Funds raised go to the Prevent Cancer Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to empowering people to stay ahead of cancer through prevention and early detection.
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Back to Black 2026: Feb. 5-8th#FrostFatales 2026: Mar. 8-15th#SGDQ2026: Minneapolis, MN | July 5-11th#AGDQ2027: Atlanta, GA | Jan. 3-10th
— Games Done Quick @ #AGDQ2026 (@GamesDoneQuick) January 11, 2026
Now available on Steam, players can take their first steps into the world of Ithannar with the new demo for Evolution Game Studio’s action RPG Dragon Khan.
Featuring a gritty industrial and dark signature, META Publishing and Pokuch are collaborating with electronic music producer Corvad to compose music for their sci-fi survival title Blind Descent.
A key part of D.A.G Inc. and Bandai Namco’s Tales of Berseria Remastered, get up to speed around Velvet Crowe with the latest character trailer for the title.
Dubbed “Broken Things,” Mob Entertainment will let players face off against the deadly puppetmaster when Poppy Playtime: Chapter 5 launches for the PC on February 18.
The team at Kingsglory, together with Pawprint Studio, announced that the second “Paws Up” closed beta test for their creature-catching RPG Aniimo will kick off January 23.
Now available on Steam, players can take their first steps into the world of Ithannar with the new demo for Evolution Game Studio’s action RPG Dragon Khan.
The Dragon Khan Demo is now live, inviting you to take your first steps into the world of Ithannar.
Experience around one hour of gameplay, where you’ll explore an early region of Ithannar, face the rising undead enemies, unlock… pic.twitter.com/THEd0e6WAZ
Set in a fantasy world created and governed by dragons, Dragon Khan has players stepping into the shoes of the warrior Botu as they confront the deeper power structures that govern the land.
Learn more about the Dragon Khan demo with the official trailer below:
“The Dragon Khan Demo is now live, inviting you to take your first steps into the world of Ithannar.
Experience around one hour of gameplay, where you’ll explore an early region of Ithannar, face the rising undead enemies, unlock core draconic abilities and experience the combat system that blends martial arts with elemental powers.
This demo is designed to present the world, the protagonist and the main gameplay pillars without revealing major narrative developments from the full game.
⚔️🔥 Step into Ithannar. Test your strength. Become Dragon Khan. 🔥⚔️
We can’t wait to hear your feedback.
Enjoy!”
One can also wishlist Dragon Khan via its official Steam page – the game will also come out for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
📝 We Want Your Feedback! 🐉🔥
Have you played the Dragon Khan Demo? Now it’s your turn to help shape the game.
Tell us what you think about the combat, controls, performance, difficulty, and your overall experience. Every piece of feedback is read by the development team and… pic.twitter.com/SkRYe14HKE
Featuring a gritty industrial and dark signature, META Publishing and Pokuch are collaborating with electronic music producer Corvad to compose music for their sci-fi survival title Blind Descent.
A key part of D.A.G Inc. and Bandai Namco’s Tales of Berseria Remastered, get up to speed around Velvet Crowe with the latest character trailer for the title.
Dubbed “Broken Things,” Mob Entertainment will let players face off against the deadly puppetmaster when Poppy Playtime: Chapter 5 launches for the PC on February 18.
The team at Kingsglory, together with Pawprint Studio, announced that the second “Paws Up” closed beta test for their creature-catching RPG Aniimo will kick off January 23.
Featuring a gritty industrial and dark signature, META Publishing and Pokuch are collaborating with electronic music producer Corvad to compose music for their sci-fi survival title Blind Descent.
We’re excited to announce that Blind Descent is collaborating with Corvad — an electronic music producer known for his gritty, industrial sound blending breakbeat, techno, bass, and dark mechanical textures.
For Blind Descent, Corvad has created an original musical identity that has been designed to amplify the title’s atmosphere and narrative tension.
Featuring heavy textures, mechanical rhythms, and dynamically dark energy, Blind Descent’s soundtrack will match what players will experience as they confront the infection and explore its uncharted Martian underworld in this open-world survival title.
Learn more about this collaboration and listen in to Corvad’s “Symbiosis Suite” from the OST with the Blind Descent trailer below:
While exploring the depths, you’ll run into all kinds of life — some familiar, some… not so much. From Earth-like critters to truly alien surprises, every creature has its own personality, behavior, and story. Read the full Creatures Dev Diary on Steam: https://t.co/SIR2FYNulKpic.twitter.com/hbpCikdR55
Now available on Steam, players can take their first steps into the world of Ithannar with the new demo for Evolution Game Studio’s action RPG Dragon Khan.
A key part of D.A.G Inc. and Bandai Namco’s Tales of Berseria Remastered, get up to speed around Velvet Crowe with the latest character trailer for the title.
