Sunrise and Production I.G released the official trailer for the upcoming anime films Sōkō Kihei Votoms Haiiro no Hexe on Friday, announcing the full cast and additional staff. Miyuki Sawashiro will voice Ash Vamps, described as an AT pilot called the Grey Witch, while Mabuki Andou will portray Maki Stauffenberg, an officer assigned to investigate Ash’s past. The cast also includes Shinichirō Miki, Yūki Kaji, Yūichi Nakamura, Satoshi Tsuruoka, Tomokazu Sugita, Kenta Miyake, Chafurin, Hōchū Ōtsuka, Daisuke Ono, Takayuki Sugō, Takahiro Sakurai, and Sumire Uesaka. Staff members announced include original character design concept by Kazuchika Kise, character design by Shingo Ogiso, Takashi Kojima, and Tetsuya Nishio, mechanical design by Kunio Ōkawara, Jū Ishiguchi, and Wataru Inada, and music by Kenji Kawai. Mamoru Oshii directs the films, with Ryōsuke Takahashi supervising, and mechanical designers Shinobu Tsuneki and Yoshiro Sōno contributing. The original 1983 Votoms series, which pioneered the real robot subgenre, follows Chirico Cuvie and has inspired multiple spinoffs such as The Last Red Shoulder and Alone Again. The trailer and staff listings were posted on the anime’s official website.
Art, books, film, gaming, and the conversations defining the week.
From Software's upcoming title The Duskbloods cites author George R.R. Martin as an influence on its lore and aesthetic, though Martin has no direct involvement. Martin said that the game’s design contains no direct references, but his long‑standing interest in vampire literature has shaped his creative approach. The studio said the game draws on modern vampire fiction such as Fevre Dream and Dracula Cha‑Cha‑Cha, yet emphasized that these elements are indirect. The title is described as a gothic, player‑versus‑player‑versus‑environment experience for the Switch 2, with no release date announced. Developers noted that while Martin’s name adds visibility, the game’s mechanics remain distinct from his published works.
Twelve crossover shorts featuring the Madoka Magica and Monogatari Series franchises will stream between August 20 and 23, with the first three episodes available on Aniplex's YouTube channel. Aniplex announced that the Mahō Dōjo Yotsugi☆Peace (Puella Magi Yotugi Peace) short series, consisting of twelve episodes, will begin streaming in batches from August 20 through August 23. The first three episodes are now live on the Aniplex YouTube channel. The shorts were written by NisiOisin, director of the Monogatari Series, and directed by Toshikata Shinoda. Production credits include Yuka Iguchi and Saori Hayami as voice actors for Tsukihi Araragi and Yotsugi Ononoki respectively, with Yūki Ōkubo serving as producer and Akiya Lemonsour handling character design, illustrations, and costume design. Art direction was overseen by Shū Horiuchi and video production was managed by the animation studio Ijige TOKYO. The collaboration celebrates the release of the film Puella Magi Madoka Magica The Movie: Walpurgisnacht: Rising, scheduled for August 28. Sources cited include the Monogatari Series X/Twitter account, the Puella Magi Madoka Magica X/Twitter account, and Aniplex's YouTube channel as reported by Comic Natalie. The crossover shorts represent a joint effort to expand content for fans of both series ahead of the film's theatrical debut.
Ani-One Asia removed the television anime Chainsmoker Cat from its streaming service on Thursday, citing compliance with local government regulations. The removal follows a notice from Hong Kong’s Department of Health that told Bahamut Animation Crazy to halt streaming in Hong Kong because the anime displayed cigarette advertisements online, which the department said violated the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance. Taiwan’s Health Promotion Administration said the anime might breach the country’s Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act, which bans promotion of tobacco through television, film, the internet and other media. The series prominently features real cigarette brands such as Mevius. Medialink Entertainment, which operates the service from Hong Kong, took the anime down from all regions where it was available, including Southeast Asian markets. The anime’s ninth episode is scheduled to air on September 2 after a special program replaces it the following week. Two versions of the series exist: an “Evil Dragon Unleashed” edition that reflects the director’s intent on some episodes and an “On‑Air” edition broadcast on terrestrial television. The “Evil Dragon Unleashed” version streams on AT‑X and other platforms, while the “On‑Air” version is offered by AnimeFesta, DMM TV, Fuji TV On Demand, Hulu, Netflix and Anime Times in Japan. In addition, the manga by Nyan Nyan Factory is published in Kodansha’s Young Magazine, with the 13th volume released on August 6 and an English translation by Seven Seas published on June 16. The episode delay does not indicate a direct link to the recent removals from overseas services, and the series continues to be available on several domestic and international platforms.
