Steam Devs Accuse Genshin Impact of 'Straight up Copying' Their Game Idea
German indie studio Pipapo Games alleges that miHoYo’s Genshin Impact copied the core surveying mechanic of its unreleased title Map Map. The claim follows a side‑by‑side video showing near‑identical map‑pinning quests introduced in Genshin’s April event. Pipapo, whose demo earned award nominations in 2025, says the similarity threatens its unique concept just before launch. Both companies have not commented on the accusations.
This Elder Scrolls-Inspired RPG Has the Most Unhinged Trailer of 2026
NerveLabs is releasing an indie open‑world RPG called *The Lantern of the Laughless Saint*, positioning it as a wild, co‑op alternative to Bethesda’s long‑delayed *Elder Scrolls 6*. The game embraces low‑poly graphics, bizarre creatures and mechanics designed to be broken, highlighted...
Crimson Desert Hits Major Sales Milestone with New Updates Promised
Pearl Abyss announced that Crimson Desert has sold 5 million copies since its March 19 launch, with a peak of 276,261 concurrent PC players. The open‑world action RPG earned a 78 Top Critic Average on OpenCritic and is available on Mac, PS5, Windows...
Overwatch Season 2 Patch Notes Make Big Changes to Roadhog and Soldier 76
Blizzard’s Overwatch 2 Season 2 patch overhauls several legacy tanks and introduces new balance tweaks across the roster. Roadhog’s chain‑hook cooldown rises to eight seconds, Invigorate is removed and a new Hogdrogen Exposure perk grants ally healing. Soldier 76 gains the ability to...
Ace Combat 7 Influenced Sentenced to Be a Hero — Here's Why It's a Must-Play Game
Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown, the 2019 combat flight simulator, has been cited as a key inspiration for the fantasy anime series Sentenced to Be a Hero. In an interview with Anime News Network, writer Rocket Shokai explained that the game’s...
Marathon Patch 1.0.6 Adds System that Rewards Teamwork & Solo Players
Bungie’s Marathon 1.0.6 mid‑season patch introduces the CyberAcme Runner Reinforcement Initiative (CARRI), a system that rewards both coordinated squads and solo players for cooperative exfiltration. The update also adds a Mercy Kit consumable that lets Rooks revive enemies, eleven new...
A24's Elden Ring Movie: The Latest on Story, Casting, and Release Date
Renowned writer‑director Alex Garland is adapting FromSoftware’s 2022 hit *Elden Ring* into a feature film for A24. Garland has already delivered a 160‑page spec script and 40 pages of visual material to convince Miyazaki, and rumors link Kit Connor and...
Slay the Spire 2 Is Best as a Co-Op Game
Mega Crit’s Slay the Spire 2, a month into early access, has found its strongest appeal in the newly added co‑op mode. The multiplayer lets up to four players coordinate decks, share relics and potions, and use exclusive cards like Believe...
The 3 Best Racing Games to Play Before Forza Horizon 6
Forza Horizon 6 launches on May 19, 2026, raising anticipation for the next big open‑world racer. In the meantime, three 2026 releases offer fresh experiences: Milestone’s *Ride 6* expands motorbike racing with licensed bikes and a Riding School mode; Original Fire Games’ *iRacing Arcade*...
Sol Cesto, Steam's Most Exciting New Roguelike, Is One of 2026's Best
Steam’s indie roguelike Sol Cesto has launched its 1.0 version for Windows PC, cementing its status as a 2026 dark‑horse GOTY contender. The game reimagines classic dungeon crawling with a 4×4 grid where players click rows and rely on random...
Tombwater Is a 2D Soulslike Bloodborne Fans Won’t Want to Miss
Indie developer Max Mraz releases Tombwater, a 2D Soulslike that channels Bloodborne’s gothic horror into a Wild West setting. Players control a gunslinger navigating a cursed town, wielding melee weapons, firearms, and spells, with combat emphasizing fast shooting and a...
Overwatch Director Kills a Tracer Butt Conspiracy 10 Years Later
Former Overwatch director Jeff Kaplan used a March livestream to confirm that Tracer’s victory pose has not been altered since the 2016 patch, debunking a long‑running fan theory that Blizzard had "nerfed" her butt. The original pose change sparked intense...