Dubbed “Broken Things,” Mob Entertainment will let players face off against the deadly puppetmaster when Poppy Playtime: Chapter 5 launches for the PC on February 18.
The team at Kingsglory, together with Pawprint Studio, announced that the second “Paws Up” closed beta test for their creature-catching RPG Aniimo will kick off January 23.
A key part of D.A.G Inc. and Bandai Namco’s Tales of Berseria Remastered, get up to speed around Velvet Crowe with the latest character trailer for the title.
In what amounts to the ultimate quest for self-discovery, Velvet Crowe’s journey in Tales of Berseria Remastered will have her stand by her convictions while her surrounding world compresses into a system of order.
Learn more about Velvet Crowe with her character trailer below:
Tales of Berseria Remastered – Velvet Crowe Character Trailer
In case you missed it, be sure to also check out the previously released Tales of Berseria Remastered announcement trailer below:
Tales of Berseria Remastered – Announcement Trailer
Featuring enhanced playability and a number of quality-of-life enhancements that include the ability to disable enemy encounters, Tales of Berseria Remastered will release for the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam on February 27.
Now available on Steam, players can take their first steps into the world of Ithannar with the new demo for Evolution Game Studio’s action RPG Dragon Khan.
Featuring a gritty industrial and dark signature, META Publishing and Pokuch are collaborating with electronic music producer Corvad to compose music for their sci-fi survival title Blind Descent.
Dubbed “Broken Things,” Mob Entertainment will let players face off against the deadly puppetmaster when Poppy Playtime: Chapter 5 launches for the PC on February 18.
The team at Kingsglory, together with Pawprint Studio, announced that the second “Paws Up” closed beta test for their creature-catching RPG Aniimo will kick off January 23.
Dubbed “Broken Things,” Mob Entertainment will let players face off against the deadly puppetmaster when Poppy Playtime: Chapter 5 launches for the PC on February 18.
Deep within the vacant halls of the Playtime Co. lab, The Prototype stalks its unfinished work… the tattered, lifeless remains of toys that once were. Broken things.
Poppy Playtime: Chapter 5 will task players with solving devious puzzles and overcoming dangerous obstacles in a fight for survival – and the truth.
Ahead of next month’s release, the latest teaser for Poppy Playtime: Chapter 5 provides a closer look at the series’ central threat: Experiment 1006, aka “The Prototype.”
Be sure to check it out below:
The Prototype | Poppy Playtime Chapter 5 Cinematic Trailer
Poppy Playtime: Chapter 5 – “Broken Things” will launch for the PC via Steam and Epic Games on February 18 – wishlists are now open!
Note that a full console release is set to follow in the months ahead.
Now available on Steam, players can take their first steps into the world of Ithannar with the new demo for Evolution Game Studio’s action RPG Dragon Khan.
Featuring a gritty industrial and dark signature, META Publishing and Pokuch are collaborating with electronic music producer Corvad to compose music for their sci-fi survival title Blind Descent.
A key part of D.A.G Inc. and Bandai Namco’s Tales of Berseria Remastered, get up to speed around Velvet Crowe with the latest character trailer for the title.
The team at Kingsglory, together with Pawprint Studio, announced that the second “Paws Up” closed beta test for their creature-catching RPG Aniimo will kick off January 23.
— Reverse: 1999 | Version 3.2 Available Jan.20th (@Reverse1999_GL) January 10, 2026
Set in a 1930s Paris, Version 3.2 of Reverse: 1999 will feature the new limited 6-star character Beryl. A mysterious fortune-teller that can almost passively foresee all destinies, Beryl is also the mother of 5-Star character Matilda.
Beryl brings with her the new Lingering Glow system, with her arcane skill adding a new debuff to enemies. Players will be able to collect Lingering Glow while enemies are affected by other debuffs, such as Burn or Halo.
Also coming to Reverse: 1999 as part of Version 3.2 is the new 6-star character Brume. A warm-hearted taxi driver, those that check out Phase 2 of Version 3.2 that begins on February 12 will be able to summon Brume in her special banner.
In case you missed it, be sure to check out the recent broadcast on demand below:
2026 Mystery Box Carnival Special Program | Reverse: 1999
Now available on Steam, players can take their first steps into the world of Ithannar with the new demo for Evolution Game Studio’s action RPG Dragon Khan.
Featuring a gritty industrial and dark signature, META Publishing and Pokuch are collaborating with electronic music producer Corvad to compose music for their sci-fi survival title Blind Descent.
A key part of D.A.G Inc. and Bandai Namco’s Tales of Berseria Remastered, get up to speed around Velvet Crowe with the latest character trailer for the title.
Dubbed “Broken Things,” Mob Entertainment will let players face off against the deadly puppetmaster when Poppy Playtime: Chapter 5 launches for the PC on February 18.
