Today's Gaming Pulse
Valve hikes Steam Deck OLED prices amid component cost surge
Valve announced a price increase for its Steam Deck OLED handheld, pushing the 512 GB model to $789 and the 1 TB version to $949. The company cited rising memory and storage component costs and broader supply‑chain challenges as the reason for the hike.
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By the numbers: Goldenpeak invests majority stake in Ampere Analysis
Edwyn Mesman Wins Pokémon TCG Grand Finals at Pokémon EUIC 2026
Edwyn Mesman captured the Masters title at the 2026 Pokémon Trading Card Game European International Championship, defeating Britain’s Drew Stephenson in the final. The victory marks Mesman’s best result to date, upgrading his previous regional top‑four finish. He walks away with a $25,000 prize and an automatic berth to the Pokémon World Championships in San Francisco. The event was the largest EUIC ever, underscoring the growing popularity of the TCG.
Secretlab Named Official Chair & Desk Partner of PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026
Secretlab has been named the official chair and desk partner for PGL's Counter‑Strike 2 tournament in Cluj‑Napoca 2026. The partnership supplies competitors with Secretlab chairs and desks and introduces a limited‑edition Titan EVO Edition chair bearing PGL branding. The event runs Feb. 9‑22,...
Playground Basketball Codes February 2026
On February 15, 2026 Pocket Tactics released two new Playground Basketball codes—UPDATE4 for 4,500 coins and 25MVISITS for 7,500 coins—while also listing a set of expired codes. The article explains how to redeem the codes, emphasizing the need to like...
Pikachu | Pokémon Guide
Pikachu, Pokémon’s #025 Electric‑type mascot, appears across every main series game and countless media platforms. It boasts a 35.2% catch rate, evolves from Pichu to Raichu or Gigantamax, and offers a fast 90‑Speed stat line. Nintendo leverages Pikachu’s iconic status...
All 12 Groups for the Capcom Cup 12 Have Been Determined via Drawing
Capcom Cup 12’s group draw was streamed on February 15, confirming twelve groups of four from the 48 qualified players. The tournament runs March 11‑15, 2026, with a $1 million first‑place purse. Each group uses a miniature double‑elimination bracket, sending two players onward while...
Hideki Sato, Designer of All Sega’s Consoles, Has Died
Hideki Sato, the engineer who designed virtually every Sega console, died at 77. He joined Sega in 1971, led the R&D team that created the Master System, Genesis/Mega Drive, Saturn and Dreamcast, and served as company president from 2001 to...
‘P4T0M4N’ Becomes Back-to-Back Pokémon Go EUIC Champion
Spanish player Marín “P4T0M4N” Torres defended his crown, winning back‑to‑back Pokémon Go European International Championship. He beat Dutch competitor Colin “CoIin6ix” Spa in a best‑of‑five final that stretched to five games. The tournament, the largest EUIC ever, grants the champion an...
Online Strangers Critique Game Dev's View on Difficulty
The number of internet randos lecturing a Housemarque artist on what's easy and hard in game development
Layers of Fear 3 Announced
Bloober Team unveiled Layers of Fear 3 during a 10th‑anniversary livestream, celebrating a decade since the original 2016 release. The teaser revealed no platform or launch date, emphasizing the title’s continuation rather than specifics. CEO Piotr Babieno highlighted the series’ focus...
Language Feedback Can Substitute Rewards in Reinforcement Learning
Can natural language replace scalar rewards in reinforcement learning? A new paper from researchers at Stanford, UMD, Netflix, and Microsoft Research presents a formal structure for utilizing natural language as feedback in a reinforcement learning setting they call Learning from Language...
BLAST Renews Partnership With Ubisoft for Rainbow Six Esports
BLAST has renewed its global partnership with Ubisoft to run Rainbow Six Siege esports through the 2028‑2029 season, extending the three‑year deal first signed in 2023. The agreement confirms major events for the 2026‑2027 circuit in Salt Lake City, Japan...
Esports Nations Cup Adds Rainbow Six: Siege to 2026 Tournament Lineup
The Esports Nations Cup (ENC) announced that Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege will join its roster of 16 titles for the inaugural 2026 edition. The tournament will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 2‑29, featuring 24 national teams...
