Hell Is Us, a semi‑open world action adventure game developed by Rogue Factor, ranked third among Xbox Game Pass titles in August 2026, a position it achieved after joining the service in July. The studio reported that the game has been played by one million users to date. It launched on September 4, 2025, competing with the high‑profile release of Silksong on the same day. The game’s minimalist interface, which provides no maps or quest markers, encourages players to explore the world to discover missions. Hell Is Us features parry‑centric combat and has been described as a soulslike, though critics note its enemy variety is limited. Metacritic assigned a score of 77 based on 60 reviews. Austin Manchester of Polygon gave a positive assessment, highlighting the game’s balanced mission structure and noting he spent extensive time exploring its levels. He also observed that the game’s visual style and design were influenced by Jonathan Jacques‑Belletete, art director on Deus Ex: Human Revolution and Deus Ex: Mankind Divided. Hell Is Us is available on Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and a Nintendo Switch 2 version is scheduled for release on October 8. The game has remained among the top Game Pass titles a year after launch, indicating sustained player interest.
Art, books, film, gaming, and the conversations defining the week.
Episode 5 of the anime series Young Ladies Don't Play Fighting Games is available on Crunchyroll, and the community rating stands at 4.1. The series follows a group of high school girls who pursue competitive fighting games despite traditional expectations for young women. In this episode, the characters Aya and Mio seek permission from Mio’s mother to attend EVO Japan, a major tournament, by describing the trip as a tourist outing with friends. The mother agrees after the girls present a plausible plan, though she voices concerns about their involvement in gaming. The narrative also introduces a Guile player, a distance‑based fighter, which will challenge the team’s strategy. The episode ends with the team preparing for the tournament, leaving their performance and the resolution of family tensions unresolved.
A review published by IGN on August 14, 2025 states that Madden NFL 27 delivers enhancements to its passing system and franchise mode compared with the previous installment.
The Madden series has been updated annually since its debut in 1991, and each iteration introduces incremental changes to gameplay and modes.
The Timing-Based Catch mechanic requires the player to hold a catch button until a meter reaches a green zone, after which a completed pass is more likely; releasing the button outside the zone can result in a drop or deflection, and the mechanic is especially challenging on bullet passes. The updated tackling system adds Conservative and Dive tackle options, and new pass‑rush moves aim to penetrate the offensive line. The Persona Engine, introduced for franchise mode, assigns individual motivations, goals, and contract demands to each player.
Madden Ultimate Team continues to follow a repetitive loop of opening packs, completing challenges, and earning additional packs, with no major alterations observed in the early hours of play. The reviewer notes that graphics, crowd noise, and player animations have been refined, contributing to a more realistic on‑field experience.
The reviewer anticipates publishing a comprehensive assessment early next week, indicating that early impressions suggest a positive direction for the series.
Tom Holland said he can keep Marvel Cinematic Universe secrets. During an interview with Polygon published on August 7, 2026, the actor said he follows a strict protocol to prevent leaks. He stated that he does not discuss plot points with anyone outside the production, that he avoids reading scripts on set, and that he relies on the studio’s confidentiality agreements. Holland added that keeping secrets is part of his responsibility to the franchise and that he has never revealed a major plot detail before a film’s premiere.
Destin Daniel Cretton directed Spider-Man: Brand New Day, a New York‑set superhero film released in August 2026. Cretton incorporated footage from video games and recordings of wingsuit fliers to create flight sequences for the movie. The production combined game engine visuals with real‑world wingsuit data to depict Spider‑Man’s movements. The film’s release date remains pending.
The Legend of Zelda movie has added actress Lydia Peckham to its cast, according to Deadline. Peckham joins Bo Bragason, who is playing Zelda, and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, who is playing Link. Dichen Lachman, known for Severance, will portray Impa, and Yvonna Strahovski will play a queen character. Sam Neill’s role has not been disclosed. Uli Latukefu was previously announced as the actor cast as Ganondorf. The film is directed by Wes Ball, who previously directed Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. Production on the live‑action adaptation wrapped earlier this year, as announced by Nintendo and Sony. The movie is scheduled for release on April 30, 2027. Peckham’s prior credits include Only Cloud Knows, Take Home Pay, the Apple TV series Mr. Corman, the Netflix live‑action Cowboy Bebop series, and her 2024 role as Soona in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.
Big Walk is a co‑op‑only puzzle adventure that requires players to communicate via proximity voice chat.
The game offers no explicit objective; players begin in a playground with blocklike structures, light switches, and character silhouettes, then explore a world featuring foliage and beaches while using arm gestures and vocal cues.
Puzzles are embedded in bright, colored structures such as a green horror house, an orange coliseum, and a blue sound stage, ranging from simple tasks like throwing an orb into a hoop to challenges requiring platforming, blindfolded navigation, and synchronized button presses.
Each solved puzzle awards a red bean that must be returned to a tower, unlocking keys that enable operation of previously inaccessible mechanisms.
