Warner Bros. announced that a sequel to the 2023 game Hogwarts Legacy is in development. The original game sold 40 million copies and topped sales charts in 2023, making it one of the best‑selling titles of the year. Warner Bros. said the sequel is a priority for its pipeline and future revenue. The company included the planned sequel in its recent earnings report, stating that upcoming titles, including the second installment, are expected to enhance segment profitability as the pipeline expands. No release window or design details were disclosed. The first game, released in 2023, benefits from an existing map of Hogwarts and surrounding areas that could be reused to accelerate development. The company noted that the success of the franchise also supports a forthcoming HBO television series rebooting the Harry Potter universe, which may generate renewed interest in a sequel. Industry analysts expect the sequel could appear on a launch platform for the next PlayStation console, speculated for 2027, but no official timeline has been set. The announcement underscores Warner Bros.’ focus on expanding the Harry Potter brand across games and television, though a specific release date remains unconfirmed.
Art, books, film, gaming, and the conversations defining the week.
RedOctane, a division of Embracer Group, announced the first 25 songs for its Stage Tour music game on Thursday.
Stage Tour follows the gameplay model of Guitar Hero and Rock Band, allowing players to use guitar, drums, keyboard or vocals either alone or with others.
The game is planned for release on console and PC later this year, and RedOctane said more songs will be added during Gamescom this month.
The setlist includes "RATATATA" by BABYMETAL & Electric Callboy.
The setlist includes "Get The Funk Out" by Extreme.
The setlist includes "Square Hammer" by Ghost.
The setlist includes "Mimi's Delivery Service" by Good Kid.
The setlist includes "Dani California" by Red Hot Chili Peppers.
The setlist includes "Terminator Oscillator" by Static-X.
The setlist includes "Island In The Sun" by Weezer.
The setlist includes "Bite Me" by Avril Lavigne.
The setlist includes "Airhead" by Honey Revenge.
The setlist includes "For A Pessimist, I'm Pretty Optimistic" by Paramore.
The setlist includes "Do Me Like That" by The Paradox.
The setlist includes "Jane!" by The Long Faces.
The setlist includes "The Unknowing" by Jfarrari.
The setlist includes "Siren" by Castle Rat.
The setlist includes "Broken Dreams, Inc." by Rise Against.
The setlist includes "Psychosocial" by Slipknot.
The setlist includes "The Motherload" by Mastodon.
The setlist includes "The End" by Mammoth.
The setlist includes "Blind and Frozen" by Beast In Black.
The setlist includes "Just Like Heaven" by The Cure.
The setlist includes "Just" by Radiohead.
The setlist includes "Just Pretend" by Bad Omens.
The setlist includes "In the Stars" by The Rolling Stones.
The setlist includes "All Star" by Smash Mouth.
The setlist includes "Starlight" by Muse.
RedOctane partnered with Gibson's Kramer to create a dedicated guitar controller and offers a modulator guitar kit.
In-game guitars are available from Gibson, Epiphone and Kramer, including the Gibson SG model.
RedOctane said additional tracks will be announced later this summer, and the game is slated for launch later this year.
Control Resonant, an action‑RPG developed by Remedy Entertainment, will launch on September 24 and will not feature a parry mechanic. Parrying, a defensive maneuver that counters an opponent’s attack, is a staple of many modern action games, including Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Doom: The Dark Ages, and Beast of Reincarnation. Remedy Entertainment director Mikael Kasurinen told IGN that the game was designed so that offensive action serves as defense, and that a parry mechanic was tested but did not align with the intended fast‑paced experience. The game will provide the Aberrant, which can be used as dual blades for rapid strikes or transformed into a hammer to break defenses. A $70 digital deluxe edition on PlayStation 5 grants 48 hours of early access before the public release. The title will explore themes of trauma and redemption.
The official website for the live‑action film of Ryō Nakama’s manga High School Family: Kokosei Kazoku announced seven additional cast members on Thursday, with a release date set for January 8 in Japan. The manga, which ran in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump from September 2020 to February 2023 and concluded with its 11th volume in July 2023, follows high school student Kotaro and his family. The film is directed by Tôichirô Rutô, known for live‑action Violence Action and G Men, and scripted by Makoto Ueda, who wrote The Tatami Galaxy and Night is Short, Walk on Girl. The newly announced cast includes Yoshihiko Inohara as Tatsuya Aoyama, Onoe Matsuya as Tsuyoshi Kawatō, Shingo Yanagisawa as the Principal, Naoto Takenaka as Tomohiro Kiryu, Sei Matobu as Maki Yashiki, Yumi Adachi as Hanae Yumiki, and Munenori Nagano as Takumi Chinen. Earlier cast members announced for the film are Yuno Nagao as Haruka, Shingo Katori as father Ichiro, Jun Saitō as eldest son Kōtarō, and Riisa Naka as mother Shizuka. The production is scheduled to open in Japan on January 8, after a postponement from its original fall 2026 release. The film will be distributed in Japan by Toho, and international streaming partners have not yet been announced.
One Piece episode 1173, streamed on Crunchyroll, received a community rating of 4.2. The episode shows characters such as Saul and other adults trying to protect children while large cartoonish monsters appear in scenes that mix drama with dark humor. The animation features colored shading that goes beyond the original black‑and‑white line art. A brief flashback is hinted at, ending with a rhetorical question about a character's motivations. The episode concludes with a cliffhanger that leaves the outcome unresolved.
