Rockstar Games released a deep dive revealing details about Grand Theft Auto 6, scheduled for release on November 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The feature list includes a return of a mechanic from San Andreas and a system that allows switching between two protagonists. Developers said the game will place greater emphasis on visual feedback, showing how actions affect character appearance and NPC behavior. The heightened realism may discourage players from engaging in unrestrained rampages. GTA 6 will launch on November 19, and further information will be provided closer to release.
Art, books, film, gaming, and the conversations defining the week.
Ridley Scott confirmed he is developing a sequel to Alien: Covenant, which would continue the story of the android David, played by Michael Fassbender. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Scott said the film would explore David creating a new world and the consequences of artificial intelligence. The android first appeared in the prequel Prometheus and reappeared in Covenant. The original film's ending suggested further developments, but production has been delayed for several years, partly due to the acquisition of 20th Century Fox by Disney. Meanwhile, the Alien franchise remains active with the FX series Alien: Earth, the upcoming film Alien: Romulus, and a planned sequel to the video game Alien: Isolation. Scott, who is 88, continues to produce films at a steady pace, including The Dog Stars, a Treasure Planet adaptation with Hugh Jackman, and other projects. As of now, no release date has been announced for the Covenant sequel.
Michael B. Jordan's Creed trilogy will leave Netflix on August 31, 2026. The three films, released between 2015 and 2023, are part of the Rocky franchise spin‑off series.
Creed follows Adonis Creed, the son of Apollo Creed, as he trains under former champion Rocky Balboa. The first film was directed by Ryan Coogler, the second by Steven Caple Jr., and the third marks Jordan's directorial debut.
Creed (2015) introduced Adonis Creed, played by Jordan, who seeks training from Rocky, portrayed by Sylvester Stallone. Creed II (2018) continued the story with Adonis facing the son of Ivan Drago. Creed III (2023) featured Jordan directing and introduced a new antagonist, Diamond Dame Anderson, played by Jonathan Majors. The movies have received generally positive reviews and have earned box office totals exceeding $700 million worldwide.
Netflix has not disclosed the reason for the removal, but the departure aligns with the expiration of its licensing agreement with the studio that holds the Rocky and Creed rights. No public statement has been made by Jordan or Stallone regarding the exit.
The removal will end the availability of the trilogy on the streaming platform, though a fourth Creed installment is reported to be in development. Viewers are encouraged to watch the films before the August 31 deadline.
Christian metal band Demon Hunter filed a lawsuit on August 18 in the California Central District Court against Netflix and live‑entertainment promoter AEG Presents, alleging trademark infringement related to the 2025 animated film KPop Demon Hunters. The band, operating through Hyde Lane, claimed that Netflix and AEG Presents used the film’s trademark in a global concert tour announced in May, which it said caused consumer confusion and diluted the band’s brand. According to the complaint, the defendants “eclipse” the band’s marks and misappropriate their source‑identifying significance, leading consumers to perceive an affiliation between the band and the film. A Netflix spokesperson said the allegations are “without merit” and that the company intends to vigorously defend the case. Demon Hunter formed in Seattle in the early 2000s and released its first major album in 2002; the group has since issued 12 studio albums, the latest titled There Was a Light Here in 2025. KPop Demon Hunters, directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, premiered on Netflix and in select theaters on June 20, 2025, and has become the most streamed film globally with 500 million views as of March 13. The film’s first sing‑along event in August 2025 made it the first to top the U.S. weekend box office, and a sequel is planned for 2029. The lawsuit remains pending, with no further rulings expected at this time.
Double Fine Productions made Brutal Legend free to download and own on PC for 666 minutes, ending at 3:06am PT/6:06am ET on Thursday, August 27, as a tribute to Tim Curry, who died at age 80.
Curry, who voiced Doviculus in the 2009 strategy game Brutal Legend, was also known for his role in the cult film The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Double Fine announced the promotion on the game’s Itch.io page, where it noted the limited‑time availability.
IGN reviewer Daemon Hatfield gave Brutal Legend a 9 out of 10, describing it as a polished mix of humor, music and clever gameplay.
Curry appeared in several other games, including Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3, Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers and Dragon Age: Origins.
Double Fine said it will resume its Amnesia Fortnight game jam as part of its new independence.
Ryan McCaffrey, IGN’s executive editor of previews, reported the story.
Shiwasu Hoshikawa's Bungo Stray Dogs STORM BRINGER manga will go on a long-term hiatus due to the author's health, Kadokawa's Shōnen Ace magazine reported on Wednesday.
The manga, which began serialization in January 2025, adapts the eighth light novel of the Bungō Stray Dogs series and is set after the Arahabaki Incident, one year after Chuuya Nakahara joined the Port Mafia.
The October issue of Shōnen Ace announced that the series will pause indefinitely, with a future resumption date to be revealed in a later issue. The first compiled volume was released in September 2025, and the second volume is scheduled for September 25. Yen Press publishes the English edition. Kadokawa and the creators launched the original Bungō Stray Dogs manga in Kadokawa's Young Ace in December 2012. The franchise includes several anime seasons and a film, and a spinoff manga titled Bungo Stray Dogs Wan! currently has 15 volumes.
