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Nexon has published its financial results for its third quarter, reporting "extended robust performances" in its main franchises despite declines in revenue and operating income. Read more View the full article

Valve has announced its new wireless VR headset, Steam Frame, will support Android games. Read more View the full article

Sega has confirmed its raising the salaries of all its Japanese employees by around 10%, including its starting salaries for new hires. Read more View the full article

After accusing Rockstar of union busting after the studio reportedly dismissed 30 to 40 employees last Thursday (October 30), The Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain (IWGB) has issued claims against the developer for unfairly dismissing staff. Read more View the full article

Valve has revealed the Steam Machine, a cubical device that's six times more powerful than the Steam Deck and lets you play your entire Steam Library with ease on a TV in your living room. There's no price or release date yet, but Valve says it will be released in early 2026. Alongside the Steam Machine, Valve also revealed the Steam Frame, a new streaming-first, wireless VR headset (with controllers) that lets you play your entire Steam VR and non-VR catalog. And finally, Valve unveiled the Steam Controller, which looks a lot like a Nintendo Switch 2 Pro controller, but with the touchpads seen on the Steam Deck. Alongside the Steam Machine, Valve says the Frame and Controller will be released in early 2026. Steam Machine Valve says the Steam Machine is over six times more powerful than the Steam Deck, and can play all of your Steam library – just sign in with your Steam account via the device and you're set. It features SteamOS, an "OS optimized for gaming, with fast suspend/resume, and cloud saves," and it's all packed into a small form factor roughly the size of a 6-inch cube. The company says it keeps itself cool, is whisper-quiet, and can handle any peripherals you attach to it thanks to a 1 Gigabit Ethernet port, DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0, one USB-C port, and four USB-A ports. As for what's happening inside the Machine, Valve says you can expect 4K gaming at 60 FPS with FSR, thanks to a semi-custom AMD desktop-class CPU and GPU, and it will come in either a 512GB or 2TB storage capacity. However, both can be expanded via a microSD. In terms of connectivity, the Steam Machine has 2x2 Wi-Fi 6E plus Bluetooth 5.3 with a dedicated antenna. The Steam Controller's wireless adapter is built right into the cube, too, which Valve says makes for easy pairing. And finally, the Steam Machine's power supply is built in, so there's no large power brick. An LED strip along the bottom of the cube lets you keep an eye on system status, such as download progress, even when the screen is off. You can change the colors and animations, too. Valve says it is expanding its Verified program (for Steam Deck) to include ratings for Steam Machine "so customers can understand how their games will run." Also, despite functioning like a plug-and-play console, it's still a PC, so you can install your own apps or a completely different operating system, if you want. Steam Controller The new Steam Controller has been built for Steam and is configurable with Steam Input, allowing you to use it on a PC, a laptop, the Steam Deck, the Steam Machine, and even the Steam Frame. It comes with the Steam Controller Puck, which is both a wireless transmitter that "provides a fast, stable connection for your Steam Controller" and is also a charging station that connects to the controller magnetically. You can still use Bluetooth or USB, if you prefer, though. Valve says the Steam Controller features magnetic thumbsticks with TMR technology, "designed for improved feel, responsiveness, and long-term reliability." Plus, they support capacitive touch for motion controls, and the entire controller features high-definition rumble and a grip-enabled gyro. It features all the other usual controller features like thumbsticks, buttons, bumpers, and triggers designed for comfort, motion controls, grip buttons, the Steam button, a quick menu access button, and even trackpads like those seen on the Steam Deck. It's due out sometime in early 2026, though Valve didn't reveal a specific release date or the device's cost. Steam Frame The final new piece of Steam hardware Valve revealed today is the Steam Frame, a "VR and non-VR" gaming device. Valve calls it a streaming-first, wireless VR headset that includes unique controllers, and the entire package "can handle your whole Steam library. "Step into immersive VR, or lean back and enjoy your non-VR catalog," Valve writes on the announcement page. "And it supports stand-alone, too. The Steam Frame headset is lightweight and compact, with the weight balanced front-to-rear for a comfortable experience. It's also easy to just slip on and play, with no wires and no setup." With the included plug-and-play 6GHz wireless adapter, you can play both VR and non-VR games via streaming, and the device includes something Valve calls "Foveated Streaming," which optimizes details based on where your eyes are looking. Like the Steam Deck and Steam Machine, Valve is expanding its Verified program to include Steam Frame as well. It's due out sometime in early 2026, though Valve didn't reveal any specific release date or price. What are your thoughts on all this new hardware? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

