Today's Gaming Pulse

Capcom rolls out free demo for blockbuster Resident Evil Requiem
Resident Evil Requiem, which has sold over 7 million copies, now offers a free demo across major platforms. Players can try early chapters on Steam, Epic, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and Switch 2, though progress cannot be transferred to the full game.
Also developing:
By the numbers: Goldenpeak takes majority stake in Ampere Analysis

‘Their Favourite Games Were Already Built with AI’: Google Exec Says Almost Every Big Studio Uses AI, but Not All...
Google Cloud’s games director Jack Buser says roughly nine‑in‑ten major studios are already using AI tools such as Gemini and Nano Banana Pro, though many keep the practice quiet to avoid backlash. He highlighted Capcom as a user of Google’s AI for generating low‑value assets, freeing artists to focus on core creative work. Buser argues that once players realize AI is already part of their favorite games, acceptance will grow. The broader industry sees AI as a way to speed production and experiment with more titles per development cycle.
AMD Unveils Ryzen 9 9950X3D2, Powering Maingear’s $1,999 MG-1 Mk.II
AMD introduced its Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 processor, billed as the most powerful mainstream desktop CPU, alongside Maingear’s redesigned MG-1 Mk.II gaming system starting at $1,999. The launch arrives as Intel reports a $13.3 billion Q3 revenue and rolls out AI‑centric Lunar...

'It's Going to Be Extremely Hard to Repair the Relationship:' The Subnautica 2 Legal Dispute Is Far From Over
In March, the Delaware Court of Chancery reinstated former Unknown Worlds CEO Ted Gill after finding Krafton’s dismissal illegal, but left co‑founders Max McGuire and Charlie Cleveland in limited roles. The dispute stems from Krafton’s alleged delay of Subnautica 2’s early‑access...

Roblox Hires Joost Hagesteijn as First General Manager for Europe
Roblox appointed former Snap executive Joost Hagesteijn as its first general manager for Europe, a role created to capitalize on the region’s rapid growth. Europe now accounts for over 34 million daily active users and surpassed North America in DAUs during...

Street Fighter 6 and Silent Hill 2 Headline Steam's 2026 Golden Week Sales
Steam's 2026 Golden Week sale spotlights Street Fighter 6 and the Silent Hill 2 remake as marquee discounts, with SF6 at $19.99 and the remake at $34.99. Running through early May, the promotion also features Ys 8, Danganronpa, Dragon's Dogma 2, Steins;Gate Elite, and...

King President Todd Green Talks New Game Development, Competition and "Doubling Down" On the Casual Market
King’s president Todd Green outlined a renewed focus on casual mobile games, emphasizing both the launch of new titles and continual upgrades to legacy hits like Candy Crush. He highlighted the franchise’s $2 billion cumulative revenue and the growing competition in the match‑3...

Control Ultimate Edition Arrives on iOS with Its Award-Winning Story and Telekinetic Combat
Remedy Entertainment has released Control Ultimate Edition for iPhone and iPad at $4.99, bundling the base game, two expansions, Expeditions and Photo Mode. The mobile port features reworked controls, a new touch‑optimized interface, and the series’ signature telekinetic combat. Players...

Amanotes Partners with Balancy to Scale Live Ops Across Music Game Portfolio
Amanotes, the Vietnam‑based creator of music games such as Magic Tiles 3 and Tiles Hop, has teamed up with live‑ops platform Balancy to centralise operations across its 30‑plus titles. The integration introduces cross‑project templates that eliminate per‑title engineering work, accelerating in‑app‑purchase offers,...

The Quiet Surrender: Why Xbox, PlayStation, and Steam All Handed Social to Discord
Console giants Xbox and PlayStation have discontinued their native social services, while Steam’s built‑in groups are increasingly bypassed. All three platforms now rely on Discord’s voice, text and community tools, which are embedded directly into their ecosystems. The shift reflects...
The Xbox Mobile Store Isn’t Dead Yet
Microsoft’s new gaming chief Asha Sharma signaled that the Xbox mobile store is still alive, refuting rumors of its demise. Sharma’s X post referenced an amicus brief filed in the Epic‑vs‑Apple case, emphasizing the importance of open mobile competition. Epic...
Best MPC-25 Loadout in Black Ops 7 Ranked Play to Dominate in Close Range
The MPC-25 has entered Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Ranked Play and quickly become the go‑to SMG for close‑quarters combat. Its higher fire rate outpaces the Dravec 45, though recoil is more pronounced, prompting a specialized loadout that balances control and...
![[Industry News] TIGA Report Highlights Ongoing Skills Challenges in UK Games Industry as Studios Invest in Training and Adaptation](/cdn-cgi/image/width=1200,quality=75,format=auto,fit=cover/https://mcvuk.com/wp-content/uploads/TIGA-Education-Skills-report.png)
[Industry News] TIGA Report Highlights Ongoing Skills Challenges in UK Games Industry as Studios Invest in Training and Adaptation
TIGA’s 2026 Skills, Training and Education report shows UK game studios are still grappling with talent gaps, especially in programming, even as overall shortages have fallen from 70% to 29% during the sector downturn. The survey of 3,000 developers reveals...

