🎯Today's Gaming Pulse
Updated 21m agoWhat's happening: Yakuza Kiwami 3 launches with upgraded graphics and new gameplay systems
The remake released on February 11 2026 modernizes the original with enhanced visuals, a customizable Lalala Phone, a biker‑gang management mechanic called Bad Boy Dragons, and optional Reaper boss encounters that reward cash and rare items. It also expands Morning Glory orphanage activities to include sewing, cooking and family‑time.
Also developing:
By the numbers: Saudi PIF transfers $3bn Take‑Two stake to Savvy Games Group
News•Feb 16, 2026
It's "Hard to Push Innovation" In Racing Games Compared to Other Genres, Reckons Star Wars: Galactic Racer Creative Director
Fuse Games' creative director Kieran Crimmins says racing games struggle to innovate because their low cognitive load leaves little room for new mechanics. He explains that Star Wars: Galactic Racer opts for a traditional track‑based format to boost replayability and embed a Star Wars league narrative. Open‑world racers, while offering player freedom, often sacrifice the tight, second‑to‑second action that defines the genre. The interview highlights how the genre’s innovation bottleneck contrasts with the broader industry’s reliance on established franchises and indie experimentation.
By Rock Paper Shotgun
News•Feb 16, 2026
Hardsuit's Canned Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 Refuses to Fade Away, as Leaked Gameplay Videos Show What Might Have...
Leaked gameplay videos of the original Hardsuit Labs build of Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 have surfaced on YouTube, offering the most extensive look at the version that was shelved in 2021. Paradox Interactive removed Hardsuit Labs from the project...
By Rock Paper Shotgun
News•Feb 16, 2026
Despite The Doom And Gloom, Battlefield 6’s New Map Is Actually Quite Good
Battlefield 6’s Season 2 introduces the new “Contaminated” map, a blend of open spaces, verticality, and tight corridors. The update also adds the VCR assault rifle, a powerful close‑quarters weapon, and the Little Bird helicopter, an agile aerial vehicle. While the map receives...
By TheGamer
News•Feb 16, 2026
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Features A Deep-Dive Character From 1985
Nintendo’s upcoming *Super Mario Galaxy* movie, slated for April 3, will feature the 1985 NES peripheral R.O.B., a detail uncovered through a leaked toy set. The studio also announced a wave of high‑priced merchandise, including a six‑inch Yoshi egg and a Bowser Castle...
By Kotaku
News•Feb 16, 2026
The ROG Xbox Ally X Price Shoots Up Nearly $200 In Japan
Asus has increased the Japanese retail price of its premium ROG Xbox Ally X handheld from 139,800 yen to 169,800 yen, a rise of roughly $200. The hike reflects soaring LPDDR5X memory costs as AI hyperscalers compete for limited chips....
By Kotaku
News•Feb 16, 2026
Pokemon Just Fanned The Flames Of The Gengar Is Clefable's Shadow Fan Theory
The Pokémon Company released two Valentine’s Day images, one of which shows Gengar and Clefable holding hands. The pairing has reignited a long‑standing fan theory that Gengar is the shadow of Clefable, based on their similar silhouettes and opposite type...
By TheGamer
News•Feb 16, 2026
Brawl Cup Heads to Berlin as BLAST Unveils 2026 Brawl Stars Esports Plans
BLAST has sealed a multi‑year partnership with Supercell to bring the Brawl Cup to a live arena for the first time, staging the inaugural event in Berlin from May 15‑17, 2026. The three‑day showcase will be part of a nine‑month...
By Esports News UK
![McDonald’s Just Announced Its Own TCG, And Ronald McDonald Is The Chase [Update]](/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto,fit=cover/https://kotaku.com/app/uploads/2026/02/mcdtcg.jpg)
News•Feb 16, 2026
McDonald’s Just Announced Its Own TCG, And Ronald McDonald Is The Chase [Update]
McDonald’s announced a 24‑card trading‑card game set to launch in the United Kingdom on March 17, 2026. The collection features iconic mascots such as Ronald McDonald, Grimace, Fry Girl, and the quirky Cheeseburger Chair, with a “Take it or Flip it” gameplay...
By Kotaku
Social•Feb 16, 2026
Japanese Sample of Wood Kid's Death Stranding 2 OST Arrives
The original soundtrack of WOOD KID’s DEATH STRANDING 2. The Japanese version CD sample arrived. https://t.co/9CWtznkNUO
By Hideo Kojima (EN)
News•Feb 16, 2026
Grand Theft Auto 6 Needs Marketing to Create Energy Around November 19 Release, Says Take-Two CEO
Take‑Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick confirmed that Grand Theft Auto 6 remains on schedule for a November 19, 2026 launch, with a summer‑time marketing push designed to convert existing awareness into genuine consumer energy. He emphasized that the campaign must feel authentic, showcasing...
By GamingBolt
News•Feb 16, 2026
ABIDE Is an Extreme Stop-Motion Horror Game From the Devs of Judero and Mashina
ABIDE is an upcoming stop‑motion horror game from the creators of Judero and Mashina, set in a therapeutic retreat where players befriend troubled residents by day and confront nightmarish threats after dark. The title blends giallo‑inspired storytelling, handcrafted visuals, and...