Valve has announced three new hardware products: a new Steam Frame VR headset and controllers, a new Steam controller, and a next-gen Steam Machine. Read more View the full article

Street karate 3 is free this week on Indiegala! Street Karate 3 is a small 2d beat 'em up game with a ... View the full article

Nintendo held a special Direct for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie ahead of its release in theaters next year on April 3, 2026. Though the Direct clocked in at less than eight minutes long, it was still jam-packed with information. We've rounded up everything you need to know in one place – this article here – for easy viewing. Everything We Learned In Today's Direct For The Super Mario Galaxy Movie To kick things off, Super Mario Bros. creator and movie executive producer Shigeru Miyamoto introduced himself and Chris Meledandri, the CEO of Illumination, the studio behind The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. The duo wasted no time, though, immediately kicking to the first full trailer for the film. In it, we get a look at returning characters like Mario, Luigi, Bowser, Peach, and Toad, alongside our first looks at new additions in the form of Rosalina and Bowser Jr. Check out the new trailer for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie below: As you can see, the trailer begins on a stormy night. Inside a castle, we see Bowser painting something, and just after placing the finishing touches, he's jump-scared by Luigi. In case you forgot, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which hit theaters in 2023, ended with Bowser consuming a Mini Mushroom, shrinking him significantly. Since the events of that movie, it seems Mario and Luigi have been keeping a close eye on Bowser by letting him live in his shrunken-down castle within the confines of Peach's castle. In this scene, Bowser showcases his latest masterpiece, and of course, it's a totally-accurate-and-not-at-all-exaggerated buff version of himself holding Peach on canvas. We also see that Bowser is working on his anger issues here, but is still struggling with them from time to time. From here, the scene with Bowser, Mario, and Luigi ends and we cut forward to Peach and Mario on a balcony of Peach's castle in the Mushroom Kingdom, watching a strange phenomenon happen in the sky. Dozens of stars burst through the night sky above them as the duo watches in awe (and maybe a bit of fear ) at what's happening. At this point, the Mario Bros. theme from The Super Mario Bros. Movie begins blasting, and we see Peach and Toad jumping through star-shaped portals, blasting through space, diving through watery planets, and more. In this montage, we see Mario and Luigi on a sandy planet, riding motorbikes, towards a familiar desert pyramid, while Peach is busy kicking some butt on a different planet. After this, we get a look at a seemingly powered-up version of Bowser Jr. before cutting away to Rosalina using her special powers to take down a massive mechanized enemy. The trailer ends here, reminding viewers that The Super Mario Galaxy Movie hits theaters on April 3, 2026. New CastAs you probably predicted, given the movie's title, it's no surprise that Rosalina appears in the trailer. She's the galactic protector after all, and one of the main stars in the Super Mario Galaxy series of games. Meledandri and Miyamoto used this segment of the Direct to debut a new scene of Rosalina reading a special book to her star-shaped friends, the Lumas. After this, Meledandri reveals that none other than Brie Larson (Captain Marvel, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World), noted Nintendo superfan, is voicing Rosalina. Alongside that new casting announcement, Meledandri attempted to reveal the voice of Bowser Jr., but Bowser's voice actor, Jack Black, crashed the Direct to do it himself. And the voice of Bowser Jr. is none other than Benny Safdie (Oppenheimer, The Curse, and director of Uncut Gems). We got a quick scene of Bowser Jr. here showing the beloved/infamous Koopa throne heir-to-be donning a more traditional look (versus the purple-glowing, powered-up version in the trailer). After that, the Direct ended with Miyamoto and Meledandri expressing their excitement for the film, with the latter noting Illumination is weeks away from putting the final touches on the movie. Miyamoto closed out the Direct by urging viewers to check out the Nintendo Today app for more information, but at the time of this writing, only the Direct has been posted there. New PosterOutside of the Direct, Nintendo and Illumination revealed a new poster for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie that you can see below: And that's everything we learned about The Super Mario Galaxy Movie during today's special Nintendo Direct. For more, check out the reveal trailer for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, and if you're in the mood for more galactic adventuring, check out the recently released Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 bundle available on Switch and Switch 2. After that, read Game Informer's review of The Super Mario Bros. Movie. View the full article

