Xbox Game Studios and developer Obsidian Entertainment have confirmed that their action RPG Avowed is launching on PlayStation 5 on February 17. The announcement was made during a New Game+ showcase interview focused on the game’s upcoming anniversary patch.
The anniversary update introduces several new features, including New Game Plus, a Photo Mode, a new staff weapon type for mage builds, and additional playable races such as Dwarf, Orlan, and Aumaua. It also expands character creation with new presets, Godlike option presets, and more customization features.
This update aligns with the final phase of the game’s content update roadmap and will go live on the same day as the PS5 release.
For those unfamiliar, Avowed is a first-person and third-person action RPG set in the Pillars of Eternity universe. Players take on the role of an Envoy sent by the emperor to investigate a mysterious plague spreading across the Living Lands, exploring a segmented open-world filled with political intrigue and various mysteries.
Avowed is the latest Microsoft title to go cross-platform, continuing the company’s slow shift away from full exclusivity. Formerly Xbox-only franchises like Gears of War: Reloaded and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 have already made their way to PS5, with Halo: Campaign Evolved also set to launch on Sony’s console in 2026.
Carlos Hernandez is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Too Much Gaming, where he writes about video games, reviews, and industry news. A lifelong gamer, he would do anything to experience Final Fantasy Tactics for the first time again and has a love/hate relationship with games that require hunting for new gear to improve your character.
Indie developer Unfinished Pixel announced that its turn-based roguelite game Blightstone will enter Steam Early Access on January 20, priced at $15.99. The game will also receive a 20% launch discount for the first two weeks.
The developers expect Blightstone to remain in Early Access for around 6–12 months, though that timeline could change. Still, the game’s current state looks promising, as it will be fully playable at launch with a substantial amount of content, including:
10 crystal gems to obtain during a run
24 crystal runes (choose up to 6 to start a run)
5 hero classes, each with around 14 skills, 13 items, and 4 campfire skills
38 enemies, 2 mini-bosses, and 3 main bosses
5 biomes with more than 150 nodes
14 upgrades in the Continuum Forge
28 dark events at the campfire
With this amount of content, players jumping into Early Access at launch will already be able to experience the game’s full roguelite loop.
Looking ahead, the developers plan to add two new heroes with their own skill sets, new items, additional quests, a compendium to track overall progress, new enemy factions, two new mini-bosses, more nodes, and an additional story act.
Blightstone features a free-movement, turn-based combat system that gives players more freedom to plan and strategize each turn. Players can hide in long grass, use the environment to ambush enemies, and adapt to dynamic weather conditions that make each run more unpredictable as the difficulty increases.
Recruit new heroes, improve your team, and build a strong composition if you hope to survive all the way to the end of a run.
Those interested in trying it out can do so as early as now, as Blightstone does have a playable demo on Steam.
Carlos Hernandez is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Too Much Gaming, where he writes about video games, reviews, and industry news. A lifelong gamer, he would do anything to experience Final Fantasy Tactics for the first time again and has a love/hate relationship with games that require hunting for new gear to improve your character.
Sony announced that the new PS5 slim Hyperpop Collection is coming to the Philippines on March 12, 2026.
The collection lets you purchase the Hyperpop DualSense wireless controller or the matching PS5 console covers separately, with Sony confirming the recommended retail prices for each across Southeast Asia.
You can buy either the DualSense controller or the matching PS5 console covers separately, as Sony provided the recommended retail prices for each.
Hyperpop DualSense Wireless Controller
Philippines: PHP 4,890
Singapore: SGD 119
Malaysia: MYR 419
Indonesia: IDR 1,549,000
Thailand: THB 2,890
Vietnam: VND 2,399,000
Matching PS5 Console Covers
Philippines: PHP 4,290
Singapore: SGD 107
Malaysia: MYR 369
Indonesia: IDR 1,359,000
Thailand: THB 2,590
Vietnam: VND 2,099,000
Availability will vary so be sure to visit your local retail store if they have pre-orders up, or they are planning to have these peripherals on stock.
Take note that these PS5 console covers are designed specifically for the PS5 slim and newer models. They will not be compatible with the original PS5, which uses a single cover design instead of the newer two-piece plates.
Carlos Hernandez is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Too Much Gaming, where he writes about video games, reviews, and industry news. A lifelong gamer, he would do anything to experience Final Fantasy Tactics for the first time again and has a love/hate relationship with games that require hunting for new gear to improve your character.
ZeniMax Online Studios has officially revealed what to expect from The Elder Scrolls Online in 2026, and there are some major changes coming to the MMORPG this year.
Elder Scrolls Online – The Beginning of Seasons
ZeniMax is making the full transition to seasonal content this year. Each season will feature a distinct theme and run for three months. The new structure begins with Season Zero: Dawn and Dusk, launching on April 2, 2026, across all platforms.
Each season can include a mix of new content, such as a new zone, dungeon, storyline, and even new classes, skill lines, or additional systems.
What sets seasons apart is that all seasonal content will be added to the base game for free. There will be no additional cost tied directly to seasonal content.
Instead, ZeniMax is introducing its take on a battle pass system called Tamriel Tomes, which will run alongside each season. As expected, Tamriel Tomes will include both a free rewards track and a premium track.
Weekly in-game challenges will allow players to progress through Tamriel Tomes more quickly.
