Archive - 2025

PAX West 2025 Tabletop Exhibitors and Unplugged 2025 Badge Sale Details

Co-show organizers ReedPop and Penny Arcade reveal tabletop news for 2025’s PAX events, revealing the first list of tabletop exhibitors coming to PAX West 2025 from Friday, Aug. 29, to Monday, Sept. 1, in Seattle. As well, badges for PAX Unplugged 2025 go on sale Thursday, July 10, for the event taking place in Philadelphia from Friday, Nov. 21, through Sunday, Nov. 23.

Bandai brings its heavyweight franchises to the Seattle Convention Center at PAX West 2025, such as Dragon Ball and Digimon, alongside other companies known for adapting beloved video games into board games. Check out upcoming projects from the likes of award-winning Chip Theory Games (The Elder Scrolls: Betrayal of the Second Era), Hachette Boardgames (Dead Cells), and Contention Games (Slay the Spire), to name a few.

Notable tabletop legend Cephalofair Games (Gloomhaven) joins the tabletop exhibitors alongside a swath of indie developers coming to PAX West 2025. See what’s next for 9th Level Games (Kobolds Ate My Baby), Archon Games (Eschaton), Fib Games (Fib® A Game for Liars and Thieves), Ghostfire Gaming (Grim Hollow), Dice Throne, and many others pushing the boundaries of innovation with a physical format.

PAX Unplugged 2025, the East Coast’s most-attended tabletop gaming event, returns to the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia from Friday, Nov. 21, through Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025. Discover new favorite games and upcoming titles in an expansive expo hall that featured more than 350 exhibitors at the sold-out 2024 event.

“It’s been a rough year for the tabletop industry, but the PAX audience always shows up for them,” said Jerry Holkins, co-founder of PAX, Penny Arcade, and Child’s Play. “I can’t wait to see what they’ve got on tap.”

PAX West badges are currently available for $255 for a 4-day badge, $70 for a single-day Saturday badge, $68.50 for single-day badges for Friday or Sunday, and $66 for a single-day Monday badge. BYOC (Bring Your Own Computer) badges are $50.

PAX Unplugged badges go on sale Thursday, July 10, 2025, for $94 for a 3-day badge, $44 for single-day Friday or Sunday badges, $45 for a single-day Saturday badge, and $15 for kids badges (available on Sunday only for children up to 12 years old). For information on media and content creator applications, panel and content applications, and other ways to take part, visit the PAX Unplugged Get Involved page.

Bandai Namco Celebrates 30 Years of Ace Combat

The ACE COMBAT Series began 30 years ago today with the PlayStation launch of Air Combat. Debuting on the original PlayStation console, the game laid the groundwork for a sprawling series that brings hyper-realistic aerial combat and intense military-drama storytelling to players around the globe, having recently surpassed the 20 million cumulative sales milestone. To mark the occasion, Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc., will begin celebrations with a series commemorative trailer:

ACE COMBAT series brand director Kazutoki Kono also has a direct message to convey to series fans in honor of the 30th anniversary:

Since the release of the first title in 1995, thanks to your unwavering support, the ACE COMBAT Series has reached a remarkable milestone, its 30th anniversary in 2025.

First and foremost, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all our fans and everyone involved who has supported the series throughout the years. Thank you, sincerely, from the bottom of my heart. This moment is our chance to return thirty years’ worth of appreciation to you.

I believe that sustaining a legacy over three decades means far more than simply the passage of time. I’ve always shared this message with everyone involved in the series:

“To deliver emotionally resonant, high-quality experiences that exceed expectations, to spark excitement for what comes next—and then to meet that anticipation with even greater ambition. By continuing this cycle, we build a bond of trust with our players, and that bond is the truest expression of our gratitude.”

Over the past thirty years, times have changed. Values have shifted, technologies have evolved, and certain cultures have faded. Our company and our team have continually transformed to navigate these tides. In a word, we’ve embraced change.

There were times we may not have fully met your expectations. But I also believe there were moments when we exceeded them—when we soared higher than anyone imagined.

