Check Out the New Prologue Trailer for Chronoscript: The Endless End!

Tokyo, Japan – June 6 | SHUEISHA GAMES Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; hereinafter "SHUEISHA GAMES") is pleased to announce that Chronoscript: The Endless End, an exploration-based 3D action-adventure game developed by DeskWorks Inc., is scheduled for release in Fall 2026.

In conjunction with this announcement, the Prologue Trailer was revealed at the game showcase Future Games Show, offering the first look at the character designs for the mysterious writer and the protagonist, an editor, as well as the new stage “Ancient Egypt.”

Prologue Trailer Revealed at Future Games Show!

The new stage “Ancient Egypt” is revealed, alongside the first look at the character designs for the mysterious writer and the protagonist, the editor!

This trailer finally reveals a range of new stages that have appeared throughout the vast manor, the visual design of the “writer” who holds the key to the story, and the 3D appearance of the protagonist, the editor. Please enjoy the latest footage and immerse yourself in a world where mystery and beauty intertwine.

*All images shown are from a work-in-progress build.

About “Chronoscript: The Endless End”

A thousand years of words… waiting for your final mark.

“Chronoscript: The Endless End” is an exploration-based action-adventure game where you, an editor trapped within a manuscript, must unravel a thousand-year story that writes itself beyond its end—across 2D pages and a 3D manor.

Prologue

The year is AD 2026.

After finally bringing his long-running series to an end, a certain Editor receives a mysterious summons from a new Author.

He makes his way to the Author's grand residence, sequestered deep in the mountains. There, he is bitten by a mosquito and instantly loses consciousness.

When he wakes, he finds himself trapped within The Endless End, a manuscript penned by the Vampire Mistress of the estate.

Key Features from "Chronoscript: The Endless End"

• Hard-hitting Action
• Rooted in the satisfying challenge of classic 2D action platformers, the game evolves as you play, unlocking dynamic ink-traversing moves, as well as unique abilities to be used in exploration and combat.
• Confront "The Ruined"
• Souls who met gruesome deaths in life have been resurrected and now stand in your way as twisted, corrupted versions of their past selves. Defeat them to unravel the tragic threads of their fate.
• Traverse the Many Eras Depicted within the Manuscript
• Within the manuscript pages lies a vast world of stories, tales written by the Vampire Mistress across a thousand years and countless lands.
• Intricate Artwork
• The story's protagonist, enemies, and backdrops are all hand-drawn with pen and ink. The frame-by-frame animation style gives them an eerie sense of life.

Characters

Vampire: Viola S Chambers

An author cursed with immortality, she has been writing an "endless story" for a millennium. Having lived for so many centuries, and undertaken so many stories, she has lost sight of the end.

Now, she calls upon our Editor in hopes that he will be able to uphold his ancestor's promise and finish the tale.

Editor: Frederick G Muller

A taciturn editor who has brought many a long-running publication to a concise finish. After answering a summon to a secluded manor from a new author, he becomes trapped within the thousands of pages of her manuscript.

He must now dive deep to make sense of each bewildering story, while also attending to the Author's anguish and loneliness to bring the "endless story" to its conclusion.

We will continue sharing updates on the official Chronoscript: The Endless End X account (https://x.com/Chronoscript_PR). Please follow us and stay tuned for more news!

• Chronoscript: The Endless End — SHUEISHA GAMES Website: https://shueisha-games.com/games/chronoscript-the-endless-end/
• Chronoscript: The Endless End — Official X: https://x.com/Chronoscript_PR
• Chronoscript: The Endless End — PlayStation® Store Page: https://store.playstation.com/concept/10016840
• Chronoscript: The Endless End — Steam® Page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/4018380/Chronoscript_The_Endless_End/
• DeskWorks Official Website: https://deskworks.jp/

 

About DeskWorks Inc.

DeskWorks Inc. is a small development team specializing in unique art styles and gameplay experiences. With a deep love for and understanding of exploration-based 2D action-adventure games as players, they are bringing their best ideas to the genre as developers.

The "PlayStation Family Mark" and "PlayStation" are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.

©2026 Valve Corporation. Steam and the Steam logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Valve Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries.

Article by: Susan N.

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Looking for a Simpler City Builder than Others on the Market? Check Out the Demo for Empluna

June 4, 2026 | BigCodersPlanet is excited to announce Empluna, a stunning low-poly sandbox city builder coming to PC via Steam. If Cities: Skylines is too complex and Townscaper is too simple, Empluna might be exactly what you've been looking for. The demo is available now ahead of Steam Next Fest, which kicks off June 15th.

 

About Empluna

Empluna is a city builder where you don't just place buildings, you plan, construct and design them yourself. Every room in every building is yours to decide. Every street, every neighbourhood. The focus is on creative construction with complete freedom. The economy, society and resources support your decisions rather than restrict them. The result is a city that reacts dynamically to your actions and grows with you.

Starting from scratch in a modern urban project, you attract craftsmen, families, professionals, researchers, artists and tourists. Each group brings its own needs and expectations. Schools, healthcare, race tracks, mountain lifts, amusement parks. What gets built is up to you.

No harsh economic simulation. No rigid templates. Just a city that looks and works exactly the way you want it to.

Key Features

• Custom building system: Design everything from individual rooms to full industrial complexes. Save your blueprints and reuse them.
• Living city: Different population groups move in with their own needs and expectations. Your decisions shape which areas flourish.
• Road and rail: Connect your city with roads, rail networks, race tracks and mountain lifts.
• Resource management: Production, storage, import and export of goods drive a growing economy.
• Procedural terrain: Every map is uniquely generated and fully yours to reshape. Sculpt, flatten and reshape the landscape however you need.

Article by: Susan N.

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New Hand-Drawn Action Adventure the Barbarian Saga: The Beastmaster Launches in September

Barcelona, Spain – June 8, 2026 | Publisher Selecta Play, in partnership with independent developer Dormidin Studio, is thrilled to officially announce the global release date for Barbarian Saga: The Beastmaster. The brutal, hand-drawn fantasy action-adventure will launch on September 9, 2026 across PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch.

