EpicTellers Entertainment has announced that those who have backed Starfinder: Afterlight with the closed beta access option will be able to play some of the early parts of the game in February. If you are interested in getting in on the closed beta, you can still back Starfinder: Afterlight on Kickstarter which will grant access. Additionally, EpicTellers Entertainment has stated it is aiming to launch Starfinder: Afterlight’s early access in Q2 or Q3 this year.

Those who get to play the Starfinder: Afterlight closed beta will have the opportunity to experience the opening 45-60 minutes of Act 1’s gameplay, three pre-made character builds to try including Human Soldier, Vesk Envoy, and Shirren Operative, and to explore the Entertainment District of Hivemarket on Akiton. This opening section will also give players their first interactions with Preach, Sterling, and the Larva, which will contain full voice acting. Additional details about the closed beta are going to be announced closer to the time of release.

At full release, Starfinder Afterlight will have between 40 to 60 hours of gameplay, with multiple difficulty settings available for those who want everything from experiencing the story to challenging combat. There will be a full voice cast and Eduardo de la Iglesia is composing the soundtrack, and Starfinder Afterlight will also support mods. The game itself is a  CRPG based on the Paizo’s sci-fi and fantasy tabletop RPG.

Source: Steam

The online multiplayer mech base building and looter SAND: Raiders of Sophie is going to be releasing in March for PC, with PS5, and Xbox Series XS versions available to wishlist now too. Publisher tinyBuild and developer Hologryph announced the news with a brand new trailer that showcases different elements of SAND: Raiders of Sophie’s gameplay, including the mech base building, combat between the mechs, and looting areas in a procedurally generated map.

SAND: Raiders of Sophie is set in an alternate 1910s where players can search for resources amongst the ruins of Sophie, and to settle scores. This can be done alone but the emphasis is on squad play, where players team up to build their walking bases known as Tramplers. These walking bases are a mix of a central base, a vehicle to help navigate the world, and a weapons platform that can engage in battle with other Tramplers. How Tramplers are constructed is up to the players with each one being fully customisable, so they can have their own layouts and looks.

Exploration is not limited to moving the Trampler from place to place. Players can walk around the world on foot and engage in PvPvE battles, taking on players from different Tramplers as well as the undead original inhabitants of Sophie. A price and exact date is yet to be confirmed for SAND: Raiders of Sophie, but at least we know it is not too far away.

Source: YouTube

If you like the future Western aesthetic then Paradark Studios’ ExeKiller is one to keep an eye on. Described as a retro future Western, ExeKiller is set in a dystopian future where a catastrophic event has turned Earth into a scorched desert planet. But an apocalyptic event won’t get in the way of the darker side of human nature, meaning a bounty hunter is needed to find some criminals.

In the new gameplay overview, Paradark Studios shows different aspects of the world which you inhabit as Denzel Fenix, aka the bounty hunter known as ExeKiller. He works for the Helion company and as the story progresses revelations about the world and himself make Denzel a target for different factions. That means players have to be on the lookout for danger everywhere.

ExeKiller is set in a semi open world with one of the central locations being The Tower. Here Denzel can upgrade and purchase gear, gather information, and pick up some bounties to hunt. It is a generally safe area, a stark difference to the world outside. Denzel travels across the world in a car that has been designed to withstand things like severe weather and radiation, but you cannot avoid such dangers all of the time. Out of the car, Denzel has to be aware of both enemies and the environment which could turn to make things difficult. Players have full autonomy on how missions are resolved with no set linear paths. You can choose to go in all guns blazing, sneak around, talk your way through situations, or a mixture of all of these approaches. Whatever approach is chosen will impact how NPCs and factions react to Denzel, and the game’s ending. There is no XP to earn in the game with Denzel’s skills reliant on player skill and the mods and augments that are installed in Denzel.

A release date for ExeKiller has yet to be confirmed and so far it has only been confirmed for PC.

Source: YouTube

Ghost Ship Games has announced details for Deep Rock Galactic’s new season, including the name, date, key art and other content details. Deep Rock Galactic Season 6 is called Relics of Hoxxes and it will begin on January 29th for PC, with the console release coming two weeks afterwards on February 12th. While a new trailer for all the content has not been released, you can check out some new cosmetics.

https://youtu.be/n8LG8V0hnws?si=zh8bceNSbjK8nUw5

In Deep Rock Galactic Season 6 Relics of Hoxxes, players will be sent to the new biome of the Ossuary Depths with the new Heavy Excavation mission giving the objective to find and dig up Resinite Mass deposits to send spaceward. It will not be smooth mining though as along with the normal Glyphids players will also need to deal with the new Ossiran enemies that have their own attacks to use.