Intellivision Sprint Is a Surprising Blast From the Past | Impressions
Atari has revived the Intellivision brand with the new Intellivision Sprint, a dedicated retro console that bundles 45 classic titles. The device connects via HDMI, includes two wireless controllers, and uses physical overlays to accommodate each game’s unique control scheme....
PlayStation Game Releases — February 16th to 22nd
PlayStation announced a packed lineup of new titles for the week of February 16‑22, ranging from indie platformers to major RPG releases. Highlights include Obsidian Entertainment’s fantasy RPG Avowed, which receives an Anniversary Update with new races and gameplay modes, and...
A More Optimistic Expedition
The episode recounts the author’s experience at the DICE Awards in Las Vegas, where they introduced a new backstage photo challenge for award winners, asking each to capture the most interesting image in the green room. The segment highlights the...
Kena Bridge of Spirits 50% Off Until Feb 19
Kena Bridge of Spirits is now 50% off on steam until 18/19 Feb (timezones lol) Now is the PERFECT time to get it if you haven't played it already coming off the announcement of Kena Scars of Kosmora Or...be like me and...
Creative Writing Insights From Clair Obscur’s Lead Author
This was a very interesting session on creativity for writers at the Dice Summit from the lead writer of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. I also interviewed Jennifer Svedberg-Yen on video after one of the game's wins at the Dice Awards....
Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game Global Closed Alpha Test Announced for Later This Month Including Toph
Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game will hold a global closed alpha from February 27 to March 1, expanding beyond its initial North and South America test. Registration is open until February 20, with previous participants automatically re‑invited. The PC‑only Steam test will feature...
Surprise Game Appears on Brand‑new Switch 2
Hey everybody, guess what just showed up on the shiny new Switch 2 video game system? https://t.co/B4LVWiDEcu
As Fractured Conquest Test Invites Go Out, We Get a Snapshot of Who's Interested and What They Want From a...
Happy Cauldron opened sign‑ups for Fractured Conquest's first pre‑alpha test, receiving hundreds of applications each day. About one‑third of applicants are newcomers to the franchise, while the rest are seasoned MMO, survival, and sandbox players. Respondents highlighted frustrations with grindy...
Konami's Octopus Game Has a Demo You Can Play Right Now
Konami announced the April 2, 2026 launch of "Darwin’s Paradox," an octopus‑themed side‑scrolling adventure developed by French indie ZDT Studio. A free "Tactical Octopus Action" demo, blending Metal Gear Solid stealth mechanics with unique underwater movement, is now live on Switch, PC,...
Rivalry to Scale Back Operations
Rivalry Corp., a TSXV‑listed esports betting operator, announced it will dramatically scale back operations while evaluating strategic alternatives. The board approved immediate cost reductions, including a significant workforce cut and a pause on player activity with withdrawals permitted. Rivalry is...
How to Get the Simcalibur in The Sims 4
The Simcalibur, a legendary sword in The Sims 4 Royalty and Legacy, is hidden in the Verdemar district of Ondarion’s main square. To claim it, a Sim must reach Swordsmanship level 8 and hold the Champion of the People status, which requires...
World Models and Game Engines Will Converge, Not Compete
World Models vs Game Engines -- Who Wins? Gaming stocks had a bloodbath after Google's Genie 3. Unity down. Roblox down. Nintendo down. Unity down 35%. Unity's CEO posted a whole thread. Tim Sweeney weighed in. They're both saying the same thing...
SEGA / Atlus Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch Sale Live, Lowest Prices Ever for Sonic Origins, Etrian Odyssey HD, More
Nintendo has launched a SEGA/Atlus sale on both the Switch 2 and original Switch eShops, slashing prices on dozens of titles. Flagship discounts include Sonic Origins at $8.99, the Etrian Odyssey HD series under $16, and Persona 3 Reload at $41.99. The promotion...
Hatsune Miku Honkai: Star Rail Art Shared Ahead of 4.0
Ahead of Honkai: Star Rail's version 4.0 update, Crypton and HoYoVerse unveiled official crossover artwork featuring Hatsune Miku and the game's conductor Pom‑Pom. The piece, drawn by Vocaloid specialist KEI, blends the Planarcadia aesthetic with both characters in mirrored poses....
