Author - Jerry Paxton

Phasmophobia – 13 Willow Street Rework Release Trailer

Today, Kinetic Games is pleased to announce the launch of the revamped 13 Willow Street map in Phasmophobia, available as a free update on all platforms. The map rework is accompanied by the first of two major quality-of-life updates, bringing hundreds of bug fixes and gameplay improvements.

Ghost hunters can prepare for a refreshed investigation experience with the reworked Willow map, adding a host of new paranormal interactions, objects, and hiding spaces that make for even more thrilling hunts. As with the most recent overhaul to 6 Tanglewood Drive, Willow retains an almost identical layout but features redesigned rooms, including a reconfigured basement layout, bringing the gameplay experience up to the team’s current development standards.

The reworked rooms include an art studio, home gym and entertainment room, replacing the bedroom, garage and basement previously featured in the haunted house. Alongside these visual updates, curious players will be able to uncover new lore hidden throughout Willow, piecing together a story waiting to be discovered.

“As part of the 13 Willow Street rework we’re continuing our approach to storytelling in Phasmophobia and developing the game’s narrative,” said Anastatia Dukakis, Senior Narrative Designer at Kinetic Games. “It’s always exciting to see the community make new discoveries together and we love seeing everyone share their theories and thoughts on the lore behind in-game locations.”

Players will also be tasked to correctly identify (and survive) 50 ghosts as part of map’s challenge, awarding the Sun Seeker ID set upon completion. Players can also unlock the Cool Cat ID card and badge for the first week after launch, by watching 2 hours of Phasmophobia streams.

Dive or Die: Children of Rain Out Now

Independent French studio Drop Rate Studio and French publisher Dear Villagers, have announced that 2D Lovecraftian underwater roguelite Dive or Die: Children of Rain is available now on PC (Steam, Epic Games Store) for $17.99/£15.99, with a 20% launch discount available for two weeks. A launch trailer has premiered alongside the game’s release.

“We want every trip down the Abyssal Pool to be a dilemma. Players need to craft better equipment to venture further down, but the main thing holding them back should be fear.” said Théo Maudet, Creative Director. “Trying to push deeper could be deadly, but then again the clock’s ticking… players are always in charge, the odds just happen to be blatantly stacked against them.”

Years of the eerie “Black Rain” drowned the entire world, and few survivors remain. A race against time has started, as the Rainmaker, an Eldritch Divinity, has given humanity one final choice: recover its sacred idols hidden deep within the “Abyssal Pool” in under 40 days, or face extinction in the final Flood.

Players will lead a desperate camp of survivors clinging to the last remnants of land. To succeed, they will balance brutal realities: managing their fragile camp on the surface and making deadly descents into the Abyssal Pool below. Every dive is a gamble against dwindling oxygen, physical injury, and creeping madness as otherworldly horrors lurk in the darkness.

On the surface, players will rebuild infrastructure, assign survivors to vital roles, and upgrade diving gear. Each decision is a trade-off between immediate survival and long-term preparation. Below, prudence and efficiency are required to navigate among the ever-somber depths and its dwellers, while hoping to return to the surface with much-needed resources and live to dive another day.

Dive or Die: Children of Rain is now available on PC (Steam, Epic Games Store) for $17.99/ £15.99. For more information, visit the official website and follow Dear Villagers on X, Instagram and YouTube.

Expeditions: Samurai Behind the Story Developer Vlog

Expeditions: Samurai is launching soon – we hope you’ve all marked your calendars for August 7th, 2026!

While we are waiting, the team at Campfire Cabal shares new insight into how they bring an Expeditions game to life and how they revive the historical setting within the game. So first, it’s all about digging through books in a library, checking sources, and talking to consultants to make sure the historical background is as accurate as possible – the perfect foundation for you to rewrite history within your very own adventures in Expeditions: Samurai.

One of the team’s goals? To make as few historians yell at them as possible!

Watch the Developer Vlog on YouTube:

The story of your main character will shape your adventure – but it’s nothing without the stories of your crew members, your companions. They can be friends, rivals, or even lovers – the choice is yours!

Watch the Companions Trailer on YouTube:

Expeditions: Samurai Sets Sail in August
You can start forging these bonds on August 7th, 2026, when Expeditions: Samurai sets sail into Early Access on Steam. Before launch, developer Campfire Cabal will publish a roadmap detailing what to expect at Early Access launch and which updates are coming down the line.

