Author - Jerry Paxton

Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow Out Now

Vertigo Games, in collaboration with Eidos-Montréal and Maze Theory, is proud to announce that Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow is launching today on PlayStation VR2, Meta Quest 2, 3 and 3S, and PC VR: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2800080/Thief_VR_Legacy_of_Shadow/

Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow is a fully immersive stealth experience that brings back the iconic Thief franchise, reintroducing players to The City, where danger lurks around every corner and secrets are hidden in plain sight.

Watch the launch trailer here:

ABOUT THIEF VR: LEGACY OF SHADOW

The City is a place of shadows, ruled by the tyrant Baron Ulysses Northcrest. You are Magpie, a cunning thief shaped by the streets, who steals as the only means to survive until uncovering something greater: a legendary artifact holding a legacy from the past.

Experience the world of Thief for the first time in VR, blending classic stealth gameplay with next-gen immersion. Use your body to sneak past guards and your hands to pickpocket, pry open hidden compartments, and bypass locks through tactile interactions. Wield an array of arrows and tools to distract, disable, or eliminate threats with immersive VR archery as you climb rooftops, sneak through back alleys, and uncover secrets in a dark, steampunk-inspired world. Every heist offers multiple paths and playstyles, whether you sneak past guards unseen or take them down from the shadows.

Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow is available now on PlayStation VR2, Meta Quest, and Steam VR.

PowerWash Simulator Out Now On Apple Arcade

FuturLab and Apple are pleased to launch the cleaning classic PowerWash Simulator on Apple Arcade today, Apple’s game subscription service that offers unlimited access to more than 200 games.

Already a global hit across PC and console with millions of players worldwide, PowerWash Simulator has earned its place as a true fan favourite. Developer FuturLab has since self-published the soapy sequel PowerWash Simulator 2, but today Apple Arcade players can finally see where it all began.

From today, Apple Arcade subscribers can play the original PowerWash Simulator, now available on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Vision Pro and Apple TV, delivering the same deeply satisfying game experience, reimagined and optimised for Apple devices.
PowerWash Simulator | Apple Arcade Launch Trailer

Exclusively on Apple Arcade, PowerWash Simulator launches with the full Career campaign and the fan-favourite SpongeBob SquarePants Special Pack, letting players power wash their way through the colourful world of Bikini Bottom, from the Krusty Krab to SpongeBob’s pineapple home.

Halloween Game Unveils Haddonfield Heights Map Flythrough

Halloween, the asymmetric stealth horror game with single and multiplayer modes from developer and publisher IllFonic, co-published by Gun Interactive, and created in partnership with Compass International Pictures and Further Front, reveals its first in-game map, “Haddonfield Heights,” at PC Gaming Show: Most Wanted today.

Nestled beneath the iconic Haddonfield water tower, the map brings players deep into the heart of the town, introducing a warm, tight-knit neighborhood that hides terror behind every picket fence and perfectly manicured lawn.

Featuring a cluster of charming homes, the game’s first map radiates small-town comfort by day, but becomes a maze of dread at night. With plenty of front yards and winding side streets, players can explore every neighborhood nook and cranny, daring the brave enough to face what’s lurking in the shadows.

In this chilling sandbox, players can take the role of either a desperate Civilian fighting to protect the townsfolk or the infamous Michael Myers himself. As a Civilian, scavenge for supplies, guide residents to safety, and locate a phone to call the police before the time runs out. As Myers, prowl the shadows and use eerie abilities, like Shape Jump, to traverse through the neighborhood unseen and strike without warning. Every decision is a life-or-death gamble in a relentless game of cat-and-mouse.

“This neighborhood allowed us to reimage the tension of Haddonfield in a way that feels both intimate and terrifying,” said Jordan Mathewson, Design Director at IllFonic. “We wanted players to feel the comfort of the neighborhood they recognize from the film right before we turn it into panic. Every hedge, hallway, and backyard was built to heighten suspense and reward clever play, whether you’re hunting or being hunted.”

The game, Halloween, will terrify Haddonfield on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026.