By GamingOnLinux
News•Feb 16, 2026
Comedy Co-Op Physics Platformer Log Riders Adds Linux Support and Looks Hilarious
Log Riders, a physics‑driven co‑op platformer, launched on February 12, 2026 and now offers native Linux and macOS support. The update introduces an “Easy” difficulty with additional checkpoints and refines overall difficulty based on community feedback. Steam is also rolling out trading...
By GamingOnLinux
News•Feb 16, 2026
God Of War Sons Of Sparta's Platinum Already Unlocked By A Handful Of Players
Santa Monica released *God of War: Sons of Sparta* exclusively on PS5 on February 12, 2026, and within four days a tiny fraction of players have earned its platinum trophy. Only 28 gamers—about 0.67% of the estimated 5,000 owners—have completed the grueling trophy...
By TheGamer
News•Feb 16, 2026
IBLOXX Studios Secures $5 Million for Global Expansion
iBLOXX Studios, a Dubai‑based Web3 game developer, announced it has raised over $5 million from undisclosed investors. The capital will fund global marketing, live‑operations, ongoing updates, and the development of console versions for its upcoming title *StrayShot*. *StrayShot* is a mobile‑first...
By Wamda
News•Feb 16, 2026
Crimson Desert “Is a Hard Game to Demo,” Says Pearl Abyss, Which Is Why It Isn’t Getting One
Pearl Abyss confirmed that Crimson Desert will not receive a public demo, citing the difficulty of representing its massive open‑world experience in a standalone build. The current demo assets are limited to boss‑fight save states, which do not showcase the...
By GamingBolt
News•Feb 16, 2026
Get some Quality Horror in the Love You to Death Humble Bundle
The Love You to Death Humble Bundle bundles nine highly‑rated horror games for £10.53, targeting budget‑conscious gamers. Each title boasts at least an 85% positive rating on Steam, with many achieving 90%‑plus. All games are Steam Deck verified or playable,...
By GamingOnLinux
Social•Feb 16, 2026
RAM Shortage Could Postpone PS6 Launch Until 2028
this RAM crisis feels like it’s going to ruin consumer electronics over the next decade. Bloomberg reports that Sony is considering pushing the PS6 release to 2028 or even 2029 https://t.co/vyvkDH8iPy https://t.co/g0ENxQkMW8
By Tom Warren
Social•Feb 16, 2026
Investors Fear Unstable Pricing for Switch 2,
Why investors are concerned about price stability this year for Switch 2 and PS5 this year (+ why Steam's upcoming devices still have no price):
By Serkan Toto
News•Feb 13, 2026
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...
By MMORPG.com
Social•Feb 16, 2026
Verse Introduces Hassle‑free Reactive Programming
This is one of the most exciting features coming to the Verse language: reactive programming that “just works”!
By Tim Sweeney
Social•Feb 15, 2026
Markiplier's IronLung R‑Rated Game Nets $3.5
Even YouTuber @markiplier had a nice #ValentinesDay at US #BoxOffice, after his own #MarkiplierStudios’ R-rated game adaptation #IronLung grosses STRONG 3.5M on 3rd 3-day weekend, just a -49.4% drop from last weekend (vs #ReturntoSilentHill’s 116k, -88.2%, #UntilDawn’s 2M, -49%, #ResidentEvil’s...
By Luiz Fernando
News•Feb 13, 2026
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,...
By Game Rant
Social•Feb 15, 2026
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
By Ethan Gach
Social•Feb 14, 2026
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...
By Eric Seufert
News•Feb 13, 2026
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...
By Game Rant
Social•Feb 14, 2026
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...
By PixelShaun
Social•Feb 14, 2026
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....
By Dean Takahashi
News•Feb 13, 2026
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...
By Nintendo Everything
Social•Feb 14, 2026
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
By Jonathan Blow
Social•Feb 13, 2026
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...
By Bilawal Sidhu
News•Feb 13, 2026
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...
By MMORPG.com
News•Feb 13, 2026
"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,...
By GamesRadar+
News•Feb 13, 2026
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,...
By MMORPG.com
News•Feb 13, 2026
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...
By MMORPG.com
News•Feb 13, 2026
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...
By GoNintendo
News•Feb 13, 2026
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,...
By GoNintendo
News•Feb 13, 2026
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...
By GamesRadar+
News•Feb 13, 2026
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...
By Pure Xbox
News•Feb 13, 2026
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...
By DualShockers
News•Feb 13, 2026
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...
By Game Rant
News•Feb 13, 2026
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...
By MMORPG.com
News•Feb 13, 2026
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...
By Game Rant
News•Feb 13, 2026
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...
By Nintendo Everything
News•Feb 13, 2026
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...
By MMORPG.com
News•Feb 13, 2026
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...
By Game Rant
News•Feb 13, 2026
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...
By Game Rant
Social•Feb 13, 2026
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...
By Ethan Gach
News•Feb 13, 2026
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...
By MMORPG.com
News•Feb 13, 2026
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...
By GamingonPhone
News•Feb 13, 2026
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...
By Polygon (Gaming)