Today's Gaming Pulse
Resident Evil Requiem launches free demo after 7 million copies sold
Capcom’s Resident Evil Requiem, which has sold over 7 million copies since its release three months ago, is now offering a free demo on Steam, Epic, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and Switch 2. The demo lets players experience early chapters with protagonist Grace Ashcroft, though progress cannot be transferred to the full game.
Also developing:
By the numbers: Goldenpeak takes majority stake in Ampere Analysis
Game Freak's Beast Of Reincarnation Gets August 2026 Xbox Game Pass Release Date
Game Freak announced that its new action‑RPG Beast of Reincarnation will launch on August 4, 2026, and will be available on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate from day one. The title, set in a post‑apocalyptic Japan, follows outcast Emma and her blighted dog Koo on a solitary adventure. The release date was confirmed during Sony’s State of Play event, highlighting Microsoft’s early commitment to the 2026 Game Pass lineup alongside Forza Horizon 6. The announcement underscores Xbox’s strategy to secure high‑profile multiplatform exclusives for its subscription service.
Oz Re:write to End Service on April 21, 2026 in Japan, Bringing Its Fairytale RPG Run to an Early Close
Japanese developer DRIMAGE announced that its anime‑style RPG Oz Re:write will cease operations on April 21, 2026, just one year after its August 2025 launch. The title never received a global release and will disable the Tailstone shop, though players can request refunds...
T1 Signs Partnership with South Korea’s Navy
South Korean esports powerhouse T1 has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Republic of Korea Navy’s Power Analysis and Evaluation Team to boost the navy’s cognitive and analytical capabilities using gaming‑derived technology. The agreement will drive joint research on...
DRX Esports Academy Receives Ministry of Education Award
South Korea’s Ministry of Education awarded the DRX Esports Academy, marking the first time an esports team has received the honor. The award, signed by Minister Cho Kyo‑jin on Dec. 31, 2025, recognizes the academy’s community‑linked career experience programmes. DRX highlighted...
Game Freak’s Beast of Reincarnation Finally Has a Release Date
Game Freak announced Beasts of Reincarnation, a new third‑person action‑adventure releasing on PS5, PC, and Xbox on August 4, 2026. The title marks the studio's first non‑Nintendo AAA release since Giga Wrecker in 2017 and its first original IP outside...
CCT Announce 2026 European Circuit Structure
The Counter-Strike Tour (CCT) unveiled its 2026 European circuit structure, comprising 34 events spread across three tiers: Regular CCT Europe, Challengers Europe, and Contenders Europe. The entry‑level Contenders circuit will host 16 teams, feature a $2,500 prize pool and award...
Hunt the Night Gains Nintendo Switch Release Date, Physical Release, New Trailer
Dangen Entertainment and Moonlight Games announced that Hunt the Night will launch on Nintendo Switch on February 26, 2026, with a physical edition slated for summer via Selecta Play. The title, originally announced in 2019 and released on PC in...
19 MENA Startups Graduate From the Second Exel by Merak Accelerator Cohort
Nineteen MENA game studios have graduated from the second cohort of Exel by Merak, an $80 million gaming accelerator launched by Merak Capital. Each studio receives $300,000 in seed funding plus mentorship and global network access. Cohort 2 has already produced $1.2 million...
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Go Live with Special Hisuian Typhlosion Distribution for a Limited Time
Nintendo announced a limited‑time distribution of a Hisuian Typhlosion in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, timed with the 2026 Europe International Championships. The special Pokémon mirrors the one used by Yuma Kinugawa to win the 2026 Latin America International Championships. It...
Roblox Bloxfest Twitch Event to Offer In-Game Rewards to Players
Roblox’s Twitch Rivals event, Bloxfest, will reward casual players with exclusive in‑game items. Participants can join the RB Battles × Twitch Hub, predict the winning streamer’s team to earn the Twitch Crown, and collect four time‑released badges to unlock the Glitch Helmet...
TSM Launches AI-Powered Minecraft Building App
North American esports organization TSM unveiled osu.ai, an AI‑powered Minecraft building app that lets players generate and construct structures via text prompts, also offering world and character re‑texturing for the Java edition. The tool launched on February 12 and immediately...