Battlefield Season 2 Roadmap And Game Changes Shared Ahead Of Next Week's Launch
EA announced Battlefield 6 Season 2 will drop on February 17, unveiling a three‑phase roadmap that adds new maps, limited‑time modes, and a Battle Royale duos experience. Phase 1, Extreme Measures, introduces the Contaminated map and a hallucinogenic VL‑7 smoke mechanic. Phase 2, Nightfall, delivers an...
"It's Important that Our Game Doesn't Just Feel Like FromSoftware": Lords of the Fallen 2 Dev Says What Too Many...
CI Games’ creative strategist Ryan Hill explains that Lords of the Fallen 2 will not merely imitate FromSoftware’s formula. The studio is redesigning heavy attacks to break enemy guards and create meaningful combat choices. Director James Lowe emphasizes micro‑loops, enemy‑first tempo,...
World of Warcraft Previews Midnight's New Hub, Silvermoon City
Blizzard previewed Silvermoon City, the central hub for the upcoming World of Warcraft expansion Midnight. The rebuilt city will host both Horde and Alliance players, with roughly one‑third reserved for Horde‑only activities. A dense network of profession trainers, vendors, portals,...
Don't Lose Aggro Is a MMO-Style Roguelite Where You Play As A Tank, Demo Out Now
Don’t Lose Aggro is an indie roguelite that puts players in the tank role typical of MMORPGs, letting them protect companions or go solo against endless enemy waves. Developed by former MMO player Oren Koren, the game is currently showcased...
Cronos: The New Dawn "Iron Rider" Skin Now Available, "Temporal Diver" Mode Coming Soon
Bloober Team has released a free Iron Rider skin for its survival‑horror title Cronos: The New Dawn. The update also teases the upcoming Temporal Diver mode, which will provide a lower‑difficulty option for Switch 2 players. Cronos continues to draw attention...
Check Out a New Trailer and Gameplay for High on Life 2
Squanch Games has officially confirmed that its sequel High on Life 2 will launch on Nintendo’s upcoming Switch 2 console, with both digital and physical versions slated for April 20, 2026. The announcement follows earlier retailer listings that hinted at a Switch 2 release,...
Akali and Senna Revealed as Next Champions for 2XKO as Director Discusses Future of the Game
Riot Games announced Akali and Senna as the next two champions for its fighting title 2XKO, despite recent layoffs that cut roughly half of the development staff. Akali will arrive later in Season 1, while Senna is expected to launch at...
Fans Have Waited 12 Years for a New Castlevania Game, but Belmont's Curse Is an Even Greater Gift for Swine...
After a 12‑year lull, Konami announced Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse, an all‑new 2D Metroidvania. The game is being co‑developed by Motion Twin, creators of Dead Cells, and Evil Empire, known for The Rogue Prince of Persia. Set in 15th‑century Paris with...
Here's What The Kingdom Come: Deliverance Upgrade Looks Like On Xbox Series X|S
Kingdom Come: Deliverance has been upgraded for Xbox Series X and Series S, launching alongside its addition to Xbox Game Pass. On Series X the game runs at a native 1440p resolution, upscaled to 4K, delivering roughly 60 FPS with occasional dips to 50 FPS. The Series S...
9 GameCube Games That Made Couch Co-Op Feel Like an Event
The article highlights nine GameCube titles that turned couch co‑op into a memorable event, ranging from shooters like Serious Sam: Next Encounter to party staples such as Mario Kart: Double Dash! and Super Smash Bros. Melee. It emphasizes the console’s...
Best Turn-Based Games to Play If You Loved Mewgenics
The article curates a list of turn‑based titles that capture the unpredictable combat loop and procedural depth of Edmund McMillen’s recent release Mewgenics. It highlights indie and mainstream games such as Pit People, Darkest Dungeon II, XCOM: Enemy Unknown, The...
Why 2026 Is the Perfect Time for a Marvel MMO Before Avengers: Doomsday Lands
The article argues that 2026 is an optimal launch window for a Marvel‑themed massively multiplayer online game, leveraging the hype surrounding the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday film and the 2027 Secret Wars release. It highlights the current absence of a Marvel...