The game operates on a day‑night cycle; darkness reduces visibility and often requires players to locate tools such as flashlights or walkie‑talkies, which can be lost or fall from cliffs.
Big Walk supports sessions of two to four plus players, adjusting puzzle difficulty to group size, and it cannot be played solo; the save file is tied to the host, meaning other participants must start a new session when the host is unavailable.
Developed by House House, the title emphasizes cooperative language development, with players creating shared visual and verbal cues to solve timed jumps and multi‑player challenges.
The design underscores how collaborative communication can become the primary mechanic in a multiplayer game, while the host‑dependent save system limits flexibility for groups.
MLB the Show 26 will release a 99‑rated Diamond Dynasty card of pitcher Tarik Skubal on Thursday at noon Pacific time as part of the New Threads Trade Deadline program. Skubal, a two‑time Cy Young Award winner with Detroit, joins a Dodgers rotation that includes several strong starters. The New Threads program also adds 99‑rated cards for Jo Adell and 98‑rated cards for Taylor Ward, Arjun Nimmala, Ryan Zeferjahn, Luke Weaver, Luis Castillo, Liam Hicks, Daulton Varsho and AJ Minter. Skubal said he has no sympathy for those who accuse the Dodgers of buying the best team each year. The Dodgers have experienced a recent decline in performance since the trade. The players’ union and the league are negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement, with a proposed salary cap that may limit Skubal’s participation until 2028.
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick said that rising console prices are unlikely to hinder sales of GTA 6. He added that lower‑priced hardware would be preferable. Zelnick made the remarks during an investor briefing on the company's recent quarterly results. He noted that PC gaming accounted for about 2 % of sales two decades ago and now represents up to 50 % of sales, a trend he expects to continue. He said that while cheaper hardware would be beneficial, the industry's move toward open systems may offset cost concerns. He projected that low‑latency commercial streaming could increase the effective installed base tenfold within three years, though revenue would not necessarily rise tenfold. He added that streaming creates opportunities for games with broad appeal beyond core markets. He noted that console prices are expected to rise again next year and that PC gamers may face limited RAM supply as manufacturers have sold out production for 2027. Zelnick said the company will continue to watch hardware trends and streaming developments as it prepares for the game's release.
Take-Two Interactive forecasted a 20% revenue increase and $8.2 billion in sales for its fiscal year ending March 31 2027, driven by the upcoming launch of GTA 6 in November and strong performance of its existing titles.
Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of Rockstar Games and Zynga, reported that GTA 6 will account for about 37% of total revenue, Zynga 34%, and 2K label games 29%.
The company expects the current fiscal year, running from April 1 2026 to March 31 2027, to be profitable, with revenue rising from the previous year's level. GTA 5, the second‑best‑selling game of all time, and Red Dead Redemption 2 continue to generate significant income through ongoing microtransactions.
Take‑Two highlighted NBA 2K26 as a recent earnings driver, noting that microtransaction sales have boosted its performance. The publisher also plans to release NBA 2K27 on September 4, and will present an extended GTA 6 preview on Netflix.
It is developing titles such as Judas, Project Ethos, and a new BioShock, though release dates have not been announced.
Analysts will monitor how the projected growth materializes as the company finalizes its release schedule.
SAG‑AFTRA’s summer 2026 quarterly magazine reported that voice actor Michael Donovan died on March 4. He was 72 at the time of his death and would have turned 73 on June 12. Donovan provided voice work for several anime series, including the role of Ryoga Hibiki in the original Ranma ½, Cye Mouri in Ronin Warriors, Zouken Matou in Fate/stay night: Heaven's Feel, and Master Roshi in an older dub of Dragon Ball. He also appeared as Primus in Transformers: Cybertron. His credits extended to series such as Mike The TV, Phong in ReBoot, Guile in Street Fighter, Jack Hollister in Skysurfer Strike Force, Wes Weasley in The Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog, Eggplant Wizard in Captain N: The Game Master, and Sabertooth in X‑Men: Evolution. Fellow voice actor Ian James Corlett announced the news on his Instagram page after learning of the death from the magazine. Donovan’s performances remain available in the dubbed and subtitled versions of the series in which he appeared.
Natalie Wynn, a streamer and video essayist who performs under the name ContraPoints, revisited video games that she had previously considered off‑limits. She streams gameplay on a channel called ContraPointsLive and focuses on low‑fidelity horror titles. At an event called videogamesnewyork in the East Village, she examined shelves of games and highlighted titles such as Gauntlet Dark Legacy. She described The Sims as reflecting silent indifference. The full video essay is available on Shelf Quest.
