Archive - 2025

World of Warships and World of Warships: Legends Unveil April Updates

Wargaming, the developer and publisher of the leading cross-platform naval multiplayer game World of Warships, is sailing into spring with two jam-packed updates in World of Warships and World of Warships: Legends. For PC players, World of Warships sees two cruisers awaiting construction in the Dockyard, a new Efficiency Badges system, and a limited-time battle type that features a respawn mechanic. On console, World of Warships: Legends welcomes April with the arrival of the fan-favorite Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles collaboration, plus a new PvE game mode called War Tales, and a Marathon to earn the German cruiser Hindenburg.

Cruisers under construction and brand-new badges in World of Warships

Headlining April’s update for players on PC is a new Dockyard, with two ships up for grabs. Waiting at the end of 20 construction phases is German Tier IX Premium heavy cruiser Blücher. This ship boasts highly accurate shots and armored piercing shells that come equipped with increased penetration, improved ricochet angles, and flat ballistics. After progressing through the first eight Dockyard phases, players will also unlock Tier VII Commonwealth light cruiser Gambia, equipped with high explosive shells and Short Burst Smoke Generator to help take down enemy ships.

Players confident in their naval combat strategy can now showcase their skills through the addition of Efficiency Badges, which can be earned by completing Random Battles. After each clash, the base experience points of a player’s performance will be compared against the recent average performance of players from around the world, rewarding them with one of four tiered Efficiency Badges to display on the ships in their profile summary. As players improve their standing, climbing from 3rd Grade to Expert, ships will only display its highest-ranking badge.

Finally, a temporary battle type is sailing into World of Warships with Unbreakable Line, which welcomes a respawning feature. Running until 15 May, Tier VIII-IX battleships, cruisers, and destroyers can dive into action-packed 7 vs. 7 skirmishes. In a race to achieve 1,000 points, teams will need to win capture points and sink enemy vessels. But sinking these ships isn’t enough, as they’ll instantly respawn with reloaded weapons to jump back into battle.

World of Warships Legends shells out turtle mayhem and a new game mode

As part of April’s update, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are surfing into World of Warships: Legends. Players can sail into battle sporting their most beloved dude, with themed Commander guises and new skins. To celebrate the crossover, players hungry for new cosmetics can also pick up limited-time Pizza Time crates. With two available for free, one can be earned by conquering the new Turtle Power! Mission, and another by battling through the Dragon’s Voyage campaign during the update

April is also bringing fresh ways to play with War Tales, a brand-new PvE game mode that sees teams of three to five players working together to accomplish specific objectives using ships from Tier III ships upward. Three War Tales will be available to begin with, each with its own unique mission, such as securing a control point or escorting an allied ship. To emerge victorious, communication and solid strategies across teams will be vital.

For players seeking new vessels to lay down destruction with, the Hindenburg Marathon rounds out the April update, offering German Legendary Tier cruiser Hindenburg as the main reward. Spanning across three updates, players will have to work hard to accumulate a special currency known as Ship Parts. These can be earned by completing activities, playing the main campaign, earning bonuses through Store purchases, or by finishing Weekly Assignments.

You can find patch notes for PC here and for Legends here.

Pacific Drive Endless Expeditions Update Out Now

Following an incredible milestone of 1 million copies sold, Ironwood Studios has released their most substantial update to Pacific Drive today. Endless Expeditions is packed with a trunk full of new features and improvements headlined by the addition of Expeditions and the introduction of the Suspend feature, both of which redefine how players will experience the Olympic Exclusion Zone. There’s no better time to get behind the wheel of your own station wagon, Pacific Drive is on sale for 40% off on Steam until April 15 and PlayStation until April 23.

Watch the Endless Expeditions trailer here:

The Endless Expeditions update brings two highly requested features to Pacific Drive. Expeditions start in the garage with an ever-changing set of challenges and restrictions, generating new routes, and ramping up the difficulty to ensure that every journey feels fresh. This new way to play is perfect for roguelite fans, offering players endless possibilities to keep playing. For a more in-depth look at Expeditions, check out the forthcoming deep dive on the Ironwood YouTube channel. Players are also now able to save their progress at any time, exit the game and return safely when they’re ready to continue – another major change to how they play.

