Xbox CEO Asha Sharma said Project Helix will consist of a family of devices, during a BBC interview at Gamescom 2026. The platform, first announced in March, promises PC gameplay capabilities but has remained largely undisclosed as Microsoft cuts jobs in its gaming division. The previous console generation launched two models, a disc‑equipped Series X and an all‑digital Series S. Sharma said the company is working on a next‑generation hardware line for Helix and will share more details soon. She noted that consumers are unlikely to spend thousands of dollars on a new console generation and that Microsoft will explore new business models. The platform will let users digitize their game libraries, though specifics about physical disc support have not been provided. The company has not announced a release date or pricing for the new devices.
Art, books, film, gaming, and the conversations defining the week.
Rockstar North said that Grand Theft Auto VI will let players pick up dog feces from the street and throw it at pedestrians. YouTuber TGG reported that players can wait for a pedestrian to collect the waste in a bag, then take the bag and throw it, causing the pedestrian to drop the contents. The game also includes options to pet or scold dogs, which influence an honor system that penalizes negative behavior. GTA VI is scheduled for release on November 19 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, and publisher Rockstar expects pre-order revenue to cover the game's development budget.
OceanVeil, the streaming platform of WWWave Corporation, announced that the anime Now That I Can Control Reality With A Mouse Cursor will debut via simulcast on September 11, and that the English dub of Marika's Love Meter Malfunction will begin on September 3. The announcement was made on August 28 after earlier promotional material was released by AnimeFesta and details were posted on OceanVeil's website. The Now That I Can Control Reality With A Mouse Cursor anime is adapted from Okumaro's manga serialized on ComicFesta since March 2024 and follows Takumi Matsuo, an otaku who discovers his computer cursor has become a tangible object. The series stars Jigokubozu as Takumi Matsuo, Ruka Fujihira as Mone Himeno, Yuki Fujimiya as Mirei Aida, Shigo no Lady as Kaoru Nishimiya, Masyumaro Ayanokoji as a teacher, Konbu Ariake as a female student, and is produced by Studio Hōkiboshi with direction by Makoto Sokuza. It will air on Tokyo MX and BS11 on October 4 at 25:00 (effectively October 5 at 01:00) and will be available on AnimeFesta starting September 11. The English dub of Marika's Love Meter Malfunction is based on Rin Komugi's manga, which launched in 2024 and is published in English by Coolmic. The dub features Ciarán Strange as Kanata Kitami, Kelsey Jaffer as Marika Chitose, Darcey Lee as Sayuki Toyotomi, Caroline Orejeula as Niino Hidaka, Katy Johnson as Kokona Mikasa, and Steve Warky Nunez as narrator. The English dub will launch on OceanVeil at 10:00 a.m. PDT on September 3 and will be streamed simultaneously with the Japanese broadcast, which began on AnimeFesta on March 13 and aired on Tokyo MX and BS11 on April 5. Additional production details were provided in press releases from OceanVeil and the manga publishers.
Facepunch Studios announced a revised 2026 roadmap for the survival game Rust, removing the planned Battle Pass and moving several features to 2027. Rust entered full release in 2018 after eight years in early access and operates with a monthly wipe schedule that requires players to invest substantial time. The updated roadmap, released at the start of 2026, originally scheduled a Battle Pass for the third quarter, but the developer replaced it with a system called Rust Premium, which gives server access to players with inventory items valued at more than $15. The premium status is intended to reduce cheater presence on servers. Other planned content, including procedural caves, the nexus system, the nomadic dweller, enhanced underground terrain, a grappling hook and terrain deformation, have been delayed to 2027. An animal husbandry update, player customization tools, a bug reward system and biofuel generators are slated for release before the end of the year. Additionally, a previously delayed stretch goal featuring pet dogs has been moved up to a 2026 release. Rust remains available on Mac, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One and Xbox Series X. A September force wipe is scheduled to occur less than a week after the announcement, with further details expected in an upcoming blog post. The timeline for the remaining updates remains unclear, and the impact of the roadmap changes on each monthly wipe is uncertain.
Netflix offers a growing anime library and several original productions. Crunchyroll remains the primary platform for many anime titles, often securing streaming rights before other services. The service includes seven recommended anime series. Blame! is an adaptation of Tsutomu Nihei’s manga that follows Killy, a silent loner who searches for a genetic marker to help humanity regain control. Dorohedoro follows Caiman, an amnesiac with a lizard head, who hunts a sorcerer while navigating a post‑apocalyptic world of class division. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners follows David Martinez, a street kid who becomes a cybernetically enhanced mercenary, and portrays his relationship with a netrunner named Lucy. Great Pretender follows Makoto Edamura, a petty con artist who becomes involved in elaborate scams targeting public figures. Devilman Crybaby adapts Go Nagai’s manga to a modern setting, portraying a conflict between humans and demons and highlighting anti‑war themes. Delicious in Dungeon follows adventurers who survive by cooking monsters they encounter while searching for a named Golden Country. The series span various genres, tones, and production styles, reflecting Netflix’s effort to diversify its anime offerings.