To dig deeper into IllFonic and its titles, visit IllFonic’s official website and follow Halloween’s official socials on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, Reddit, and join the official Discord to get the latest news as development continues.

Disney+ Celebrates 35 Years of Home Alone With Multiple Experiences

Get Excited, Ya Filthy Animals. In a larger-than-life tribute to Home Alone, Disney+ is celebrating the 35th anniversary of the beloved holiday classic throughout the month of December. Fans can relive the iconic scenes and heartwarming moments from the film by visiting the world’s largest gingerbread house built as a nod to the McCallister home, trying “A Lovely Cheese Pizza” from Prince St. Pizza, and experiencing the ultimate travel day with CLEAR. Plus, viewers can launch Disney+ with a little Home Alone holiday magic on the VIZIO Voice Remote this year.

The entire Home Alone franchise is now streaming on Disney+ and Hulu. Fans can also enjoy a dedicated, nonstop Stream of the first three films on Disney+, totaling 330 minutes of holiday hijinks and fun.

“Disney+ is excited to celebrate a movie that’s become such a holiday staple for families everywhere, mine included,” said Zack Jerome, VP, Brand & Marketing Strategy, Disney+. “We can’t wait to bring elements from the film into the real world so people can experience them up close, and if they share my enthusiasm, finally order ‘a lovely cheese pizza just for me’ from Little Nero’s.”

A Sweet Tribute: McCallister Home Recreated as Record-Breaking Gingerbread House

In an attempt to smash an official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title held since 2013, Disney+ and Hulu are constructing the world’s largest gingerbread house. Inspired by the iconic McCallister home featured in the first two Home Alone films, the house will stand at a whopping 58 feet long, 42 feet wide, and 25.6 feet tall.

Made from 5,700 pounds of all-purpose flour and over 4,200 eggs, the house will be constructed out of 4,400 gingerbread brick tiles and 800 roof tiles, all held together with 20 gallons of edible glue and finished with 20 pounds of fondant. Weather dependent, this installation will be open to the public in the evenings on December 18 and 19 at Hollywood and Vine in Los Angeles, California. ‘Tis the season of giving, visitors can also help create holiday magic by donating a new, unwrapped toy to Toys for Tots in person while visiting the gingerbread house.

Fans Can Order “A Lovely Cheese Pizza” at Little Nero’s Prince St. Pizza Pop-Ups

From December 10 to 17, Disney+ is bringing the fictional Little Nero’s Pizzeria to life alongside Prince St. Pizza. Locations nationwide will feature Little Nero’s pizza boxes, updated menus, and collectible packaging, with pizzerias in Chicago and Toronto incorporating Little Nero’s decor and branded elements. The Studio City location in Los Angeles will receive a full interior-and-exterior makeover, complete with nostalgic touches and the iconic Little Nero’s delivery car parked outside for the ultimate photo moment. In a nod to Kevin’s iconic order, Prince St. Pizza will temporarily rename its classic cheese pizza “The Lovely Cheese Pizza.”

“Kevin!” CLEAR Makes Holiday Travel Merry with “No Kevin Left Behind”

Just in time for the holiday travel rush, Disney+ and CLEAR are rolling out a special “No Kevin Left Behind” airport activation between December 17 and 21. At nine major airports across the United States, CLEAR+ Members will receive limited-edition Home Alone-themed ornaments to bring seasonal cheer to their travel day. Plus, as an added delight and nod to Home Alone, CLEAR+ Members named Kevin who use select CLEAR+ Lanes will receive a code for a complimentary CLEAR Concierge service for a future trip.

Participating airports include Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL), Denver International (DEN), Newark Liberty International (EWR), John F. Kennedy International (JFK), Los Angeles International (LAX), LaGuardia (LGA), Orlando International (MCO), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), and Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA). All Disney+ subscribers can still experience CLEAR+ if they’re not traveling this holiday season by simply redeeming the Disney+ Perk that provides a complimentary three-month trial of CLEAR+.