The ‘Relic Raider’ DLC Pack, which is what the trailer above shows, will include the Relic Raider’ Armour Framework for all four classes, one ‘Relic Raider’ headgear for each class, the ‘Relic Raider’ Armour Paintjob for all armor sets, the ‘Relic Raider’ Weapon Paintjob, the ‘Relic Raider’ Pickaxe Framework, the ‘Relic Raider’ Pickaxe Paintjob, the ‘Relic Raider’ Bosco Framework, and the ‘Relic Raider’ Bosco Paintjob. The pack will be released at the same time as Season 6 on January 29th.

Source: Steam

Developer Lion Shield that its Roman themed city builder Nova Roma will no longer be releasing into early access on January 22nd. Following feedback from those who have played the Nova Roma demo, the developer has made the decision to delay the game by two months to put in some extra polish. That means Nova Roma early access will now launch on March 26th.

In a joint statement Pete, Michael, & Sam of Lion Shield said, “First off, thanks for all your feedback on the Nova Roma demo! It’s been great to see the cities everyone’s creating, and we’ve definitely been impressed and surprised with the things you’re all doing with the dams and aqueducts! Given the response to the demo, we are going to push our launch date back a couple more months. The new date will be March 26th, 2026. Using your feedback we’ve updated the demo with lots of tuning, fixes, and recently we added rain, flooding, and droughts. We’ll continue to update the demo – we’re sort of thinking of it as a ‘proto-early access’. It’s disappointing to have to wait even longer and we’re sorry about that! We want to make sure everything is polished and we want to get in as much of your feedback as possible before release. Until then we hope you enjoy the demo and keep the feedback coming!”

In Nova Roma, the Roman Empire is falling into decay so you have to lead a small group of citizens to build a new version of the city in new lands. To build successfully you will need to meet the needs of the citizens, and gain the favour of the gods through building temples. Nova Roma is not just a builder where you throw up some buildings a be done with it. You will need to plan where to place dams and aqueducts to get water flowing to the city, without causing floods, and set up supply routes to get raw materials to the city without spreading too quickly. Advisors and senators will be there to help guide you build Nova Roma, and deal with the different issues that come up which will need balancing. You will need to make sure there is enough variety of entertainment to keep citizens happy after days of working, otherwise they may become unhappy too leading Nova Roma to ruin.

Source: Steam

PUBG Studios has announced that its PUBG spin off PUBG: Blindspot will be released into Early Access on February 5th. PUBG: Blindspot is a different experience to Battlegrounds, as this is a top down 5v5 tactical shooter within enclosed spaces instead of a bigger, open world. You can check out the gameplay in the trailer below.

The PUBG: Blindspot trailer above shows two teams of five battling it out as one side defends while another attacks. Players can only see  what is happening in their line of sight, so anything obscured by doors or walls is hidden from view. That is unless you decide to blow a wall up to try and get a jump on the opposition. The attacking team is trying to fight through the building to hack into the hidden Crypt, while the defending team is trying to stop the hack from happening. Players will have access to unique characters that have their own playstyles and weapon preferences, with those including assault rifles, submachine guns, shotguns, long-range weapons like sniper rifles and DMR, pistols, and grenade launchers.

As this will be an early access release the content and experience of PUBG: Blindspot will evolve as the development team tweak the game based on player feedback. A release date for the 1.0 version has not yet been set.

Source: Steam

Publisher Wales Interactive and developer Trapped Predator have announced that the interactive psychological horror FMV game Heart of the Forest will be released on February 12th. The confirmed platforms are PC, PS5, PS4, Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS and Android. It is a live action story that follows a group of students as they explore Germany’s Black Forest, which is home to an evil spirit.

In Heart of the Forest players will see the world through each character’s point of view, making choices on the information available to steer the story. Each character has their own fears and traumas that are exploited by the forest spirit to scare and hunt the students down. Your choices will determine who lives and who dies. Some of the footage definitely has The Blair Witch Project vibes, which is likely to have been an influence on Heart of the Forest.

In a statement Trapped Predator said, “Heart of the Forest is our modern take on German folklore set in the mysterious Black Forest. In our debut title, we invite you to join our four protagonists on a chilling journey into their darkest nightmares. See you inside the forest!”

A price for Heart of the Forest is yet to be confirmed.