Premium Track and ESO Plus Subscribers
Unfortunately, ESO Plus subscribers will not automatically receive access to the premium track of a season’s Tamriel Tome. Instead, subscribers earn one token for every 12 months of active subscription, which can be used to unlock a premium track of their choosing.
Season Zero: Dawn and Dusk
The first season of 2026 will launch simultaneously on PC and consoles this April and will conclude on July 8, 2026.
Dawn and Dusk introduces a new limited-time event zone called The Night Market, located in Fargrave within the Oblivion realm. This marks ESO’s first-ever event zone and will be available for seven weeks, featuring challenging PvE encounters and exclusive rewards.
Players will choose one of three unique factions and experience new stories, characters, quests, and even new in-game home rewards tied to the event.
Because The Night Market is limited-time content, ZeniMax confirmed that similar event zones will return in future seasons. This gives players another chance if they missed the event or want to experience it again with a different faction.
Update 49 Launches on March 9
Ahead of the first season, Update 49 launches on March 9 and focuses heavily on quality-of-life improvements. ZeniMax is addressing long-standing player requests, including free skill and attribute respecs directly from the UI, faster riding skill progression, increased furnishing limits, and more.
Combat and Class Changes
Update 49 and Season Zero will also bring notable combat adjustments and class refreshes. During the first season, the Dragonknight class will be the primary focus, receiving visual updates across several abilities along with reworks to its core skill lines.
The Two-Handed weapon skill line is also getting a visual refresh, and Werewolves will see visual improvements later in the season, including the addition of a female werewolf model.
PvP is receiving attention as well, with the introduction of the Vengeance PvP Progression system. This new system allows players to rank up, earn rewards, and unlock unique passive abilities through PvP play.
Season Zero and Beyond
ZeniMax also shared a broader look at ESO’s 2026 roadmap, confirming plans for both Season One and Season Two.
Season One Includes:
New system: Sage’s Vault
Multi-stage cooperative events (dynamic world events)
New in-game event: High Seas of Tamriel
New Trial: Crimson Veldt
Warden class refresh (visual and balance improvements)
Season Two Includes:
Return of The Night Market event zone
Solo Dungeons: Moon Hunter Keep and March of Sacrifices
Large-scale world events in Skyrim (dynamic storms)
Sorcerer class refresh (visual and balance improvements)
Greymoor DLC added to the base game
In 2024, ZeniMax moved away from traditional annual expansions and shifted toward seasonal content in 2025, featuring two major drops through a paid content pass. They also finally added subclassing last year. Now, in 2026, the studio is committing fully to a seasonal structure.
From what I’m seeing, this looks like ZeniMax’s attempt to make The Elder Scrolls Online more accessible to newcomers and returning players. Picking up the 2025 premium content pass now grants access to previous expansions, making it easier to catch up without feeling buried by years of content.
Seasons, meanwhile, seem designed to strengthen the base game as they roll out, rather than endlessly expanding the backlog for new players. Whether this approach actually works is another question. The 2025 content plan didn’t land particularly well for its community, and it remains to be seen if this seasonal model will fare any better.
For a full rundown of everything planned, you can see the official 2026 reveal below.
Carlos Hernandez is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Too Much Gaming, where he writes about video games, reviews, and industry news. A lifelong gamer, he would do anything to experience Final Fantasy Tactics for the first time again and has a love/hate relationship with games that require hunting for new gear to improve your character.
Xbox has revealed wave 1 of PC and Xbox Game Pass titles for January 2026. This batch features 11 titles.
Xbox and PC Game Pass for January 2026 Wave 1 - Notable Picks for this Month
The first wave has some interesting additions, with Resident Evil Village standing out the most. It’s the perfect game, considering the next mainline entry in the Resident Evil series, Resident Evil Requiem, is releasing this February.
There’s also Star Wars Outlaws, but I’m not all that enthusiastic about it, as I gave it a 2/5 when I played it at launch. It received a series of patch updates and improvements, so it could be a better experience for Star Wars fans.
The day one title for this wave is Mio: Memories in Orbit, a metroidvania action platformer that looks visually stunning thanks to its unique hand-drawn world.
Here’s the full list.
Games with * are not new titles added, as they are just now available on a different game pass tier.
January 2026 Game Pass Games – Wave 1
Available Now
Brews & Bastards (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass
Little Nightmares Enhanced Edition (Cloud, Handheld, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass
January 7
Atomfall (Cloud, Console, Handheld, and PC) – Now with Game Pass Premium
*Lost in Random: The Eternal Die (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, Handheld, and PC) – Now with Game Pass Premium
*Rematch (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) - Now with Game Pass Premium
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine – Master Crafted Edition (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) - Now with Game Pass Premium
January 8
Final Final Fantasy– (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC) – Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass
January 13
Star Wars Outlaws (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
January 15
My Little Pony: A Zephyr Heights Mystery (Cloud, Console, Handheld, and PC) – Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass
January 20
Resident Evil Village (Cloud, Console, and PC) - Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass
MIO: Memories in Orbit (Cloud, Handheld, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) - Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, day one title
Games Leaving Game Pass on January 15
Flintlock The Siege of Dawn (Cloud, Handheld, PC, and Xbox Series X|S)
Neon White (Cloud, Console, Handheld, and PC)
Road 96 (Cloud, Console, Handheld, and PC)
The Ascent (Cloud, Console, Handheld, and PC)
The Grinch Christmas Adventures (Cloud, Console, Handheld, and PC)
Carlos Hernandez is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Too Much Gaming, where he writes about video games, reviews, and industry news. A lifelong gamer, he would do anything to experience Final Fantasy Tactics for the first time again and has a love/hate relationship with games that require hunting for new gear to improve your character.