The original founders of Hooters are proceeding with early development of a comedy film that will portray the chain's founding story. Hooters, a casual dining and sports bar chain known for its wings and waitstaff, was established in 1983 in Clearwater, Florida, and now operates about 200 locations in the United States and roughly 60 internationally, including the Bahamas, the Czech Republic, Japan, and Switzerland. Edward Droste, one of the six co‑founders, is producing the picture and co‑writing the screenplay, while Jon Rosenbaum, known for directing Benchwarmers 2: Breaking Balls, has been tapped to direct. Casting is underway and filming is planned to begin in November in the Tampa and Clearwater areas of Florida, where the first Hooters restaurant opened. Droste said the film will show how the founders started the business and highlighted the role of the Hooters Girls, describing it as a 'big‑hearted culture' and 'famous humor' that the company wants to share. Rosenbaum added that the story combines a buddy comedy with an inspiring biopic of two friends who began without clear plans and turned a novel idea into a national brand. No release date has been announced, and the project remains in pre‑production.
Janus Films will release a 4K restoration of René Laloux’s 1987 animated film Gandahar in New York City on August 28, followed by a national theatrical rollout.
Laloux previously directed the 1973 film Fantastic Planet.
The film portrays a utopian society threatened by soulless robots and examines genetic experimentation and time‑travel themes.
An English‑language adaptation titled Light Years was released in North America by Miramax in 1988; dialogue was adapted by Isaac Asimov and featured voices by John Shea, Jennifer Grey and Christopher Plummer.
The narrative follows Sylvain, a young Servant, who investigates an attack by the Men of Metal, who turn villagers to stone, and encounters the Deformed, individuals altered by scientific experiments who can see the future.
The story also centers on Metamorphis, a giant brain in the Eccentric Ocean, whose role remains ambiguous.
The film’s pacing is measured and its visual style distinctive, setting it apart from contemporary animation, according to film scholars.
The restoration seeks to preserve the original artistic vision and introduce the work to new audiences.
From August 28 to August 30, 2026, Netflix, HBO Max and Hulu will make new movies available for home viewing, while additional titles are offered through VOD services and Prime Video.
The weekend traditionally brings a larger selection of films to streaming platforms, giving viewers options beyond theatrical releases.
The Whisper Man is a thriller starring Robert De Niro, Adam Scott and Michelle Monaghan, directed by James Ashcroft, and follows a widowed crime writer whose son is abducted and linked to a serial killer known as the Whisper Man.
Her Private Hell is a thriller directed by Nicolas Winding Refn and starring Sophie Thatcher, Havana Rose Liu, Charles Melton and Diego Calva; it premiered at Cannes and has attracted mixed critical attention.
The Last Sunrise is a romance based on the Anna Todd novel, directed by Carlson Young and starring Maia Reficco, Eva Longoria and Fernando Lindez; it is available on Prime Video.
Batman: Knightfall Part 1 is an animated film, 1 hour 19 minutes long, directed by Jeff Wamester and starring Anson Mount, Michael Mando and Pablo Schreiber; it depicts Batman confronting Bane after a major breakout at Arkham Asylum.
Motor City is an action film set in Detroit in 1977, directed by Potsy Ponciroli and starring Alan Ritchson, Ben Foster and Shailene Woodley; it follows ex-con John Miller seeking revenge against the gangster who framed him.
Desert Warrior is an action film billed as the most expensive Saudi Arabian production, directed by Rupert Wyatt and starring Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Sharlto Copley and Ben Kingsley; it follows a princess and her father fleeing a forced concubinage arrangement.
Penny Lane is Dead is a horror film set in the late 1980s, directed by Mia Kate Russell and starring Bailey Spalding, Alexandra Jensen and Fletcher Humphrys; it follows three friends whose beach house getaway turns dangerous after a prank goes wrong.
Hadestown: The Musical is a live recorded film of the West End stage production, directed by Brett Sullivan and featuring Reeve Carney, Andre De Shields and Amber Gray.
Above & Below is a horror film directed by Jesse V. Johnson and starring Antonio Banderas, Christina Ochoa and Laura Marano; it follows friends in Mexico who encounter a cartel during a shark-diving excursion.
The Deb is a musical film directed by Rebel Wilson and starring Natalie Abbott, Charlotte McInnes and Rebel Wilson; it follows an outcast girl anticipating a debutante ball before her cousin's arrival challenges the tradition.
The weekend offers a range of options across thriller, romance, animation, action and horror genres.
PC gamers have begun testing Nvidia’s unreleased DLSS 5 AI upscaling technology on games including The Last of Us Part 2, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim, and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, according to fan videos and uploads discovered in an early access build of NBA 2K27.
Earlier this year, Nvidia released promotional footage of Resident Evil Requiem using DLSS 5, prompting criticism that the AI altered character designs to appear more conventionally attractive; Nvidia claimed studio approval, though some developers said they were not consulted, and the company’s CEO dismissed dissenters as “completely wrong,” intensifying public debate.