Hello, Yoshi Revives the Face-Pulling Antics of Super Mario 64
Nintendo launched Hello, Yoshi, a free downloadable game for Switch and mobile, extending its My Mario toy line. The touch‑based title lets players stretch Yoshi’s face, pop bubbles, and collect power‑ups like Super Mushroom and Super Star. A built‑in sleep timer nudges kids to...
Forza Horizon 6 Map Reveals Real-World Circuits and Initial D Touge Routes
Playground Games unveiled Forza Horizon 6’s Japan map, faithfully recreating iconic roads such as Mount Akina, the seven‑hairpin Hakone Nanamagari, a Tsukuba Circuit replica, and a Fuji Speedway‑inspired High Speed Ring. The map ties directly to the Initial D manga and drifting...
Nintendo Reveals Switch Game Rhythm Heaven Groove Release Date
Nintendo announced that Rhythm Heaven Groove, the long‑awaited sequel in the Rhythm Heaven series, will launch on July 2 for the original Switch. The title will also be playable on the upcoming Switch 2 through backward compatibility, reinforcing Nintendo’s commitment to its...
Overwatch's New Hero Sierra Revealed in First Trailer
Blizzard Entertainment unveiled Sierra, the next Damage‑role hero for Overwatch, in an animated trailer that showcases her full‑auto energy rifle and tethered drone DoROTHy. The trailer, set on Watchpoint: Grand Mesa, demonstrates her ability to fire a targeting dart that...
Pokémon Champions Nerfs Sleep and Paralysis, and Fans Are Thrilled
Pokémon Champions, the new live‑service spin on the franchise, has rolled out balance tweaks that reduce the severity of Sleep and Paralysis status effects. Sleep now lasts only one to two turns, while Paralysis’s immobilization chance drops from 1‑in‑4 to...
Pokémon Champions Shakes up the Competitive Scene with Short List of Items and Monsters
Pokémon Champions launched on April 7 as a free‑to‑play live‑service battle platform, but its day‑one roster is limited to just 186 Pokémon. The game also offers a truncated selection of held items, omitting staples like Life Orb, Assault Vest, and Choice...
Overwatch's Anran Redesign Is a Massive Improvement From Blizzard
Blizzard unveiled a redesigned version of Overwatch hero Anran, responding to widespread fan backlash over her original 3D model. The new look features a broader jaw, raised eyebrow, freckles, and a more confident pose, bringing her visual design closer to...
Mass Effect Trilogy Is only $6 on PlayStation and Xbox Right Now
The Mass Effect Legendary Edition is now $5.99 on PlayStation and Xbox digital stores, a 90% cut from its usual $59.99 price. The limited‑time sale, running through April 15, bundles all three remastered games with 40 pieces of DLC, weapons, armor...
Where Are the Asexual Dating Sims? Ace & Aro Addresses a Lack of Representation
Lucy Blundell, a gray‑ace indie developer, unveiled Ace & Aro: Heart‑to‑Heart on International Asexuality Day. The PC visual novel mimics a meetup for asexual and aromantic people, offering a two‑hour slice‑of‑life experience without traditional romance goals. By integrating barcade minigames and optional...
Mother 3’s Anti-Capitalist Message Still Resonates Two Decades Later
Mother 3, the 2006 Game Boy Advance sequel to EarthBound, remains unreleased outside Japan despite its sharp anti‑capitalist storyline. The game portrays a utopian village turned consumerist nightmare after the arrival of the Pigmasks, mirroring modern concerns about wealth inequality. A fan‑driven English...
This Cyberpunk Steam Action Game Already Looks Incredible
Sky Dust is an upcoming indie cyberpunk Metroidvania‑Souls hybrid that immerses players in a neon‑drenched, pixel‑art rendition of São Paulo. The game’s trailer showcases an energy‑sword wielding mercenary, high‑speed cyber‑bike chases, and stealth‑execution mechanics. Influences range from Cyberpunk 2077 and Blade Runner to...
Solo Marathon Rook Players Are Teaming up, Arc Raiders-Style
Marathon’s solo‑only Rook class is forming impromptu gangs, using proximity chat to coordinate attacks on other players. Rooks can only join matches already in progress and must play alongside other Rooks, creating a de‑facto cooperative meta previously seen only in...