Atlus announced on Tuesday a new trailer for Persona 4 Revival, a remake of its 2008 role‑playing game. The trailer highlighted five new features: fully voiced events, the Send Flying battle mechanic, new music by Ryota Kozuka, the Baton Pass system and the Prime Time Meter. Persona 4 originally launched for PlayStation 2 in 2008 and was later ported to PlayStation Vita as Persona 4 Golden in 2011; the franchise also includes Persona 4 Arena, Persona 4 Arena Ultimax and Persona 4: Dancing All Night. The game will launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC via Steam and Xbox Game Pass on February 18, 2027, and is available for pre‑order now. MAPPA will produce the animated cutscenes and a new English voice cast will be used. Related titles include Persona 3 Reload, which launched in February 2024, and Persona 5 and Persona 5 Royal, released on PlayStation platforms between 2016 and 2022.
Old School Runescape's official X account posted a pixelated shrimp illustration to congratulate a player who reached level 99 Fishing by catching only shrimp and anchovies. The player, identified as Bosby, launched a character named OnlyShrimp99 on May 11, 2024, and devoted roughly 4,304 hours over two years and three months to the task. He used only a small fishing net, the tool limited to shrimp and anchovies, and accumulated 13,034,431 Fishing points by catching 275,196 raw shrimp and 257,064 raw anchovies. Bosby stored all catches in his inventory to commemorate the achievement. He described the project as a secondary activity that coincided with starting a new job, getting married, and meeting many players at the Al Kharid fishing spot. The official account’s data team verified the accomplishment, and Bosby responded positively to the congratulatory graphic. He said he will consider pursuing a level 99 Smithing goal using bronze daggers, though he has not confirmed the plan. The achievement highlights the flexibility of AFK gameplay within the long‑standing MMORPG.
Rumors circulate about potential casting for the next James Bond film, with actor Jack Lowden mentioned as a possible candidate.
The role of James Bond has been vacant since Daniel Craig concluded his five‑film tenure with No Time To Die in 2021. Amazon MGM Studios, which acquired the franchise, said in May that the search for a successor was underway and declined to comment on casting details.
Lowden, 36, is known for his performance as T.E. Lawrence in the video game Battlefield 1 and for television roles including River in Slow Horses, Mr. Darcy in the upcoming Netflix adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, and a cameo as Forodwaith Sauron in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. He also appeared in Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk and voiced Gunnar in the 2024 Rogue Trooper film. On his podcast The Rest Is Entertainment, TV presenter Richard Osman said a source told him Lowden was 'definitely' in the running, though no official confirmation has been provided.
Other actors reported to be in consideration include Callum Turner, Aaron Taylor‑Johnson, Jacob Elordi, Theo James, Tom Francis and Josh O'Connor.
The next Bond film is slated for direction by Denis Villeneuve, the Oscar‑nominated filmmaker behind the Dune series and recent works such as Prisoners, Sicario, Blade Runner 2049 and Arrival. Fans have waited since the 2021 release of No Time To Die, which experienced multiple delays partly due to the COVID‑19 pandemic.
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick appeared as a playable character in WWE 2K26 and said he will not appear in Grand Theft Auto VI. Zelnick told IGN that he requested the cameo himself and that no external pressure prompted the inclusion. GTA VI is scheduled for release on November 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with a detailed preview set for August 27 on Netflix. Zelnick said he enjoys WWE and thought the appearance would be amusing for industry insiders and some consumers. He noted that the cameo attracted many viewers but generated mixed online reactions, with some expressing confusion. After the appearance, speculation arose that he might be featured in GTA VI, but Zelnick confirmed he will not be included. The game launch remains on schedule, and the trailer release has prompted discussion about its distribution model.
Kotono Kato launched a new manga titled "Set Match!" on August 7 through Kodansha's Comic Days app, releasing two chapters.
The manga centers on Haruha, a timid student who is careless with punctuality, and who joins a soft tennis club after noticing an upperclassman she likes; the club is led by a teacher who enforces strict punctuality, causing Haruha to feel behind her peers until the teacher offers advice.
Kato previously serialized "Altair: A Record of Battles" in Kodansha's Monthly Shonen Sirius from 2007 to 2023, producing 27 compiled volumes; the English digital edition was released by Kodansha USA Publishing, and the 27th volume was published in December 2024.
The series inspired a television anime that premiered in July 2017, with streaming by Amazon Prime Video and the now-defunct Anime Strike channel in North America.
Additional spin‑off manga, including "Shōkoku no!", "Shōkoku no Altair‑san", and "Shōkoku no Altair Gaiden: Tōkoku no Subaru", were serialized on the Sirius website and in Monthly Shonen Sirius, with the latter concluding in September 2019 after seven volumes.
The new series is ongoing in the Comic Days app, and no further schedule has been announced.
Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls launched worldwide in August 2026. PC players experienced stuttering at launch, which Arc System Works resolved with a patch. The company said its anti‑datamining measures contributed to the improved performance. Datamining group X0XLEAK posted findings that the game's files contain assets for five characters: Doctor Strange, Wasp, Gambit, The Thing, and Daredevil. The group said the characters are prototype or future DLC candidates and that they are subject to change. X0XLEAK stated that new content is expected. During a panel at San Diego Comic Con, Arc System Works announced that Phoenix Cyclops will join the roster in Fall 2026. IGN’s review of the game assigned a score of 9 out of 10, and the article was written by Virginia, IGN’s news editor.
Arrow Video is offering a 4K Ultra HD collection of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film trilogy for $29.99 at Walmart, a discount from its $100 suggested retail price.
IGN described the movies as featuring the four titular turtle characters—Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michelangelo—as they battle the Shredder and the Foot Clan under the guidance of Splinter. The first film presents a darker tone that resembles Tim Burton’s Batman, while the second adopts a more comedic style with slapstick action, and the third features a time‑travel storyline set in feudal Japan.
The Walmart listing indicates the sale price is effective through August 2026 and the set includes the three movies on 4K discs.
Players can obtain a toe biter buggy in Grounded 2 by acquiring a toe biter egg and crafting a nest. The buggy is a vehicle that can be used to traverse the game world, and the toe biter variant is one of several buggy types available.
To craft the toe biter nest, players must collect eight horsetail stems, four sunken bones, six cattail fluff, four lint rope, and five algae, according to the guide. A tier 3 axe is required to process cattail fluff, and a tier 2 clipper tool is needed to harvest horsetail stems. The guide notes that these upgrades may require several thousand raw science points, which can be earned by completing story missions or defeating O.R.C. enemies, which trigger enemy waves that reward additional raw science. If upgrades are not yet available, the guide suggests either acquiring the necessary tools first or using an egg storage device to prevent spoilage while upgrading.
Finding the toe biter nest recipe requires locating an optical disk in the Gnarly Bark region. The disk is positioned high in a giant oak tree, accessible after traveling from a memorial point of interest near candles, following a tree root to mushrooms, and entering a tree trunk entrance. The area contains hostile enemies, including wasps, roaches, and earwigs; the guide recommends using high‑defense armor and spicy or slashing weapons, and adjusting difficulty if needed. Once the disk is retrieved and inserted into a terminal, the toe biter nest recipe and a diving boots recipe are unlocked.
To obtain a toe biter egg, players must locate a cave behind the memorial photo where a toe biter nymph guards the entrance and a papa toe biter resides. The guide indicates that the boss is vulnerable to spicy attacks, so a spicy orb weapon or spicy arrows are recommended. Additional hazards include chill and venom effects; the guide advises preparing scorpidote smoothies to mitigate venom buildup. After defeating the papa toe biter, multiple toe biter eggs are dropped. Players can transport the egg using an ant or ladybuggy and then place it in the crafted nest to hatch.
The process requires substantial preparation and resource gathering, and the game does not provide explicit in‑game instructions for locating the egg or the recipe.
Project Sirius, a multiplayer entry in The Witcher series reported by Kotaku, has seen recent staff reductions and organizational changes at its developer, The Molasses Flood, now part of CD Projekt Red. The project was announced in October 2022 under the codename Sirius and was described by CD Projekt Red as a new approach to the franchise for both veterans and newcomers. Kotaku reported that nine employees were laid off from The Molasses Flood and that an additional nine were transferred to other CD Projekt Red projects as part of a broader shift in development strategy. In 2023 the company confirmed that more than 25 staff members working on Sirius had been let go as part of implementing a new framework for the game. A CD Projekt Red spokesperson said the updated direction was proceeding, but no further details could be shared at this time. CD Projekt Red has not provided a timeline for the game's release, and the impact of these changes on the project's schedule remains unclear.
Warner Bros. announced that a sequel to the Hogwarts Legacy video game is in development.
The company included the project in a shareholder letter dated August 6, stating that it is part of its focus on four primary franchises: Harry Potter/Hogwarts Legacy, Game of Thrones, Mortal Kombat, and DC.
The original Hogwarts Legacy, released in 2022, sold more than 22 million copies in its first year in the United States and has reached over 40 million copies worldwide.
Warner Bros. executives have previously indicated that a follow‑up was a priority, with CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels saying in 2024 that a successor to “Hogwarts Legacy” was one of the biggest priorities for the coming years.
CEO JB Perrette said in 2025 that after a challenging 2024 for the games division, the company would concentrate on the four franchises, and that the sequel aligns with plans for the upcoming Harry Potter HBO series.
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment president David Haddad told Variety in 2024 that the sequel’s storytelling would coordinate with the storylines that will appear in the HBO series.
The company expects to reveal more details at upcoming events, including Gamescom Opening Night Live in August and The Game Awards in December, with a possible release window in 2027 or 2028.
Pearl Abyss announced that Crimson Desert will launch on the Switch 2 hybrid console in 2027. The developer said the game has achieved a playable baseline and is currently being optimized for performance and quality standards, with a target release window between January and June.
Crimson Desert, an open‑world action title, has sold more than four million copies on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S and generated $180 million in revenue earlier this year. The game topped US sales charts in 2026.
Pearl Abyss confirmed that no mobile version is planned for the Switch 2 platform. The company is conducting extensive technical and gameplay research on multiplayer functionality, which it described as a complex undertaking.