Nintendo aired a special Direct for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie today and released a brand-new trailer for the upcoming film, set to hit theaters in April. In the trailer, we get new looks at returning characters like Mario, Luigi, Bowser, Peach, and Toad, alongside our first look at Rosalina and Bowser Jr. During the Direct, Nintendo and Illumination, which is creating the movie, revealed that Brie Larson will voice Rosalina and Benny Safdie will voice Bowser Jr. In the trailer, we get to see and hear both of these new (to the movie franchise) characters in action. As the galactic protector, Rosalina is quite adept at tackling any challenge before her with her special wand and star friends known as the Lumas – we get to see her use that wand against a strange mechanical enemy and read a special book to her Lumas. As for Safdie's Bowser Jr., we see the character's more traditional look alongside a seemingly powered-up (perhaps mechanical) version of Bowser's child. Check it out in the new trailer for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie below: As you can see, alongside looks at returning and new characters, this trailer also shows us glimpses of the planet-hopping adventure the Mario Bros. crew will go on in the movie, highlighting that even Peach and Toad will do some galactic travel. Eagle-eyed watchers might even notice a familiar planet or two in the quick scenes, too. Here are some additional screenshots from the trailer: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie hits theaters on April 3, 2026. In the meantime, read about the movie's latest casting news, and then check out the reveal trailer for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. After that, read Game Informer's review of The Super Mario Bros. Movie. What do you think of this latest trailer? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

Nintendo held a special Direct for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, and alongside a new trailer for the film, revealed the voices behind galactic protector Rosalina and Koopa throne heir-to-be Bowser Jr. Brie Larson (Captain Marvel, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World) will voice Rosalina and Benny Safdie (Oppenheimer, The Curse, and director of Uncut Gems) will voice Bowser Jr. Like The Super Mario Bros. Movie in 2023, Illumination is creating this movie with Nintendo, and Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri joined Super Mario Bros. creator Shigeru Miyamoto during the Direct to make this casting announcement. However, after revealing Larson as the voice of Rosalina, Bowser voice actor Jack Black crashed the Direct to take over and announce Safdie's involvement himself. In case you're unfamiliar, here's a look at Larson and Safdie and the characters they're voicing: During the Direct, Nintendo not only released a brand new trailer for the film, but it also released two quick scenes showcasing Larson as Rosalina and Safdie as Bowser Jr. You can check out both in the final minutes of the Direct below: As you can see, both Larson and Safdie sound great in their roles, and fortunately, we don't have to wait too long to hear more, as The Super Mario Galaxy Movie hits theaters on April 3. In the meantime, check out the reveal trailer for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, and then read Game Informer's review of The Super Mario Bros. Movie. What do you think of these new casting announcements? Let us know in the comments below! View the full article

Sony leadership has discussed its expectations of Destiny 2 following its $3.6 million acquisition of Bungie in 2022. Read more View the full article

Following the launch of Arc Raiders – and the ongoing debate regarding the use of generative AI – Nexon CEO Junghun Lee has said "it's important to assume every game company" is using the technology. Read more View the full article

Tencent-owned studio Sharkmob has confirmed planned job losses at its Malmo studio, which is currently working on sci-fi extraction shooter Exoborne. The company's London studio was effectively closed in 2024, after local staff were made redundant following the cancellation of an unannounced game. Read more View the full article