Namco’s founder, Masaya Nakamura, once said, “Only those who can adapt to change will survive.”

I joined Namco in 1994. Back then, I understood those words intellectually—but not yet from experience.

Now, I truly do.

After three incredible decades of adapting to change, we’ve built an enduring bond of trust with all of you. That connection is the very force that has sustained the ACE COMBAT Series and propelled it into the future. I can now feel this truth in every fiber of my being. And I’m proud—proud that our ongoing commitment to delivering value and earning your trust has led us to this 30th anniversary.

And now, we’re ready. Everything is in place. It’s time to take flight once again—toward even greater heights.

June 30, 2025
Brand director of ACE COMBAT Series
Kazutoki Kono

Also on deck for the series anniversary celebration is the relaunch of the ACES WEB website (https://www.acecombat.jp/) with English language support. With the help of Bandai Namco Game Music, the “ACE COMBAT Original Soundtrack” is now available on major streaming services and for digital downloads, curating 19 tracks from the series’ history. More is planned, including refreshed social channels.

The Running Man Official Trailer

In a near-future society, The Running Man is the top-rated show on television—a deadly competition where contestants, known as Runners, must survive 30 days while being hunted by professional assassins, with every move broadcast to a bloodthirsty public and each day bringing a greater cash reward. Desperate to save his sick daughter, working-class Ben Richards (Glen Powell) is convinced by the show’s charming but ruthless producer, Dan Killian (Josh Brolin), to enter the game as a last resort. But Ben’s defiance, instincts, and grit turn him into an unexpected fan favorite—and a threat to the entire system. As ratings skyrocket, so does the danger, and Ben must outwit not just the Hunters, but a nation addicted to watching him fall.

EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY

George Linder, James Biddle, Rachael Prior, Audrey Chon, Pete Chiappetta, Anthony Tittanegro, Andrew Lary

PRODUCED BY

Simon Kinberg, Nira Park, Edgar Wright

BASED ON THE NOVEL BY

Stephen King

SCREENPLAY BY

Michael Bacall and Edgar Wright

DIRECTED BY

Edgar Wright

STARRING

Glen Powell, William H. Macy, Lee Pace, Emilia Jones, Michael Cera, Daniel Ezra, Jayme Lawson with Colman Domingo and Josh Brolin

WWE 2K25 Coming to Nintendo Switch 2

Today, 2K announced July 23, 2025, as the official release date for the Nintendo Switch™ 2 version of WWE 2K25. Pre-order is available today for the Nintendo Switch 2 version, which will support the full set of WWE 2K25 game modes and match types, while also offering the ability to play offline modes on-the-go, and online modes with internet connection.* The Bloodline Edition features Roman Reigns and the members of the dominant Bloodline faction on the cover, the Deadman Edition features the iconic Undertaker, and The Standard Edition, features cover star Roman Reigns and his former “Wise Man” Paul Heyman.

WWE 2K25 includes an array of new features, and improvements on existing fan-favorites, including:

  • 2K Showcase: The Bloodline’s Dynasty: The all-new 2K Showcase, hosted by the “Wise Man” Paul Heyman, celebrates one of the most iconic wrestling family dynasties – The Bloodline, and the Anoa’i, Fatu and Maivia families. Players are invited to relive, change, and create the history of The Bloodline through iconic historical moments. Relive key victories including Yokozuna vs. Hulk Hogan at King of the Ring ‘93, and Rocky Maivia vs. Hunter Hearst Helmsley at RAW in ‘97. Change history and bring more glory to The Bloodline by avenging key losses such as Rikishi vs. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin at No Mercy 2000, and the fateful Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins title match at Royal Rumble 2022. Create history with fantasy match-ups, including the Wild Samoans vs the Dudley Boyz. Wrestling Junkie, USA TODAY Sports called 2K Showcase: The Bloodline’s Dynasty “a fantastic trip down memory lane.” Check out the trailer here;
  • The Island: An interactive world made up of four districts built around different WWE themes, Screen Rant noted, “The Island seems like a fresh and inventive new take.” Available only on Nintendo Switch 2, PS5® and Xbox Series X|S, The Island offers players the opportunity to explore and challenge other players while vying to earn a WWE contract by impressing “The Original Tribal Chief” Roman Reigns. By completing quests, taking on challenges, competing in live events, earning unlockables, and upgrading and customizing MySUPERSTARS through multiple storyline chapters, The Island allows players to step outside the ropes and “Rule Beyond the Ring.” Check out the trailer here;
  • A Roster for the Ages: WWE 2K25 brings an unparalleled lineup of current Superstars from RAW, SmackDown, and NXT, plus Legends and WWE Hall of Famers. The roster IGN called “absolutely stacked” features over 300 playable characters including Cody Rhodes, Liv Morgan, Rey Mysterio, Bret “Hit Man” Hart, Jacob Fatu, Rob Van Dam, Naomi, Ethan Page, Lita, LA Knight, Chyna, Batista, Tiffany Stratton, Becky Lynch, and more. Check out the full roster here;
  • New Match Types and Improvements on Gameplay: Intergender wrestling has arrived in WWE 2K25! WWE Superstars from the men’s and women’s divisions can now compete against each other to set up countless new matchups across most game modes. Additional features include the return of Chain Wrestling, the new Bloodline Rules Match and Underground Match, and new barricade diving! Check out the Gameplay Trailer here;
  • MyGM with Online Multiplayer: In an experience Game Rant described as “more fun than ever,” intrepid GMs can take their show on the road and challenge general managers worldwide in the enhanced MyGM for WWE 2K25, now with online multiplayer for up to four players. Players draft WWE Superstars and Legends to their weekly show’s roster and lead their brand through multiple-week seasons with a bigger selection of General Managers, cross-brand Premium Live Events, and more;
  • MyFACTION: The collectible card-battle mode is back with updated features, new content, and more ways to play. Faction Wars now features new node types and 50 new stages. World Tour replaces Proving Grounds, enabling players to travel to different locations and play in the order of their choosing, while additional match-type support for live events and online matches, and new community events offer enhanced replayability. New themed card packs, Persona Cards which unlock unique versions of Superstars usable in all game modes, and new challenges will continue to roll out regularly throughout the year with seasonal content refreshes*;
  • MyRISE: Players guide their custom Superstar from the women’s or men’s division in a singular, multi-gender MyRISE storyline where Bayley, Kevin Owens, and other Superstars infiltrate NXT in an attempt to take control of the entire WWE. Featuring new personality choices that lead to specific storylines, as well as brawl environments, unlockable arenas, characters, useable objects, and more, plus new ally storylines involving Jey Uso, Bianca Belair, Seth Rollins, and other WWE Superstars. Check out the MyRISE Ringside Report here;
  • Universe: WWE 2K’s sandbox mode receives new upgrades to give players greater control over their Universe experience, including the long-awaited return of Promos! The new system includes multiple promo types and outcomes with new cutscenes and branching choices;
  • Creation Suite: The hallmark of the WWE 2K franchise, the best-in-class, most detailed and robust creation suite remains one of the driving forces behind players’ self-expression as they design their own Custom Superstars, GMs, referees, arenas, entrances, move sets, championships, crowd signs, and more;
  • DLC Season Pass: Available individually and via Season PassRingside Pass, and in both The Bloodline Edition and Deadman Edition, five star-studded DLC character packs are planned, with two currently available and three more scheduled to roll out in the months ahead. Featuring a slew of surprise celebrity guests including basketball icon Shaquille O’Neal, fan-favorite WWE Superstars including Penta, The Motor City Machine Guns, Giulia, Stephanie Vaquer, and Jordynne Grace, plus WWE Legends, including Mark Henry, the New Age Outlaws, Jesse Ventura, New Jack, Junkyard Dog and Tito Santana, the WWE 2K25 DLC roadmap offers something for everyone.