Launch Disney+ with a Little Holiday Magic on the VIZIO Voice Remote

From December 19 to 31, VIZIO users can launch the Disney+ app with a touch of holiday magic by simply saying (or shouting!) “KEVIN!” into the VIZIO Voice Remote. The command instantly takes viewers to Disney+ to stream Home Alone. 

Northgard: Definitive Edition Out Now

Northgard, the critically acclaimed Viking strategy game with more than 5MM copies sold from developer Shiro Games, conquers untold lands with the release of its new Definitive Edition, available now on PC via Steam.

Claim territory in the new Valhalla biome, and engage in both PvE and PvP games in the Bifrost biomes. Enjoy enhancements to the base game, including a significant overhaul of the shop with new items to browse, graphical improvements for select units, a beautiful digital artbook, an in-game gallery featuring concept art, alternate artworks, alpha and beta visuals, and much more.

Dive into content from several freshly incorporated DLC expansions, including the full campaign from the Cross of Vidar expansion pack. Brave the frey with mighty clans including Neustria – Clan of the Lion, as well as the first three clans ever released for Northgard: Sváfnir – Clan of the Snake, Nidhogg – Clan of the Dragon, and Svardilfari – Clan of the Horse.

“We’ve truly honed a fulfilling, well-rounded experience with this edition, packed with some of the game’s best content,” said Nicolas Cannasse, CEO, Shiro Games. “After nearly eight great years of active support, we’re thrilled to welcome new players into the expanded experience, and excited for long-time fans to revisit the new content for free today.”

Northgard: Definitive Edition is available now for $34.99 with an additional 60% launch discount including French, English, German, Spanish, Polish, Portuguese – Brazil, Russian, Simplified Chinese, and Korean language support.

For more information about Northgard, please visit the official website.

Total War: MEDIEVAL III & More Announced at 25th Anniversary Showcase

SEGA® and The Creative Assembly Limited have today unveiled major additions to the iconic Total War franchise during its 25th anniversary showcase: Total War: MEDIEVAL™ III, Total War: WARHAMMER III – Lords of the End Times, and Warcore – the next evolution of their game engine.

Alongside all of this, a third title was teased and will be revealed at The Game Awards on December 11th.

Rewatch the showcase in all its glory here:

TOTAL WAR: MEDIEVAL III

Total War: MEDIEVAL III ushers in the long-awaited return to the franchise’s historical roots. Now in early pre-production, this next chapter is both a tribute to its legendary predecessors and a bold revolution for the series. Built as the ultimate medieval strategy sandbox, it will empower players to shape realms, rewrite history, and immerse themselves in the Middle Ages like never before. Combining meticulous historical authenticity with unprecedented player agency, this is more than a sequel, it’s the rebirth of historical Total War.

Watch the live-action announcement trailer here:

TOTAL WAR: WARHAMMER III – LORDS OF THE END TIMES

Coinciding with the series’ 10th year, the Lords of The End Times Pack unleashes four new Legendary Lords into the colossal Immortal Empires campaign experience in Summer 2026. The first to be revealed is none other than the great necromancer, Nagash, who returns to reclaim his lost power and drown the world in undeath.

These new lords also herald the arrival of the free End Times Update. Taking inspiration from the lore, players will face a campaign experience transformed, with apocalyptic scenarios and cataclysmic events that push the boundaries of strategy and survival. And to crown this update, a new Legendary Lord will rise, ready to leave their mark on the cataclysm to come.

This isn’t the end for Total War: WARHAMMER – the series is far from over.

Watch the in-engine announcement trailer here:

THE WARCORE GAME ENGINE

Building on 25 years of strategy innovation, Warcore is the next evolution of Total War’s proprietary engine. As the most advanced technological foundation in the franchise’s history, it empowers developers with a suite of tools that allows for gameplay to be more immersive, dynamic and responsive than ever before. Designed to evolve over time, it will continue to unlock new capabilities, ensuring the franchise stays at the cutting edge of strategy gaming for years to come.

In a franchise first, it also enables future games to be released on PlayStation and Xbox, welcoming a new generation of commanders to the scale, immersion, and tactical mastery that defines Total War.

