Polygon (Gaming)

Polygon (Gaming)

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Games-focused news, reviews and features, from AAA to indie, plus culture and platform coverage.

D&D Sci-Fi Book Trilogy Neon Odyssey Raises $3.7 Million in Hours on Kickstarter
NewsMay 5, 2026

D&D Sci-Fi Book Trilogy Neon Odyssey Raises $3.7 Million in Hours on Kickstarter

Avantris Entertainment’s Neon Odyssey, a Dungeons & Dragons 5e space‑opera trilogy, raised $3.68 million within hours of its Kickstarter launch, far exceeding its $60,000 goal. The campaign, which includes three books—Outrunner’s Handbook, Cosmic Codex, and Overdrive Expansion—introduces a new space‑combat system, a Machinist...

By Polygon (Gaming)
Xbox CEO Cancels Console AI Chatbot Copilot on Consoles
NewsMay 5, 2026

Xbox CEO Cancels Console AI Chatbot Copilot on Consoles

Microsoft announced that Xbox will cease development of its AI chatbot Copilot for consoles, a decision made by newly appointed CEO Asha Sharma. The move follows a broader strategic overhaul that includes leadership reshuffles and a focus on accelerating community...

By Polygon (Gaming)
Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era Factions List
NewsMay 5, 2026

Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era Factions List

Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era, released in early 2026, features six playable factions—Temple, Necropolis, Grove, Hive, Schism, and Dungeon—each tied to a native region and a distinct roster of units. The article breaks down each faction's unit composition,...

By Polygon (Gaming)
'Choose Your Path' Timed Research Bonuses and Steps in Pokémon Go
NewsMay 5, 2026

'Choose Your Path' Timed Research Bonuses and Steps in Pokémon Go

Niantic has rolled out a new “Choose Your Path” Timed Research in Pokémon Go, appearing each Tuesday at 10 a.m. and lasting until the following Monday. Players select one of three tracks—Explore, Catch, or Battle—each granting a distinct XP multiplier and a...

By Polygon (Gaming)
Pokémon Go 'Sparkle and Shine' Shiny Diancie Masterwork Research Quest Steps
NewsMay 5, 2026

Pokémon Go 'Sparkle and Shine' Shiny Diancie Masterwork Research Quest Steps

Niantic’s Pokémon Go Tour: Kalos introduced a ticketed Masterwork Research called “Sparkle and Shine,” which rewards a shiny Diancie after players finish a ten‑step quest. The quest began on Feb. 28 and requires extensive catching, evolving, mega‑evolving, and daily PokéStop visits, culminating...

By Polygon (Gaming)
Valve's New Steam Controller Sells Out on Launch Day
NewsMay 4, 2026

Valve's New Steam Controller Sells Out on Launch Day

Valve launched a new Steam Controller on May 4, 2026, pricing it at $99. The gamepad, which adapts the Steam Deck’s haptic trackpads and adds Grip Sense and gyro controls, sold out in roughly 30 minutes after going live at 1 p.m....

By Polygon (Gaming)
Star Wars The Force Unleashed Is in Need of a Reboot
NewsMay 4, 2026

Star Wars The Force Unleashed Is in Need of a Reboot

The article argues Disney should reboot the over‑the‑top Star Wars: The Force Unleashed series, citing its strong fan cult and solid sales. The original 2008 title moved over 6 million units in its first year, while the 2010 sequel sold 500 k...

By Polygon (Gaming)
GameStop's CEO Is Annoyed You Don't Understand How He's Buying eBay
NewsMay 4, 2026

GameStop's CEO Is Annoyed You Don't Understand How He's Buying eBay

GameStop announced a $56 billion bid to acquire eBay, proposing a mix of cash and stock. CEO Ryan Cohen appeared irritated during a CNBC interview when pressed about financing, directing viewers to the company website for details. While GameStop holds a...

By Polygon (Gaming)
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Appears in Saros with a Lovely Easter Egg
NewsMay 4, 2026

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Appears in Saros with a Lovely Easter Egg

Saros, Sony’s first major PlayStation exclusive of 2026, includes an Easter egg that nods to Sandfall Interactive’s 2025 hit Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. The hidden reference is tied to the Carcosan Modifiers system, which lets players adjust difficulty and earn the “Carcosan...