Star Trek Online Brings the Kelvin Timeline to the Final Frontier

Today, Arc Games and Cryptic Studios announced the release of Star Trek Online’s Kelvin Timeline Starship Bundle, celebrating the blockbuster Star Trek films with three brand-new, playable starships from the iconic Kelvin Timeline. Each ship includes a bonus visual variant inspired by the aesthetics of Star Trek’s “prime” timeline, giving players the best of both universes. Available now on PC (Steam and Epic Games) and arriving August 4 on PlayStation and Xbox, the Kelvin Timeline Starship Bundle brings one of Star Trek’s most recognizable modern eras with fan-requested starships, exclusive cosmetics, and premium account-wide unlocks.

Originally appearing in the Kelvin Timeline introduced in Star Trek (2009), the bundle allows captains to command the Salcombe Intel Escort, Armstrong Miracle Worker Dreadnought Cruiser, and Newton Command Science Carrier, each available individually or together as part of the complete bundle. In addition to the new ships, players can unlock exclusive items including the Vulcan Cold Weather Jacket, the Starfleet Uniform 2233, the Kelvin Radiance Vanity Shield, and other premium rewards that celebrate the films’ distinctive style.

The Kelvin Timeline debuted in Star Trek (2009) and continued through Star Trek Into Darkness (2013) and Star Trek Beyond (2016), introducing a timeline that reimagined Captain Kirk, Spock, and the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise for a new generation of fans. Adapting the films’ bold visual style and distinctive starship designs, Star Trek Online expands these fan-favorite cinematic vessels into fully playable starships, with original gameplay mechanics, exclusive cosmetics, and premium rewards that celebrate the blockbuster films.

Items featured in the Star Trek Online Kelvin Timeline Starship Bundle include:

  • Salcombe Intel Escort – Also available to purchase separately
    • Includes the bonus “Dartmouth” visual variant, inspired by prime-timeline Section 31 starships.
  • Armstrong Miracle Worker Dreadnought Cruiser – Also available to purchase separately
    • Includes the bonus “Aldrin” visual variant, inspired by the Galaxy-class from Star Trek: The Next Generation.
    • Also includes the bonus “Mayflower” visual variant from Star Trek: 2009.
  • Newton Command Science Carrier – Also available to purchase separately
    • Includes the bonus “Leibniz” visual variant, inspired by the Sagan-class from Star Trek: Picard.
  • Bundle Exclusives: 
    • Extreme Temperature EV Suit
    • Console – Universal – Red Matter Containment Breach
    • Kelvin Radiance Vanity Shield
    • Costume: Vulcan Cold Weather Jacket
    • Costume: Starfleet Uniform 2233
    • Title: Event Horizon Survivor

Wreckreation 2 Reveal Trailer

Newly formed independent UK-based studio When Tides Turn today officially revealed Wreckreation 2, an open-world arcade racing game where every slam, every shortcut, and every takedown can change the outcome. Every race is a battle, where victory isn’t just about finding the fastest line, but reading your rivals, taking risks, seizing opportunities, and choosing the perfect moment to deliver the perfect takedown. Each race unfolds differently, creating battles that last from the first corner to the finish line. Wreckreation 2 is being developed in collaboration with its growing community, who are helping shape everything from vehicle handling and progression systems to events and world design. Wreckreation 2 is currently in development for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S with a launch date that will be announced at a later time.

Wreckreation 2 brings back the thrilling essence of arcade racers. Set within a dense city built specifically for high-octane driving, as players speed throughout urban districts, docks, and a sprawling airport. The game combines intense arcade action, evolving vehicles, player creativity, and the physical, contact-heavy driving experiences that arcade racing fans love.

The project marks the debut of When Tides Turn, a newly formed studio comprised of industry veterans responsible for some of the genre’s most beloved arcade driving experiences. Built around a community-first development philosophy, the studio is working directly with players to help deliver the ultimate modern arcade driving game.

“Over the last six months we’ve been talking directly to players about what they want from a modern arcade driving game, and Wreckreation 2 is the result of those conversations,” said Fiona Sperry, Studio Head at When Tides Turn. “From handling and progression to events and world design, our community has already helped shape key aspects of the experience. We’re building this game with the players, not just for them.”

While speed, control, and progression sit at the heart of the experience, players will also encounter aggressive rivals, spectacular crashes, and intense moments of vehicular conflict that help create the memorable stories arcade racing fans enjoy sharing. Robust creative tools will further allow players to build, customize, and share their own routes, events, and challenges as development continues.