Following a highly successful playable demo rollout on May 15th, players can continue to experience a high-stakes preview of the game ahead of its upcoming featured participation in the Steam Next Fest, running from June 15th to June 22nd. Coinciding with the global digital release this September, collectors will also be able to get their hands on the confirmed Standard Physical Editions for both PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch.

Inspired by 80s and 90s cult-classic fantasy films like Beastmaster and Conan, alongside gaming staples like Castlevania, Golden Axe, and Ghouls ’n’ Ghosts, the game casts players as the last Beastmaster. Featuring stunning, meticulously frame-by-frame hand-drawn animations and a sprawling Metroidvania-inspired world, players must explore the interconnected realms of Arborea, using mystical transformations and visceral combat to survive a growing, world-shattering war.

Game Key Features:

Harness the Power of Beasts: Channel animal souls for powerful, game-changing transformations and unlock new combat strategies to defeat enemy hordes.

Explore a Sprawling World: Embark on a beautifully hand-drawn Metroidvania journey through ancient ruins, dark magic domains, and interconnected natural landscapes.

Arena Duels: Engage in brutal, competitive battles utilizing dynamic close-up camera angles and energy bars directly inspired by classic arcade fighting games.

Customize Your Playstyle: Collect a diverse variety of ritual beads, teeth, amulets, and plant roots to actively alter your physical attacks, vitality, or Mana.

About Dormidin Studio

Dormidin Studio is a small independent studio driven by an immense passion for retro fantasy adventures. Built on creative freedom, the team focuses on crafting visually stunning, hand-drawn experiences that challenge the status quo and honor the golden era of arcade classics.

About Selecta Play

Selecta Play is the video games publishing branch of SelectaVisión. The company collaborates with talented independent studios worldwide to bring unique digital and physical experiences to life, delivering premium boxed editions and digital releases to passionate gamers across all major console platforms.

Article by: Susan N.

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Echo Isle - PC Review

Echo Isle by developer and publisher Josh Koenig Games—PC (Steam) review written by Richard with a copy provided by the publisher.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

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Hello everyone and welcome to Echo Isle! A land with a mysterious lighthouse, monsters prowling the woods, and a wonderful throwback to some classic games I enjoyed in my childhood. Are you prepared to reignite the lighthouse and restore the island in this 2D adventure game? I sure hope you are!

The story of Echo Isle centers around a lighthouse that has been guarding the peace of the island. Unfortunately the lighthouse has gone out and monsters have returned to terrorize the neighbourhood. Luckily for the inhabitants, the Astral Knight Aster has been summoned to the island to resolve the crisis! Can Aster find the Echo Stones needed to bring light back to the island? Only you can help answer that question!

Echo Isle is a short but sweet adventure title that made me immediately think of the Legend of Zelda game Link’s Awakening. No, not the 3D remake, I mean the original Gameboy/Gameboy Colour version. The 2D top down style. Echo Isle takes the hero Aster around the island locating dungeons with Echo Stones in them, solving the puzzles inside, beating the boss monsters, and then claiming the stones. You start off with nothing but your name, but are quickly pointed towards a cave where you can grab a sword. From here you embark, earning new tools to help you explore and fight in each new dungeon. Collect lucky clovers to boost your health, and uncover secret stones to get a hidden reward!

If you’ve ever played a top-down Zelda title, even if it is the Link’s Awakening remake, you have a good idea of the style the game is going for. Once you pick up your sword, you have an action of either using the sword or whatever tool you have equipped. You can swap between tools pretty easily, and you aren’t constricted by ammo which is fairly handy. As you explore the island you will find the game is separated into “screens”. On the island, each “screen” is a block on the map, meanwhile inside a dungeon each “screen” is like it’s own self contained area. The fact I need to describe this for younger audiences makes me feel old though, I have to say. Nowadays you can load a full dungeon instance, but back in the day it was done one screen at a time.

Echo Isle at it’s core feels like a love letter to older games, particularly the Zelda franchise, and I love what it’s offering. While not very long, clocking in at around an hour or a little more, Echo Isle left me wanting to see more. While it wrapped up well enough in it’s own way, I would love to see another title from this developer with a longer game. There’s definitely the potential here, and the way Echo Isle was done leaves me hopeful for potential future releases.

In terms of the aesthetic direction, Echo Isle draws heavy inspiration from retro titles, utilizing a bit-like style that would feel at home on a Gameboy Colour, and a musical suite that matches the aesthetic. More than once I sat back in nostalgia remembering my childhood days struggling through dungeons looking for Owl Beaks, or that one key I was missing in the Tower dungeon because screw that place.

There was only one real glitch that I found, and that was when I accidentally blew myself up with a bomb when I was collecting an Echo Stone. I could move around during the scene that played, but as soon as it was over everything went back to normal, so it’s not a big deal. In terms of dungeon design itself, I’m happy to say that the dungeons are a reasonable length and size, and make good design choices to lead you into getting the new tool within and teaching you to make use of it. While I wouldn’t call the game particularly difficult by any means, that doesn’t mean it isn’t fun. I only died once during the last boss fight, but if you haven’t been searching for the optional hidden things, it may be a lot more difficult for you.

Overall I have to say that Echo Isle is an absolutely wonderful title full of retro nostalgia done right. I highly recommend picking up Echo Isle. It might be a little short but it’s also cheap, so no worry about breaking the wallet. With a fluid control system, some neat dungeon design, and an absolutely wonderful aesthetic, Echo Isle is certain to give you that nostalgic kick you’re looking for.

 

Score: 9 / 10

 

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FDG Entertainment Announces Gombo for Early Access on Steam!

MUNICH, GERMANY (JUNE 8, 2026) | Publisher FDG Entertainment has released a new gameplay trailer for Gombo during the Green Games Showcase as part of Summer Game Fest, offering players a closer look at the environmental themes behind the game’s mysterious spreading infection. The game is available now in Early Access via Steam. 

 

The new trailer features commentary from developer Martin Cochet, who discusses the environmental inspirations behind the game’s world and the contrast between its beauty and the corruption slowly consuming it.

In Gombo, players explore a vibrant hand-drawn world where survival, crafting, farming, building, and combat are all intertwined with the mystery of a growing corruption spreading across the land. While the world feels peaceful and welcoming during the day, nightfall transforms the environment as a mysterious infection mutates creatures and threatens the balance of nature itself.