In the current testing phase, users report that the upscaling sharpens outdoor textures and enhances color vibrancy, such as foliage in The Last of Us Part 2, while facial features often look overly smooth or oily, producing an uncanny effect; for example, Skyrim characters have been likened to beauty influencer James Charles, and GTA San Andreas protagonist CJ sometimes appears altered from his original model. Community comments reflect mixed reactions, noting visual improvements but also expressing concern over the unnatural look. The technology remains unfinished, and Nvidia has not announced a release date for the RTX 50‑series chips.
The ongoing controversy may affect DLSS 5’s adoption once it is officially launched, leaving its long‑term impact on gaming graphics uncertain.
Microsoft’s action‑adventure game Fable has been delayed to a February 23, 2027 release on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and PC, moving it away from a period that included the launches of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 and Grand Theft Auto VI.
The game, originally slated for a 2026 launch, had been expected earlier in the year before the postponement.
Director Ralph Fulton said the shift avoids a congested release window and provides the game with a less contested period to attract attention. He noted that the decision was based on a sound rationale and that the earlier plan to ship in 2026 was changed after a team meeting in January.
Gameplay footage shown at Gamescom depicted early development builds, while GameSpot’s hands‑on experience suggested a different state of progress.
Fulton previously said the delay helps Fable avoid a crowded schedule and Grand Theft Auto, allowing the title to have a moment in the market.
The February 2027 launch places Fable after the major releases of Call of Duty and GTA VI, but the game’s final quality and market reception remain to be evaluated.
The review of Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie: Walpurgisnacht: Rising was published by Anime News Network and provides a spoiler‑filled assessment of the film. The story follows Homura, who after attaining near‑omnipotence confronts three new magical girls at her school, prompting her to consider the consequences of her previous actions. The narrative also develops Sayaka’s ambiguous identity and introduces Selma Terez as a central antagonist whose motivations are initially unclear. The reviewer notes that the film’s animation combines traditional drawing, computer‑generated imagery, scrapbook sequences, and rotoscoping, and that the music includes new and familiar themes as well as a song by ClariS. The overall grade given is A‑, with story rated B+, animation and art rated A+, and music rated B. The reviewer observes that the film provides satisfying conclusions for Homura and Sayaka and presents a strong villain, but does not match the narrative depth of earlier entries and ends with an ambiguous conclusion that some viewers find unsatisfying. Fans are advised to watch the series and the previous film Rebellion before seeing this movie.
FX's 11‑episode fourth season of the anthology series 'Fargo' debuted on Hulu, set in Kansas City during the early 1950s and focusing on two criminal families. The series follows a new cast and setting each season, with earlier seasons taking place in the late 20th century and later periods. Season four features a Black crime family led by Loy Cannon and an Italian family led by Donatello Fadda, whose descendants are raised by the opposing family as part of a longstanding peace arrangement. The death of Donatello and the impulsive decisions of his son Josto spark a violent conflict that results in multiple fatalities. U.S. Marshal Dick Wickware, portrayed by Timothy Olyphant, investigates the escalating war, while Oraetta Mayflower, played by Jessie Buckley, appears as the sole character with a regional accent reminiscent of earlier seasons. Critics have ranked the season lowest among the series, noting its slower pacing, reduced humor, and distinct 1950s urban setting compared with previous installments. Nonetheless, the season has been praised for the performances of Chris Rock, Jason Schwartzman, and Jessie Buckley, and for its methodical storytelling that draws influence from Coen brothers films such as 'Miller's Crossing'. All seasons of 'Fargo' remain available on Hulu, and the series continues to be analyzed for its tonal shift and character dynamics.
Prime Video will add a variety of titles to its library in September 2026. The fourth season of Reacher concludes on September 16, and a spin‑off series focusing on investigator Frances Neagley premieres the same day. Over the Garden Wall and Chef become available on September 1, while Demon Slayer seasons 1‑4 and the Mugen Train movie join the catalog on September 15. The Love Hypothesis is scheduled for release on September 23. Sports content includes ONE Championship on September 4, NWSL matches on September 9, 11, 18 and 25, and MLB games on September 9 and 23. Prime Video subscription offers a 30‑day free trial for new users and a six‑month trial for students; an ad‑free tier costs an additional $4.99 per month as of April 2026. The schedule is subject to change pending further announcements from Amazon.
Zach Cregger's Resident Evil film is projected to earn $40 million to $50 million during its opening weekend in September, which would make it the highest‑grossing opening weeke...
Zach Cregger's Resident Evil film is projected to earn $40 million to $50 million during its opening weekend in September, which would make it the highest‑grossing opening weekend for any Resident Evil movie released in theaters. Box Office Pro, a trade publication affiliated with the National Association of Theater Owners, compiled the figures based on current market models. The previous record for a Resident Evil opening weekend was set by Resident Evil: Afterlife in 2010, when it earned $26.65 million. Resident Evil: Apocalypse and Resident Evil: Extinction each opened with about $23 million, while the original 2002 film opened with $17.7 million. The 2021 entry Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City earned less. Cregger said he chose not to create a direct adaptation of the video games. At San Diego Comic Con, he told IGN that he ‘took liberties’ with the source material and that he was not trying to replicate the games. ‘I am not trying to adapt a video game,’ he said. ‘I am not using the characters from the games. I am not telling a story that the games tell because I would not be able to improve on what the games already do.’ He added that the film follows an average person caught up in the Raccoon City incident, and that the script includes references to game elements such as shotgun shells from Resident Evil 4, first‑person action sequences, a typewriter, and the Umbrella Corporation. The movie runs one hour and 35 minutes and is being promoted as an uninterrupted thrill ride. The release is scheduled for September 18, and box office analysts will monitor actual attendance when the weekend arrives.