Netflix announced a new trailer and accompanying images for Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 at Anime NYC on August 20, 2026, confirming the series' October 20 release. The English‑language trailer, posted to promote the event, features voice actor Clancy Brown portraying Weak Kingsley, a veteran Edgerunner who experiences cyberpsychosis and engages in gunfire. Scenes include a mother requesting an assignment, a hospital bedside with Talia Yang, and voiceover lines referencing loss and blood. The footage also depicts Night City’s characteristic violence, a burning campsite, a MaxTac hovercraft confrontation, and characters D and Roman Carax near a corpse in the desert. Studio Trigger has not disclosed detailed production plans, but the trailer suggests a ten‑episode narrative that continues the story from the first season. Writer Bartosz Sztybor indicated that the original ending for the first season was more severe than what was released, with "there were even worse endings" for the protagonists. Further details about the season’s characters and locations were shared during Netflix’s panel.
Netflix presented its upcoming anime lineup at Anime NYC on August 20, 2026, releasing trailers and images for several series slated for 2026 and 2027. The announcement included a Western steampunk series, Bass X Machina, starring Brian Tyree Henry as Bass Reeves, with a teaser trailer and a November 3, 2026 release date. A trailer for the action series Blue Eye Samurai showed the character Mizu traveling to London, and Netflix confirmed that the show will debut its second season in January 2027 and a third season later that year. An English‑language trailer for Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 was released, and the series is scheduled for October 20, 2026 as a ten‑episode standalone story. The anime adaptation Fool Night, based on the manga by Kasumi Yasada, received a trailer and a featurette that included the line "Turn me into a beautiful flower," and is set for a November 26, 2026 premiere. A two‑part LEGO One Piece special tied to the live‑action series will launch on September 29, 2026. Sakamoto Days season 2 was introduced with a trailer featuring three new characters and is slated for January 2027. WiT Studio’s upcoming One Piece reboot will begin in February 2027 with a seven‑episode first season adapting the first 50 manga chapters. Netflix also announced an animated Kingdom Hearts series on Disney+ with involvement from Tetsuya Nomura, though specific details were not disclosed.
Dave Bautista has been cast as Kratos in Prime Video’s God of War live‑action series, replacing Ryan Hurst, according to Variety. Hurst tore his bicep while performing a stunt in late June, requiring surgery and leading Amazon MGM Studios and Sony Pictures Television to recast the role rather than pause production. Filming, which had been underway in Vancouver, is slated to restart in mid‑October with Bautista in the lead. The first season will adapt the 2018 game, following Kratos and his son Atreus as they scatter the ashes of Faye. The production delay pushes a potential release to 2028 rather than 2027. A new PS5 title focused on Faye is set for February 16, 2027, and a Kratos‑centered game and a remake of the original Greek trilogy are also in development.
Bungie designer Niles Sankey said Halo Reach's campaign was significantly influenced by the first two Call of Duty Modern Warfare titles. On August 20, 2026, he replied to a Twitter post about the nuke scene in Modern Warfare 4, stating that the squad‑based interactions and the nuke sequence were modeled after Infinity Ward's work. He noted that Bungie considered its own AI and vehicle systems superior, but recognized that Infinity Ward excelled in narrative design. The Modern Warfare games were major successes that shaped the shooter genre. Earlier development of Call of Duty 4 included a prototype sci‑fi title called HK, meant to rival Halo, but the project was cancelled before launch. Halo Reach, released in 2010, represented Bungie's last main entry and is regarded as one of its most acclaimed campaigns. The comment follows remarks by the series' co‑creator about moving toward a darker, more grounded tone, a direction that has not yet been confirmed.
The new trailer for Marvel's Wolverine, scheduled for release on September 15, displays several alternate claw designs available as preorder bonuses. The designs include serrated claws, claws with pierced fullers, and arrowhead-shaped claws. The trailer also showcases a variety of costumes, such as a leather outfit inspired by the New X-Men run, a modernized Age of Apocalypse look, the Savage suit designed by Adam Kubert, the Night Hunt suit created by Iban Coello, and an Incredible suit referencing Wolverine’s first appearance in Incredible Hulk #181. A limited‑edition PS5 bundle with console covers and a DualSense controller themed to the game is also offered. Insomniac, the developer of the Spider‑Man series, has indicated that additional costume options may be unlocked during gameplay. GameSpot’s preview provides further details on the game’s design direction.
Tomohito Takatsuka and Yoko Hikasa have been cast as Rubato and Peter in the upcoming Fairy Princess Minky Momo OVA, which is scheduled to open in Japan on November 13.
The Fairy Princess Minky Momo franchise began with a 1982 television series and has included several OVAs and a 2024 streaming release of the original anime. This OVA, titled Mahō no Princess Minky Momo Akogare no Yume e Magokoro no Duo, is the first original video animation in the series since 1994.
The cast also includes Kurumi Haruki as Minky Momo, Fukushi Ochiai as Dettabook, Natsumi Fujiwara as Chamocha, and Rie Kugimiya as Pipirupi. The plot follows a 12‑year‑old girl named Momo who receives a smartphone, awakens as Minky Momo, and works to restore dream energy to the kingdom of Diginarsa as a mobile application becomes widely used among city residents. The kingdom's ruler sends his companions Chamocha, Dettabook, and Pipirupi to seek assistance.
