Today, Ubisoft announced the launch of Battle for Brooklyn DLC and the first season of Year 7 Crossroads for Tom Clancy’s The Division® 2. Additionally, Tom Clancy’s The Division® 2 launches on Xbox Game Pass, engaging new audiences as the game enters its seventh year of live service. To help onboard new Agents, level 40 players who assist players who Call for Backup will gain extra rewards for the next two weeks. Additionally, for a limited time starting May 29, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can redeem the free EMS Outfit, which includes five Emergency Medical Services-inspired pieces.
The Battle for Brooklyn DLC brings players back to New York, featuring faithfully recreated Brooklyn neighborhoods and a brand-new linear campaign. Throughout the campaign, available either solo or in co-op, players will uncover how the Cleaners have been mass-producing the dangerous Purple Flame, which threatens the fragile peace of the relatively untouched Brooklyn settlement.
The DLC comes with a 40-level boost, allowing players to dive into the campaign from day one. In addition, available as a DLC exclusive, the Catalyst Exotic Mask provides bonuses for dealing and receiving status effect damage, aiding players in combat against the Cleaners.
Players who previously purchased The Division 2 Gold edition or the new The Division 2 Ultimate edition after April 23 can now play the DLC. The Battle for Brooklyn DLC is also available as a standalone purchase for $14.99 on the Ubisoft Store.
In the first season of Year 7, Crossroads, Agents find themselves in a race against time as they try to retrieve a deep-cover asset in the Sokolov Concern. Crossroads will inspire nostalgia for The Division franchise fans, with Modifiers and Gear reminiscent of elements from The Division. The Global modifier “Hard-Core” contains three new Attributes, with players gaining bonuses depending on each Attribute’s score, while this season’s Passive modifiers resemble The Division’s Talents, requiring a minimum Attribute tier to activate.
This season also brings quality of life enhancements for existing players and better onboarding for new players. Season Pass XP is increased for all activities, and co-op progress will be fully incorporated into the seasonal journey.
For a limited time starting today, the Standard Edition of The Division 2 is available to purchase at 90% off on the Ubisoft Store, 90% off on Steam, and 75% off on PlayStation.*
For the latest news on The Division 2 and other Ubisoft games, please visit news.ubisoft.com.
After multiple games, a blockbuster movie, and a decade spent establishing itself as a true cultural phenomenon, Five Nights at Freddy’s has finally arrived in Dead by Daylight. Fans clamoring for this crossover can expect an adaptation aimed at delivering the same tension, nostalgia, and jump-scares they’ve come to know and love, positioning the Chapter to be one the game’s biggest to date. Available on May 27as part of the Steam public test build, and officially releasing on June 17, Dead by Daylight: Five Nights at Freddy’s is right behind you.
The Animatronic
While Five Nights at Freddy’s comes with no shortage of malevolent characters to choose from, Dead by Daylight will introduce Springtrap – The Animatronic – as its newest Killer. Not only does Springtrap represent one of the franchises darkest villains, making him a perfect fit for The Fog, but his inclusion marks the first time ever that Springtrap will be playable in a game.
In Dead by Daylight, Springtrap’s gameplay presents a Killer that specializes in surveillance, pursuit, and scaring the pants off Survivors in some unexpected ways. He wields a large pizza knife, perfect for terrorizing his victims, and a fire axe that functions as his Power.
Throwing the axe creates an AOE where it lands capable of revealing Survivors to the Killer. Lodge the axe in a Survivor’s back with a well-timed throw and they’ll be forced to remove it themselves or ask for help from an ally. Remove the axe from a Survivor as Springtrap, however, and trigger a terrifying jump scare that sees The Animatronic scream in your face and ends with the victim being grabbed by the Killer for a stroll to the hook.
Security Cameras & Doors
Since it just wouldn’t be Five Nights at Freddy’s without at least a little time spent in the infamous Security Office (which was never all that secure), the team at Dead by Daylight made sure to adapt this key element for the new Chapter.
Whenever Springtrap is selected as the Killer in any Trial, 7 Security Doors will spawn across the Map. Survivors and Killers can both enter these doors, passing through the Security Office to teleport to any other door around the Map. Should Springtrap and a Survivor cross paths within the Office, expect another chilling jump scare and an instant grab from the Killer.
