Archive - 2025

Sid Meier’s Civilization VII Out Now

Firaxis Games today announced Sid Meier’s Civilization® VII is now available worldwide. The revolutionary new chapter in the storied and esteemed strategy game franchise, which has sold-in more than 73 million copies worldwide, is available on consoles and PC simultaneously for the first time in franchise history, including PlayStation®5 (PS5®), PlayStation®4 (PS4®), Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo™ Switch, PC via Steam and Epic Games Store, and Mac and Linux via Steam. Civilization VII – VR, which was recently announced at the Civ World Summit, is scheduled to launch in Spring 2025; more information on Civilization VII – VR can be found here.

“This is an incredibly special moment for 2K as we launch Civilization VII, a game that honors and elevates the legacy of one of the most beloved franchises in gaming history,” said Catharina Lavers Mallet, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Core Games at 2K. “The partnership with Firaxis, a team whose creativity and dedication are unmatched, is set to deliver another groundbreaking hit that will captivate fans old and new.”

Civilization VII is a key piece of our creative identity at Firaxis, with a passionate team that pushes the very boundaries of what strategy games can achieve,” said Heather Hazen, Studio Head of Firaxis Games. “We’ve crafted the most expansive and ambitious Civilization game yet, and want to express our deepest gratitude to the Civ community that has grown with us over the years. It’s time to embark on this new journey together and Build Something We Believe In.”

In Civilization VII, strategic decisions shape the unique cultural lineage of an evolving empire. You rule as one of many legendary leaders from throughout history and steer the course of your story by choosing a new civilization to represent your empire in each Age of human advancement. Construct cities and architectural wonders to expand territory, improve civilization with technological breakthroughs, and conquer or cooperate with rival civilizations as you explore the far reaches of the unknown world. Pursue prosperity in an immersive solo experience or play with others in online multiplayer.*

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 play and features require an Internet connection and 2K Account (minimum age varies). On Xbox, PlayStation, and PC up to five players supported in the Antiquity & Exploration Ages, and up to eight players supported in the Modern Age. On Nintendo Switch, up to four players are supported in the Antiquity & Exploration Ages, and up to six players supported in the Modern Age in games. Map size restrictions may apply to certain cross-play multiplayer games. More info available here: https://2kgam.es/Civ7FAQ. Console online play on Xbox and PlayStation requires a separate paid subscription. Terms apply.

Hearts of Iron IV: Graveyard of Empires Story Trailer

Imperial ambitions collide in the challenging lands of Central and South Asia. The British Empire is secure in the Raj and Iraq, but has long held designs on influencing oil rich Iran and unconquerable Afghanistan – also targets of an aggressive Soviet foreign policy from the north. Rewrite the history of a region caught between bowing to a larger alliance and homegrown dreams of national strength. Can you defy the odds and possibly resurrect the glories of a far distant past?

Choose the fate of a nation seeking a new destiny or ancient prestige in Graveyard of Empires, a new country pack for Hearts of Iron IV. Follow the historical path of Afghanistan, India, Iran or Iraq or explore dramatic alternate histories with the rebirth of old empires.

Hearts of Iron IV: Graveyard of Empires includes new content for:

  • Iran: Iran is a potential great power, hemmed in by the pressure of the Soviet Union and the British Empire. A significant new Focus Tree allows the player to resist the imperial incursions that historically weakened Iran, as well as offering potential for a revived and modern Persian Empire in the heart of Asia.
  • India: The Raj is the jewel of the British Empire, rich and strategically vital. However, a growing independence movement threatens to disrupt the war effort and dissolve the empire. A large focus tree focused on the struggle of Indian Independence offers many alternate historical paths, including the revival of the East India Company as a corporate nation, as well as the possible freedom of the Princely States, restoration of the Mughal Empire and more.
  • Iraq: Take control of this British client state and try to chart your own path, embracing the calls for pan-arab nationalism and siding with the axis against the allies. Manage the many competing ethnic and religious factions in Iraq and develop the strategically important oil fields.
  • Afghanistan: The historic Graveyard of Empires, isolated from the wider war, offers many alternate paths. Continue the historical path of neutrality and isolation, or choose the road of rapid industrialization and building a new power in the mountains of Central Asia.