Ayumu Watanabe directs the OVA at Ashi Production, with character design by Hiroshi Watanabe and Mari Tominaga, script by Deko Akao, sound direction by Katsunori Shimizu, music by Tomoki Hasegawa, and design cooperation by Studio Live. The film will be distributed by MOVIC and Giggly Box.
The release represents the franchise's first new animation in over three decades.
Netflix confirmed that Blue Eye Samurai will return for its final season, announced at Anime NYC on August 20, 2026. Season two is scheduled for release in January 2027, and a 90‑second teaser was released the same day. The final season is already in production.
The animated revenge thriller debuted in November 2023. Its first two seasons have been delayed, leaving fans waiting nearly three years for the story to continue.
The teaser shows Mizu steering a ship through a storm, reaffirming her quest for revenge after a confrontation with arms dealer Abijah Fowler, who offers to help her travel to London to find two surviving white men who may be her father. In the footage, Mizu wakes on deck with a sword pointed at her, presumably held by Fowler, who appears to have been released from custody. Earlier scenes from the season one finale and the Annecy Festival show Fowler and Mizu interacting amicably in Europe.
Supporting characters include apprentice Ringo, who is seeking a new purpose, and Princess Akemi, who navigates royal politics following the death of the Shogun. Netflix stated that the final season will conclude Mizu’s story, though no specific release date has been provided.
Newegg's official AliExpress storefront lists a 512GB TeamGroup MicroSD Express memory card for $94.99 with free shipping, a price $5 lower than Newegg's direct listing and $15 lower than Amazon's offer. The Nintendo Switch 2 console supports only MicroSD Express cards, which provide faster data transfer rates than standard MicroSD media. The TeamGroup model advertised reaches read speeds of up to 800MB/s and write speeds of up to 700MB/s.
The Switch 2 includes 256GB of onboard storage. A 512GB card therefore triples the total available capacity, while a 256GB option would double it. Several recent releases require substantial storage space; Final Fantasy 14 alone occupies about 117GB, representing roughly half of the console's internal memory. Additional large titles include Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade (90GB), Split Fiction (70GB), Cyberpunk 2077 (60GB), and Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment (44GB). With limited onboard space, users may need to rely on external memory cards to install multiple games.
The promotion is scheduled to remain active through August 2026, coinciding with the expected launch of the Switch 2 later in the year.
Fortnite fans have noted a partially constructed building on the game map that resembles the pizzeria in the Five Nights at Freddy's series, prompting speculation about a possible crossover. Leaker HYPEX posted on X that user AlignedEclipse identified the structure, which includes a stage, according to the post. The speculation comes as the current Fortnite season, Override, emphasizes video game franchises and includes Sonic the Hedgehog in its battle pass, with Mega Man and Crash Bandicoot planned for later releases. Some fans suggest the potential collaboration could coincide with Fortnitemares, a Halloween-themed event, though Epic Games has not announced any partnership. The official Five Nights at Freddy's Twitter account shared an image that added to the discussion, and the series previously collaborated with Dead by Daylight and released a film sequel that received negative reviews. The most recent game in the series, Five Nights at Freddy's: Secret of the Mimic, was released in 2023.
Worms: The Board Game is now listed on Amazon for $25.97, the lowest price ever recorded for the title. The game, released in 2024 by Mantic Games, allows up to four players to control teams of four worms each, with each match lasting about 45 minutes. Players battle to eliminate opposing worms, and the winner is the one with the most worms remaining. IGN reviewed the game in 2024 and said it has a competent design with occasional moments of carnage but described the overall experience as somewhat thin and easy to forget. The review, attributed to Charlie Theel, recommended the game for casual play with friends. The recent discount may make the title more accessible to new players, though Amazon did not specify how long the price will remain available.
Anne Hathaway stars in David Lowery's psychological thriller "Mother Mary," which opened in theaters in April 2026 and began streaming on HBO Max on August 20, 2026.
Anne Hathaway stars in David Lowery's psychological thriller "Mother Mary," which opened in theaters in April 2026 and began streaming on HBO Max on August 20, 2026. The film follows Mary, a pop star experiencing an emotional breakdown, as she seeks a costume design from her former collaborator Sam Anselm, played by Michaela Coel, before a planned comeback performance. Their interaction primarily takes place in a costuming workshop, with flashbacks and concert sequences interspersed. Lowery, known for "The Green Knight" and "A Ghost Story," incorporates a ghost motif that emerges from Sam's grief and haunts Mary, depicted through visual effects created with suspended fabrics and lighting. The narrative centers on Mary's request for a dress from Sam, revealing a strained professional and personal relationship, and includes flashbacks to Mary's concerts and a ghost that appears after Sam describes a prior haunting experience. Mother Mary is now available for streaming on HBO Max.