The financial briefing noted that the game's companion character, a large cat, remains a distinctive feature. Pearl Abyss indicated that the Switch 2 version will focus on translating the existing single‑player experience to the new hardware.
The timing of the Switch 2 launch and the feasibility of adding multiplayer are currently unresolved.
Miskatonic Tales: Journey to Innsmouth is a board game based on H. P. Lovecraft’s mythos, published by Chaosium. The game uses three spiral‑bound rulebooks, multiple card decks, and character boards with standees. Players select one of three missions, place a starting location and objective, and follow instructions in the rulebooks. Success depends on discarding skill cards or comparable cards to generate dice rolls that meet a target number; a red die may add success or trigger adverse effects. Running out of cards advances a time track, requiring players to read narrative paragraphs. The game provides many interactive options through these paragraphs, but offers limited strategic guidance beyond using magic points for re‑rolls and character abilities. Combat is resolved by weapon use or skill checks, and damage affects health or sanity tracks; investigators are removed when either track reaches zero. The game’s keyword system can influence future scenarios, though effects are not revealed to players, and replay value is supported by varied outcomes. Game length is extended by reading narrative text, and the game can be saved across multiple sessions. It is available from Amazon, Black Diamond Games, and Chaosium.
Crunchyroll announced its summer 2026 anime lineup on June 17, 2026, adding new titles such as Black Torch, Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia, and KAIJU GIRL CARAMELISE and continuing series including Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 3 and The Elusive Samurai Season 2. The announcement follows the spring 2026 schedule and includes both simulcasts and ongoing series from the previous season. Crunchyroll noted that subtitles for the upcoming shows are in production and that dubs are also being prepared, though broadcast schedules and dub languages remain subject to change. The lineup features titles such as BanG Dream! YUME∞MITA, Crowned in a Hundred Days, Draw This, Then Die!, Grand Blue Dreaming Season 3, Iron Wok Jan!, Let's Go KAIKIGUMI, Link Click Season 3, ONE PIECE HEROINES, Recommendations from Iwamoto-Senpai, Red River, The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, REALLY Love You Season 3, and The Frontier Lord Begins with Zero Subjects. The company also highlighted that series from the spring season, including Daemons of the Shadow Realm, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Season 4, and ONE PIECE, will continue to stream. Kyle Cardine, Global Editor-in-Chief for Crunchyroll News, said the schedule offers a diverse range of programming for the summer.
According to the review, episode 6 of Thunder 3 did not feature the main trio known as the Small Three and instead focused on the character Segami and his heavily armed companions as they exited a bus and handled large weapons. A background character observed that the alien death machine moving through the main street could be ignored. The reviewer noted that the fight sequence progressed at a slow pace and that the death of a friend was depicted without emotional impact, with Segami responding in a detached manner. The opening scene depicted a toddler named Futaba wandering near an alien mothership and interacting with a creature called Q‑chan; the reviewer indicated that this scene was extended beyond the brief depiction in the original manga. The review also mentioned worldbuilding elements, such as a paramilitary unit receiving weapon training through QR code links and being supplied with a nasal spray made from alien fluids, though no further details were provided. The reviewer concluded that the episode’s extended length and limited focus on key characters may influence audience engagement. The series streams on Netflix. The article included a disclaimer stating that the opinions expressed are those of the author and not those of Anime News Network.
Episode 7 of The World Is Dancing received a community rating of 4.2. The review described the development of the character Oniyasha through the storyline involving the arrest and execution of the monk Toku as a narrative link that deepened his artistic role. The first half of the episode focused on Toku’s advice to Kogane, presented as a moment. The second half featured Oniyasha’s reunion with other characters at the shogun’s estate and a confrontation with Yoshimitsu, which was observed for its depiction of power dynamics. The review pointed out that Oniyasha’s performance of “Komachi at the Gravepost” was presented without subtitles, rendering the lyrics and satirical subtext unintelligible to viewers who do not read Japanese; the lack of subtitles was attributed to licensing constraints. Visuals during the performance were described as traditional, with limited dynamic staging. The author expressed uncertainty about whether future episodes will employ similar musical elements and raised concerns about the impact on localized versions of the series. The World Is Dancing is currently available on HIDIVE.
McDonald's announced that eight Hello Kitty and Godzilla themed toys will be available in U.S. Happy Meals starting August 18, 2026. The fast‑food chain has a history of partnering with entertainment franchises for Happy Meal promotions, including a Hello Kitty and Yu‑Gi‑Oh! collaboration in Belgium in 2024. McDonald's released a graphic on August 12 showing each figure and the themed box design. The toys include Hello Kitty with Godzilla, My Melody with Mothra, Kuromi with Mechagodzilla, Keroppi with King Ghidorah, Badz-Maru with Rodan, Cinnamoroll with Destoroyah, Chococat with Spacegodzilla, and Pompompurin with Gigan. The promotion will be offered at participating U.S. locations while supplies last. Consumer response on social media expressed enthusiasm, though some users warned that limited availability could lead to resale activity. Scalpers have targeted previous Happy Meal promotions, such as the 2021 Pokemon 25th anniversary toys and the 2025 Pokemon card distribution in Japan, which resulted in food waste and packaging litter. Similar patterns were observed during the 2026 Pokemon merchandise release at Target and the secondary market for limited‑edition Pokemon pop‑tarts. McDonald's has not indicated any changes to the rollout schedule, and the company has not disclosed how many units of each toy will be produced.