Source: Press Release

Microsoft has announced that the Xbox Developer Direct will be taking place on January 22nd, and has confirmed Fable, Forza Horizon, and Game Freak’s Beast of Reincarnation will all have gameplay shown. Both Fable and Forza Horizon 6 are pencilled in to launch this year, so we should get release dates for both at Developer Direct, and we may also get a release date for Beast of Reincarnation.

In the announcement post, Joe Skrebels, Xbox Wire Editor In Chief, said, “2026 is going to be an incredible year for Xbox players – you might even call it a… fabled year. To celebrate, we’re kicking it off with the fourth installment of our Developer_Direct broadcast on January 22, bringing you news, new gameplay, and insights directly from the incredible teams working on titles coming this year. Presented by the game creators themselves, Developer_Direct will once again give you an inside look at not just the games, but the studios working to bring them to life. Fittingly for Xbox’s 25^th anniversary year, that includes the return of some of our most legendary franchises, which rub shoulders with a brand new title from one of Japan’s most beloved studios.”

The Xbox Developer Direct will be streaming on January 22nd at 10am Pacific / 1pm Eastern / 6pm UK.

Source: Xbox

Gaming Factory has confirmed the PS5 release date for JDM: Japanese Drift Master, with players able to get behind the wheel on February 6th. The PS5 version of JDM: Japanese Drift Master will get all of the free content that has been released since the game launched in May 2025 for PC and Xbox, including Photo Mode and the Landmarks activity, new cars including the Honda NSX NA1, Subaru Impreza GV STI and the Nissan GTR R35 EBA and the recent Eurobeat radio. In addition, players will be able to buy the Made in USA DLC for $5.99.

JDM: Japanese Drift Master has had a number of updates since it launched to address gameplay bugs and issues. The most recent updates on PC and Xbox reduced the loading times in the open world and fast travel, rebalanced easy mode, and updated the the physics. Additionally, five additional cars were also added Akina family cars. JDM: Japanese Drift Master has a fully featured story mode too where you play Polish driver Touma, a new entrant on the scene. It’s up to you to take him from a nobody to the drift master.

JDM: Japanese Drift Master will have a PS5 launch price of $34.99.

Source: Press Release

PUBG has been updated to version 39.2 on PC today, with consoles getting the update on January 15th, and this update has intensified the environmental conditions that were first introduced as part of Erangel: Subzero. In addition, there is a new danger from the skies with the introduction of a new Satellite Crash Special Zone. Additionally, there is some new gear including the frost zone bomb and the thermal protection suit to help survive the plunging temperatures. You can read the full patch notes below.

PUBG Update 39.2 Patch Notes

Erangel: Subzero

Erangel’s harsh cold intensifies, ushering in a range of changes.

Special Zone: Satellite Crash

• The Special Zone spawns four times per match, primarily within the Safe Zone.
• When a Satellite crash is detected, a warning message appears on screen.
• Upcoming Special Zone locations are displayed on the World Map and Minimap.
• After a short delay, Satellites crash down along with multiple modules that generate Blue Zone spheres.
  • Blue Zone spheres deal 10 damage per second.
  • The freezing effect is applied to the Blue Zone spheres.
• Various items can be looted from the crashed Satellites.
• Crashing Satellites deal impact damage.

New Weapon: Frost Zone Bomb

※ Not available in Team Deathmatch.

• Inventory slot: Throwables
• Weight: 40
• Can be deployed using the left mouse button.
  • Deployment can be canceled midway.
  • Deployment may be canceled by damage, collisions, or movement.
  • Can be placed on flat surfaces, with restrictions on certain terrain and objects.
  • Can be deployed on most vehicles, with a few exceptions. It attaches to the exterior upon deployment.
• Cannot be destroyed or defused once deployment is complete.
• A warning sound plays for a short duration before detonation.
• Creates a Blue Zone sphere with a maximum radius of 20 m upon detonation.
  • Deals 14 damage per second.
  • The freezing effect is applied.

• Spawns only from Satellites.

New Item: Thermal Protection Suit

• When worn, it blocks a certain amount of Blue Zone damage.

  • Blocking Blue Zone damage also prevents the freezing effect.

• The suit’s appearance changes with durability, reflecting its damage state.
• When worn together with the Jammer Pack, anti-Blue Zone protection is cumulative.

• • Item durability is consumed in the following order: Jammer Pack → Thermal Protection Suit.

• Spawns only from Satellites.

Weather

• As blizzards sweep across the map and Erangel is blanketed in white, the climate grows increasingly unforgiving.
• Applies to Normal Match, Ranked, and Custom Match.