Netflix announced that Blue Eye Samurai will end with a third and final season, set to debut on the streaming platform in January 2027. The series follows Mizu, a half‑white, half‑Japanese warrior who disguises herself as a man to pursue four men during Japan’s closed‑borders era. It holds a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. At Anime NYC on August 20, 2026, Netflix presented a new trailer and promotional images for Season 2, showing Mizu traveling to London by ship amid stormy seas. The co‑creators Amber Noizumi and Michael Green said the final season will bring Mizu’s journey to a close. They added that the production involved historians, animators, musicians, martial artists and voice actors. The first season, released in 2021, received a 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Netflix also unveiled a trailer and images for Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 at the same event. Blue Eye Samurai joins other animated series such as Castlevania, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off and Arcane that have earned positive reviews. The third season is scheduled for release in January 2027, completing the series’ narrative arc.
A modder has created a modification that remakes the pre‑rendered backgrounds of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time into fully 3D environments. Nintendo is developing an official remake of the game for its next‑generation console. The original Nintendo 64 title used 2D images for its scenery because of hardware constraints, similar to matte paintings in older films. The modification, called OoT unJPEG, removes those images and replaces them with 3D models while also eliminating load screens in certain areas. Reonu, the mod's developer, said he has been working on the project for more than a year and wrote custom code to run it on original N64 hardware. He has asked texture artists for assistance because he considers his own texture work limited. A video posted online shows the mod running without noticeable slowdown on the hardware. Nintendo announced it is working on a full remake of Ocarina of Time for the upcoming Switch 2, though no release date has been set. Fans can follow Reonu's social media accounts for updates on the mod. The community awaits further details on both the mod's progress and the official remake.
Insidious: Out of the Further opened in theaters on August 20, 2026. The sixth installment expands the story beyond the Lambert family to center on a new protagonist, Gemma, and her family’s link to the Further, a parallel dimension populated by demons.
Cyrus Lem, a cult leader with long black hair and rings, haunts Gemma’s family, killing her mother early and later kidnapping her daughter Maya. In the climax, Gemma uses family abilities to trap the demons inside her house, transport the structure into the Further, and rescue Maya while leaving Cyrus surrounded by the creatures.
The post‑credits scene returns to Cyrus in the Further, where a demon forces him onto a dental chair and drills into his teeth, showing that the demons act without loyalty. The scene also includes a cameo by KeyFace, a demon from a prior film, who locks Cyrus in the chamber as the franchise’s red door appears.
Insidious: The Red Door earned the highest box‑office revenue for the series and was a leading horror release in 2023. If Out of the Further achieves comparable box‑office results, the franchise may continue under James Wan and Leigh Whannell. An announced spin‑off titled An Insidious Tale starring Mandy Moore and Kumail Nanjiani is in development, though its status remains undetermined.
Netflix released the official trailer for the Lego One Piece two‑part animated special on Friday. The trailer shows Usopp recounting an exaggerated version of the Straw Hat Pirates' adventures to Chopper. The special adapts the first two seasons of the live‑action One Piece series. The cast includes Iñaki Godoy as Luffy, Emily Rudd as Nami, Mackenyu as Zoro, Jacob Romero Gibson as Usopp, Taz Skylar as Sanji, Charithra Chandran as Miss Wednesday/Nefertari Vivi, Mikaela Hoover as Tony Tony Chopper, Katey Sagal as Dr. Kureha, Jeff Ward as Buggy the Clown, and Callum Kerr as Captain Smoker. Atomic Cartoons, in partnership with Shueisha and The Lego Group, produced the special. Tom Hyndman serves as showrunner, writer and executive producer, while Chelsea Ker directs. The special will premiere on Netflix on September 29. The live‑action series debuted on Netflix in August 2023, with its second season released on March 10. The first two episodes of the live‑action series were shown in over 200 theaters in Canada, the United States and Japan. A third live‑action season titled One Piece: The Battle of Alabasta is scheduled for 2027. Sources include Netflix YouTube, Netflix Japan YouTube, and Comic Natalie.
Netflix announced a two‑part Lego One Piece special that retells the early adventures of the Straw Hat crew, scheduled for release on September 29, 2026, and unveiled a teaser for an anime remake of One Piece produced by WIT Studio, slated for February 2027. The special, which uses the voice cast from the live‑action series, will compress the narrative and is intended as a recap before the third season of the live‑action show, according to Netflix. The anime remake plans to follow the manga more closely and will avoid filler arcs present in the current Toei series, the studio said. The Lego special will be available worldwide on Netflix. The anime remake is expected to premiere in February 2027 and will air alongside the third season of the live‑action adaptation, also scheduled for 2027. Additionally, the mobile and console game One Piece Grand Gourmet, developed by Kairosoft, will launch on October 23, 2026, on platforms including Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, and Steam. The manga continues at chapter 1190, and creator Eiichiro Oda has indicated the series is winding down in the coming years, though no definitive end date has been announced.
Wit Studio released key art for its upcoming Netflix One Piece anime remake, which references the opening two-page color spread of the original manga.
The series will debut worldwide in February 2027 and will consist of seven episodes that cover the first 50 chapters of Eiichiro Oda's manga over approximately 300 minutes.