Walmart is selling the Andromeda Insights 4K-ready gaming PC, equipped with an AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU, for $1,499 with free shipping, a price lower than typical listings for comparable prebuilt systems.
The Radeon RX 9070 XT, introduced in 2025, received a perfect 10/10 rating from IGN and is priced about $150 below the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti. In benchmark tests it exceeds the RTX 5070 Ti in several titles and matches the performance of the higher‑priced RX 7900 XTX while delivering improved ray tracing and upscaling.
The system pairs the GPU with an AMD Ryzen 5 9600X six‑core, twelve‑thread processor that reaches a 5.4 GHz boost clock and has a 65 W thermal design power. It includes 16 GB of DDR5‑6000 memory, a 1 TB solid‑state drive, and a compact mATX chassis with a 120 mm tower‑style cooler and three additional 120 mm fans. IGN’s Deals team, which has more than 30 years of combined experience tracking online offers, noted that the price represents one of the lowest seen this year for a 4K‑capable prebuilt. The 9070 XT is recommended for playing the latest games at 4K and 60 fps or higher.
The promotion is available for a limited time, and inventory may be limited.
Liam Neeson's 106‑minute crime thriller "In the Land of Saints and Sinners" ranked No. 3 in the United States and No. 7 worldwide on Netflix's streaming charts in August 2026.
Neeson, 74, has maintained a prolific career in action and drama since his breakout role in "Taken" a decade earlier. The film, set in Ireland in 1974, follows Finbar Murphy, a contract killer who attempts to retire in the coastal village of Glencolmcille, County Donegal.
The movie features a cast that includes Kerry Condon, Ciarán Hinds, Colm Meaney, Jack Gleeson, Sarah Greene and Niamh Cusack. Critics gave the film an 83% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while audiences awarded it a 74% rating. The film's performance marks one of the higher‑profile titles from Neeson's recent work to achieve strong streaming viewership.
Neeson is scheduled to appear in "The Fix" with Zachary Levi, slated for release on September 11, and will star in "The Mongoose" opposite Marisa Tomei, Ving Rhames and Michael Chiklis, set for an October 30 debut.
The streaming success demonstrates continued audience interest in Neeson's varied roles despite his advancing age.
Sony announced that Helldivers 2 will become available in the PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium game catalog on August 12, and that players must collectively defeat 500 million enemies by August 18 to earn four exclusive avatars. The game's new expansion, Devoid of Liberty, will also launch on August 12.
The service will add several other titles during August, including Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, Vampire Survivors, Hell Is Us, Umamusume Pretty Derby - Party Dash, Two Point Museum, Metro Exodus, Dying Light 2 and others. New releases will appear every few days for the United States, United Kingdom and Japan, while the full batch will be available on August 18 for all remaining regions.
PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers can download two classic titles, Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams and Disney’s Atlantis: The Lost Empire, beginning August 18. Nine games, including Dead Island 2, Harold Halibut and Unicorn Overlord, will leave the catalog on August 18, and three additional titles—Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, For the King 2 and CrossCode—are presently available through any PlayStation Plus tier.
From Aug. 13 to Aug. 16, Xbox owners can access Sunderfolk, a tactical role‑playing game, at no cost through Xbox Free Play Days. Sunderfolk was developed by Secret Door, a studio formed by former Blizzard Entertainment employees. The game translates tabletop campaign mechanics into a digital format, allowing up to six players to control animal‑themed heroes on hex‑based battlefields. Players select from six classes — including a bear Berserker, a bat Bard, and a fire‑slinging Pyromancer — and complete missions that involve objectives, hazards, and strategic positioning such as pushing enemies into pits. Gameplay uses a deck of Fate Cards for abilities and a companion app on mobile devices to manage character sheets and abilities while the TV displays the board. A Polygon review described the setup as intuitive, noting that the app lets each player view their hand of cards and make decisions without referencing a physical rulebook. The game also offers private conversations and upgrades through the town of Arden between missions. The free access period ends on Aug. 16, after which the game returns to its regular price. Sunderfolk provides a short, self‑contained experience that can be completed in a single evening.
The pond jockey in Grounded 2 is located at Skunk Pond in the Into the Abyss update, and its meat can be scanned to unlock the harpoon gun for underwater combat. Skunk Pond, added in the Into the Abyss update, lies southeast of the Ice Cream Cart and is accessible after crafting a tier 2 spear or higher for underwater use. The creature appears in the eastern section of the pond, north of a fallen trash can and west of the bridge. It is bright green and part of a small group, remaining docile unless attacked. Damage is caused by surrounding smaller pond jockeys. Players should carry restorative items, monitor the air meter, and surface to heal. A tier 2 spear or the harpoon gun is required for underwater attacks; the toe biter buggy can also be used. Collecting the meat and scanning it at a ranger station unlocks the harpoon gun, a ranged weapon for underwater enemies. The location offers a step toward easier underwater exploration, though further resources may be needed for advanced combat.