TUNE INTO THE GAME AWARDS ON DECEMBER 11TH

To round off the anniversary celebrations, a surprise third game will be revealed at The Game Awards on December 11th. This title will be Total War’s next major release and represents one of the most ambitious projects in the franchise’s history, marking the beginning of an exciting new era. We hope to see you there.

Vice President of Total War, Roger Collum had this to say about the anniversary:

“It’s incredible to think Total War is 25 years old. We’re extremely grateful that we get to make games that our community get to play for decades, and without them we wouldn’t be here. This year was a moment where all Total War fans; old or new, historical or fantasy, could come together and celebrate the exciting next chapter in our story. Here’s to 25 more years!”

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Earlier today, Total War also launched several other exciting new products and initiatives:

Darkest Dungeon 2 Anniversary Edition Trailer

Red Hook Studios will celebrate three years of Darkest Dungeon II in 2026 with the release of a new Anniversary Edition for this roguelike turn-based road trip of the damned and the sequel to the critically acclaimed game Darkest Dungeon. Packed with nightmarish extras to accompany players on their journey for redemption, the Darkest Dungeon II: Anniversary Edition from Skybound Games and Red Hook Studios will release globally on March 10, 2026, with pre-order now available on Amazon.com for PS5 and Switch ($99.99).

Darkest Dungeon II invites players to form a party, equip their stagecoach, and set off across the decaying landscape on a last-gasp quest to avert the apocalypse. The Darkest Dungeon II: Anniversary Edition includes the base game along with the following meticulously designed collectible items and digital bonuses that deepen player’s connection to the world of ruin and fragile hope created by Red Hook Studios:

  • Collectible Steelbook: safeguard your journey with a steel game case adorned with Darkest Dungeon II key art
  • In-Game Combat Pop-Up Diorama: a tangible tribute to the game’s brutal, turn-based encounters
  • Stagecoach Papercraft: recreate the vessel of your desperate pilgrimage
  • Playable Deck of Cards: a full standard deck featuring in-game characters reimagined across every suit
  • Original Soundtracks: experience the sound of a world undone with over 20 haunting tracks, including the newly released Kingdoms OST
  • Three DLC: expand your journey with all DLC released to-date including The Binding Blade, Inhuman Bondage, and Infernal Supporter Pack

’83 Dev Diary Shows Off Game Modes

Blue Dot Games have just unveiled the latest in their Developer Tapes series showcasing different aspects of ‘83, their upcoming 40v40 squad-based tactical first-person shooter set in an alternate 1983 where the Cold War escalated into an all-out conflict. This latest video offers an overview of its two core game modes: Frontlines and Assault. Both demand coordination, communication, and tactical play, but with very different objectives and rulesets.

Frontlines is a dynamic two-way mode where players fight to control a linear sequence of objectives stretching across the map. Each team has a fortified home base on opposite ends of the battlefield, operating as primary spawn points for infantry and vehicles. As each team pushes their territorial control forward in real-time, it affects where their squad leaders and commanders can deploy spawn points. Should one of these fall behind enemy lines, it will be removed. Each team starts with a fixed number of respawn tickets, though roles like Squad Leaders or Commanders cost additional tickets. Once a team runs out of tickets, they can no longer respawn.

Each match begins with a team receiving an equal number of objectives that must be completed in a linear sequence, as they claim previously neutral territory. These objectives can branch out, however, allowing opportunities to siege strategic points creating flanking opportunities. Frontlines matches are time-limited, with fallback win conditions determining the outcome if neither team has completed their objective chain.

Assault offers a more focused, asymmetric experience, where one team attacks a series of objectives in a one-way push, while the opposing team defends, similar to the classic “Territories” mode from Rising Storm. Here, the match flows through a linear series of objectives, always starting at the attackers’ base and progressing toward the defenders. Unlike Frontlines, territory doesn’t shift back and forth, but rather once an objective is captured, it becomes locked for the round and the next objective activates.

