from UGREEN at discounted prices. The items are part of an officially licensed collaboration with Mihoyo, the developer of Honkai Star Rail, and feature artwork of the character Yao Guang. The lineup includes a 65W Nexode Air USB‑C charger and several power banks, all marketed for use with handheld gaming devices such as the Asus ROG Ally X, Xbox Ally X, MSI Claw 8, and Legion Go S. Pricing is higher than that of budget brands like Baseus or Iniu, but UGREEN says the products meet certain safety certifications and have received positive user reviews. The promotion is scheduled to run for a limited period, according to the IGN Deals team.
Capcom reported strong sales in the first half of 2026, with Resident Evil Requiem and the new title Pragmata leading quarterly figures.
Resident Evil Requiem, the ninth installment of the long-running series, has sold more than one million copies in the most recent quarter, bringing its cumulative sales to over eight million since its February launch. The remakes of Resident Evil 2, 3, and 4 sold more units during the same period, helping the franchise reach a total of 213 million units sold across its history.
Pragmata, released in April, has surpassed two and a half million copies sold and was the top‑selling title in Capcom's portfolio for the quarter. Devil May Cry 5 sold nearly 1.3 million units over the past three months, which coincided with the release of the second season of the Netflix series and the game's availability on the Nintendo Switch 2. Monster Hunter World continued to sell, with just under 800,000 units in the quarter, while figures for Monster Hunter Wilds were not reported.
Capcom plans to release Onimusha: Way of the Sword on September 4 and a remake of Resident Evil Veronica, which will reinterpret the original Dreamcast game.
Rockstar has disabled the gambling mini‑games in GTA Online for players accessing the title from Australia.
The restriction followed the implementation of Australia’s online safety code enacted in March 2026, which requires age verification for adult content and classifies games containing simulated gambling as R18+. GTA Online has carried an R18+ rating in Australia since its 2013 release, so the classification itself did not change.
The disabled features include blackjack, slots, poker, roulette, horse racing betting and the Lucky Wheel. All other casino functions remain operational. The change took effect in July 2026, after the introduction of the safety code and after mandatory minimum classifications for gambling‑like content were introduced in September 2024.
Under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, gambling with real money is illegal in Australia. GTA Online uses in‑game currency purchased with real money to buy casino chips, but those purchases are separate from the chips used in the casino and cannot be exchanged for real money.
The restriction places GTA Online among roughly 50 countries where the casino’s gambling features are unavailable, including Portugal, Poland, Argentina, Greece, Luxembourg, South Africa, South Korea, China and Malta.
Rockstar has not responded to requests for comment, and the broader impact on players remains unclear.
The official website for the television anime adaptation of Kei Urana's manga Gachiakuta posted a new promotional video announcing the second season on Wednesday. The site also released flyer artwork that had been shown at Anime Expo and Taiwan's Comic Exhibition earlier this month.
The first season premiered in Japan in July 2025 on CBC, TBS and 26 other channels. Fumihiko Suganuma directed the first season at BONES, while Hiroshi Seko handled the series scripts, Satoshi Ishino designed the characters and served as chief animation director, and Taku Iwasaki composed the music.
Crunchyroll streams the anime in North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East, CIS (excluding Russia and Belarus) and the Indian subcontinent, and provides an English dub. Kodansha USA Publishing is releasing the manga in English, and the 19th compiled volume was published on July 16.
Lightspeed LA said on July 28, 2026 that it is reducing staff and changing the creative direction of its upcoming game Last Sentinel.
The studio, known for developing the narrative‑driven open‑world action title, first revealed Last Sentinel at the 2023 Game Awards. The game follows Hiromi Shoda, an operative in a dystopian Tokyo setting.
In a statement shared with IGN, the company said the new direction is intended to "deliver the experience players expect" after internal reviews and play‑testing indicated the current build did not meet those standards. Lightspeed added that it will provide comprehensive support, including internal transfer opportunities, to affected employees. The firm reiterated its long‑term commitment to North America and its investment in local talent.
Lightspeed launched a motion‑capture and virtual production studio in 2024 and hired voice actor Troy Baker as performance director, who said the facility’s attention to detail supports actors and the creative team. At GDC 2026, the studio announced a new IP framework aimed at scaling AAA production.
Double Fine, the developer of Psychonauts, announced layoffs of a number of staff on the same day.
No release date has been set for Last Sentinel, and the timeline for the revised development plan remains unclear.
Capcom’s Q1 2026 fiscal report indicates that 93.3% of game sales were digital and 6.7% were from physical media. Digital sales were split with 60.4% occurring on PC platforms and 32.9% on consoles, according to the report. The Resident Evil franchise accounted for a large share of the digital sales, contributing to its rise as the third highest‑selling game series in Japan, behind Pokemon and Mario. Resident Evil 2 has surpassed Resident Evil 5 as the series’ best‑selling title, ending the 15‑year dominance of RE 5. Capcom stated in a shareholder Q&A that it will continue manufacturing physical discs, noting a significant number of players still demand them. Online discussions have included criticism of the shift to digital, with some users announcing plans for a PlayStation blackout, though no official policy changes have been announced. The company has not indicated any intention to discontinue physical disc production despite the decline in physical sales. These figures illustrate a broader industry trend toward digital distribution and suggest ongoing uncertainty about the role of physical media.
Kujira Anan concluded the series 'And Yet, You Are So Sweet' with the 60th and final chapter on July 22. The manga, which launched in 2017 in Kodansha’s Dessert Pink supplement, ended its run after Anan announced on her blog on May 17 that the series would conclude in the 60th chapter. Kodansha USA Publishing holds the digital license for the series and released the 14th compiled volume on July 14.
