Author - Jerry Paxton

NORSE: Oath of Blood First Dev Diary

Tripwire Presents, the publishing division of Tripwire Interactive, and developer Arctic Hazard today announced that their upcoming Viking-era tactical turn-based title, NORSE: Oath of Blood, will launch for Windows PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store, PlayStation®5, and Xbox Series X|S on Feb. 3, 2026. Delve into the first video Developer Diary from Arctic Hazard, where key members of the development team, actors, and writer Giles Kristian discuss their parts in bringing a Viking-era, playable historical epic to life. The team provides a look behind the shield wall at topics including the use of motion capture to heighten the sense of realism, detailing their approach to telling an archetypal Viking story of revenge while remaining grounded in reality, and more.

The NORSE: Oath of Blood PC demo, released during last month’s Steam Next Fest, remains available to download here. Players can try their swordhand at taking Gunnar’s first steps on his epic quest for vengeance, and leading his people to prosperity.

Step into the rugged, untamed beauty of dark age Norway in NORSE: Oath of Blood, a turn-based tactics game that plunges players into the heart of the Viking Age. Embark on an epic quest for vengeance as Gunnar, a young warrior whose destiny is forged in blood and betrayal. After the treacherous Steinarr Far-Spear murders his father, Jarl Gripr, and usurps his high seat, Gunnar’s path is clear: rebuild, ally, and rise to reclaim honor and justice.

Craft a settlement from the ground up, gather allies from far and wide, and train a formidable warband to stand by his side. Every decision shapes the world around Gunnar, as he navigates a landscape teeming with both danger and opportunity. Face off against rival clans, forge unbreakable bonds, and outmaneuver his enemies in tactical, turn-based battles that test players’ strategic prowess.

Find out more about NORSE: Oath of Blood on the game’s official website, and follow the game on X, Bluesky, Instagram, TikTok, and Discord. This game has not been rated for PC, and expects a rating of 17+ on consoles by the ESRB and 18+ PEGI.

To learn more about Arctic Hazard visit their official website, and follow them on X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Knott’s Boysenberry Festival Selected as a Good Housekeeping 2026 Travel Awards Winner

Knott’s Berry Farm announced today that the Knott’s Boysenberry Festival was named a winner in Good Housekeeping’s 2026 Travel Awards. The full list of awards can be found on goodhousekeeping.com/travel2026.

Knott’s Boysenberry Festival is a beloved festival that celebrates the park’s historic roots by highlighting the little berry that started it all, the boysenberry. This limited-time food festival operates annually in the spring, from mid-to-late March through April. Guests can indulge in a tantalizing menu filled with dozens of savory and sweet boysenberry food and beverage items, all with a boysenberry twist. In the streets of Ghost Town, the yearly Boysenberry Festival Crafts Fair offers unique boysenberry-inspired artisan products from over two dozen local craft vendors.

In addition to the numerous food and drink offerings, Knott’s Boysenberry Festival features a wide selection of live music, musical stage shows and fun activities for guests of all ages. Guests can compete in Boysen Bear’s Pie Kitchen Games or try their berry best at the Pie Eating Contest. The entertainment continues with live shows such as Knott’s Preserved, a musical journey that highlights the park’s heritage, while Old MacDonald’s Barn showcases adorable farm animals and pays tribute to one of the farm’s original attractions. Visitors can also explore the History of the Boysenberry Museum at Town Hall to learn all about the little berry that had a big impact on the Knott family and Southern California.

We are thrilled that Knott’s Boysenberry Festival has been named a 2026 Good Housekeeping Travel Award winner.

Disney Dreamlight Valley: Wishblossom Ranch Out Now

Disney Dreamlight Valley’s next big Expansion, Disney Dreamlight Valley: Wishblossom Ranch, is now available for PC, PlayStation®4, PlayStation®5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch™, Mac, and Apple Arcade!

Nestled amongst the Wishblossom Mountains is a special place powered by the Heart’s deepest wishes, where horses once roamed free and stables were full of life. Now, the Ranch is in disrepair after falling into the hands of Cruella De Vil, causing a mysterious phenomenon—the Decay. Saddle up for magical adventures with your new Disney friends and horses, reverse the effects of the Decay, and restore Wishblossom Ranch to its former glory!

Bringing the magic back to Wishblossom Ranch is going to require help, and four new Disney friends are ready to lend a hand. Snow White, from Disney’s Snow White, has been trying her best to maintain the Ranch, but she needs help! To restore the Ranch to its former glory, players must seek out and awaken Tinker Bell from Disney’s Peter Pan, who holds the key to understanding Wishblossom Magic. Explore brand-new areas twisted by weird and whimsical wishes with Tigger from Disney’s Winnie the Pooh and work with (and against) Cruella De Vil from Disney’s One Hundred and One Dalmatians as you all embark on a journey to save Wishblossom Ranch.