Hearts of Iron IV: Graveyard of Empires also includes new art, with more leader portraits, infantry models and unit models.

Hearts of Iron IV: Graveyard of Empires will be available on March 04, 2025 for the suggested retail price of $14,99/ £12.79/ €14.99 and is also available as a part of the Hearts of Iron IV Expansion Pass.

Matchmaker Agency Coming Soon to Nintendo Switch

Publisher Soft Source, in partnership with developers Niji Games and MelonCat, are pleased to announce the digital release of Matchmaker Agency for Nintendo Switch consoles on 13th February 2025.

Lonely singles in your area, and they’re ready to mingle! Not with you, though.

You might not be the best bachelor or bachelorette, but you can be the best matchmaker! It’s time for you to take on the role of cupid and match lonely singles together in Matchmaker Agency!

Starting as an amateur in the ways of romance, along with your lovely feline companion Charles, you will have to quickly learn what it takes to fulfill people’s hopes and dreams. But don’t forget — it’s a race against the clock and you owe the landlord money!

Relic Entertainment Charts a Bold Course for the Future

Relic Entertainment, the renowned independent studio behind iconic real-time strategy (RTS) franchises like Company of Heroes and Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War, today announced its ambitious plans for the future. Building on a legacy of excellence spanning 27 years, Relic is poised for continued growth and innovation.

The studio’s future facing strategy will be anchored by three key pillars:

  •  Deepening Commitment to Existing Titles: Relic will continue to provide robust support for its acclaimed titles, including Company of Heroes 3 which just announced a new DLC and a major update. Relic is committed to ongoing updates, and community engagement to ensure a thriving and long-lasting experience for players.
  •  Independent Development, creative experiences: Recognizing the power of creativity and innovation, Relic will actively pursue the development and publishing of smaller-scope, in-house games, while also continuing to develop the larger, complex strategy titles the studio is renowned for. This will allow the studio to explore new genres and gameplay experiences and continue fostering a culture of experimentation and artistic expression.
  •  Re-imagining Classics: Drawing upon its rich catalog of beloved games, Relic will explore opportunities to bring these classic titles to modern audiences. This may include re-releases, remasters, or brand-new franchise experiences that capture the spirit of the originals while appealing to a new generation of players.

“Relic Entertainment has always been a studio defined by its resilience and passion for creating unforgettable gaming experiences,” said Justin Dowdeswell, CEO of Relic Entertainment. “This new chapter marks a significant milestone for us. By embracing independence and focusing on our core strengths, we are confident in our ability to deliver innovative, high-quality games that will resonate with players around the world. The future of Relic Entertainment is bright, and we are excited to embark on this new journey.”

Relic Entertainment is committed to fostering a creative and collaborative environment where talented developers can thrive. The studio will continue to invest in its team, providing them with the resources and support they need to realize their full potential.

KENTUM World Premiere trailer

Tlön Industries, developers of the acclaimed terraforming game Per Aspera, have today released a rather generous demo for their upcoming 2D side-scrolling base-building survival game KENTUM on Steam. Revealed in December at the Latin American Games Showcase at The Game Awards, KENTUM is coming to PC, PS5, and Xbox Series consoles in 2025.

KENTUM places players in the role of a man awakening from a very, very long nap. After 7,000 years in suspended animation, he awakens to find himself seemingly the last man on earth. With no one else to rely on, you must scour for resources and use advanced technology to create your own home base to sustain your survival.

This demo lets players go through the opening hours of KENTUM, exploring its first region. While the demo contains plenty of machines to craft and base decorations, far more awaits in the full game, which includes fauna machines, drones and advanced optimization options.

KENTUM lets players explore post-post-apocalyptic landscapes with dynamically changing climates and seasons full of unknown forms of flora and fauna. From trash mountains to desolate ruins, each area is filled with secrets to discover and challenges to overcome – like extreme weather and low gravity. Gather resources, fight newly evolved predators, harvest life-forms, and adapt to the hazardous, ever-changing world of 10,000 AD!

With no civilization you need to ensure that your house is more than a home; it must also be a factory. You’ll have to craft new automatization machinery and creatively combine your findings to optimize your own self-regulating habitat. Create your own farms, craft coal and ingots, build claws and conveyor belts. And don’t forget to decorate the place, as increasingly complex pipelines could be an eyesore. After all, this is the one environment you have control over, so you might as well make it personal to you!