Highguard, the upcoming free-to-play PvP “raid” shooter from Wildlight Entertainment, made its debut as the final reveal at The Game Awards 2025.
It was the “we have one last thing to show” moment in the show that is meant to land hard before the Game of the Year presentation. Instead, it left people scratching their heads.
Fast forward three weeks after the reveal, and there’s been nothing but silence from the developers. No follow-up. No sense of urgency. No visible marketing push to support the game.
That’s especially strange when you consider that Highguard is reportedly set to release this month, on January 27.
A Missed Opportunity to Build Momentum
Landing the final slot in The Game Awards felt like there was a clear plan to follow up on such a commitment, yet we barely see anything. No Developer updates, deeper breakdowns, or at least something to remind people the game exists. Not even early content creator access for them to show the game to their communities.
All we have is a single announcement trailer on the game's official YouTube channel, and social media barely has anything during the game's release month.
That’s very unusual, considering this game is free-to-play and is a newly formed studio. On top of that, the reception of the reveal wasn’t all that kind online, as it’s echoing a similar response to when Concord’s gameplay reveal was shown. We all know how that turned out.
Was the negative reaction online enough for Wildlight to quietly rethink their rollout? Or are they gambling everything on a surprise-heavy launch day reveal?
It could start next week, dumping one piece of information after another until release, but time is running out as people are slowly forgetting. In today’s market, a pre-launch communication plan is essential, especially now, considering everyone’s knee-jerk reaction to Highguard was mainly “Oh, another hero shooter?” They are against people not excited, but disappointed at what they saw.
It’s puzzling, really, as this is from the developers who worked on Apex Legends and Titanfall. That puts even more weight, and quite frankly, it would have been a solid hit if they just decided to shadow drop the game after the show, like how Respawn Entertainment shocked the world with Apex Legends, slowly cementing their spot in the battle royale genre.
Either way, the silence is a red flag, and if Highguard struggles out of the gate, this early lack of communication will be one of the first things people point to. It was given a rare opportunity, and it’s looking that they failed to capitalize on it, or at the very least maintain a solid momentum.
Carlos Hernandez is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Too Much Gaming, where he writes about video games, reviews, and industry news. A lifelong gamer, he would do anything to experience Final Fantasy Tactics for the first time again and has a love/hate relationship with games that require hunting for new gear to improve your character.
Square Enix announced that a playable demo for Dragon Quest VII Reimagined will be released on January 7, giving players a chance to try the game ahead of its worldwide launch on February 5 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2, and February 6 for PC.
While Square Enix has not stated how long the demo will be, they did mention it to be “several hours” long, but progress is expected to carry over to the full game. This suggests that players will be able to experience the opening portion of the remake.
Dragon Quest VII Reimagined is a remake of Dragon Quest VII, originally released in 2000. The new version features a diorama-style visual presentation, modernized gameplay mechanics, and a more streamlined story. Developed by Hexadrive alongside Square Enix, the remake aims to preserve the core essence of the original while appealing to both longtime fans and newcomers.
Carlos Hernandez is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Too Much Gaming, where he writes about video games, reviews, and industry news. A lifelong gamer, he would do anything to experience Final Fantasy Tactics for the first time again and has a love/hate relationship with games that require hunting for new gear to improve your character.
In a recent interview with Gamesbeat, Embark Studios CEO Patrick Söderlund confirmed that Arc Raiders uses an aggression-based matchmaking system alongside player skill. In short, players who regularly engage in PVP are more likely to be matched with others who do the same, while those who avoid PVP tend to be grouped together.
This detail surfaced during a casual interview featuring Söderlund and Nexon CEO Owen Mahoney as they played several matches with GamesBeat’s Dean Takahashi.
Arc Raiders Matchmaking Prioritizes Skill, Then Player Aggression
Söderlund noted that the system is “not an exact science.” Player skill remains a core matchmaking factor, but aggression is layered on top to help shape lobby behavior. While it’s not perfect, the explanation provides some clarity for a community that has long speculated about how matchmaking works.
Before this confirmation, players believed matchmaking might be based on gear value, raw skill, or hidden MMR systems. Aggression as a tracked factor, however, was a theory that many had only recently begun testing and discussing.
That said, Söderlund didn’t go into specifics. It’s still unclear what actions actually count as “aggressive.” Does firing first matter more than defending yourself? Does retaliating against an attacker push you into more PvP-heavy lobbies? With skill seemingly taking priority, aggression appears to function as a secondary modifier rather than a defining rule. How they define “skill” is also something we don’t clearly understand.
If this system works as intended, it could meaningfully shape how the community approaches each match. A matchmaking system that naturally forms PvP-leaning and PvE-leaning lobbies without splitting the player base into separate modes could significantly contribute to long-term retention for the online game.
It’s also worth noting that Arc Raiders hasn’t slowed down as we enter 2026. While other shooters like Battlefield 6 have seen player numbers decline despite strong post-launch support, Arc Raiders has reportedly retained over 300,000 concurrent players on Steam months after release. That kind of staying power puts it closer to Helldivers 2’s early success than most modern shooters.