The magazine has not indicated when the manga will resume, leaving the series' continuation uncertain.
Shun Numa and Yushin Kuroki announced that their new manga, Ura no Report, will begin serialization in Weekly Shonen Jump on August 31. Numa previously created the one-shot Super Psychic Policeman Chojo, which serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from February 2024 to June 2025 and concluded with its final compiled volume in September 2025. The series was simultaneously released by Viz Media and Shueisha's MANGA Plus and received an anime adaptation slated for October 6. Kuroki's earlier work Teenage Renaissance! David launched in September 2018 and ended in May 2019, with English translations provided by MANGA Plus and preview chapters offered through Viz Media's Jump Start initiative. Ura no Report is described as a youth love comedy focusing on Ura Onigashima, a character described as beautiful and a descendant of demons who is said to conceal a secret. Numa provides the story while Kuroki handles the artwork. The new series is scheduled to appear in the magazine's August 31 issue, the 40th installment of Weekly Shonen Jump, and no additional release information has been announced.
Ubisoft released the $10 Heroes of Might and Magic 3 Complete edition on Steam on August 26, 2026, but the initial download package omitted the game files. Players received a 23.49 KB placeholder file that generated an error and a dummy executable. Approximately 10 to 11 hours after launch, Ubisoft issued an update that added roughly 770 MB of data, making the game playable. The original Heroes of Might and Magic 3, a turn‑based strategy game launched in 1999, is known for world exploration, resource gathering, town building, and tactical combat. Ubisoft announced the Steam release and a full remake during Gamescom Opening Night Live, with the remake scheduled for 2027 and built on the Snowdrop engine; it will include the base game, both expansions, and support up to eight players with free camera control, 4K visuals, dynamic lighting, changing weather, seasons, Hot Seat multiplayer, and community‑made maps. Fans on Reddit criticized the art style of the announced remake, describing it as generic and less faithful to the original’s illustration style. The update resolved the missing files issue, and the remake is expected to launch in 2027.
Panic, the developer of the Playdate handheld, will refund $12.36 to customers who paid a tariff surcharge on the device. The company raised the price after U.S. tariffs on imported goods took effect, then the Supreme Court ruled the tariffs unlawful and the government issued refunds to importers. Panic said the refunds would be processed automatically and deposited into customers’ accounts within a few days. The firm noted that its margins are thin and it could not absorb the tariff cost, but after receiving the refunds it decided to return the amount to buyers. The announcement follows similar pricing adjustments by larger console makers Sony, Nintendo and Microsoft, which have not offered direct refunds to consumers. Class-action lawsuits alleging price violations remain pending, and Nintendo has argued that its price changes were modest and that consumers accepted the advertised prices. Panic said it was returning the amount because the money was not its to keep, and noted the effort required to secure the government refund and to build a processing system. The move demonstrates that such a refund is possible, and it brings attention to the Playdate handheld, a niche gaming device.
Roblox announced this week that games rewarding continuous media‑feed consumption will be prohibited from its Kids and Select sections. The policy targets titles such as “Steal an Egg,” which let players increase a speed stat by running in‑game treadmills while scrolling a social‑media style feed. The feature also encouraged spending Robux, and the game attracted more than 500,000 concurrent players before it was temporarily removed and later reinstated without the feed function. Roblox said the change is part of its effort to provide age‑appropriate experiences and to align with its commitment to a safe, positive environment, noting that it works closely with creators to clarify guidelines. The company added that the update follows a U.S. Senate investigation into alleged sexual abuse and exploitation of minors on the platform, a matter that has prompted ID verification measures and other precautions. While the company emphasized that the new restrictions are intended to protect younger users, it did not specify how the policy will be applied to existing games or future releases.
Chris Hansen, known for hosting Dateline NBC’s To Catch a Predator, purchased advertisements for his TruBlu streaming platform that will play before each theatrical screening of A24’s upcoming film Primetime, scheduled for release on September 25, 2026.
Primetime, starring Robert Pattinson as Hansen, is inspired by a 2007 Esquire article by Luke Dittrich that examined the 2007 suicide of Texas district attorney Bill Conradt after a predator sting. The film’s release date was announced in 2025.
The Hollywood Reporter obtained footage of the trailer, which shows Hansen entering a kitchen and saying, “I’m going to need everyone in the theater to take a seat right over there,” followed by a promotion that urges viewers to “Join us undercover every day on my streaming network, TruBlu,” as a QR code appears. Hansen’s original script called the movie a “Hollywood fantasy version” of real events, but that line was removed after concerns from A24 about backlash. He declined a preliminary screening, stating that A24 requested he sign a restrictive agreement that would give up rights to his name, image and brand; he said he could not sign it. A24 said it only asked him to sign a standard non‑disclosure agreement to prevent spoilers and protect its intellectual property, according to sources close to the situation.