Digital Foundry presented the first gameplay footage of Grand Theft Auto 6, showing its visual design and a stable 30 frames per second frame rate. Analysts Oliver Mackenzie and Richard Leadbetter noted extensive detail in character models, including hair and skin textures on the protagonist and many non‑player characters. They said ray tracing was applied in specific scenes to increase realism while traditional rendering methods were used elsewhere to balance image quality and performance. Testing of 48,242 frames confirmed that the game maintained 30 frames per second without dips. The preview rendered at a native 1440p resolution and was upscaled to 4K without a modern upscaling technique, resulting in a slightly softer image that may be refined before launch. The analysts expect Rockstar to forgo a 60 frames per second performance mode on current consoles, even with visual compromises, and anticipate that the PlayStation 5 Pro could offer improved ray‑traced effects or higher resolution targets. They identified the CPU as the primary bottleneck, making significant frame‑rate improvements unlikely without a more capable processor, a limitation that a future PC release might mitigate. The footage also displayed a six‑star wanted level, the ability to pet and scold dogs, and several fan‑noticed references. Rockstar has not indicated plans to include a love story that players can ignore.
Rockstar Games unveiled the trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI during a Netflix‑hosted event on August 27. The 30‑minute video displayed gameplay footage and introduced main characters Jason and Lucia. The trailer highlighted new mechanics, including NPCs noticing weapons, car theft systems, and an honor system similar to that in Red Dead Redemption 2. Developers from Rockstar North spoke during the broadcast. The game is scheduled for release on November 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with a PC version expected later. Rockstar has not announced a multiplayer component, though GTA Online has been a major revenue source for the company.
James Cameron's 1986 sequel "Aliens" will begin streaming on Netflix on September 1. The film follows Ellen Ripley, portrayed by Sigourney Weaver, as she leads a marine unit to LV-426 months after the events of Ridley Scott's 1979 "Alien." Cameron, who also wrote the screenplay, shifted the tone from horror to a high‑tempo action thriller, delivering sustained combat sequences, extensive alien encounters, and a focus on Ripley's leadership. Critics have praised the movie for its pacing, narrative economy, and its status as a benchmark for successful sequels. The film has been cited as a cultural touchstone for sci‑fi action cinema and continues to influence contemporary franchise storytelling. Its addition to Netflix expands access to a broad audience while preserving its reputation as one of the most acclaimed science‑fiction action films.
The live-action television series adaptation of Roji's Ao to Midori manga will debut on October 5, airing on BS Asahi and streaming on Lemino. The manga published by France Shoin follows high school students Ao and Midori, whose mutual unrequited love develops over eight years after graduation. Naoya Kusakawa stars as Midori Yamamura and Hidekazu Chinen stars as Ao Hayama. Nao Nomura, Hitomi Kitagawa and Saki Michimoto direct the series and Ayumi Shimo writes the scripts. The series will air on TV Kanagawa at 11:30 p.m. on October 5 and will begin broadcast on HBC, RKB Mainichi Broadcasting and CBC TV on October 8. It will stream online first on Lemino at 10:00 a.m. on October 5 and will be available on TVer after the BS Asahi broadcast. The first volume of the manga was released in August 2023, and a second volume was published by Printemps Shuppan on May 28. A previous live-action adaptation of Roji's Countdown to Yes series debuted in January. The series adds to the growing number of live-action adaptations of Japanese manga on television and streaming platforms.
The Mandalorian and Grogu film will be available to stream on Disney Plus beginning September 2, 2026, after a theatrical release on May 22 and a digital and physical home media release in July.
The movie earned $345 million worldwide at the box office, a figure lower than the $1.07 billion gross of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker in 2020. It opened in theaters on May 22, followed by a digital release in July and a Blu‑ray and DVD edition later that month.
Critics offered mixed assessments. Polygon’s Jake Kleinman said the film appears designed to introduce Star Wars to new audiences, emphasizing visual moments featuring Grogu. Other observers noted that the movie functions as a standalone story despite not fitting the traditional Star Wars narrative.
The film can be purchased digitally on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango, and a Blu‑ray and DVD version was released. Hasbro also announced a premium Grogu animatronic toy priced at $599.99 for collectors and fans.
The streaming launch marks the first home‑video availability of the characters since their television series debuted in 2019, and the film's box‑office performance remains below the franchise's highest‑grossing titles.
Indie developer Ryan Laley posted a video showing that his and several other developers' laptops were stolen overnight at the Gamescom convention in Cologne, Germany, after police filed a report.