Carlos Hernandez is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Too Much Gaming, where he writes about video games, reviews, and industry news. A lifelong gamer, he would do anything to experience Final Fantasy Tactics for the first time again and has a love/hate relationship with games that require hunting for new gear to improve your character.
Christmas is just around the corner, and, as the title suggests, this is a last-minute holiday video game gift guide for anyone still looking for something to give their gamer friends or family this season.
This list mixes digital and physical options, with a focus on what’s actually easy to buy in the Philippines right now, whether online or through local retailers.
Instant Digital Gifts
If you don’t want to overthink it, digital gift cards are the safest option. Nintendo eShop, PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, and Steam all offer gift cards that let recipients choose exactly what they want. No shipping delays, no guesswork.
In case you want to physically give it, these are also widely available locally through Shopee, Lazada, Datablitz, GameXtreme, and even some convenience stores
Xbox Game Pass Gift
For someone who enjoys variety, a 3-month subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass is an easy win. The service covers multiple genres and regularly adds new releases, making it great value, especially if they haven’t tried it yet as there’s a 14-day trial for just PHP 59.
Steam Holiday Sale
If you’re planning to gift a specific PC game, it’s best to wait. The Steam Holiday Sale is live and runs from December 18 to January 12, 2026, and it’s consistently the best time of the year to grab games at deep discounts.
Rather than buying now at full price, consider holding off for a few days and stretching your budget further.
Titles to consider.
Great new games on a discount
These are titles released in 2025 that are already seeing solid discounts.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (50% off)
Doom: The Dark Ages (50% off)
Monster Hunter Wilds (45% off)
Hades 2 (25% off)
Battlefield 6 (30% off)
The Outer Worlds 2 (30% off)
Elden Ring Nightreign (25% off)
Deals that are complete steals
Older titles that are heavily discounted, offering excellent value for money.
Fallout 76 (90% off)
Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla (90% off)
Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown (92% off)
Cyberpunk 2077 (65% off)
Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Complete Edition (80% off)
The Outlast Trials (70% off)
Hogwarts Legacy (90% off)
Silent Hill 2 Remake (50% off)
Remnant 2 (70% off)
Dead Island 2 (90% off)
PS5 Physical Games to consider
For PlayStation players, Sony is currently running a Holiday Sale in the Philippines, and local retailers are matching it with solid physical discounts.
PS5 consoles are down by around PHP 5,600, and select games and peripherals are also discounted across Datablitz, iTech, GameOne, and other local stores.
Some standout deals include first-party titles and recent releases, many priced far lower than usual:
Astrobot – PHP 1,990 (PHP 1,000 off)
Gran Turismo 7 – PHP 1,490 (PHP 2,000 off)
God of War Ragnarök – PHP 990 (PHP 2,500 off)
Marvel’s Spider-Man – PHP 1,490 (PHP 2,000 off)
Rise of the Ronin – PHP 1,490 (PHP 2,000 off)
The Last of Us Part II Remastered – PHP 1,490 (PHP 1,000 off)
These are safe picks for last-minute shoppers since most local stores still have stock and offer same-day or next-day delivery.
Nintendo Switch Games Perfect for the Holidays
Both the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 are hot this season, and if you’re looking for a game to pick up as a gift, here are a few suggestions on the latest titles.
If you’re looking for discounts on Switch games, that’s hard to come by as Switch and Switch 2 games are rarely on sale, especially during the holidays. Your best bet would be picking up a second-hand copy through Facebook groups or heading to Greenhills and browsing through stores selling second-hand titles.
Big tip - If you are able, go in person
Since this is a last-minute guide, there’s always a risk that same-day delivery won’t actually happen, especially with Lazada and other online stores. If retailers like Datablitz or iTech can guarantee same-day delivery between December 22 and 24, that’s fine. Otherwise, going in person is the safest option.
Budget-Friendly PS5/PS4 Picks (PHP 1,500 and Below)
If you’re planning to gift someone who actively plays games on their mobile phone, the easiest option is giving gift cards through Google Play or the Apple App Store.
Better yet, in-game currency for titles like Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile, or Mobile Legends: Bang Bang is always appreciated by active players. Since not all games support direct gifting, gift cards remain the safest option.
Lazada and Shopee offer digital gift cards, but it’s still best to check seller reviews before purchasing.
Where to Buy Video Games in the Philippines
If you’re new to buying video game gifts locally, these are the key retailers to look for:
These retailers sell original products and also offer online shopping and delivery. For consoles, peripherals, and physical games, they remain the safest and most reliable options.
Prices and availability may vary by retailer.
The Christmas rush will be intense, and it will intensify as we approach December 25. Hopefully, this guide will knock out a couple of items off your Christmas list.
Carlos Hernandez is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Too Much Gaming, where he writes about video games, reviews, and industry news. A lifelong gamer, he would do anything to experience Final Fantasy Tactics for the first time again and has a love/hate relationship with games that require hunting for new gear to improve your character.
Capcom revealed that their upcoming sci-fi game Pragmata will launch on April 24, 2026. It was revealed during The Game Awards 2025 show, and they also announced a playable demo of the game is available on Steam right now.
Capcom also confirmed that Pragmata is coming to the Nintendo Switch 2, in addition to previously announced platforms.