Episode 6 of Chainsmoker Cat follows Yaku and landlord Oya on a drive during the early morning hours. The scene shows the two characters conversing while Yaku lights a cigarette. Later, Saori works on a manga deadline with assistance from three catgirl members of Beast Hands, who seek her approval for their work. The assistants display enthusiasm but require frequent guidance. Penpen’s public statements about an ascetic lifestyle are noted as stemming from personal hardship. Aru’s drunken departure from the city is mentioned without further comment. The review published by Anime News Network reports a community score of 4.1 for the episode. Chainsmoker Cat is available for streaming on Netflix and OceanVeil.
Jeff VanderMeer announced on Bluesky that he will publish a fifth and final novel in his Southern Reach series titled 'Abdication'. The book is scheduled for release on October 12, 2027 by Macmillan Publishers. The Southern Reach series began with 2014's Annihilation, followed by Authority in 2016, Acceptance in 2018, and Absolution in 2024. The books follow a secret agency that oversees a remote region known as Area X. The first novel was adapted into a 2018 film directed by Alex Garland and starring Natalie Portman. IGN reviewer Jim Vejvoda wrote a review of the film. VanderMeer posted a teaser excerpt and a photograph of the manuscript's table of contents on Bluesky. Macmillan Publishers said the book will be available for preorder on Amazon. Jesse Deed, a staff writer for IGN, reported the announcement. The upcoming novel marks the end of the Southern Reach series, and no further installments have been announced.
Musician Yoshiki and The Pokémon Company announced donations to support relief after the July 28 earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, and the wildfires affecting France and...
Musician Yoshiki and The Pokémon Company announced donations to support relief after the July 28 earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, and the wildfires affecting France and Spain.
The earthquake measured 6.8 magnitude and struck at 4:27 p.m. local time, killing 38 people, leaving 48,300 households without power and 84,000 households without running water, according to The Japan Times. Around 9,000 residents were evacuated to shelters. Aftershocks caused an explosion at Aeon Mall Kumamoto in Kashima, killing at least seven people, and a smokestack collapse at Nippon Paper Industries resulted in nine employee deaths, the newspaper reported.
The Pokémon Company contributed 100 million yen, equivalent to about US$630,000, to Kumamoto Prefecture, the Japanese Red Cross Society and other relief organizations, a press release said. Yoshiki contributed 10 million yen, about US$63,000, to the Japanese Red Cross Society, the company said. He also contributed 100,000 euros, roughly US$120,000, to the French Red Cross and 100,000 euros to the Spanish Red Cross, a statement from his X/Twitter account indicated. Yoshiki said the disasters were affecting people in Japan, France and Spain.
Relief operations in Kumamoto continue, with authorities coordinating shelter, medical care and water distribution, while European fire agencies monitor high temperatures and evacuate affected areas. The Japanese government and international partners have not announced additional funding measures at this time.
Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls launched on PC and PS5 on August 6, 2026. Steam user reviews are mixed, with 44% positive out of 2,561 reviews. Players report problems including mandatory PlayStation Network accounts, Linux incompatibility, low frame rates, and netcode instability. The game features a roster that includes characters such as Spider‑Man, Doctor Doom, Wolverine, and Iron Man, and was developed by Arc System Works. Criticism focuses on technical barriers. Users note that a PlayStation Network account is required to launch the game, which blocks access in more than 100 countries. Linux players say the lack of native support conflicts with the availability of Proton for other Marvel titles. Some users report frame rates below 45 fps, describing the performance as below expectations for a fighting game. Additional complaints involve Steam Deck compatibility and anti‑cheat integration. Arc System Works issued a statement acknowledging performance concerns and encouraging players to submit feedback. The studio said it is investigating the reports and will address issues as they arise. The launch remains scheduled, but the technical problems have tempered initial reception.
Brandon Sanderson rated the 2008 Speed Racer film a perfect 10 out of 10 during a weekly podcast with co‑host Dan Wells. He said the movie showcases the Wachowskis’ creative strengths and was underappreciated at its release. The film earned $94 million worldwide, received a 42 % rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 6.1 rating on IMDb, reflecting modest box‑office performance and mixed critical reception. IGN’s 2008 review gave the film a 9 out of 10, describing it as brilliantly conceived and fast‑paced. Earlier this year the movie was released in a limited‑edition 4K and Blu‑ray steelbook that sold out, and it remains available in 4K for $24.99 on Amazon, indicating renewed fan interest.
His Majesty the Demon King's Housekeeper manga will conclude with its next chapter in the November issue of Monthly Princess, which is set for release in October. The series began serialization in Monthly Princess in February 2019. Akita Shoten released the 13th compiled volume on April 16, and Seven Seas Entertainment publishes the English edition. The story follows Sakura, a student on a school cleaning committee who is transported to a world where a curse prohibits cleaning magic, leading her to work with the demon king to bring order to the kingdom. The series will end in October, marking the completion of its run.
Pokémon Pokopia's Bubbly Basin DLC includes six treasure maps that point to decorative Poké Ball items, which are required to build a mermaid's gym habitat for Starmie.