All Six Neo Geo Metal Slug Games Are Half Price to Mark the Series’ 30th Anniversary
Hamster Corporation is offering a 50% discount on its ACA Neo Geo digital re‑releases of all six Metal Slug titles to celebrate the series’ 30th anniversary. The promotion runs until May 6, pricing each game at $3.99 instead of $7.99 across Switch, PS4,...
Former Worlds Champion Easyhoon Returns to T1 as Coach for LCK 2026 Round 2
Lee “Easyhoon” Ji‑hoon is rejoining T1 as a coach for Round 2 of the 2026 LCK season. The former Worlds champion, who helped T1 win the 2015 World Championship, brings experience from stints at Suning, Weibo Gaming and Bilibili Gaming. T1...

5 More AWESOME Xbox April Indies: Take a Break From Getting Beat up in Hades 2
Xbox’s ID@Xbox initiative added five fresh indie titles in April, offering alternatives to heavyweight releases like Hades 2. The lineup includes the cozy management sim Tiny Bookshop, cyber‑punk platformer Replaced, FMV adventure Hacked: The Streamer, horror co‑op game Content Warning, and...

Playtika Expands Into Microdrama with Bingo Blitz and Shortical Collaboration
Playtika announced a partnership with Shortical to fuse its flagship casual title Bingo Blitz with an original micro‑drama series. The cross‑platform experience will weave Bingo Blitz into the narrative, using a new “chase” system that links game progression to story...

Newer Maps Remain the Least Played Across Seasons
I took the first 5 events of the last 3 seasons to see how many times the newest addition to the map pool was played since its introduction or in some cases reintroduction. For Train(S1 2025), Overpass(S2 2025) and Anubis(S1 2026),...
![[Event News] Abragames Showcases Brazil’s Global Games Industry Ambition with Major Presence at Gamescom Latam 2026](/cdn-cgi/image/width=1200,quality=75,format=auto,fit=cover/https://mcvuk.com/wp-content/uploads/braz.jpg)
[Event News] Abragames Showcases Brazil’s Global Games Industry Ambition with Major Presence at Gamescom Latam 2026
The Brazilian Game Developers Association (Abragames), together with Brazil Games and ApexBrasil, announced a major presence at Gamescom Latam 2026. The agenda features the XDev Executive Bootcamp, a Business Speed Meeting, an Industry Track of panels, and the Pitch Arena competition. Abragames...
SaGa Frontier Remastered, Romancing SaGa 3, 2, and Scarlet Grace Ambitions Are Now Available on GOG
Square Enix and GOG have released four SaGa titles on the platform, including SaGa Scarlet Grace: Ambitions, SaGa Frontier Remastered, Romancing SaGa 2, and Romancing SaGa 3. Three games launch with a 70% discount and SaGa Frontier Remastered at 50% off, valid through May 4....
Indie Horror “Cruelty” Console Edition Launches Today
"Cruelty" console editions is out today, this small Japanese indie game by solo developer @838sManiacs is so scary and disturbing, I only recommend it if you are a fan of horror games ;D https://t.co/nwLeXYbWjK

MONGIL: STAR DIVE Cooking Guide: How to Cook, Unlock Recipes, and More
Cooking becomes available near the end of Episode 1 after completing the “Healthy Meals” side quest. Players can access the cooking menu from the pause screen, combine monster materials and gathered resources, and create dishes that grant temporary 30‑minute buffs such...

CRUELTY Scares up a Switch Release Today
CREEK & RIVER and Japan‑based 883 Maniacs released the splatter horror title CRUELTY on Nintendo Switch today for $8. The game is a third‑person 3D survival horror that eschews combat in favor of puzzle‑solving and stealth. Players navigate a nightmarish abattoir...