Laley, who is building the asymmetrical horror game Mimic, said his booth was raided and two laptops, a Steam Deck and demo equipment were taken, which contained demo builds and personal and company data.
He posted on Twitter that the loss was financially and mentally damaging and that he did not expect the items to be recovered.
Police reports have been filed with local authorities.
CD Projekt Red, the studio behind The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077, responded that it could not help immediately but would send replacement equipment.
Indie Game Joe, a developer and industry commentator, posted a video offering support, and Laley accepted the offer.
Other exhibitors, including iam8bit and Tessera Studios, reported that their laptops and devices were also stolen, raising concerns about security at the venue.
Gamescom organizers have not issued a public statement regarding the incidents, and IGN has requested comment.
Laley said he would continue attending the event without a booth and invited interested parties to meet him in the exhibition hall, while thanking the community for its support.
Amazon is offering the Asus ROG Flow Z13 ultra‑portable gaming laptop for $1,699.99 after a $400 discount, with free shipping, as listed on its website.
The 13.4‑inch convertible weighs 2.65 pounds and features a 2560×1600 180 Hz IPS display, an AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 CPU with Radeon 8050S iGPU, 32 GB of LPDDR5X‑8000 MHz RAM, and a 1 TB SSD. The keyboard can be detached for tablet use, and the chassis is made of black CNC‑finished aluminum with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus screen protection. It is heavier than the 1.6‑pound Xbox Ally X handheld but lighter than many full‑size laptops, and its graphics performance exceeds that of the Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU used in the highest‑end handheld gaming PCs.
The configuration is priced below the top‑end Flow Z13 model, which includes a Ryzen AI Max 395 CPU and an 8060S iGPU and is sold for about $2,100. Amazon’s listing indicates the discount is temporary. IGN commerce manager Eric Song oversees daily deal searches for the site. A review by Chris Coke described the device as a 2‑in‑1 laptop‑tablet suited for users seeking high performance in a portable form factor.
The deal is time‑limited, and the availability of similar configurations at lower prices remains unclear.
From August 23 to August 29, North American retailers received new anime Blu‑ray collections, manga volumes, digital manga, print and digital novels, audiobooks, video games, and a hardcover guide.
The releases were distributed by publishers such as Discotek, Sentai Filmworks, Shout! Studios, Kodansha USA, Yen Press, J‑Novel Club, Seven Seas, Viz Media, and others. The week included physical media, printed and digital books, and software titles.
Discotek issued Blu‑ray sets of Digimon Tamers, Hana Yori Dango, Monster Collection, Sgt. Frog, and Speed Racer on August 25, with suggested retail prices ranging from $39.95 to $79.95. Sentai Filmworks released the fifth volume of Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? and a box set on August 25. Shout! Studios made Your Name and its steelbook edition available on August 25. The manga list for August 25 included graphic novels and single‑volume releases from Kodansha USA, Yen Press, Tokyopop, Vertical and other imprints, covering series such as Ashita no Joe, The Ayakashi Hunter's Tainted Bride, and The Dangers in My Heart. Digital manga titles added on August 25 and later in the week included Apocalypse Bringer Mynoghra, The Arrival of Spring and Love, and several series from J‑Novel Club and Viz Media. Print novels released on August 25 featured Sword of the Demon Hunter Kijin Gentosho Volume 14, The Water Magician Arc 1, and The Weakest Tamer Began a Journey to Pick Up Trash Volume 13. Digital novels added on August 24‑28 included titles such as The Canon Fodder's Ascension from Pawn to World Unifier and Easygoing Territory Defense by the Optimistic Lord. Audiobooks released on August 25 and 27 included Failure Frame, Skeleton Knight in Another World, and Survival in Another World with My Mistress! Video games launched on August 27 and 28 included Brigandine: Abyss, Captain Tsubasa II, Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition, and Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2. Other releases comprised the hardcover book Manga in Theory and Practice on August 25.
The week’s catalog reflected a steady flow of new titles across multiple media, with no single event overshadowing the others.
Zombieland will stop being available on Netflix after August 31, 2026. Columbus, played by Jesse Eisenberg, follows a set of survival rules as he navigates a post‑apocalyptic United States. He meets Tallahassee, played by Woody Harrelson, and the sisters Wichita, played by Emma Stone, and Little Rock, played by Abigail Breslin. The story concludes with all four protagonists surviving the final battle, and Columbus and Wichita share a kiss. The film, directed by Ruben Fleischer, was released in 2009 and earned $102 million worldwide. Critics noted that the cast’s chemistry allowed the movie to shift between slapstick violence and moments of sincere emotion. The sequel, Zombieland: Double Tap, was released in 2019 with the original director, writers, and cast returning, but did not replicate the original’s cultural footprint. After August 31, viewers will need to locate the film on another streaming service. Zombieland remains a notable example of a genre that balances horror conventions with character‑driven storytelling.
The new extended trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI, released on Rockstar’s YouTube channel, has prompted discussion among fans about mortality and the length of the game’s development.