The Steam demo, titled the Sketchbook Demo, offers a small portion of the game designed to highlight its combat systems, with a few surprises for players who complete multiple playthroughs. Capcom also confirmed that demos for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2 will be released at a later date.
Pragmata Pre-order Details
With the release date announced, Capcom also shared pre-order details. Players can now pre-order Pragmata in either a Standard Edition or a Deluxe Edition, which includes additional digital content.
Pre-order Bonus
Pre-ordering Pragmata on any platform grants the Neo Bushido & Neo Kunoichi Outfit Set.
Deluxe Edition
The Pragmata Deluxe Edition includes the Shelter Variety Pack, which adds alternate cosmetic outfits for Hugh and Diana. It also comes with a weapon skin, additional emotes for Diana, extra background music for the Shelter, and a 75-page in-game digital artwork library.
Carlos Hernandez is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Too Much Gaming, where he writes about video games, reviews, and industry news. A lifelong gamer, he would do anything to experience Final Fantasy Tactics for the first time again and has a love/hate relationship with games that require hunting for new gear to improve your character.
bisoft announced that Rainbow Six Mobile will officially launch worldwide on February 23, 2026, bringing the tactical shooter to iOS and Android devices.
Developed by Ubisoft Montreal, the mobile title aims to deliver a familiar Rainbow Six Siege experience on phones. Matches remain 5v5 and stick to the core Attack vs. Defend structure, with attackers deploying drones to scout while defenders fortify positions using gadgets and environmental defenses.The unique concept of breaching walls, floor, and ceiling is retained as it’s really just Siege but on your phone.
Siege’s defining feature, which is destructible environments, also carries over. Players can breach walls, floors, and ceilings, making this very much Siege adapted for mobile rather than a simplified spin-off.
Rainbow Six Mobile Launch Content
At launch in February, Rainbow Six Mobile will include:
Game modes: Bomb, Bomb Rush, and Team Deathmatch
More than 20 operators, including Ash, Mute, Dokkaebi, and others
Iconic maps such as Bank, Border, Clubhouse, Oregon, and Villa, alongside Restaurant and Summit, which are exclusive to mobile
An onboarding tutorial focused on core Rainbow Six mechanics
Private matches, Ranked matches, and Quick Play
Ubisoft also confirmed that the game will follow a seasonal content model similar to Siege on PC and consoles, with regular additions over time.
Rainbow Six Mobile is currently available in select regions, including Poland, France, Canada, and parts of Latin America.
First announced in 2022, the mobile adaptation has been a long wait for Siege fans. After several years of limited regional releases, Ubisoft now appears ready to roll it out globally.
Carlos Hernandez is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Too Much Gaming, where he writes about video games, reviews, and industry news. A lifelong gamer, he would do anything to experience Final Fantasy Tactics for the first time again and has a love/hate relationship with games that require hunting for new gear to improve your character.
Sony announced this year’s holiday sale in the Philippines in collaboration with local retailers as it features a series of discounts on the PlayStation 5 console, PS5 peripherals, and select 1st party games.
The sale happening in the Philippines will run from December 18 to December 31.
There are several standout deals here for anyone looking to grab a gift or finally treat themselves to a new game. God of War Ragnarok dropping below PHP 1,000 is too good to pass up, as without the sale, it will cost you PHP 3,490. It’s a must-own action adventure, especially for players who are still early in their PS5 library.
Another deal that caught my eye is the price for the PS5 itself. It being over 5,000 less in the Philippines is pretty rare and is probably the best cost cut since the console was released. If you’ve been eyeing on picking one up, this is likely a good time to do so, especially when we live in a world where things tend to go up instead of down in this industry.
Another good one is Death Stranding 2, considering it’s a fairly new game, and it's one of the best experiences you can ever have this year.
Carlos Hernandez is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Too Much Gaming, where he writes about video games, reviews, and industry news. A lifelong gamer, he would do anything to experience Final Fantasy Tactics for the first time again and has a love/hate relationship with games that require hunting for new gear to improve your character.
Developer Team Cherry announced that Hollow Knight: Silksong has surpassed seven million sales since its release in September 2025. Alongside the milestone, the studio confirmed it is working on the game’s first expansion, titled Sea of Sorrow, which is scheduled to release sometime in 2026.
Details on the expansion are still limited, but Team Cherry says Sea of Sorrow will introduce new areas, tools, bosses, and more. The real surprise is that the expansion will be free for all owners of the game, which feels especially generous given how much content Silksong already offers and its current price point across platforms.
Carlos Hernandez is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Too Much Gaming, where he writes about video games, reviews, and industry news. A lifelong gamer, he would do anything to experience Final Fantasy Tactics for the first time again and has a love/hate relationship with games that require hunting for new gear to improve your character.
The Game Awards 2025 ended its run of reveals by announcing Highguard, a free-to-play hero shooter set to release on January 26th.
It left many confused, as one of the biggest events in the video game industry ended with a game that felt out of place.
The Game Awards 2025 Started Strong
The show was getting good momentum. A new Mega Man, Ace Combat 8, two new Tomb Raider games, plus they even had Larian Studios reveal that they’ve been working on a new Divinity game, and dropped the bombshell that Casey Hudson (Mass Effect, Star Wars: The Old Republic) and his new studio will be working on a new RPG called Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic. These are the kinds of reveals that we believe would have been a solid mic drop before the Game of the Year presentation.