Throughout your adventures, you’ll find and befriend three iconic horses—Maximus from Disney’s Tangled, Khan from Disney’s Mulan, and Pegasus from Disney’s Hercules—and each horse brings their own unique personality and abilities to help you explore Wishblossom Ranch’s three new Biomes. Take care of your newfound friends by brushing, feeding, and petting them daily to increase your Friendship Levels with them and fully customize your generic horses, both their appearance and accessories, to your own tailored style. Upgrade their abilities or enlist their help in watching after daily Valley tasks such as cleaning, gardening, mining, and more.

Last but not least, any players who buy the Expansion before December 3 will receive exclusive early-adopter bonuses: the Springtime Festival Outfit for their Avatar and the Springtime Festival Tack for their horse! In addition, brand-new editions of the game are also now available, including:

  • Disney Dreamlight Valley: Wishblossom Ranch Edition — includes base game, the new Expansion, and 13,000 Moonstones
  • Disney Dreamlight Valley: Wishblossom Ranch — Deluxe Edition* — includes the new Expansion, 10,000 Moonstones, and other exclusive rewards, including an exclusive mount, Sven from Disney’s Frozen

For more information on other new editions of the game, be sure to check out the official website HERE.

Razer Raiju V3 Pro PS5 Controller Out Now in the US

Razer’s all-new Razer Raiju V3 Pro, the elite esports controller for PlayStation 5, is officially available for players in the United States for $219.99.

Engineered for competition and officially licensed for the PlayStation 5 console, the Raiju V3 Pro delivers lightning-fast wireless response, pixel-perfect precision, and pro-level customization – All packed into a tournament-ready form factor.

Featuring symmetrical TMR (Tension Magnetic Resistance) thumbsticks, Razer Pro HyperTriggers, and 4 removable mouse-click back buttons, the Raiju V3 Pro is designed to give console players the competitive edge they need.

Precision Meets Power: Built for Elite Console Competition 

  • Removable Back Buttons & Claw Grip Bumpers
  • Symmetrical TMR Thumbsticks with Swappable Caps
  • Razer Pro HyperTriggers
  • Mecha-Tactile PBT Action Buttons & 8-Way Floating D-Pad
  • Lightning-Fast Wireless Performance with Razer HyperSpeed Wireless

Customization and Portability for Total Competitive Control 

  • Pro-Level Customization
  • Tournament-Ready Protection and Convenience

For more information about the Raiju V3 Pro, visit the Raiju V3 Pro product page HERE.

Goat Simulator 3 Baadlands: Furry Road DLC Out Now

Today, Coffee Stain Publishing and Coffee Stain North are thrilled to launch Baadlands: Furry Road, the latest expansion for Goat Simulator 3.

The world has ended, and San Angora has transformed into a vast desert, holding sand-swept secrets waiting to be uncovered. In Baadlands: Furry Road, players will once again step into the hooves of Pilgor, the antihero and now-survivor of the apocalypse, setting off on the most chaotic adventure yet. Complete calamitous quests, rebuild a town from scratch using collectable scraps, and use the latest fiery Goat Gears to fight your way through hordes of raiders on your journey to discover the secret behind the mysterious vault door…

This time around, players will be able to traverse the dunes on their very own motorcycle, which can be summoned at-will like an apocalyptic steed! Across the Baadlands, they’ll discover vast new environments, goat-tastic wasteland fashion, a plethora of new quests, and more – from leather-clad townspeople to dune-dwelling worms.

Santiago Ferrero, Creative Director at Coffee Stain North said: “Baadlands: Furry Road is the best addition to the Goat Simulator franchise since the capybara, and we’re excited for fans to experience “Sand” Angora in a brand new and (as always) highly destructive way. From pimped out cars and propeller horns, to your very own motorcycle that appears on command, getting around has never been easier – so explore to your heart’s content and headbutt some unsuspecting critters while you’re at it. The wasteland is your oyster!”

Baadlands: Furry Road is the second major expansion for Goat Simulator 3, following the Multiverse of Nonsense expansion that launched last summer.

Goat Simulator 3 – Baadlands: Furry Road is out now, and is available to purchase on Steam, the Epic Games Store, Microsoft Store, as well as PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S.

Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes 10th Anniversary Celebration

EA and Capital Games, in collaboration with Lucasfilm Games, renowned for bringing some of the most beloved franchise worlds to life, today celebrate 10 years of Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes with the launch of its exciting anniversary update. The update features new content such as The Coliseum experience, Era Levels and new versions of fan-favorite characters.