Groundbreaking New Fantasy TTRPG Daggerheart Arrives May 20th

The wait is nearly over! Daggerheart, the next evolution in tabletop roleplaying from Darrington Press (the publishing arm of Critical Role), will officially release on May 20, 2025. This highly anticipated game brings fresh innovations to the genre, offering a thrilling new approach to collaborative storytelling and gameplay for both seasoned players and newcomers. Daggerheart’s Open Beta Playtest in summer 2024 was a turning point for the game, made possible by the passion and dedication of over 150,000 players who shared their insights, tested its mechanics, and gave feedback that helped shape the game’s direction. Their feedback was invaluable in refining the system’s fast-paced combat, deepening collaborative storytelling elements, and ensuring the system felt dynamic and responsive.

With its groundbreaking mechanics, rich worldbuilding tools, and the innovative Duality Dice system, Daggerheart is set to redefine what’s possible in tabletop roleplaying.

“We built Daggerheart from the ground up to be a toolbox for crafting heartfelt, epic tales of adventure, and we’re so excited for the finished game to finally be in people’s hands,” said game designers Spenser Starke and Rowan Hall. “Through years of hard work, with an army of collaborators, and thanks to an incredible open beta playtest with the community, the game is now ready for you to make your own. We look forward to hearing about all the campaigns you build, the enemies you slay, and the stories you tell at the table together!”

The Future of TTRPGs
Daggerheart represents the next evolution in tabletop roleplaying, offering a unique take on narrative-driven gameplay with streamlined mechanics designed for both seasoned players and newcomers alike.
  • Hope and Fear mechanics: At the heart of Daggerheart is the Duality Dice system, which uses two twelve-sided dice (d12s)—one representing Hope and the other Fear. Players roll these dice to determine the outcome of actions, with Hope and Fear representing the ebb and flow of the story.
  • Tools to build worlds steeped in magic, history, and intrigue: Embark on journeys in campaigns filled with mythic landscapes, dangerous foes, and untold wonders. Daggerheart enables players to collaborate with the GM to shape and explore a world brimming with magic, ancient secrets, and ever-present dangers​.
  • Ready-made campaign frames to dive into: Six ready-made frameworks provide inspiration, tools, and mechanics to support a specific story your table can tell, from the cozy cooking and dungeoneering campaign fame of Beast Feast to the post-apocalyptic world of technological marvels in Motherboard.
  • Asymmetrical gameplay: The game offers a distinctive experience for both players and Game Masters. Players use the Duality Dice for action rolls, while the Game Master employs d20 rolls to control their adversaries. This asymmetry keeps gameplay unpredictable!
  • Cards bring player abilities to your fingertips: Rather than flipping through a book to look up what that spell does again, each player has their character abilities and details right in front of them on beautiful art-filled cards!
What’s Included
The Daggerheart Core Set ($59.99 USD) contains everything players need to embark on epic adventures and to customize characters with unique abilities and rich narrative options. It includes:
  • A 300-page, lavishly illustrated hardcover rulebook that covers character creation, worldbuilding, and Game Master tools, alongside examples of play and tutorials.
  • 279 illustrated cards featuring Ancestry, Community, Subclass, and Domain cards.
The Limited Edition Core Set ($149.99 USD) elevates your gameplay experience with everything in the Core Set and:
  • A gorgeous, upgraded box with a wraparound cover that holds the hardcover rulebook as well as a magnet-closing box that slides out to reveal all your cards and additional accessories.
  • Alternate cover artwork unique to this edition.
  • A Game Master screen, with stunning art facing the players and quick reference information on the game master side regarding mechanics, difficulty, making moves, rewarding hope and using fear, and more.
  • A rip pad that contains all the sheets you need to play.
  • A full set of 9 standard dice (d4, d6, d8, two percentile d10s, d12, and d20) as well as two d12s of differing colors for Hope and Fear dice, all held within a satin drawstring bag.
  • A set of 102 acrylic crystal tokens for tracking Fear, modifiers to rolls, counters on cards, or anything else you might need.
Where to Buy
Pre-orders for Daggerheart are open NOW at Daggerheart.com, offering both Standard and Limited Edition sets. Starting May 20, the game will be available at Darrington Press Guild stores, friendly local game stores, and Critical Role shops. Starting June 3, the Daggerheart Core Set will be available everywhere else that books and games are sold, thanks to the recent Darrington Press partnership with Macmillan Publishers. The Limited Edition Core Set will remain an exclusive offering at Darrington Press Guild stores and Critical Role shops.
Convention Games
Daggerheart games will be available to play this year at UK Games Expo (Birmingham, May 30 – June 1), Gen Con (Indianapolis, July 31 – August 3), and PAX Unplugged (Philadelphia, November 21 – 23), with more to come.
For more updates, including gameplay previews, new releases, event announcements, and more, visit Daggerheart.com.