The team at Kingsglory, together with Pawprint Studio, announced that the second “Paws Up” closed beta test for their creature-catching RPG Aniimo will kick off January 23.
The team at Kingsglory, together with Pawprint Studio, announced that the second “Paws Up” closed beta test for their creature-catching RPG Aniimo will kick off January 23.
Missed the livestream? Here's a quick look at what's coming to Aniimo's Second Closed Beta Test!
Meet new Aniimo like Fentuft, whose emotions can affect the world around them, and Eko, bringing long-requested sound-detection abilities. Many familiar Aniimo also return with new… pic.twitter.com/1jI3068Udn
Aniimo players will be able to look forward to dozens of new Aniimo (and their evolutions) to collect and twine with. Players will also be able to explore vast new regions and ecosystems, along with expanded housing, social, and customization elements.
All those interested in participating can visit Aniimo.com for a chance to participate in the Paws Up closed beta later this month.
Learn more with the latest Aniimo trailer below:
Aniimo 2nd Beta Trailer – Long Ver. | Get ready for the new adventure! | Sign Up Now
The full release of Aniimo is set to launch for the Xbox Series X|S, PC via Steam and Xbox, and mobile devices later this year.
Take a look at the new Aniimo trailer revealed at The Game Awards! ✨ The "Paws Up" Second Closed Beta Test is coming soon! Check our website in bio for more info! pic.twitter.com/vVXpxMwNNm
Now available on Steam, players can take their first steps into the world of Ithannar with the new demo for Evolution Game Studio’s action RPG Dragon Khan.
Featuring a gritty industrial and dark signature, META Publishing and Pokuch are collaborating with electronic music producer Corvad to compose music for their sci-fi survival title Blind Descent.
A key part of D.A.G Inc. and Bandai Namco’s Tales of Berseria Remastered, get up to speed around Velvet Crowe with the latest character trailer for the title.
Dubbed “Broken Things,” Mob Entertainment will let players face off against the deadly puppetmaster when Poppy Playtime: Chapter 5 launches for the PC on February 18.
The turn-based cRPG world of Another Angle Games and Owlcat Games’ Shadow of the Road will bring its blend of magic and machine to players this year – gear up with the latest trailer for the title.
▶️📹2026 Release Trailer — East Nippon Company
Rejoice! For the steel tracks of progress have been laid, and thus, the arrival of the glorious age* is inevitable. Witness the empire rising in the Shadow of the Road feature trailer!
Set in an alternative version of 19th century Japan, Shadow of the Road tells of a fierce rivalry between the Tokugawa Shogunate and the supporters of Emperor Mutsuhito.
Making its debut during the New Game+ Showcase through the lens of East Nippon Company propaganda, be sure to check out the release trailer for Shadow of the Road below:
A campfire crackles between two ronin, fallen from grace and weary – last year their trials were many. The coming year brings uncertainty and the road ahead is harder still, but the journey is a little easier with a friend at your side. pic.twitter.com/VrnDorAYgf
Now available on Steam, players can take their first steps into the world of Ithannar with the new demo for Evolution Game Studio’s action RPG Dragon Khan.
Featuring a gritty industrial and dark signature, META Publishing and Pokuch are collaborating with electronic music producer Corvad to compose music for their sci-fi survival title Blind Descent.
A key part of D.A.G Inc. and Bandai Namco’s Tales of Berseria Remastered, get up to speed around Velvet Crowe with the latest character trailer for the title.
Dubbed “Broken Things,” Mob Entertainment will let players face off against the deadly puppetmaster when Poppy Playtime: Chapter 5 launches for the PC on February 18.
Psychological horror awaits this weekend with today’s release of Ice-Pick Lodge and HypeTrain Digital’s Pathologic 3 for the PlayStation 5 and the PC via Steam.
— Ice-Pick Lodge | Pathologic 3 (@IcePickLodge) January 9, 2026
A narrative-driven open world survival game, Pathologic 3 is a standalone entry that places a heavy focus on decision-making and exploration across multiple endings.
Taking control of physician, researcher, and prodigy Daniil Dankovsky, Pathologic 3 gifts players 12 short days to save a remote town from a mysterious plague.
Now available on Steam, players can take their first steps into the world of Ithannar with the new demo for Evolution Game Studio’s action RPG Dragon Khan.
Featuring a gritty industrial and dark signature, META Publishing and Pokuch are collaborating with electronic music producer Corvad to compose music for their sci-fi survival title Blind Descent.
A key part of D.A.G Inc. and Bandai Namco’s Tales of Berseria Remastered, get up to speed around Velvet Crowe with the latest character trailer for the title.