The domestic revenue of Sweden's games industry rose to SEK 37 billion ($4 billion) in 2024, representing a 6.8% year-on-year increase. Read more View the full article

Today marks the launch of the Games Growth Guild, a new global network and community for marketing and publishing professionals in the games industry. Read more View the full article

The Game Awards 2025 to stream on Amazon Prime | News-in-briefView the full article

Today, during Sony's Japanese-focused State of Play presentation, From Software announced The Forsaken Hollows DLC coming to Elden Ring Nightreign on December 4. The DLC will add two new playable characters, the Scholar and the Undertaker. The former is an arcane focused player and the latter is more focused on strength and faith. From Software was not ready to offer additional details about the DLC, which you can read on the PlayStation Blog, simply writing, "Players will confront two new bosses tormenting Limveld." The PlayStation Blog also makes reference to The Great Hollow, "A great cavity in the depths of Limveld." To read our Game Informer's Elden Ring Nightreign review, follow the link. View the full article

Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, a tag-team fighter from the studio behind such hits as Dragon Ball FighterZ and Guilty Gear Strive, is getting another closed beta. The first ran from September 5 to 7, and featured online play, limited offline functionality, and six playable fighters. This new closed beta, which runs from December 5 to 7, adds Spider-Man and Ghost Rider (Robbie Reyes) into the mix as playable characters and adds various other features to give players a better chance to test out the upcoming fighter. This second closed beta adds Savage Land, which was revealed at Tokyo Game Show, and the X-Mansion, which was revealed today. These two iconic locales come primarily from the X-Men side of the Marvel Universe, and the X-Mansion features Colossus, Beast, Professor X, and other mutants lingering the background. The new beta will also include more consistent online play with no breaks in the gameplay schedule, rollback netcode, expanded offline features, and spectator mode. With the inclusion of these two new characters into this next closed beta, that brings the full roster for December's closed beta to eight characters: Captain America, Doctor Doom, Ghost Rider, Iron Man, Ms. Marvel, Spider-Man, Star-Lord, and Storm. We do not know how many playable characters will be available in the final game, but if we look at Dragon Ball FighterZ, it included 23 playable characters at launch (including unlockables), plus another 22 post-launch, bringing the total to 45. Marvel has no shortage of well-known characters, so it stands to reason we have quite a few more to learn about in the lead up to launch and after. Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls arrives on PlayStation 5 and PC at some point in 2026. If you're a subscriber to Game Informer and want more information on this promising fighter, read our exclusive preview feature where we interviewed the team here. View the full article

Today's State of Play Japan revealed that a new rendition of BlazBlue Entropy Effect is coming to PlayStation 5 next February. The side-scrolling roguelike spin-off of the popular fighting franchise was first released as a PC exclusive in February 2024. This new version is officially dubbed BlazBlue Entropy Effect X and is a brand-new story that features Naoto Kurogane once again. Here is the official synopsis: At a mysterious domain, known as “the Lab”,a group of elite researchers race to save a collapsing word; however, despite their efforts to date, Dr. Mercurius, head of the laboratory, still warns the world’s downfall is near. To prevent the destruction of the world, the protagonist "Ace" dives into the Sea of Possibility in search of the key known as the "Shards of Possibility". As Ace continues to dive, countless memories flood his mind, and the truth behind the collapsing world—and the research itself—begins to surface.... Entropy Effect is a fast-paced action roguelike where players control a character codenamed Ace, who battles across dimensions to save a world on the brink of destruction. The game's roster boasts 14 playable characters from the BlazBlue universe, each with specialized skills, to battle enemies using ultra-fast combos reminiscent of the mainline series. Characters can inherit each other's playstyles, allowing players to create customized battle styles. BlazBlue Entropy Effect X launches on February 12 for PlayStation 5. View the full article

The New York Videogame Critics Circle (NYVGCC) has added Pokémon as the fifteenth recipient of the Andrew Yoon Legend Award. Read more View the full article

Keep Driving, a pixel-art management RPG about going on a road trip to a music festival, took home the Grand Prize at the DevGAMM Awards on Friday night. Read more View the full article