By Polygon (Gaming)
A Star Wars Life-Sim Is Long Overdue
NewsMay 4, 2026

A Star Wars Life-Sim Is Long Overdue

The article argues that the Star Wars franchise has never produced a true life‑simulation or colony‑management game, despite a growing appetite for non‑violent, everyday experiences in sci‑fi universes. It highlights potential game concepts—from cantina staff management to Tatooine farming—and notes that...

By Polygon (Gaming)
Pokémon TCG Vending Machines Being Pulled Amid Scalper Drama
NewsMay 4, 2026

Pokémon TCG Vending Machines Being Pulled Amid Scalper Drama

The Pokémon Company is gradually pulling its trading‑card vending machines from select retail locations after persistent reseller abuse and safety incidents. The kiosks, originally designed to offer a controlled, on‑demand purchase channel, became hotspots for scalpers who exploited glitches to...

By Polygon (Gaming)
Every Announced Star Wars Game Currently in Development and when They Will Be Released
NewsMay 4, 2026

Every Announced Star Wars Game Currently in Development and when They Will Be Released

A slate of Star Wars video games is in active development, spanning racing, tactical, and narrative‑driven experiences. Fuse Games’ *Galactic Racer* is slated for an October 6 2026 launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and PC, while *Star Wars Zero Company* aims for a late‑2026...

By Polygon (Gaming)
D&D's Official New Series Fixes the Biggest Issue with Shows Like Critical Role
NewsMay 4, 2026

D&D's Official New Series Fixes the Biggest Issue with Shows Like Critical Role

Wizards of the Coast launched "Dungeon Masters," an official Dungeons & Dragons actual‑play series that delivers each episode in roughly 80 minutes, half the length of long‑form shows like Critical Role. In episode three the party confronts Ravenloft’s death knight Lord Soth,...

By Polygon (Gaming)
The Black Panther in Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls Is Not the One You Expect
NewsMay 3, 2026

The Black Panther in Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls Is Not the One You Expect

Arc System Works unveiled a new trailer for Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, confirming that Shuri—not T’Challa—will assume the Black Panther mantle in the upcoming console fighting game. The decision aligns with Disney’s post‑Boseman MCU shift, making Shuri the first Black Panther playable...

By Polygon (Gaming)
Imagine Dragons Lead Singer's Multiplayer Game Underperformed, but It Isn't Shutting Down
NewsMay 3, 2026

Imagine Dragons Lead Singer's Multiplayer Game Underperformed, but It Isn't Shutting Down

Imagine Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds' studio Night Street Games released the multiplayer shooter Last Flag on April 14, but the title has struggled with low concurrent players and missed launch expectations. Rather than shutting down, the studio announced a community‑focused roadmap that...

By Polygon (Gaming)
Saros Feels Like Returnal, but It's a Very Different Game to Housemarque
NewsMay 3, 2026

Saros Feels Like Returnal, but It's a Very Different Game to Housemarque

Housemarque's new PS5 title Saros builds on the bullet‑hell roguelike formula of 2021's Returnal while introducing a defensive shield and a more aggressive combat style. Inspired by the 1985 horror collection The King in Yellow, the game places players in...

By Polygon (Gaming)
Diablo 4 Lord of Hatred DLC Ending, Explained — What Happens Next?
NewsMay 2, 2026

Diablo 4 Lord of Hatred DLC Ending, Explained — What Happens Next?

The Lord of Hatred expansion delivered a dramatic climax to Diablo 4, eliminating key allies Lorath and Neyrelle and permanently removing Lilith and Mephisto. This narrative closure wraps up the storyline launched in 2023 while opening space for new arcs. Blizzard...

By Polygon (Gaming)
Subnautica 2 Devs Revived a Cut Subnautica Feature for the Sequel
NewsMay 2, 2026

Subnautica 2 Devs Revived a Cut Subnautica Feature for the Sequel

Unknown Worlds announced that Subnautica 2, slated for early‑access release on May 14, will finally include the co‑op mode originally scrapped from the first game. The sequel, technically the third entry after Subnautica: Below Zero, supports up to four players from launch and runs...

By Polygon (Gaming)
The Outer Worlds Will Soon Be Removed From Stores — but There's a Catch
NewsMay 2, 2026

The Outer Worlds Will Soon Be Removed From Stores — but There's a Catch

Obsidian Entertainment will delist the original 2019 version of The Outer Worlds on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X on May 27, leaving only the Spacer’s Choice Edition available on those platforms. The upgraded edition will sell for $39.99, while the legacy...

