Star Trek Online’s Chimerans prove to be more adaptive foes after this past week’s patch: “You will now see them gaining resistance to all damage types, once per damage type they receive.” Yeah, good luck with that you non-adapting space captains! And this is just the beginning of the rest of the news! Read on for a […]

For many years now, we (or one of our writers, if we’re being honest) have noted that Final Fantasy XI has been mostly treating its annual holidays by turning on familiar events and letting players enjoy them. This is true, as the game is mature and has plenty of events as it is. But the Doll […]

Once every year, Final Fantasy XIV celebrates Little Ladies’ Day, which in practical terms absolutely means people getting glowsticks to cheer for idols putting on a concert. Yes, it is a bit of a walk to get from “a holiday for young women” to that endpoint, but it happened. The latest outing is planned for Thursday, […]

While Massively OP’s MJ already celebrated on Star Trek Online’s 16th anniversary, the actual event had not started yet. Now that it is running, she obviously has to celebrate again! But this party won’t be all fun and games (despite Q’s meddling). Starting with the new episode Curse of Phrygia then moving on to The […]

This weekend will be Pokemon Go local Kalos Tour, and as we mentioned in our prep guide, it hasn’t been looking good. We’ve been expecting a big announcement to drop right before the event, and we were right, but it’s not a great one. The problematic-since-release feature, which has seen some improvement, is taking another […]

The upcoming WN Abu Dhabi’26 has a very packed schedule. This two-day event (February 11-12) will focus on networking and discussions on topics relevant to the gaming industry. We share the first details of the program.

More details: https://gameworldobserver.com/2026/01/27/the-program-for-wn-abu-dhabi-26-has-been-published-participants-include-ubisoft-epic-games-google-mundfish-and-others

In three weeks, on February 11-12, a business event for game developers and publishers, WN Abu Dhabi’26, will take place in Abu Dhabi. On the first day of the event, besides other activities, there will be a game showcase and an indie pitch—a presentation with project reviews by experts. Applications are currently being accepted.

More details: https://gameworldobserver.com/2026/01/21/wn-abu-dhabi-26-is-now-accepting-applications-for-the-game-exhibition-and-indie-pitch

In less than a month, the capital of the United Arab Emirates will host WN Abu Dhabi’26, an event for game developers and publishers organized by WN Media Group. Attendees can expect two days of intensive networking — and a yacht cruise.

More details: https://gameworldobserver.com/2026/01/16/wn-abu-dhabi-26-is-coming-soon-february-11-12

PlayStation Store

Festive New Year promotion comes to PlayStation Store on 4 February*! Enjoy up to 70% off on a huge range of incredible games until 25 February. Highlighted titles include Battlefield™ 6, Black Myth: Wukong, SILENT HILL f and Forza Horizon 5.

Head to PlayStation Store to enjoy savings now!

PlayStation Plus

Players who join PlayStation Plus Extra or Deluxe during 13 February to 26 February can save up to 35% on a PS Plus 12-month membership!

Current PlayStation Plus members can save 35% on the remainder of their membership when upgrading a current plan to PlayStation Plus Deluxe.**

With PlayStation Plus Extra and Deluxe, get access to monthly games, exclusive discounts, online multiplayer, and hundreds of games through the Game Catalog and Classics Catalog, including hit titles like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Hogwarts Legacy, Sword of the Sea and many more. Explore the Classics Catalog with PlayStation Plus Deluxe, try select games like the epic Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 with Game Trials, and more.**

*Festive New Year Promotion starts on 4 February 00:00 JST and concludes on 25 February 23:59 JST. Each title may have different sale periods. Please refer to the information in the title details page. 

**Availability of Classics and Game Catalog varies over time, region/country, and plan. See https://www.playstation.com/Plus for details and updates on PlayStation Plus offerings. PlayStation Plus is an ongoing subscription subject to a recurring subscription fee taken automatically (at the then-current PS Store price) at the frequency you choose at purchase until cancellation. Terms apply: play.st/psplus-usageterms

Packed show, right? Clocking in at just over an hour, today’s State of Play ran the gauntlet of exciting updates to upcoming SIE Studios titles and games coming from our third party partners, as well as surprise new reveals and upcoming demos. Oh, and there was the small matter of God of War, with the announcement of a remake of the original God of War trilogy and the surprise reveal of God of War Sons of Sparta, which is out now on PS5.

