Author - Jerry Paxton

Sid Meier’s Civilization VII – VR

2K and Firaxis Games have announced Sid Meier’s Civilization VII – VR, the franchise’s first entry into virtual and mixed reality, launching exclusively on Meta Quest 3 and 3S in Spring 2025. Developed by PlaySide Studios and published by 2K, Civilization VII – VR empowers players to experience Civilization from a whole new perspective and take their place at the Command Table, immersing themselves in every action as they build an empire to stand the test of time. It is available to wishlist today; more information can be found here.

“Today is truly a milestone for the Civ franchise, with the announcement of Civilization VII – VR marking our first entry into the immersive world of virtual and mixed reality” stated Dennis Shirk, Executive Franchise Producer at Firaxis Games. “We’re just days away now from the full launch of Civilization VII and look forward to ushering in a new era of strategy excellence for our fans!”

“With the recent release of Meta Quest 3S and our strongest games and entertainment portfolio yet, it’s an awesome time for mixed reality,” said Chris Pruett, Director of Games at Meta. “Civilization VII – VR is further evidence of that momentum: it’s a genuine Civ experience made specifically for deep strategy fans.”

In Civilization VII – VR, the world of Civilization is brought to life like never before. The map takes shape atop a Command Table that lets you peer down from high above or lean all the way in to appreciate the finer details of buildings and units, like a tabletop game come to life. Players will chart a course for their people and engage face-to-face with iconic world leaders around the Command Table, each reacting as you forge alliances or declare war through the Ages.

Civilization VII – VR is available to play in either immersive virtual reality or mixed reality, and you’ll be able to freely switch between the two at any time. In virtual reality, players are transported to an ornate museum as they look out onto a vista personalized to their leader; in mixed reality, the Command Table adapts to its placement in a player’s physical space. Detailed dioramas can be viewed in The Archives, a room in your museum dedicated to your gameplay achievements displayed in both virtual and mixed reality. In addition to single player, Civilization VII – VR can compete to rule the world in online multiplayer matches with up to three other Meta Quest 3 and 3S players.

For the latest information on Civilization VII – VR, wishlist the game on Meta Quest, visit www.civilization.com and follow the game across YouTube, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

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

Commandos: Origins Release Set for April 9th

Assemble for duty: Kalypso Media and Claymore Game Studios have locked and loaded April 9, 2025, for the digital release of Commandos: Origins on Windows PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5. The latest instalment in the legendary real-time stealth tactics series will be available at a price of $49.99 (Windows PC) and $59.99 (Xbox Series X|S, PS5).

“The Green Beret couldn’t have said it better with his iconic phrase ‘Consider it done,’” said Jürgen Reusswig, Studio Director at Claymore Game Studios. “After more than four years of setting up a new studio, design and development and the invaluable community feedback from various playtests, operation ‘Release’ is a go for Commandos: Origins. We are proud and excited that players will now be able to experience the origins story of the elite unit which started this legendary franchise.”

For those looking to enhance their experience, the Commandos Origins – Deluxe Edition offers exclusive content and an extra dose of nostalgia, including six iconic Commando skins from Commandos 2 adapted for Commandos: Origins, a 3D printing template for the Green Beret, a digital Commandos: Origins calendar and the Original Soundtrack with 15 symphonic tracks.

Commandos: Origins is gearing up for digital release on April 9, 2025, and will be available on day one with Xbox Game Pass for console and PC and Windows PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5.

Retail editions for Windows PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5 will be available on May 22, 2025, and include all content of the Deluxe Edition. Digital versions on Xbox One (including Xbox Smart Delivery) and PlayStation 4 will launch later this year.

Features:

  • Challenging Real Time Tactical Stealth Gameplay: Make the best use of your Commandos’ unique abilities, infiltrate enemy facilities, and hit them where it hurts most before disappearing into the shadows.
  • An extraordinary team: Featuring 6 infamous characters, each with their own storied history, banding together to form an extraordinary fighting force – the Commandos: Take control over Jack O’Hara “the Green Beret”, Thomas “the Sapper” Hancock, Francis T. “the Sniper” Woolridge, Samuel “the Driver” Brooklyn, James “the Marine” Blackwood, and Rene “the Spy” Duchamp and lead them to success.
  • Many paths to victory: The detailed, varied, and interactive environments offer multiple approaches to reach your goal. Sneak, climb, drive in various vehicles, or hide and creep your way to mission success!
  • On your mark: A modern user experience with precise and intuitive controls enables you to control the commandos with expert precision. Coordinate complex actions simultaneously to overcome heavily fortified targets.
  • Fight on all fronts: Play through more than 10 missions in historically authentic WWII environments, spanning from the barren Arctic to the African desert, with a range of core and voluntary objectives that will require your full tactical expertise.
  • There is no I in team: Take on missions with a friend in the 2-player cooperative multiplayer mode, either online or via local split-screen.