Interacting with the doors as a Survivor also lets you access and switch between cameras located above each of the other doors around the Map. This feature can be used to scout ahead for Springtrap, reveal him to other Survivors, and pick which door they’ll exit through should they decide to enter the Security office. True to form, Survivors will need to manage a shared battery for all camera and door interactions. Not to be outdone, Springtrap has the ability to short out cameras as well as doors for a period of time by striking their door with his axe.
Welcome to Freddy Fazbear’s
Another highlight of Dead by Daylight’s latest Chapter comes in the form of the new Freddy Fazbear’s Pizzeria Map, recreated for The Entity’s Realm in all it’s nostalgic glory.
In addition to an all-new outdoor area that offers more opportunities for pulse-pounding chases, players will also be able to explore the pizzeria’s familiar interior. The Front Entrance, Kitchen, Janitor Room, and Dining Hall – with full animatronic band on stage – as well as the Arcade are eerily decorated for a birthday party, while also exhibiting The Entity’s sinister presence everywhere.
And as is the theme of this Chapter, jump scares and easter eggs abound. All manner of surprises await in the corners of the Map, and players intent on exploring will need to be ready to have their hearts to skip a beat should they stumble across any of these hidden moments.
The Many Faces of Springtrap
The launch of the Chapter on June 17 will also be accompanied by its very own Collection featuring a slew of looks for Springtrap drawn from the franchise’s storied history.
Already announced, the Yellow Rabbit Legendary Outfit for Springtrap inspired by the Five Nights at Freddy’s movie, will feature actor Matthew Lillard’s likeness along with original voice lines recorded just for the game. Springtrap’s other main look will be the Glitchtrap Legendary Outfit which first appeared in Five Nights at Freddy’s Help Wanted.
Players can also enjoy 2 Very Rare Outfits for Springtrap including Clown Springtrap and Toxic Springtrap, while all original Survivors will be able to get their hands on a Freddy Fazbear’s t-shirt as part of the Collection.
Dead by Daylight: Five Nights at Freddy’s is currently available as part of the Steam public test build. It releases officially on June 17.
Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. revealed at Combo Breaker 2025 that Fahkumram, the Muay Thai fighter who made his debut in TEKKEN™ 7, will join the TEKKEN™ 8 roster with a 72-hour early access for Season 2 Character & Stage Pass and Season 2 Character Pass holders beginning July 7, 2025, and officially release on July 10, 2025. Also revealed at Combo Breaker, Armor King returns to the TEKKEN™ roster as the next DLC character in Fall 2025, with more details to be released at a later date.
Check out the TEKKEN 8 – Fahkumram gameplay trailer here:
Developed by Bandai Namco Studios Inc., TEKKEN 8 is the critically acclaimed sequel bringing the legendary fighting game franchise to current platforms, harnessing Unreal® Engine 5 to bring new weight and atmosphere to the game’s battles, with every character remodelled in stunning detail and new dynamic and destructible environments. The Summer DLC update brings back Fahkumram, the Muay Thai fighter who was considered one of Thailand’s national heroes. In TEKKEN 8, Fahkumram, Thailand’s ultimate weapon, proceeds down a path of no return to take revenge against the Mishima Zaibatsu.
Fakhumram’s upcoming debut expands the game’s roster to 38 fighters. Learn about the legendary characters in TEKKEN 8, their histories, and their place in the TEKKEN saga on the official TEKKEN 8 roster breakdown.
Razer™, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, today announced that the Razer Blade 18 (2025) is now available for sale exclusively at Razer.com and RazerStores in the United States. Engineered to deliver a premium desktop-class experience in a portable form, the Blade 18 combines top-tier gaming performance with the power to handle demanding creative workflows. With a complete redesign focused on maximizing performance, it is the ultimate powerhouse for gamers and creators on the move.
Razer Blade 18 Features:
Unparalleled Performance and Fidelity
The world’s first 18″ dual mode display letting you switch seamlessly between UHD+ 240HZ for ultra-high-definition detail and FHD+ 440Hz for maximum speed and ultra smooth gaming experiences.