We’ve got the full show for you to rewatch below. Underneath that, we recap all the key details of every announcement and include the full trailers for your viewing pleasure, and for several titles, further details and insight by the game creators in a selection of dedicated PlayStation Blog articles. 

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007 First Light

State of Play debuted a brand-new story trailer for 007 First Light, offering PlayStation 5 players a deeper look at IO Interactive’s original take on the origin of James Bond. The video offers a glimpse of Bond’s exploits in Iceland, which puts him on MI6’s radar as a potential recruit for its newly revived 00 programme. The programme will see Bond cross paths with its training instructor, former 00 agent John Greenway, with two needing to work together to take on 009, a former British operative now turned rogue and on the loose. 

More new 00 secrets are shared in a new PlayStation Blog article. 

4: Loop

Following up from last December’s reveal, Bad Robot Games Chief Creative Officer Mike Booth joined us at State of Play to delve into the core gameplay loop, mechanics and more of the four-player co-op shooter 4: Loop. You can check out the full breakdown in the video above, and read more from Booth in a dedicated PlayStation Blog article, including news on upcoming beta opportunities. 

Find out more about 4: Loop. 

Beast of Reincarnation

This one-person, one-dog action RPG launches on PS5 August 4. Set in sci-fi inspired far-future Japan against the backdrop of a devastated world, Beast of Reincarnation follows Emma, a blight-corrupted outcast and her four-legged companion Koo, a malefact whose kind is supposedly a danger to the world. You’ll need to switch between Emma’s real-time, sword-based combat and directing Koo through a command system similar to a turn-based RPG. 

Game Freak shares more details on the game world and lore in an accompanying PlayStation Blog article. 

Brigandine Abyss

A blast from PlayStation’s strategic past returns this year in the form of Brigandine Abyss, a new entry in the single player fantasy strategy RPG, the first title of which was released on the original PlayStation back in 1998. Now, six years after the release of Brigandine: The Legend of Runersia, the series once again brings players to a fantasy world where battles take place on a hex grid.

More on how classic staples mix with brand-new systems in a PlayStation Blog article from the game’s creators. 

Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse

Adventurers, get ready to crack that whip as the legendary 2D action-exploration series returns this year on PS5. Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse recaptures the gothic action in a whole new way as development duties are shared between Konami, Evil Empire, and Motion Twin. New weapons and abilities join classic tools, all envisioned with a brand new art style. 

Find out more about the game’s story and mechanics in this PlayStation Blog article.

Control Resonant

Remedy Entertainment shares new details on Control Resonant’s shapeshifting weapons, navigating gravity anomalies, and more. Learn how you’ll navigate a Manhattan unpredictably reshaped by otherworldly forces and battle fearsome forces by using our own supernatural abilities, including a shapeshifting weapon. 

Find out more from Remedy Entertainment in a PlayStation Blog article. 

Crimson Moon

Welcome to a gothic world full of angels, demons, and ancient gods. In this action-adventure RPG Crimson Moon, developed by ProbablyMonsters, you’ll battle alone or join forces with a friend. Be ready though, as co-op amplifies the intensity, with dynamic difficulty scaling and enemy composition ensuring every mission feels fresh and personal. Whether fighting side-by-side or carving your own path, the goal remains the same. Purge the darkness and reclaim the city. The game launches later this year on PS5. 

Discover a breakdown of the game’s features in this PlayStation Blog article. 

Darwin’s Paradox

Octopus Darwin slithered into State of Play with two announcements. First, a release date: April 2. Secondly, the surprise announcement, not only of a demo, but a demo that will be available tomorrow, and that demo’s content is directly inspired by Metal Gear Solid! Play the Tactical Octopus Action demo tomorrow on PS5, and pre-order the full game to get two exclusive skins. 

Dead or Alive 6 Last Round 

A double hit of Dead or Alive news at State of Play. First off, Dead or Alive 6 Last Round will be slugging its way onto PS5 on June 25. This definitive version of the 2019 brawler will launch simultaneously with both standard and free-to-play editions, with the latter featuring 4 fighters from the fuller 29-strong roster. And Team Ninja confirmed work is underway on a brand new entry into the series, sharing a first tease, which you can watch above. 