Unity has published its financial results for the third quarter of its fiscal year, seeing modest but better-than-expected gains across most segments, including its Create Solutions and Grow Solutions. Overall revenue was up 5% year-on-year to $471 million. Read more View the full article

Reviewed on: PC Platform: PlayStation 5, PC Publisher: Devolver Digital Developer: Heart Machine Release: November 11, 2025 Regardless of whether you call them “search action” games or Metroidvanias, Possessors offers a fun, if very familiar, take on the formula. Its strong combat and quality storytelling make up for a few stumbles on the exploration side. By the time I saw credits, I didn’t regret making a deal with this devilish adventure. A corporate-owned metropolis has been torn asunder by the emergence of a demonic portal. Interdimensional demons have flooded the streets; some citizens become possessed, while the majority of others, perhaps mercifully, are outright slaughtered. A teenage girl named Luca is mortally wounded in the chaos, losing both of her legs while witnessing a mysterious monster murder her best friend. While at death’s door, she finds a similarly brutalized demon named Rhem, who will die without a host. Rhem proposes a deal: If Luca agrees to let him possess her, he’ll not only save her life, but will replace her legs and grant the power to fight out of the city together. Luca isn’t thrilled about this arrangement, but I relish using Rhem’s powers to tear apart monsters using combo-heavy attacks inspired by the stylish action genre. Armed with a variety of demonically supercharged ordinary items, such as kitchen knives, a computer mouse, sunglasses, and more, stringing together offense to juggle enemies feels smooth and has a great sense of impact. I’m a sucker for any mechanic that yanks enemies closer to me, so I love using Luca’s whip to reel in flying foes or even swing off of them. Surviving the relatively tough adversaries also requires a mastery of Luca’s satisfying parry ability to repel their attacks, and I never tire of bouncing incoming projectiles back to their senders. Upgrading weapons to bestow passive perks, like dealing increased parry damage and regaining health by dodging attacks, adds small but welcome layers of strategy to handle various situations. However, I found little incentive to change my loadout once I settled into the mid-game since I could more than handle any threat, including the entertainingly challenging boss fights. The action is also visually impressive in motion, thanks to the game's slick and colorful art direction, cool monster designs (most of which are twisted visages of possessed objects), and a skip-frame animation style. The beautifully illustrated conversation portraits are also a treat, with an art style reminiscent of Image Comics’ Saga. Conversely, the devastated city districts, such as a university campus and an aquatic park, are visually sparse and mundane compared to the vibrant characters. Sprinting through them unearths some decent sidequests, including slaying entertaining bounty targets and fulfilling simple fetch quests for mentally broken survivors, which satisfied the Metroidvania completionist in me. Just don’t be surprised if you get lost while searching for these tasks. Since you can pursue the game’s main objectives of collecting four demon eyeballs in any order, the game doesn’t funnel players toward key abilities, like a diving stomp and ground slide, as obviously as I’d like. It wasn’t uncommon to spend long stretches of time pursuing seemingly viable paths, only to hit barriers I couldn’t bypass, forcing long backtracks even after unlocking some shortcuts. The “correct” path isn’t always clear enough, and breakable barriers, like fragile wooden planks, sometimes blend into their surroundings a little too well. Between this and the relatively sparse checkpoints, not to mention needing to recollect fallen currency after dying à la Soulslikes, the lengthy runbacks through enemy-infested areas or tricky platforming sequences eventually wore on me. Barebones map markers also make it tough to remember which points of interest to revisit with a certain ability. In addition to the strong action and art direction, Possessors’ plot is an unexpected highlight. Luca and Rhem’s disparate personalities shine through humorous bickering, and the story features surprisingly poignant revelations centered on toxic relationships – platonic and romantic – that effectively humanize them. Rhem is an especially compelling character, and Heart Machine offers a fresh and interesting take on demon lore that kept me engaged with this fallen world. The most disappointing aspect of Possessors is that it plays it quite safe compared to Heart Machine’s past titles, Hyper Light Drifter and Solar Ash. Little about its formula will surprise Metroidvania enthusiasts; still, the studio has nonetheless notched another entertaining single-player action game under its belt, proving its action and world-building chops transcend genre. Score: 8.25 About Game Informer's review system View the full article