The most powerful gaming laptop ever designed by Razer, delivering 280W of TPP (Total Package Power). Backed by Razer’s biggest vapor chamber cooling system powered by 3-fans, maximizing graphics power while maintaining desktop-class performance in a thin design.
Powerful laptop graphics with up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU to unlock the maximum Total Graphics Power (TGP) available for the most demanding tasks and games. With up to 24GB of VRAM, Blade 18 is not only the most powerful Blade for gaming, but also the ultimate tool for AI developers that need mobility.
Latest desktop-grade processing with Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 275HX processor that give gamers, creators, and developers high performance for consuming and creating on the go.
Desktop Features, Made Portable
Desktop levels of connectivity with 2x Thunderbolt™ ports (1x Thunderbolt 5 and 1x Thunderbolt 4), Wi-Fi 7, HDMI 2.1, Bluetooth 5.4 and Gigabit LAN, ensuring blazing fast transfer speeds and ample amounts of connectivity to suite every user’s need.
Redesigned for performance with an all-new keyboard and scissor switch with 35% more travel and a responsive 63g actuation force. Now with a 10-key numeric pad for enhanced productivity and dual-LED per-key backlighting powered by Razer Chroma RGB for ultimate customization.
High-fidelity six speaker system with THX™ Spatial Audio and pre-tuned audio profiles, providing 7.1 virtual surround sound for an immersive and cinematic audio experience.
Includes a 5MP camera featuring Windows Hello with a privacy shutter, allowing for clear video and audio calls with its dual microphone array.
PRICE AND AVAILABILITY
Razer Blade 18 (2025): Starting at $3,499.99 USD
Available now exclusively at Razer.com and RazerStores in the US.
The NACON RIG M2 Streamstar PRO HD microphone enters a crowded market with a headline-grabbing feature: it’s touted as the first wired USB microphone to incorporate a Bluetooth low-latency audio gateway. This innovation aims to untether content creators, streamers, and gamers from their headphone cables, offering a new level of freedom. However, beyond this novel approach to audio monitoring, the M2 Streamstar PRO HD presents a somewhat mixed experience, balancing high-specification audio potential with tangible drawbacks in build quality and software support that leave it in a curious position. Most importantly – should you buy it? Read on, dear reader!
Visually, the M2 Streamstar PRO HD offers a distinct, angular aesthetic that many will find refreshingly subtle compared to some of the more ostentatious gaming peripherals. Its relatively flat profile allows it to integrate into a setup without demanding undue attention, a characteristic appreciated by users who prefer a more minimalist or less “gamer-centric” look. A small, magnetically attached panel on the rear for personal branding is a thoughtful, if minor, touch for creators. When it comes to build quality, however, opinions diverge. Some users describe the included stand as heavy and the microphone itself as well-anchored and solid. In contrast, more critical professional assessments frequently describe the predominantly plastic construction as feeling “cheap” or “plasticky,” with control dials that can feel flimsy or wobbly. This perceived lack of premium materials is a recurring concern, especially when weighed against its mid-tier price point. The stand, while functional in allowing angle adjustments, has also been called basic and underwhelming by some reviewers.
Setting up the M2 Streamstar PRO HD is, for the most part, a straightforward affair. Its plug-and-play nature means that for many users, particularly on Windows, it’s a simple case of connecting the USB-C to USB-A cable and selecting it as the audio input. This ease of initial use is a definite plus. However, achieving optimal sound isn’t always immediate. Some users have noted that finding the right balance between the microphone’s onboard gain control and the computer’s input levels can be a little confusing at first. Clear and concise documentation is provided, which is a help, although at least one professional review pointed out that the Quick Start Guide’s visuals were outdated for Windows 11 users, potentially adding a small hurdle for some.