The maps are obtained by digging glowing spots on the Bubbly Basin map and are available only to players with the DLC. The treasure locations can be reached without using the maps.
Treasure Map #1 rewards a Decorative Great Ball and is found beside the Pokémon Center in Bubbly Basin, after descending stairs on the left side of the bathing house and destroying a wall of blue rocks behind a bench. Treasure Map #2 rewards a Decorative Heal Ball and is located northeast of the ocean temple, after swimming past a tall red‑roofed building to the area where Barboach appears during the request "Build the Beautiful Building!" and breaking ground blocks near a large coral. Treasure Map #3 rewards a Decorative Dive Ball and is found east of the main square, after breaking a wall of dirt blocks to reach the abandoned gym, turning south and destroying a wall of star‑spotted rocks to enter the room with the Dive Ball. Treasure Map #4 rewards a Decorative Net Ball and is located in the cave northwest of the main square, the same area where Frillish appears during the request "Build the Beautiful Building!"; after entering the cave and jumping back into the water, breaking net blocks and proceeding past tracks and blue crystals, the wall of blue rock on the southeastern side can be destroyed to access the room with the Net Ball. Treasure Map #5 rewards a Decorative Lure Ball and is found near a house with a yellow mailbox on the northeast side of the map, close to portal pods, by digging on the west side of the building near coral. Treasure Map #6 rewards a Decorative Quick Ball and is located in the southern part of the map near the Bubbly Basin gate; traveling north, descending stairs, turning west and breaking star‑spotted rocks behind a ruined house leads to the room containing the Quick Ball.
To create the mermaid's gym habitat, place the six decorative Poké Balls on the six exhibition stands found inside the abandoned gym east of the main square, then locate a marine sofa, which can be crafted using a known recipe.
Additional guides for portal pods and a Starmie doll are available, and a Bubbly Basin habitat dex has been updated.
Polygon demonstrated Lego's Pokémon Smart Play sets on August 7, 2026, a day before the products are scheduled to go on sale on August 1. The hands‑on session showcased the building pieces and the interactive features that accompany the physical toys. The sets are part of Lego's broader Pokémon collaboration, which previously included themed building kits and licensed merchandise.
Katsushi Murakami, mechanical designer and toy planner, died on July 20 at age 83. He was born on September 23, 1942 in Gifu, Japan. Murakami began his career at Bandai in 1961 and later worked for its subsidiary Popy. He contributed mechanical design to anime series such as Shin Tetsujin 28, Gold Lightan, Machine Robo: Battle Hackers, Video Warrior Laserion, Reideen the Brave, Gekisō! Rubenkaiser, Kishin Taisen Gigantic Formula, and Space Adventure Cobra, and designed vehicles for the F‑Zero Falcon Densetsu anime. He served as planner for 3x3 Eyes, Little Twins, and Super Dimensional Fortress Macross II: The Movie, and created toys for tokusatsu and sentai programs including Kamen Rider. He is known for developing the Chogokin line of metal robot toys, which referenced the Chogokin alloy used in the Mazinger Z mecha. His health had been poor earlier in the year, and the cause of death was not disclosed publicly.
THQ Nordic hosted a digital showcase in 2026 that presented new trailers and announcements for a variety of video games. Among the titles featured were Let's Sing 2027, which will include 35 songs from artists such as Ariana Grande and Chappell Roan and an ABBA song pack releasing on November 3 to mark the 50th anniversary of Dancing Queen. Pinball FX, a collection of pinball tables featuring franchises such as Peanuts and Star Wars, was shown to be available on multiple PC and console platforms. Reanimal announced downloadable content called The Prisoner, adding environmental puzzles and challenges to the existing game. Expeditions: Samurai, a tactical turn‑based game in early access on PC, will receive three major updates focusing on balance, exploration, stealth, and combat. Titan Quest 2 presented new Spirit Mastery skills in its trailer while remaining in early access. Call to Arms: Panzer Elite released an update adding two missions and the M18 Hellcat and M24 Chaffee tanks. Way of the Hunter 2 is scheduled for release on September 29 for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. The Eternal Life of Goldman, without a release date, will launch on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. The Guild: Europa 1410 will enter early access in September, allowing players to manage a medieval kingdom. Wreckfest 2 continued its early‑access development with a sizzle reel trailer. Gothic 1 Remake, launched earlier this year, plans updates including photo mode, mod support, and alternative progression. The Gothic Classic Trilogy will see Gothic Classic released now, Gothic 2: Complete Classic on September 29, and Gothic 3 Classic on November 24. Gothic: A Shadow's Quest will launch via the Gamefound crowdfunding platform on September 30. Several THQ Nordic titles, including Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed, Sacred 2 Remaster, SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide, and Destroy All Humans 2 Remake, are available or coming to Nintendo Switch. THQ Nordic said the showcase highlighted games across niche genres and provided updates for titles already in early access or released.