By Polygon (Gaming)
Pokémon Go Giovanni Counters, Team Line-Up in May 2026
NewsMay 1, 2026

Pokémon Go Giovanni Counters, Team Line-Up in May 2026

Following the April 30, 2026 update, Giovanni’s roster in Pokémon Go now features Persian, a choice of Kangaskhan, Rhyperior or Nidoking, and shadow Landorus. Access to the battle requires a Super Rocket Radar, which is only obtainable through the $4.99 Go Pass deluxe...

By Polygon (Gaming)
Pokémon Go Ditto Disguises List for May 2026
NewsMay 1, 2026

Pokémon Go Ditto Disguises List for May 2026

Niantic’s Pokémon Go updates the Ditto disguise roster for May 2026, listing ten common Pokémon such as Mankey, Growlithe, and Magnemite. The disguises change after major events, prompting players to stay vigilant while hunting. Shiny Ditto remains rare, with an estimated 1‑in‑64...

By Polygon (Gaming)
Pokémon Go Raid Schedule for May 2026
NewsMay 1, 2026

Pokémon Go Raid Schedule for May 2026

Niantic released the May 2026 raid calendar for Pokémon Go, outlining weekly legendary, Mega, and shadow raid windows. Legendary raids feature Tapu Lele, Nihilego, Buzzwole, Pheromosa, Xurkitree, Tapu Bulu, Tapu Fini, and a shadow Cresselia, each running 7‑10 days. Mega raids rotate from Mega Banette to...

By Polygon (Gaming)
How to Beat the Priestess Boss in Saros
NewsApr 30, 2026

How to Beat the Priestess Boss in Saros

Polygon’s Johnny Yu breaks down the three‑phase Priestess boss in Housemarque’s sci‑fi shooter Saros, offering a step‑by‑step guide to preparation, loadout and combat tactics. The guide stresses gathering Overdrive Charger nodes, equipping Damage Enhancement III and Armor Enhancement II, and using specific modifiers...

By Polygon (Gaming)
The Dungeon Crawler Carl RPG Is More than a D&D Reskin
NewsApr 29, 2026

The Dungeon Crawler Carl RPG Is More than a D&D Reskin

Renegade Game Studios released the Dungeon Crawler Carl Role‑Playing Game, a brand‑new system inspired by Matt Dinniman’s novel series, not a D&D or Pathfinder reskin. The Kickstarter‑style BackerKit campaign has already raised over $8.4 million since its April 14 launch. Designed for...

By Polygon (Gaming)
5 Tips on How to Use the Horadric Cube in Diablo 4
NewsApr 29, 2026

5 Tips on How to Use the Horadric Cube in Diablo 4

The Horadric Cube, unlocked after completing the Lord of Hatred DLC’s third campaign chapter, is Diablo 4’s end‑game crafting system. It lets players merge items, add affixes, or create legendary gear using recipes that require high‑level materials. While pre‑end‑game use is...

By Polygon (Gaming)
Diablo 4 Interactive Map
NewsApr 29, 2026

Diablo 4 Interactive Map

Polygon released an interactive map for Diablo 4 that consolidates waypoints, Altars of Lilith, dungeons, world‑boss spawns, and NPC locations. The tool is updated for the Lord of Hatred DLC, including the new Slovos region and key NPCs in Temis and...

By Polygon (Gaming)
How to Farm Gold Quickly in Vampire Crawlers
NewsApr 29, 2026

How to Farm Gold Quickly in Vampire Crawlers

Vampire Crawlers, a new spin‑off from Vampire Survivors, hinges on a gold‑based economy that fuels upgrades and cosmetics. Early‑game players can boost earnings by maxing the Greed stat, using the cash‑out button, and replaying levels, while the Bomba Infernale relic unlocked...

By Polygon (Gaming)
All Village Buildings in Vampire Crawlers and How to Unlock Them
NewsApr 29, 2026

All Village Buildings in Vampire Crawlers and How to Unlock Them

Vampire Crawlers introduces a Village hub where players access essential buildings that enhance gameplay. The Town Hall, Inn, and World Map are available from the start, while the Shop, Museum, Fortune Teller, and Blacksmith unlock through specific in‑game actions such...

By Polygon (Gaming)
Steam Controller Price Comparison: Here's How Valve's Controller Measures Up
NewsApr 27, 2026

Steam Controller Price Comparison: Here's How Valve's Controller Measures Up

Valve announced the Steam Controller will ship on May 4 for $99, positioning it between mainstream gamepads and premium offerings. The price sits above the Xbox Wireless Controller ($65) and PlayStation 5 DualSense ($74) but well below elite models like the Xbox...