Resident Evil Requiem Strongly Teases Another Classic Character Return, Here’s Who We Think It Is
Capcom unveiled a fourth Resident Evil Requiem trailer at Sony’s State of Play, revealing the silhouette of a blonde character believed to be Sherry Birkin. The hint ties the upcoming title to the Raccoon City survivors, including Leon Kennedy, and...
Warriors: Abyss 1.6.0 Update Out Now, Patch Notes – Sealing Ceremony, Customization, More
Koei Tecmo rolled out Warriors: Abyss version 1.6.0, a substantial update for the Switch title. The patch introduces a camera‑distance slider, a new customization system, and a Sealing Ceremony that lets players ban previously unlocked heroes, formations, or treasures. It also...
VCT EMEA 2026 Kickoff Schedule, Teams, New Format, More
VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) EMEA 2026 Kickoff launches Jan. 20‑Feb. 15, featuring 12 regional teams in a new triple‑elimination format. The structure creates three separate finals, each granting a Masters Santiago qualification and championship points toward the season’s Champions slots. Four 2025...
Xbox Game Pass Adds Two New Games Today Including Day-One Title
Xbox Game Pass announced two new additions on February 13, 2026: the day‑one sequel High on Life 2 and the original Kingdom Come: Deliverance. High on Life 2 will be available to Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers across Xbox Series X|S, PC and...
Feral Interactive’s Tomb Raider Invites You to Relive Lara Croft’s Origin Story as It Finally Arrives on Android and iOS
Feral Interactive has released the full‑console Tomb Raider on Android and iOS at $19.99, marking the first time the franchise’s complete experience is available on mobile. The port brings the Yamatai island adventure, complete with survival mechanics, crafting, and puzzle‑platforming, to...
Hono-Gurashi No Niwa Will Have a Horrorless Safe Livelihood Mode
Japanese developer Nippon Ichi Software announced that Hono‑gurashi no Niwa will launch on July 30 for Switch 1&2, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam. The game introduces an optional Safe Livelihood Mode that lets players enjoy daily‑life activities without any horror events. While...
Tomb Raider Parent Company Embraces AI, but Promises “Human-Led” Creativity Will Remain
Embracer Group’s Q3 FY 2025/26 report reveals a strategic push to adopt AI‑driven tools across its game development pipeline while insisting that world‑building, storytelling and creative direction will stay human‑led. CEO Phil Rogers highlighted AI’s potential to accelerate asset creation,...
IGDA Foundation Unveils New Visual Identity in Major Rebrand
The IGDA Foundation has launched its first major visual rebrand, unveiling a new logo, refreshed website, and updated newsletter. The redesign keeps visual ties to the parent IGDA while emphasizing the Foundation’s focus on access, opportunity, and professional growth for...
Esports Nations Cup 2026 Reveals First Eight Titles
The Esports Nations Cup (ENC) announced its first eight titles for the inaugural 2026 edition, spotlighting mobile games like Honor of Kings and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang. National team slots range from 24 in Honor of Kings to 32 in...
Major WWE 2K26 Creation Suite Improvements Revealed as Body Morphing Finally Returns After a Decade
WWE 2K26 drops PS4 and Xbox One support, launching March 13 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, enabling upgraded hair physics and more realistic wrestler models. The Creation Suite receives a major overhaul: body morphing returns after a decade, and the layer...
Big Changes at Remedy, Arc Raiders Achieves 'Blockbuster' Status, and Mewgenics Recoups Dev Costs in Three Hours - Patch Notes...
The latest Patch Notes roundup highlights three headline developments: indie rogue‑like Mewgenics recouped its development budget within three hours and sold half a million copies in 36 hours; Nexon’s Arc Raiders achieved “blockbuster” status with 14 million units sold and a peak...
AI LIMIT DLC ‘Eirene’s Furnace of War’ Announced
CE‑Asia and SenseGames announced the AI LIMIT DLC “Eirene’s Furnace of War,” slated for release on March 27. The expansion continues Blader Arrisa’s story, introducing a new Temple of War area, a mysterious boss, and reworked classic bosses with tougher mechanics. It...
Sega Plans to Release ‘Four Major New Titles for Mainstay IPs’ by the End of March 2027
Sega Sammy’s Q3 report outlines a plan to launch four major new games for its core franchises by March 2027, alongside a push to boost sales capabilities. The only confirmed date is the Switch 2 release of Virtua Fighter 5 REVO World Stage...