For a decade, EA and Capital Games’ turn-based RPG Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes has topped charts with its strategic gameplay, amassing over 100 million downloads across the App Store, Google Play and the EA App. This milestone update invites new and returning players to command squads of iconic Star Wars™ heroes and villains in epic holotable battles where they will embark on new challenges, take down massive bosses and more.

The “Season of Anniversary” update includes:

  • The Coliseum Arena – Set on the planet Batuu, The Coliseum is both a spectacle and an iconic battleground where players will encounter giant bosses, such as a Pirate AT-ST, a Jotaz, a Tomb Guardian, and a Dryax.

  • Era Levels – A refined Seasonality system, Era Levels, allow both newcomers and day-one players to enjoy the latest marquee characters together by giving those who participate in seasonal content extra bonuses towards unlocking and powering up characters in the Legacy Content.

  • New Character Versions – Throughout the season, players can unlock popular characters, including Stormtrooper Luke, a Yoda and Chewbacca combo unit, and Duel’s End Darth Vader among many others.

SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide Out Now

THQ Nordic and Purple Lamp proudly announce the launch of SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide, the next big splash in one of the most beloved franchises among gaming and animation. Available today for Nintendo Switch 2™, PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, the single-player 3D platformer arrives at an SRP of $39.99 / €39.99.

With over two decades of SpongeBob legacy behind it, SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide delivers the kind of feel-good platforming experience that’s become synonymous with the franchise: fun, nostalgic, and packed with heart. On top of that, the game is fully voiced by the original cast, because no one says “I’m ready!” quite like SpongeBob himself.

When the Flying Dutchman and King Neptune lock horns, their ego clash unleashes an otherworldly tidal wave across Bikini Bottom. It’s up to SpongeBob and Patrick, two unlikely heroes armed with jellyfishing nets and friendship thicker than tartar sauce, to restore order to the undersea chaos.

Players will reunite with fan-favorite faces from across Bikini Bottom, including Sandy Cheeks, Squidward, Mr. Krabs, and even Plankton, as they journey through iconic locales such as Neptune’s Palace, the frosty Mount Bikini, and the mysterious Goldfish Island. Seamlessly switch between SpongeBob and Patrick’s unique abilities to outsmart enemies, tackle inventive puzzles, and ultimately save Bikini Bottom from its spectral fate!

And if you can’t get enough of the Titans of the Tide song, you’ll find the full track on all major music streaming platforms: Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and more!

V Rising Reaches 6 Million Players

Stunlock Studios is thrilled to announce a major new milestone for V Rising: the open-world vampire survival game has now attracted over 6 million players since its 2022 debut. This achievement highlights the game’s enduring popularity and the passion of a community that continues to grow stronger with each passing year. Since launch, V Rising has invited millions into its atmospheric, gothic world, earning widespread praise from players and critics alike. With over 89% positive reviews on Steam, the game has become a go-to experience for fans of heart-pounding survival action RPGs.

“Reaching 6 million players is an incredible moment for all of us,” said Rickard Frisegård, CEO of Stunlock Studios. “This milestone reflects years of passion, craftsmanship, and community support that have kept V Rising thriving since its release. We’re proud of the journey we’ve taken together and grateful for every player who has embraced our world.”

What Awaits You in V Rising:
  • Awaken as a Vampire and Hunt: Battle and defeat more than 60 bosses, steal their powers through blood, survive the punishing daylight, and rise to supremacy – whether through solo or co-op PvE mastery or ruthless PvP conquest.
  • Explore a Gothic Open-World: Journey through a sprawling and sinister land teeming with ancient mysteries and lurking monstrosities. Traverse wild forests, human-occupied villages, crumbling ruins, and shadow-draped caverns as you confront everything from vampire hunters to powerful supernatural foes.
  • Build Your Vampire Castle: Construct and customize a gothic castle to serve as your stronghold. Gather resources, convert loyal thralls, and expand your domain to claim your place as a true lord of the night.
  • Master Sword and Dark Sorcery: Engage in responsive action combat using deadly arms and dark spellcraft. Combine weapon skills with vampiric magic, shift strategies on the fly, and overpower fearsome enemies to claim their abilities.
  • Compete or Cooperate: Play solo or join forces with friends to take on the dangers of Vardoran. Dive into PvP to raid enemy castles, forge alliances, and dominate your rivals. The night is yours to conquer – whether through cooperation or betrayal.

Anno 117: Pax Romana Record-Breaking Launch

 Today, Ubisoft announced that Anno 117: Pax Romana has achieved an exceptional launch, making a new milestone for the premiere builder franchise. Since its release on November 13, the game has captivated players worldwide, immersing them in the grandeur and complexity of the Roman Empire.