By Polygon (Gaming)
Best Amazon Gaming Week 2026 Deals Include MLB The Show 26 and More
NewsApr 27, 2026

Best Amazon Gaming Week 2026 Deals Include MLB The Show 26 and More

Amazon Gaming Week 2026 rolls out deep discounts on a mix of hardware and high‑profile titles, from the Nex Playground console at $239 (down $60) to blockbuster games like MLB The Show 26 for $49.94 and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth for...

By Polygon (Gaming)
Dark Souls 3 Remains a Work of Art that Refuses to Fade, a Decade Later
NewsApr 26, 2026

Dark Souls 3 Remains a Work of Art that Refuses to Fade, a Decade Later

A decade after its 2016 launch, Dark Souls 3 still shines as a masterwork of game design, offering a bleak yet vibrant world that outshines even Elden Ring’s hype in tone. The title refined the series’ deliberate combat by adding speed, while...

By Polygon (Gaming)
First Teaser for Alien: Isolation's Long-Awaited Sequel Is Here
NewsApr 26, 2026

First Teaser for Alien: Isolation's Long-Awaited Sequel Is Here

Sega and Creative Assembly unveiled the first teaser for the long‑awaited sequel to Alien: Isolation on Alien Day 2026. The short video, titled “False Sense of Security,” shows a disheveled alien base, an emergency save phone, and an unsettling atmosphere,...

By Polygon (Gaming)
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Cast Reacts to Disturbing Nintendo Lore
NewsApr 26, 2026

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Cast Reacts to Disturbing Nintendo Lore

The cast of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie—Donald Glover, Charlie Day and Chris Pratt—were startled when they learned that Nintendo's original 1985 Super Mario Bros. manual described power‑up blocks as cursed residents turned into bricks and ?‑blocks. Both the Japanese and English...

By Polygon (Gaming)
FFXIV 2026 Fan Fest Keynote Recap: Evercold, Evangelion and Everything Announced
NewsApr 24, 2026

FFXIV 2026 Fan Fest Keynote Recap: Evercold, Evangelion and Everything Announced

Square Enix unveiled its Evercold update for Final Fantasy XIV, slated for a January 2026 launch as part of patch 8.0, alongside a Switch 2 port. The announcement introduced a weekly progression system, new Reborn and Evolved combat modes, expanded character...

By Polygon (Gaming)
Square Enix Confirms FFXIV Switch 2 Release Date and Extra Subscription
NewsApr 24, 2026

Square Enix Confirms FFXIV Switch 2 Release Date and Extra Subscription

Square Enix announced that Final Fantasy XIV will debut on Nintendo Switch 2 in August 2026, bringing the long‑running MMO to Nintendo’s next‑gen console. The launch comes with a new subscription requirement: Switch 2 players must purchase a separate FF XIV subscription, though existing...

By Polygon (Gaming)
Battlefield Movie Coming From Michael B. Jordan
NewsApr 24, 2026

Battlefield Movie Coming From Michael B. Jordan

Michael B. Jordan is teaming with director Christopher McQuarrie to develop a film adaptation of Electronic Arts' Battlefield franchise. McQuarrie will write, direct and produce while Jordan will produce and may star, with EA also listed as a producer. The project is being...

By Polygon (Gaming)
Best New Xbox Game Pass Games to Play This Weekend (April 24-26)
NewsApr 24, 2026

Best New Xbox Game Pass Games to Play This Weekend (April 24-26)

Microsoft recently cut the Xbox Game Pass price while confirming that upcoming Call of Duty releases won’t launch on the service day‑and‑date. Despite the pricing shift, the platform added three notable titles in April—Vampire Crawlers, Kiln, and Replaced—bringing the catalog...

By Polygon (Gaming)
Square Enix Reveals Final Fantasy XIV 8.0 Release Date
NewsApr 24, 2026

Square Enix Reveals Final Fantasy XIV 8.0 Release Date

Square Enix announced that Final Fantasy XIV’s next expansion, Evercold (version 8.0), will launch in January 2027. The reveal took place at Fan Festival 2026 and was accompanied by a cinematic trailer featuring a frozen Shard world and new characters. Evercold continues the...