World: Rondo

Following the recent changes to Rondo, we’ve rebalanced item spawns across the map to ensure a smoother and more consistent looting experience.

Spawn Changes

• To provide a looting experience comparable to other 8×8 km maps, spawn rates for various world spawn items have been adjusted.
• Weapon, attachment, and Throwable spawns inside Secret Rooms have been increased.
• Fixed spawn spots and the total spawn quantity for the Inflatable Boat have been reduced.

(PC) New Feature: Secondary Password

※ The following updates apply to all PC platforms.

Setup & Usage Guide

• The secondary password must be a 6-8 digit number, and SMS authentication is required for both initial setup and resets.

  • Even if you have previously completed SMS authentication for Ranked play, reauthentication is required to set up the secondary password.
  • You can set up the secondary password by clicking “Set Secondary Password” from the Career – Overview page or the Ranked menu.
  • The same digit cannot be used 3 times in a row.

• Accounts with a secondary password enabled will be prompted to verify the password every 24 hours when entering the lobby.

  • If you log in from a different PC, secondary password authentication will be required regardless of the time.
  • You must complete secondary password authentication to access the lobby.
• The secondary password can be reset by clicking “Reset Secondary Password” from the Career – Overview page or the secondary password authentication popup.
• After five or more incorrect attempts, you will be directed to the secondary password reset process.

Important Notes

• Secondary password authentication is required to play Ranked matches.

  • Accounts without a secondary password can still access all other content except Ranked mode.

• The existing SMS authentication requirement for Ranked mode has been removed and replaced with the secondary password setup.
• If any member of a party does not have a secondary password enabled, the party will not be able to play Ranked matches.
• If you forget your secondary password, you can reset it. However, disabling the secondary password requires contacting Customer Support.
• If SMS authentication is attempted more than 10 times, sending pin codes will be restricted for 24 hours.

Arcade

Team Deathmatch

※ The following updates apply to Custom Match as well.

• Adjusted the images, display duration, and size of on-screen notifications based on player feedback.

Workshop

New item sets have been added to the Hunter’s Chest and Archivist’s Chest.

• Minx and Maven
• Survivor Pass: Spirit Squad

Survivor Pass

• A brand new Survivor Pass is prepared for Update 39.2.

Hideout

• The maximum number of weapon skins that can be salvaged at once has been increased from 24 to 60.

UX/UI

• (Console) Adjusted visual effects that displayed differently on Xbox.

Bug Fixes

Gameplay

• Fixed an issue where the sound effect for the Adrenaline Syringe would intermittently cut off during use.
• Fixed an issue where, under specific circumstances, seat priority became locked when boarding the Motor Glider, preventing players from boarding correctly.
• (PC) Fixed an issue where sprint did not resume after using Bandages when sprint toggle was enabled.
• (Console) Fixed an issue on Xbox where in-game audio did not work properly when Dolby Access was enabled.

World

• Fixed an issue on the Rondo map where Safe Zones spawned in unintended locations.

UX/UI

• Fixed an issue where part of the BP icon was cut off on the End of Match screen.
• Fixed an issue where notification indicators on Special Vehicle skin customization items were displayed incorrectly in the Edit Skin screen.
• Fixed an issue where Korean particles following nicknames ending in a lowercase “n” or “m” were displayed incorrectly in the Match Log and other areas in the Korean language settings.
• (PC) Fixed an issue where a system message appeared twice when pressing the assigned hotkey without a Throwable equipped.
• (PC) Fixed an issue where the spacing between the character status panel and the HP bar appeared abnormal while spectating.
• (PC) Fixed an issue where Player 1’s markers were not displayed while the “Show Team Markers” setting was enabled in Observer Mode.
• (PC) Fixed an issue where parts of Player 1’s waypoints were still displayed while the “Hide Team Markers” setting was enabled in Observer Mode.
• (PC) Fixed an issue where the DirectX Version shown in the Settings – Graphics – Advanced tab did not match the version actually applied on first launch.

Items & Skins

※ Clipping issue: Graphics that are shown outside the visible part of an image/object.