Take-Two Interactive said GTA 6 will launch on November 19 for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S without an early access option. The company's CEO, Strauss Zelnick, explained during the quarterly earnings call that pricing decisions are made by Rockstar Games. Zelnick said the standard $80 and ultimate $100 editions are the only preorder options and that the studio aims to provide value to consumers. He added that other pricing models were possible but the focus remains on delivering more value than the price. Preorders are high but can be cancelled before the launch date. The company forecasts a 20% revenue increase for the current fiscal year driven by GTA 6. Early access is used by other publishers such as Microsoft for Forza Horizon 6 and the special edition of Gears of War: E-Day but not for GTA 6. An extended preview of the game will be shown on Netflix on August 27 for subscribers.
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick said during the company's earnings call on August 1 that preorder figures for Grand Theft Auto VI, which opened for preorder in late June, represent an unprecedented level of demand across the industry. He added that high preorder numbers do not guarantee strong sales and that no units have been sold yet, noting that preorders can be cancelled. Zelnick declined to provide specific sales forecasts, saying the company will wait until the game's release. He described the preorder interest as astonishing and expressed gratitude to fans while emphasizing a realistic outlook. Take-Two confirmed the game is scheduled for release on November 19 and will be priced at $80, which it calls phenomenal value.
Take-Two Interactive confirmed that Grand Theft Auto 6 is still on track to launch on November 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. During the company's quarterly earnings call on August 7, CEO Strauss Zelnick said the first‑quarter results reflected a strong portfolio and disciplined execution across all labels. He added that the company is maintaining its Fiscal 2027 net bookings outlook of $8 billion to $8.2 billion, citing excitement around the November 19 launch. Take‑Two noted that the game has been delayed previously, moving from a May 2026 date to the current November schedule, and that a former Rockstar employee said a further delay of up to six months was possible. Fans will receive an extended preview of the game on August 27 via a Netflix‑hosted stream that will be available only with a subscription. Some observers expressed concern about the pay‑wall restrictions on the upcoming trailer. Take‑Two did not respond to requests for comment beyond the statements made during the earnings call.
The official website for the anime series PuniRunes announced that the fourth season, titled PuniRunes Puni 4, will premiere on October 4 at 9:15 a.m. Japan Standard Time.
The series follows the daily life of soft, squishy creatures known as Puni and a fourth‑grade girl named Yuka who loves them. The first season aired on TV Tokyo and TV Osaka from October 2022 to March 2023, followed by a second season in October 2024 and a third season in July 2025.
Kunihiko Yuyama served as chief director for the first two seasons, while Kentarō Yamaguchi directed the inaugural season at OLM Digital. Script supervision was handled by Kunihiko Ichikawa for the first three seasons, and Sayuri Ichiishi designed the characters. Spin Master began streaming the series on YouTube in September 2024 and released the associated toy line in the United States.
The new season will be set in a location called Puni School, though further plot details have not been disclosed.
From August 2 to August 8, 2025, a variety of anime, manga, light novels, audiobooks, and video games were released in North America. The weekly schedule reflects regular publishing cycles for manga, light novels, and related media, with most titles arriving on August 4 and a few on August 5 or 6.
Viz Media issued the Rooster Fighter Limited Edition Blu‑ray on August 4 for US$109.98. The same day, Viz Media published Black Clover Graphic Novel volume 37, Blue Box volume 21, The Bugle Call: Song of War volume 8, Colette Decides to Die volume 8, Crescent Moon Marching volume 1 (paperback) and hardcover, among other manga titles, each with suggested retail prices ranging from US$6.99 to US$24.99. Digital manga releases included titles such as All Eyes on Nekoyashiki‑kun! volume 14 from Kodansha USA (US$10.99) and Black Clover volume 37 from Viz Media (US$6.99) on August 4, with additional titles released on August 5, including Anyway, I'm Falling in Love with You volume 14 from J‑Novel Club (US$8.99) and I Want to Escape from Princess Lessons volume 7 (US$8.99). Print novels released on August 4 included 7th Time Loop: The Villainess Enjoys a Carefree Life Married to Her Worst Enemy! short story collection (Seven Seas, US$15.99), Reincarnated as a Dragon Hatchling Novel 14 (Seven Seas, US$15.99), and Reincarnated as a Sword Novel 19 (Seven Seas, US$15.99). Digital novels appeared on August 4, 5, and 6, with titles such as Return of the Corpse King: Reining in My Cringe Secret Society Novel 2 (J‑Novel Club, US$7.99) and Hell Mode Novel 12 (J‑Novel Club, US$7.99). Audiobooks released on August 4 and 6 included Adachi and Shimamura: Short Stories Novel 2 (Seven Seas, US$24.99) and Baccano! Novel 10 (Yen Press, US$25.98). Video game releases featured Beast of Reincarnation for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC on August 4 (US$59.99) and Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls for PlayStation 5 and PC on August 6 (US$59.99).