Sid Meier’s Civilization VII – VR

2K and Firaxis Games have announced Sid Meier’s Civilization VII – VR, the franchise’s first entry into virtual and mixed reality, launching exclusively on Meta Quest 3 and 3S in Spring 2025. Developed by PlaySide Studios and published by 2K, Civilization VII – VR empowers players to experience Civilization from a whole new perspective and take their place at the Command Table, immersing themselves in every action as they build an empire to stand the test of time. It is available to wishlist today; more information can be found here.

“Today is truly a milestone for the Civ franchise, with the announcement of Civilization VII – VR marking our first entry into the immersive world of virtual and mixed reality” stated Dennis Shirk, Executive Franchise Producer at Firaxis Games. “We’re just days away now from the full launch of Civilization VII and look forward to ushering in a new era of strategy excellence for our fans!”

“With the recent release of Meta Quest 3S and our strongest games and entertainment portfolio yet, it’s an awesome time for mixed reality,” said Chris Pruett, Director of Games at Meta. “Civilization VII – VR is further evidence of that momentum: it’s a genuine Civ experience made specifically for deep strategy fans.”

In Civilization VII – VR, the world of Civilization is brought to life like never before. The map takes shape atop a Command Table that lets you peer down from high above or lean all the way in to appreciate the finer details of buildings and units, like a tabletop game come to life. Players will chart a course for their people and engage face-to-face with iconic world leaders around the Command Table, each reacting as you forge alliances or declare war through the Ages.

Civilization VII – VR is available to play in either immersive virtual reality or mixed reality, and you’ll be able to freely switch between the two at any time. In virtual reality, players are transported to an ornate museum as they look out onto a vista personalized to their leader; in mixed reality, the Command Table adapts to its placement in a player’s physical space. Detailed dioramas can be viewed in The Archives, a room in your museum dedicated to your gameplay achievements displayed in both virtual and mixed reality. In addition to single player, Civilization VII – VR can compete to rule the world in online multiplayer matches with up to three other Meta Quest 3 and 3S players.

For the latest information on Civilization VII – VR, wishlist the game on Meta Quest, visit www.civilization.com and follow the game across YouTube, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

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

Commandos: Origins Release Set for April 9th

Assemble for duty: Kalypso Media and Claymore Game Studios have locked and loaded April 9, 2025, for the digital release of Commandos: Origins on Windows PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5. The latest instalment in the legendary real-time stealth tactics series will be available at a price of $49.99 (Windows PC) and $59.99 (Xbox Series X|S, PS5).

“The Green Beret couldn’t have said it better with his iconic phrase ‘Consider it done,’” said Jürgen Reusswig, Studio Director at Claymore Game Studios. “After more than four years of setting up a new studio, design and development and the invaluable community feedback from various playtests, operation ‘Release’ is a go for Commandos: Origins. We are proud and excited that players will now be able to experience the origins story of the elite unit which started this legendary franchise.”

For those looking to enhance their experience, the Commandos Origins – Deluxe Edition offers exclusive content and an extra dose of nostalgia, including six iconic Commando skins from Commandos 2 adapted for Commandos: Origins, a 3D printing template for the Green Beret, a digital Commandos: Origins calendar and the Original Soundtrack with 15 symphonic tracks.

Commandos: Origins is gearing up for digital release on April 9, 2025, and will be available on day one with Xbox Game Pass for console and PC and Windows PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5.