WWE 2K25 Editions

  • WWE 2K25 Standard Edition:
    • Available for $69.99;
    • Pre-Order Bonus Offers: Players who pre-order the WWE 2K25 Standard Edition will receive the Wyatt Sicks Pack**, a bonus pack of content including five playable Superstars – Uncle Howdy, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross, Joe Gacy, and Erick Rowan – plus Uncle Howdy and Nikki Cross mask cosmetic items for The Island;
  • WWE 2K25 Deadman Edition:
    • Available for $99.99;
    • The Deadman Edition includes the Standard Edition and Wyatt Sicks Pack, plus the Deadman Edition Bonus Pack which includes Mattel Elite “Greatest Hits” Undertaker and Original Undertaker (‘90) Persona Cards and playable Superstars, a useable Urn object, Undertaker ‘95 Mask cosmetic item for The Island, and Brother Love Manager;
    • Season Pass to all five post-launch DLC character packs and 15,000 VC;
  • WWE 2K25 The Bloodline Edition:
    • Available for $129.99;
    • In addition to the Standard Edition and all bonus content included in the Deadman EditionThe Bloodline Edition includes the Ringside Pass (Season Pass plus Superstar Mega-Boost), The Rock Nation of Domination Pack, which features a Rock Nation of Domination Persona card and playable Superstar, and will only be available as part of The Bloodline Edition;
    • The Bloodline Edition Bonus Pack, which features Mattel Elite Series 114 Jey Uso and Mattel Elite “Greatest Hits” Roman Reigns Persona cards and playable Superstars. This pack includes a Family Above All Hoodie, OTC Shirt, Yeet Tank Top and Yeet Sunglasses cosmetic items for The Island, while for Steam only, it includes an additional 32,500 VC;
    • Also included is the WrestleMania 41 Pack, which features the currently available WrestleMania 41 Arena, plus two WrestleMania 41 Superstar Persona cards and playable Superstars, and a new playable Superstar, which will all be available at a later date.***

For more information on WWE 2K25, the highest rated game in franchise history on Xbox****, visit the game’s official website, become a fan on Facebook, follow the game on TikTokXInstagram, and subscribe on Twitch and YouTube. Official campaign hashtags #WWE2K25 and #RuleBeyondTheRing.

Phasmophobia Passes 25M Copies Sold

Kinetic Games, the indie studio behind the hit ghost-hunting game Phasmophobia, is thrilled to reveal that the genre-defining horror game has now surpassed over 25 million sales across all platforms.

Originally released in Early Access on Steam in September 2020 to terrifying success, Phasmophobia has since expanded its ghostly experience to PlayStation and Xbox players in October 2024.

The game has a wealth of content to enjoy across all platforms, including its highly anticipated Chronicle Update, recently released on all platforms. This spine-tingling update features a host of gameplay and quality of life changes, alongside a complete overhaul of how media is gathered and rewarded. It doesn’t stop there though, Kinetic Games have recently unveiled a new look at the Grafton Farmhouse Rework, so ghost-hunters have plenty to look forward to!

Film buffs should also keep their eyes peeled, as renowned horror film production company Blumhouse will be bringing Phasmophobia to the big screen, with the film adaptation currently in development.

Phasmophobia is currently available to purchase on PlayStation 5, PS VR2, and Xbox Series X|S consoles, as well as PC via Steam.

11 bit studios Statement on AI use in The Alters

11 bit studios statement on AI use in The Alters: We’ve seen a wide range of accusations regarding the use of AI-generated content in The Alters, and we feel it’s important to clarify our approach and give you more context. AI-generated assets were used strictly as temporary WIPs during the development process and in a very limited manner. Our team has always prioritized meaningful, handcrafted storytelling as one of the foundations of our game.

During production, an AI-generated text for a graphic asset, which was meant as a piece of background texture, was used by one of our graphical designers as a placeholder. This was never intended to be part of the final release. Unfortunately, due to an internal oversight, this single placeholder text was mistakenly left in the game. We have since conducted a thorough review and confirmed that this was an isolated case, and the asset in question is being updated. For transparency, we’ve included a screenshot to show how and where it appears in the game. While we do not want to downplay the situation, we also want to clearly show its limited impact on your gaming experience.