Masashi Koizuka is directing, Hideaki Abe serves as assistant director, Kyoji Asano handles image board and creature design, and Takatoshi Honda serves as chief animation director. Taku Kishimoto oversees series scripts, and Ken Imaizumi and Shuhei Fukuda serve as action animators.
George Wada, president and CEO of Production I.G and Wit Studio, said in a March interview that the remake will have tighter pacing without unnecessary padding compared to Toei Animation's original series. He added that Wit Studio aims to match the strength and quality of its previous works, including Attack on Titan, Spy×Family, and Vinland Saga, which aired late night in Japan, while noting that Toei's anime previously aired in a children's timeslot on Sunday mornings. Wada also said the new series intends to fully respect Toei Animation's original work.
The remake was first announced at the Jump Festa '24 event in December 2023, commemorating the 25th anniversary of the original anime. The announcement indicated that the series will adapt the East Blue Saga, though the scope has not been confirmed.
The original One Piece anime began airing in 1999. Its Elbaph arc premiered in Japan on April 5, and is currently streamed by Crunchyroll. A second live‑action season titled One Piece: Into the Grand Line debuted on Netflix on March 10, with the first two episodes shown in over 200 theaters across Canada, the United States, and Japan on the same day. The third season is scheduled for 2027, and an animated Lego special will stream on September 29.
The series is expected to begin streaming worldwide in February 2027, with further details to be released.
U.S. Army's 9th Brigade Engineer Battalion at Fort Stewart, Georgia, will give eligible soldiers a four‑day pass around the November 19 launch of Grand Theft Auto 6 if they reenlist for at least two additional years, with contracts required to be signed by November 14. The incentive is part of a broader set of creative recruitment and retention tools used by the Army, which has previously paired reenlistment ceremonies with events such as tank displays, helicopter flyovers, NFL partnerships, and scenic assignments. The program is limited to the 3rd Infantry Division and was proposed by a career counselor seeking to meet fiscal 2027 reenlistment targets. According to an internal memo confirmed by Army officials, soldiers who sign reenlistment contracts between August 1 and November 14 qualify for the pass. Lt. Col. Angel Tomko, a spokesperson for the 3rd Infantry Division, said 20 of the 120 eligible soldiers had chosen the option as of the previous Wednesday, and the offer is not Army‑wide. Grand Theft Auto 6 is slated for release on November 19 with a standard price of $79.99. Netflix will broadcast an extended six‑hour preview on August 27 before the footage is posted publicly. A hacker identified as Cyberleek has leaked gameplay footage and threatened further releases, citing dissatisfaction with the game's digital‑only distribution model. The four‑day pass is intended to provide soldiers with uninterrupted time to experience the game after launch, though the program remains limited to the 3rd Infantry Division and ends on November 14.
Malware disguised as a playable build of Grand Theft Auto 6 circulates on piracy and torrent sites. Security firm NordVPN warns users not to download the files because they contain malware. A leaker using the handle CyberLeek posted alleged gameplay footage earlier this week. The posts have sparked speculation that a downloadable version of the game is available. According to NordVPN CTO Marijus Briedis, the fake downloads have been circulating for months but have resurged with recent leaks. Briedis said attackers exploit fan interest in unreleased content to trick users into visiting unfamiliar sites. The malicious files masquerade as game archives and can compromise users' devices. The pattern mirrors a 2023 hack of Insomniac Games that exposed a playable version of Marvel's Wolverine. That Wolverine build was later scheduled for an official release three years later. Rockstar Games and Take-Two Interactive have not issued a statement about the reports. Grand Theft Auto 6 is scheduled for an official reveal on August 27 via a Netflix broadcast and a YouTube stream. The game is set for release on November 19 for Xbox Series X|S and PS5. No confirmation has been provided that a functional build exists. The upcoming event will provide the first official presentation of the game.
Ampere Analytics analyst Rhys Elliott said that GTA 6's $80 standard edition price could encourage other publishers to set similar prices for new AAA titles. The cost of living has increased and video game prices have risen in recent years. Console manufacturers have introduced next‑generation systems that cost more than previous generations, raising questions about the affordability of individual game titles. Elliott said that publishers should keep a $70 base price and add premium versions that cost $80 to $100, including early access, cosmetics, and season passes. He warned that treating GTA 6's price as a benchmark could lead some publishers to price standard editions at $80 regardless of the game's scope or quality. Nintendo has so far avoided pricing its flagship releases at $80, keeping Donkey Kong Bananza at $70. No other major publisher has confirmed a price change in response to GTA 6's announcement. Industry observers will watch how consumers respond to the $80 price as next‑generation console costs approach $1,000, and whether the pricing model influences future release strategies.
Steam will make two PC games free to play on its platform through Aug. 4, 2026.
Steam periodically offers limited‑time free‑to‑play access to selected titles, giving players a chance to try games without purchasing them.