The game has been anticipated since the 2013 launch of Grand Theft Auto V, and both the industry and players have undergone considerable changes over the past 13 years.
The trailer, which runs for more than 25 minutes, showcases updated graphics, vehicle mechanics, and non‑player character behavior. In the video’s comment section, several users posted remarks that reference death. One comment read, “a moment of silence for people that didn't make it here.” Another user wrote, “Objective: Stay alive till release day.” A third comment stated, “Bro, I went through middle school, high school, and college ... now I need to request time off work for this.” A fourth comment noted, “I was in a traffic accident in February and lost a leg, but I've still got my two damn hands and my eyes, baby!”
Rockstar has scheduled the game for release on November 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with an estimated playtime of roughly 80 hours.
The reaction highlights how extended anticipation for major game releases can lead to personal reflection among players, and the release date remains pending final confirmation.
Creator Sooncha withdrew the copyright for the manga 'Yang Can't Live Alone' from Square Enix after ending its run on Manga Up! on August 13. The creator will transfer the series to another publisher for a revised physical and digital release. Square Enix will stop publishing physical copies in Japan and end digital distribution on August 31 at 11:59 p.m. JST. Translated versions will remain available until their respective agreements expire. The third compiled volume shipped on August 6, and the creator asked pre‑order customers to cancel if uncomfortable. A Square Enix spokesperson said the company is reviewing the situation with all relevant parties and will provide an update when possible. Further details about the new publisher and revised edition will be released later.
Magic: The Gathering’s Reality Fracture set is scheduled for release on October 2, 2026, but Wizards of the Coast announced that Play Booster products may be delayed because a traffic jam in the Panama Canal has reduced canal capacity. The delay is caused by lower water levels in the canal’s freshwater lake, which have limited the passage of ships carrying the printed cards. The affected Play Boosters, which include two versions of a legendary character, were likely printed in Japan and are currently held up in the canal. Wizards said that after the prerelease and release weekend the supply of Play Boosters could run low, but replenishments are expected within a few weeks once the shipment clears. Other Reality Fracture products such as Collector Boosters, Commander decks and Bundles remain on schedule. The delay follows a pattern of shipping and production issues affecting several 2026 Magic sets, including TMNT, Lorwyn Eclipsed, Secrets of Strixhaven, Marvel Super Heroes and The Hobbit releases. The specialized booster design, which requires a single printer to place both character versions in each pack, has created production constraints that contributed to the logistics problem. Wizards indicated it will provide updates if conditions change, and the set’s overall release timeline is not expected to be altered.
Creative Assembly announced that the sequel will feature a new protagonist named Blake. The studio said the narrative follows Blake, who is sent to a colony as penance for a mistake. During a Gamescom demo, principal environment artist Archie Whitehead told GameSpot that the story focuses on Blake. The writer had long held a theory that Blake would be killed early and that Amanda Ripley would become the playable character, a notion he said was influenced by similar speculation about Red Dead Redemption 2. He now acknowledges that the theory lacks evidence and will stop pursuing it. While Ripley may appear through audio logs or other in‑game elements, the developer has not confirmed her role as the main protagonist. The writer said he expects the game to be memorable regardless of Ripley’s involvement and looks forward to learning more about Blake when Alien Isolation 2 releases in 2027.
GTA 6, scheduled for release on November 19 for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, may include an apartment from the television series Dexter, based on images posted by fans. The game is set in Vice City, a stand‑in for Miami, and the series Dexter was filmed at the Bay Harbor Club condos in Miami. Fans posted side‑by‑side images on Twitter comparing the condos to an in‑game location, suggesting the apartment could appear in the game. Rockstar's Rob Nelson told IGN that the team is being careful about satire to avoid making the game feel dated, and that it will not satirize Donald Trump or the COVID‑19 pandemic. The map is reported to be three times larger than that of Red Dead Redemption 2, and a full playthrough may last around 80 hours. The game includes six‑star wanted levels and allows players to pet a dog. It is not clear whether the apartment will be used for story purposes or as a satirical reference, and Rockstar has not confirmed the inclusion.
Rockstar Games released an extended gameplay preview of Grand Theft Auto VI via a Netflix-exclusive video, confirming a November 19 release date. The preview follows years of anticipation after the game's initial announcement and offers the first detailed look at open-world activities, combat, missions, characters, vehicles and gameplay mechanics. The footage showed that players can pet or scold dogs, that the six-star wanted level system returns, and that the map is roughly three times larger than that of Red Dead Redemption 2. Rockstar indicated the main story and related content may require about 80 hours to complete. The narrative centers on two protagonists, Lucia and Jason, who may work together as friends or partners rather than a romantic couple. A criminal profile system will track player behavior over time, differentiating it from the resetting wanted stars. Jason's speech has been compared to the character Bane. The game will include satirical commentary on politics and society but will avoid referencing actual public figures or events. It will not feature microtransactions or generative AI, and car theft will require a key-cloner for newer vehicles, while players must consider police response when drawing weapons in public. Additional features include the ability to throw dog waste at pedestrians, a fitness system affecting character physique, and the capacity to switch between the two protagonists mid-mission. The preview raises questions about how the expanded mechanics will affect gameplay balance, and the industry awaits the full release on November 19.