Reviewed on: PC Platform: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC Publisher: Embark Studios Developer: Embark Studios Release: October 30, 2025 Rating: Teen Arc Raiders is my favorite extraction shooter to date, surpassing its competition with incredible level design, a deep yet easy-to-navigate crafting system, stunning art direction, and an exciting suite of weaponry and gadgets to discover. Developer Embark Studios’ sophomore release also cultivates a surprisingly helpful community in a subgenre known for obfuscation and treachery. However, player-versus-player firefights still shine thanks to exceptional sound design: shields break like fireworks, characters yelp whenever a projectile hits them, and players can taunt or negotiate with others on the fly via proximity chat. Unpredictable player interactions and some of the most intelligent enemies I’ve seen in a shooter work in tandem to create a thrilling experience that rivals the market’s best multiplayer offerings. A devastating force of robots known as Arc has infiltrated the planet, forcing humanity to flee underground. Speranza, a subterranean city aptly named after the Italian word for “hope,” serves as a headquarters where raiders (i.e., players) interact with various vendors (who also serve as quest givers), improve their character via an expansive skill tree, and upgrade their bases to unlock new equipment blueprints. After selecting a map, players spawn at a random location, usually emerging into the world from a protected interior, like a bunker or apartment building, or a secluded area on the edge of the world. The primary goal of any one run is different for every person; tasks range from eliminating specific Arc types (pun intended) to gathering tree fruit for training your pet chicken at home. Of course, sometimes you just want to find new loot or hunt other players. Every match requires careful strategy. My risk tolerance and level pathing often change based on the loot I’ve acquired; death results in losing everything in your inventory, save for one or two items stowed in a character’s safe pouches. Elevators (or train stations, in some cases) act as public extraction zones, requiring squads to wait while loudspeakers and alarms signal their exit attempt. Friendly players may also try to exfiltrate alongside you, as departure points slowly deactivate as the match’s 30-minute timer runs out, but ambushes and backstabbings are always a consideration. Even well-intentioned alliances can fall apart due to miscommunication or interference from other parties, making every successful extraction a satisfying relief. Before loading into a map, players arm themselves with old-world weaponry, such as schlocky marksman rifles and crudely-crafted shotguns, alongside a selection of experimental gadgetry, including photoelectric cloaks, portable barricades, laser weapons, and a variety of explosives and traversal items. Battles play out spectacularly, with Embark’s art and audio mastery on impressive display. Sparks fly as bullets penetrate shields, glimmering particles and glitch sounds signaling the devices’ electrical failure. Flairs automatically fly skyward whenever a raider is knocked out, flagging their vulnerability and whereabouts to friendlies and enemies alike. Every weapon distinguishes itself with distinct characteristics, such as reload time, fire rate, range, and recoil pattern. Many items in Arc Raiders have multiple use cases, enabling players to creatively overcome a wide range of scenarios. I love outplaying a better-equipped squad with a thoughtful strategy, like using a Lure Grenade to provoke a nearby Rocketeer to attack their position, narrowly escaping via the contested exit with my hard-earned spoils. Environments are beautifully rendered and full of depth and verticality, frequently rewarding players for exploring even the most discrete locations. The mountainous Dam Battlegrounds features concrete laboratories rife with hostile security systems that dispatch swarming rollerbots and turret-like sentinels. Spaceport depicts lore-rich scenes showcasing the Arc’s immense scale, with deactivated machine husks draped over the perimeter wall guarding a rocket launch site, the massive carcass dwarfing a monument to humanity’s accomplishments. Points of interest not only serve as strategic strongholds, but they also often attract multiple teams searching for various categories of loot, creating natural friction that keeps encounters tense and unpredictable. Alternatively, common regions offer a slower pace for risk-adverse raiders, usually trading rarer discoveries for less opposition. Various weather systems and map modifiers, like Electromagnetic Storm or Night Raid, significantly alter the loot pool, enemy machine behavior, general visibility, and available extraction points. Although the overall crafting experience is polished, inventory management is a notable pain point. Upgrading your stash size is easy enough (it requires money from sold valuables), but there’s no way to search for a specific item in your inventory, increasing the time spent outside of excursions while trying to locate certain crafting resources. Despite an automatic system that groups loot into common categories like quick-use consumables or weapons, the lack of bin customization options is generally frustrating. The artificial intelligence powering the Arc's behavior is exceptional. Stealthing past patrols is exciting, as foliage and shadows affect the machines’ detection capabilities. The moments whenever a machine detects you are exhilarating, as they check corners and change elevation while tracing your scent like a hunting dog. Fighting Arc is risky, whether fighting grunt-like Wasps or evading larger menaces like Bastions and Leapers, as they can quickly dismantle even the most skillful team. Each threat demands serious consideration. As it did with The Finals, Embark’s debut release, the studio’s continued reliance on AI-powered text-to-speech tools detracts from my enjoyment of its final product. This technology is used in collaboration with the game’s ping system to highlight objects in the environment with dialogue barks. Setting aside my ethical concerns, I struggle to see how text-to-speech generation actually improves production, which is the company’s stated reason for using such technology. The democratization of audio recording processes over the last 20 years has made capturing performances, even remotely, easier and more affordable than ever before. Arc Raiders’ flat acting and dialogue barks stand out in a game with such beautiful human-generated art. However, this use-case is nuanced. Players may elect to mask their authentic voices with one of the pre-recorded actors’ voice models, using Embark’s text-to-speech technology, allowing vulnerable populations to avoid harassment they may otherwise face in online video games. I’ve witnessed firsthand how misogynistic and toxic some multiplayer lobbies can be towards women and other minorities. If this setting helps those folks enjoy a title they might not have otherwise, I count it as a silver lining. Despite my misgivings, I hold the human-made experience of Arc Raiders in high regard. Its creators have made an intriguing world full of curiosities and payoffs. Nearly every match yields a memorable sequence: an unexpected encounter, a dramatic escape, a hilarious interaction, or a tragic end. While casual gamers may find its harsh consequences frustrating, Arc Raiders provides an impressive setting and format for multiplayer fans seeking excellent engagements and novel interactions. Score: 9 About Game Informer's review system View the full article