To stay updated on the development of Wreckreation 2 and secure a spot in upcoming beta tests, players can visit the official Steam store page today. Wishlisting the game will provide access to future community updates, playtest opportunities, and development news as the project evolves.

Stern Pinball Releases Accessories for Transformers Pinball Machines

Today, Stern Pinball, Inc., the world’s largest manufacturer of pinball games, in collaboration with Hasbro, Inc., a leading games, IP and toy company, revealed and released a new line of pinball machine accessories for TRANSFORMERS: More Than Meets the Eye, compatible with the Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition (LE) models.

Upgrade your gaming experience with the Optimus Prime Topper. This topper features a mechanically animated bust of Optimus Prime that reacts to gameplay and is synchronized with dialogue from Peter Cullen, the original voice of Optimus Prime. LED lighting lights up Optimus’ eyes, body details, and the environment. Owners of this topper will have access to an upcoming, exclusive challenge mode.

Lead the Autobots straight from the plunge with the Matrix of Leadership Shooter Knob. This shooter knob features a custom sculpt of the Matrix of Leadership, an artifact of great power carried by the leader of the Autobots. Blue LEDs illuminate the core of the matrix, showing the Power of the Primes inside.

Make your speakers stand out with the official Speaker Expression Lighting System accessory for the Pro and Premium edition. With intelligent RGB LED lighting, your speakers will light up and flash with this fully integrated and dynamically responsive accessory as you progress through your journey.

Enhance your game with the Expression Lighting System Accessory kit. This modular kit adds intelligent full color spectrum RGB LEDs. Featuring laser cut Illuminated Side Armor with Cybertronian secret messages, Cabinet Expression Lighting with 96 intelligent RGB LEDs, and Side Armor Expression Lighting with 48 intelligent RGB LEDs. This system is synchronized to custom light shows and dynamically responsive to game events.

Extend the world of TRANSFORMERS beyond the playfield with the TRANSFORMERS: More Than Meets the Eye Art Blades. These stunning art blades feature hand-drawn artwork and add a new dimension to the world under the glass.

“These newly available upgrades will level up and enhance your TRANSFORMERS: More Than Meets the Eye pinball machine experience,” said Seth Davis, President & CEO of Stern Pinball.

Pricing and Availability:

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (“MSRP”) and Recommended Retail Price (“RRP”):

*MSRP (US) and RRP (Europe) are for sales to end-users before any applicable VAT, GST, Sales Tax, Duties, Tariffs, or other taxes and are subject to change.

Optimus Prime Topper                                 $US 1,499.99

Matrix of Leadership Shooter Knob                  $US  199.99

Side Armor                                    $US  349.99

Side Armor Expression Lighting System             $US  249.99

Cabinet Expression Lighting System                   $US  299.99

Speaker Expression Lighting System                   $US  199.99

Transformers Inside Art Blades                            $US  99.99

Halloween Horror Nights Unveils Fortnitemares Scare Zone

Halloween Horror Nights puts a twisted spin on the global video game phenomenon, Fortnite, with an immersive and thrilling scare zone inspired by Fortnitemares, the game’s signature Halloween event. Debuting this fall at  Universal Orlando Resort beginning August 28 and September 3 at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Fortnite is a global ecosystem where players create, compete, and hang out with friends in an always-evolving world. It’s highly-anticipated fall in-game event, Fortnitemares, brings new characters and horror-themed gameplay together every year.

Now, Halloween Horror Nights’ fans will have the chance to “drop in” to the world of Fortnitemares, with an all-new scare zone, featuring ever-evolving and high-stakes environments. Guests will enter Freaky Fields, a Halloween-inspired living battleground overcome with a threatening force. Throughout the scare zone, fans will encounter the Battle Bus along with familiar Fortnitemares characters – plus a few new additions exclusive to Halloween Horror Nights – as they work to escape and claim victory.

New merchandise inspired by the Fortnitemares scare zone — including a graphic tee, decal set, and acrylic collectible piece — is available now at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood, and on ShopUniversal.com starting tomorrow, Thursday, July 23 at 9AM PST.

Halloween Horror Nights runs select nights at Universal Orlando Resort beginning Friday, August 28 through Sunday, November 1, and at Universal Studios Hollywood from Thursday, September 3 through Sunday, November 1. Additional experiences for this year’s event will be revealed soon. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com.