Disney+ and The Pokémon Company International announced a global distribution agreement that will make the stop‑motion series Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d and Pichu available on Disney+ starting in 2027. The series will also debut on Disney XD. A teaser trailer was posted on the official Pokémon YouTube channel and the Aardman YouTube channel. Aardman, known for Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep, is producing the series in collaboration with The Pokémon Company. Peter Lord, cofounder and creative director at Aardman, said the story will take place in a region close to the studio’s heart. The setting is the Galar region, based on the United Kingdom, as shown in the Pokémon Sword and Shield games. Tom Parkinson directs the series, Natalie McKay serves as creative director, and James Young is the creative lead. The series is part of a broader deal that also includes streaming of the original Indigo League season on Disney+ beginning August 7, with the first 27 episodes now available. Disney XD has begun airing the original series as well. Pokémon Concierge, another stop‑motion series, premiered on Netflix in December 2023 with four episodes, and new episodes were released in September 2025. The Pokémon Horizons anime premiered in Japan in April 2023, airing Fridays at 6:55 p.m. JST, and later debuted in the United States on Netflix in March 2024 after an earlier announced February release. Netflix added the second season in February 2025 and the third season on January 6. The deal’s terms were not disclosed.
Henry Cavill's action thriller In the Grey has become a top‑ranked title on Prime Video, placing fifth among global streaming films as of August 2026.
The 2026 film, directed by Guy Ritchie, marks his third collaboration with Cavill and also stars Eiza González and Jake Gyllenhaal. It earned $23.7 million worldwide at the box office, according to box office reports, and initially received a 52% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
After its theatrical release, the movie garnered limited press attention but later entered Prime Video’s top 10, ranking behind Project Hail Mary and ahead of the 2024 remake Road House. Its audience score on Rotten Tomatoes is 82%.
The streaming success highlights how platform availability can boost a film’s viewership after a modest theatrical performance, though the movie’s box office numbers remained below its production budget.
At the inaugural PokémonXP event in San Francisco, Tsunekazu Ishihara, president of The Pokémon Company, said the firm is considering ways to integrate Pokémon with wearable technology, including smart watches, smart glasses, and smart rings.
Ishihara noted that Pokémon has adapted to technological shifts since the release of the original handheld games, moving from devices like the Pokéwalker and Pokémon GO Plus to smartphones.
He said the next challenge may involve linking the franchise with wearable devices such as smart watches, smart glasses, and smart rings.
The company recently introduced the Fitbit Air Special Edition Pokémon Sleep, a health tracker that syncs with the Pokémon Sleep app, which gamifies sleep patterns.
Ishihara added that he hopes Pokémon will continue to create new forms of play that engage people across multiple generations.
The company has not announced a timeline for these integrations, and further details are expected as the wearable market evolves.
Lenovo is offering the Legion Go S handheld gaming PC for $529.99, a $170 reduction from its list price, through Woot, an Amazon subsidiary, for a limited period. The device launched in late 2025 and includes a Ryzen Z2 Go processor, 16 GB LPDDR5 RAM, and a 512 GB SSD, runs Windows 11, and can be installed with SteamOS. Performance testing by IGN shows the unit exceeds the capabilities of the Steam Deck and the Xbox Ally, and it is priced lower than both. The higher‑end models, such as the Xbox Ally X and Legion Go 2, cost roughly twice as much, but the discounted Legion Go S provides a more affordable high‑performance option. Woot provides a 90‑day warranty, and shipping is free for Amazon Prime members; otherwise a $5 delivery fee applies. The promotion is expected to end when the limited‑time offer expires, and no additional pricing information has been released.
Two thefts were reported at this year’s Gamescom, including the loss of equipment from indie developer Ryan Laley’s booth and the theft of two laptops from Iam8bit’s booth.
Gamescom is a major annual video game trade show that showcases upcoming titles. Thefts are unusual at the event.
Ryan Laley said his booth equipment was stolen at Gamescom, a loss he described as financially and mentally challenging. CD Projekt Red responded on X, stating it would try to send replacement items and noting that no developer should have to start from zero. Indie Game Joe announced a donation to replace Laley’s equipment and asked players to wishlist his upcoming game, Mimic.
Iam8bit reported that two laptops were stolen from its booth overnight, despite the presence of security; the laptops contained early demos for Petal Runner and Escape Academy 2.
Gamespot has contacted Gamescom for comment and will update the story if a response is received.
A leaked version of Nvidia's DLSS 5 neural rendering technology has been accessed by PC modders, who used it to apply the filter to several games and evaluate its visual and performance effects. Nvidia announced DLSS 5 earlier this year without providing a release date, and the technology has received criticism from some observers. The leak, reported by VideoCardz and shared with the RenoDX modding community, enabled the insertion of the filter into games such as Control, Cyberpunk 2077, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. In Control, modders observed increased facial detail and added shadowing to the protagonist Jesse Faden, but the altered model appeared inconsistent with the original art style during motion. In Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, the filter modified character and environmental models in ways that many observers described as visually inaccurate for the 2002 release. Modders reported that the filter runs on RTX 40‑ and 50‑series GPUs, consuming a significant amount of video memory and often reducing frame rates by roughly half. Nvidia released DLSS 4.5 at Gamescom, highlighting improvements to ray reconstruction, and stated that developers will be able to regulate the extent of the effect; several developers have publicly expressed concerns about its implementation. Nvidia expects DLSS 5 to launch in 2026 and has indicated that developers will retain control over the post‑processing effect, though the final design remains undisclosed.