Fallout New Vegas: All DLC Start Locations & Level Requirements
Fallout: New Vegas, now fifteen years old, still draws players thanks to its four major DLC packs. Each expansion—Honest Hearts, Old World Blues, Dead Money, and Lonesome Road—has a distinct starting location and a recommended minimum level ranging from 10...
Reanimal Launch Trailer – Little Nightmares Dev’s New Game on Nintendo Switch 2
Tarsier Studios, the team behind Little Nightmares, has launched its new horror‑adventure Reanimal on Nintendo Switch 2. The game follows a brother‑sister duo navigating a nightmarish island to rescue missing friends, blending single‑player, local and online co‑op play. A shared, directed...
Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen Shares Unsettling Lore Behind The Upcoming Nightfall Crypt Dungeon
Visionary Realms announced that Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen’s Nightfall Crypt will debut in the upcoming update, offering a compact, single‑session dungeon experience. The dungeon opens with a unique entrance puzzle and is rooted in dark lore involving Sarulith and...
Diablo 2 Resurrected Warlock Class Beginner Tips & New Expansion Guide
Blizzard’s *Diablo 2 Resurrected* introduces the Warlock, the first new class in 25 years, via the *Reign of the Warlock* expansion. The class pivots on three skill branches—Chaos, Eldritch, and Demon—each offering distinct offensive and summoning tools. New gear sets, Bane’s Garment and...
God of War Fans Are Failing to Find Sons of Sparta's Supposed 2-Player Co-Op Mode
God of War: Sons of Sparta, a 2‑D side‑scrolling prequel released on February 12, 2026, was advertised with a two‑player co‑op mode on its PlayStation Store page. Players quickly discovered the option is missing, and the store description has since been...
Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage Free Play Weekend Going Down Now
Sega has launched a free‑play weekend for Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage on Steam, running through Monday, February 16 at 10 a.m. PT. PC players can access every mode, including the new World Stage and rollback‑enabled online play, at no cost. Concurrently, the base game...
Ubisoft Downplays Strike, Says Fewer Devs Involved
Earlier this week, it was reported that 1,200 developers went on strike at Ubisoft in France and Italy. Days later, Ubisoft is pushing back saying that number was much lower as it focuses on "maintaining an open and constructive dialogue" with...
Guild Wars 2's WvW Scoring Beta Will Test Changes Intended to Reward More Active Play and Offer Variety
Guild Wars 2 will run a World vs. World scoring beta from Feb 27 to Apr 3, testing a shift from passive point accumulation to active combat rewards. The test removes automatic points for merely holding objectives, instead granting War Score for siege...
Genshin Impact Codes and How to Redeem Them (February 2026)
HoYoverse released a fresh batch of Genshin Impact redeem codes on February 13, 2026, offering rewards such as 100 Primogems, Mora, and Hero’s Wit. Most codes require players to have reached Adventurer Rank 10, while a few are universally usable. The...
God of War, Silent Hill, and More Big Games Are Getting a Much-Welcomed Indie Treatment
PlayStation’s State of Play unveiled new installments for God of War, Silent Hill, Castlevania, and Legacy of Kain, but development has shifted to indie studios such as Mega Cat, Screen Burn Interactive, Motion Twin, and Bit Bot Media. This marks a growing trend where...
After The February 2026 State of Play, It's Clear 007: First Light Is Never Escaping the Uncharted Allegations
IO Interactive, the studio behind Hitman, is developing James Bond game 007: First Light, now scheduled for release on May 27 2026. Trailers showcase a hybrid of stealth‑focused missions and cinematic, Uncharted‑style set pieces, including a cargo‑plane showdown reminiscent of Uncharted 3. The title...
Baseball Hits 26 Steps up to the Plate with MLB Stars, Now Open for Pre-Registration on Mobile
Baseball Hits 26, developed by Ares Interactive, has opened pre‑registration for Android and iOS, featuring an officially licensed 2026 MLB roster. The portrait‑style game is built for quick, one‑handed sessions with tap‑driven swings, motion‑captured animations, and realistic ball physics. Players can...