It felt like an awkward trip while crossing the finish line after a long marathon, as everyone’s watching a slow-motion stumble. With the massive reveals before it, in our minds, surely Geoff and company left the best for last.
Not this year. They went with Highguard.
It was a choice that broke the tradition of shows like TGA leaving on a high note. That “we have one last thing to show” moment fizzled out into nothing. It’s unfortunate, as it was a decent show, all things considered. A nice glimpse into 2026 and beyond. But that final reveal made us realize that, in the end, The Game Awards is also just a business.
Clair Obscur just took it all
As far as the awards go, it was expected that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 would dominate, but just not to the extent that Death Stranding 2 and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 walked away empty-handed. Kojima’s sequel easily could have taken at least one award given its strengths, while Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 has been met with near-universal praise since launch.
The Game Awards 2025 delivered on spectacle and surprises, but its final reveal exposed a worrying disconnect between what the show aims to value and what it now prioritizes.
Carlos Hernandez is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Too Much Gaming, where he writes about video games, reviews, and industry news. A lifelong gamer, he would do anything to experience Final Fantasy Tactics for the first time again and has a love/hate relationship with games that require hunting for new gear to improve your character.
During The Game Awards 2025, Blizzard revealed the next expansion for Diablo IV. Lord of Hatred will close out the game’s main storyline, bringing players face-to-face with Mephisto once again.
The expansion wraps up the current Diablo IV arc, adds a new region called Skovos, introduces sweeping gameplay changes, and brings in two new classes: the Paladin and a second class Blizzard hasn’t revealed yet.
Below is a breakdown of everything coming in the expansion.
AGE OF HATRED’S CULMINATION
FACE THE LORD OF HATRED
In the aftermath of Vessel of Hatred, this next chapter drives players toward their final stand against Mephisto, whose deception and spreading influence threaten to twist Sanctuary into a world consumed by malice. As Hell’s legions surge and the ancient Pools of Creation draw Mephisto ever closer, the fate of humanity hangs by a thread. To stop him, the Wanderer must embrace an old foe long believed to be dead. Lilith returns, her prophetic last words echoing true, forcing a perilous alliance bound by necessity rather than trust. With time and allies running out, the Wanderer is in a desperate race to stop Mephisto before hatred reshapes the world forever.
POWERFUL NEW CLASSES
The Lord of Hatred expansion answers years of community demand with two distinct new classes, dramatically broadening how players shape their playstyle, identity, and mastery in Sanctuary.
The Paladin rises as the realm darkens, wielding hammer, shield, and Holy Light to smite Mephisto’s demon army with righteous fury. Through melee combat and divine abilities, the Paladin empowers players to strike with both unwavering faith and overwhelming force.
A second, yet-unrevealed class looms on the dark horizon—its power undeniable, its arrival poised to reshape the battlefield when Lord of Hatred launches in April.
DANGEROUS LANDS
Skovos, the ancestral birthplace of the first civilization and the former home of Lilith and Inarius, stands as Sanctuary’s oldest and most storied region. Now ruled by The Oracle and the Amazon Queen, this never-before-seen in-game land blends volcanic coasts, storm-lashed forests, and waterlogged ruins steeped in forgotten lore.
As the Wanderer embarks on their journey through Skovos, each expedition will reveal new towns, dungeons, and monsters. Players will test their mettle against sinister cultists, oceanic horrors, and lingering shadows of Hell.
SKILLS & ITEMIZATION
The Lord of Hatred expansion delivers one of the most comprehensive gameplay evolutions since launch.
Deeply reworked Skill Trees introduce new class-specific variants and expanded level caps, offering fresh buildcraft and strategic depth across all eight classes.
A new Loot Filter empowers players to target desired gear more efficiently.
Enhanced crafting systems, including the return of the iconic Horadric Cube, reinforce experimentation and progression, while the new Talisman unlocks powerful set bonuses, expanding late-game customization in meaningful, class-defining ways.
OVERHAULED ENDGAME
After the campaign's dramatic finale, players can tap into a revitalized endgame, built around player choice, mastery, escalating challenge, and ever-more rewarding loot.
War Plans let players craft their own endgame progression path, selecting favoured activities and layering strategic modifiers as they push toward high-value rewards.
The Echoing Hatred stands as the Age of Hatred’s ultimate test: a relentless gauntlet of demonic hordes designed to challenge even the strongest builds.
Players seeking respite from demon-slaying can experience
How to Play the Paladin Early
It’s simple: pre-order the Lord of Hatred expansion to instantly unlock the Paladin class in the game’s latest season as those with the new expansion can get early access to the new class.
Pre-ordering, or even just owning the Standard Edition ($39.99) after launch, will also give you access to the first expansion, Vessel of Hatred, which is a solid bonus for those who skipped it last year.
Diablo IV Lord of Hatred Edition Breakdown
Deluxe Edition (59.99) Includes: Mini Chimera Pet Skorch, the Skartaran Basilisk Mount Bundle, the High Heavens Guard Cosmetic Bundle, a Premium Battle Pass Bundle, and more when the expansion launches.
Ultimate Edition ($89.99) Includes everything from the Standard and Deluxe Editions, plus: the Umbral Knights Armor Bundle (six class sets), 3,000 Platinum, the Steed of the Shining Realm Bundle, Tymn, Echo of the Spire Back Trophy, the Ascent of the Just Town Portal Skin, and more when the expansion launches.
Both the Deluxe and Ultimate Editions also include access to Vessel of Hatred.