Dubbed “Broken Things,” Mob Entertainment will let players face off against the deadly puppetmaster when Poppy Playtime: Chapter 5 launches for the PC on February 18.
Setting out to highlight the players that lock down the blue line, the team behind EA SPORTS NHL 26 has unveiled the defensive Team of the Year winners.
Your 2025 Team of the Year Defense and Goalies in #NHL26 ⬇️
Now available on Steam, players can take their first steps into the world of Ithannar with the new demo for Evolution Game Studio’s action RPG Dragon Khan.
Featuring a gritty industrial and dark signature, META Publishing and Pokuch are collaborating with electronic music producer Corvad to compose music for their sci-fi survival title Blind Descent.
A key part of D.A.G Inc. and Bandai Namco’s Tales of Berseria Remastered, get up to speed around Velvet Crowe with the latest character trailer for the title.
Dubbed “Broken Things,” Mob Entertainment will let players face off against the deadly puppetmaster when Poppy Playtime: Chapter 5 launches for the PC on February 18.
As part of Update 3.11.0, Throne and Liberty players can participate in daily Abyss Dungeon Events, which featuring both Peace and War variations. With these systems in place, Throne And Liberty will be able to take on unique challenges, all while earning valuable rewards.
These Throne and Liberty events set to serve as the primary source for the newly introduced Tier 3 equipment, which brings nine powerful weapons to the title – each with distinct weapon skills! This is on top of four new armor sets, and an extensive collection of accessories.
Get up to speed with the official Creator PvP roundtable below:
Not only did we review Lumines Arise highly (90/100 on our end!), see what other top critics have to say about Enhance Experience’s red-hot puzzler with the official accolades trailer for the title.
A sci-fi puzzle adventure where players wield telekinetic powers and a cricket bat (we’re already sold!), the world of Wrenfall’s Puzzle Parasite is now available for the PC via Steam.
A “captchavating” adventure featuring more than 300 puzzles curated by the quirky dog-loving AI Omi, EverySecond Studio’s Omi Oh My Ai is set to release out of Early Access for the PC via Steam January 28.
Not only did we review Lumines Arise highly (90/100 on our end!), see what other top critics have to say about Enhance Experience’s red-hot puzzler with the official accolades trailer for the title.
It's official—Lumines Arise is one of the best games of the year. 🏆 Sure to be in the mix in your GOTY discussions. But, don't just take our word for it…
— Enhance | 🎮 Lumines Arise Available Now! (@enhance_exp) December 3, 2025
Being hailed as a standout contender for one of the Best Games of 2025 (justified!), Lumines Arise holds an 87 on Metacritic and OpenCritic, a 4.5/5 rating on the PlayStation Store, and an outstanding 94% very positive rating from Steam players.
See the praise for yourself with the Lumines Arise accolades trailer below:
“Music to our ears, Lumines Arise is a stellar puzzle game that provides the ultimate timeline cleanse.”
Looking to keep the music going? The Lumines Arise (Original Soundtrack)’s full 36-track album is also now available for pre-order exclusively on Bandcamp.
Remap (@RemapRadio) talks Lumines Arise: "Lumines Arise Is Beautiful And Making Us Cry"
(We think you're probably better at it than you give yourself credit for. 💜👀)https://t.co/PFVgPkl0lD
— Enhance | 🎮 Lumines Arise Available Now! (@enhance_exp) December 1, 2025
Feeling social? Be sure to follow the official Twitter/X and Bluesky social media channels!
A sci-fi puzzle adventure where players wield telekinetic powers and a cricket bat (we’re already sold!), the world of Wrenfall’s Puzzle Parasite is now available for the PC via Steam.
A “captchavating” adventure featuring more than 300 puzzles curated by the quirky dog-loving AI Omi, EverySecond Studio’s Omi Oh My Ai is set to release out of Early Access for the PC via Steam January 28.
GDC Festival of Gaming has announced that acclaimed creator and studio founder Hideo Kojima will headline the San Francisco event in March.
GDC Festival of Gaming 2026 is honored to welcome HIDEO KOJIMA @HIDEO_KOJIMA_EN as our keynote speaker! The genius behind the DEATH STRANDING franchise & more, Hideo Kojima is a true pioneer whose work has helped shaped interactive entertainment. Celebrate 10 years of… pic.twitter.com/qS5yTprD2U
Titled “Restarting from Zero: A Message to Creators Considering Independence,” Hideo Kojima’s GDC Festival of Gaming keynote address will reflect on his bold leap to establish KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS ten years ago.
Nina Brown, President of GDC, said the following:
“Hideo Kojima is one of the most influential creative voices of our time, his work has shaped how the world experiences games.
Having Kojima-san headline the GDC Festival of Gaming sets the perfect tone for what this new era is all about: fearless creativity, bold ideas, and elevating the entire game-making ecosystem.