Over The Top: WWI, a multiplayer shooter launched in March 2026, supports up to 200 players in World War I–themed battles that include infantry, tanks, artillery and aircraft. A recent US Expeditionary Forces update added United States forces, new maps, uniforms, weapons, vehicles and a first‑person perspective. Front Mission 3: Remake, released on Steam in January 2026, is a turn‑based tactical RPG that revisits a 1999 PlayStation title with modernized graphics, reorchestrated music and a quick‑combat mode. The game follows characters such as Kazuki Takemura as they engage in strategic combat using customizable mechs called Wanzers, emphasizing positioning and part modification.
Both titles are available for free on Steam until Aug. 4, and Valve notes that discounts will apply to purchases made during the promotion; the free access ends on Aug. 4.
Embark Studios announced a partnership with Subway that grants players in‑game skins when they purchase qualifying meals. From now through October 26, customers who buy a participating Subway meal receive a code to unlock the Subterranean outfit and two rotating in‑game items. The promotion offers three reward sets: Subterranean with Astrolite and Renegade II Medium Shield X2; Subterranean with Nascosto and Canto II Tactical Mk. 2; or Subterranean with Rawhide and Osprey II Surge Shield Recharger x2. Codes can be redeemed on Embark’s website. The collaboration coincides with the upcoming Frozen Trail expansion scheduled for October 8, and Embark said it will increase its update frequency to larger releases roughly every six months. The studio previously stated it avoids crossover content because the game’s narrative is highly curated.
The AC70 is listed for $219.80 after a $40 coupon on Bluetti's AliExpress storefront. Shipping is free within the United States, and the unit includes a five‑year warranty. The unit weighs 22.5 pounds and contains a 768Wh LiFePO4 battery, which supports short‑term off‑grid use or home backup power. It provides two 120V AC outlets rated at 1,000W each with a 2,000W surge, two 100W USB‑C ports, two 12W USB‑A ports, and a 12V/10A DC output. The device can be charged via AC, solar, or both, and can reach 80% from fully depleted in about 45 minutes using its battery management system. It can be monitored and controlled through the Bluetti smartphone app. The promotion remains active through August 2026, according to the listing.
From Software announced that the character Zork will be available in the network test for The Duskbloods. Zork appears in a pear‑shaped diving suit and wields a segment of undersea cable as a weapon. He can howl, fire a back‑mounted cannon and launch his body at enemies. The game’s multiplayer mode is intended to feel like a chaotic festival with diverse characters. In an interview, Hidetaka Miyazaki described Zork as a wild card that contrasts with traditional Victorian Gothic figures. He said the character’s mask includes a beak that extends like a straw to drink blood, a design he linked to Ultraman. Miyazaki also noted that Zork is one of his favorite characters to play in the test version.
Take-Two Interactive's share price slipped to $236, a decline of more than 6% year‑to‑date, after gameplay footage from the upcoming Grand Theft Auto VI began circulating online earlier this week.
The game is slated for a public reveal on August 27, followed by an extended trailer on Netflix, and is scheduled for release on November 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Take-Two reported a loss of more than $30 million in the most recent three‑month period, with net bookings falling. Chief executive Strauss Zelnick sold $10 million of shares, according to the company's filing. The Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan bought nearly 150,000 shares worth more than $37 million.
The initial leak wave began earlier this week and generated numerous headlines, including jokes from United States officials. A similar leak occurred in September 2022, which Zelnick described as "really frustrating and upsetting," though that incident did not affect the company's finances. Rockstar Games has said it is testing the title on the forthcoming Switch 2, but no official announcement has been made.
Take-Two's stock is up 3.3% over the past year and about 50% over the previous five years, having risen from roughly $18 per share when GTA V launched in 2013 to above $235 today.
Marvel actor Yahya Abdul-Mateen II said the public perception of Marvel’s recent cancellations is clear, noting that Disney and Marvel likely want to avoid the optics of ending series with Black leads. In a Vanity Fair interview, he said his series Wonder Man was cancelled despite having quality story, resources and positive audience response, and he called for a thorough review of the decision. The cancellation followed the earlier shelving of the Blade film starring Mahershala Ali, whom Ali said in July that Marvel had him under contract and could have produced the movie if it wanted to. Wonder Man showrunner Andrew Guest expressed surprise, saying the team had contracts, schedules and a planned production timeline before Disney and Marvel decided the project no longer made sense. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige acknowledged feeling like a failure over the Blade delay. The remarks come amid broader fan criticism that Marvel’s recent choices have created an appearance of bias.
Japanese sexual wellness brand TENGA and the anime series Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt announced a collaboration on Thursday, introducing a limited‑edition cup and tissue case featuring artwork from the show.
The partnership follows the release of the series’ sequel, New Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt, which premiered at Anime Expo 2025 and began streaming on Amazon Prime Video in July 2025.