Diablo IV’s Lord of Hatred expansion will launch on April 28 on consoles and PC.
Carlos Hernandez is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Too Much Gaming, where he writes about video games, reviews, and industry news. A lifelong gamer, he would do anything to experience Final Fantasy Tactics for the first time again and has a love/hate relationship with games that require hunting for new gear to improve your character.
The Game Awards 2025 is now in the books, and this year’s ceremony delivered a clear sweep. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 walked away with nine major awards, including Game of the Year. I didn’t expect them to run the table like that, leaving other strong contenders like Death Stranding 2, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, and Split/Fiction completely dead in the water.
One surprise for me: Battlefield 6 winning Best Audio Design. Didn’t see that one coming as I can’t agree all too much about that one, considering the other nominees in that category this year.
Still, a win’s a win. Congratulations to all the winners.
The Game Awards Winners
Game of the Year
Recognizing a game that delivers the absolute best experience across all creative and technical fields.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach (Kojima Productions / Sony Interactive Entertainment)
Ghost of Yotei (Sucker Punch Productions / Sony Interactive Entertainment)
Silent Hill f (NeoBards Entertainment / Konami Digital Entertainment)
Best Performance
Awarded to an individual for voice-over acting, motion and/or performance capture.
Benn Star in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Charlie Cox in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Erika Ishii in Ghost of Yotei
Jennifer English in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - WINNER
Konatsu Kato in Silent Hill f
Troy Baker in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
Innovation in Accessibility
Recognizing software and / or hardware that is pushing the medium forward by adding features, technology and content to help games be played and enjoyed by an even wider audience.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows (Ubisoft)
Atomfall (Rebellion)
DOOM: The Dark Ages (id Software / Bethesda Softworks) - WINNER
EA Sports FC 26 (EA Canada / EA Romania / Electronic Arts)
South of Midnight (Compulsion Games / Xbox Game Studios)
Games for Impact
For a thought-provoking game with a pro-social meaning or message.
Consume Me (Jenny Jiao Hsia / AP Thomson / Hexacutable)
despelote (Julian Cordero / Sebastian Valbuena / Panic)
Lost Records: Bloom & Rage (DON’T NOD Montreal / DON’T NOD)
South of Midnight (Compulsion Games / Xbox Game Studios) - WINNER
Wanderstop (Ivy Road / Annapurna Interactive)
Best Ongoing Game
Awarded to a game for outstanding development of ongoing content that evolves the player experience over time.
Final Fantasy XIV (Square Enix)
Fortnite (Epic Games)
Helldivers II (Arrowhead Game Studios / Sony Interactive Entertainment)
Marvel Rivals (NetEase Games)
No Man’s Sky (Hello Games) - WINNER
Best Community Support
Recognizing a game for outstanding community support, transparency and responsiveness, inclusive of social media activity and game updates / patches.
Baldur’s Gate III (Larian Studios) - WINNER
Final Fantasy XIV (Square Enix)
Fortnite (Epic Games)
Helldivers II (Arrowhead Game Studios / Sony Interactive Entertainment)
No Man’s Sky (Hello Games)
Best Independent Game
For outstanding creative and technical achievement in a game made outside the traditional publisher system.
Elden Ring Nightreign (FromSoftware / Bandai Namco Entertainment)
PEAK (Aggro Crab / Landfall)
Split Fiction (Hazelight / Electronic Arts)
Best Adaptation
Recognizing outstanding creative work that faithfully and authentically adapts a video game to another entertainment medium.
A Minecraft Movie
Devil May Cry
Splinter Cell: Deathwatch
The Last of Us Season 2 - WINNER
Until Dawn
Most Anticipated Game
Recognizing an announced game that has demonstrably illustrated potential to push the gaming medium forward.
007 First Light (IO Interactive)
Grand Theft Auto VI (Rockstar Games) - WINNER
Marvel’s Wolverine (Insomniac Games / Sony Interactive Entertainment)
Resident Evil Requiem (Capcom)
The Witcher IV (CD Projekt RED)
Content Creator of the Year
For a streamer or content creator who has made an important and positive impact on the community.
Caedrel
Kai Cenat
MoistCr1TiKaL - WINNER
Sakura Miko
The Burnt Peanut
Best eSports Game
For the game that has delivered the best overall esports experience to players (inclusive of tournaments, community support and content updates), irrespective of genre or platform.
Counter-Strike 2 (Valve) - WINNER
DOTA 2 (Valve)
League of Legends (Riot Games)
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (Moonton)
VALORANT (Riot Games)
Best eSports Athlete
The eSports athlete judged to be the most outstanding for performance and conduct, irrespective of game.
brawk – Brock Somerhalder (VALORANT)
Chovy – Jeong Ji-hoon (League of Legends) - WINNER
f0rsakeN – Jason Susanto (VALORANT)
Kakeru – Kakeru Watanabe (Street Fighter)
MenaRD – Saul Leonardo (Street Fighter)
Zyw0o – Mathieu Herbaut (Counter-Strike 2)
Best eSports Team
Recognizing a specific eSports team (not the full organization) judged the most outstanding for performance and conduct.
Overall, it was a fun watch compared to the last award as I recall 2024 was a bit too ad-heavy, with most ads only catering to the US audience. This time around, it was a nice mix of reveals and recognition to the games. There’s room for improvement, but it’s definitely showing how valuable the Game Awards brand has become as based on this year’s list of announcements, it feels like December is when E3-like announcements are made now. Is that a good thing? Time will tell.