An employee at a Cineplex theater in Prince George, British Columbia created a hand‑drawn poster for the film Spider‑Man: Brand New Day after the cinema did not receive an official poster. Spider‑Man: Brand New Day has become the highest‑grossing domestic release of the year, surpassing Avengers: Endgame at the box office. The employee’s illustration, which references the "Spider‑Man" meme from early 2010s comics, was shared on social media with a caption apologizing for the missing poster. Comments on the post praised the hand‑drawn effort and suggested that Marvel include the image as an alternate Blu‑ray cover. 101.3 The River, a Canadian radio station, highlighted the drawing on its Facebook page, and a commenter identified the creator as a person named Drake, clarifying that the name does not refer to the musician. The theater’s official social media accounts have not publicly acknowledged the artwork. The story follows earlier viral attention given to Tom Holland’s workout routine after the film’s release.
The 30th anniversary Pokémon Trading Card Game set will include a new Pikachu illustration by Ken Sugimori, sparking discussion among collectors.
Pikachu originally appeared with a chubby outline in 1996, and its design has become slimmer over time; the new artwork maintains a plump silhouette while giving the character a larger head than previous versions.
The set comprises 30 distinct Pikachu cards and is scheduled for release on September 16. The Pokémon Company has begun unveiling the artwork gradually, showing variations such as a gluttonous Pikachu eating berries with a move called Satisfied Spark, and a frowning Pikachu holding a pillow with a move named Lonely Gaze. Some fans have noted that the new depiction appears disproportionate, with comments describing the look as uncanny; no evidence suggests Sugimori intended to cut corners.
The company will continue to release additional Pikachu designs before the set's launch.
McDonald's released a teaser video on Tuesday showing Hello Kitty dressed in a Godzilla costume swimming toward a boat carrying a Happy Meal box. The short clip was posted on McDonald's Instagram account and captioned “cute meets kaiju 08.18.” A post shared by McDonald's Instagram account indicated that the toys will be available next Tuesday. The collaboration follows previous promotions that pair the fast‑food chain with popular franchises to drive merchandise sales. McDonald's has not disclosed details about the design or release schedule beyond the announced date.
Sucker Punch announced a new expansion, a survival roguelike mode, and a $70 complete edition for Ghost of Yotei.
The expansion, Echoes of Sekigahara, adds narrative content set in the present day and during the Battle of Sekigahara, introduces a new character named Nagato, and includes new enemies, weapons, armor sets, and dyes.
The survival mode, Most Wanted, is a single‑player roguelike where players accept bounties, earn perks, and unlock additional characters to play as.
The complete edition bundles the base game, the expansion, the survival mode, co‑op Legends mode, and digital deluxe content, and is available now for $70.
The expansion and survival mode will launch on October 1, and anyone who purchases the complete edition by September 30 will receive the Sakai armor on October 1.
Existing owners can obtain the expansion and survival mode by buying the $15 upgrade.
An October 1 patch will add Beauty of Yotei mode, a screensaver‑style display of game environments, quality‑of‑life updates such as keeping an armor’s appearance while using different stats, and a high‑contrast accessibility option.
A Ghost of Tsushima film with John Wick director is also in development.
The Helldivers 2 update version 7.0, titled 'Devoid of Liberty,' went live and introduces several new features. The update adds Super Earth Armed Forces (SEAF) as a planet modifier, with NPC soldiers that can accompany players and perform actions such as shaking hands, playing rock‑paper‑scissors, or hugging allies. SEAF squads consist of a squad leader, rifleman, heavy weapon specialist, and medic. The patch also adds two new enemy types: the Wretch, a nimble foe that can dodge and leap, and the Crusher, a large enemy with rapid regeneration. The level cap was increased from 150 to 300, and new ranks and titles are available. Quality‑of‑life changes include an expanded emote wheel (eight slots), adjusted stim input behavior, rebalanced short magazine and secondary weapon statistics, and increased ammunition for certain weapons. A Warhammer 40,000 themed warbond is now available, and the game is offered free to PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium members for the month. The patch notes list additional bug fixes and performance improvements across gameplay, UI, and visual effects.
Toei Animation turned 70 on July 31 and released a special video to mark the milestone.
The studio began operating under the name Toei Animation in 1956. Its first feature film, The White Snake, premiered in 1958, followed by Magic Boy in 1959. The company’s first television series, Ōkami Shōnen Ken, debuted in 1963.
Since then, Toei has produced a range of anime series, including the Gegege no Kitarō, Dragon Ball, One Piece, Precure, Mazinger Z, Cutie Honey, Galaxy Express 999, Fist of the North Star, Sailor Moon, Slam Dunk, Ojamajo Doremi, Digimon, Saint Seiya, and the 2026 Star Detective Precure! TV series.
President Katsuhiro Takagi said the studio is grateful to its employees, pioneers and fans, and views the anniversary as a step toward its 100th anniversary.
A 70th anniversary website was launched alongside the video, offering a comprehensive history of the studio’s productions and a message from Takagi.
The video and website are available for public viewing, and Toei plans to continue creating anime for audiences worldwide.