There are two ways to determine win conditions in an Assault match. If a team runs out of respawn tickets and all their players are eliminated, they lose. If attackers run out of time, the defenders win – unless the final objective is actively contested, in which case the game goes into overtime. Combat continues until the contest is resolved. Assault is played over two rounds, with teams switching sides in the second half. Should each team win one round, a tiebreaker will be initiated.

007 First Light Shares Behind the Scenes Footage

IO Interactive, the award-winning developer and publisher behind the globally-acclaimed HITMAN franchise, and Amazon MGM today released the first episode of Beyond the Light, a new series of developer diaries that offers an inside look at the making of 007 First Light. The series explores the game’s design philosophy and creative process, beginning with an in-depth focus on gameplay. 007 First Light is a standalone original, re-imagined origin story of James Bond, set to release on March 27, 2026, on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2*, and PC, and is available for pre-order now.

The debut episode features Andreas Krogh, Gameplay Director, and Thomas Pulluello, Senior Level Designer, as they take viewers behind the scenes to reveal how IOI’s team brings the tension, style, and precision of a young James Bond to life through interactive storytelling and gameplay.

At the heart of 007 First Light lies the Creative Approach, a design philosophy that empowers players to complete missions in their own style, whether through stealth, direct action, or a mix of both. Core gameplay pillars such as Spycraft, Instinct, Gadgets, and Combat define how players are able to channel Bond’s skills, charm, and intelligence. Spycraft allows players to observe, infiltrate, and exploit opportunities using stealth and information-gathering. Instinct captures Bond’s adaptability, enabling players to bluff, deceive, or gain heightened focus under pressure. Gadgets from Q Branch provide tactical flexibility, offering new ways to improvise and outsmart enemies. Meanwhile, Combat blends precision gunplay, close-quarters takedowns, and environmental interactions, ensuring every encounter feels personal and cinematic.

Alongside this freedom of approach, 007 First Light delivers the bold, handcrafted set-pieces that define the Bond franchise, from high-speed chases and tense action sequences to daring escapes at impossible altitudes. Each moment is designed to reflect Bond’s evolution into an elite agent, balancing danger, elegance, and spectacle in true 007 fashion.

007 First Light is scheduled to launch on March 27, 2026. Pre-order details can be found at https://ioi.dk/007firstlightgame.

For more information, please visit our official website: 007FirstLightGame.com or follow us on X, Instagram, TikTok, Twitch, Facebook, Threads, Reddit, Bluesky, and YouTube.

The Guild – Europa 1410 Dev Diary Released

Hear ye, hear ye! The latest developer diary for The Guild – Europa 1410 brings a detailed look at (some of) the professions and how to run your business on the path to becoming a true medieval tycoon. Additionally, THQ Nordic and Ashborne Games are happy to share that the game is heading into its first closed gameplay test, giving players an early chance to help shape this new medieval life-sim epic.

Your journey begins with choosing a profession – “for every dynasty is forged by humble hands.” Carve stone, stitch cloaks, brew potions, preach sermons, or run a bustling inn. Each craft comes with unique perks that shape your early strategies and open the door to greater influence.

Here’s the list of professions we’re talking about today:

  • Stone Mason – Craft tools and maintain city roads
  • Joiner – Produce wooden goods and enhance carts
  • Tailor – Weave garments and gather secrets through gossip
  • Perfumer – Brew scents that draw customers to your door
  • Alchemist – Mix potions and cleanse buildings of pests
  • Preacher – Craft parchment and grant lucrative absolution
  • Innkeeper – Serve meals and collect “ye olde tavern gossip”

From there, it’s all about building your business. Hire workers, improve your workshop, and send carts to market – with caution. While investments in upgrades boost production and appeal, you’ll be thrown into the debtors prison quickly, if you spend more money than you earn.

Ambitious players can also chase political power. Earn citizenship, climb the ladder office by office, win favor, outmaneuver rivals, or use more creative methods to secure influence within the council halls…

If you want to dive deeper, noble squire, check out the full developer diary for thyself here: https://thqn.net/4pd9FTc