In a stunning turn of events, Ghost of Yotei has clinched the prestigious Console Game of the Year award at the Golden Joystick Awards, solidifying its place in gaming history. This action-adventure title not only won the coveted title but also took home the award for Best Audio Design, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship behind its immersive experience. Despite facing skepticism and calls for a boycott prior to its release, Ghost of Yotei has proven its critics wrong, selling over 3.

Netflix is making a significant move into the daily puzzle games market with the upcoming launch of Netflix Puzzled. This new app will feature a variety of puzzles inspired by some of Netflix’s most popular franchises, including Stranger Things, Bridgerton, and Squid Game. With classics like sudoku and innovative twists on traditional games like crosswords, Netflix aims to engage its subscribers in a fun and interactive way. The app is set to be available soon on both iOS and Android platforms, and it will also be the first Netflix game accessible through the Tudum website.

In a recent State of Play presentation, Sony showcased an impressive lineup of 28 game announcements from Japan and Asia, highlighting the vibrant gaming culture and innovation in the region. From beloved franchises like Dragon Quest to indie gems like InKONBINI, the 40-minute showcase was packed with exciting reveals that are sure to captivate gamers worldwide. Among the standout announcements, the remake of Fatal Frame II and the new installment in the Coffee Talk series promise to bring fresh experiences to fans.

In a surprising turn of events, the promising retro-futuristic adventure game, The Midnight Riders, has been canceled by NetEase, leaving fans and developers alike in shock. This decision comes as part of a broader cost-cutting strategy by the publisher, which has seen significant layoffs and studio closures this year. Despite the cancellation, Bad Brain Game Studios head Sean Crooks has shared a five-minute sizzle reel, hoping to attract potential investors and breathe new life into the project.

Konami’s recent announcement regarding the success of their EFootball game is a significant turning point for the company and its console game lineup. The impressive cash flows generated from EFootball have empowered Konami to invest in new projects, signaling an exciting future for fans eager for more diverse gaming experiences. This expansion not only highlights the financial viability of EFootball but also reinforces the importance of innovative titles in driving a company’s growth.

Recent findings suggest that “Pokemon Friends” may not be the original creation many fans hoped for, but rather a reskinned version of the 2016 mobile game “ThinkThink.” This revelation comes from YouTuber CandyEvie, who highlighted the striking similarities in gameplay and puzzle design between the two titles, both developed by Wonderfly. The implications of this discovery could reshape how players perceive the game’s pricing and overall value. “Pokemon Friends” has faced criticism for its paid elements and generic aesthetic, leading many to question its pricing strategy.

Battlefield 6 has made waves in the gaming community, achieving the largest launch in the franchise’s history by selling over 7 million copies within just three days. This remarkable feat not only highlights the game’s popularity but also reflects the dedication of the developers in crafting an experience that resonates with players. In its opening weekend, Battlefield 6 saw an astonishing 172 million matches played online, showcasing the game’s engaging multiplayer experience.

Exciting news for football management fans! Apple has officially announced that Football Manager 26 Touch will be available on Apple Arcade starting November 4. This mobile version from Sports Interactive and Sega promises to deliver a comprehensive football management experience without any monetization hurdles, such as upfront costs or in-game purchases. Sports Interactive’s studio director, Miles Jacobson, expressed enthusiasm about the reimagined user interface, which aims to enhance gameplay across Apple devices.

The excitement in the gaming community is palpable as two of Nintendo’s flagship titles, Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza, have been shortlisted for the prestigious ‘Console Game of the Year’ at the Golden Joystick Awards. This recognition marks a significant milestone for the newly launched Switch 2, showcasing its impressive game library and the quality of its exclusive titles. Both games are not only competing for the top honor but are also nominated in other categories, with Mario Kart World vying for ‘Best Multiplayer’ and Donkey Kong Bananza for ‘Best Audio Design’.

In an exciting announcement for gaming enthusiasts, the cozy puzzle game “A Storied Life: Tabitha” is set to launch in 2026. This game promises to immerse players in a heartwarming narrative filled with charming visuals and engaging puzzles, appealing to fans of the cozy gaming genre. The anticipation surrounding its release highlights a growing trend in the gaming industry, where players seek more than just competition; they crave experiences that evoke emotion and connection.

As the excitement builds for Gamescom 2025, the Opening Night Live event promises to be a highlight for gamers worldwide. Scheduled for August 19, this two-hour showcase will feature not only updates on previously announced titles but also a plethora of new game reveals that are sure to capture the attention of the gaming community. Hosted by the ever-charismatic Geoff Keighley, this event is a must-watch for anyone interested in the future of gaming.

The recent leadership changes at Cloud Chamber, the studio behind the upcoming BioShock 4, have sparked significant interest and concern among fans and industry watchers alike. After a failed internal review, 2K Games has replaced studio head Kelley Gilmore and moved creative director Hogarth de la Plante to a publishing role. This shake-up underscores the publisher’s commitment to delivering a game that not only meets but exceeds the high expectations set by its predecessors.

Atari’s recent decision to acquire Thunderful Group for approximately 4.5 million marks a significant shift in the gaming landscape. With this acquisition, Atari will gain control of about 82% of Thunderful’s shares, pending shareholder approval, which is expected to be finalized by the end of August. This strategic move not only expands Atari’s publishing and development capabilities in Europe but also positions it to leverage Thunderful’s portfolio of acclaimed games and studios.