Vampire Therapist: Couples Therapy Teaser Trailer

Even vampires must endure the emotional turbulence of relationships, something players will witness first-hand in Vampire Therapist: Couples Therapy. The brand-new DLC for Little Bat Games’ critically acclaimed debut title is available on Steam today! This expansion builds on the award-winning blend of comedy, history, and real-life therapy techniques that made Vampire Therapist a critical darling.

Players will slip back into the spurred boots of Sam Walls, a reformed cowboy turned accomplished therapist. Sam has his work cut out for him as he seeks to help two vampires, battling with both domestic and personal struggles, as well as social discontentment following their demises during bloody revolutions in France and Iran.

But that’s not all! This juicy new helping of content takes place during the annual Bachfest in Leipzig — home of Johann Sebastian Bach— where a ghost of Leipzig haunts the streets. It’s Sam’s job to track down the troubled soul between therapy sessions.

Vampire Therapist: Couples Therapy will explore themes of revolt, duty to humanity, and the complications that can arise from age gaps – hey, what’s a couple hundred years when you’re in love?

Check out the trailer for Vampire Therapist: Couples Therapy below:

Vampire Therapist’s all-new DLC will continue the hallmarks of Little Bat Games creations: deep, history-informed writing exploring systemic issues, screwball comedy, academic partnerships, best-in-class voice acting, and stunning artwork. Try your hand at analysing affairs of the heart and purchase today on Steam for £2.49/€2,99/$2.99.

“In a time of political turmoil, we hope Vampire Therapist: Couples Therapy will help players process difficult questions about the citizen’s role in civil society and find a little respite in love and compassion. And if all else fails, we have vampire fart jokes.” said Cyrus Nemati, Creative Director of Little Bat Games.

A Game About Digging A Hole Out Now

With over 5 million views on TikTok, 2.2 million views on YouTube Shorts, and a jaw-dropping 14.5 million views on Instagram reels, the viral gaming sensation A Game About Digging A Hole launches today for PC via Steam! Published by indie label rokaplay Bou·tique, A Game About Digging A Hole is an intriguing, minimalist game that challenges you to dig a hole in your newly purchased house, something gamers have been waiting for as almost 140k of them have added the game to their Steam Wishlists!

A Game About Digging A Hole was conceived by a solo artist from Cyberwave (developer of the upcoming Solarpunk) while testing mechanics for terraforming and digging. Although too complex for such a small team, the core mechanics were already functional so the artist had the idea of combining these mechanics with randomly spawning ores and shovel upgrade options. This led to the quick development of a 3D digging minigame, built on a proven concept without requiring lengthy prototypes or testing phases. Developed during the artist’s vacation and saving development time by using licensed assets, A Game About Digging A Hole was developed in just 14 days.

Cast n Chill Cozy Idle Fishing Game Announcement Trailer

We’re excited to announce Cast n Chill, a cozy idle fishing game for PC where you explore tranquil lakes, rivers, and oceans. Catch rare fish, upgrade your gear, and reel in legendary catches – all with your loyal pup by your side. Like Rusty’s Retirement, it can run passively on your desktop or be actively played.

Our Coming Soon page just launched as part of the official Steam Idler Fest and is currently trending on Japanese social media! Cast n Chill is set to release on PC this June

The Making of Gothic 1 Remake #1

Today, THQ Nordic is releasing the first making-of video for the highly anticipated Gothic 1 Remake! Titled “Chapter 1: The Essence of Gothic”, this behind-the-scenes featurette provides an exclusive look at how developer Alkimia Interactive is reimagining the cult classic.

Keep your eyes peeled for the Steam Next Fest (February 24 – March 3) for more Gothic glamour!

Haltet beim Steam Next Fest (24. Februar – 3. März) die Augen offen für noch mehr Gothic-Geömmel!

Wyczekujcie wydarzenia Steam Next Fest (24 lutego – 3 marca), gdzie nie zabraknie Gothica!

Любители Готического гламура, внимательно следите за Steam Next Fest (24 февраля — 3 марта)!

Featuring insights from key team members, including Reinhard Pollice (Head of Studio & Game Director), Kai Rosenkranz (Music Composer & Sound Designer), Daniel Candil (Studio Art Director), and many more, the video explores the studio’s vision and dedication to bringing Gothic back to life.

This first chapter dives deep into the creative process behind the remake, showcasing how the team carefully balances staying true to the original while enhancing the experience for a modern audience. It showcases iconic locations from the original game and as well as updated sequences, illustrating the evolution of the world’s atmosphere and detail. Throughout the feature, the team’s passion and craftsmanship take center stage, highlighting their unwavering commitment to refining every aspect of the game while preserving its essence.