Best SG-12 Loadout in Black Ops 7
Black Ops 7’s Season 2 introduces the SG‑12 semi‑auto shotgun through the Escalation Directive event, unlocking a powerful slug‑based loadout for close‑range combat. The recommended build pairs a 17″ Universal Barrel, H‑Comb Extended Mag, Align‑Lite Grip, 3mW Motion Strike Laser, and 12 Gauge...
EFootball 2026 Epic World Classics (Müller, Zola, Pele) Pack Review
Konami’s eFootball 2026 released the Epic World Classics pack, featuring Gerd Müller, Gianfranco Zola and Pelé. Each player arrives with high‑OVR, double show‑time skills and distinct playstyles—Müller as a Fox‑in‑the‑Box striker, Zola as a Creative Playmaker with elite dribbling, and Pelé as...
New Game Digest: Tomb Raider, EA Sports FC Tactical, Paranormasight, Oceanhorn, More
The weekly digest highlights a wave of mobile and cross‑platform releases, including Tomb Raider’s first mobile entry at $19.99 and the upcoming Paranormasight: The Mermaid’s Curse launching Feb 19 on Switch, PC, iOS and Android. EA Sports FC Tactical will be pulled...
![[Industry News] Testronic Strengthens European Centre of Excellence with Senior Strategic Appointments](/cdn-cgi/image/width=1200,quality=75,format=auto,fit=cover/https://mcvuk.com/wp-content/uploads/1.-Testronic-European-Appointments_Gallery.jpg)
[Industry News] Testronic Strengthens European Centre of Excellence with Senior Strategic Appointments
Testronic announced a wave of senior appointments to bolster its European Centre of Excellence, including CRO Samantha Williams taking a board seat, senior marketing manager Beata Czarnacka, and Director of Managed Clients Pawel Ziajka. The company also expanded operational leadership, with Chief People...
Pre‑COVID Art Book Scene Revised After Pandemic
This is an earlier, pre‑COVID setting. From the art book. On the left are Sam and Fragile in the final scene. Once the pandemic hit, the original pre‑COVID storyline was revised. https://t.co/fSLgLBdiZZ
Legends, the Free Co-Op DLC for Ghost of Yōtei, Is Launching on March 10
Sucker Punch announced that Ghost of Yōtei Legends, a free co‑op DLC, will arrive on March 10 as part of patch 1.5. The update adds four playable classes and two launch mission types—four‑player Survival and two‑player Story—while a Raid mode drops in April....
Pragmata World View Trailer Released During Sony's State of Play
Capcom unveiled a new Pragmata World View trailer during Sony's State of Play, showcasing a lunar station area modeled after New York's Times Square. The release coincides with the game’s upcoming launch on April 24, 2026 for PS5, Xbox Series...
Sega's Modest Impairment Validates 2013 $140M Atlus Deal
I have been waiting for when Sega would do this and surprised the impairment loss is not higher. Reminder that in 2013, Sega bought Atlus parent Index Corp. for what was US$140M back then - a fantastic M&A.
EFootball FIFAe World Cup 2026 Challenger Series: Overview, Format, Schedule, and More
Konami has launched the FIFAe World Cup 2026 Challenger Series, an in‑game qualification pathway for the upcoming eFootball World Cup. The series runs from February 12 to February 22, 2026, and features more than 110 FIFA Member Associations. It follows...
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties Is Now Available Worldwide on PC and Consoles
Sega has released Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties worldwide on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam. The package combines a full remake of the classic Yakuza 3 with a brand‑new narrative titled Dark Ties, starring Yoshitaka Mine. Both titles...
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Picks up Another Game of the Year | Dice Awards
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 captured the Game of the Year honor at the 29th Dice Awards during the Dice Summit in Las Vegas. The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences highlighted the title for its breakthrough interactive storytelling, technical innovation,...
SOL: Enchant Brings Godlike Powers and Stunning UE5 Visuals to Netmarble’s MMORPG Lineup, Arriving in Q1 2026 on Mobile
Netmarble announced SOL: Enchant, a fantasy MMORPG built on Unreal Engine 5, slated for Android and iOS launch in the first half of 2026. Developed by Alt9— the core team behind Lineage M— the game introduces a Divine Authority system that lets...