Find out more on Dead or Alive 6 Last Round in a new PlayStation Blog article. 

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach 

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach comes to PC on March 19, with pre-purchase starting today on Steam and Epic Games. New features and modes will be part of that release, and they’ll also be available on PS5 the same day as a game update! More details on those will be revealed in the future. 

Find out more about how Nixxes Software and Kojima Productions are bringing the game to PC. 

God of War

Two big announcements from Santa Monica Studio concluded today’s State of Play. First, confirmation that a remake of the God of War Greek trilogy is in early development. Secondly, the studio has partnered with Mega Cat Studios to create 2D action platformer God of War Sons of Sparta, which is out today on PS5! 

Everything you need to know in this PS Blog article.

Ghost of Yōtei Legends

Strike through March 10 on your calendars warriors, as that’s the day Ghost of Yōtei Legends launches. This supernaturally-charged, cooperative multiplayer update, will be available to all Ghost of Yōtei players as part of the game’s 1.5 update. With distinct character classes to learn and earn cosmetics for, three mission types to conquer and the promise of a Raid in the coming months, you better warm up that sword arm.

Sucker Punch Productions break down the game’s modes further in an accompanying PlayStation Blog article. 

John Wick

Saber Interactive is working with the creators of the action movie franchise to create a previously unseen chapter in the life of John Wick, which lets you play as the Baba Yaga himself. The studio is promising the signature elements from John Wick movies to be present in the game, from the unique use of camerawork; bold and cinematic environments; and extremely distinctive gun-fu action and intense driving experiences. The game is coming to PS5, but release date and official title is not yet known.

Saber Interactive reveals more about the game in a PlayStation Blog article.  

Kena: Scars of Kosmora

Ember Lab returns with an all-new adventure as an older, renowned Spirit Guide Kena travels to the mysterious island of Kosmora. Spirit companions will be a big part of Kena’s journey, charming buddies that travel with you, grow over time, and unlock new powers as your bond deepens. There’s still spirits to be cleansed, and new elemental gameplay expands the strategy and depth to combat. Kena: Scars of Kosmora launches this year on PS5 and PC. 

Ember Lab explains how partnering with PlayStation Studios has empowered them to craft an even larger world.  

Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered

The remastered dark fantasy classic launches March 3 on PS5 and PS4, with a robust set of new features to get your fangs into. Alongside refinements to visuals, controls, and camera design for modern audiences, and a host of archival content, the game’s Deluxe Edition will feature a playable demo of Defiance’s cancelled sequel, Dark Prophecy. 

Crystal Dynamics talks through the remaster in a new PlayStation Blog article. 

Marathon

It’s not long until Marathon’s launch on March 5, but players eager to start their exploration of Tau Ceti IV won’t even need to wait that long: Bungie has announced n Server Slam on Feb 26. PS5 players will be able to experience select content from the full game, as well as earn a tiered gear package and grab a special emblem and banner which will be available in the full experience. Oh, and the studio also came to State of Play with a brand-new gameplay trailer in tow. 

More from Bungie and Marathon in this PlayStation Blog article. 

MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls

Ready those colorful costumes, superhero fans. MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls punches onto PS5 and PC August 6, with pre-orders opening Feb 19. Alongside the release date, State of Play revealed three new additions to the roster in the form of Magik, Wolverine and Danger, and in a supporting PlayStation Blog article, the creators confirmed an Episode Mode and detailed the different editions that’ll be available at PlayStation Store. 

Get the full news from this PlayStation Blog article. 

Metal Gear Solid Collection Vol. 2

Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2 launches August 27 this year on PS5. Packaging together Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, and the series’ first portable title Metal Gear: Ghost Babel as a bonus title along with some extras that’ll thrill long-term fans of Konami’s stealth series. 

Full details on what’s in the collection in this PlayStation Blog article.  