Primetime is set to open in theaters on September 25, 2026, and the dispute over the advertisement and the NDA remains ongoing.
The promotional video for the television anime adaptation of Mochimaru Sakaki's light novel series "The World's Strongest Witch: I'm Starting My Free Life in a World Where Only I Can See the Online Strategy Guide" unveiled additional cast members and staff on Thursday and previewed the opening and ending theme songs. The anime, produced by Bridge and Aisle, will premiere on Tokyo MX, BS11, and TV Aichi on October 7 and on MBS on October 10. Based on a light novel published by Square Enix, the second English volume was released by Yen Press on April 14.
Cast announcements include Yūto Uemura voicing Reinhardt Highwind, the town's gatekeeper, and previously announced performers Azusa Tachibana as Rona Hermit, Fairouz Ai as Erimina, Honoka Inoue as Eruna, Kana Hanazawa as Aries Tear Bluemoon, and Maria Naganawa as Ruru Ru Rie. Staff members announced are art director Asuka Komiyama, color key artist Megumi Aoi, compositing director of photography Toshiyuki Sadamatsu, editor Kumiko Sakamoto, music by Arisa Okehazama and Ryoshi Takagi, sound director Takeshi Takadera, and sound production by Bit Groove Promotion. Jōji Furuta directs the series, Shoji Yonemura handles series composition, and Yūki Morimoto designs the characters.
The opening theme song "Eikyōryoku∞Idol" (Infinitely Influential Idol) is performed by HoneyWorks featuring HaKoniwalily, and the ending theme "Hoshi o Muguru" (Traversing the Stars) is performed by Rokudenashi. The story follows Lorna, who is expelled from her family after manifesting a seemingly useless ability, and later discovers an internet-based skill that enables her to gather unlimited valuable items and acquire rare equipment.
Tom Cruise's cameo as Les Grossman in the 2008 film Tropic Thunder is now available for free on YouTube. Tropic Thunder, directed by Ben Stiller and written by Stiller, Justin Theroux and Etan Cohen, satirizes the film industry and the production of a fictional Vietnam War movie. The cast includes Stiller, Jack Black, Robert Downey Jr., Brandon T. Jackson and others. Cruise's character is a studio executive who is portrayed with extensive makeup and costume. The film follows a chaotic shoot in which the cast is dropped into a jungle with hidden cameras. Tropic Thunder received mixed reviews and was criticized for its use of racial and disability stereotypes, prompting protests from advocacy groups. The movie is presented as a satire of Hollywood excess. Cruise reportedly developed the character in a short makeup test and suggested the studio executive angle to Stiller. The film is available on YouTube with advertisements. The availability of the film highlights continued public interest in the satire.
Cutout, a 2D side‑scrolling action game, was highlighted during the Find Your Next Game portion of Gamescom on August 20, 2024.
Gamescom, the annual trade show held in Cologne, Germany, featured a crowded lineup of trailers, making it difficult for smaller titles to attract attention. Cutout emerged during the Find Your Next Game showcase.
In Cutout, players control Lena, described as a child of the forest who appears as a 2D paper doll. After acquiring a pair of scissors, she can cut off enemy limbs and attach them to herself, gaining new abilities, while enemies may also seize her limbs for use in combat. The game presents a fairytale aesthetic with dark themes and offers narrative choices that shape Lena’s character, as indicated by a line in the trailer: "Will you claim what they denied you, or heal what they destroyed?"
The title is being developed by Italian studio 906 Games. It is listed on Steam as coming soon, with a wishlist option available, but no release date has been announced.
Fans of American McGee’s Alice, which has not received a new installment since its initial release, view Cutout as a potential spiritual successor in the nightmarish fairytale genre.
David Fincher will direct a sequel to Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, titled The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth, which will premiere in IMAX theaters w...
David Fincher will direct a sequel to Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, titled The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth, which will premiere in IMAX theaters worldwide on November 25 and begin streaming on Netflix on December 23.
The original film, released in 2019, featured Brad Pitt as the stuntman Cliff Booth and was set in 1969 Hollywood. Netflix had previously teased the sequel in February and confirmed an exclusive two‑week IMAX engagement beginning November 25.
The sequel will take place in 1977, according to Netflix, and will star Elizabeth Debicki, Scott Caan, Carla Gugino, Yahya Abdul‑Mateen II, Peter Weller, Matt Groce, JB Tadena, Corey Fogelmanis and Karren Karagulian. Fincher wrote the script based on Tarantino’s story, and Tarantino has not announced his tenth and final directorial film.
The project represents Fincher’s first directing credit in several years and adds to Netflix’s expanding slate of high‑profile film releases.
Rockstar Games said GTA 6 will feature a returning character customization system originally seen in San Andreas, allowing the protagonists' appearance to change based on diet, exercise and sleep, and the game will launch on November 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
The system was first introduced in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, where the main character’s weight, stamina and mission access were affected by eating habits and physical activity.
In an interview published in Dazed magazine’s Autumn 2026 issue, Rockstar developers explained that both Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos will gain weight if they consume excess food, develop muscle with regular exercise, and show fatigue signs when sleep is limited. The developers said these changes will affect the characters’ physical appearance and how they move throughout the game world of Leonida.