On paper, the audio specifications are impressive. The M2 Streamstar PRO HD supports 24-bit resolution and sampling rates up to a remarkable 192kHz, promising studio-grade clarity and detail. Indeed, when conditions are ideal – meaning careful positioning and a quiet recording environment – the microphone can capture crisp, detailed vocal recordings suitable for podcasting, streaming, and voiceover work. The cardioid polar pattern is designed to focus on the voice directly in front of the mic, and users have reported success in minimizing some ambient sounds. However, its real-world performance is subject to caveats. Several reviews indicate that the microphone can sound somewhat muffled if not positioned precisely, often requiring it to be very close to the user’s mouth, making a boom arm a recommended accessory for consistent results. Furthermore, its sensitivity to background noise is a significant concern. Without any onboard noise cancellation or dedicated software to provide it, ambient sounds like keyboard clicks or environmental noise can be easily picked up, which may necessitate third-party software solutions for users in less-than-silent spaces.
The standout feature is undoubtedly its Bluetooth 5.4 (aptX HD) low-latency wireless audio monitoring. This allows users to pair Bluetooth headphones or earbuds directly to the microphone for real-time audio feedback. Most reports confirm that this system works very well, offering a responsive and lag-free monitoring experience. For creators who value a cable-free setup for their headphones, this is a genuinely innovative and appealing feature. It can even serve as a Bluetooth audio output for a PC that lacks native support. However, its overall utility has been questioned by some, particularly professional reviewers who suggest that many target users might already have reliable wired monitoring setups. The microphone also includes a standard 3.5mm headphone jack for traditional wired monitoring. On-mic controls for gain, mute (with a helpful LED indicator), and headphone volume are present and offer convenience for quick adjustments. Yet, these physical controls haven’t escaped criticism, with some finding the dials to feel less than robust and the gain adjustment, in particular, to be tricky without precise visual feedback or software-based indicators.
Perhaps the most significant and consistent point of criticism leveled against the M2 Streamstar PRO HD is its complete lack of dedicated companion software. In an era where many competing microphones offer robust applications for fine-tuning EQ, managing noise cancellation, applying effects, and easily adjusting levels and sample rates, this omission is glaring. Users wishing for more granular control over their sound, or features like effective noise suppression, must rely on their operating system’s sound settings – which can be convoluted for tasks like changing sample rates – or invest in third-party audio software. This lack of a software ecosystem detracts considerably from the user experience and limits the microphone’s out-of-the-box versatility, especially for beginners who might not be familiar with advanced audio configuration.
Priced around $129.99 USD, the NACON RIG M2 Streamstar PRO HD positions itself in a competitive segment of the USB microphone market. While its high sample rate and unique wireless monitoring are compelling selling points, the concerns regarding build quality, the critical absence of software, and its sensitivity to positioning and noise make its overall value proposition debatable. Several competitors in similar or even lower price brackets are often cited as offering a more well-rounded package, potentially including more premium-feeling materials, diverse polar patterns, or, crucially, comprehensive software suites.
In conclusion, the NACON RIG M2 Streamstar PRO HD is a microphone of intriguing contrasts. It boldly introduces a genuinely useful wireless monitoring feature and boasts high-resolution audio capabilities that can shine under the right circumstances. Its plug-and-play nature and sleek design will appeal to many. However, it feels like a product that hasn’t quite reached its full potential. The perceived compromises in build quality for its price, the operational limitations imposed by the lack of dedicated software, and its fussy nature regarding background noise and positioning hold it back from being an unqualified recommendation. It may find its niche with users who prioritize the wireless monitoring and high sample rate above all else and are prepared to work around its limitations, but for many others, the market offers alternatives that provide a more consistently polished and feature-complete experience.
Overall Rating: 3 out of 5
Pros:
Innovative low-latency Bluetooth wireless audio monitoring.
Simple plug-and-play setup.
Convenient on-mic controls for gain, mute, and volume.
Distinct and compact design.
Cons:
Flimsy-feeling dials.
No dedicated software for advanced control or noise cancellation.
Value proposition is questionable compared to some feature-rich competitors.
GEA Live, CD PROJEKT RED, and RoadCo Entertainment today announced The Witcher in Concert (www.thewitcher.com/concert) will tour the U.S. for the first time ever, starting September 2 in Austin, Texas before visiting more than 45 cities around the country. The Witcher in Concert is a live music experience featuring a timeless soundtrack from “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” by CD PROJEKT RED. The concert series was created to coincide with the tenth anniversary of the critically acclaimed video game, which follows the story of Geralt of Rivia as he embarks on a quest to find his adopted daughter, Ciri. Each performance is brought to life by an ensemble of 14 musicians handpicked by the score’s co-composer, including select members of Polish folk metal band Percival Schuttenbach. Tickets go on sale May 30.