Players can explore forests, haunted woods, villages, and dungeons either solo or in seamless two-player online co-op while gathering resources, crafting equipment, building homes and farms, caring for pets, and battling infected enemies and giant bosses.

Gombo Key Features

• Biomes: The Forest and Bayou are open for exploration, including the transition area between them
• Activities: Each main biome comes with a main quest, side quests, mini bosses, and bosses
• Playstyle: You can play solo or bring a friend for co-op fun
• Day and night cycle: Prepare during the day, and survive infected enemies after dark
• Farming: Planting and nurturing crops will give you resources for crafting
• Crafting: Build bases with fortifications and craft weapons, decorations, items, and more
• Customization: Your character's head and body can be individually decked out
• Skills: Level up and equip scrolls that will help you survive the night
• Enemies: There are currently 20+ different infected enemies that will become aggressive at night
• Support: Runs on Windows, MacOS, Linux, and Steam Deck, with full controller support

Gombo entered Steam Early Access on June 3.

About FDG Entertainment

FDG Entertainment teams up with the best indie developers around the world to deliver highly creative games. A big network of partners ensures best quality for each genre with greatly varying styles and gameplay mechanics. FDG Entertainment is privately funded and 100% independent.

• Website: fdg-entertainment.com
• YouTube: @fdggames
• Facebook: @FDGEntertainment
• Instagram: @fdgentertainment
• X: @fdg_games

Article by: Susan N.

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Want to Manage Your Own Team? You Can in Esports Manager 2026 Launching on July 6!

KRAKOW, Poland – June 8, 2026 | Following its launch date reveal during IGN Live, Esports Manager 2026 from Neurona Games and indie.io is preparing to enter the competitive arena on July 6, 2026, via Steam.

Esports Manager 2026 puts players in control of every aspect of a professional esports organization. Recruit promising talent, negotiate sponsorship deals, manage finances, and build the infrastructure needed to compete at the highest level. Every decision, from roster signings to staff hires, can shape a season, define a legacy, or send an organization into decline.

Whether taking charge of an established powerhouse or building a new contender from scratch, players must balance player development, team morale, financial stability, and competitive success while navigating the pressures of the modern esports industry.

Key Features:

• Build and manage a professional esports organization
• Scout, recruit, and develop future esports stars
•  Negotiate contracts, sponsorships, and financial investments
• Manage player relationships, morale, and team chemistry
• Hire support staff to strengthen organizational performance
• Make strategic decisions during simulated matches and tournaments
• Featuring real esports personalities, commentators, analysts, and industry veterans including @neLendirekt, @BanKsEsports, @PiNGCasts, @teddcs_, @bit1, @TravCS, @Ne0Kai, @ale_apoka, and more

Players can jump into the recently overhauled Steam demo today, featuring extensive updates based on community feedback. The latest version has earned a Very Positive recent review rating from players, offering an early look at the systems, strategy, and pressures awaiting aspiring esports managers.

Esports Manager 2026 will launch on PC via Steam on July 6th. For more information, follow @esportsmanager on X, join the game’s official Discord server, and wishlist the game on Steam.

About indie.io

indie.io is home to over 100 of the world’s best independent video games and developers. Our platform was built to provide independent developers with the resources, services, and management tools needed for success. Through collaboration and passion, we strive to cultivate a diverse and vibrant gaming landscape that resonates with players and creators alike!

About Neurona Games

Founded in 2019 by the dynamic duo of Andrii Chupyr and Bohdan Buiak, fueled by their shared passion for gaming and a commitment to innovation, the entrepreneurial team set out to redefine the gaming landscape. From its humble beginnings, Neurona Games has rapidly evolved into a powerhouse of creativity and technological prowess. Find out more on their official website. 

Article by: Susan N.

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Dream Dock and Digital Vortex Entertainment Share Gameplay Video for Dreadmoor

NICOSIA, Cyprus – June 5, 2026 | Developer Dream Dock and publisher Digital Vortex Entertainment shared a behind-the-scenes look at DREADMOOR, the dark fishing adventure set in a post-apocalyptic world, at Day of the Devs Summer Game Fest Edition Showcase. 

Set out in a rickety fishing boat across a plague-ravaged bayou, where the Sea Blight has twisted all forms of life and developed a new, dangerous ecosystem. Scavenge for supplies amidst the wreckage of doomed vessels, and craft specialized fishing gear to hunt the vicious denizens of Submerged Lands. Beware, though: for a big enough fish, anything looks like a meal - including you.

Rostislav Fedorov, CEO of Dream Dock, explains in the new trailer that the boat is a lifeline in Submerged Lands - but you’re not stuck on it. Explore this strange, dangerous world on foot, meet the survivors who have made it their home, learn about their lives - then gather wits and head back out on the water.

Fill up the ship’s hold with precious predatory fish, then sell them to Gill and Bozur at the local tackle shop - it’s hard to miss, perched on a set of behemoth crab legs. Or dissect the catch and use valuable parts to fashion more advanced bait, then fuel up the ship and head out on the water to seek ever more dangerous prey. 

“We’re honored to be part of this summer’s Day of the Devs showcase,” Fedorov said. “In addition to being game developers, we’re all huge fishermen at Dream Dock, and we’re hoping to share that passion - in our own twisted way - with DREADMOOR.”

DREADMOOR is coming to PC via Steam in Q4 2026. For more information, wishlist the game, join the official Discord server, and follow DREADMOOR on X/Twitter for the latest updates. 

About Digital Vortex Entertainment

Digital Vortex Entertainment is an independent publisher founded by experienced game industry professionals who have contributed to titles such as Atomic Heart, Lost Ark, and PUBG: Battlegrounds. The company supports distinctive projects across genres and platforms. Digital Vortex Entertainment is part of Utmost Games, founded by Vladimir Nikolsky, former CEO of MY.GAMES.

About Dream Dock

Dream Dock is an independent game studio based in Kyrgyzstan and founded by three former colleagues who left their high-paying roles at top game companies to pursue a shared creative vision. Collectively, their experience includes six years at industry leaders such as Playrix, MY.GAMES, Saber Interactive, and Owlcat Games. With a portfolio that spans AA and AAA projects, the studio is dedicated to crafting original, emotionally resonant worlds. DREADMOOR, a fishing survival adventure, is their debut IP.