Retail editions for Windows PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5 will be available on May 22, 2025, and include all content of the Deluxe Edition. Digital versions on Xbox One (including Xbox Smart Delivery) and PlayStation 4 will launch later this year.

Features:

  • Challenging Real Time Tactical Stealth Gameplay: Make the best use of your Commandos’ unique abilities, infiltrate enemy facilities, and hit them where it hurts most before disappearing into the shadows.
  • An extraordinary team: Featuring 6 infamous characters, each with their own storied history, banding together to form an extraordinary fighting force – the Commandos: Take control over Jack O’Hara “the Green Beret”, Thomas “the Sapper” Hancock, Francis T. “the Sniper” Woolridge, Samuel “the Driver” Brooklyn, James “the Marine” Blackwood, and Rene “the Spy” Duchamp and lead them to success.
  • Many paths to victory: The detailed, varied, and interactive environments offer multiple approaches to reach your goal. Sneak, climb, drive in various vehicles, or hide and creep your way to mission success!
  • On your mark: A modern user experience with precise and intuitive controls enables you to control the commandos with expert precision. Coordinate complex actions simultaneously to overcome heavily fortified targets.
  • Fight on all fronts: Play through more than 10 missions in historically authentic WWII environments, spanning from the barren Arctic to the African desert, with a range of core and voluntary objectives that will require your full tactical expertise.
  • There is no I in team: Take on missions with a friend in the 2-player cooperative multiplayer mode, either online or via local split-screen.

Vampire Therapist: Couples Therapy Teaser Trailer

Even vampires must endure the emotional turbulence of relationships, something players will witness first-hand in Vampire Therapist: Couples Therapy. The brand-new DLC for Little Bat Games’ critically acclaimed debut title is available on Steam today! This expansion builds on the award-winning blend of comedy, history, and real-life therapy techniques that made Vampire Therapist a critical darling.

Players will slip back into the spurred boots of Sam Walls, a reformed cowboy turned accomplished therapist. Sam has his work cut out for him as he seeks to help two vampires, battling with both domestic and personal struggles, as well as social discontentment following their demises during bloody revolutions in France and Iran.

But that’s not all! This juicy new helping of content takes place during the annual Bachfest in Leipzig — home of Johann Sebastian Bach— where a ghost of Leipzig haunts the streets. It’s Sam’s job to track down the troubled soul between therapy sessions.

Vampire Therapist: Couples Therapy will explore themes of revolt, duty to humanity, and the complications that can arise from age gaps – hey, what’s a couple hundred years when you’re in love?

Check out the trailer for Vampire Therapist: Couples Therapy below:

Vampire Therapist’s all-new DLC will continue the hallmarks of Little Bat Games creations: deep, history-informed writing exploring systemic issues, screwball comedy, academic partnerships, best-in-class voice acting, and stunning artwork. Try your hand at analysing affairs of the heart and purchase today on Steam for £2.49/€2,99/$2.99.

“In a time of political turmoil, we hope Vampire Therapist: Couples Therapy will help players process difficult questions about the citizen’s role in civil society and find a little respite in love and compassion. And if all else fails, we have vampire fart jokes.” said Cyrus Nemati, Creative Director of Little Bat Games.

A Game About Digging A Hole Out Now

With over 5 million views on TikTok, 2.2 million views on YouTube Shorts, and a jaw-dropping 14.5 million views on Instagram reels, the viral gaming sensation A Game About Digging A Hole launches today for PC via Steam! Published by indie label rokaplay Bou·tique, A Game About Digging A Hole is an intriguing, minimalist game that challenges you to dig a hole in your newly purchased house, something gamers have been waiting for as almost 140k of them have added the game to their Steam Wishlists!

A Game About Digging A Hole was conceived by a solo artist from Cyberwave (developer of the upcoming Solarpunk) while testing mechanics for terraforming and digging. Although too complex for such a small team, the core mechanics were already functional so the artist had the idea of combining these mechanics with randomly spawning ores and shovel upgrade options. This led to the quick development of a 3D digging minigame, built on a proven concept without requiring lengthy prototypes or testing phases. Developed during the artist’s vacation and saving development time by using licensed assets, A Game About Digging A Hole was developed in just 14 days.