After 25 years and seven instalments, the Anno series cements its place in the strategy game market with its latest release: Anno 117: Pax Romana. Developed by Ubisoft Mainz, the game invites players to shape the destiny of the Roman Empire during its most prosperous era, blending strategic city-building with deep economic simulation and 4x elements all in an immersive world. The game’s impressive scale and striking visuals have resonated strongly with both long-time fans and newcomers. IGN awarded it a 9/10 calling it “A gorgeous antique city-builder that is worthy of a standing ovation”

Key Highlights of the Launch

  • Unprecedented Launch Sales: the game is the fastest-selling title in the franchise’s 25-year history. It ranked as #2 Steam best-seller globally, including among the top three best-sellers in Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
  • Critical Acclaim: with an average score of 85 on Metacritic and 94% Critics Recommend on OpenCritic, the game received widespread praise from critics, making it the highest-rated Anno in the franchise’s history.
  • Record Engagement: within its first week and with an average daily playtime of 3,7 hours, Anno 117: Pax Romana has reached unprecedented player numbers, making it the fastest growing title in the series.

‘Anno 117: Pax Romana officially sets sail, marking a new chapter for our beloved franchise and for everyone who poured their passion, creativity, and countless hours into it. We are humbled by the incredible response from our players’ said Stéphane Jankowski, Executive Producer on Anno. ‘Our team remains dedicated, continuously listening to feedback and striving to deliver the ambitious Year 1 content expanding our game world to the province of Egypt!’

Anno 117: Pax Romana is available on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X | S, Geforce Now, as well as Windows PC through Steam, the Epic Games Store and Ubisoft Connect.

Echo Aviation Controller Reveal Trailer

Honeycomb® Aeronautical, a leading name in professional-grade flight simulation hardware, announced today the Echo Aviation Controller, a unique new controller designed specifically for flight simulation on PC, and expected to begin shipping mid-December 2025.

A new way to fly from the comfort of your couch, the Echo Aviation Controller crams a cockpit into a controller, offering aviation enthusiasts a fully-fledged simulation experience without the need for a full array of specialist flight simulation hardware.

Fully compatible with Microsoft® Flight Simulator™ on PC, as well as other flight simulation software, the Echo Aviation Controller is no mere regular gamepad, offering an astonishing range of nuanced controls in a controller footprint, which allows for quick, effortless flight wherever you choose to take to the skies.

Combining pitch, roll, yaw, throttle, trim and core aircraft systems, the Echo Aviation Controller offers total control with no separate hardware required! The precision analog Thumbstick for pitch and roll provides smooth responsive movement, delivering full elevator and aileron input, while the integrated four Throttle Levers and Trim Wheel are all independently assignable, accommodating both single and multi-engine aircraft.

Featuring a specialised Rudder Paddle System, the Echo Aviation Controller features rear paddles which move in opposition to accurately simulate rudder input, providing exceptionally realistic control with no need for external pedals.

All essential flight controls sit at the users’ fingertips during flight. Physical controls for landing gear, flaps and parking brake streamline the flight experience, eliminating the need for complex keyboard mapping and finally allowing ‘no compromise’ control in a single compact controller.

The Honeycomb Aeronautical Echo Aviation Controller Features:

    • Complete Flight Control in One Device
      Echo combines pitch, roll, yaw, throttle, trim, and core aircraft systems into a single, streamlined PC controller — no separate peripherals required.
    • Precision Analog Stick for Pitch & Roll
      Smooth, responsive Thumbstick delivers full elevator and aileron input for total aircraft control.
    • Four Throttle Levers & Trim Wheel
      Independently Assignable Throttle Levers accommodate single and multi-engine aircraft. The integrated Trim Wheel provides continuous in-flight adjustment.
    • Rudder Paddle System
      Rear paddles move in opposition to simulate rudder input — providing realistic yaw control without external pedals.
    • Essential Systems at Your Fingertips
      Physical controls for landing gear, flaps, and parking brake streamline your flight experience and reduce reliance on keyboard mapping.
    • Compact, Desk-Friendly Design
      The Echo Aviation Controller delivers full control in a clean, minimal footprint — ideal for simmers with limited space or those building a portable setup.

Marc Küpper, CTO for Honeycomb Aeronautical commented, “Honeycomb Aeronautical strives to continually innovate, and we’re proud to serve the simulation community with best-in-class hardware. Our continued strategy not only includes a focus on expanding our range, but also in growing our addressable audience via products which reduce the barrier of entry associated with flight simulation. Enthusiasts no longer need a full rig of hardware, and the new Echo Aviation Controller is the ideal entry into flight simulation. The ease of use, plug-and-play nature of the controller, will, we believe, continue to grow our brand through 2026 and beyond.”