Article by: Susan N.

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When Sirens Fall Silent and MR RECORDS Games Unveiled During Summer Game Fest 2026

Watford, UK – June 8, 2026 | Following a successful weekend of reveals during Day of the Devs: Summer Game Fest Edition, Wired Productions is looking back at two of its most exciting upcoming titles, each exploring the power of human stories in very different ways. From the uplifting musical journeys of MR. RECORDS to the dark psychological investigation of When Sirens Fall Silent, both games showcased exciting reveals this weekend, offering players a first look at two unforgettable worlds from acclaimed independent developers Glee-Cheese and LKA. 

MR. RECORDS, revealed alongside a brand-new developer-led trailer, is an uplifting rhythm adventure where every vinyl record tells a story. Players step into the shoes of George, an ageing dreamer who finally opens the record shop he has always imagined, helping customers discover the perfect soundtrack to their lives while embarking on musical journeys through memories, emotions, and imagination. MR. RECORDS was also one of only 10 games selected to be showcased during the Play Days event over the weekend, where select media and creators were able to go hands on immediately after the reveal. 

Meanwhile, When Sirens Fall Silent opened its case file through a developer-led presentation from LKA founder Luca Dalcò. Players take on the role of Mila, a determined policewoman investigating a series of kidnappings and murders, uncovering a mystery that explores trauma, addiction, misogyny, and human trafficking through investigation, interviews, and environmental puzzles. 

"At Wired, we're drawn to games that leave a lasting impact," said Leo Zullo, Managing Director of Wired Productions. "Whether that's through the joy, warmth and optimism of MR. RECORDS, or the thought-provoking and unsettling themes explored in When Sirens Fall Silent, both games demonstrate the incredible creativity and storytelling talent found within independent development." 

Players can wishlist both titles now and watch the reveal trailer for MR. RECORDS and the developer presentation for When Sirens Fall Silent to discover everything unveiled during Summer Game Fest 2026. 

About Wired Productions   

Wired Productions is a true Indie Publisher proudly presenting a diverse range of specially curated games from some of the greatest storytellers and independent developers. Wired has an award-winning collection of titles including Hotel Architect, Task Time, KARMA: The Dark World, Bulwark: Falconeer Chronicles, and Martha Is Dead. Announced upcoming titles are MR. RECORDS, AGNI: Village of Calamity, When Sirens Fall Silent and BrokenLore: DON’T LIE. 

 

About Glee-Cheese Studio 

Glee-Cheese is an independent video game studio based in France, striving to develop innovative games with a strong artistic identity. Their debut title A Musical Story launched in 2022, and their newest title Headbangers Rhythm Royale released on October 31, 2023. 

 

About LKA Studio  

LKA Studio are a multi-award winning independent Italian development studio, founded by Luca Dalcò, and are the creators of the critically acclaimed games, The Town of Light and Martha Is Dead. LKA are based in Florence, Italy, and are masters of multi-layered narrative experiences, that are based on real Italian locations and covering specific periods of time – all authentically recreated. The team have also made it a mission to focus on hard-hitting topics that shine a light on the forgotten people, and not to run away from them. 

Article by: Susan N.

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DPI Merch and Xbox Game Studios Shop Reveal Collector's Editions for Halo, Gears of War, and Fable!

DENVER - June 7, 2026 | During today’s XBOX Games Showcase, DPI Merch, the team that powers the XBOX Game Studios Shop, revealed collector’s editions for Halo: Campaign Evolved, Gears of War: E-Day, and Fable. Pre-orders begin today, exclusively on the XBOX Game Studios Shop.

Return to where it all began in Halo: Campaign Evolved, a faithful yet expanded remake of the 2001 original that redefined first-person shooters. Available for XBOX Series X, PlayStation 5, and Steam, the Collector’s Edition includes:

• Halo: Campaign Evolved physical game disc on XBOX Series X and PlayStation 5
• Voucher for Premium Edition upgrade, which includes up to five days of early access starting July 23, 2026, and in-game cosmetics
• Collectible SteelBook®
• 12” Master Chief Statue
• Replica LED Cortana Chip with rechargeable cord
• Three original Concept Art pieces (11” x 17”)
• Modernized recreation of 2001 Combat Evolved physical game manual
• Alpha Halo Armory Pack, featuring 5 Master Chief Armor skins & 6 weapon skins
• Art of Halo: Campaign Evolved Digital Artbook
• Halo: Hungry Buzzards Digital Short Story
• Digital Game Manual

Marcus and Dom return home to confront the Locust Horde in Gears of War: E-Day, an all-new tale set fourteen years before the 2006 original title that started it all. Available for XBOX Series X and Steam, survive Emergence Day with the following items:

• Gears of War: E-Day base game, with physical disc for XBOX Series X, and a digital code for Steam
• The Gears of War: E-Day Premium Edition digital upgrade, which includes up to 5 days of early access, Bravo Squad Signature Weapon Pack, 1,000 Iron (premium in-game currency), and Five Seasonal Customization Packs, starting with the Emergence Pack at launch
• Early access to the open beta, Aug. 6 to 10
• 15” collectible diorama statue of Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago (requires 3 AAA batteries, not included)
• 1:1 scale replica of Carlos Santiago’s COG tags made of metal zinc alloy and brass
• In-game photo
• Lithograph
• Thank-You Note from The Coalition
• Custom SteelBook® Case designed by artist Luke Preece
• Collector’s Display Packaging

Become the malleable Hero of Albion in Fable, a reboot of the open-world action RPG franchise. Shape fairytale endings with a collector’s edition featuring the following items:

• A limited-edition Jack of Blades statuette
• Hardcover art book (English Only)
• Custom SteelBook® case
• The Guild Seal lapel pin
• The collector’s edition also includes the Fable Premium Edition, granting access to the full game with Early Access, Premium Edition Content Pack, Digital Artbook & Soundtrack, and the Fable: Order of the Hero expansion (coming post-launch)

 

The Halo: Campaign Evolved ($199.99 USD), Gears of War: E-Day ($299.99 USD), and Fable ($199.99 USD) collector’s editions will be available for preorder starting today on the XBOX Game Studios Shop, powered by DPI Merch. Follow the official Halo, Gears of War, and Fable accounts on X for the latest updates.