• Fixed an issue where the Mirado vehicle skins were not displayed correctly after returning from the System menu on the Customize – Vehicles page.
• Fixed a clipping issue when wearing the Balenciaga 360 Mask Sunglasses or Balenciaga Venice Beach Mask with certain hats.
• Fixed a clipping issue when wearing the PGC 2024 Light Top or Cerberus’ Jacket with a vest.
• Fixed an issue where the tire wheel textures of the “Panamera Turbo S” Sedan skin were displayed incorrectly at certain distances.
• Fixed a clipping issue around the shoulders when the female character wore the PNC 2023 Trailblazer Top with the Happy Hibernation Hoodie (Sand).
• Fixed a clipping issue around the pelvic area when the female character wore certain skirts.
• Fixed an issue where the XingHun’s Tiger Starfire Mask and earrings could be worn together.
• Fixed an issue where the left rear door frame of the “Panamera Turbo S” Sedan skin was not displayed correctly.
• Fixed an issue where the ankles became transparent when the female character wore the Shiba Jogger Leggings with Mad Nurse’s Boots.

Source:  NEWS – PUBG: BATTLEGROUND

Dreameffect Entertainment has confirmed that its third person openworld soulslike Duel Corp. will be launching into early access on January 21st. Duel Corp. is described as having an MMO feel as you will be able to meet other players in the world, and tackle the game in co-op with up to three other players too. There is no linear story path with players working out what has happened by interacting with the various factions that populate Duel Corp’s world.

In the world of Duel Corp everyone has been cursed with darkened eyes which has also caused everyone to be immortal. This curse has also raised all of the dead that are a danger to the living. The factions in this world have been borne out of the fallout from the curse, with each faction having its own theories and ways of coping with the new reality. In this world, players will have access to an unrestricted class system so different builds can be experimented with to suit different playstyles. The world of Duel Corp will react to player actions. For example, destroying a caravan will mean a village does not get vital resources. This can be used to cause friction between different factions, or weaken the village so you can take it over yourself. It is not just villages that can be taken over, with cities ripe for conquering. There are co-op quests to take part in as well as 1v1 and 2v2 PvP encounters. Duel Corp also contains procedurally generated encounters that can have unique items and NPCs to encounter.

Duel Corp will be launched with a 20% discount, priced at $19.99.

Source: Steam

Creepy Jar’s newest survival game StarRupture has launched into Steam Early Access today, with a launch discount price of $15.99 / €15,99 / £13.59 / 51,99 zl, giving players the opportunity to survive and thrive on a hostile alien planet. Alongside the launch of StarRupture, Creepy Jar has shared a general early access roadmap of what players should expect over the next few months and further on.

The ongoing improvements players should expect in StarRupture’s Early Access include the game’s performance, the building mechanics, the combat mechanics, the game world, and the user interface. Additional features will be more wildlife, custom game mode options with adjustable difficulty, a new travel mode to go between bases, a codex, controller support, new building features, new combat mechanics, and new ways to explore the world. New content that will be added in StarRupture will include new weapons, an expanded map, more corporation levels and associated rewards, new buildings, new resources, new locations and points of interest, new story elements, and a new forgotten engine. Creepy Jar will also be looking to balance the co-op gameplay, improve the cargo network, add accessibility options such as text size and better key rebinding, and dedicated servers. When StarRupture eventually releases into version 1.0 it will get a new biome, something called frost wave, the end game content, more story elements, and achievements. There is no specific timeline for any of this yet.

In StarRupture, players take on the role of an exile from Earth who has been tasked with mining and expanding a base as part of their sentence. The game will be able feature co-op for up to four players, but if you want to explore this frontier alone you can. Weather cycles of the planet and regular attacks by Arcadia-7’s creatures will impede player progress, so learning the patterns and consequences of the dangers will be critical to making it through the days.

Source: Press Release

Rust’s next major update is going to be released on February 5th, Facepunch Studios has announced as part of Rust’s 12th anniversary roundup. That update is the Naval update and it is going to be adding new content like player made boats that will allow players to sail across the deep seas to find new islands and monuments, along with new encounters. If you want to try the Naval update early, you can do so by joining the Rust Staging Branch, which is the game’s insider program.

In addition, Facepunch Studios has confirmed it will continue to release updates on the first Thursday of every month, though some will be lighter than others. The development team has also confirmed what else Rust players can expect over the course of 2026 in terms of new content, including new animals like cows and sheep as well as a dedicated animal breeding program. There will also be new monuments, including an apartment complex, and improvements to player animations, looks and movements. The team will also be looking at previous content that has been released that has not been popular and will explore ways to rework them to fit into the current Rust experience.

When it comes to DLC, Facepunch will continue to release new items or skins almost every month, with a dedicated DLC team working on these. Additionally, the studio has announced it is looking into a battle pass system for Rust, but this is still in early planning and it may not materialise if it does not prove to be valuable or rewarding to players. When it comes cheating in Rust, Facepunch Studios is looking to hire more support staff and developers focused solely on supporting anti-cheat methods, along with a new anti-cheat layer that should be coming in 2026. Performance is another area that the team continues to look at as it tries to balance new content with already existing game structures. One of the key improvements in 2025 saw load and server connection times reduced by around 65%. Finally, Rust Mobile is also due to be released this year though a release date has not yet been confirmed.