Mina the Hollower

Shovel Knight studio Yacht Games joined State of Play to share new gameplay and a PS5 demo for Mina the Hollower. The action adventure launches this spring on PS5, and promises to be the creator’s largest game yet, boasting a densely packed world with over 25 unique bosses, 60 trinkets to discover, weapon upgrades, a level up system, new game plus, hundreds of gameplay modifiers, a fishing mini-game, tons of puns, and so much more. You can try it yourself tomorrow, when a limited time demo drops on PS5.

Yacht Games introduce the game’s central character and dives into gameplay in a new PlayStation Blog article. 

Neva: Prologue

Set years before the events of the original game, this prologue tells the story of how Alba and the wolf cub Neva first met. You must guide the cub through the blighted wilderness, facing new enemies and endure perilous trials together. New gameplay mechanics and all new locations are promised. This DLC launches February 19. 

PlayStation Plus

Multiple games were announced to be coming to PlayStation Plus. Co-op puzzler Big Walk is launching day one into PlayStation Plus Monthly Games later this year, while PlayStation Plus Premium members can enjoy two Classics in the form of Tekken Dark Resurrection (originally released on PSP), out March, and Time Crisis, out May. 

February’s Game Catalog lineup was also announced at State of Play. Quickly swap between both Spider-Men as you explore an expanded Marvel’s New York in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, race for supremacy across a shared open world in Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown, embark on an intimate, emotional journey through a fading land in Neva, or capture fleeting moments on a reflective road trip in Season: A Letter to the Future. Meanwhile, Disney Pixar Wall-E brings platform adventure to PlayStation Plus Premium. All these titles and more are available in February’s PlayStation Plus Game Catalog from February 17. 

See the full PlayStation Plus Game Catalog list in this PS Blog article. 

Pragmata

Today’s State of Play brought us a closer look at Capcom’s new intriguing sci-fi adventure,giving us a glimpse into its world and the threats that protagonists Hugh and his android companion Diana will face. Get ready to hack and fight your way through enemy threats April 24 on PS5. 

Project Windless

Coming to PS5, Project Windless is a dark fantasy open-world action RPG inspired by the Korean novel series The Bird That Drinks Tears. The game will tap into a point thousands of years before the source material, having you play as one of the Rekons, a nomadic warrior race of humanoid birds, known for their immense physical strength and size. 

Krafton Montreal Studio outline the massive battles and open exploration you can expect in the game in a new PlayStation Blog article. 

Rayman: 30th Anniversary Edition 

The classic 1995 platformer receives a feature-packed Anniversary Edition, and it’s launching digitally on PS5 February 13! Developed by Digital Eclipse, this definitive edition lets you play multiple versions of the original, take on 120 additional levels pulled from the bonus level packs. It includes a faithfully reimagined soundtrack by composer Christophe Héral, optional enhanced gameplay features, an interactive documentary and a never-before-playable prototype, giving you an inside look at how Rayman’s gameplay was developed. 

All the details in this PS Blog article.

Resident Evil Requiem

We’re just over two weeks away from Capcom’s latest installment of its iconic horror series, launching on February 27. At State of Play, the publisher debuted the game’s launch trailer, which was full of new tantalizing story teases and powerful action beats. Sit back, and enjoy the new footage. 

Rev.Noir

Konami brought the first glimpse of their new JPRG to State of Play. Rev.Noir is set in a world played by a deadly phenomenon known as lightfall, which instantly kills anyone it touches. The story follows a memory-lost boy and a mysterious girl as they set out on a journey to put an end to the catastrophe. 

Saros

Housemarque unpacked some of the tantalizing gameplay features of its sci-fi shooter ahead of its April 30 launch on PS5. Armor upgrades to better fit your playstyle, an intriguing Modifier system to let you adjust Carcosa’s dangers to your tastes. Fast travel to unlocked biomes. Then there’s the world-altering eclipse events which escalate the threat against you, as corruption affects enemies, weapons and artifacts. A challenge not for the fainthearted. 

Find out more from Housemarque in a PlayStation Blog article. 

Silent Hill: Townfall

This new entry into the horror franchise offers a new town to explore, horrific enemies to fight and evade, and story-driven puzzles that help deliver a new but distinctly Silent Hill tale of mystery, tragedy and loss. The perspective shifts to first person, and a new yet-retro portable CRT TV device will be both a useful tool in encounters and a way to unveil more of the story. 