Rockstar did not specify whether extreme health states will prevent players from starting certain missions, but indicated that health and well‑being will be tracked as part of gameplay.
Leaks surrounding the title have been reported, and Rockstar advised players to avoid spoilers online before the release.
The feature adds a new layer of realism to the upcoming title, and further details about its impact on mission design are expected before the November launch.
Dungeons & Dragons: Long Rest Tavern, a simulation game developed by Homo Ludens, will let players manage an inn in the Dalelands of Faerûn and is slated for release in 2027 on PC. The game expands the D&D experience beyond adventuring by focusing on tavern operations and interactions with travelers. The official reveal trailer, posted on YouTube, displayed a Sims‑style interface for building the tavern. Players can hire staff with distinct specialties, assign challenges to guests, and use dice rolls to determine outcomes. A rival innkeeper appears as a competitive element, adding uncertainty to success. The developer said the experience offers a novel way to engage with D&D mechanics. The game is scheduled for 2027; its reception and impact remain to be seen.
A recent gameplay leak for Grand Theft Auto VI, posted by an anonymous source, includes new story details involving the characters Lucia and Jason. The footage, reportedly taken from the game's prologue, shows Lucia in a prison setting, a scene that had been alluded to in an official trailer released in 2023.
The leak follows a week of earlier reports that highlighted Jason as the primary playable character and raised questions about the role of Lucia. Rockstar senior vice president of narrative Rupert Humphries described the planned storyline as a "Bonnie and Clyde"-type narrative, suggesting that the relationship between the two protagonists may lead to adverse outcomes for both.
According to the report, players will be able to choose to control Jason, Lucia, or switch between them, with a fluid system that allows one character to drive while the other shoots from a passenger window. The game will also feature a cooperative jetski sequence with separate seating. The official plot description states that after an "easy score goes wrong," Jason and Lucia find themselves in a criminal conspiracy spanning the fictional state of Leonida and must rely on each other to survive.
Take-Two Interactive has announced a November 19 release date for the title on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, and a detailed preview will be streamed on Netflix on August 27. Rockstar has not confirmed the authenticity of the leaked footage, and the effect of the leak on the game's marketing remains uncertain.
The Uprising, a drama about the 1381 Peasants' Revolt, stars Andrew Garfield as a peasant leader named Ploughman. On August 20, 2026, the film’s official X account posted that the title would be The Uprising: The Rise of Robin Hood and included an image of Garfield in a green hood confronting the king. A day later the title was changed back to The Uprising. The UK distributor issued a statement through Metro saying that any marketing material referencing Robin Hood in other regions was not approved by the studio. The film’s original US production notes described the story as a rebellion against King Richard II, focusing on the peasant uprising. Later notes added that the 14th‑century poem Piers Plowman, which inspired the character of Ploughman, also gave rise to the Robin Hood legend. The distributor emphasized that the film’s narrative remains centered on the Peasants' Revolt rather than a retelling of the Robin Hood myth. The movie is scheduled to open in theaters on September 11.
Konami intends to issue a new Silent Hill game each year, according to producer Motoi Okamoto, who made the remarks during an interview at Gamescom 2026.
The Silent Hill series, originally set in the United States, has seen recent titles such as the Silent Hill 2 remake and the upcoming Silent Hill: Townfall scheduled for release on September 22, as well as Silent Hill f, which shifts the setting to 1960s Japan.
Okamoto said that the company wants to keep the franchise from becoming repetitive by pursuing varied narrative approaches and by developing several unannounced projects at present.
He noted that staying focused on a single American setting could limit storytelling possibilities and risk player fatigue.
Konami president Hideki Hayakawa previously stated that the company is investing in rebooting its flagship intellectual properties, including Silent Hill, Metal Gear, and Castlevania, to extend their commercial relevance across multiple platforms.
The company has not disclosed timelines or details for the unannounced Silent Hill titles, leaving the cadence of future releases uncertain.
1047 Games said on August 26 that it will stop active development of Splitgate: Arena Reloaded and Empulse, and that the dedicated servers for both titles will be taken offline on September 3, leaving the games playable only through peer‑to‑peer hosting.
Splitgate: Arena Reloaded, a first‑person shooter inspired by Portal and Halo, was released in December 2025 after earlier beta testing, and included a 60‑player battle‑royale mode and a map‑creation tool called the Lab. The original Splitgate had its servers shut down in August 2025, after which it also switched to peer‑to‑peer multiplayer.
The developer said the decision was driven by insufficient revenue to cover server costs, making continued operation unsustainable. In a statement posted on X, the team explained that they had kept the servers running to give the games a chance to grow, but that the financial model could no longer be maintained. Neither game will be discontinued; instead, they will rely on peer‑to‑peer connections, meaning matches will be found only when other players host games. Empulse, a 6‑player Titanfall‑style shooter, will receive one final update that adds a new map and reduces its price across regions before the server shutdown.