Throw Anything: Zombie Invaders Shambles Onto Switch Today
Visual Light announced that Throw Anything: Zombie Invaders is now available on Nintendo Switch, marking the franchise’s first release on a non‑VR platform. The game lets players hurl any object—augmented by a copy‑machine and refrigerator mechanic—at waves of zombies across...

KAZUMA KANEKO'S TSUKUYOMI Stacks the Deck on Switch Today
Colopl has launched KAZUMA KANEKO’S TSUKUYOMI on the Nintendo Switch, a deck‑building RPG that blends tower‑dungeon roguelike exploration with the famed artist Kazuma Kaneko’s visuals. The title is a rebuilt version of the 2025 mobile/PC game TSUKUYOMI – The Divine Hunters,...

Dragon Is Dead Finds New Life on Switch Today
TeamSuneat and PM Studios announced the digital release of their dark‑fantasy hack‑and‑slash *Dragon is Dead* on Nintendo Switch today, expanding the game’s reach to the console’s large portable audience. A physical Guernian Edition will follow in North America on July...

Food Truck Chef: Full Course Edition Steers Onto Switch Today
DOEDESCO and Nukebox Studios released Food Truck Chef: Full Course Edition on the Nintendo Switch today. The game puts players in the shoes of chef Emily, traveling worldwide in a customizable food truck. It features over 700 levels, 800 international...

LightFury Games Raises $11 Mn in Pre-Series A Round
LightFury Games, a Bengaluru‑based AAA game‑tech studio, closed a $11 million pre‑Series A round, led by Blume Ventures, V3 Ventures, MIXI and Times Internet, with Indian cricket stars such as MS Dhoni and Jasprit Bumrah participating. The capital, roughly Rs 103 crore, builds on an $8.5 million...

Nagi No Koi Launches on Switch and Switch 2 Today
Entergram and Nutrients have released the Japanese‑inspired visual novel Nagi no Koi on Nintendo Switch and the newly announced Switch 2. The game offers English subtitles, roughly six hours of playtime, and branching story paths split into two narrative parts. Only...

Alice in Wonder Underland AIWU Goes Down the Rabbit Hole on Switch Today
Regista announced that Alice in Wonder Underland (AIWU), an exploration‑driven adventure from Suzume Takanashi and YMCAT, launches today on Nintendo Switch. The game drops players into a surreal world where Alice, rendered voiceless, navigates over 30 uniquely themed areas guided...
Crimson Desert Version 1.04.00 Is Now Available Bringing in New Difficulty Options, UI Improvements, and More
Pearl Abyss has rolled out Crimson Desert version 1.04.00 worldwide, adding three difficulty levels, expanded storage options, new pets, weapons and outfits, and a suite of UI and control presets. The patch launches on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam PC, with...
Turkey's New Law Leaves Game Developers Uncertain
This could be good or bad for game devs in Turkiye. The harsher version of the law did not materialize. But details still to be worked out. https://t.co/u3VnEy1CmC

Alchemy Guardians Redeem Codes and How to Use Them (April 2026)
Alchemy Guardians, the new Western‑fantasy idle SRPG from F5 Game, has launched with an active redeem code, AG2027, that grants in‑game rewards. The article outlines step‑by‑step instructions for claiming the code and notes that developers typically release new codes during...

D3 Publisher Announces CARD&CASINO for Switch 2
D3 Publisher announced CARD&CASINO, a five‑game casino collection launching on Nintendo Switch 2 on April 23. The title, known in Japan as SIMPLE Series for Nintendo Switch 2 Vol. 3, promises high‑definition graphics and seamless performance optimized for the new hardware. It features both...

Escape From Tarkov Boss Comments on ARC Raiders
Escape from Tarkov creator Nikita Buyanov publicly criticized the casual‑friendly design of ARC Raiders, emphasizing his studio’s commitment to a punishing, realistic experience. He revealed that Battlestate Games is developing a new combat simulator, Fragmentary Order, which will deepen dynamic survival events beyond...
Decades‑long FromSoftware Fan Now Dreads Online Discussion
i have been talking about fromsoft games online for more than 2 decades at this point so that’s why i’m still not used to how bad it is now.

It's Officially the End of an Era for GTA Online
Rockstar Games launched the final 420 event in GTA Online, marking the sunset of the current version of the multiplayer city. The update adds a daily Stoner Survival mode with psychedelic enemies, a rare Sasquatch Outfit and a $420,000 in‑game...

Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves 1st Anniversary Live Stream
SNK will broadcast a first‑anniversary live stream for Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves tonight at 8 p.m. PT/11 p.m. ET. The event will preview a major update dropping on April 24 at 12 a.m. PT, featuring the new Wolfgang Krauser character. Hosts include...

What Does the Fate of Wuchang: Fallen Feathers Reveal About China’s Game Industry?
Leenzee Games’ souls‑like title *Wuchang: Fallen Feathers* sold roughly two million copies and earned about $73 million, yet the studio was disbanded after revenue only covered development costs. The game’s $36.3 price in China pushed domestic single‑player titles into blockbuster pricing territory...
Nexon Announces Dark Fantasy MMORPG Embers of the Uncrowned, Set to Release for PC via Steam
Nexon announced Embers of the Uncrowned, a dark‑fantasy MMORPG slated for PC release on Steam, though no launch window has been set. The game will launch in six languages—English, Simplified Chinese, Russian, German, Spanish and Portuguese—and a playable demo is...

Pokémon Unite Typhlosion Guide: Best Builds, Held Items, Moveset and Gameplay Tips
Pokémon Unite adds Typhlosion, an Attacker‑type Pokémon, on April 24, 2026 and makes it free during an exclusive commemorative event. The fire‑based champion builds rage to a peak, unlocking stronger Special Attacks, reduced cooldowns, and a game‑changing Unite Move, Explosive Heat Haze. Guides...

Oregon Trail Gets Museum Exhibit Celebrating Gaming History
Oregon Trail is the longest running video game and at its core it’s a transportation game. We are going to devote an exhibit at the Motion Museum honoring the game, history, and impact on society. https://t.co/TRmpI4I4KH

Pokopia Player Gives Rocky Ridges an Incredible Makeover
A Pokémon Pokopia player named Identikitten cleared a mountain and volcanic ash to forge a direct trail between the Pokémon Center and the museum in Rocky Ridges, adding streetlights and restored homes. The makeover was shared in a short video on...
Toei Company Launches Toei Games to Build Original Video Game IPs
Toei Company has created a new gaming division, Toei Games, which will develop and publish original video game IPs. The publisher will debut its first PC title on Steam and reveal details on April 24, 2026, marking the entertainment giant’s...

Kids Take on MLB The Show 26, Yankees Assigned
Playing MLB The Show 26 with my sons 👌 11 year old drew the short straw so he has to be the Yankees https://t.co/rqTcrS5rK4

Franchises Like MLB: The Show and Pokemon Headline March Sales | Circana
Circana reported that U.S. video game spending reached $5.3 billion in March 2026, a 12% increase over March 2025 and 5% growth in Q1 overall. Franchise titles such as MLB: The Show 26, WWE 2K26, Pokémon: Pokopia and Monster Hunter Stories 3 occupied the...

How To Expand Your Island on ‘Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream'
Nintendo’s Switch title Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream lets players grow their island as they add Miis, with expansion milestones at 8, 20 and 35 residents. Each milestone triggers a MiiNews bulletin and unlocks additional land that cannot be reclaimed...

Ingrid's Movelist and Mechanics Details Revealed for Street Fighter 6 with Her Unique Sun Crest Abilities and Tons of Attacks
Capcom released Ingrid’s full movelist ahead of her DLC debut in Street Fighter 6 on May 28. The character uses a Sun Crest resource to power a suite of projectiles, counters and teleport moves, positioning her as a technical long‑range zoner. Her...

Star Citizen Adds Nearly 100 Quests In Latest Minor Content Patch
The 4.7.2 minor update for Star Citizen introduces nearly one hundred new missions in the Nyx system, the latest star system added to the game. Players can now access 13 distinct contract archetypes, including classic Courier and Delivery Pilot jobs...
Riot Explains LoL Ranked Reset for Master, GM, and Challenger Players in Multiple Regions
Riot Games will reset the Master, Grandmaster and Challenger ladders to Master 0 LP in North America, EU West, EU Nordic & East, Brazil, Latin America North and Turkey with Patch 26.9. The move follows months of LP volatility, inconsistent gains and player...

Turkiye Enacts First Law Regulating Game Platforms
Turkey’s Grand National Assembly approved the country’s first dedicated law governing gaming platforms. The legislation targets services with more than 100,000 daily active users and imposes baseline obligations covering consumer protection, data security, licensing, reporting and content moderation. Platforms that...