Carlos Hernandez is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Too Much Gaming, where he writes about video games, reviews, and industry news. A lifelong gamer, he would do anything to experience Final Fantasy Tactics for the first time again and has a love/hate relationship with games that require hunting for new gear to improve your character.
It’s a neat addition for Flight Simulator fans, offering a tour of Hawkins and several iconic locations from the show across five missions. The timing is perfect as the show is currently on its fifth and final season with half of the season already available on Netflix, with the rest releasing in a few weeks’ time.
The expansion is free for all owners of the game. You’ll get a look at the town and take on rescue-focused missions tied to the damage seen in the series.
How to Get the Stranger Things Expansion Pack
To access the Stranger Things pack in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, head to the in-game marketplace after updating your game. Search for the expansion, download it, and you’re set.
For those looking to jump into Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 through the PS5, you can check out my review here. I did have issues with the game as a new player. At its core, it’s still a solid flight simulator for those passionate about aviation, and it actually knows a thing or two about actual flying.
Carlos Hernandez is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Too Much Gaming, where he writes about video games, reviews, and industry news. A lifelong gamer, he would do anything to experience Final Fantasy Tactics for the first time again and has a love/hate relationship with games that require hunting for new gear to improve your character.
What’s New in PS Plus’ Game Catalog for December 2025
The game that stood out right away is Assassin’s Creed: Mirage, a game that’s perfect for those tired of the direction the series has taken over the years, as this title leans more heavily on how it was in the series’ early days, where it’s focused on stealth and revolves mostly around a single city location. I loved my time with it, and those not fond of how “open world” and RPG-focused the series became in the earlier games will appreciate what this has to offer.
Another one is Skate Story, a game that looked rather interesting when it was first announced: you are a skater demon made of glass tasked with skating to the moon and swallowing it. It’s a unique take on skateboarding, mixing it with an otherworldly setting, and is this month’s day one title.
If you love soulslike and the challenge that comes with those games, Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty is another solid choice to download, as it’s developer Team Ninja’s take on the formula set in the Three Kingdoms period.
Here’s the full list of titles joining the catalog this month and will be available starting on December 16, except Skate Story as it’s already available on the service.
PS Plus Game Catalog – December 2025 (For Extra and Premium/Deluxe Members)
Assassin’s Creed Mirage (PS5)
Wo Long Fallen Dynasty (PS5)
Skate Story (PS5)
Granblue Fantasy: Relink (PS5, PS4)
Planet Coaster 2 (PS5)
Cat Quest 3 (PS5, PS4)
Lego Horizon Adventures (PS5)
Paw Patrol: Grand Prix (PS5, PS4)
Paw Patrol World (PS5,PS4)
PS Plus Classics Catalog – December 2025 (For Premium/Deluxe Members)
Soul Calibur 3 (PS5,PS4)
December 2025 Monthly Games Recap
The Monthly Games for December 2025 also features a solid lineup for the holidays, as you can add Lego Horizon Adventures, The Outlast Trials, Neon White, Killing Floor 3, and Synduality Echo of Ada to your account.
Carlos Hernandez is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Too Much Gaming, where he writes about video games, reviews, and industry news. A lifelong gamer, he would do anything to experience Final Fantasy Tactics for the first time again and has a love/hate relationship with games that require hunting for new gear to improve your character.
Evolution, the world’s biggest fighting game tournament, has revealed its full lineup for 2026. EVO Japan 2026 follows on May 1–3 at Tokyo Big Sight, while the main event, EVO 2026, takes place on June 26–28 at the Las Vegas Convention Center West Hall in the US.
The two lineups aren’t identical, so here’s a clear breakdown of what to expect next year.
EVO 2026 Games Lineup
2XKO
BlazBlue: Central Fiction
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves
Guilty Gear: Strive
Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising
Invincible VS
Rivals of Aether II
Street Fighter 6
Tekken 8
Under Night In-Birth II Sys:Celes
Vampire Savior: The Legend of Vampire
Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage
Four titles are making their EVO debut: 2XKO, Invincible VS, Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage, and Vampire Savior: The Legend of Vampire.
EVO Japan 2026 Games Lineup
2XKO
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves
Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising
Guilty Gear: Strive
Hokuto no Ken
The King of Fighters XV
Melty Blood: Type Lumina
Street Fighter 6
Tekken 8
Under Night In-Birth II Sys:Celes
Vampire Savior: The Legend of Vampire
Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage
Five games are appearing at EVO Japan for the first time: Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, Hokuto no Ken, Vampire Savior: The Legend of Vampire, Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage, and 2XKO.
Those looking to compete in either events can go and register starting today through the official website evo.gg.
Carlos Hernandez is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Too Much Gaming, where he writes about video games, reviews, and industry news. A lifelong gamer, he would do anything to experience Final Fantasy Tactics for the first time again and has a love/hate relationship with games that require hunting for new gear to improve your character.
Yokai Landlord: Monster Mystery, published by Fine and developed by Shadow Glove, has finally received a release date for Nintendo’s console. The game is set to launch on December 25, with English support confirmed. Yokai Landlord: Monster Mystery is a social deduction adventure inspired by Werewolf-style gameplay. Players take on the role of an apartment landlord trying to identify which...