Wishlist the game on Steam:
https://thqn.net/g1r-steam

WWE 2K25 Official Gameplay Trailer Released

Today, 2K revealed the explosive WWE® 2K25 gameplay trailer, featuring a first look at exciting new gameplay including new brawl environments, match types, MyRISE Mutiny, MyGM online*, MyFACTION World Tour, a snapshot of 2K Showcase: The Bloodline’s Dynasty, and a quick glimpse at the all-new way to Rule Beyond The Ring, The Island which will be available for players on PS5® and Xbox Series X|S.

The trailer introduces WWE 2K25 cover star “The Original Tribal Chief” Roman Reigns, followed by a high-octane montage of Superstars duking it out, including new intergender match-ups. A shot of Reigns and Seth Rollins battling at ringside includes Rollins showing off the new high-flying barricade dive feature. Next, a glimpse of new brawl environments, including the NXT Parking Lot and WWE Archives, where a variety of objects and environmental hazards can be used to inflict punishment on opponents.

Fans are treated to a much-anticipated look at the all-new 2K Showcase: The Bloodline’s Dynasty, celebrating one of the most iconic wrestling family dynasties – The Bloodline and the extended Anoa’i family. Each match leads to one of three outcomes: Relive History by reenacting a historical match to its actual outcome, Rewrite History by changing the outcome of a historical match, or Create History by experiencing a fantasy match-up. The Bloodline’s Dynasty is highlighted by action packed battles featuring Roman Reigns, The Rock, Yokozuna, Jacob Fatu and more.

Stunning looks at new features and long-awaited advancements follow, including the new Underground and Bloodline Rules match types. Clips of MyRISE Mutiny showcase a unified, male and female storyline complete with dramatic moments, exciting matches and story-driven cutscenes, followed by a barrage of highlights showcasing the return of chain wrestling, plus new additions of MyGM online features, and MyFACTION’s new World Tour component.

The trailer finishes with a glimpse of the all-new, immersive environment where players can “Rule Beyond the Ring”: The Island, available for players on PS5® and Xbox Series X|S, as well as info on the WWE 2K25 pre-order bonus, the Wyatt Sicks Pack, a bonus pack of content including five playable Superstars – Uncle Howdy, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross, Joe Gacy, and Erick Rowan.**

Three editions of WWE 2K25 will be available:

  • The Standard Edition will be available worldwide on Friday, March 14, 2025.
  • The Deadman Edition will be available digitally worldwide on Friday, March 7, 2025.
  • The Bloodline Edition will be available digitally worldwide on Friday, March 7, 2025.

Additional information on new features, match types, 2K Showcase: The Bloodline’s Dynasty, roster and more will be shared soon.

Space Marine 2 – Datavault Update Trailer

Saber Interactive and Focus Entertainment are thrilled to welcome the third major content update for the blockbuster Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2. Titled “Datavault,” this new update brings more free content and much-requested quality-of-life improvements to all players, while also granting Season Pass owners even more cosmetics to customize their characters. Space Marine 2 is available now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC. Check out everything the “Datavault” update has to offer with today’s new trailer!

New challenges and rewards await in the Datavault!

Directly accessible through the Armory, today’s main addition comes in the form of the Datavault, a brand-new Battle-Barge chamber where Tech-Priests collect and store intel on the many enemies of the Imperium. By completing Ordeals, players will accumulate Research Data that they’ll be able to trade for Requisition Points and new cosmetics like pauldron markings, weapon skins (Thunder Hammer, Auto Bolt Rifle) and even new armor pieces (breastplate, gauntlet).

A new map comes to PvP while the Biovore invades Operations mode

With today’s update, Eternal War mode gets its first new PvP map since launch with the Necron-themed “Tomb” map.

Operations players, meanwhile, will need to keep an eye out for the new Tyranid Biovore, a devastating Majoris enemy able to deal damage both from afar and up close.

Season Pass brings the Raven Guard and Salamanders

In addition to these new challenges, Season Pass owners today receive the Raven Guard Cosmetic Pack and the Salamanders Champion Pack. The first comes with the iconic, fan-favorite Mark VI “Corvus” helmet and over 40 cosmetics to celebrate the Raven Guard Successor Chapters, while the latter brings a new Champion skin for the Sniper class and an exclusive Bolt Sniper Rifle skin.

“Absolute” difficulty now available, amidst huge QoL improvements

Besides its free and Season Pass content, “Datavault” also delivers the sixth and final difficulty setting, aptly named “Absolute,” as well as significant quality-of-life features for PC and console players alike. These include the addition of an opt-in/opt-out Crossplay feature in PvP matches, an FOV slider on PC, a number of tweaks to class perks, and a “currency exchange,” allowing players to trade their Armoury Data for rarer tiers or even Requisition Points! More details can be found in our official “Datavault” patch notes.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is available now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC. Get up to 25% off on PlayStation and Xbox if you purchase the Standard or Ultra Editions, as well as the game’s DLC. Create your Focus Together account to receive exclusive rewards, and join the community and development of Space Marine 2.