The release schedule continues beyond the August 2‑8 window, with further titles expected in subsequent weeks.
Take-Two Interactive announced that marketing for Grand Theft Auto VI will be carried out on many social media platforms, according to CEO Strauss Zelnick, who spoke during the August 7 earnings call. Zelnick described Netflix as a marketing partner and said the arrangement is part of Rockstar’s strategy. He said the company is enthusiastic about the rollout but declined to provide details about the partnership terms. Some observers have expressed concern that the extended trailer could strain Netflix’s servers and may be reposted elsewhere, and others have noted that a game trailer should not be paywalled.
Netflix offers a selection of ten science‑fiction series that have received consistently strong reviews across their full runs. The streaming platform’s library includes adaptations, original miniseries, and ongoing shows that span various tones and formats. 1. 11.22.63 – an eight‑episode miniseries based on Stephen King’s novel; it follows a time‑traveling teacher attempting to prevent the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and stars James Franco. 2. Maniac – a Netflix original miniseries created by Patrick Somerville; it stars Jonah Hill and Emma Stone and follows two participants in a three‑day experimental drug trial that explores shared fantasies over ten episodes. 3. Bodies – a series based on a DC graphic novel that unfolds across four time periods—1890, 1941, 2023, and 2053—each episode investigating the same corpse found in London; it comprises eight episodes. 4. The Tick – two live‑action series featuring Patrick Warburton in the first nine‑episode run and Peter Serafinowicz in a second series with two seasons totaling 22 episodes; both focus on the superhero and his sidekick Arthur. 5. Orphan Black – a Canadian series starring Tatiana Maslany as a woman who discovers she is a clone; the show runs for five seasons with 50 episodes. 6. Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous – a children’s series set on Isla Nublar that follows campers and counselors surviving dinosaur escapes; it aired for five seasons and 50 episodes. 7. Pantheon – a series about mind uploading that follows characters connected to rival technology companies Logorhythms and Alliance Telecom; it consists of 16 episodes. 8. Cassandra – a German horror series in which a family moves into a 1970s smart home and activates an AI robot named Cassandra, whose behavior becomes increasingly manipulative; the six‑episode series unfolds as a slow burn. 9. Dark – a German series by Baran bo Odar and Jantje Friese that follows four families investigating a missing child and a time‑travel conspiracy; it spans three seasons with 26 episodes. 10. Resident Alien – a sci‑fi comedy starring Alan Tudyk as an alien who crash‑lands in Colorado, assumes a doctor’s identity, and questions his mission; the show runs for four seasons with 44 episodes.
Dwayne Johnson responded to mixed reviews of Disney's live-action Moana after the film earned $95 million in its opening weekend and $261 million worldwide as of the fourth weekend, against a $250 million budget. The movie received a 31 percent critic rating and an 88 percent audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 6/10 score from IGN.
The live-action adaptation of the 2016 animated feature opened in May and features Johnson reprising his role as Maui. He said he has experience dealing with criticism from a long career in entertainment.
Johnson told People that the first reviews were positive but that later reviews changed. He said, “Our first two reviews came out… They were amazing. I was like, wow. Then the reviews went another way.” He added that “if you love it, great. If you don’t, no problem.” He emphasized that the film's cultural representation mattered, stating, “the culture really stood up” and that the movie allowed Polynesian families to see themselves on screen.
His wife, Lauren Hashian, said the film's universal themes of family, love, loss and perseverance resonated with her, especially as a mother watching with her children.
The film's underperformance at the box office contrasted with Disney's continued development of live-action remakes, including a Tangled adaptation that is currently in production, as indicated by set leaks showing early cast looks. Johnson previously addressed criticism about his Maui wig, saying he laughed off the comments.
The situation illustrates how audience and critic reception can influence a film's commercial trajectory while studios continue to pursue adaptation projects.
New footage from a 2007 presentation by Japan Studio reveals that the early prototype of Demon’s Souls included a selectable first‑person perspective, according to Lance McDonald, a dataminer who posted the material on August 7, 2026. The PowerPoint slides, created with Microsoft PowerPoint 2007, outlined the game’s premise and early mechanics, including a camera system that initially used a fixed third‑person view. The recorded prototype shows a player fighting enemies in first‑person, a mode that could be toggled to change the experience. In the final game, characters are controlled in an unfixed third‑person camera that can be turned freely, with optional lock‑on targeting. The prototype also employed a fixed camera that followed the player and used the left stick for strafing and backstepping, a control scheme described as similar to The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, before being changed. Unused enemy designs, such as snake‑headed humanoids and a crocodile, were displayed, as well as a ghost system later retained in subsequent titles. One slide referenced a South Park screenshot of Eric Cartman addicted to World of Warcraft, used to illustrate a stereotypical MMORPG gamer. The discovery follows McDonald’s earlier find of an unused cutscene in Elden Ring’s files.