Mixtape, the coming-of-age adventure by the creators of The Artful Escape, has been delayed to 2026. First revealed during the 2024 Xbox Showcase, the game was slated to launch sometime this year. In a social media post, developer Beethoven & Dinosaur states that Mixtape is “almost complete” and implies it's largely just applying finishing touches. The studio didn’t narrow the release window beyond the year, however, so we’ll have to stay tuned to see if the game arrives sooner than later. Here is Beethoven & Dinosaur’s full statement: While developing Artful Escape, our 3D artist Mikey, made an oven asset. It was a nice oven - the work of a true pro. He even put the knobs on. And that’s who we are at Beethoven & Dinosaur. We put the knobs on. Mixtape is almost complete, we’re just putting the knobs on. See you in 2026. Mixtape is published by Annapurna Interactive and takes place in the 1990s, centering on teenager Stacy Rockford, who dreams of becoming a music supervisor in Hollywood. She has a passion for creating mixtapes, and the story follows her and her teenage friends as they embark on a final adventure together. The game primarily consists of playable vignettes as the teens recall cherished memories, which often unfold as exaggerated takes on these events, accompanied by fourth-wall-breaking narration. The game’s presentation features a stop-motion-inspired animation reminiscent of the Spider-Verse films, and the soundtrack boasts tracks from artists including Guns & Roses, DEVO, The Smashing Pumpkins, Roxy Music, Iggy Pop, Joy Division, and many more. We played Mixtape during Summer Game Fest this year, and it became one of our favorite demos at the show. You can read our full preview here. Mixtape is coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. To read about other big delays, check out these news stories on the recent delays of Grand Theft Auto VI and Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra. View the full article