About DPI Merch

Empowered by their passion for high-quality gaming merchandise, DPI Merchandising LLC specializes in creating products for video game enthusiasts. Their team works with gaming industry titans, including Bethesda, BioWare, CD Projekt Red, and SEGA.

Follow DPI Merchandising LLC on X and Instagram for the latest updates. 

Article by: Susan N.

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Echoes of Mystralia Updated Demo Available Right Now!

June 12, 2026

Greetings, Watchers!

The wait is finally over and the next chapter of your journey through Mystralia begins.

With Steam Next Fest just around the corner, we're excited to unleash a massive new update to the Echoes of Mystralia demo, available to play RIGHT NOW!

Explore the New Content

Prepare yourselves for a wealth of new content, including an epic new boss encounter, mysterious reward shrines, and challenging puzzle-locked Rifted Echoes. We've also polished the experience with significant visual and performance improvements to ensure your journey through Mystralia is smoother than ever. Dive into the full breakdown of every new feature in our latest Devlog.

Do you have what it takes to survive the Ash Forest? A formidable new threat awaits: Luciame, master of wind and fire. Put your elemental spellcasting to the test in this deadly Watcher encounter and fight to rescue her from the Rift.

We can't wait to see you brave the mysteries of Mystralia again, so download the demo now, and unleash your most powerful spells!

Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers!

You can ask your questions directly on our Discord or, if you're more of an email person, just write to us at community@borealysgames.com and our team will gladly help you.

Article by: Susan N.

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Isekai Villain - PS5 Review

Isekai Villain by developer Exe-Create and publisher KEMCO—Sony PlayStation 5  review written by Richard with a copy provided by the publisher.

Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes. 

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Hello everyone and welcome to the next instalment of KEMCO RPG: Isekai Villain! This time we get to witness the tale of a regular dude who gets transported into his favourite webnovel, but as a villain mob character!

Isekai Villain starts out with a guy walking home while reading a webnovel on his phone, falling in an open manhole, breaking his leg, passing out, and then waking up to find himself a part of the Crown Eaters, a gang of villains in the webnovel he was reading. The catch? He’s a low level grunt named Gray. The other catch? The Crown Eaters aren’t part of the story past the early-ish chapters. Gray now has to balance his old world sensibilities, new world budding villainy, as well as trying to survive as a villain grunt.

While Isekai Villain is pretty similar to the other same stylized KEMCO RPGs, there are a few notable differences in how it’s handled. For those who haven’t played a KEMCO RPG, well, it’s a pretty generic retro style RPG for the most part. You’ve got your random turn-based battles, dungeons to explore and find treasure in, bosses to beat, sidequests to complete, and characters to interact with. What is somewhat interesting here is that unlike in most RPGs of this nature, there isn’t a world map, just a location directory. This makes going between different areas a lot easier for sure. While you’re in a location, be it town or dungeon, you get a 2D area to explore, chests to open , and characters in town to talk to and shops to visit. Dungeons will also have those random battles.

As is tradition with most KEMCO title with the same art style, there are plenty of quality of lifestyle options for players. Getting in too many battles and need to tone them down? You can reduce encounter rate. Need to farm some enemies? You can increase the encounter rate to every step. Enemies too hard? Well, there are five difficulties to choose from. Also back for your pleasure is the “store” and all that comes with it. Essentially the store is the place where you can buy “cheats” with earned in-game currency. Every three battles in-game you get a number of evil gems depending on difficulty setting. You can use these gems to exchange for permanent passive effects, such as increased exp or money, items such as keys that let you into special areas, or you can exchange for lottery pulls, where you might win the best weapons or armour. The Evil gems are fairly easy to earn on the easiest difficulty, so if you really need the boost and aren’t playing for the challenge you can grind some out to help you out.

In terms of combat, things are mostly traditional RPG style. Combat is turn based and you have a character gauge at the top of the screen indicating turn order based on a character’s speed, with different moves available such as normal attacks, skills, items, or you can stand by to recover some MP. You also have summons you can use as well, although only once per summon and character per battle. Some stronger enemies will have a guard you can break by using skills matching the symbols under their sprite. For example, a down arrow indicates a skill that hits a full column, whereas a star symbol is a single target. When you go to use a skill it will also show you the associated symbols. Guard breaking an enemy allows other characters to chain in and use follow up moves, potentially resulting in massive damage to a strong enemy or boss.

Acquiring new skills is a bit of an interesting departure. Unlike how it’s usually handled, in Isekai Villain skills are unlocked through a skill tree. You can earn skill points primarily through reaching certain milestones such as levels, or increasing your notoriety within the villain community. Once you’ve acquired some skill points, you can unlock and upgrade skills in each character’s skill trees. Needless to say the further down the tree you go, the better the skill usually is, but the more costly it is to use and get to.

Another cool introduction is passive skills. These are earned by performing certain actions or milestones, either in or out of battle. For example, using different types of skills will increase or earn some passives, while switching your party formation to a certain layout may unlock others. These can usually be upgraded by performing the same actions repeatedly a set number of times if the skill can be upgraded.

Among the neat aspects this time around we actually have a sort of LITE base building. When you return to the Crown Eaters base, once you unlock it you can go talk to a certain NPC and get them to build stuff in your backyard. These buildings can have a variety of purposes, some unlocking stores or game mechanics, and some just giving a general stat increase to your characters. Most buildings that feature some sort of shop or gameplay mechanic can be strengthened to increase the effects, making it worthwhile to check in occasionally if you have some extra building materials.

Now, I do have to talk about the storyline a little bit here. It isn’t exactly bad, but it does have some ups and downs. For the most part, characters in Isekai Villain tend to be rather un-idealist. They're all for going for what they want, but are more than willing to recognize that things aren’t always going to work out if you don’t make changes or compromise on things, both in the heroes party (not you) and for the villains. Also props to the devs for having good and bad people on both sides of the conflict and not stacking it one way or the other. Unfortunately the translation is…pretty rough to be honest. There are a ton of awkward sounding sentences or words I didn’t feel were particularly well translated. A bit of a departure since most of the KEMCO titles I’ve played have tended to have a decent translation. While it isn’t the worst, it definitely makes getting involved in the plot a little tougher.