The recent management buyout of The Chinese Room from Sumo Digital marks a significant moment in the indie gaming landscape. Known for their evocative titles like Dear Esther and Everybodys Gone to Rapture, the studio is now free to explore new creative avenues and develop two original intellectual properties (IPs). This shift not only highlights the resilience of indie studios but also underscores the importance of maintaining creative control in the gaming industry.

In a surprising turn of events, the strategy game John Wick Hex is set to be removed from sale just under six years after its initial release. Developed by Bithell Games and published by Big Fan Games, the game will no longer be available for purchase starting July 17, 2025. While existing owners can still access the game, new players will miss out on this unique title that combines strategy with the beloved John Wick universe.

Rare has officially announced that paid custom servers will be introduced to Sea of Thieves in early 2026. This exciting development was revealed during the games first community direct, Custom Seas. Players will have the opportunity to create their own private servers, complete with exclusive tools like the cinematic camera used for game trailers. While specific pricing details are yet to be disclosed, Rare has indicated that supporting this feature will come with a monthly fee due to its complexity and resource demands.

In a pivotal moment for the gaming community, Rare is set to unveil the future of Sea of Thieves during its first-ever community direct, scheduled for tomorrow. This event comes on the heels of significant layoffs at Microsoft, which have raised concerns about the stability and direction of its gaming studios, including Rare. The community direct promises insights into upcoming seasons and major changes, providing a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty.

In a surprising turn of events, Romero Games has publicly denied rumors of its closure following a funding crisis that has left its unannounced first-person shooter project in jeopardy. The studio, founded by gaming legends John and Brenda Romero, confirmed that while it lost funding from an unnamed publisherlater identified as Microsoftit is actively seeking new partnerships to revive the project. The studio’s recent statement emphasized that it is not shutting down, despite the challenges it faces.

THQ Nordic has officially announced the return of its Digital Showcase, set for August 2, 2025. This event is highly anticipated by gamers worldwide, especially with the promise of showcasing exciting titles like Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed, Wreckfest 2, and the Gothic Remake, which fans have been eagerly awaiting. The showcase hints at more surprises, including the next Darksiders game and a new SpongeBob SquarePants title, making it a must-watch for fans of all ages.

The gaming community is buzzing with excitement as the fan-made PC port of the beloved classic, Mario Kart 64, has officially launched. Developed by the talented Harbour Masters team, this project not only brings the nostalgic racing experience to modern PCs but also introduces a suite of impressive features, including ultrawide support and a robust track editor. This port allows players to enjoy Mario Kart 64 in stunning 4K resolution and high frame rates, breathing new life into a game cherished by many.

NINES has officially announced their upcoming puzzle game, Pipeworks Puzzle, which promises to bring a unique twist to the beloved tile sliding genre. Set in a vibrant construction site, players will step into the shoes of a plumber tasked with arranging disordered pipes to match a specific blueprint. With charming visuals and soothing soundtracks, this game is designed to provide a relaxing yet engaging experience. One of the standout features of Pipeworks Puzzle is its grid-based arena where players can only move pipes in cardinal directions—up, down, left, and right.

Gearbox has officially confirmed that the highly anticipated Borderlands 4 will launch at a price point of $70 for its standard edition, dispelling earlier concerns about a potential $80 tag. This decision comes after a wave of criticism directed at CEO Randy Pitchford, who previously suggested that “real fans” would find a way to afford the game, regardless of its price. The announcement also includes a $130 Super Deluxe Edition and a $150 Collector’s Edition, which intriguingly does not come with the game itself.

The gaming community is buzzing with excitement as Rob Wiethoff, the actor behind the iconic character John Marston, has hinted at some thrilling news for Red Dead Redemption fans. During a recent livestream, Wiethoff teased that he has “exciting news” related to the franchise, leaving fans eagerly anticipating an announcement that could involve a current-generation version of Red Dead Redemption 2. With rumors swirling about a potential release on the Nintendo Switch 2, the anticipation is palpable.

This year’s Summer Game Fest has set a new benchmark in the gaming industry, achieving an astonishing 50 million livestream viewers over its two-hour showcase. This marks an impressive 89% increase in viewership compared to the previous year, highlighting the growing excitement and engagement within the gaming community. With more than 3 million concurrent viewers at its peak on platforms like Twitch and YouTube, the event has solidified its status as a must-watch for gamers and enthusiasts alike.

After two decades in the shadows, the Metal Slug development team’s long-lost project, Navinosuke: The Yo-Kai Buster, is set to make its debut on the Nintendo Switch in 2026. Originally conceived for the Game Boy Advance, this pixel RPG was shelved before it could ever be revealed to the public. Now, thanks to the efforts of Kohachi Studio, fans will finally get to experience this unique title that blends traditional Japanese folklore with RPG mechanics.

Indie developer Pixel Maniacs is making waves with their upcoming title, ChromaGun 2: Dye Hard, boldly claiming to fill the void left by Valve’s absence in the Portal franchise. With a cheeky nod to the gaming community, they assert, “Valve never made a Portal 2 sequel. So we did.” This audacious statement sets the stage for a game that aims to capture the essence of beloved puzzle mechanics while introducing its own unique twist.

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is set to redefine the racing genre by eliminating items that allow players to make dramatic comebacks. In a recent interview, Takashi Iizuka, head of Sonic Team, emphasized that the game will not feature any equivalent to Mario Kart’s notorious Blue Shell, which often frustrates players in the lead. Instead, the focus is on creating a balanced racing experience where skill and strategy take precedence over luck.