Other quality of life improvements includes upgrades to essential tools like the Plasma Scrapper and Thermal Vacuum, UX features and Ida’s Exchange, a trader where players can get new parts while in the Zone in exchange for scrap material without needing to go back to their garage. No road trip would be complete without the perfect soundtrack, and Pacific Drive’s radio playlist is now even better with 21 new tracks from new and returning artists. The Pacific Drive Radio Soundtrack Vol. 2 is also available to listen to on your actual road trips via Spotify too.

Endless Expedition Highlights: 

  • Expeditions – Roguelite style trips with unique routes and restrictions
  • Suspending Your Game – Save and exit at any time and resume when you wish
  • 21 New Songs – Over an hour of new radio music from new and returning artists
  • Ida’s Exchange – A new character and vendor available during expedition runs for players to purchase unique parts, cosmetics and resources
  • New Cosmetic content – Spruce up your garage with new cosmetics found in the Zone and by trading scrap material at Ida’s Exchange
  • Tool Updates – Improvements to the Plasma Scrapper and Thermal Vacuum
  • Improved Route Planner – Refreshed UI for better readability

Pacific Drive is available for PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. It has also been shortlisted for Best Debut in this year’s BAFTA Game Awards and Best Game Writing at the 2025 Nebula Awards. To find out more, visit: https://www.pacificdrivegame.com/

NEXON’s KartRider Rush+ Unveils Hyundai Motor’s Insteroid Kart

Today, NEXON announced that the mobile racing game KartRider Rush+ (KRR+) is partnering with Hyundai Motor Company for their second collaboration. The collaboration features the reveal of the all-new special-themed kart, the Insteroid, as well as new collaboration items and events.

With a variety of exhilarating game modes and a unique cast of racers, KartRider Rush+ offers adrenaline-pumping fun for both the rookie racer and the seasoned pro. Featuring an abundance of customizable karts and characters, racers can get creative and experience thrilling races on the go with imaginative tracks, bright graphics and easy-to-master gameplay.

KartRider Rush+’s Hyundai Motor Collaboration features a variety of action-packed content to enjoy, including:

  • Thrilling New Karts Inspired by Hyundai Motors –  Players can experience the all-new Insteroid kart, a concept car designed independently by Hyundai Motors Europe Design Center. This kart is based on the Hyundai INSTER (known as the Casper Electric in South Korea), a compact electric SUV, and features an innovative design influenced by the game. Alongside the kart, new items such as the Glitched Hyundai Aura and an EV Charging Connector in GOGOGOrange colors were also introduced.

  • Celebratory Event – To commemorate the second collaboration, NEXON is hosting a special event, running until April 28th. Players who use the Boost Shard at least once, which can be earned in-game, will be entered into a drawing to win 30 Lucky Star Jewels. These jewels can be exchanged for items at the in-game Starlight Treasure Hunt.

Players worldwide can download KartRider Rush+ for free on Android and iOS.

Tunnels Release Date Trailer

Publisher Mastiff and developer Nomad Monkey have revealed that the subterranean VR horror game Tunnels will release on Meta Quest on May 15th. Additionally, an all-new trailer premiered earlier today as part of the Ruff Talk VR Games Showcase, highlighting new thrills for players to unearth next month.

A viral VR sensation, the Tunnels demo version, released in 2023, amassed over 150K downloads. The upcoming release includes an enhanced free-to-play multiplayer experience and a trial version of the brand-new single-player experience. The full single-player experience will be available for download as DLC for $14.99 USD.

Tunnels is a heart-pounding, claustrophobia-inducing VR horror experience in which players are trapped deep underground in an abandoned mine shaft. Armed with only their wits, they’ll explore suffocating passageways and encounter horrors lurking in the shadows. Will players escape with their sanity intact, or will the tunnels claim them and their friends forever?