“The response to the concert announcements has been nothing short of extraordinary,” says Marcin Przybyłowicz, music director for “The Witcher 3” and the soundtrack’s co-composer. “We’re grateful to see that even 10 years after the game’s original release, our community embraces its music and is ready to join Geralt on one more journey through the Continent.”
The Witcher in Concert is a one-of-a-kind live event that transforms the lasting legacy and emotional storytelling of “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” into a gripping live performance on stage. The concert and celebration of the dark fantasy role-playing game’s incredible music and emotional narrative features an ensemble orchestra and cutting-edge visuals. Each concert merges stunning cinematics and gameplay with tracks specially arranged for the occasion under the supervision of Przybyłowicz. From the opening strains of “The Trail” to the heart-pounding “…Steel for Humans,” Geralt of Rivia’s journey across the war-torn Northern Kingdoms is a sonic marvel to hear, whether for the first or hundredth time.
Jötunnslayer: Hordes of Hel, the highly acclaimed survivors-like developed by Games Farm and published by Grindstone, has received Steam Deck Verified status, confirming optimised performance on Valve’s popular handheld device.
The “Verified” status signifies that Jötunnslayer: Hordes of Hel runs seamlessly, providing players with a smooth and immersive experience whether at home or on the go. Now is the ideal time to experience the action – players can grab their Deck, warm up their battle-hardened thumbs, and explore the latest Svartalfheim Descent update – which introduces a new class, realm, god, and more.
Leading gaming headset and accessories maker Turtle Beach Corporation (Nasdaq: TBCH) today announced the brand is now the official gaming headset and fight stick partner for the 12th season of the popular Street Fighter™ tournament series, Capcom Pro Tour 2025 (CPT 2025). For CPT 2025, Turtle Beach will be providing the brand’s top-rated Stealth 700 wireless gaming headsets and its highly esteemed Victrix Pro KO Leverless and Victrix Pro FS Arcade fight sticks.
Kicking off the partnership this week at Combo Breaker 2025, players from all over the world descend upon the Midwest as they compete in the second offline Premier tournament of CPT 2025, offering competitors the chance to gain critical early season points in their journey to Capcom Cup XII qualification. Combo Breaker, now in its 10th year, is a highly popular annual gaming festival dedicated to competitive fighting games that showcases a vast number of tournaments, community activities, exhibitors, vendors, artists and more.
“Turtle Beach and Victrix are proud to be the officially licensed gaming peripheral partner for Capcom Pro Tour,” said Billy Brisebois, Sr. Brand Marketing Manager, Turtle Beach Corporation. “With victory in mind, our award-winning Victrix Pro KO Leverless Fight Stick and Turtle Beach Stealth 700 wireless headset are built for competitive gamers looking to make their mark during the CPT 2025. We’re excited for a full year of gaming with our friends at Capcom and look forward to seeing competitors and fans at more upcoming events like EVO Las Vegas!”
Rick Thiher, Event Director at Combo Breaker added, “Victrix has been one of the most reliable partners in the fighting game community, to the point where Combo Breaker’s show floor would feel foreign without their crew laser engraving arcade sticks on-site. Seeing them expand their support of the community to the whole Capcom Pro Tour is an exciting development.”
Recently named 2024 Best Tech at the 2025 EVO Awards, the fully customizable Victrix Pro KO Leverless Fight Stick is designed to fit any fighting gamer’s platform preference and play style, and to level-up the execution of their combination capabilities in a match. Hot-swappable Cherry MX Speed Silver RGB switches, customizable RGB lighting, a removable aluminum top plate, and up to 16 moveable and mappable buttons make this fight stick’s ultra-premium design exceed the highest standard, and these standout features and components combo to deliver an unmatched fighting game experience. Available for $249.99 MSRP at www.turtlebeach.com and participating retailers.