By Polygon (Gaming)
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's Endings Are the Best Part of the RPG
NewsApr 24, 2026

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's Endings Are the Best Part of the RPG

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s final act subverts expectations with a bleak, no‑good‑ending conclusion. The game reveals the expeditioners are imagined constructs of a grieving mother, while a rival faction’s manipulation triggers a fatal fire. This narrative twist sparked controversy but earned praise...

By Polygon (Gaming)
BG3 Prequel Novel Starring Astarion Gets 2026 Release Date
NewsApr 24, 2026

BG3 Prequel Novel Starring Astarion Gets 2026 Release Date

Larian Studios’ hit RPG Baldur’s Gate 3 is expanding into print with a prequel novel focused on fan‑favorite elf vampire Astarion. The book, titled “Baldur’s Gate 3: Astarion,” is written by New York Times bestseller T. Kingfisher and arrives on September 29, 2026, with an audiobook...

By Polygon (Gaming)
Street Fighter 6 and Silent Hill 2 Headline Steam's 2026 Golden Week Sales
NewsApr 23, 2026

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...

By Polygon (Gaming)
Why Doesn't Xbox Game Pass Include Every Call of Duty Game?
NewsApr 21, 2026

Why Doesn't Xbox Game Pass Include Every Call of Duty Game?

Microsoft announced that new Call of Duty titles will not appear on Xbox Game Pass until roughly a year after release, coinciding with a price reduction for the subscription. The move follows the 2022 $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, which...

By Polygon (Gaming)
GTA 5 Fans Keep Starting NPC Riots in the Silliest Way Possible
NewsApr 21, 2026

GTA 5 Fans Keep Starting NPC Riots in the Silliest Way Possible

Fans of Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto 5 are using mods to spark chaotic NPC riots with everyday items like snowballs, turning a simple throw into a five‑minute cascade of explosions and mayhem. Viral clips on Reddit, TikTok and YouTube have amassed...

By Polygon (Gaming)
The Pokémon Champions Meta Is Getting Dominated by Incineroar
NewsApr 21, 2026

The Pokémon Champions Meta Is Getting Dominated by Incineroar

In the two weeks since Pokémon Champions launched on April 8, Incineroar has become the game’s most‑used monster, appearing on more than half of all competitive teams. Data from Kotaku, TheGamer and Limitless TCG shows the fire‑dark starter topping usage charts...

By Polygon (Gaming)
Dragon Ball and One Piece Company Toei Announces Toei Games Expansion
NewsApr 21, 2026

Dragon Ball and One Piece Company Toei Announces Toei Games Expansion

Toei Company, famed for One Piece and Dragon Ball, announced the creation of Toei Games, an in‑house video‑game publishing division. The new unit will focus on developing original intellectual property rather than leveraging existing anime franchises. Toei Games plans a PC launch on...

By Polygon (Gaming)
Kick Will Bring Cozy Soccer Gameplay to Steam
NewsApr 21, 2026

Kick Will Bring Cozy Soccer Gameplay to Steam

Kick is an upcoming indie soccer title that lets players control "The Kid" in a 2D side‑scrolling world, dribbling and performing tricks while navigating streets, beaches, parks and underpasses. Developed solo by Peter Soerensen of nospacelost, the game emphasizes nostalgic...

By Polygon (Gaming)
Animal Crossing: New Horizons Vs. Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, the Comparison We Had to Make
NewsApr 18, 2026

Animal Crossing: New Horizons Vs. Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, the Comparison We Had to Make

Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons, a pandemic‑era hit, has begun to feel burdensome for many players due to its real‑time daily grind and loss of progress when idle. In contrast, Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, also on Switch, offers a...

By Polygon (Gaming)
The Best Birthday Gifts for Gamers for Every Price Range
NewsApr 18, 2026

The Best Birthday Gifts for Gamers for Every Price Range

The article presents a curated birthday‑gift guide for gamers, covering everything from art books and cookbooks to board‑game adaptations, LEGO sets, and high‑detail weapon replicas. It highlights titles like the Elden Ring art book, the Elden Ring board game, and...

By Polygon (Gaming)
Best New Xbox Game Pass Games to Play This Weekend (April 17-19)
NewsApr 17, 2026

Best New Xbox Game Pass Games to Play This Weekend (April 17-19)

Xbox Game Pass, now featuring roughly 900 titles, adds three standout games for the weekend of April 17‑19. Hades 2 arrives on Xbox Series X, delivering Supergiant’s acclaimed roguelike with a new protagonist. Indie brawler Absolum mixes beat‑em‑up action with roguelike progression,...

By Polygon (Gaming)