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma Is Now Available on PS5 and Xbox Series
Marvelous USA released Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on Feb 13, 2026. The launch adds digital Standard, Digital Deluxe, and Super Digital Deluxe editions priced $59.99‑$79.99, with a 10% discount for PlayStation Plus and Xbox Store shoppers...
Krafton Reveals Project Windless for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox
Krafton unveiled Project Windless, a premium open‑world action RPG set in the pre‑quel era of the Korean fantasy series *The Bird That Drinks Tears*. Developed by Krafton Montréal with support from its Pangyo studio, the game targets PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S...
Best SG-12 Loadout in Warzone
Overwatch Season 1 launches in 2026 with five brand‑new heroes and the introduction of subrole passives that affect every class. The patch overhauls tank health pools, adjusts key DPS perks for mobility and burst, and adds healing and utility tweaks to...
Ember Lab Announces Kena: Scars of Kosmora for PS5, PC, Launches This Year
Ember Lab announced Kena: Scars of Kosmora, a sequel to its 2021 hit Kena: Bridge of Spirits, slated for release later in 2026 on PlayStation 5 and PC. The new title expands the adventure with a larger, region‑focused map and introduces...
Max Payne 1 & 2 Remake: Why Remedy Won't Be Sharing Updates Anytime Soon
Remedy Entertainment confirmed that the long‑awaited Max Payne 1 and Max Payne 2 remakes have entered full production, but all public communication is controlled by publisher Rockstar Games. Rockstar’s marketing resources remain fully dedicated to the upcoming Grand Theft Auto VI launch, leaving...
Dino Crisis and Dino Crisis 2 Now Available via Steam
Capcom has added the classic survival‑horror titles Dino Crisis and Dino Crisis 2 to its Steam catalog, offering both games at a launch‑only price of $4.99. The 50 percent discount runs until February 26, 2026, mirroring a similar release on GOG earlier this year. The...
State of Play Reveals John Wick, Castlevania and God of War Games
Sony’s latest State of Play, possibly its longest yet, showcased a slate of new PlayStation 5 titles including John Wick and Castlevania. The event culminated with a surprise God of War announcement: a remake of the original trilogy is in early...
Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly Remake Preview: A Mix of Future and Past
Team Ninja is set to launch a modern remake of Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly, arriving in a month. The overhaul replaces fixed camera angles with an over‑shoulder view, rebuilds visuals and 3D audio, and adds quality‑of‑life features like quick‑use items...
Capcom Cup 12 Pay-per-View Pricing and Details Finally Revealed, Free Version of Stream Technically Available
Capcom has unveiled the final pay‑per‑view pricing for Capcom Cup 12, cutting the cost from the originally announced $26 to $6 for a one‑day ticket and $10 for a two‑day pass. The same pricing applies to the Street Fighter League: World...
From Peanut Stunts to Mega Budgets: Gaming Marketing Evolves
The meta has changed a lot since Bungie launched Destiny. Activision's marketing machine spent tens of millions hyping that game up. For Marathon, the director is livestream with a guy who pretends to be a peanut to get people to pre-order...
Legacy of Kain Is Getting a Defiance Remaster, and a New 2D Action Game
Crystal Dynamics announced Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered for March 3, 2026, featuring upgraded visuals, camera improvements, photo mode, and optional original graphics. The Deluxe Edition will also deliver lost levels, concept art, lore articles, and a playable demo of the...
Crimson Moon Announced At State of Play, Shows Off Brutal Combat And Terrifying Enemies
Crimson Moon was unveiled during PlayStation’s State of Play, introducing a new action‑adventure IP from indie studio Probably Monsters. The trailer follows a Nephilim—half human, half angel—cutting through hordes of nightmarish monsters with methodical, sword‑and‑shield combat reminiscent of Souls‑like titles....
How Russia Turns Gamers Into Fighters
Russia is actively weaponising video games to recruit foreign fighters and conduct cognitive warfare. Recent Bloomberg reporting details how Russian recruiters used milsim games like Arma 3 and Discord to lure two South African men, who later fought and died in...
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse Announced at State of Play, Trailer Showcases Smooth Combat and Stunning Visuals
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse was unveiled during PlayStation’s State of Play, marking a joint effort between Evil Empire, Motion Twin, and Konami to celebrate the series’ 40th anniversary. The new title is a 2D exploration‑action game set in 1499 Paris, following...