Source: Facepunch Studios

It is the start of a new year which means one thing! That thing is the annual ceremony of an NBA 2K servers being switched off. From now on, January 1st 2026, all online functionality for NBA 2K24 has been switched off. That means no more multiplayer, MyCareer or MyTeam but modes that don’t require an internet connection like MyNBA and Play Now are still playable. NBA 2K24 was released on September 8th, 2023 and was removed from sale in October 2025.

NBA 2K’s support page states, “As of January 1, 2026, you’ll no longer be able to play multiplayer games or access any online game modes. MyCAREER and MyTEAM will no longer be available, and it will no longer be possible to earn Virtual Currency (VC). While you will still be able to enjoy Play Now, MyNBA, The W, and MyWNBA, any features that require a connection to 2K servers will be unavailable. This includes multiplayer, Online Leagues, and community sharing. We thank you for being a part of our community and hope you continue to enjoy NBA 2K!”

NBA 2K24 Review

In our NBA 2K24 review I wrote, “Regardless of what this review says, NBA 2K24 will sell millions of copies, and generate millions of dollars through VC. That is because basketball fans who want to play a basketball game have nowhere else to go. The on court action is really good, but without competition to keep them honest, 2K’s monetisation has got out of hand and made modes like MyCareer near unplayable without extra investment from players.”

Source: 2K Support

Publishers Gone-Shootin and InfiniFun have released a new update regarding progress on Subliminal: Episode 1, including its release window. After discussions with the development team, Accidental Studio, the decision has been made to push back the release of Subliminal: Episode 1 to March 2026 to allow for more development time. The good news is that the game is feature complete and playable all of the way through, but additional time is needed for elements like localisation, QA testing, and optimisation.

In a statement Gone-Shootin and InfiniFun said, “Over the past several months, our development team, Accidental Studios has reached a major development milestone: Subliminal: Episode 1 is now feature complete and fully playable from start to finish. We are extremely confident in the game itself and in the work of the development team. Preparing for a full global release, we as publishing team – Gone-Shootin and InfiniFun – have been conducting a thorough review of the remaining steps required before launch. These include, extended quality assurance and testing, localization across multiple languages, final performance optimization, and launch planning to ensure a smooth and consistent day-one experience After reviewing these requirements together, we agreed that additional time is needed to properly complete this final phase. As a result, Subliminal: Episode 1 is now targeting a release window of March 2026. This additional time will be dedicated entirely to polish, testing, and launch readiness, now that Episode 1 is feature complete. This decision reflects our shared commitment to quality and to giving the game the strongest possible debut. We sincerely appreciate the patience, enthusiasm, and support from everyone who has been following Subliminal’s development. We’re excited to share more updates as we move closer to release, and we look forward to bringing Subliminal: Episode 1 to players in its best possible form.”

Subliminal is a psychological horror game where puzzles are solved by changing perspectives and lighting, while dealing with the scares and fears that each environment throws at you. You don’t have time to relax because as time passes the horrors will close in. Subliminal has currently been confirmed for PC via Steam, PS5, Xbox Series XS, and VR including Steam VR and OpenXR. The game will be made up of two episodes, though there is no release window for the second episode.

Source: Steam

We’re entering the hallowed ground of the Top 10, the territory of listicles across countless topics, as we search for our very most desired games of 2026. This batch of games has some galactic and not so galactic racing, a bit of revolution in the air, a much wanted sequel, and an experience that might leave you shaken but not stirred.

10 – Star Wars: Galactic Racer

PS5, XSX|S, PC – 2026

In a galaxy far, far away an Empire has fallen and a New Republic is forming. However, this is a time of great upheaval and uncertainty, which means there is space for some sci-fi motor racing. A spiritual successor to Star Wars: Episode I: Racer, Star Wars: Galactic Racer introduces us to the undergroung Galactic League, where racers from different backgrounds and disciplines come together to prove who the best pilot is in the galaxy. Podracer Sebulba is just one of those characters.

There is also a new character called Shade, and that is who players embody. Shade is a racer starting at the bottom who has two goals; glory and revenge. Glory in becoming the best racer in the league, and revenge against rival Kestar who wants to run the league in his own way. Racing just makes up one part of Star Wars Galactic Racer, as players will have to navigate alliances and rivalries with other racers to come out on top. There will be race tracks across familiar planets as well as new ones being added to the Star Wars universe.