In case you are a returning KEMCO JRPG enjoyer, the style is in the more anime-esque style instead of the more RPG-maker more realistic style. The music, backgrounds, and a bunch of enemy sprites are certainly reused from other games, but I feel like if you’re playing these KEMCO titles you probably don’t mind too much. While the music direction is similar in that regard as well, at least all the music and animations are well fitting.

Overall Isekai Villain is a decent addition to the KEMCO RPG line-up. While a poor translation makes it a little harder to enjoy the storyline, there are a good number of features to allow you to customize your experience to create the difficulty level you want in your RPG. The colourful cast of party members are all extremely unique as well, and not very often you find their type of personalities. If you are looking for another retro JRPG to pass some spare time, check out Isekai Villain. Just remember, don’t be too evil now.

Score: 7 / 10

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Survival Horror Game The Sinking City 2 Launches in August 2026!

Saturday, 6 June 2026, Kyiv, Ukraine | Today, Frogwares is proud to announce that its upcoming survival horror game, The Sinking City 2, will launch on August 18, 2026, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. 

The announcement was made during Summer Game Fest, accompanied by a brand-new trailer titled “Welcome to Arkham,” which premiered as part of the Future Games Show Summer Showcase. 

Steam Demo Release

As an additional surprise for players, the team has shadow-dropped a one-hour playable demo on Steam. The demo covers the opening hour of the full game and offers an early look at Frogwares’ take on survival horror. It also provides the first opportunity to properly meet the new protagonist, occult adventurer Calvin Rafferty, and begin uncovering the reasons behind his tragic and arduous journey into the flooded and Eldritch monster-infested city of Arkham. 

A Relief To Finally Glimpse the Finish Line

The Sinking City 2 has been in development at Frogwares since January 2023, with the majority of our 90+ person team based in Ukraine. The constant hurdles and hardships caused by russia’s invasion brought constant uncertainty and shifting timelines throughout production. The announcement of a release date marks a significant milestone, allowing the team to finally be able to see the game in full and assess the remaining work needed to bring the game to completion and prepare it for launch as a self-published title. 

Making games is already chaotic and unpredictable, so having a war going on at the same time adds a layer of immense chaos. We were forced to constantly adapt and change our plans. So many times we had to rethink and adjust how we were going to get things done. And often just as we’d finally adapted and got into the new flow of things, something else would be waiting around the corner to throw us into disarray. Rinse and repeat.

We went through entire winters where heat and power were regularly cut off throughout the day because our infrastructure was being intentionally targeted. We had days where someone would be part of the team, and then the next day we’d hear they had been called up to serve and needed to start handing over their work to the rest of us. You’d be in a meeting one minute discussing some trivial design question, and the next, half of us would be saying, “Hold on, the air raid sirens just went off.” We’ve had people disappear for days because, overnight, their home or apartment building was hit directly or indirectly, damaging their homes.

Even during the week we finally picked a release date internally as a team, our feelings of joy and relief were quickly dampened when, that very Sunday, cities across the country came under some of the worst attacks since the start of the war. It felt like some vindictive force reminding us not to celebrate too much because everything could still change in an instant.

But despite all this, we’re keeping our heads up. We’re beyond proud and in awe of how we’ve come together through all of this, and we’re happy to have finally brought the game to a point where we can see its release on the horizon.

— Sergiy Oganesyan, Head of Publishing, Frogwares

About The Sinking City 2

The Sinking City 2 is set in a Lovecraftian vision of 1920s America, in the infamous city of Arkham. A supernatural flood has driven out all but the most deranged residents, leaving decay and eldritch horrors that roam the streets. Step into the role of Calvin Rafferty, an occult adventurer whose cavalier actions have led to devastating consequences. After a dreaming ritual goes wrong, his girlfriend, Faye, is left trapped in a mysterious sleep. Now Calvin must navigate the drowned streets of a derelict city in a desperate attempt to bring her back. On his quest, he’ll come face to face with a plague of otherworldly creatures, the Slither, who possess and twist the dead into lethal, walking puppets.

Game Features

• Fight to Survive: Use an arsenal of 1920s-inspired weapons to fight against Eldritch abominations.
• Explore The Decaying City of Arkham: A world of rotting mansions, flooded markets, and abandoned hospitals that you’ll explore by foot and by boat. 
• Find and Use What You Can: Scrounge for limited resources and balance a finite inventory as you decide what to bring and what to leave behind.
• Choose to Investigate Further: Explore your surroundings more deeply and solve optional cases and puzzles to uncover secrets, upgrades, and lore
• A Twisted Lovecraftian Tale: Experience a captivating and morally gray story of personal loss, woven through the Lovecraftian mythos of occultism and incomprehensible creatures 

Article by: Susan N.

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Iron Gate and Coffee Stain Publishing Announce Valheim 1.0 on Sept 9th

SKÖVDE, Sweden – June 7th, 2026 | Developer Iron Gate and publisher Coffee Stain Publishing are excited to announce that their acclaimed Viking survival game Valheim will be releasing into 1.0 on September 9th on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series XIS, Nintendo Switch 2, Linux, and Mac. Announced during the PC Gaming Show earlier today, Valheim will conclude its Early Access journey with its biggest update yet: the arrival of Deep North, a frigid land encased in ice and mystery.

Deep North: Glacial Peaks & Frozen Tundras

Deep North is Valheim’s final biome wrought with ancient evils and lurking threats. What at first seems like a picturesque postcard is bound to quickly turn into a struggle to survive as the land awakens to banish any invaders trying to set foot on its icy shores.

When players first arrive in the Deep North, they are likely to be greeted by an impenetrable snowstorm that, once it clears out, reveals snowy mesas and fields frozen in eternal stillness. As they carefully begin to explore, they will discover vast but abandoned villages, quickly realising that they aren’t the first vikings to set foot here.

The northernmost biome is home to some of the most ancient threats players will find in the game. When the trolls of Valheim grow too old, they migrate to the Deep North to become one with the land and transform into Gammeltrolls, primordial giants that serve as the guardians of the north.