Fortnite's Brainrot Characters Ignite a Fan Revolt
Fortnite introduced two AI‑generated "brainrot" skins—Tung Tung Tung Sahur and Ballerina Cappuccina—prompting an immediate fan revolt. Players voted them the worst cosmetics, threatened to harass anyone wearing them, and linked the launch to Epic Games' recent 1,000‑plus layoffs and V‑buck...
Overwatch's 2026 April Fools' Hero Changes Are so Good They Should Be Permanent
Blizzard’s Overwatch April Fools’ mode, Underwatch, introduces wildly altered hero kits that many players deem worthy of permanence. Cassidy’s “hello” emote now fires unlimited piercing bullets, while Junker Queen’s gun shoots knives, dramatically changing her playstyle. Other heroes, such as Moira,...
Epic Games Giving Away a Highly-Rated PC Game Right Now
Epic Games is offering the multiplayer hit Clone Drone in the Danger Zone for free from now until Thursday, April 9, 2026. The title, released in 2021, boasts over 17,000 Overwhelmingly Positive Steam reviews and features solo, co‑op, Twitch, and Battle‑Royale‑style...
Peak Devs Remind Players that 'Any Update Is a Bonus Not a Right'
Peak, a co‑op climbing indie game, has sold more than 10 million copies since its June 2025 launch. The developers, Aggro Crab and Landfall, released a “Play it your way” update adding custom runs and other features, but some players remain dissatisfied....
Outriders Re-Review: Square Enix’s Loot-Shooter Was Years Ahead of Its Time
Square Enix’s 2021 loot‑shooter Outriders introduced a class‑synergy loop that now underpins modern multiplayer shooters such as Arc Raiders and Marathon. Despite a rocky launch marked by server outages and balance problems, the game attracted over 3 million players in its...
Guardians of the Galaxy Is the Mass Effect Game You Didn't Know You Were Missing
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, a 2021 third‑person sci‑fi shooter, surprisingly mirrors many Mass Effect mechanics, from dialogue wheels to squad command powers. The game lets players control Star‑Lord while influencing teammates like Gamora and Rocket, creating a loyalty dynamic...
Jack Black Should Play This Yakuza Icon in a Live-Action Adaptation
Jack Black announced his desire to join a live‑action adaptation of Sega’s Yakuza series, specifically targeting the eccentric side character Gondawara, famed for a diaper‑fetish side quest. The actor believes his over‑the‑top comedic style fits the role’s absurdity. The article...
Pokémon Pokopia and More Nintendo Switch Games Are on Sale at Target
Target is offering a limited‑time promotion for its Circle members: buy any two Nintendo Switch or Switch 2 games and receive a $30 discount. The deal, which runs until April 5 at 2:59 a.m. EST, includes high‑profile Switch 2 titles such as Pokémon Pokopia and Mario Kart World,...
Fishbowl Review: Heartfelt Indie Turns Social Isolation Into Wisdom
Fishbowl, an indie life‑simulation game from imissmyfriends.studio, launches on April 2 for PlayStation 5 and Windows PC. The title recreates pandemic lockdown by tasking players with daily chores and emotional choices that affect the protagonist’s mood. Its narrative‑driven design uses simple minigames...
Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Were Primarily Designed for Girls and the Elderly
A newly translated 2004 interview reveals Game Freak intentionally designed Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen for girls and seniors, not just the original boy‑centric audience. Difficulty was softened, recurring recaps added, and UI elements simplified to accommodate longer play intervals and limited controller...
Marathon Review Scores Are Trending up, Which Locks It for the 2026 Game Awards
Bungie's extraction shooter Marathon has seen its Metacritic score climb to 74, signaling a positive shift in critical reception. While sales remain modest, the game's growing popularity among gaming journalists is boosting its visibility ahead of the 2026 Game Awards....
April Fools' Day Video Game Announcements Don’t Have to Suck
April Fools’ Day jokes are increasingly being used by game publishers as covert product teasers rather than mere humor. The article cites examples such as Nintendo’s faux turn‑based Yakuza 7 hint, Larian’s whimsical promotion of Baldur’s Gate 3, Capcom’s fan‑driven Resident Evil Requiem...
Indie Games Will only Save Us if Anyone Funds Them
Epic Games recently laid off more than 1,000 developers, sparking hopes that indie studios could revitalize a struggling industry. However, the shutdown of Ivy Road—founded by The Stanley Parable creator Davey Wreden—illustrates that indie developers still grapple with the same...