Ekoh Beach Demo Coming to Steam Next Fest this Month

Irish indie studio Zenland Games is excited to extend an invitation for players to experience a slice of its cosy sci-fi life sim Ekoh Beach today, ahead of Steam Next Fest this February. The Ekoh Beach demo, which will also run through the festival, introduces the planet of Ekoh 99 ahead of the full launch on April 4th, 2025, offering up to 3 hours of gameplay that shows off the game’s strong sense of humour and futuristic tropical theme.

Take your first steps into the role of town planner on a planet in disarray on your quest to turn it into a bustling community hub. This once technologically advanced planet has been left in disrepair following a robot rebellion, and it’s now your responsibility to set things right. Wield a selection of weird and wonderful tools, including the high-tech ZCleaner and ProtoScanner and gather resources to restore the town to its former glory.

In the Steam Next Fest demo, you can restore your home and the town’s interdimensional bakery. Befriend 11 residents of Ekoh Beach and explore the resource-abundant mines and relaxing beaches to your heart’s content, as you never know what secrets you might stumble across along the way.

Ekoh Beach demo highlights:

  • Explore the sci-fi paradise of Ekoh Beach in a ~3-hour-long demo
  • Restore your own home and the inter-dimensional bakery
  • Delve deep into four levels of the mines, where two early-game enemies lurk
  • Befriend 11 of the 35 NPCs which live in Ekoh Beach

Ekoh Beach will launch on Steam on April 4th, 2025, and the demo will be available from February 11th and throughout Steam Next Fest. Town planners in-waiting can also add the game to their wishlist on Steam.  To keep up with the project’s progress, follow the official X/Twitter or visit the official Ekoh Beach website.

Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator Available Now

NACON and Aesir Interactive are delighted to announce that Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator is now available on PC, PlayStation5® and Xbox Series X|S. Developed by Aesir Interactive, the studio behind the hit game Police Simulator: Patrol Officers, released in 2021, the new game in the LIFE range invites players to experience the thrilling daily life of a paramedic in the city of San Pelícano, an open world inspired by the city of San Francisco.

Total immersion in the fascinating world of first aid

Following the success of its demo on Steam last December, Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator confirms public interest in the medical world, already made popular in successful films and TV series. Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator is the only game that lets players take on the role of a paramedic for the duration of their shift, from driving the ambulance to the scene of an accident, administering first aid, assessing injuries and choosing appropriate treatment. This responsibility involves moral dilemmas that have a direct impact on patient survival, especially in accidents involving multiple victims. Thanks to a faithful and completely immersive realisation that places the player in the shoes of a paramedic, the game lets you experience all the intensity and adrenaline rush felt by an ambulance driver on duty, as well as the complexity of the paramedic’s job. Every decision is crucial, and a wrong diagnosis can be fatal!

Stimulating and varied gameplay

In Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator, every second counts! As a paramedic, your mission is to save lives. Right from the start of your shift, time becomes your worst enemy. When the alarm is sounded, you must get to your ambulance, sound the siren and get to the scene of the accident as quickly as possible. You then use your driving skills to navigate through the heavy traffic and find the optimum route. Time is of the essence! Once on site, quickly assess the situation and determine the care required for each victim. Talk to them to understand the circumstances of the accident and to calm them down, carry out the necessary examinations using the numerous equipment at your disposal, and establish a preliminary diagnosis. If the injuries are serious enough, administer first aid and prepare the stretcher for rapid transport to hospital. As you progress, you’ll be assigned to new areas, each with its own challenges, and new instruments will be available in your ambulance.

Large-scale accidents

During your mission, large-scale catastrophic situations can arise, requiring you to intervene quickly. Faced with such extreme emergencies, you are confronted with many injured people, whom you must assess quickly whilst remaining calm. It’s up to you to classify them according to the severity of their injuries and save as many lives as possible. You are faced with moral choices, with direct consequences for patients’ chances of survival. Can you keep your cool?

Game modes for all players

Thanks to its two game modes, Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator is suitable for all players, whether you’re a medical professional or a novice wishing to discover first aid techniques. The “classic” mode offers help with diagnosis and patient care, while the “simulation” mode offers none, leaving you to make your own decisions.

Great replayability

With three neighbourhoods featuring a variety of environments, service times ranging from 15 to 45 minutes, 36 available injuries and 17 available medical instruments, the game offers a high degree of replayability, with an infinite number of possible scenarios ranging from simple everyday accidents to large-scale disasters of exceptional severity. Each intervention is different: adaptation, speed and efficiency will be the watchwords to save as many lives as possible!

Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator is now available on PC, PS5® and Xbox. https://www.nacongaming.com/ambulance-life