Key Features of Tunnels:

  • Claustrophobic Terror – Squeeze through narrow crevices, feel the walls closing in, and fight to keep your sanity as the mine and the creatures within it collapse in on the players.
  • Immersive Single-Player Adventure – Players are engulfed in boundary-pushing VR gameplay as they embark on a story-driven plunge into suffocating darkness, relying solely on a lone voice over the radio to survive.
  • Nightmarish Gameplay Variety – Players must plunge into eerie underground lakes, zipline over bottomless chasms, and scale sheer cliffs—all while evading the nightmarish creatures lurking in the depths.
  • Free-to-Play Multiplayer – Beyond the premium single-player campaign, Players can team up with friends and strangers in the free-to-play online co-op mode where survival depends on teamwork or betrayal.
  • Customize Your Survivor – Players can customize their multiplayer character with unique gear and show off their style as they confront the mine’s horrors together with friends.

Media and attendees at PAX East in Boston (May 8-11) will get the chance to explore Tunnels ahead of launch, as Mastiff will have hands-on demos of the game at booth #21087 in Exhibit Hall B.

Suitable for the Meta Quest 2, Quest Pro, Quest 3, and 3S, Tunnels will be available starting May 15 on the Meta store.

For Tunnels news and updates please visit https://mastiff-games.com/tunnels/. Join the Tunnels Discord, and follow Nomad Monkey on Instagram and X; and Mastiff on Instagram and X.

ALIEN RPG Evolved Edition Kickstarter Breaks All-Time Free League Crowdfunding Record

Free League and 20th Century Studios’ Kickstarter for the Evolved Edition of ALIEN The Roleplaying Game shattered the record for Free League’s most-backed project of all time, raising over $1.8 million USD in 10 days. Two final stretch goals remain out of 15, among them a GM screen design based on the iconic MU/TH/UR interface from ALIEN. Previous stretch goal rewards range from additional miniatures to extra content, including the Tartarus Sector campaign setting and the Chrysalis bonus adventure by Connor Alexander.

“Even after all these years, it’s been inspiring to still see so much passion from our community,” said Tomas Härenstam, CEO of Free League. “The Evolved Edition would’ve never been possible without their feedback and support, so this Kickstarter has been unforgettable for us, as it has truly felt like we’ve all made this game together.”

ALIEN The Roleplaying Game Evolved Edition delivers an updated and streamlined version of the ALIEN RPG fans know and love. The updated core rules include new artwork, new content, and a variety of new tools for players and Game Mothers alike, all fully compatible with previous releases and game material. Thrilling new aspects bursting from the Evolved Edition include:
  • A bold new look and feel to the Core Rulebook, with all new page layouts by Johan Nohr (of MÖRK BORG fame), new interior maps and artwork, and a stunning new core book cover by renowned artist Colm Geoghegan (Creepy Duck Design);
  • Revised and expanded core rules for talents, stress and panic, and stealth;
  • Reworked combat rules for armor, ammo, grenades, stuns, skirmishes, and spaceships;
  • New iconic weapons, items, ships, and locations from the hit film Alien: Romulus;
  • Various new rules and tools in high demand from players, including zero gravity, miniatures play support, and expanded campaign play; 
  • And last but not least, Last Survivor, a robust solo mode designed by masters of the solo trade, Shawn Tomkin and Matt Click.

Redesigned as the perfect starting point for newcomers to roleplaying in the ALIEN universe, the new Evolved Edition of the Starter Set contains everything players need for game night, including abridged rules, character sheets, custom dice, larger miniature-friendly game maps, initiative cards, reference cards, various handouts, tokens, and an expanded Evolved edition of the fan-favorite Hope’s Last Day scenario set on Hadley’s Hope just prior to the unforgettable events of ALIENS.

The new cinematic adventure boxed set, Rapture Protocol, returns to the roots of the ALIEN franchise, featuring the crew of a small star freighter on a resupply run to the remote industrial colony, soon embroiled in a deadly conflict. A new Miniatures Set featuring 28mm scale, high-quality miniatures of soldiers, space truckers, Xenomorphs, and more is designed to bring the events of Rapture Protocol to life, but fully complements other adventures and skirmish battles throughout the ALIEN RPG series.

Plus, all-new Evolved content will be made available to play across a wide range of popular Virtual Tabletop Platforms, including Alchemy, Foundry, Roll20, and Demiplane.