Palworld 1.0, released on Steam, Xbox, and PS5, has been praised for its accessible introduction to survival game mechanics, according to IGN. The game costs $29.99, with discounts available through third‑party sellers.
The survival genre has remained popular, but many titles present steep learning curves that can deter new players.
Palworld 1.0 includes a series of guided missions that teach players to gather wood, craft tools, capture and utilize creatures called Pals, and construct bases. These early tasks enable players to progress without being overwhelmed by the game's systems.
While some players note that the game's initial difficulty was reduced compared with earlier builds, others have indicated that the learning curve remains challenging for those who prefer a more gradual onboarding experience.
Palworld 1.0 remains available on multiple platforms, and the developer continues to support the title with updates and additional content.
Tom Holland, Jon Bernthal, and Jacob Batalon sat down with Polygon on August 7, 2026 to answer questions about the upcoming film Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Spider-Man: Brand New Day is a new entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, following the previous Spider-Man films and series. The film is expected to continue the story of Peter Parker after the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home. During the interview, the three actors addressed inquiries about the movie's plot, its characters, and the production process. They also discussed their experiences reprising their roles and the expectations for the film within the broader Marvel storyline. The interview ends without a confirmed release date, leaving the timeline for Spider-Man: Brand New Day uncertain.
After LEGO retired a number of sets in July, about twelve of them remained listed at Amazon at the original manufacturer’s suggested retail price.
Retailers typically offer discounts before a set’s retirement to clear inventory, but once retirement is announced discounts disappear and stock becomes limited. Amazon has remained one of the few online retailers where retired sets can still be purchased at MSRP, though third‑party sellers may list them at higher prices.
The LEGO Transformers Bumblebee set, one of three transformer models, is still listed at MSRP. The LEGO Architecture Great Pyramid of Giza set, first released in 2022 and the only LEGO pyramid model, is also available at the original price. In the Star Wars line, the Obi‑Wan Kenobi starfighter and the AT‑ET Walker sets, which target younger age groups, remain listed at MSRP and include notable minifigures.
Earlier in July, the Legend of Zelda Great Deku Tree set and the Dungeons & Dragons Red Dragon's Tale set sold out before retirement, demonstrating strong demand for popular releases. Jacob Kienlen, senior audience development strategist and writer for IGN, reported the availability information.
Availability may decline as remaining inventory is exhausted, and LEGO continues to retire sets on a regular basis.
The original Pokémon television series is now streaming on Disney+, with 27 of the approximately 80 episodes of the Indigo League arc available. Netflix continues to offer the first 52 episodes, matching the original North American broadcast schedule, while Disney+ lists the episodes under the broader title "Pokémon the Series: The Beginning." Both platforms omit episode 18, "Beauty and the Beach," which was heavily edited when it originally aired. The remaining 26 episodes are available free with advertisements on YouTube and Tubi, and are included in Warner Home Video's 2014 DVD release. Disney+ also streams later seasons such as Sun & Moon and a selection of Pokémon movies. Disney acquired the streaming license for the original series earlier this year and has secured broadcast rights, returning the show to Disney XD schedules. Company officials have not specified plans for completing the full Indigo League collection or offering the entire series on either platform. Pokémon is celebrating its 30th anniversary with new trading card game releases, in‑game events for Pokémon Go, and LEGO product lines. The mainline video game series will not release a new title in 2026, though a new co‑op game called Pokémon Pokopia and a preview of the upcoming Gen 10, Winds and Waves, have been announced. Disney+ is expanding its content portfolio through a partnership with TikTok to feature user‑generated short videos and has explored an ad‑supported tier during its latest earnings call, though no launch has been confirmed. It remains unclear whether the complete Indigo League arc or the full series will ever be offered on Disney+ or Netflix.
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick said AI tools will not replace employees during the company's latest investment call. He emphasized that creativity is the core of Take-Two, which employs about 13,000 people worldwide, and said technology can enhance creative work but should not replace human developers. Zelnick added that AI is unlikely to lower development costs, but could improve game quality. He said the company will not use AI as a reason to cut staff, a point he made in a 2025 investor call. Zelnick said Grand Theft Auto 6 is scheduled for November 19 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S and that pre‑orders are unprecedented, indicating strong demand. He predicted the title will support a highly profitable fiscal year for Take-Two. Analysts note that the game’s anticipated success could influence the broader entertainment market, though the impact of AI on development remains uncertain. Whether AI will reshape the industry while preserving creative roles remains an open question.
The network test for From Software's upcoming game The Duskbloods is open to a limited number of players, and participants can verify their selection on the official website beginning August 18 at 6 a.m. Pacific time. To check eligibility, users must open the three‑line menu in the upper right corner of the site, select Account, and view the results on their personal page.
The test runs on the following schedule: Friday, August 21 from 3 a.m. to 7 a.m. Pacific time and from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Pacific time; Saturday, August 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pacific time; and Sunday, August 23 from 3 a.m. to 7 a.m. Pacific time and from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Pacific time. Selected participants will receive a download code starting at 6 a.m. Pacific time on August 18.