Enish announced on Friday that its cooperative Attack on Titan: Brave Order smartphone game will cease service on September 28 at 5:30 p.m. JST, and that sales of in‑game currency have been halted.
The game, launched for iOS and Android devices in February 2022, let players assume roles in the Scout Corps alongside Eren Yeager and Mikasa Ackerman, cooperating with other players to defeat Titans.
Enish said the decision follows a review of the game's ongoing support. The title is the latest in a series of Attack on Titan mobile games that have discontinued service, including KAYAC's Attack on Titan TACTICS, which ended in August 2020, and earlier titles released by Mobage and DeNA.
The shutdown marks the end of the game's four‑year run and leaves remaining players without further updates or revenue options.
RetroCrush announced on Thursday that it will add several anime series and films from Viz Media to its streaming library. The service, which curates anime content for a global audience, aims to expand its catalog with titles spanning multiple decades. Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow premiered in Japan in August 2004. Sailor Moon R: The Movie opened in Japan in 1993. Bleach the Movie: Hell Verse was released in Japan in December 2010. Hunter × Hunter: Phantom Rouge debuted in Japan in January 2013. Hikaru no Go aired from October 2001 to March 2003. Accel World premiered in April 2012. The 2018-2019 Captain Tsubasa series began broadcasting in April 2018 and concluded its 52nd episode in April 2019. Captain Tsubasa: Junior Youth Arc started airing in October 2023. Vampire Knight debuted in April 2008. The additions increase the platform’s library ahead of several upcoming anime releases.
Saber Interactive chief creative officer Tim Willits told GameSpot at Gamescom that the industry is moving away from physical game discs and that console prices have risen sharply, prompting speculation about future storage solutions. Sony announced in 2026 that it will discontinue support for physical PlayStation discs in 2028, while digital game sales have continued to grow across the sector. Physical disc sales remain robust in Europe, but North American trends show a decline, according to Willits, who said he has not purchased a physical game in a long time because of digital convenience. Willits said he was surprised by the strong reaction from fans about Sony’s plan to end disc support and noted that Saber Interactive still generates significant revenue from physical titles, especially in Europe. He recalled a recent request to sign a copy of Doom 3, a game he helped develop at id Software, and said he would miss that experience. He suggested that a future “AI box” could allow players to upload their entire libraries, adding that someone may develop such a device. Regarding console pricing, Willits described current prices as “shocking,” noting that the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S are now more than $150 above their 2020 launch prices and that the upcoming Switch 2 will see a price increase in September. An Ampere Analysis report warned that consoles priced at $1,000 or higher could negatively affect market demand, though Sony and Microsoft have not yet disclosed pricing or release timelines for next‑generation hardware. Willits also said Saber plans to incorporate AI into game development but emphasized that the technology will not replace employees. The industry awaits further details from Sony and Microsoft on upcoming console pricing and the potential impact of AI‑based storage solutions on physical game collecting.
Apple AirPods Pro 3 open‑box units are offered by Walmart at a price of $144 with free shipping, compared with the $249 list price at the Apple Store; the promotion is available while inventory remains.
The AirPods Pro 3 launched in late 2023 as Apple’s newest earbuds. The device adds built‑in heart rate monitoring, better audio performance, improved active noise cancellation, longer battery life, and an IP57 rating that provides resistance to dust and water. Apple also released the Live Translation feature, an Apple Intelligence tool that translates speech in real time, which works with the AirPods Pro 3 as well as the second‑generation AirPods Pro and AirPods 4.
Reviews from PCMag reported generally favorable user experiences. Walmart lists the open‑box items as in excellent condition with no visible signs of use and ships them directly. Eric Song, commerce manager for IGN, oversees deal searches for the site.
Star Wars Zero Company debuted this week, offering a turn‑based tactical experience that combines XCOM‑style gameplay with Star Wars narrative, and Ubisoft revealed Rainbow Six Tactics, a turn‑based adaptation of Rainbow Six Siege, during Gamescom Opening Night Live. Turn‑based tactical games have been rare in the AAA market, with the last widely released title resembling XCOM being Classified: France ’44, which launched more than two years ago. Zero Company is available on Xbox, PlayStation 5 and PC and is expected to launch in 2027. Rainbow Six Tactics will also be released on the same platforms with a 2027 target date. Intelligent Systems announced Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave, a tactical role‑playing game featuring four protagonists and a content‑rich structure, slated for release later this year. The resurgence of turn‑based tactical titles may encourage further development in the genre and could influence Take‑Two’s consideration of an XCOM 3.