Disney Dreamlight Valley Pixel Perfect Update Launches July 29

Get ready to jump into a world of friendship, fun and arcade-inspired excitement with Disney Dreamlight Valley’s next free update, “Pixel Perfect”. The free update will be launching on all platforms on July 29, welcoming Ralph from Disney’s Wreck-It Ralph to the Valley.

When a mysterious arcade machine begins causing chaos, players will team up with Vanellope to rescue Ralph, uncover the source of the disruption, and experience an all-new friendship adventure inspired by the beloved films.

Alongside the new storyline, players can look forward to a season packed with content. The Pop City Star Path will introduce both free and premium rewards, including new outfits, furniture, a feline companion, and city-inspired customization items. The update will also kick off several limited-time in-game events throughout the summer, including the return of Summer Sizzle, the debut of the Parks Floating Festival, and the return of Memory Mania, each offering exclusive rewards.

The “Pixel Perfect” update also delivers a range of highly requested gameplay improvements. Players will be able to redecorate more easily with new bulk removal tools, give Villagers multiple gifts at once, and re-roll their favorite gifts of the day to streamline friendship progression. Reaching the maximum Friendship Level will also unlock new Best Friends benefits, including the ability to Fast Travel to Villagers. Hanging out with these Villagers can give the Best Friend Glow, which unlocks special traits such as increased sprint durations and the MAX level profession bonuses for all professions while together.

Players who own the Disney Dreamlight Valley: The Storybook Vale Expansion will also receive three new Floating Islands inspired by the Bind, Mythopia, and Everafter, offering even more room to create and customize.

Be sure to check out Disney Dreamlight Valley’s social media channels as we get closer to the launch date for even more info on the next Star Path, quality-of-life improvements, and other surprises launching with “Pixel Perfect” on July 29.

The Alters: Last Variable Launch Trailer

11 bit studios and The Alters development team are proud to present The Alters: Last Variable – a roughly 20-hour expansion to the award-winning, personal survival sci-fi game, out now on all platforms.

Jan Dolski’s mission didn’t end when the credits rolled on The Alters. Well, perhaps more to the point, Jan Scientist‘s mission didn’t end. In this powerful new storyline, packed with new mechanics, new Alter types, and more, players will assist this particular version of Jan in conducting the research of a lifetime.

The Oasis – a lush paradise emerging from desolation – becomes Jan’s obsession. One he cannot comprehend alone. So once again, he must assemble a crew from alternate versions of himself. A Geologist. A Biologist. A Chemist. A Physicist.

Science is everything for these Jans. But can we really understand everything?

The Alters: Last Variable is out now on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S:

  • The next story focuses on Jan Scientist(s): Jan Scientists, with their perfectly aligned minds, can offer the expertise needed to unravel the phenomenon of the Oasis.
  • Explore new regions and terraform them: Each transformation shifts the landscape, spawns new resources, and awakens the planet’s defensive mechanism – more frequent earthquakes, severe radiation waves, and other threats.
  • Expand underground and survive cycles: Build in different soil types, construct new components, and research new modules like the Cryosleep Chamber, which will buy you more time and let you witness the long-term effects of your scientific actions.
  • Develop new tech and set field labs: Each planetary cooldown offers a brief window to explore a dramatically changed surface, and Field Labs introduces new assignments for alters to continue their work while you cryosleep.

Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy Reveals Exclusive Collector Box

Focus Entertainment, Asobo Studio and their partner Neamedia Icons have unveiled the exclusive Collector Box for Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy, the prequel to the beloved A Plague Tale series. Fans of the saga across the U.S. can pre-order it now via the IGN Store for delivery later in 2026.

In Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy, players step into the shoes of Sophia, a young plunderer searching for her origins and answers about her past on the mysterious island of the Minotaur. In this enigmatic place, players will get the chance to play as Theseus, a mysterious Minoan warrior fighting the evil plaguing the land – an evil to which they both seem deeply connected. The exclusive Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy Collector Box beautifully showcases the unique bond between Sophia and Theseus, both bound by an ancient curse.

Available to pre-order now for $169.00, the Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy Collector Box includes:

  • An exclusive Sophia and Theseus figurine, individually numbered (23 cm)
  • A premium SteelBook
  • 3 exclusive art prints (A5 format, 14.8 × 21 cm)
  • A special replica metal ring

Note: The Collector Box does not include the game.

Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy launches on August 27 and is now available for pre-order on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. The game will be available day one with Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Play Anywhere compatible.