Combolands is a roguelike city builder that merges the strategic placement of Cities: Skylines with the combo‑chain mechanics of Balatro. The Steam demo launched on August 12, 2026. Players have eight weeks to reach a population milestone on a procedurally generated island. Each week they may place one building, use a limited number of action rerolls, and increase population through adjacency bonuses. Initial actions establish the city’s economic base, such as hunter huts near forests or apiaries near flowers. As population rises, new building options become available that modify production or reduce effect timers. Certain tiles, such as nature tiles, provide multipliers when grouped, but require careful planning to create combo chains. Like Balatro, each round raises the required score, and success depends on layout decisions. The demo includes two guilds that dictate which building types appear; Crux Games plans to add seven guilds at launch. Later features include an in‑game shop where players spend gold on modifiers and chests that may contain bonuses or rerolls. Some modifiers provide temporary multipliers that can affect round outcomes. The difficulty curve is steep, and players often lose multiple times before succeeding. The demo offers more frequent new building options and shorter periods without progress compared to similar titles. Combolands is scheduled for full release on August 24, 2026, for Windows PC via Steam.
Universal's Despicable Me franchise, comprising six released films and an upcoming seventh titled Minions & Monsters, is currently accessible on several streaming platforms.
Created by Illumination and distributed by Universal Studios, the series has been a consistent box‑office performer since the 2010 debut of Despicable Me.
The latest installment, Minions & Monsters, is scheduled for theatrical release in 2026, with its streaming debut expected on Peacock, though a release date has not been announced.
Availability varies by title: Despicable Me (2010) streams on HBO Max or via a Cinemax add‑on, and can be rented or purchased on Prime Video or Apple TV; Despicable Me 2 (2013) streams on Peacock or Hulu and is available for rent or purchase on Prime Video or Apple TV; Minions (2015) streams on Peacock or Netflix and can be rented or purchased on Prime Video or Apple TV; Despicable Me 3 (2017) streams on Netflix and can be rented or purchased on Prime Video or Apple TV; Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022) streams on Netflix and can be rented or purchased on Prime Video or Apple TV; Despicable Me 4 (2024) streams on Prime Video and can be rented or purchased on Prime Video or Apple TV; Minions & Monsters (2026) will stream on Peacock upon release, with rent or purchase options expected on Prime Video.
IGN gave Minions & Monsters an 8 out of 10 rating, indicating audience reception.
There are no Blu‑ray box sets that include all seven films; a 10‑movie Illumination collection released in 2020 contains four titles up to Despicable Me 3 and the first Minions spin‑off, and is sold through Gruv.
The next Blu‑ray release, Minions & Monsters, is slated for September 8, after which new box sets may become available.
Jacob Kienlen, senior audience development strategist and writer for IGN, has covered the franchise for a decade and holds a communications degree from a Portland, Oregon university.
Because the films are owned by Universal, their streaming windows typically begin on Peacock, but the catalog may change as platforms negotiate rights.
Google announced its 2026 product lineup at the Made By Google event on June 20, including the Pixel 11 series, Pixel Watch 5, Pixel Buds 2 Pro, Pixel Tag, and related accessories. Preorders are open and the devices will launch on August 20.
The event, hosted by comedian Trevor Noah, featured presentations from Google executives such as Rick Osterloh and product managers discussing hardware updates and AI integration.
The Pixel 11 starts at $899, the Pro at $1,099 and the Fold at $1,899. The Watch 5 is priced at $399 for the 41 mm model. The Buds 2 Pro are $229, currently on sale for $189. The Pixel Tag functions like an AirTag and will be available with the other devices. The lineup adds a telephoto lens with up to 120× optical zoom, instant night mode, and health sensors that track heart rate, blood pressure trends, and insulin resistance. The Watch 5 claims accuracy comparable to a chest strap and can detect early signs of prediabetes. The Buds 2 Pro feature enhanced noise‑cancellation and a quick‑charge capability that provides 15 hours of use after 15 minutes of charging. The Pixel 11 camera bar is thinner to reduce wobble, and the device supports Gemini‑powered features such as sign‑language reading via the camera and Gemini‑driven voice transcription.
Google said the Tensor G6 processor will power the new devices, and the company highlighted Gemini integration across the phone, watch, and earbuds. The event concluded with no further details on the previously teased HiLight feature. Preorders remain open until the launch date.
Brandon Sanderson, author of the Cosmere series and a scholar of J.R.R. Tolkien, presented the annual Tolkien lecture at Oxford this year and posted the recording online.
During his weekly podcast, Sanderson said he found a previously unseen sketch of Helm's Deep on the back of a student paper while grading over the summer. He explained that Tolkien wrote the sketch after noting that the paper should not be wasted, adding that the drawing appeared as the student’s writing took up half the page.
Tolkien taught at Oxford beginning in 1925 as a fellow of Pembroke College. While serving as a professor, he wrote The Hobbit and the early portions of The Lord of the Rings, with The Hobbit published in 1937.
Illustrated editions of The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion are currently available for purchase, providing readers with access to Tolkien’s drawings and sketches.
Amazon Game Studios announced it will exit the MMO business, handing western operations of Throne and Liberty and Lost Ark to their respective Korean developers NCSoft and Smilegate. The transition for Throne and Liberty is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026, while Lost Ark’s handoff will occur in early 2027.
Amazon published both titles and managed live‑service operations and customer support in the West. Both games launched as free‑to‑play titles with strong initial player counts, though player numbers have declined over time.
The companies plan to migrate player data and character progress to the new operators, with a seamless transfer expected for most users. For Throne and Liberty, cross‑platform progression between Steam and consoles will end after the transition. Players who choose not to transfer their data will need to start anew, as items and progress will not be retained.