More on the new device and Screen Burn Interactive’s spin on the iconic series in this PlayStation Blog article. 

Star Wars: Galactic Racer

Take part in a runs-based, high-stakes reinvention of racing born in the lawless Outer Rim of the Star Wars galaxy, coming to PS5 later this year. Today we got a first glimpse of gameplay, spanning different planets, and highlighting different racing vehicles and characters, all of whom are competing in the unsanctioned racing circuit where only the bold survive.

Yakoh Shinobi Ops

Four player online, isometric shinobi action sneaks onto PS5 next year in the form of Yakoh Shinobi Ops. Work together to infiltrate heavily guarded enemy territory, combining your unique ninjutsu abilities to avoid traps, evade soldiers and escape an ever-present, unstoppable Pursuer who threatens to end your run prematurely. 

Full details on the compelling co-op adventure from the game’s creators in a new PlayStation Blog article.

• Category: Developer_Direct

January 8, 2026

Developer_Direct Returns January 22: Watch Fable, Forza Horizon 6, and Beast of Reincarnation Gameplay, Direct from the Studios

• Joe Skrebels, Xbox Wire Editor-in-Chief

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 show includes not one but two titles from Playground Games, with the UK studio bringing us a first extended look at Fable, as well as the debut of gameplay for Forza Horizon 6. We’ll also be taking a trip to Tokyo to visit the legendary Game Freak, offering a first in-depth look at Beast of Reincarnation, which we revealed at Xbox Games Showcase last year.

You can tune in at 10am Pacific / 1pm Eastern / 6pm UK on January 22 to see all the latest on:

Fable – Playground Games welcomes players back to the fairytale land of Albion, with the first in-depth look at Fable – one of 2026’s most anticipated titles. Devs from the Playground team will unveil the magic and mischief that awaits players in this fresh new beginning for the franchise, including a first look at some stunning new gameplay. Of course, the core themes of Fable will all be there – choice, consequence, drama, action, British humor and (of course) chickens, all reimagined for existing fans and new players alike.

Forza Horizon 6 – The Forza team from Playground Games will share a deep-dive on the much-anticipated Forza Horizon 6 as the open world racer takes players to the beautiful and contrasting landscapes of Japan. The segment will deep-dive into a very first look at gameplay, including reveals of new features – and how Japan comes to life in this stunning new installment.

Beast of Reincarnation – Join us as we delve into Game Freak’s intense one-person, one-dog action RPG. For the first time, Game Freak will reveal details of our protagonist Emma’s innovative plant manipulation actions and gameplay with her canine companion, Koo. In Beast of Reincarnation, a profound and dangerous world unfolds in post-apocalyptic Japan. Discover the development secrets behind its creation in Developer_Direct.

Stay tuned to our official social channels for more from Developer_Direct, airing on Thursday, January 22 at 10am Pacific / 1pm Eastern / 6pm UK.

The post Developer_Direct Returns January 22: Watch Fable, Forza Horizon 6, and Beast of Reincarnation Gameplay, Direct from the Studios appeared first on Xbox Wire.

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 Winners

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.

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About the Author - Carlos Hernandez

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.

• Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (Sandfall Interactive / Kepler Interactive) - WINNER

• Death Stranding 2: On the Beach (Kojima Productions / Sony Interactive Entertainment)

• Donkey Kong Bananza (Nintendo EPD / Nintendo)

• Hades II (Supergiant Games)

• Hollow Knight: Silksong (Team Cherry)

• Kingdom Come: Deliverance II (Warhorse Studios / Deep Silver)

Best Game Direction

Awarded for outstanding creative vision and innovation in game direction and design.

• Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (Sandfall Interactive / Kepler Interactive) - WINNER

• Death Stranding 2: On the Beach (Kojima Productions / Sony Interactive Entertainment)

• Ghost of Yotei (Sucker Punch Productions / Sony Interactive Entertainment)

• Hades II (Supergiant Games)

• Split Fiction (Hazelight / Electronic Arts)

Best Narrative

For outstanding storytelling and narrative development in a game.

• Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (Sandfall Interactive / Kepler Interactive) - WINNER

• Death Stranding 2: On the Beach (Kojima Productions / Sony Interactive Entertainment)

• Ghost of Yotei (Sucker Punch Productions / Sony Interactive Entertainment)

• Kingdom Come: Deliverance II (Warhorse Studios / Deep Silver)

• Silent Hill f (NeoBards Entertainment / Konami Digital Entertainment)

Best Art Direction

For outstanding creative and/or technical achievement in artistic design and animation.

• Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (Sandfall Interactive / Kepler Interactive) - WINNER

• Death Stranding 2: On the Beach (Kojima Productions / Sony Interactive Entertainment)

• Ghost of Yotei (Sucker Punch Productions / Sony Interactive Entertainment)

• Hades II (Supergiant Games)

• Hollow Knight: Silksong (Team Cherry)

Best Score and Music

For outstanding music, inclusive of score, original song and/or licensed soundtrack.

• Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (Sandfall Interactive / Kepler Interactive) - WINNER

• Death Stranding 2: On the Beach (Kojima Productions / Sony Interactive Entertainment)

• Ghost of Yotei (Sucker Punch Productions / Sony Interactive Entertainment)

• Hades II (Supergiant Games)

• Hollow Knight: Silksong (Team Cherry)

Best Audio Design

Recognizing the best in-game audio and sound design.

• Battlefield 6 (Battlefield Studios / Electronic Arts) - WINNER

• Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (Sandfall Interactive / Kepler Interactive)

• 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.

• Absolum (Guard Crush Games / Supamonks / Dotemu)

• BALL x PIT (Kenny Sun / Devolver Digital)

• Blue Prince (Dogubomb / Raw Fury)

• Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (Sandfall Interactive / Kepler Interactive) - WINNER

• Hades II (Supergiant Games)

• Hollow Knight: Silksong (Team Cherry)

Best Debut Indie Game

For the best debut game created by a new independent studio.

• Blue Prince (Dogubomb / Raw Fury)

• Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (Sandfall Interactive / Kepler Interactive) - WINNER

• despelote (Julian Cordero / Sebastian Valbuena / Panic)

• Dispatch (AdHoc Studio)

• Megabonk (vedinad) (Update)

Best Mobile Game

For the best game playable on a mobile device.

• Destiny: Rising (NetEase Games)

• Persona 5: The Phantom X (Black Wings Game Studio / ATLUS / Perfect World Games / SEGA)

• Sonic Rumble (SEGA)

• Umamusume: Pretty Derby (Cygames) - WINNER

• Wuthering Waves (Kuro Games)

Best Virtual Reality / Augmented Reality

For the best game experience playable in virtual or augmented reality, irrespective of platform.

• Alien: Rogue Incursion (Survios)

• Arken Age (VitruviusVR)

• Ghost Town (Fireproof Games)

• Marvel’s Deadpool VR (Twisted Pixel Games / Oculus Studios)

• The Midnight Walk (MoonHood / Fast Travel Games) - WINNER

Best Action Game

For the best game in the action genre focused primarily on combat.

• Battlefield 6 (Battlefield Studios / Electronic Arts)

• DOOM: The Dark Ages (id Software / Bethesda Softworks)

• Hades II (Supergiant Games) - WINNER

• NINJA GAIDEN 4 (Team NINJA / Xbox Game Studios)

• SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance (Lizardcube / SEGA)

Best Action / Adventure

For the best action / adventure game, combining combat with traversal and puzzle solving.

• Death Stranding 2: On the Beach (Kojima Productions / Sony Interactive Entertainment)

• Ghost of Yotei (Sucker Punch Productions / Sony Interactive Entertainment)

• Indiana Jones and the Great Circle (MachineGames / Bethesda Softworks)

• Hollow Knight: Silksong (Team Cherry) - WINNER

• Split Fiction (Hazelight / Electronic Arts)

Best Role-Playing

For the best game designed with rich player character customization and progression, including massively multiplayer experiences.

• Avowed (Obsidian Entertainment / Xbox Game Studios)

• Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (Sandfall Interactive / Kepler Interactive) - WINNER

• Kingdom Come: Deliverance II (Warhorse Studios / Deep Silver)

• Monster Hunter Wilds (Capcom)

• The Outer Worlds 2 (Obsidian Entertainment / Xbox Game Studios)

Best Fighting

For the best game designed primarily around head-to-head combat.