His journey embodies the spirit of reinvention that so many in the industry are navigating right now.”
Game-changing news! Diamond Partner @Microsoft and @Xbox are bringing Xbox Play Anywhere to life at GDC Festival of Gaming 2026! Experience seamless gaming across devices through networking, demos and expert-led sessions at 3 locations. Ready to play anywhere? Join us:… pic.twitter.com/cFmLa3akOR
Not only did we review Lumines Arise highly (90/100 on our end!), see what other top critics have to say about Enhance Experience’s red-hot puzzler with the official accolades trailer for the title.
A sci-fi puzzle adventure where players wield telekinetic powers and a cricket bat (we’re already sold!), the world of Wrenfall’s Puzzle Parasite is now available for the PC via Steam.
A “captchavating” adventure featuring more than 300 puzzles curated by the quirky dog-loving AI Omi, EverySecond Studio’s Omi Oh My Ai is set to release out of Early Access for the PC via Steam January 28.
A sci-fi puzzle adventure where players wield telekinetic powers and a cricket bat (we’re already sold!), the world of Wrenfall’s Puzzle Parasite is now available for the PC via Steam.
Crafted by a small team of veteran game developers, Puzzle Parasite sets out to deliver a captivating solo and co-op experience, one that challenges physics and also friendship.
On that note, Puzzle Parasite will have players exploring a strange planet built on logic and reaction as they explore either its complete single-player campaign or its fully dedicated two-player co-op mode.
Learn more with the Puzzle Parasite trailer below:
Puzzle Parasite Official Launch Trailer
Gustav Bouvin, co-founder of Wrenfall, said the following:
“Puzzle Parasite was built to be played at your own pace, a space where logic guides the player. We wanted to bring puzzle games back to their roots, paying tribute to classics like Portal and The Talos Principle.
Internally we often say, ‘when everyone goes zig, we go zag,’ and that mindset really shaped the game. Instead of chasing trends, we focused on making something thoughtful, strange, and deeply satisfying to solve.”
Puzzle Parasite is now available for the PC via Steam for $14.99. Those that purchase the title in the 14 days can also take advantage of a 15% launch discount!
Not only did we review Lumines Arise highly (90/100 on our end!), see what other top critics have to say about Enhance Experience’s red-hot puzzler with the official accolades trailer for the title.
A “captchavating” adventure featuring more than 300 puzzles curated by the quirky dog-loving AI Omi, EverySecond Studio’s Omi Oh My Ai is set to release out of Early Access for the PC via Steam January 28.
Providing a behind the scenes look at 007 First Light straight from the development team, the first episode of “Beyond the Light” is now available.
Beyond the Light is a series that gives you a behind the scenes look at 007 First Light straight from the development team. Episode 1 is all about gameplay and we are joined by Andreas Krogh, Gameplay Director, and Thomas Pulluelo, Senior Level Designer, to breakdown their… pic.twitter.com/AtxMhyvvMi
In this debut “Beyond the Light” episode, players can join Gameplay Director Andreas Krogh and Senior Level Designer Thomas Pulluello as they go behind the scenes.
Clocking in at approximately 16, fans can see how IOI’s team is bringing the tension, style, and precision of a young James Bond to life through the use of interactive storytelling and gameplay.
Be sure to tune into Beyond the Light Episode 1 below:
Beyond the Light Episode 1 – Gameplay Dev Reacts & Insights #earnthenumber
In case you missed it, be sure to check out the gameplay reveal for 007 First Light below:
007 First Light – Gameplay Reveal
007 First Light is set to release on March 27 for the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC.
A Double 0 agent needs the fastest, most dynamic, and the most striking car when they are on duty.
Meet the Aston Martin Valhalla. A hybrid twin-turbo V8 with over 1000 horsepower and a few modifications from Q-Branch you won't find in the brochure. @astonmartin
Not only did we review Lumines Arise highly (90/100 on our end!), see what other top critics have to say about Enhance Experience’s red-hot puzzler with the official accolades trailer for the title.
A sci-fi puzzle adventure where players wield telekinetic powers and a cricket bat (we’re already sold!), the world of Wrenfall’s Puzzle Parasite is now available for the PC via Steam.
A “captchavating” adventure featuring more than 300 puzzles curated by the quirky dog-loving AI Omi, EverySecond Studio’s Omi Oh My Ai is set to release out of Early Access for the PC via Steam January 28.
A game is about the quirkiness of AI, Omi Oh My AI proudly wraps everything up in a cute doggo theme alongside one’s trusty AI companion Omi.
Learn more with the release date trailer for Omi Oh My AI below:
Omi Oh My AI – Release Date Announcement Trailer
Lead developer Matthew Dyet shared the following:
“When we started working on Omi, what we really wanted was to tell a story that turned the “rogue evil AI” trope on its head, to make an AI character that was just likeable and flawed.