The cup, priced at US$13.99, and the tissue case, priced at US$34.99, are sold as part of a bundle for US$48.98 on TENGA’s web store. The cup displays the series’ opening theme in monochrome with a pink and purple gradient, while the tissue case shows the key visual on a design inspired by a TENGA Vacuum Cup. TENGA, founded in 2005, markets disposable sexual wellness products for men and, through its subsidiary Iroha, products for women and hygiene items. The collaboration was first showcased at Anime Expo last month.
The items are available through the TENGA web store, and the partnership reflects the brand’s strategy to expand its consumer reach through pop‑culture partnerships.
Staff for Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 announced a new teaser trailer on Friday, confirming an October 20 release date on Netflix. The series will consist of ten episodes and is set in the world of Cyberpunk 2077. The trailer also features the song YOU CAN’T RUN FROM ME performed by rapper RICO NASTY.
Kai Ikarashi, who previously worked as a storyboard artist, animation director, animator and prop designer on the first season, directs the new series in his debut as director. Writer Bartosz Sztybor returns, and Ichigo Kanno serves as lead character designer. Masahiko Otsuka continues as scriptwriter.
The cast includes Momoka Terasawa and Valeria Rodriguez as Roman Carax, Akari Kitō and Kimoy Lee as Talia Yang, Kōki Uchiyama and Nazeeh Tarsha as D, and Kentarō Tone and Clancy Brown as Weak Kingsley.
The opening theme is The Cure’s 1978 song 10:15 Saturday Night, and the ending theme is Petite Meller’s Watson.
The first episode premiered at Anime Expo on July 3, 2025.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners originally debuted on Netflix in September 2022. The game it adapts is based on Mike Pondsmith’s Cyberpunk tabletop RPG.
Aniplex of America will release the series on a Blu-ray Disc set in North America on October 28, while Anime Limited and Plaion Pictures will handle home video distribution in Europe, and Sugoi Co will distribute it in Australia and New Zealand.
A prequel manga titled Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Madness launched on Comic Alive+ in December 2024, with an English print edition by Dark Horse.
The series will stream globally on Netflix beginning October 20.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 will premiere on Netflix on October 20, 2026, after Netflix released a new trailer and teaser images at Anime NYC. The announcement confirmed a 10‑episode animated sequel that continues the Night City setting of the original series.
The series was first announced at Anime Expo 2025 and is presented as a standalone story. Studio Trigger returns to animate the show, with Kai Ikarashi directing, Bartosz Sztybor serving as showrunner, and Masahiko Otsuka handling writing duties.
The trailer introduces four new characters — Roman Carax, Weak “King” Kingsley, D, and Talia Yang — and suggests the narrative follows Carax as he records the downfall of his peers. The footage maintains the series’ distinctive visual style.
Fans anticipate the release, which aims to preserve the kinetic animation and storytelling that earned the 2022 original critical acclaim.
Newegg lists the KingSpec XG7000 1TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 NVMe SSD for $136.39 with free shipping through its AliExpress storefront. The listing requires a signed‑in account to view the price and no coupon code is required. The same model sells for about $169 on Amazon. Installing an SSD in a PlayStation 5 does not void the console warranty and is considered an upgrade because games can require up to 100 GB each, easily filling the console’s 1 TB drive or the additional 2 TB of storage that can be added. The KingSpec XG7000 is a PCIe 4.0 x4 drive rated at up to 7,400 MB/s read and 6,600 MB/s write, exceeding Sony’s recommended minimum of 5,500 MB/s. It uses TCL 3D NAND flash and lacks onboard DRAM, instead employing HMB to use system memory for buffering; Sony states this makes no difference for PS5 performance. Although a heatsink is not included, Sony’s installation guide recommends one to maintain optimal temperatures. An aftermarket heatsink is available from Amazon for roughly $6 and can be attached with adhesive. IGN’s Deals team, which includes commerce manager Eric Song, reported the listing. The team has over 30 years of combined experience identifying online discounts. Followers can subscribe to the IGN Deals newsletter or monitor the company’s social media channels for future offers.
Dave Bautista has been cast as Kratos in the upcoming Prime Video adaptation of God of War, replacing Ryan Hurst, who left the production due to a bicep injury sustained while filming. The role change was announced by the studio, with production set to resume in October 2026.
The God of War franchise, originally a video game series developed by Santa Monica Studio, has expanded into television. Ryan Hurst previously portrayed Kratos in promotional material and had been considered for the live‑action series.
The casting decision was confirmed after Hurst tore his bicep during a stunt, requiring a recovery period that would have delayed filming. Bautista, known for his role as Drax in Guardians of the Galaxy, had previously expressed interest in a Gears of War series and discussed a potential Kratos role in earlier conversations. He lost weight for the Drax character in late 2024 and may need to gain muscle mass to match the physical demands of Kratos, who is depicted with a muscular build and a distinctive red tattoo. Fans have responded with optimism on social media, though some note the physical transformation required. The production timeline indicates prep for the series begins this month, with filming slated to restart in mid‑October 2026. The live‑action adaptation will follow the release of a new God of War game centered on Kratos, currently in development, and a sequel titled God of War: Laufey, scheduled for February 2027.