The move mirrors the earlier shutdown of the original Splitgate’s dedicated servers, and it remains unclear how many players will continue to host matches once the September 3 deadline passes.
Disney announced that the re‑release of Avengers: Endgame, titled Avengers: Endgame Encore, will feature two sneak peeks of the upcoming film Avengers: Doomsday during select theater showings, with one preview limited to IMAX and Infinity Vision‑certified screens; the added footage extends the film’s runtime by roughly four minutes.
The announcement follows a press release from Disney UK dated August 25, which stated that the re‑release will include a preview of Doomsday and that the additional material accounts for the extra minutes observed by fans when AMC listed showtimes.
Director Joe Russo said the re‑release is intended to create a bridge between Endgame and Doomsday, offering a way to transition to the next installment. The footage shown is described as part of the Doomsday story but its exact content and duration remain unspecified. Fan reactions on social media range from skepticism about paying for a three‑hour screening of a previously seen film to speculation that the added material may appear as a short online video. Some observers note that releasing downloadable content for a seven‑year‑old movie is unusual. The Doomsday film itself is scheduled for release on December 18, 2026, and early speculation about Robert Downey Jr.’s casting as Victor Von Doom has generated discussion, though no official details have been provided.
The re‑release will run until the Doomsday premiere in late 2026, and whether the added previews justify the extended viewing time remains undetermined.
Ridley Scott's post‑apocalyptic film The Dog Stars, released in 2026, follows former marine Bangley (Josh Brolin) and his partner Hig (Jacob Elordi) as they live on an airstrip after a pandemic wipes out most of humanity. Bangley cautions Hig against seeking additional aspirations. The film, which premiered 19 years after Scott's 2007 crime drama American Gangster, has been examined for its visual approach and thematic content. American Gangster portrays the rise of Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington) and his drug empire, and it remains streamed on Starz and available for rent on Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play. The Dog Stars has been compared to The Godfather and The Wire in discussions of its narrative structure, though it has not achieved the same commercial success as Scott's earlier projects.
Grand Theft Auto 6 will let players switch between two protagonists, Jason and Lucia, when it launches on November 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The feature expands on the three‑character system introduced in Grand Theft Auto V, offering a more fluid transition that matches the game's focus on a romantic partnership. According to a Dazed magazine feature, the switch occurs seamlessly, for instance allowing a player to scroll a phone while riding in the passenger seat of a vehicle driven by the other character. When a situation escalates, the game can transition to the other protagonist to perform actions such as swerving through traffic or firing a weapon. The design aims to integrate coordinated activities, such as riding a jet ski together, into the narrative. The release date remains November 19, pending further announcements, and the mechanics have not been confirmed beyond the current preview.
Fans of Baldur’s Gate 3 learned the official pronunciation of the character Astarion’s surname "Ancunín" this week from a sample of the upcoming audiobook Baldur’s Gate 3: Astarion, narrated by Neil Newbon, who voices the character in the game.
The game has never spoken the full surname, and for more than two years fans have debated its pronunciation based on a gravestone image showing the name with an acute accent over the í. The accent was thought to soften the ending, leading to divergent guesses such as "an-KYU-nin" or "an-KOO-nin."
The five‑minute audio sample, released on August 26, features Newbon reading the opening passage in which Astarion contemplates blood‑tinged turnips as fashion inspiration. According to the recording, the surname is pronounced "an-soo-neen." The audiobook, written by T. Kingfisher and based on material consulted with original Larian Studios writer Stephen Rooney, will be available on September 29 through major retailers and audio platforms including Audible, Spotify and Libby.
The book follows Astarion’s years as a magistrate‑turned‑vampire‑spawn before the events of Baldur’s Gate 3, introducing new characters such as the Aasimar paladin Hahn den Suriel. While some readers note that the text names a character referred to as "Sebastian" in the game, others point to changes such as Astarion addressing Cazador Szarr as "Father" instead of "Master," which have sparked discussion among the community.
The pronunciation clarification comes after years of speculation and has not resolved broader debates about the correct way to say the name, with some fans continuing to use the previously agreed‑upon rendering.
The audiobook’s release on September 29 may provide further insight into Astarion’s backstory, though the community remains divided on the name’s pronunciation.
League Classic’s community poll lets players vote on changes that will shape the mode. Players must reach level 5 to have voting power, which increases at levels 15 and 25 on the Classic Progression Track or by purchasing a boost in Classic Pass Act 1. The poll is accessed via the Classic tab in the client and closes at 1 p.m. EDT on September 2. Questions ask about game length, target game duration, items to revive, jungle timer visibility, base gate retention, snowball balance, ward trinket usefulness, and critter pairings in the river. Votes are counted after the deadline, and the results may affect upcoming updates to League Classic.
One Piece Card Game announced that illustrator Yoshitaka Amano will create artwork for the characters Loki and Saint Figarland Shamrock in the "-THE DOMINANCE OF GOD-" booster set, the game's 18th set, slated for November.