But in the time since we started development on Omi, we’ve seen generative AI hit the global stage in a way that none of us could ever have expected, and it’s impossible to not also say something about that with what we’re making.
It’s made it an incredibly surreal game to develop, but now that we’re so close to release, we’re really excited to see what people make of the story we’re telling.
We really hope players fall in love with Omi as much as we have over the last 6 years.”
Not only did we review Lumines Arise highly (90/100 on our end!), see what other top critics have to say about Enhance Experience’s red-hot puzzler with the official accolades trailer for the title.
A sci-fi puzzle adventure where players wield telekinetic powers and a cricket bat (we’re already sold!), the world of Wrenfall’s Puzzle Parasite is now available for the PC via Steam.
When it comes to The Latin American Games Showcase, fans can expect to see release date announcements and other exclusive news from games developed by Latin American game developers.
Set to air December 9 at 4pm PT, The Latin American Games Showcase will make an appearance on the official YouTube and Twitch channels, along with The Game Awards official YouTube and Twitch channels. In addition, both IGN and GameSpot will co-stream on their respective YouTube channels.
Learn more about the Latin American Games Showcase at The Game Awards with the trailer below:
Latin American Games Showcase – The Game Awards Edition | Trailer [ENG SUB]
In addition, the Women-Led Games showcase will air December 10th at 4pm PT!
Women-Led Games: #TheGameAwards Edition 2025 airs December 10th at 4PM PT | 7PM ET on TGA, @IGN , and @GameSpot !
Also check out our Steam event running from Dec 10-18th.
We can't wait to celebrate another amazing year with you!
Hosted by gaming influencer couple Aliya Will and Philip Hartshorn, the Women-Led Games showcase is set to spotlight some of the most anticipated upcoming games developed by women-led and majority-women teams.
Fans can tune in via the official The Women-Led Games YouTube and Twitch channels, the official YouTube andTwitch channels for The Game Awards, and also via the official IGN and GameSpot co-streams on their respective YouTube channels.
Not only did we review Lumines Arise highly (90/100 on our end!), see what other top critics have to say about Enhance Experience’s red-hot puzzler with the official accolades trailer for the title.
A sci-fi puzzle adventure where players wield telekinetic powers and a cricket bat (we’re already sold!), the world of Wrenfall’s Puzzle Parasite is now available for the PC via Steam.
Into the Breach was a major inspiration for its elegant strategy!
I think they nailed things by having players move units around to defend, all while granting very limited resources. You have to think about how to really defend objectives and just survive.
It’s not a necessarily a kill everything type of game.
Board games were also an inspiration. There are dexterity board games like Catacombs or Flick ’em Up! – and even the little paper football game you may have played back in grade school.
I also heard about the early development of Hearthstone; they asked:
“What could we do in a digital environment that we can’t do in a physical environment with a card game?”
I tried to do the same thing with Bounce Castle.
What can I do with a kind of billiards or a mini golf-style of gameplay, but something that you couldn’t do in real life?
That’s where things like explosions and pits that you can throw things into come into play.
I tried to kind of combine all of these things and bring it together with the art style of games like Card Hunter from back in the day, or Paper Mario.
That’s where a lot of the inspiration came from!
Gamers Heroes
Absolutely!
So I know the Steam Playtest has been going on for a little while, and that it’s going to be extended.
Have you noticed any insights from players?
I mentioned my aggressive approach that didn’t end well, but were there any instances on the opposite end?
Any MVP plays or things you never thought of doing that basically broke the game?
Chris Stevens
I do really appreciate when people get in there and try to break the game!
Being a game that uses physics, there’s an avenue for that.
While we try to protect against most of it, it is one of those things where one can find a way to really mix things up – that’s how you know you’re doing a good job.
One of the interesting things I noticed from Playtests is that there’s really two types of players…
There are the players that really want to go in for precision, and then there are the players that are okay with being chaotic.
It’s interesting the way that they view the Wizard character in particular right now during the Playtest.
If you’re a precision character, the Wizard is useless to you – but if you’re someone who can embrace the chaos, the Wizard character is the best.
What I found was that some players would do a lot of their precision plays first, then using the Wizard to clean up.
However, other players would look at the board and be like,
“This is not a good state. I’m just going to gust everything with the Wizard and then clean up from there.”
It was interesting to watch these two different play styles!
When I saw that you could really go at it with two different play styles and find success, I thought this was like an idea worth really pursuing.
The best thing I learned to do with Unity is embracing its way of doing things.
Coming from a software engineering background, I had my kind of preconceived notions as to how to work with the code.