While the surface might seem desolate, the underground of the Deep North teems with life. Vikings who have previously set foot here have been attacked and defeated by the malicious Elakingar, who dig tunnels deep into the ground. Adventurers should tread carefully however, for these sinister devils are at times accompanied by something far more terrifying.

Across Realms and Platforms

With the official release of Valheim into 1.0, the game will be coming out on PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2 as well, on top of already being available on PC, Linux, Mac, Xbox One and Xbox Series XIS. Valheim will feature full crossplay between platforms, allowing players from all corners of the world to experience the tenth norse realm however and with whomever they’d like.

“When we set out on this journey back in 2021, we could hardly imagine the amount of players that would dive in, and the size of the community that would form around the game.” says Robin Eyre, Creative Director at Iron Gate. “Approaching 1.0 feels equal parts exciting and anxious as we’ve worked hard to make Deep North a worthy conclusion to the Valheim journey!”

Valheim is set to release globally into 1.0 on September 9th 2026. You can find the Deep North press kit here, and you can follow Valheim on Bluesky, Instagram and Discord for more information and updates

Article by: Susan N.

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Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance Expansion Coming in 2027 with New Apex Monsters!

June 6th, 2026 | Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance™ director Takuro Hiraoka and producer Ryozo Tsujimoto shared details about the massive expansion after its surprise reveal during the Summer Game Fest 2026 live showcase. The video also included the announcement that Monster Hunter Wilds™ is now in development for Nintendo Switch™ 2.

More information regarding the release of Monster Hunter Wilds on Nintendo Switch 2 will be shared in the future. The base version of the action RPG is available now on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and is currently on sale for as low as $29.39.

During the developers’ video, director Takuro Hiraoka and producer Ryozo Tsujimoto took a deeper dive into elements shown in the Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance announce trailer that debuted earlier today, including:

• New Locale – The expansion introduces the Skybound Eyrie, where floating ruin-adorned islands are suspended above the Forbidden Lands. The new terrain provides fun ways to travel atop Seikret mounts, gliding between the floating isles.
• Boost Bracer – Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance adds new actions for each of the 14 weapon types via the Boost Bracer. This fresh piece of equipment in hunters’ arsenals introduces exhilarating new attacks, combos, and mobility options to give hunters more versatile options while tackling tougher challenges.
• Master Rank – The expansion will feature a wealth of content for newcomers and veterans alike, with even more profound challenges awaiting hunters as they seek to unravel the mystery surrounding the sudden appearance of Elder Dragons in the Forbidden Lands. The story for Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance can be accessed after hunters complete the 7★ Quest “Awaking from a Dream.”
• New Monsters – The trailer showcased a new monster pack displaying devastating aerial coordination and gave a glimpse of returning fan-favorite Elder Dragons including  Kushala Daora. Please stay tuned for more information on the new challenges that await in Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance.

Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance is planned for release in 2027.

The appearance of Elder Dragons in the reveal trailer inspired the developers to reflect on their portrayal in the recently released Monster Hunter Stories™ 3: Twisted Reflection. The highly acclaimed turn-based RPG is out now on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. A free Trial Version with save data transfer is available on all platforms.

Happy Hunting!

Article by: Susan N.

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EA Sports UFC 6 - PlayStation 5 Review

 

EA Sports UFC 6 by developer EA Sports and publisher Electronic Arts—PlayStation 5 review written by Nick with a copy provided by the publisher.

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

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Wheelmates Launching on Steam in September of This Year!

June 6, 2026 | WheelMates, the co-op driving adventure where two players guide tiny RC cars through the secret-riddled house of an eccentric missing scientist from developer Firevolt, charges its batteries to launch on Monday, Sept. 7 on PC via Steam with a Friends Pass available at launch, as revealed today at Future Games Show. PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S versions are currently in development.

Play the updated Steam Next Fest demo starting Monday, June 7. Learn more about the story by scanning selected objects, discovering memory cards that reveal details about the owner of the house. Revisit the clues and connect the dots in the Journal, debuting in the updated demo. Enjoy improved controls with more flexible handling settings, additional camera settings including free camera control, and Steam Deck support. 

Antennae at attention! Go offroading indoors as two RC cars in a maze-like laboratory home to oversized household objects covering up the strange experiments of a stranger scientist. Work together to get into small spaces and hard-to-reach areas, and discover secrets in playgrounds where normal appliances become comically large obstacles. Charge through environmental puzzles in a series of unlockable escape rooms on a journey through the Kitchen, Garage, Backyard, and other mysteriously closed-off, wide open crawlspaces.

Team up to tackle challenging tasks demanding collaboration. Communicate with one another to properly time each player’s role in every solution, and together unlock every location inside the house to learn the truth behind the professor’s disappearance. Upgrade RC cars with physics-based rope swings, powerfully magnetic wheels, and other helpful gadgets to turn teamwork into progress in unpredictably fun ways.

Ride through a puzzling house with a friend at any pace as WheelMates steers into shared problem solving skills between duos as the core framework fostering fun moment-to-moment gameplay without the pressure of performance.

Strap in for an unexpected ride when WheelMates launches on Steam for PC and Steam Deck on Monday, Sept. 7, 2026. A Friends Pass will be available alongside the Steam version, enabling two people to play with just one copy of the game. Play the updated demo today on Steam for PC and Steam Deck. PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S versions are also in development for release at a later date. 

WheelMates supports 14 languages including English, French, German, Spanish (Spain + Latin America), Simplified Chinese, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil + Portugal), Russian, Italian, Turkish, Ukrainian, and Belarusian. 

For more information, join the Discord server, visit the game’s official site, and follow WheelMates on X, TikTok, and YouTube.

About Firevolt

An independent studio Firevolt combines its experience and knowhow to make its own co-op titles that bring new approaches and shared experiences to the world. 

Article by: Susan N.

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Nightdive Studios Announces Thief: The Dark Project Remastered for Winter Release!

