Author - Jerry Paxton

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Realpolitiks 3: Earth and Beyond Official Launch Date Announced

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Truck Driver – Heading North Coming to Nintendo Switch

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

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

Hyper Empire Out Now

The 4X strategy game Hyper Empire is officially live today! Immerse yourself in quick, intense empire-building sessions that you can complete in 40 minutes or less. Hyper Empire offers a deep and engaging single-player experience where you control one of five unique factions, each with its own ships, abilities, and strategies.

Set at the edge of space, Hyper Empire blends military tactics, resource management, and strategic decision-making in a fast-paced format, perfect for players who want the excitement of 4X gameplay but don’t have hours to spare. Every playthrough is different, with random events, shifting alliances, and escalating threats creating a unique experience each time.

Steel Hunters Enters Early Access

The wait is over. Steel Hunters, Wargaming’s free-to-play mech hero shooter, has officially entered Early Access. Combining Battle Royale and Extraction mechanics, the game delivers an intense mech power fantasy where players control formidable mechanical giants – Hunters. Starting today, players worldwide can dive into intense duo PvPvE battles, complete match objectives to level up, acquire powerful gear, and dominate the battlefield.

As Steel Hunters enters Early Access, the development team will focus on gathering player feedback, fine-tuning gameplay mechanics, and enhancing overall polish. This phase is crucial for refining the experience, balancing combat, and ensuring the game reaches its full potential before the official launch. In addition to performance and stability improvements, the team will introduce new content and features, shaping the game with direct input from the community.

“We’re incredibly excited to bring Steel Hunters to our players today,” said Mike McDonald, Product Director. “This phase is all about working alongside our community, refining the game, and ensuring its long-term success. Guided by player-first philosophy, we’re starting the first season of Steel Hunters Early Access without monetization, allowing all players to fully immerse themselves in the core gameplay experience.”

The Early Access will include the following:

  • Hunters: Players can control and customize seven Hunters, each with unique abilities: Razorside, Heartbreaker, Fenris, Ursus, Trenchwalker, Prophet, and Weaver. A new Hunter will enter the fray during the Early Access.
  • Dynamic Battlegrounds: Jump into action across three maps featuring destructible environments — Crimson Ridge, Maryland Heights, and Stonecutter Keep.
  • Game mode & Progression: The Last Stand mode has been added instead of Starfall Harvest as the main game mode, and a completely revamped System Tree replaces the old four-path progression — now streamlined into a single, powerful skill tree with progressive upgrades.
  • No progress reset: As of April 2, game servers will remain permanently live, meaning no more progress wipes. Players will retain all in-game items and progress they have earned from Early Access and previous tests, giving them a head start with the full game launch.
  • Battle Pass: Steel Hunters’ first-ever Battle Pass launches with Early Access, running through April 29, 2025. This free Battle Pass allows players to level up their Hunters, unlock exclusive skins, and earn various rewards, boosters, and credits.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade Coming to Nintendo Switch 2

During the Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 presentation today, SQUARE ENIX® announced two critically acclaimed RPGs, FINAL FANTASY™ VII REMAKE INTERGRADE and BRAVELY DEFAULT™ FLYING FAIRY HD Remaster, are coming to the highly anticipated system. FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE is the expanded edition of the first entry in the FINAL FANTASY VII remake project and includes an additional story arc that takes place during the game’s events. BRAVELY DEFAULT FLYING FAIRY HD Remaster revives the beloved Nintendo 3DS title with updated graphics and new minigames for gamers to discover. Nintendo’s latest system will allow fans to play Square Enix’s blockbuster RPGs on the go with enhanced graphics and upgraded textures on the system’s larger screen.

In FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE, players follow the story of ex-SOLDIER operative turned mercenary, Cloud Strife, as he lends his aid to the underground resistance group Avalanche in the mako-powered city of Midgar. In the fight against the shadowy Shinra Electric Power Company, Cloud and his comrades are thrust into a larger conflict to determine the fate of the planet. FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE also includes an exhilarating original story arc, FF7R EPISODE INTERmission, which brings Wutai ninja Yuffie Kisaragi to the forefront as she infiltrates the city of Midgar during the events of the base game.