From Software has not announced a release date, but the game is planned for the Switch 2 platform, which Nintendo expects to launch later this year.
Take-Two Interactive announced that Grand Theft Auto VI will launch on November 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S at a price of $80, exceeding its usual $70 launch price for most new titles.
Since 2020 the company has priced the majority of its new releases at $70, making the $80 tier unusual for a major game.
In a call with investors after its quarterly earnings, CEO Strauss Zelnick said the company aims to deliver way more value to consumers than the price it charges, noting that the real cost of a AAA game is lower than it was two decades ago. He added that Take‑Two seeks to overdeliver on the value of GTA 6, which Rockstar Games has historically emphasized.
Zelnick said the company does not intend to maximize price but rather to balance cost with the experience offered.
Analysts expect the launch to increase Take‑Two’s revenue for the current fiscal year, though specific targets have not been disclosed.
The price point remains under observation as the industry watches how consumers respond.
Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls released on PC today, but users reported performance problems that differ from the PlayStation 5 version. Developer Arc System Works said the PC version had issues during an open beta in the previous month and pledged a day one patch to address them. Players on Reddit described dropped frame rates and stuttering across a range of hardware, including high‑end systems with RTX 5090 graphics cards and Ryzen 9 7950X processors. The issues also prevented the game from launching on Steam Deck under SteamOS/Linux. A community manager on the Discord server noted that requesting Linux support was comparable to asking for a Switch port. Arc System Works released patch notes indicating optimizations for PC, such as reduced CPU load from character animation updates, UI improvements, and fixes for overlay and capture software performance, as well as adjustments to graphics quality settings and shader warm‑up behavior. The patch also addressed input lag on PS5 and resolved several online and client stability problems. The developer has outlined a roadmap that includes the addition of Phoenix Cyclops as the first post‑launch fighter later this fall, with potential for other members of the Phoenix Five to follow.
Memoirium, a new action RPG by solo developer GoldenGratus, will launch on Windows PC on Aug 13. The game presents a dream-themed world that merges elements from Dark Souls, Inception and the Backrooms.
The setting is a surreal realm of interconnected locations that shift between medieval castles, graveyards, sci‑fi environments and modern spaces. Retro PS1‑style graphics contribute to a liminal atmosphere, and the narrative is driven by the player’s role as the Dreamer.
Gameplay follows classic Soulslike mechanics: stamina management, light and heavy attacks, blocking, dodging, and the collection of weapons, spells and equipment across eight dungeons. Passive‑buffing keepsakes replenish at specific points, and a customizable “Your Room” offers a personal space for decoration with items such as a desktop computer, a bed and a desk.
The title is supported by Outersloth, an indie game fund created by Innersloth in 2024, which has previously funded games like Flock Around and Dosa Divas. Memoirium will be available on Steam, and its critical reception upon release remains to be seen.
Actress Sadie Sink declined to discuss the upcoming Spider‑Man: Brand New Day film, a Marvel Studios project slated for release in the near future, when asked by reporters on August 7, 2026, according to a Polygon report. The film is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and has generated anticipation among fans, though no official release date has been announced. Sink was approached during a promotional appearance for another project and stated she would not provide further details. The studio has not released additional information about the movie’s plot or production timeline, and Sink’s refusal to comment leaves her potential involvement unclear.
Sega will auction a custom motorcycle themed after Shadow the Hedgehog on October 10-11, 2026 as part of The Autumn Stafford Sale, and will donate the proceeds to the Luca Guintoli Foundation.
The motorcycle was built by Bourget's Bike Works in collaboration with Sega, Oil Sweat & Gears, and Atmospherics SFX. It is equipped with a 1,750cc S&S Super Stock engine, Edelbrock cylinder heads, and an Ultimate six-speed gearbox, and is painted in Shadow’s red-and-black color scheme. The fuel tank is a foam dummy and the bike is not operational.
Sega commissioned the bike as part of the 2024 Fearless: Year of Shadow campaign to promote the character’s appearance in the Sonic 3 film. Bonhams said the auction may represent the first time Sega memorabilia has been offered for public sale.
Sylvain Guintoli, a French World Superbike champion and two-time Le Mans winner, created the Luca Guintoli Foundation in memory of his son Luca, who died of cancer at age six. The foundation provides financial assistance, education, and practical support to children with autism or cancer in England and Wales.
Aaron Kirby, Sega’s Senior Partnerships Manager, said the project was a concept that could raise money for the charity. Guintoli said the foundation was established to do something positive in Luca’s name. In April 2026, Guintoli completed the London Marathon wearing a racing suit featuring the Sonic the Hedgehog character, setting a world record for running in motorcycle leathers.
The auction will be held at the British MotoGP event at Silverstone this weekend, and interested bidders can register online.