Free League is one of the most funded RPG publishers on Kickstarter, raising over $12M across 36 successful campaigns, including The One Ring™, Blade Runner RPG, Dragonbane, Coriolis: The Great Dark, Vaesen – Nordic Horror Roleplaying, Forbidden Lands, and Tales From the Loop RPG.

Since its Fall 2019 debut, the ALIEN RPG has topped charts and captured hearts. It has become a fan-favorite across the globe, inspiring new standards for horror and sci-fi RPGs while snagging 10+ top awards over the years, such as Best Game, Best RPG, Best RPG Expansion, Best RPG Adventure, Best Cartography, Best Production Values, and (among our favorites) Best Way to Die in an RPG for the esteemed eye burster.

To keep up to date with Free League Publishing, be sure to follow them on X (Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, and visit their official website at freeleaguepublishing.com.

Rival Stars Horse Racing: VR Edition Release Date Trailer

Rival Stars Horse Racing: VR Edition, the debut VR entry in the world’s most successful horse racing and equestrian mobile game franchise of all time from developer PikPok, opens its stables all over the world with its Meta Quest and Steam VR launch on April 17, 2025.

Take the reins on a virtual ranch in an all-new Rival Stars Horse Racing entry, built from the ground up as a fully immersive equestrian lifestyle simulator. Care, raise, and race well-bred horses while building up the stable’s prestige with each trophy won. Breed new generations of foals and produce gorgeous eye-catching coats and patterns, but don’t forget to keep them brushed out and happy!

Step into a digital saddle and compete in thrilling horse races. Master intuitive VR controls designed for immersive and accessible riding that brings the adrenaline of racing into the living room. Compete against computer-controlled jockeys and other players for the top spot on global leaderboards, seeking the top spot by working in tandem with a trusty steed.

Steer away from horse races to take part in breathtaking cross-country excursions. Guide bonded horses across cross-country courses, taking in the sights and navigating terrain with gesture-based controls. There are plenty of reasons to saddle up, even off the tracks. Luxuriate in the ranch’s leafy landscapes, explore new locations in Story Mode, and feel virtual breezes as riders bond with their steeds through regular care and exercise.

“The equestrian lifestyle is an idyllic fantasy to many – one that Rival Stars Horse Racing VR will finally fulfill, even if they live miles away from the nearest stable,” said Mario Wynands, CEO of PikPok. “There’s an inherent romance to ranch life that we hope to help our fans and community enjoy.”

Rival Stars Horse Racing: VR Edition will arrive on Meta Quest 2 & Meta Quest 3 and Steam VR on April 17, 2025, for $19.99 USD, with English, French, German, Spanish, Japanese, and Korean language support. For more information, visit the official website and wishlist on the Meta Quest Store and Steam today!

TRON: Ares Official Trailer Released

Today, Disney released the first trailer and poster for Disney’s “TRON: Ares,” the highly anticipated third installment in the groundbreaking “TRON” franchise. “TRON: Ares” is a follow-up to Disney’s 1982 seminal science fiction film, “TRON” and the 2010 sequel, “TRON: Legacy.”

“TRON: Ares” follows a highly sophisticated Program, Ares, who is sent from the digital world into the real world on a dangerous mission, marking humankind’s first encounter with A.I. beings.

The feature film is directed by Joachim Rønning and stars Jared Leto, Greta Lee, Evan Peters, Hasan Minhaj, Jodie Turner-Smith, Arturo Castro, Cameron Monaghan, with Gillian Anderson, and Jeff Bridges.

Sean Bailey, Jeffrey Silver, Justin Springer, Jared Leto, Emma Ludbrook and Steven Lisberger are the producers, with Russell Allen serving as executive producer.

Disney’s “TRON: Ares” releases in U.S. theaters on October 10, 2025.

Sid Meier’s Civilization VII – VR Coming to the Meta Quest 3 and 3S on April 10

Today, 2K and Firaxis Games announced Sid Meier’s Civilization® VII – VR is available for pre-order now and launching worldwide exclusively on Meta Quest 3 and 3S on April 10. A true Civ experience developed by PlaySide Studios in partnership with Firaxis Games, Sid Meier’s Civilization VII – VR features the same strategic depth players expect from the franchise, now with unique features and gameplay mechanics designed for virtual reality and mixed reality. Explore a new way to experience the legendary strategy franchise as players immerse themselves and build an empire to stand the test of time.