Amano, a veteran illustrator of the Final Fantasy series, previously provided art for Magic: The Gathering's 2025 Final Fantasy set and the Final Fantasy Trading Card Game.
The characters Loki and Saint Figarland Shamrock first appeared in the One Piece anime's Elbaph arc, which began airing in Japan on April 5 and is available on Crunchyroll. The announcement was made on the One Piece Card Game's official X/Twitter account and referenced by the One Piece franchise's X/Twitter account via Hachima Kikō.
The "-THE DOMINANCE OF GOD-" set will be the latest addition to the One Piece Card Game's trading card series.
A variety of upcoming video games announced around recent gaming events feature playable animal characters or anthropomorphic protagonists. The list was highlighted during Gamescom Opening Night Live and the Future Games Show, where developers presented trailers and details for multiple titles.
Amphibian, developed by Jarcorp Interactive, is described as a role‑playing game in which players assume the role of humanoid frogs on a quest to save their world; the game is slated for release in 2028 on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Switch.
Bye Bye Bonnie, created by Brainwash Gang and Raw Fury, is a four‑player co‑op adventure set at a smaller scale, with a release date yet to be announced; it will be available on PC.
Haunted Paws, developed by LazyFlock, is a co‑op horror adventure in which players control two puppies tasked with rescuing their owner from a haunted mansion; the game will launch on PC and Switch platforms, with a release date pending.
Gravhounds, by Octopus Panic, is an anthropomorphic canine game scheduled for November 2 on PC and Xbox Series X|S.
DNA Nemesis, developed by Catalisol Limited and Aeternum Game Studios, is a third‑person shooter featuring human characters with engineered animal traits; it is set for release in December 2026 on PC.
Zoopunk, by TiGames, is a futuristic title in which anthropomorphic animals wage war against machines; a release date has not been announced, and the game will be available on PC, Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5.
Stay Dog: Nobody Cares, from Parry Frames Studio, is a fantasy adventure announced before Gamescom, also featuring a sword‑wielding dog protagonist, with a release date pending.
The trend reflects a growing number of titles that incorporate animal or hybrid characters, with several games still awaiting definitive launch windows.
Atlus released a new trailer for Persona 4 Revival, a remake of its 2008 role‑playing game, announcing a February 18, 2027 launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox PC via Game Pass, and PC through Steam. The original Persona 4 launched on PlayStation 2 in 2008, later ported as Persona 4 Golden for the PlayStation Vita in 2011, and inspired titles such as Persona 4 Arena, Persona 4 Arena Ultimax, and Persona 4: Dancing All Night. Animation studio MAPPA will produce the game's cutscenes, and a new English voice cast will be used. Pre‑order is available now. The release follows recent remasters such as Persona 3 Reload in February 2024 and Persona 5 Royal in 2020. The game's launch will mark the latest entry in the Persona series, which has expanded into multiple spin‑offs and cross‑platform titles.
Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun 2 will launch on October 14 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, with a Nintendo Switch 2 version to follow. The game lets players choose Ultramarine Malum Caedo or Battle Sister Nyra Veyrath and pits them against the daemonic demigod Vashtorr and numerous other enemies. Composer Mick Gordon, known for his work on the Doom and Wolfenstein series, contributed a cameo musical piece that will play during the final boss fight. The first Boltgun, released in 2022, was noted for its fast-paced boomer-shooter action and high difficulty, and the sequel is expected to maintain that challenge. The announcement was made by the developer, and a Switch 2 release is slated for shortly after the initial launch.
Spike Chunsoft announced on Wednesday that the Switch 2 version of Danganronpa 2x2 will be distributed via a game‑key card rather than a full game cartridge.
The company said the change does not affect the game’s release schedule or pre‑orders for any other platform or title.
Pre‑orders for the Danganronpa 2x2 Psycho Tropical Vacation Package through the Spike Chunsoft Official Store US have been cancelled, and customers must submit a new pre‑order for the game‑key card version; those who pre‑ordered through other channels will receive the game‑key card version.
The game is slated for early 2027 on Switch 2, Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam, delayed from its original 2026 target.
The release includes a new alternate scenario called “Slayhem” that runs about 35 hours, roughly five hours longer than the original and offers 20% more content, with visual improvements applied to the base game.
The Psycho Tropical Vacation Package also contains a reversible hat, Kidrobot figures, a soundtrack and a clamshell‑style outer box.
In November, Spike Chunsoft said Kinuta Ōshiro will voice Monomi in place of the late Takako Sasuga, and in October it announced Wasabi Mizuta will voice Monokuma in place of the late TARAKO.
The decision follows careful consideration and does not impact other games or platforms.
Customers need to re‑preorder to receive the game‑key card format.
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma said the next-generation console, codenamed Project Helix, will emphasize affordability and efficiency while offering players a choice between physical and digital game purchases, according to a BBC interview in August 2026. She declined to confirm the presence of a disc drive, stating that Microsoft is focused on making the hardware cost-effective amid component shortages. “This next generation, we have to be thinking about efficiency and affordability alongside performance,” she said, adding that the industry needs to innovate on these fronts.