In addition to that, a few licensed movies that the alters can watch in the social area of the base were added at the final stage of development. While those were externally produced, our team was not involved in the creative process, and these required additional last-minute translations. Due to extreme time constraints, we chose not to involve our translation partners and had these videos localized using AI to have them ready on launch. It was always our intention to involve our trusted translation agencies after release as part of our localization hotfix, to ensure those texts would be handled with the same care and quality as the rest of the game. That process is now underway, and updated translations are being implemented.

To give you a better understanding of what a small part of the overall scope of the game’s narrative layer they are, those few external movies are approximately 10k words out of 3.4 million across all languages in the game, or just 0.3% of the overall text. The alternative was to release those specific dialogues in English only, which we believed would be a worse experience for non-English speakers. In hindsight, we acknowledge this was the wrong call. Even more so, no matter what we decided, we should have simply let you know.

As AI tools evolve, they present new challenges and opportunities in game development. We’re actively adapting our internal processes to meet this reality. But above all, we remain committed to transparency in how we make our games. We appreciate your understanding and continued support as we work towards that goal.

Bandai Namco Unveils San Diego Comic-Con 2025 Lineup

Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. is bringing its hotly anticipated lineup to San Diego Comic Con 2025. Show attendees will have a chance to be among the first to play upcoming games including DIGIMON STORY TIME STRANGER™, TOWA AND THE GUARDIANS OF THE SACRED TREE™, and LITTLE NIGHTMARES™III. Bandai Namco will also be hosting experiential activations around downtown San Diego, including a themed pop-up speakeasy immersing visitors in the disturbing world of LITTLE NIGHTMARES III.  San Diego Comic Con takes place July 24-27. For more information on the event, please visit www.bandainamcoent.com/events/san-diego-comic-con.

Full details Bandai Namco’s presence follow; activations not on the show floor at the San Diego Convention Center are open to the public.

Play DIGIMON STORY TIME STRANGER

Embark on a journey across time and space with a public hands-on for DIGIMON STORY TIME STRANGER. The demo offers two segments of gameplay to both explore the Digital World and get a taste of battle in this visually stunning RPG, where players unravel mysteries across the human and Digital worlds and collect and train more than 450 Digimon. Play DIGIMON STORY TIME STRANGER at the Bandai Namco booth #129.

Play TOWA AND THE GUARDIANS OF THE SACRED TREE

Announced at Summer Game Fest 2025, attendees at SDCC can be among the first to play this colorful 2D isometric roguelite. The world hangs in the balance as the evil Magatsu threatens the land, with only the young priestess Towa and her eight guardians standing in his way. Developed by Brownies inc., the game features a rich narrative rooted in Eastern mysticism and hand-drawn artistic aesthetic inspired by classic Japanese art. Play TOWA AND THE GUARDIANS OF THE SACRED TREE at the Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. booth #129.

Play LITTLE NIGHTMARES III and Watch for Mysterious Puzzles

Trapped in the Spiral, a world filled with delusions, Low & Alone must rely on each other for a way out. The anticipated sequel features co-op with two playable characters for the first time in the series. It brings back the LITTLE NIGHTMARE’s signature mix of game play with grim environments filled with challenging puzzles and grotesque creatures set against a penetrating narrative. Face your fears with the LITTLE NIGHTMARES III hands-on demo, keep an eye out for mysteries and puzzles at the show, and get an exclusive giveaway while supplies last at the Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. booth #129.

Bandai Namco is also bringing a slice of the game’s haunting world to San Diego with an experiential speakeasy. Drop by if you dare and douse your fears at the LITTLE NIGHTMARES III pop-up. Look for details including dates and location for this unforgettable activation at https://x.com/BandaiNamcoUS.

Experience the World of CODE VEIN™II

Step into a haunting scene in the post-apocalyptic world of this highly anticipated action RPG from Bandai Namco Studios. Enjoy a memorable photo opportunity with a life-size replica of the in-game vehicle, the golden Motorcycle Forma, located at Lou and Mickey’s in downtown San Diego.

Play TAMAGOTCHI PLAZA™

Tamagotchi are back in TAMGOTCHI PLAZA. Come play a demo of the just-released title bringing back the memorable digital pet and pocket companion in a charming new casual game where players become shopkeepers in Tamahiko Town and meet more than 100 unique Tamagotchi. TAMAGOTCHI PLAZA is located at the Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America Inc. booth #3345.