The Turtle Beach Stealth 700wireless multiplatform gaming headset is redesigned for a third generation of premium game sound. Gamers can dominate on consoles and PC with the Stealth 700’s CrossPlay dual wireless transmitter system, which includes two wireless USB transmitters allowing gamers to easily change the headset’s audio source at the touch of a button. Additionally, simultaneous Bluetooth 5.2 keeps players connected to their mobile devices while never losing game audio. The new Stealth 700 also features massive and powerful 60mm Eclipse™ Dual Drivers, a third-generation flip-to-mute mic with A.I. noise-cancellation and echo reduction to ensure gamers sound excellent, a whopping 80-hour battery life with quick-charge functionality, and much more. Available for $199.99 MSRP at www.turtlebeach.com and participating retailers.
Competition for CPT 2025 will be played on the critically acclaimed Street Fighter™ 6 which has sold more than four million units since launch. Street Fighter 6 represents the next evolution of the Street Fighter series with a combo of unique fighting game innovations, brimming with content across three brand new game modes – Fighting Ground, World Tour, and Battle Hub. Players around the world can get their hands on all the hard-hitting action now on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, WindowsPC, and via Steam. Additionally, Street Fighter 6 and Street Fighter 6 Years 1-2 Fighters Edition will be available on Nintendo Switch™ 2 starting on June 5, 2025.
After generating early buzz during its debut at the OTK Games Expo, Toplitz Productions has officially released the latest trailer for its upcoming post-apocalyptic survival title, Permafrost – now available to wishlist on Steam.
Set in a frozen future brought on by the catastrophic shattering of the moon, Permafrost presents a world where ice has swallowed civilization, and the few who remain fight for survival among fractured factions, deadly cold fronts, and crumbling remnants of the past. The new trailer offers an in-depth look at the game’s bleak and beautiful setting, its survival-driven tension, and the human stories buried beneath the snow.
Trailer Highlights:
Frozen Wastelands: A devastated open world shaped by ice, collapse, and the remnants of once-thriving cities.
Survival at Its Core: Endure brutal weather, scarcity, and the constant threat of violence.
Faction Tensions: Align with or oppose rival groups trying to control what little is left.
Canine Companion: You’re not alone. A loyal dog by your side helps you track, survive, and stay human.
Multiplayer Co-op: Brave the cold alone or with others as you can choose to survive the frozen wasteland with up to 3 other players.
Gritty Visuals & Storytelling: A grounded, atmospheric take on survival after the fall of humanity.
Good morrow, my liege! After 150,000 demo downloads, three times as many as Stronghold: Definitive Edition achieved back in 2023, Firefly Studios has compiled thousands of players’ feedback for Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition. Channeling these into player requested enhancements, several key improvements are now being made for the game’s release.
Ahead of its July 15th launch, Firefly dives into some of these community requested features and confirms key information on maximum unit counts in their final ‘Feature Spotlight’ development diary.
“Demos are vital to the success of our games” said Nick Tannahill, Firefly Studio Head. “We’ve had loads of fantastic feedback come in since our January reveal and first public demo, with enough time to implement many of these requests before launch. We keep our creative vision and goals for the game, while also getting the community involved and giving them a degree of authorship. It’s a win-win for us.”
Actively played since its original 2002 release by the Stronghold community, some of Crusader’s most knowledgeable and experienced players have given feedback on Firefly’s upcoming Definitive Edition. This feedback was studied in close detail ahead of the game’s reveal earlier this year, with a second round of suggestions gathered through the demo’s feedback form.
“All Crusader Extreme features will be included in Crusader: Definitive Edition, including the epic 10,000 units cap.”
Among the other features requested by players since January, including raising the overall troop count to a whopping 10,000 soldiers in a single game to match that of Stronghold Crusader Extreme, is the addition of Islamic buildings and related workers for the game’s Arabic and Bedouin Lords, as well as many vital bug fixes. The latter addresses specific exploits and issues discovered by the game’s most dedicated players across more than 20 years of play.
From map sizes up to four times the size of those available in the original, through to custom toggles for skirmish mode and online leaderboards, Firefly are striving to tick every possible box for fans of the original game, collating feedback before and after the reveal. A definitive edition should include absolutely everything players want out of Crusader and that’s what this final version of the game intends to deliver.
