Hype levels are spiking! Code Vein 2 is dropping soon, and Bandai Namco has blessed us with a fresh teaser focusing on a brutal new enemy/lore entity: "The Blinded Resurgence Offspring." If you loved the original's punishing difficulty, anime aesthetic, and intense boss battles, you need to check out what they're cooking for the sequel.

Jean Guesdon, a former director on the Assassin's Creed franchise (Origins), is sounding the alarm on modern AAA development. He believes the industry's obsession with gargantuan teams and endless scope creep has made the process "untenable." Guesdon suggests a return to smaller, more focused development groups is the only way to save high-quality gaming experiences from corporate bloat.

Get ready to play dirty. The developer behind the hit medieval city-builder Manor Lords is implementing a massive overhaul to the trading system. Instead of passive income, players can now engage in aggressive economic strategies, specifically citing the ability to monopolize crucial resources like Iron Slabs by controlling all export routes. This adds serious strategic depth and replayability.

Embark Studios has released stunning engagement data for ARC Raiders, confirming that over a million players have already successfully completed their first "Expedition Project." This achievement, which often results in a soft account wipe or progression reset, signals incredible dedication to the game's core high-stakes loop.

Long legs indeed. The former PS4 exclusive, Detroit: Become Human, has just surpassed 15 million units sold across PS4 and PC. Launched in 2018, the game's monumental success was boosted by its PC port and aggressive pricing during recent sales, cementing its place as a modern cinematic classic. A huge win for narrative adventure.

Hold onto your Bells! Animal Crossing: New Horizons is getting the glow-up we dreamed of. Alongside the premium Switch 2 Edition release, Nintendo is giving all current ACNH players a free 3.0 update that promises major visual enhancements. Finally, our islands are about to look absolutely stunning on the new hardware. No extra grind required!

The clock is ticking for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers who rely on the incredibly popular Game Vouchers program. Nintendo has reportedly sent out a final reminder that the vouchers—which allow players to grab two major digital titles for a significant discount—will stop being sold after January 2026. Time to check your backlog and plan those final purchases!

Luto is quickly becoming one of the most anticipated horror titles for 2025, promising a completely unique blend of gameplay mechanics. PC Gamer reports that the game successfully fuses the intense, claustrophobic atmosphere and looping dread pioneered by Kojima's P.T. with the subversive, meta-commentary narration style of The Stanley Parable. If the developers pull this off, we might have a massive hit on our hands.

Masahiro Sakurai, the mind behind Kirby and Smash Bros., is speaking out against the industry trend of massive development studios. He argues that while large teams look impressive, they often lead to inefficiencies, communication breakdowns, and slower iteration. For anyone frustrated by recent AAA launches, Sakurai's take hits hard.

Capcom promised better content for Street Fighter 6's periodic Battle Passes, but the latest reveal has fans screaming "troll!" The new Fighting Pass artwork seems deliberately brutal, frustrating players hoping for high-tier cosmetics. However, they did soften the blow by including retro content from the excellent Capcom Sports Club. Is this worth the grind?

Square Enix just dropped the Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined demo, powered by Unreal Engine. Naturally, performance hounds immediately fired it up on both the current Nintendo Switch hardware and the rumored Switch 2 specs. Early analysis from the SwitchUp channel shows some interesting results, especially concerning how well the next-gen console handles this highly anticipated JRPG remake.

Get ready to skip the Malenia boss fight. Sony has patented an AI-powered 'ghost' system designed to show players the optimal path through difficult obstacles, and crucially, can even take over and play the tough sections for you. While accessibility is key, purists are already crying foul. This could fundamentally change how challenging games like Elden Ring or Bloodborne are experienced.

Tired of waiting for the next big survival horror drop? IceSitruuna is letting us all into the terrifying world of Parasite Mutant early! Announced back in September, this gruesome sci-fi RPG has finally hit Steam with a playable demo. Grab your gear and prepare for some serious body horror and unsettling atmosphere—this looks like a must-play for genre fans.

Nintendo is stepping up the spin-off game! Mario Tennis Fever, announced for the Switch 2, will feature 38 playable characters—the largest roster in franchise history. This massive increase in depth signals a strong competitive focus for the upcoming title, launching next month on February 12, 2026. Who are the 36 confirmed alongside Daisy and Peach?

The debate over generative AI in video games just heated up. While Steam introduced a policy requiring developers to disclose AI use, a major competitor is calling the policy "pointless." For consumers pouring cash into new releases, knowing whether that art, voice work, or code was generated by AI isn't just a niche concern—it’s about transparency and value. We need better rules now.

The marketing engine for Forza Horizon 6 has officially revved up. Xbox has begun sending special gift packages to select influencers, confirming a 2026 release. The packages, which include "Greetings from Japan" postcards and custom number plates, strongly suggest the long-awaited setting is finally happening.

A bizarre rumor claiming "Nintendo is buying Xbox" has taken over social media, becoming one of the top trending topics online. The hoax, which originated from a Facebook post by a fan page, features a fake news image that fooled thousands. Despite the viral confusion, the acquisition is completely false.

The reveal of Sword and Fairy 4: Remake has sparked a debate among RPG fans, with many noting striking similarities to Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. From the UI layout to the turn-based combat prompts, the visual parallels are undeniable. Is it inspiration, or just the new standard for RPGs?

Pre-orders have officially opened for the SN Operator, the latest device from Epilogue. Following the success of the GB Operator, this $59.99 accessory allows you to play physical SNES cartridges on your PC, Steam Deck, or Android devices. It also preserves your save data and syncs game progress.

A new report suggests the next generation of Xbox and PlayStation consoles could be delayed beyond their targeted 2027-2028 release window. Skyrocketing RAM prices, driven by the AI boom, have manufacturers debating a postponement to allow production infrastructure to catch up and costs to stabilize.

A new update for Monster Hunter Wilds has sparked rumors of a Nintendo Switch 2 port after dataminers discovered code referencing an "ns2UpgradeEdition." While Capcom remains silent, the publisher’s strong support for the new console makes this discovery a promising sign for fans.

CD Projekt has announced the sale of GOG.com to co-founder Michał Kiciński for PLN 90.7 million ($25.2m). The deal allows the studio to focus on AAA development for The Witcher and Cyberpunk franchises, while ensuring GOG remains an independent, DRM-free platform for classic and modern PC games.

Housemarque's next big title, Saros, is set for a 2026 release. Starring Rahul Kohli, the sci-fi shooter aims to refine the formula established in Returnal by offering more permanent upgrades and a less punishing difficulty curve, welcoming new players to the bullet hell genre.

The week of December 29 to January 4 is quiet for new releases as the industry takes a holiday break. However, players have a final chance to complete limited-time holiday events in Helldivers 2, Hitman World of Assassination, and Guild Wars 2 before they end.

Square Enix has teased its 2026 roadmap, highlighting Dragon Quest's 40th anniversary, a "little something" for NieR: Automata, and a mysterious new Final Fantasy project with a "different approach." Read on for the full details.