With over seven million copies shipped and sold digitally worldwide on the PlayStation and PC platforms, this upcoming release marks the series’ debut on a Nintendo system, giving a new audience of players a chance to experience 2020’s The Game Awards RPG of the Year* for the first time ever.

Originally released in 2012 for the Nintendo 3DS, BRAVELY DEFAULT FLYING FAIRY HD Remaster brings the unforgettable story, iconic characters designed by Akihiko Yoshida (FINAL FANTASY TACTICS, NieR:AutomataTM) and innovative “Brave & Default” turn-based battle system to the current generation of gamers for the Nintendo Switch 2 system. The HD remaster features updated graphics and new content, perfect for long-time fans to revisit the world of Luxendarc and for newcomers alike.

BRAVELY DEFAULT FLYING FAIRY HD Remaster is set in Luxendarc, a world where four elemental crystals maintain peace and balance. When darkness suddenly emerges from the Great Chasm that left a gaping void in the world, the warriors of light will embark on an adventure to save the world from calamity. Players will join Agnès Oblige, the vestal of the Wind Crystal, Tiz Arrior, a kind shepherd and sole survivor of the Great Chasm that engulfed his hometown, Edea Lee, the only daughter of the grand marshal of the Duchy of Eternia, Ringabel, an amnesiac young man with a mysterious journal that has chronicled future events and Airy, a cryst-fairy, on an epic journey to restore light to the crystals and bring peace to the world.

Players can work strategically to control the flow of battle with its innovative “Brave & Default” battle system: Brave to expend Brave Points to increase the number of actions taken in turn, and Default to stock up a turn while shoring up defenses. With the game’s job system that features over 20 unique jobs, players can mix and match different jobs and abilities to experiment with a huge variety of party compositions. Thrilling turn-based battles, which can be sped up by the player as desired, are enhanced further by a larger-than-life soundtrack from Revo making BRAVELY DEFAULT FLYING FAIRY HD Remaster a can’t miss for RPG enthusiasts.

FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE is rated T (Teen) by the ESRB and is in development for Nintendo Switch 2. For more information, visit: https://ffvii-remake-intergrade.square-enix-games.com/en-us/BRAVELY DEFAULT FLYING FAIRY HD Remaster is rated T (Teen) by the ESRB and will be available on June 5, 2025on Nintendo Switch 2. For more information, visit: https://www.square-enix-games.com/games/bravely-default-flying-fairy-hd-remaster

Marvel Studios Unveils THUNDERBOLTS Featurette

Following the cast’s appearance at CinemaCon, Marvel Studios announced today that tickets will go on sale this coming Monday, April 7, for the MCU’s newest team of heroes, together for the first time in “Thunderbolts*”. To celebrate the tickets going on sale, Marvel Studios has unveiled a fun, behind-the-scenes look at the making of “Thunderbolts*,” featuring star Florence Pugh, along with a brand-new poster.

In “Thunderbolts*” Marvel Studios assembles an unconventional team of antiheroes—Yelena Belova, Bucky Barnes, Red Guardian, Ghost, Taskmaster and John Walker. After finding themselves ensnared in a death trap set by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, these disillusioned castoffs must embark on a dangerous mission that will force them to confront the darkest corners of their pasts. Will this dysfunctional group tear themselves apart, or find redemption and unite as something much more before it’s too late?

The film stars Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, Wyatt Russell, Olga Kurylenko, Lewis Pullman, Geraldine Viswanathan, Chris Bauer, Wendell Pierce, with David Harbour, with Hannah John-Kamen, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

Jake Schreier directs “Thunderbolts*” and Kevin Feige is the producer. Louis D’Esposito, Brian Chapek and Jason Tamez serve as executive producers. The screenplay was written by Eric Pearson and Joanna Calo, and the story is by Eric Pearson.

Marvel Studios’ “Thunderbolts*” releases May 2, 2025, in U.S. theaters.