The story follows 16‑year‑old Maaya Kisaragi after her confession to a crush is rebuffed and ridiculed on social media; the most popular student, Chigira‑kun, overhears her distress and offers comfort and an unusual proposal.
Anan began publishing the manga in Dessert Pink, the supplement to Kodansha’s Dessert magazine, and transferred it to the main Dessert magazine in November 2020. The 14th volume was printed on March 13 and made available digitally on July 14. A live‑action film based on the manga opened in Japan in March 2023.
The series will remain available digitally, and Anan plans to continue engaging fans through her blog.
Xbox announced a lineup of 25 games for Gamescom in Cologne, Germany, taking place from August 26 to August 30. The company will present the first live gameplay of Fable, a reboot announced in 2020 and scheduled for release on February 23, 2027, through a combat demonstration. Alien Isolation 2, announced in June and developed by Creative Assembly, will feature a playable demo at the convention. RGG Studios’ Stranger Than Heaven will also have a demo showcasing its combat system across multiple Japanese cities and eras.
Gamescom is the world’s largest game convention by attendance, drawing over 300,000 visitors and 1,500 exhibitors in the previous year. Microsoft is currently reducing its workforce by more than 3,000 employees during the 2026 fiscal year and is seeking positive public relations.
The Microsoft booth will host 140 gaming stations. In addition to the featured titles, the booth will display unreleased games such as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, Gears of War: E‑Day, Minecraft Dungeons 2, Metro 2039, The Blood of Dawnwalker, Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse, and Valor Mortis.
The demos will provide early insight into upcoming releases, and Microsoft has not announced the final schedule for the presentations.
Sega announced a closed network test for Crazy Taxi: World Tour, scheduled for mid‑September, with player signups open until Aug. 31. The test will run from 5 p.m. PDT on Sept. 11 through 5 p.m. PDT on Sept. 13 and will support cross‑play on PlayStation 5, Windows PC via Steam and Xbox, and Xbox Series X. Two multiplayer modes, Pickup Race and Cops ‘N’ Cabbies, will be available in Ranked or Custom matches. The test will feature two maps, four characters and six cars with various tune‑up options. Players can register at the Crazy Taxi: World Tour website. Sega also released a trailer showing the game’s West Coast map, which includes licensed IHOP and Amoeba Music locations, and noted that regional retailers and restaurants will appear in each location. Crazy Taxi: World Tour is planned for release in 2027 on Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Windows PC and Xbox Series X.
Microsoft's Xbox online services were down for several hours earlier this week, preventing players from signing in, making purchases, or accessing games. The disruption stemmed from a licensing service that operates outside the Xbox platform and is used by publishing and store partners. Engineers identified the failing component, rerouted traffic, and restored service gradually across regions. Xbox chief technology officer Scott Van Vliet said the incident was the result of a failure in a single service and described a post‑incident review aimed at understanding why the outage spread so widely and how recovery time could be reduced. He added that Microsoft will strengthen the dependencies that support sign‑in and game launch and improve early detection of service issues. The outage underscores the vulnerability of fully digital gaming ecosystems as physical media become less common and as other companies, including Sony, have faced similar network problems.
Rockstar Games has restricted the gambling feature in Grand Theft Auto Online’s Diamond Casino for Australian players, following the Australian government’s recent online gambling restrictions.
The gambling mini‑games, introduced with the 2019 Diamond Casino heist update, allowed players to wager using in‑game chips that could be purchased with real money but could not be converted to cash.
The feature had been available for more than six years.
Players began reporting the restriction on Reddit, and leaker Tex2 confirmed via a tweet that the game’s code was updated to block access in Australia.
The update also disables the Lucky Wheel, which offers free rewards without using chips.
The ban follows a broader list of jurisdictions where the casino games were previously unavailable, including Argentina, Poland, Greece, and Israel.
The change raises questions about future in‑game gambling features in upcoming titles such as Grand Theft Auto VI, as other countries may also impose similar restrictions.
Amazon UK lists the Philips Shaver Series 5000 with SkinIQ at £99.99, reduced from an RRP of £249.99, representing a 60% discount. The model’s blades operate at 90,000 cycles per minute and the shaving heads rotate 360 degrees. It is waterproof and includes a travel case. The standard Philips Shaver Series 5000 is priced at £74.99, down from £159.99. This version lacks the power‑adjusting feature but shares the same 360‑degree rotating heads and waterproof design. The Philips Electric Shaver Series 3000X is offered at £44.99, reduced from £54.99. It uses SkinProtect technology with 27 self‑sharpening blades that are rated for two years of use and cut at up to 55,000 cycles per minute. Its heads flex to minimize nicks. In addition, skin‑protecting replacement heads for the OneBlade are discounted 29%, priced at £19.92, down from £27.99, and are supplied in packs of two, each lasting approximately four months.
WayForward has been linked to a possible Cyberpunk spin-off brawler titled Gemini, according to a report by MP1st. The report cites a former employee's portfolio that listed a project codenamed Gemini and described it as a 2.5D rollback-driven beat-'em-up with online multiplayer features. Development on the project is said to have begun in 2025 and continued into the present, though WayForward has not confirmed the status. The company previously worked on an unannounced Unreal Engine 5 title based on a licensed franchise, which was reportedly paused in September 2025. WayForward is known for titles such as River City Girls, Shantae, Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp, Contra 4, and The Mummy Demastered. The second season of the Netflix series Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is scheduled for release this fall, and CD Projekt Red continues development of Cyberpunk 2 and The Witcher 4.