9 –  Clockwork Revolution

XSX|S, PC – TBA

inXile Entertainment has steadily built itself up as a studio that can deliver fun and interesting RPGs, from The Bard’s Tale series, through Torment: Tides of Numenera and most recently Wasteland 3 each showing depth in ideas and execution. But since their acquisition by Microsoft they’ve been able to push on towards full AAA territory. Clockwork Revolution is the time-bending RPG coming out of this ambition, and it’s high on our list following a great looking gameplay reveal that showcased fun gameplay, comedy, and a world that can be changed by player actions.

Clockwork Revolution is set in the year 1895 in the steam powered city of Avalon where humans and clockwork people live and work together side by side. It is also a world filled with criminals and a powerful ruling class that can time travel to craft Avalon in their image. Unfortunately for them, your character has also found a way to time travel and shape the city to their own ends. We know the main character is a scoundrel who appears they will do anything to get ahead. The character creation alone is integrated into the game as someone giving the police a description of you after you have robbed them.

8 – Forza Horizon 6

XSX|S, PC (and possibly PS5) – 2026

The announcement for Forza Horizon 6 had some of its impact taken away after the Forza Horizon social media accounts posted the teaser ahead of the official reveal at Tokyo Game Show. The teaser pans across items from different parts of the world before settling on a Japanese license plate and a white Neko figure. It then pans up to show Mount Fuji, confirming Forza Horizon 6 will be taking place in Japan.

Not much is known about Forza Horizon 6 right now, beyond the fact that it will carry on in the traditions of the open world series. Seasons will be returning, and the map will have be landmark-filled approximation of Japan, including Mount Fuji, Tokyo, and rural areas. This map is being developed with Japanese consultants so more is shown of the country than just the touristy bits. Expect to see an awful lot more of this game, and likely a release date announcement during the Developer_Direct stream on 22nd January.

7 – 007: First Light

PS5, XSX|S, NSW2, PC – 27th May 2026

While we still wait on the news on who will be the next James Bond for the films, we don’t have to wait much longer for IO Interactive’s take on the most famous of spies, even if the game has been delayed to May. 007: First Light is IO Interactive’s most ambitious games, taking on the mantle of crafting a new Bond story while using lessons learned from its highly acclaimed Hitman games.

Bond is not yet the globe trotting super spy we all know, but a young agent still earning his reputation and having to work as part of a team. The mission is to take down 009 who has gone rogue, using MI6’s own tactics against them. Bond is a loose cannon who will do things his own way to get the job done, even if it doesn’t please others in the organisation. The game will feature spycraft, shootouts, and driving ( a first for IO Interactive) with each taking inspiration from the 007 books and movies.

You can read more about the game in our very own preview.

6 – Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun 2

PS5, XSX|S, PC – 2026

Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun was heralded as a great return to form for the boomer shooter form, getting critical acclaim and commercial success. Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun 2 has already got high expectations placed upon its shoulders, and what we know of it so far seems to promise a lot more action without sacrificing much of what made Boltgun great.

Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun 2 gives us two protagonists to play as, Sternguard Veteran Malum Caedo and Sister of Battle, Nyra Veyrath. Each has their own playstyle so you can try new ways of taking on enemies as you travel through a hive city and mangrove swamps. The story will also have a branching narrative with each choice taking you to different levels, meaning you may have to play through a few times to see everything. On top of that there are new enemy units to engage in combat with including Bloodletters ,Juggernauts and other new enemies from different factions. Boltgun 2 is going to be a bigger and louder experience than its predecessor, but we will have to wait and see if it is better.

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That’s it for today, and we’re going to take a day off tomorrow to catch our breath and then blitz through out top five with daily posts. What’s going to come out on top?

EpicTellers Entertainment has announced that those who have backed Starfinder: Afterlight with the closed beta access option will be able to play some of the early parts of the game in February. If you are interested in getting in on the closed beta, you can still back Starfinder: Afterlight on Kickstarter which will grant access. Additionally, EpicTellers Entertainment has stated it is aiming to launch Starfinder: Afterlight’s early access in Q2 or Q3 this year.

Those who get to play the Starfinder: Afterlight closed beta will have the opportunity to experience the opening 45-60 minutes of Act 1’s gameplay, three pre-made character builds to try including Human Soldier, Vesk Envoy, and Shirren Operative, and to explore the Entertainment District of Hivemarket on Akiton. This opening section will also give players their first interactions with Preach, Sterling, and the Larva, which will contain full voice acting. Additional details about the closed beta are going to be announced closer to the time of release.