Celebrate PAC-MAN’S 45th Anniversary

The party continues as Bandai Namco celebrates PAC-MAN’s 45 years of “imPACt.” Keep an eye out for a surprise activation commemorating this memorable milestone for the globally beloved icon. For updates, follow www.bandainamcoent.com/pac-man-45th-anniversary.

For information on these and other products from Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc., please visit www.bandainamcoent.com.

TROLL 2 Official Teaser Trailer

When a dangerous new troll is awakened, unleashing devastation across Norway, beloved adventurers Nora, Andreas and Captain Kris are thrust into their most perilous mission yet. To stop the creature’s ruthless rampage, they must enlist new allies and delve into the country’s ancient history, searching for answers. As the clock ticks and the troll’s path of destruction grows wider, our heroes face impossible odds in their fight to save their homeland from falling into darkness.

Director: Roar Uthaug
Writer: Espen Aukan
Story By: Roar Uthaug and Espen Aukan
Producers: Espen Horn and Kristian Strand Sinkerud
Key Cast: Ine Marie Wilmann, Kim Falck, Mads Sjøgård Pettersen and Sara Khorami
Country of Origin: Norway

The Grinch: Christmas Adventures Merry & Mischievous Edition Introduces New Missions

Happy holidays! Or…well, happy summer holidays! Has The Grinch truly changed his ways, or is he just playing nice? Players can find out in The Grinch: Christmas Adventures | Merry & Mischievous Edition later this year! This festive new edition invites players back into the world of Dr. Seuss to snowboard from Mount Crumpit, sleigh through forests, and parachute into Who-ville for all-new missions.

Players can help The Grinch spread holiday cheer by gathering food for a festive feast, or join him and Max on sneaky missions to steal presents. With customizable gadgets like jetpacks, Santa suits, and new parachutes for Max, the fun is as wild as it is wintry.

Gear up for a Grinchmas like no other with brand new features:

  • Explore More of Who-ville – Visit new areas like Town Hall, The Grinch Caves, the Sewers, and more
  • New Challenges, Big Rewards – Collect food, gifts, and gear to unlock art, puzzles, and accessories
  • Glide in Style – Use Max’s parachute or The Grinch’s jetpack to dodge gingerbread enemies and creepy spiders
  • Customise Your Adventure – Unlock gadgets and festive costumes for the ultimate holiday mission

The Grinch: Christmas Adventures | Merry & Mischievous Edition is developed by Casual Brothers and published by Outright Games, and will be available on 3 October 2025, on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One and PC.

The Midnight Walkers Cinematic Trailer Released

Oneway Ticket Studio is proud to reveal its cinematic trailer for The Midnight Walkers. A visual feast showcasing the deadly zombie-slaying routine of one of the game’s titular Midnight Walkers: Kill, sleep, loot, repeat.

Set in the grimy floors of the Liberty Grand Center mega-complex, players will fight their way through zombies, scavenging for gear and loot, before attempting to escape to safety in a deadly PvPvE and PvE experience that will push them to their limits. If they happen to fall to zombies, rival survivors, or the deadly poison gas along the way, they’ll lose everything.

Check out The Midnight Walkers – Official Cinematic Trailer here:

The Midnight Walkers Features:

  • Explore a mega-complex overrun by extremely dangerous zombies – Liberty Grand Center has everything you’ll need, including a Shopping Mall, Hospital, Casino, and, of course, fatal poison gas. Tasty.
  • Gear up with your custom slayer’s arsenal – A variety of melee and ranged weapons includes Katanas, Sledgehammers, Shotguns, Bows, and more.
  • Encounter deadly zombies, mutated variants, and lethal bosses – From slow-moving Walkers and Crawlers, to mutated Acid-Spitters and Smashers, there’s so many gruesome ways to die.

The Midnight Walkers is due to launch on PC in early access in Q4 2025 and on consoles in 2026. For more information, visit the official Steam page.