Dragon Age 2 Never Played It Safe — and That's What Made It Great
Dragon Age 2 broke BioWare’s traditional formula by limiting player choice to a single human protagonist and embracing a tragic, seven‑year story arc. Developed under a 14‑to‑16‑month crunch, the team treated the game as a first draft, sacrificing polished environments for...
Best Xbox Game Pass Games to Play This Weekend (March 27-29 2026)
Xbox Game Pass highlighted three standout titles for the March 27‑29 weekend: rhythm‑action hit Hi‑Fi Rush, the visually striking RPG Child of Light, and the Assassin’s Creed: Ezio Collection. Hi‑Fi Rush recently survived a studio shutdown thanks to Krafton’s acquisition, sparking sequel hopes. Child of Light, a 12‑year‑old...
Slay the Spire 2's Worst Character Just Got Much Better
A new beta‑branch patch for Slay the Spire 2 restores the zero‑energy cost of the Prepared card, addressing player outcry over its recent nerf. The change revives the discard‑driven engine of Sly decks, which many consider the game’s weakest character archetype....
Steam Dev: Fans Have Spent a Year Bullying Me, Calling Me Racist
Milky Way Idle developer Cheze banned a high‑spending Chinese player in June 2025, sparking an organized harassment campaign that included a review bomb, slurs, and accusations of racism. The backlash, driven largely by Chinese gamers, overwhelmed the indie studio’s global...
New Star Fox Game Coming to Switch 2 in 2026, Leaker Says
A reliable Nintendo leaker has confirmed that a new Star Fox game will launch on the upcoming Switch 2 this summer, featuring classic on‑rails shooter gameplay and online multiplayer. The title is expected to be officially unveiled in April, following a surprise‑drop...
Slay the Spire: Downfall Board Game Expansion Adapts a Fan-Made Video Game Mod
Content creator Gary Dworetsky’s Downward expansion for Slay the Spire: The Board Game raised $3.8 million on Kickstarter in just three days, bringing a fan‑made video‑game mod to the tabletop. The expansion lets players act as heroes or dungeon bosses, adds...
Where Is Persona 6 and Why Hasn't Atlus Announced Anything in Years?
Atlus has yet to officially announce Persona 6, despite lingering fan speculation and subtle teasers in recent marketing material. The studio’s focus this year has been on Persona 4 Revival, a remake announced at the Xbox Partner Showcase, but its release window...
Stranger Than Heaven Trailer Reveals RGG's Latest Will Span 5 Time Periods and Cities
During Xbox's Partner Preview on March 26, Sega and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio unveiled a new trailer for *Stranger Than Heaven*, an action‑RPG set across five distinct time periods between 1915 and 1965. The narrative will travel through five Japanese...
The Expanse: Osiris Reborn Release Date Update Announced Alongside Closed Beta
The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, developed by Owlcat Games, is slated for a spring 2027 release and will launch a closed beta next month. A new trailer showcased cover‑based shooting, space‑flight, and familiar locations from the Expanse universe, drawing clear parallels...
Epic Games Store Giving Away Two Very Positive-Rated PC Games Right Now
Epic Games Store is giving away two Very Positive‑rated PC titles—cozy ocean‑colony sim Havendock and retro space shooter Hyper Echelon—free through Thursday, April 2. The promotion runs for one week, requiring users to claim the games via the Epic client. Both...
Starship Troopers: Ultimate Bug War Has Retro Looks and Modern Edge
Starship Troopers: Ultimate Bug War, developed by Auroch Digital and Dotemu, launches as a retro‑styled first‑person shooter that satirically mirrors the 1997 film’s anti‑war themes. Drawing design inspiration from a 1999 Halo demo, the game blends classic 2000s shooter mechanics...
Fortnite Developer Epic Games Lays Off 1,000 Staffers, Citing 'Industry-Wide Challenges'
Epic Games announced it will lay off more than 1,000 employees, citing a downturn in Fortnite engagement that began in 2025 and broader industry challenges. The company reported $6.01 billion in revenue for 2025 but said spending on the live‑service game...
GTA 6 Fans Have some Wild Theories About Adult Content in the Game
Rockstar Games is slated to launch Grand Theft Auto 6 on November 19, 2026, featuring a dual‑protagonist couple, Jason and Lucia, set in a modern Vice City. With only two trailers released, fans on the GTA 6 subreddit are debating whether the game...