Players can experience a variety of features and modes within Sid Meier’s Civilization VII – VR, including:

  • A True Civilization Experience in VR/MR. Enjoy Civilization from a unique new perspective, whether peering down from high above the map or leaning all the way in to appreciate the finer details of every building and unit.
  • Meet Visionary Leaders Face-to-Face. Iconic world leaders surround the War Table, reacting to forged alliances or declarations of war. Negotiate your empire’s best interests one-on-one with other leaders in the new Diplomacy Chamber.
  • Your Empire Enters Reality. Reach out and take control with the new interface designed for Meta Quest 3 and 3S, letting players change viewpoints at will and bring the War Table into their surroundings with dynamic mixed reality.
  • Conquer or Cooperate. Play solo or compete in online multiplayer matches with up to three other Meta Quest 3 and 3S players.*
  • Relive Your Empire’s Glory. Revisit your history and achievements in the Archives, a virtual space where the heights of your empire are captured as dioramas you can see anytime you like in VR.

Playable across Quest 3 and Quest 3S, Sid Meier’s Civilization VII – VR, will be available on the Meta Horizon Store for $59.99.

For more information on the included modes, features, supported languages, and more, visit the Meta Horizon Store.

Sid Meier’s Civilization VII is rated E10+ by the ESRB. Firaxis Games is a 2K studio. 2K is a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

*Online multiplayer requires an Internet connection, a 2K Account (minimum age varies), and a Meta Account.

Realpolitiks 3: Earth and Beyond Official Launch Date Announced

It’s time to expand your political powers, and reach the stars themselves! Fulqrum Publishing and Jujubee are delighted to announce that Realpolitiks 3: Earth and Beyond, a grand strategy title like no other, will ascend from Early Access with its 1.0 release on April 24, 2025!

Realpolitiks 3: Earth and Beyond has been in Early Access since October 2024, and will feature a whole host of new content in its full release. This includes for example:

  • A new “Climate War” scenario, in which the world faces a wave of climate disasters, eventually leading to a new type of wars to emerge, with countries fighting for basic resources and survival.
  • Finalized Leadership mechanic, letting players develop their Head of State and other members of the cabinet as they gain experience.
  • Various quality of life features, improvements and bugfixes based on community feedback, including the Timeline review, in which players can see how successful their reign has been, new combat balancing and changes to trade functionality, among others.
  • Localization to German, Spanish, French, Polish, Simplified Chinese and Russian languages.

Realpolitiks 3: Earth and Beyond invites you to prove your political brilliance – pick from a range of 195 countries, set up your government and navigate the pitfalls of domestic and international politics. A glorious destiny awaits – the domination of not just the Earth, but the whole Solar system!

To achieve this ultimate goal, you will have to carefully consider a myriad of decisions, starting with the choice of a country you wish to lead. Taking control of any contemporary nation in order to fulfil your ambitions: from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe and everything in between.

You will also need to select your optimal form of government, build your cabinet of ministers, improve your character’s skills – all while leading your country’s efforts in economic development, research, diplomacy, espionage or war. Will you lead your people to the stars, or to their ultimate doom?

Realpolitiks 3: Earth and Beyond has been shaped by its community throughout the Early Access period, with the team interacting directly with the community on Discord server and Steam Discussion forums. Early Access may have come to a close, but the development team is still keen to hear your feedback, so feel free to join the conversation!

Realpolitiks 3: Earth and Beyond is available to purchase today on PC via Steam, GOG, the Epic Games Store and other digital storefronts, and will launch out of Early Access on April 24, 2025.

Truck Driver – Heading North Coming to Nintendo Switch

The wait is almost over as SOEDESCO® is proud to announce that Truck Driver – Heading North is launching on Nintendo Switch on April 24, 2025. This exciting announcement comes with a brand-new trailer offering a sneak peek at the vast, rural roads and the fascinating characters ready to give thrilling new trucking challenges.

Please note that you must have the base game installed on your Nintendo Switch to play the Heading North DLC.