The company announced a disc-to-digital program on August 26 at Gamescom, which will let Xbox Insiders digitize physical games into an online library starting August 31, with broader availability to follow at an unspecified date. The initiative positions Xbox to differentiate itself from Sony, which plans to cease production of physical game discs in January 2028, a move that has drawn criticism from many gamers.
Rockstar Games has confirmed that Grand Theft Auto VI will be distributed via a digital code inside a disc case, and Take-Two Interactive chairman Strauss Zelnick said discs “don’t really make sense for the consumer.” Analysts note that the shift toward digital distribution could affect how future consoles are designed, but the final configuration of Project Helix remains undetermined.
The news comes as Microsoft undertakes one of its most significant corporate restructurings in recent years, seeking to streamline operations and reduce costs while maintaining a competitive offering in the console market.
The rollout of the digitization program will provide a clearer picture of how Microsoft intends to balance physical and digital options for the upcoming console generation.
Ex‑Naughty Dog designer Benson Russell told FRVR that Uncharted 3's development may have been affected by a large number of pre‑planned set pieces, a contrast to Uncharted 2 where set pieces evolved organically during production. Uncharted 2, released in 2009, was praised for its critical and commercial success, while Uncharted 3, released in 2011, also achieved strong sales and a 10/10 IGN rating but ranks lower in series rankings. Russell explained that the Uncharted 3 team initially identified ten to twelve set pieces, such as the cargo plane sequence, and intended to select a subset for inclusion, but ultimately most were implemented, requiring writer and director Amy Hennig to weave the set pieces into the narrative, including a pirate storyline. Naughty Dog ended the Uncharted series in 2016, and although rumors of an upcoming Uncharted 5 have circulated, the studio has confirmed multiple projects in development, including Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, with no set release schedule announced.
Dell, in partnership with Intel, has launched the Intel Gamer Days Sale, which runs through September 13 and provides price reductions on Alienware 16X Aurora laptops along with two free game vouchers.
The promotion is an annual Intel event that includes discounts on select Alienware laptops and a voucher for upcoming titles, Star Wars: Galactic Racer, scheduled for release on October 6, and Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, scheduled for release on February 12.
The 16X Aurora is offered with an RTX 5060 mobile GPU at a starting price of $1,529.99 or with an RTX 5070 Ti mobile GPU at a starting price of $2,699.99. Both configurations include a 2560x1600 OLED display with a 240 Hz refresh rate, an Intel Core Ultra HX Plus processor, and a magnesium alloy chassis.
The RTX 5060 mobile GPU delivers performance suitable for most games at 60 fps at the laptop’s native resolution, while the RTX 5070 Ti provides higher performance and 50 % more video memory for demanding titles. The RTX 5070 Ti represents the maximum GPU option for the 16X Aurora; more powerful GPUs such as the RTX 5080 or 5090 are only available in the larger Area‑51 model.
Customers who purchase an eligible 16X Aurora laptop receive a download voucher for the two games, which can be redeemed after their respective release dates.
The sale concludes on September 13, after which the discounted pricing and game vouchers are no longer available.
Xbox announced a plan to let players convert physical game discs into digital copies that can be accessed on any supported device. The announcement follows Sony's decision to discontinue physical media sales for its games beginning in 2028, a move that has drawn criticism. The digital entitlement will be available to Xbox Insiders starting next week and will initially cover thousands of titles, with additional games added later. Players will insert a disc into an Xbox console, and the system will convert the ownership license into a digital copy. "Your physical game library is more than a collection of discs," Xbox CEO Asha Sharma said. "It holds years of memories and stories worth preserving. Starting next week, Xbox Insiders can unlock a digital entitlement for supported physical games." Microsoft said the initiative requires extensive backend work to ensure a seamless experience, similar to the effort put into its backwards compatibility program. The program may eventually extend to older Xbox generations, but its current scope is limited to the current console line. The move reflects a broader industry shift toward digital distribution while emphasizing player choice and game preservation.
VFX supervisor John Knoll confirmed that the hut built for Grogu in the upcoming film resembles Yoda’s hut from The Empire Strikes Back. The design reflects an innate ability to construct similar shelters, a trait passed down genetically. Production designer Andrew Jones oversaw the construction of the hut, and the props team worked with Legacy Effects and puppeteers to equip Grogu with necessary items. The lantern inside references a prop from season one, maintaining continuity with the original trilogy aesthetic. The VFX team grew to about 30 specialists, repurposing original props and following the visual style of the first Star Wars movies. The film will debut on Disney+ on September 2, and the connection between Grogu and Yoda remains a topic for fans.