• 2XKO (Riot Games)

• Capcom Fighting Collection 2 (Capcom)

• Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves (SNK Corporation) - WINNER

• Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection (Digital Eclipse / Atari)

• Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage (Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio / SEGA)

Best Family

For the best game appropriate for family play, irrespective of genre or platform.

• Donkey Kong Bananza (Nintendo EPD / Nintendo) - WINNER

• LEGO Party! (SMG Studio / Fictions)

• LEGO Voyagers (Light Brick Studios / Annapurna Interactive)

• Mario Kart World (Nintendo EPD / Nintendo)

• Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds (Sonic Team / SEGA)

• Split Fiction (Hazelight / Electronic Arts)

Best Simulation / Strategy

Best game focused on real time or turn-based simulation or strategy gameplay, irrespective of platform.

• The Alters (11 bit studios)

• Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles (Square Enix) - WINNER

• Jurassic World Evolution 3 (Frontier Developments)

• Sid Meier’s Civilization VII (Firaxis Games / 2K)

• Tempest Rising (Slipgate Ironworks / 3D realms)

• Two Point Museum (Two Point Studios / SEGA)

Best Sports / Racing

For the best traditional and non-traditional sports and racing game.

• EA Sports FC 26 (EA Canada / EA Romania / Electronic Arts)

• F1 25 (Codemasters / Electronic Arts)

• Mario Kart World (Nintendo EPD / Nintendo) - WINNER

• REMATCH (Sloclap / Kepler Interactive)

• Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds (Sonic Team / SEGA)

Best Multiplayer

For outstanding online multiplayer gameplay and design, including co-op and massively multiplayer experiences, irrespective of game genre or platform.

• ARC Raiders (Embark Studios) - WINNER

• Battlefield 6 (Battlefield Studios / Electronic Arts)

• 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.

• Gen.G (League of Legends)

• NRG (VALORANT)

• Team Falcons (DOTA 2)

• Team Liquid PH (Mobile Legends: Bang Bang)

• Team Vitality (Counter-Strike 2) - WINNER

Player’s Voice

Player’s Voice is a 100 percent fan voted award.

• Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (Sandfall Interactive / Kepler Interactive)

• Dispatch (AdHoc Studio)

• Genshin Impact (miHoYo)

• Hollow Knight: Silksong (Team Cherry)

• Wuthering Waves (Kuro Games) - WINNER

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.

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About the Author - Carlos Hernandez

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.

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About the Author - Carlos Hernandez

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.

If you’d enjoyed running around on Ellan Vannin in a peaceful celebration, you’d better get ready for what Dark Age of Camelot has done to the region. That peace has been shattered and players are now faced with an open PvP zone flagging anyone not in your group as an enemy, complete with ruined towers for […]

BitCraft, our winner for Best MMO Crafting of 2025, is focusing on communication among players in its first patch of this year, as the crafting-centric sandbox MMORPG has added support for several languages and added hyperlinking functionality, just in case you’re the sort of person who can’t help but communicate your in-game material desires through […]

We have some unfortunate news to share for any Japanese fans of NCsoft’s MMORPG Blade & Soul: The studio has officially confirmed that both Blade & Soul and its Blade & Soul NEO server are sunsetting in Japan this March. “[W]e have come to the conclusion that it has become difficult to provide a stable […]

From major events to minor cons, this is a guide of all the fan conventions that will take place in the Bay Area in 2026.

The post Bay Area Fan Conventions to Plan for in 2026 appeared first on 8Bit/Digi.

Resident Evil: Two Heroes, One Mission: Nicole Tompkins and Nick Apostolides was one of the many panels at Fan Expo San Francisco 2025.

The post Fan Expo SF 2025 | Resident Evil: Two Heroes, One Mission: Nicole Thompkins and Nick Apostolides appeared first on 8Bit/Digi.

During the Fan Expo San Francisco 2025 weekend, many cosplayers were out in their best or favorite work.

The post Cosplayers of Fan Expo San Francisco 2025 appeared first on 8Bit/Digi.