Tickets go on sale Monday, April 7, and are available wherever tickets are sold.

inZOI Sells 1 Million Copies in First Week

KRAFTON, Inc. (CEO CH Kim) surpassed 1 million cumulative sales of its life simulation game, inZOI, as of April 4 – just one week after launching in Global Early Access on Steam. This marks the fastest sales milestone ever achieved by a title published by KRAFTON.

On March 27, 2025, inZOI released in Early Access via the global PC gaming platform Steam. One day before launch, inZOI ranked 1st on Steam’s Global Top Wishlists, and then rose to No. 1 on Steam’s Global Top Sellers List (by sales revenue) just 40 minutes after its release. To this day, inZOI continues to top sales rankings across regions including North America and Asia.

inZOI has been praised by players across various metrics beyond sales. As of April 4, Steam reviews displayed an 83% positive rating, earning the game a ‘Very Positive’ status. inZOI also reached 175,000 concurrent viewers on Twitch, ranking 3rd in the Games Category. “Canvas,” inZOI’s in-game UGC (User-generated Content) sharing platform, showed strong levels of community engagement as it garnered more than 1.2 million players on the day of launch with over 470,000 pieces of uploaded content.

Building up to inZOI’s release, KRAFTON drew attention to the game by showing up at major global game shows, collaborating with international influencers, and actively communicating with the player community. The inZOI global showcase and demo build particularly attracted high interest, while leading global media and gaming outlets further raised anticipation worldwide through continuous updates on the game.

KRAFTON’s step-by-step approach in releasing information on inZOI along with its player-friendly operational strategy established a foundation for trust, leading to a widely positive sentiment across the player community.

CEO CH Kim stated, “We are grateful and excited to present inZOI to players around the world through Early Access,” adding, “We will continue to actively communicate with players and foster inZOI as KRAFTON’s long-term franchise IP.”

The game’s future updates will introduce new content, including mod support and new cities, with all updates and DLC provided for free until full release.

More information about inZOI is available on its official website here.

THE NAKED GUN Teaser Trailer Out Now

Only one man has the particular set of skills… to lead Police Squad and save the world! Lt. Frank Drebin Jr. (Liam Neeson) follows in his father’s footsteps in THE NAKED GUN, directed by Akiva Schaffer (Saturday Night Live, Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping) and from producer Seth MacFarlane (Ted, Family Guy). Joining the case are cast Pamela Anderson, Paul Walter Hauser, CCH Pounder, Kevin Durand, Cody Rhodes, Liza Koshy, Eddie Yu, with Danny Huston.

Paramount Pictures Presents In Association with Domain Entertainment A Fuzzy Door Production

“THE NAKED GUN”

  • Executive Producers
    • Daniel M. Stillman, Akiva Schaffer, Pete Chiappetta, Anthony Tittanegro, Andrew Lary
  • Produced by
    • Seth MacFarlane, Erica Huggins, p.g.a.
  • Written by
    • Dan Gregor & Doug Mand & Akiva Schaffer
  • Directed by
    • Akiva Schaffer
  • Cast:
    • Liam Neeson, Pamela Anderson, Paul Walter Hauser, CCH Pounder, Kevin Durand, Cody Rhodes, Liza Koshy, Eddie Yu, with Danny Huston

snakebyte Unveils Nintendo Switch 2 Accessories

snakebyte™, leaders in innovative videogame accessories for over twenty five years, announced today an all-new range of accessories compatible with Nintendo® Switch™2, the newly announced next generation game system, launching from June 2025. With select products in the range timed to coincide with the availability of the console, the new line of hardware from snakebyte will be available for purchase via the snakebyte website as well as leading online and physical game retailers.

In development for over 12 months, each product in the range has been specifically developed for the next generation console, with a careful focus on quality, value and the ability to enhance the gaming experience. All products in the Nintendo Switch 2 compatible range come complete with a 2-year warranty, ensuring peace of mind to all snakebyte customers. Products in the new range include:

GAMEPAD RGB S2™

A wireless professional controller featuring Hall-Effect Thumbsticks for drift free, ultra reliable use. Tactile rumble feedback brings you deeper into your game and dual back buttons provide enhanced control options. USB-C charging allows for quick, simple charging and translucent shell with RGB lighting provides a stunning backdrop to your Switch 2 gaming.