Raccoon Logic announced a new 4v4 ice hockey game, Breakaway Hockey League, at Gamescom. The game features five‑minute matches, ranked play and a focus on spectacle. Ice hockey viewership has been expanding globally, with new audiences in Japan, China, France, Italy and a professional women’s league, the PWHL. Breakaway Hockey League puts players in control of a single skater in a third‑person, over‑the‑shoulder view, contrasting with top‑down titles such as EA’s NHL series. The developers say the game includes realistic puck physics, physical checking, skill moves like dekes, and precision shooting. Raccoon Logic said the title was created to fill a perceived gap in the PC market, though numerous hockey games already exist on Steam, including titles such as Bush League Hockey, Hoser Hockey and Backyard Hockey ’02. Game director Steve Masters said the studio aims to preserve the core of hockey while delivering modern competitive action. Marketing boss Hugo Agostinho noted that the game’s arcade‑style design is intended to produce highlight‑reel moments that can be shared online. He added that the HBO show Heated Rivalry has helped introduce hockey to a broader audience. Agostinho said the game targets players of shooters such as Overwatch, Valorant, Rocket League and Counter‑Strike, drawing design inspiration from those titles rather than traditional sports games. Raccoon Logic plans to release the game through Steam Early Access after conducting alpha and beta playtests that incorporate community feedback. No gameplay footage has been released yet, but the studio said a preview is forthcoming. The release will test how the game’s fast‑paced, spectator‑focused format resonates with both hockey enthusiasts and players from other competitive genres.
Gamescom opened in Cologne, Germany, with the 233,000‑square‑meter exhibition floor sold out and more than 1,600 exhibitors participating. Organizers reported that hundreds of thousands of attendees visited the show, which is held annually in August. The event attracted visitors from 128 countries and generated more than 1.1 billion digital views. Planning for each edition begins during the current show, using feedback from attendees, exhibitors and industry partners to shape hall layouts, crowd flow and program structure. Success is measured by visitor numbers, trade visitor presence, exhibitor count and digital reach, as well as the quality of the experience for fans, creators and industry professionals. The show partnered with Geoff Keighley’s Opening Night Live to launch the week with major announcements that are then explored on‑site and through digital programming. Games Done Quick will host a three‑day speedrunning event at Gamescom 2026, streaming worldwide to support the Gaming for Democracy initiative. To aid smaller developers, Gamescom offers dedicated indie exhibition space, an invest circle for meeting investors, and digital showcases such as the Gamescom Awesome Indies show and Steam event. Regional editions, including Gamescom Asia × Thailand Game Show and Gamescom Latam, have expanded the brand’s reach in Asia and South America. The organizers said they will continue to add multilingual studio content, including Mandarin and Japanese, to broaden global accessibility.
The October issue of Kadokawa's Monthly Shōnen Ace magazine published the final chapter of Waka Sanada's manga adaptation of Teika's light novel series 'The Delinquent Girl Beside Me Suddenly Dyed Her Hair Black,' concluding the series. The manga began its run in August 2024, and the third compiled volume was shipped on February 25. The fourth and final volume is scheduled for release in late November. The story follows a schoolgirl who dyed her hair black and altered her behavior after the narrator expressed a preference for long black hair. One Peace Books publishes the series in English, describing it as a slice-of-life high school rom‑com about the girl's attempts to connect with the narrator. The original web novel was posted on the Kakuyomu website, and the fourth novel volume was released in March 2025. Hamu is credited with the character designs.
Lego announced on Wednesday that it will release the 6,130‑piece Star Wars Executor Super Star Destroyer set on October 1. The company described the model as the longest Lego Star Wars brick-built model to date. The new set joins three other large Star Wars models released in recent years: the 9,023‑piece Death Star, the 7,541‑piece Millennium Falcon, and the 6,785‑piece AT-AT. The Executor measures 136 cm in length, 20 cm in height, 50 cm in width and weighs over 5 kg. Lego says the design uses a core with Technic outriggers to support the exterior panels without adding bulk. The set includes a smaller Star Destroyer and a miniature Millennium Falcon attached to its rear. Seven minifigures are included: Darth Vader and the bounty hunters Boba Fett, Dengar, Bossk, IG-88, 4-LOM and Zuckuss. The set also comes with a Darth Vader Lightsaber collectible (product 40897) available with purchase from October 1 to October 7 while supplies last. The set is priced at $799.99 (€749.99, £649.99) and is recommended for ages 18 and older. It will be sold through Lego stores and the Lego.com/Star‑Wars website beginning October 1.
Best Buy is offering the HP OMEN 35L gaming PC with a GeForce RTX 5080 graphics card for $2,349.99, including free shipping after a $750 discount while supplies last.
The system includes an Intel Core i7-14700F processor, 16GB of GDDR6 memory on the GPU, 32GB of DDR5-6000MHz RAM, a 1TB SSD, a 240mm liquid cooling system and an 850W 80Plus Gold power supply.
The RTX 5080 ranks among the highest‑performing consumer graphics cards, trailing only the RTX 5090 and the discontinued RTX 4090.
It supports 4K gaming with ray tracing and DLSS 4.5, which enables higher frame rates in titles such as Doom: The Dark Ages, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Battlefield 6, Death Stranding 2, and Crimson Desert.
The Intel Core i7-14700F is a 20‑core, 28‑thread processor with a maximum turbo frequency of 5.4GHz.
Availability of the configuration has not been announced, and the deal may end before the end of the promotion.