The series aims to bring the popular video game narrative to a broader audience as production resumes later this year.
Best Buy will sell $100 gift cards for $60 on August 22, a one‑day in‑store promotion marking its 60th anniversary.
The offer is limited to 50 cards per store and requires customers to arrive early due to limited quantities.
The $100 card can be applied toward the $100 Ultimate Edition of Grand Theft Auto VI, scheduled for release on November 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, or used for the $80 standard edition or other merchandise.
Best Buy also announced discounts on Beats Studio Pro headphones, Apple AirPods Pro 3 and up to 60% off select video games as part of the anniversary sales.
Rockstar Games will showcase the game on Netflix on August 27, and multiple leaks have already provided early visuals of the upcoming title.
The promotion ends after the single day, and Best Buy has not indicated whether similar anniversary offers will be held in the future.
Sega released the first trailer for an animated series based on its Golden Axe video game franchise. The series, created by Mike McMahan and Joe Chandler, follows the original heroes and a new character named Hampton Squib as they attempt to defeat Death Adder and protect the land of Yuria. Voice actors Lisa Gilroy, Liam McIntyre and Matthew Rhys provide the main roles. The trailer depicts stylized combat, fantasy settings and references to the game's signature gold axe. McMahan said the show will stay true to the source material while adding meta‑commentary, a point highlighted when the character Tyris Flare mentions facing a series of increasingly difficult enemies before confronting Death Adder. Golden Axe originally launched in 1989 as an arcade beat‑em‑up and has remained inactive since the 2008 release of Golden Axe: Beast Rider. Sega has been adapting its game properties for film and television, including the Sonic the Hedgehog film series, a live‑action Yakuza series that debuted in 2024, and planned adaptations of Streets of Rage, House of the Dead and an OutRun movie directed by Michael Bay. A premiere date for the Golden Axe series has not yet been announced.
Walt Disney Animation Studios chief creative officer Jared Bush said a Kingdom Hearts movie is not ruled out, stating that "nothing is impossible" when asked by IGN.
The Kingdom Hearts franchise has generated more than $1 billion in sales across nine titles, and a Disney+ series is currently in development. Fans have speculated about a feature‑film adaptation.
Bush, who has led the studio since 2024 and co‑directed the Zootopia sequels, co‑directed Encanto, which won an Academy Award, and wrote Moana, said the company is exploring various formats for its intellectual properties.
The series began in 2002. In 2023, filmmaker Seth Kearsley produced a pilot and animatic for a Kingdom Hearts television series, which was later removed from public view.
Michael Eisner, the franchise's original greenlighter, said he does not recall approving a film pitch.
At Disney's D23 event, Square Enix announced that Kingdom Hearts IV is slated for release in late 2027, a date the co‑creator said will be maintained. The announcement also confirmed Donald Duck as a playable character and noted that characters from Disney's Coco will appear in the game.
Jamie Lynn Spears said the cancellation of Zoey 101 was not triggered by her teenage pregnancy. The series ended after its fourth season, which had been filmed before she became pregnant at age 16. Spears addressed the rumor during an interview on the Momarchy Podcast, stating that the show had already wrapped production. She said that people who believed the pregnancy caused the cancellation were mistaken. The final season was planned as the series finale and was shot in its entirety prior to the pregnancy. Many viewers connected the end of the show with her pregnancy, but Spears noted that she and her daughter, who is active on TikTok, frequently joke about the claim. The cast reunited in 2023 for the sequel film Zoey 102.
TeamGroup C175 1TB USB flash drive is listed for $83 with free shipping on Newegg’s AliExpress storefront. The same model sells for $120 on Amazon and directly through Newegg. The drive measures just over 2 inches in length, uses USB 3.2 Gen 1 and reaches up to 100MB/s when connected to a USB 3.0 port, while backward compatibility with USB 2.0 limits speeds to approximately 30MB/s. IGN Deals, which has documented deals for more than 30 years, highlights the listing. Eric Song, IGN commerce manager, identified the offer.
A social media user identified as CyberLeek posted a video in which a character named Jason Duval shoots at a wall, causing bullet marks that spell "LEEK." The clip also shows a blue-and-yellow prop plane flying over a city resembling Vice City, and the game pauses to switch between radio stations such as V‑Rock playing Stevie Nicks' "For What It's Worth" and Back Country Radio playing Glen Campbell's "Rhinestone Cowboy," as well as Symphony FM. CyberLeek said the footage demonstrates access to a playable build and announced plans to release the ending for the character Lucia Caminos later that day, accompanied by an online poll. Earlier leaks included footage of Jason playing basketball and using a taser-like weapon to shoot people. CyberLeek stated the leak is an act of defiance after Rockstar announced the game would not be released on physical disc, and the user also includes advertisements for memecoins within the videos.
The official "Extended Look" trailer for GTA VI is scheduled for release on August 27, first appearing on Netflix at 3 PM Eastern Time and then on Rockstar's YouTube channel at 9 PM Eastern Time. The game is set to launch on November 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.