At full release, Starfinder Afterlight will have between 40 to 60 hours of gameplay, with multiple difficulty settings available for those who want everything from experiencing the story to challenging combat. There will be a full voice cast and Eduardo de la Iglesia is composing the soundtrack, and Starfinder Afterlight will also support mods. The game itself is a  CRPG based on the Paizo’s sci-fi and fantasy tabletop RPG.

Source: Steam

The online multiplayer mech base building and looter SAND: Raiders of Sophie is going to be releasing in March for PC, with PS5, and Xbox Series XS versions available to wishlist now too. Publisher tinyBuild and developer Hologryph announced the news with a brand new trailer that showcases different elements of SAND: Raiders of Sophie’s gameplay, including the mech base building, combat between the mechs, and looting areas in a procedurally generated map.

SAND: Raiders of Sophie is set in an alternate 1910s where players can search for resources amongst the ruins of Sophie, and to settle scores. This can be done alone but the emphasis is on squad play, where players team up to build their walking bases known as Tramplers. These walking bases are a mix of a central base, a vehicle to help navigate the world, and a weapons platform that can engage in battle with other Tramplers. How Tramplers are constructed is up to the players with each one being fully customisable, so they can have their own layouts and looks.

Exploration is not limited to moving the Trampler from place to place. Players can walk around the world on foot and engage in PvPvE battles, taking on players from different Tramplers as well as the undead original inhabitants of Sophie. A price and exact date is yet to be confirmed for SAND: Raiders of Sophie, but at least we know it is not too far away.

Source: YouTube

If you like the future Western aesthetic then Paradark Studios’ ExeKiller is one to keep an eye on. Described as a retro future Western, ExeKiller is set in a dystopian future where a catastrophic event has turned Earth into a scorched desert planet. But an apocalyptic event won’t get in the way of the darker side of human nature, meaning a bounty hunter is needed to find some criminals.

In the new gameplay overview, Paradark Studios shows different aspects of the world which you inhabit as Denzel Fenix, aka the bounty hunter known as ExeKiller. He works for the Helion company and as the story progresses revelations about the world and himself make Denzel a target for different factions. That means players have to be on the lookout for danger everywhere.

ExeKiller is set in a semi open world with one of the central locations being The Tower. Here Denzel can upgrade and purchase gear, gather information, and pick up some bounties to hunt. It is a generally safe area, a stark difference to the world outside. Denzel travels across the world in a car that has been designed to withstand things like severe weather and radiation, but you cannot avoid such dangers all of the time. Out of the car, Denzel has to be aware of both enemies and the environment which could turn to make things difficult. Players have full autonomy on how missions are resolved with no set linear paths. You can choose to go in all guns blazing, sneak around, talk your way through situations, or a mixture of all of these approaches. Whatever approach is chosen will impact how NPCs and factions react to Denzel, and the game’s ending. There is no XP to earn in the game with Denzel’s skills reliant on player skill and the mods and augments that are installed in Denzel.

A release date for ExeKiller has yet to be confirmed and so far it has only been confirmed for PC.

Source: YouTube

Ghost Ship Games has announced details for Deep Rock Galactic’s new season, including the name, date, key art and other content details. Deep Rock Galactic Season 6 is called Relics of Hoxxes and it will begin on January 29th for PC, with the console release coming two weeks afterwards on February 12th. While a new trailer for all the content has not been released, you can check out some new cosmetics.

https://youtu.be/n8LG8V0hnws?si=zh8bceNSbjK8nUw5

In Deep Rock Galactic Season 6 Relics of Hoxxes, players will be sent to the new biome of the Ossuary Depths with the new Heavy Excavation mission giving the objective to find and dig up Resinite Mass deposits to send spaceward. It will not be smooth mining though as along with the normal Glyphids players will also need to deal with the new Ossiran enemies that have their own attacks to use.

The ‘Relic Raider’ DLC Pack, which is what the trailer above shows, will include the Relic Raider’ Armour Framework for all four classes, one ‘Relic Raider’ headgear for each class, the ‘Relic Raider’ Armour Paintjob for all armor sets, the ‘Relic Raider’ Weapon Paintjob, the ‘Relic Raider’ Pickaxe Framework, the ‘Relic Raider’ Pickaxe Paintjob, the ‘Relic Raider’ Bosco Framework, and the ‘Relic Raider’ Bosco Paintjob. The pack will be released at the same time as Season 6 on January 29th.

Source: Steam