GAMEPAD S2™

A wireless professional controller featuring Hall-Effect Thumbsticks for drift free, ultra reliable use. Tactile rumble feedback brings you deeper into your game and dual back buttons provide enhanced control options. USB-C charging allows for quick, simple charging.

ERGO GRIP S2™

Enhance your Switch 2 gaming with the comfortable Ergo Grip, designed to offer fatigue-free play during sustained gaming sessions. Slot your Joy-Con 2™ controllers into the Ergo Grip where the rubber handholds make for a comfortable way to game for hours. LED indicator shows player number and charge status.

HEADSET CORE S2™

Enjoy crystal clear audio and immersive gaming with the Headset Core S for Switch 2. Featuring 40mm drivers for quality audio, a foldable, cushioned design for easy storage and transport and a removable microphone with in-line volume controls.

TWIN CHARGE S2™

Effortlessly charge up to two Joy-Con 2 controllers for your Switch 2 with this simple to use, compact charger. Powered via USB-C and featuring dual charge level LED’s, gamers can keep their Joy-Con 2 controllers safe, secure and ready for play at all times.

QUAD CHARGE S2™

Charge up to four Joy-Con 2 controllers simultaneously with this simple to use charging solution. Featuring individual LED indicators, vibrant RGB lighting and a secure slide-in design, the Quad Charge S2 keeps you and up to three other gamers powered up at all times!

POWER CHARGE S2™

Power your play with the Power Charge S2. A versatile USB-C AC adapter, the Power Charge S2 features USB power delivery 3.0 (PD 3.0) and advanced GaN technology for fast, efficient and reliable charging. Designed for global compatibility, the Power Charge S2 includes plug adapters for US, EU, UK and AUS regions.

FAST CHARGING CABLE S2™

Charge your Switch 2 and other USB-C devices fast and safely with this 100W fast charging cable. Featuring PD-enabled safety, durable nylon branding and a two-meter length.

STARTER KIT S2™

An ideal way to start your Switch 2 adventure, the Starter Kit S2 is a premium starter kit designed for safety and enhanced gaming on the go. Featuring a durable, premium nylon carry case, tempered glass screen protector, in-ear headphones, silicon grips and cleaning cloth. Available in black and grey.

SLING CASE S2™

Stylish, secure and great quality, the Sling Case S2 allows gamers to take their Switch 2, games and accessories with them wherever they go. A versatile crossbody style shoulder bag, the Sling Case S2 features a spacious main compartment and convenient patch pocket for easy storage of console, Joy-Con 2 controllers, earbuds, games and more! Available in blue and grey.

TRAVEL CASE S2

Protect and store your Switch 2 with this durable and compact Travel Case. Made from ballistic nylon and PU leather, it’s water repellent. Impact resistant and offers ample space for console and accessories.

SYSTEM ORGANISER CASE S2

Protect and organize your Switch 2 console and accessories with the System Organiser Case S2. Featuring durable water repellent nylon, dedicated compartments for accessories and a scratch resistant exterior, it’s a superb way to keep your Switch 2 world organized and safe for travel. Available in black and grey.

Commenting on the all-new accessory range for Switch 2, Mike Steup, CEO of snakebyte said, “The Nintendo Switch has proven to be one of the most beloved consoles of all time, and we expect the Switch 2 to thrill gamers and continue pushing the boundaries of success upon its launch later this year. We’ve been working tirelessly behind the scenes to develop a comprehensive range of accessories which do justice to the new hardware, while exemplifying the core tenants of quality and value the snakebyte name stands for. We’re confident that gamers will Switch 2 snakebyte for the hardware their new console deserves.”

For more information about the new Nintendo Switch 2 compatible accessory range, please visit the snakebyte website.