Vancouver, WA (June 7, 2026) | Nightdive Studios, Eidos-Montréal and Atari today announced Thief: The Dark Project Remastered, a modern revival of the groundbreaking 1998 classic from Looking Glass Studios that helped define the stealth genre. Remastered with Nightdive’s KEX Engine, the release includes Thief: The Dark Project and the additional missions, content and updates from the 1999 Thief Gold re-release. Coming this Winter, the game will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox Play Anywhere, Nintendo Switch 2, Steam, Epic Games Store and GOG, in addition to PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch.

 

Considered an early foundation of “pure stealth” gameplay, Thief stood out in an era dominated by combat-heavy first-person games. Instead of open confrontation, it rewards a slower, more deliberate approach – using light and sound to stay hidden or misdirect enemies, and when required, ferocious moments of violence that stay hidden in the shadows. Described by its developers as a “first-person sneaker,” the title is widely regarded as the pioneering 3D stealth experience or “immersive sim.”

“Thief didn’t just introduce stealth mechanics, it defined them,” said Stephen Kick, CEO at Nightdive Studios. “With this remaster, we’ve preserved the tension and intelligence of the original while enhancing it for modern players, ensuring that its legacy continues to influence how stealth games are played today."

Thief notably emphasizes player agency over scripted scenarios, giving players the freedom to navigate the world and tackle challenges in their own way, using the tools available to them to stay hidden. The NPCs in Thief are also responsive to the environment: instead of following routines, they interact with visual and auditory cues, react and investigate, and communicate with each other.

“Few games have had an impact as enduring as Thief,” said Patrice Baig, General Manager at Eidos-Montréal. “It set a standard for immersion and atmospheric storytelling that still resonates today. This remaster ensures a new generation can experience what made it so influential, and we’re proud to see it treated with such care.”

In Thief: The Dark Project Remastered, players once again step into the boots of Garrett, an orphan rescued from the streets by the Keepers – a secretive, ancient order dedicated to maintaining balance in the world – and trained to become a Master Thief. Now an adult, the rebellious Garrett has left the order and now moves through a world of corruption and conspiracy, stealing from the wealthy for personal gain. Despite his cynical outlook and dark wit, as he uncovers hidden agendas among those grasping for power his instinct is to act for the greater good.

Innovative gameplay features include:

• Advanced NPC AI: A dynamic visibility system and sound simulation allows both players and enemies to detect movement realistically; NPCs will dynamically adapt to sounds the player makes,  investigate, and even raising alarms
• Keep to the Shadows: Experience one of the first games to use light and sound as core gameplay mechanics; use fire arrows to extinguish torches and moss arrows to dampen loud surfaces
• Stealth-Based Combat: Strike unseen from the shadows using Garrett’s blackjack to incapacitate enemies from behind or specialized gas mines and arrows to take them down from range
• Misdirection: Flashbombs will temporarily blind and disorient enemies and Noisemaker arrows will distract and draw away guards. 
• Tools of a Master Thief: amass a full array of specialized tools including lockpicks, remote cameras, and even rope arrows to access out-of-reach locations

Thief: The Dark Project Remastered modernizes the original experience with material quality of life enhancements. As part of the remastering effort the artists at Nightdive have carefully updated and improved the graphic textures and models, as well as the cut scenes and animations. The team also updated the UI, adding a weapon and item wheel, and mission selector. Support was also added on PC for custom campaigns so that players can experience the many missions and campaigns created over the years by fans.

From its use of light and shadow to its emphasis on player vulnerability and non-lethal playstyles, Thief: The Dark Project helped shape decades of stealth-focused design. Its influence can be seen across the genre, inspiring immersive, system-driven gameplay. The game was recognized at the 3rd Annual Interactive Achievement Awards (2000) with a win for “Outstanding Achievement in Character or Story Development.” With Thief: The Dark Project Remastered, players can revisit – or experience for the first time – the title that made stealth not just a mechanic, but a philosophy.

Thief: The Dark Project Remastered will launch this Winter on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox Play Anywhere, Nintendo Switch 2, Steam, Epic Games Store and GOG, in addition to PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch. Nintendo Switch owners can upgrade to the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition for free.

For more details on Thief: The Dark Project Remastered, visit atari.com.

 

 

About Nightdive Studios

Nightdive Studios is a dedicated global team of industry veterans committed to restoring the classic PC game titles of the past and making them accessible to a new generation of gamers. Hit titles from Nightdive Studios include System Shock Enhanced Edition, System Shock 2, the remastered Turok trilogy, Shadowman Remastered, Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster, PowerSlave Exhumed, Quake II, The Thing: Remastered, and its full-fledged remake of the iconic System Shock. Nightdive Studios is a subsidiary of Atari, Inc.  More information can be found on the company’s website, www.nightdivestudios.com. Fans can additionally follow on Facebook, X, or Bluesky.

About Eidos-Montréal

Founded in 2007, Eidos‑Montréal® is a game developer and publisher best known for breathing new life into established intellectual properties, whether owned, licensed, or developed in partnership with industry collaborators. Renowned for its storytelling expertise, the studio brings depth, emotion, and renewed relevance to beloved worlds, crafting narrative‑driven experiences that resonate with players around the globe.

Eidos-Montréal is part of Crystal Dynamics – Eidos, an operative group within Embracer Group AB which is publicly listed on Nasdaq Stockholm under the ticker EMBRAC B. (EMBRAC B). 

Learn more at eidosmontreal.com.

About Atari

Atari is an interactive entertainment company and an iconic gaming industry brand that transcends generations and audiences. The company is globally recognized for its multi-platform, interactive entertainment, and licensed products. Atari owns and/or manages a portfolio of more than 400 unique games and franchises, including world-renowned brands like Asteroids®, Centipede®, PONG®, and RollerCoaster Tycoon®. The Atari family of brands includes game developers Coatsink, Digital Eclipse, Early Morning Studios, Implicit Conversions, Infogrames, Nightdive Studios, Stormteller Games, and the community-based sites AtariAge and MobyGames. Visit us online at www.Atari.com.

Atari shares are listed in France on Euronext Growth Paris (ISIN Code FR0010478248, Ticker ALATA) and OTC Pink Current (Ticker PONGF).

©2026 Atari Interactive, Inc. Atari wordmark and logo are trademarks owned by Atari Interactive, Inc.

Article by: Susan N.

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