When it came to working with the engine’s components like prefab, scriptable objects, and other tools, delegates, and whatnot that Unity provides…
Once I really embraced that, it became very smooth sailing.
The physics have been great to work with.
There are certainly some quirks…
One of the things I like to note – for any other developers interested – Bounce Castle is a 3D game that uses 2D physics.
The game itself is designed more like up on a wall.
I like to say that it’s not like a board game on a table; it’s more like a board game on a wall because it’s using “X” and “Y.”
Anyway, Unity has been really great, and I couldn’t do without it.
Gamers Heroes
I saw on the Bounce Castle splash screen that you credited two voice actors!
I love voice actors – they bring so much life to games.
There’s a lot still under wraps, but what’s it been like working with Ian and Katarina?
Chris Stevens
They’ve been great!
So Ian is a close friend of mine who has a great voice for Viking-like characters – I had him come in and do some of those.
And Katarina – I just happened to find her as I was hanging out in a game dev Discord. I just instantly heard her voice, and said:
“You would be perfect for these characters!”
She does the Goblins, the Archer, the Wizard, and soon we’ll reveal that she’s the Queen and Bishop. She’s been great.
It’s been really fun letting them be creative; I tried to be as hands off as possible. It’s kind of like nudging the flow of a river, as opposed to a straight direction.
Are there any particular lines or moments you’re especially proud of?
Chris Stevens
We don’t have actual words – a lot is more guttural-like!
Once it got to the point of being integrated into the game, and you saw the characters responding – that was the moment things started to click.
When showing it to them, they were like:
“Oh, let me make a couple tweaks to this one, or do a little different take over here.”
That’s when it was the most fun!
When we recorded Ian’s parts, he just came over and used my setup here.
That was fun, just because we could go back and forth doing Keanu Reeves impressions for the night!
We’re like:
“It’s got to be more surfer dude.”
Just having fun!
Gamers Heroes
I see you’ve got a killer setup too!
Since they’re on the call, what’s it been working with Violet Moon – and Scarlet Moon for that matter?
Violet Moon [David Bruno]
You don’t have to answer that! [laughs]
Gamers Heroes
You can be diplomatic! [laughs]
Chris Stevens
Seriously, they’ve been true.
It’s funny, because where I’ve struggled the most has changed as the project progresses.
What I keep butting up against with this project is:
“Oh wow, I’m not as prepared for this part as I thought I might be.”
But then I have this attitude of:
“Well, if I’m not good enough, I’m going to find somebody who is!”
And I was lucky enough that [Violet Moon’s] David Bruno found me, and then we started from there.
I had been in need of marketing and community outreach help for a while.
I tend to be off social media in general myself, so it was an avenue. It was an area I was not very prepared for, but he’s put a structure around it that is understandable.
It put a lot of structure to the just kind of nebulous space I was in.
I felt like I was just dropped into an ocean before, and David has let me know where to go from here.
Gamers Heroes
I totally understand! You’re safe in loving hands.
Violet Moon [David Bruno]
Going back to the voices, I absolutely love the Archer. I want a sound test – it’s just the cutest little sound.
I am definitely one of those people that does the Force Push with the Wizard and cleans up after!
That was my strategy too! I thought to myself, “Okay, I see how this is going!”
Violet Moon [David Bruno]
I immediately leveled up with the Wizard and then tried to expand that skill set first.
Chris Stevens
Yeah!
I get the feedback that the Wizard needs a buff, that they can’t do enough with it.
And then some people that say: “The Warrior is useless; I just all Wizard all the way.”
I’m glad it can fit both!
Violet Moon [David Bruno]
It’s fun once you start learning how to use them to combo off one another!
Chris Stevens
There’s going to be more of that too!
There are a lot more abilities coming out that are going to have synergies between them, as well as teams that have passive abilities that suggest a particular play style.
One of the teams we have art of on our Instagram is the Viking team, which consists of one big Viking King and then two Shield Maidens.
The Viking King himself can’t move on his own but has attacks, whereas the Shield Maidens can move, but don’t have attacks on their own.
So the idea is that it’s kind of like a cue ball; you’re kind of nudging him into positions so that he can do these big AoE attacks, all while using the Maidens to push him alongside the other units.
Gamers Heroes
You just segued to my last question!
I know we’ve got the Steam Playtest, but I saw there’s going to be new regions and chambers, enemies and challenges, and characters and abilities.
You’ve already talked about a little bit about them, but what else are you looking to add between now and release that you can talk about right now?
Chris Stevens
We’re looking at like the next demo, and then Early Access followed by its full release.
The playtests will continue after the Graveyard Playtest is over, with us doing Playtests for both the Castle and Forest Regions.
This will be closely aligned with what the demo is going to look like, but, but there’s going to be more content and more abilities in the demo.