Amazon previously launched New World in 2021, which saw high initial Steam numbers but failed to sustain momentum, and began publishing Lost Ark in 2022. Plans to publish the anime MMO Blue Protocol were canceled, and New World’s servers are slated to close in early 2027 following a console release and a series of updates. A Lord of the Rings MMO under development by Amazon Game Studios was reportedly canceled amid layoffs.
The announcement marks Amazon’s withdrawal from the MMO genre, with its future involvement in the space remaining unclear.
Kohei Horikoshi, the author of My Hero Academia, released a one‑shot manga titled Quit Laughing, Shijima in the latest issue of Weekly Shonen Jump on August 12, 2026. The work is presented as a supernatural adventure set in Konoshiro City and centers on high school student Azumi and his classmate Shijima.
The story follows Azumi, who can see grotesque humanoid figures, and Shijima, a popular student whose involvement in a town tradition leads to her being designated as a sacrifice to a deity that protects the community. The narrative combines elements of supernatural action with a horror premise.
The manga includes a premise in which a select group of families maintains a tradition of human sacrifice to ensure the town’s prosperity. Azumi discovers the tradition, confronts a monster, and declares his love before killing the creature. A flashback explains that Shijima’s popularity originates from bullying over her teeth and her forced acceptance of the sacrificial role. The story’s tone remains primarily action‑oriented, with limited exploration of psychological aspects. The artwork and monster designs have been noted for their distinct visual style. The piece concludes with Azumi assuming a vigilante stance reminiscent of his role in My Hero Academia, suggesting potential for a full series.
While the one‑shot does not fulfill the expectations of a horror narrative, it provides a supernatural storyline and leaves the prospect of a full manga open.
Showrunner Ira Parker said he hopes to develop future seasons of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, working with author George R.R. Martin.
The series serves as a prequel to Martin's Game of Thrones, set 85 years before the events of the original books.
Parker expressed interest in expanding the story arcs and exploring additional characters, though no official announcements have been made. Martin has not confirmed details, and production timelines remain uncertain.
The project remains in early discussion stages, with no release date announced.
Wolfbox MF60 cordless electric air duster is on sale at Amazon for $27.35 after applying coupon code CUQJ4GE5, and the promotion does not require an Amazon Prime membership, according to the IGN Deals article. The device includes an internal fan that spins up to 110,000 rpm and offers three speed settings, with five nozzle attachments for different cleaning tasks, the article reported. A twist‑lock mechanism secures the nozzles, unlike the push‑fit designs used by many competing models, it added. The 5,000mAh battery recharges via USB Type‑C and provides extended run time, the article said. Build quality was described as comparable to other air dusters in the $50 price range, and the nozzle attachments were noted to be more secure than those of cheaper alternatives. Eric Song, IGN commerce manager, authored the piece, which also included links to the IGN Deals newsletter, preferred source settings, Amazon storefront, and social media channels.
Disney's D23 fan expo will host a Kingdom Hearts "Deep Dive" panel on Saturday, August 15, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. EDT, streamed live on the official Kingdom Hearts YouTube channel and not available on demand afterward. The 25th anniversary of Kingdom Hearts in 2027 is being marked by the panel, which features Disney and Pixar Games executive Nana Gadd, Square Enix developer Tai Yasue, and English‑language voice actors Haley Joel Osment and David Gallagher, as well as Disney Character Voices executive Renée Johnson. The livestream will be the only opportunity to view the presentation, as Square Enix has indicated the video will not be posted later. The hour‑long discussion will examine the series' history and may include updates on Kingdom Hearts 4, announced in 2022 and slated for release on Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Windows PC and Xbox Series X, though no confirmation has been given that the game will appear. Disney says the stream will "surprise and delight" fans, who must tune in live to see any new information.
Agefield High, a PC video game developed by Refugium Games, launched recently and has received reports from players concerning its technical performance. Steam reviews mention stiff character animations, frequent crashes, imprecise combat mechanics and noticeable lag even on low settings. The game is set in the early 2000s and its humor, described by the developers as inspired by movies such as American Pie, has been noted as not suitable for all audiences. Some players also say the writing does not match the intended tone.
In a Steam post written in the character of Principal Carpenter, the developer acknowledged the reported problems, saying, “Please be gentle with the walls. The paint is still fresh.” The statement indicated that updates may resolve the issues.
Players have suggested that a used copy of the earlier game Bully could offer a more stable experience at this time. The developer has not announced a specific timeline for patches.
Christopher Judge, the voice actor who portrays Kratos in the God of War video game series, said that many live‑action adaptations of video games fail to hire people who worked on the original titles. He made the remarks during a panel at Fan Expo. Judge cited HBO’s The Last of Us as an example. He noted that The Last of Us succeeded in part because it retained key creative talent from the game. Judge suggested that when adapting a game with a shot‑for‑shot approach, employing the original writers would be logical. He also referenced Amazon’s upcoming God of War series and said the project has encountered casting challenges. Judge added that differences exist between game writing and television writing, but input from game creators could improve the adaptation. Ryan Hurst, the actor originally cast as Kratos, suffered a bicep tear during filming and was replaced. Rumors indicate that former WWE star Dave Bautista may take the role.