What I’m hoping to have ready for the demo – which I guess this is going to become a promise! – is to have the Viking team playable for one region.
For those things, we’re really making an example of what the full game is going to have to offer. This includes multiple teams beyond the two that will be seen in the demo and four regions, along with a final region that will be the final boss fight.
Basically, expect a lot more content in both the regions and the teams – and a lot of unlockable stuff!
Gamers Heroes
I look forward to experiencing it!
I know this is a super, super busy season – thank you for giving me these heartfelt responses, and just letting me do a deep dive with you!
Letting players become the worst of the worst, Warhammer 40,000: Darktide’s Hive Scum Class is looking to pack personality and power when it launches December 2.
Taking on the esteemed mantle of the diabolical animatronic Toy Freddy, we recently spoke with Professional Voice Actor Kellen Goff ahead of Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 – learn more with our interview.
We recently had a heart-to-heart with professional voice actor Ryan Colt Levy ahead of Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc’s release – learn more with our interview.
With the recent release of Sacrum Romanum, Gamers Heroes recently spoke with Conqueror’s Blade Producer Yiqui Bai regarding this new expansion, its devout community, and its stellar optimization – learn more with our interview.
Hot off the heels of its new Steam demo, Gamers Heroes recently asked Cult of Blood’s development team at Dusty Box questions around its survival horror roots, its modernized classic gameplay, and even the team’s favorite scary movie – learn more with our interview.
A multi-genre vocalist well-known for her work in the Final Fantasy franchise and other stellar properties, Amanda Achen will be a Special Guest at Sac Gamers Expo 2025 later this month.
The singer of the main trailer and credit themes in Final Fantasy XIV Online (Shadowbringers, Endwalker, and Dawntrail) and Final Fantasy XVI, Amanda Achen has also performed vocals/solos in other standout titles like Marvel Rivals, Lost Soul Aside, Wuthering Waves, Arknights, and Duet Night Abyss.
Plan accordingly – Amanda Achen will be at Sac Gamers Expo 2025 on Saturday, December 20 until 3pm PT!
Amanda Achen will also perform in Sacramento from December 19 to December 21 in the Vox Musica production “DREAM: A Vox Christmas & the Quiet Miracle of Hope” – there’s still time to get tickets!
With less than a month to go, learn more about the different Sac Gamers Expo 2025 happenings below…
Not only did we review Lumines Arise highly (90/100 on our end!), see what other top critics have to say about Enhance Experience’s red-hot puzzler with the official accolades trailer for the title.
A sci-fi puzzle adventure where players wield telekinetic powers and a cricket bat (we’re already sold!), the world of Wrenfall’s Puzzle Parasite is now available for the PC via Steam.
Set to release next week (December 1 to be precise!), gear up for Tribute Games, Dotemu, and Gamirror Games’ MARVEL Cosmic Invasion with the opening animation for the title.
That's right Super Heroes – just a week left to prepare for some out-of-this-world action. A cosmic battle awaits! pic.twitter.com/VEkWpwggR8
An animated introduction in true Marvel style, be sure to check out the opening video for MARVEL Cosmic Invasion below:
MARVEL Cosmic Invasion – Opening Animation
New to MARVEL Cosmic Invasion? This upcoming beat-em-up features a roster of 15 heroes that includes Spider-Man, Wolverine, Storm, and deeper cuts like Nova and Phyla-Vell.
For those looking to get into the spirit, be sure to join Narrative Designer Yannick Belzil in the video below as he goes over his must-read list:
MARVEL Cosmic Invasion — Must-Read list
MARVEL Cosmic Invasion is set to release for the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam.
One can learn more about MARVEL Cosmic Invasion ahead of its release at the start of December via its official website.
As we approach the MARVEL Cosmic Invasion launch on December 1st, get ready for upcoming collaborations, special content and events with other MARVEL Games' titles in coming weeks, alongside a very special MARVEL Cosmic Invasion update early next year! pic.twitter.com/5sCesmgLYO
Now available for the PC, players will be able to join Sung Jinwoo on his journey to become the world’s strongest hunter with today’s release of Netmarble’s Solo Leveling: ARISE OVERDRIVE.
The fragile space between truth and madness awaits survival horror fans with the release of Trigger Happy Interactive and Apogee Entertainment’s Total Chaos for both PC and consoles.
The good, the bad, and the even worse await with the release of LucasArts, Nightdive Studios, and Atari’s Outlaws + Handful of Missions: Remaster for both PC and consoles.
The world’s first-ever Multiplayer Online Dungeon Adventure (or “MODA” for short), Arc Games and Chief Rebel’s Fellowship is seeing a number of discounts.
Two new SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance Steam bundles are now available, pairing SEGA and Lizardcube’s iconic ninja adventure with either Streets of Rage 4 or Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap.
