Author - Jerry Paxton

34BigThings Leaves Embracer Group and Goes Independent

The following is the official statement from the 34BigThings team on the new ownership structure of the studio, with original Founder Valerio Di Donato re-acquiring 100% of the company.

“34BigThings was born as an indie studio and has always remained indie at heart, guided by a simple philosophy: ‘We make games we love to play,’” says Founder Valerio Di Donato.

“By joining the Embracer Group in 2020, 34BigThings gained a secure platform that allowed us to scale to a mighty team of 70+, establishing us as an acclaimed force in the European development scene. This provided us with invaluable structure and stability, while offering a first-hand look at the complexities of balancing internal development with external stakeholders. Through this journey, we have cultivated deep, hands-on experience in managing world-class IPs and navigating complex global production pipelines, witnessing firsthand how business operations can be conducted within small and large teams, within a single entity and across multiple studios.

This is a level of experience we now bring to the next phase of our journey. By returning to a privately held, founder-owned structure, we are able to operate with greater focus and agility. We are well positioned to build direct, ambitious partnerships with global publishers and investors.”

Following the transition, the studio will be led by Head of Studio and original co-founder Giuseppe Enrico Franchi, together with a streamlined Board of Directors consisting of Valerio Di Donato and CFO Daniel Giagnorio.

“Since our inception in 2013, we have felt part of a rising, unstoppable tide. We were good and lucky enough to be part of a golden age of indie devs,” says Giuseppe Enrico Franchi. “Returning to full independence gives us absolute autonomy to shape our structure, our projects, and our development approach. It’s refreshing to be steering our own ship once more.”

“This new chapter will begin with an absolute bang. Later this year, we will be announcing a major title built on one of the most important, beloved, and revered intellectual properties in the world. And that’s just the start: our production pipeline is fully charged, with another major title scheduled for 2027 followed by another groundbreaking project slated for 2028.”

It all started as a post-degree dream in a living room. We have conquered so much, but what drives us today is the same ambition and curiosity. 34BigThings is back where it belongs, and we are ready for our next big step.

About 34BigThings

Established in 2013, with a growing team of over 70 talented people, 34BigThings is the second largest independent game development studio in Italy. The studio is a developer for premium games across PC, console, and mobile devices. We use cutting-edge technology to create innovative, genre-leading games that receive critical acclaim and capture the imagination of players around the world. We have released over 10 premium games topping charts on all gaming platforms.

Urban Strife Release Date Trailer

MicroProse and White Pond Games are pleased to announce that Urban Strife will officially leave Early Access and launch its full 1.0 release on Steam on July 14, 2026.

To mark the announcement, a new teaser trailer has been released, offering a glimpse of the challenges awaiting players as the campaign reaches its climactic conclusion.

Since entering Early Access, Urban Strife has steadily expanded through major content updates, new story episodes, gameplay systems, tactical improvements, and extensive community feedback.

The upcoming 1.0 release will deliver the complete campaign experience, including the long-awaited final act: the arrival of the Atlanta Horde and the desperate siege that will determine the fate of Urban Shelter.

Set in a devastated corner of the American South, Urban Strife combines old-school turn-based tactics, deep survival mechanics, shelter management, faction politics, and RPG storytelling. Players must build a militia, manage scarce resources, forge uneasy alliances, and survive against both the living and the dead.

Most recently, the game received its final story chapter, The Fall of the King, allowing players to explore the fallen kingdom of Urban High School and confront its ambitious ruler, Principal King Brown, as the road toward the endgame draws ever closer.

Frostpunk 2: Breach of Trust Launch Trailer

Today, Frostpunk 2: Breach of Trust launches across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. With it comes a launch trailer featuring a haunting choir, a final warning from the Old Captain, and a choice that will define what remains of humanity in the city of New Edinburgh.

The colony on the frozen lake – Aurora – waits. The volcano burns steadily. And somewhere between trust and force, you must lead New Edinburgh through catastrophe in this full-fledged new scenario, a harsh tale about humanity’s struggle for survival.

The city shall live – as long as we live. But survival demands a price.

Frostpunk 2: Breach of Trust is available now.

Key new features:

  • A gripping story exploring the fate of New Edinburgh and its former colony, Aurora.
  • 5 unique Communities and Factions, each with distinct backgrounds, identities, and ideologies
  • Lethal new environmental hazards, featuring the Tremors and Volcano Night mechanics
  • New narrative events and new custom gameplay mechanics provide fresh challenges
  • Independent Colony – navigate relations with the independent colony through peaceful trade, forceful extortion, or total conquest
  • 2 new scenario maps
  • 5 new buildings and hubs to reinforce your city’s infrastructure
  • New laws

Invincible Superhero Roleplaying Available for Pre-Order

Today, Free League Publishing launched a pre-order for Invincible – Superhero Roleplaying. The official tabletop RPG, based on the groundbreaking comic book and animated tv series Invincible, and voted one of the most anticipated RPGs of 2026, will be officially launched on July 30 at Gen Con and in hobby stores everywhere. Pre-orders in the Free League webshop give immediate PDF access.

Also, fans going to Gen Con can sign up to play the brand new adventure Superhero Season. This intense 2-hour thrill ride throws the heroes into a deadly predicament as a massive bounty is placed on their heads. Tickets are going fast but there are still some slots left on Saturday. And even fans who don’t play can get printed booklets of Superhero Season at the Free League booth #2449.

In Invincible – Superhero Roleplaying, you and your friends take on the role of superheroes in your own corner of the Invincible universe – or any superhero setting of your own choosing. You might be a wisecracking speedster, a super-genius inventor, a grizzled vigilante, a shape-shifting alien, or a high-flying symbol of hope. Whatever you play and wherever you go, you’ll have to juggle relationships with patrols, face tough challenges and choices, and learn how to use your powers… and learn more about yourself in the process.

Who knows? You might be INVINCIBLE.

Key Features:

  • Your Superhero: Instructions for how to create your own unique hero at any power level – from scratch or using pre-made archetypes to dive into the action quickly.
  • Powers & Talents: Details on close to 70 unique superpowers, and dozens of boosts , talents, and drawbacks.
  • Action & Combat: Fast and brutal rules for fast-paced action, super-powered combat, gruesome damage, and deadly challenges.
  • The Invincible Universe: A deep dive into the comic book universe, including key locations and organizations.
  • Campaign Tools: Tools for the Gamemaster to help set up campaigns , events, and encounters.
  • Dramatis Personae: Illustratred descriptions and statistics for over 60 key characters from the Invincible universe.
  • Crisis Mode: Play Invincible – Superhero Roleplaying on your own, without the need for a Gamemaster!

Destroy All Humans! Out Now on Nintendo Switch 2

Destroy All Humans! is available now on Nintendo Switch 2. The cult-classic alien invasion arrives on Nintendo’s newest console with enhanced visuals, denser environments, improved shaders and support for Full HD up to 1440p resolution.

Get the game now: https://thqn.net/dah-order

Step into the role of the menacing Furon invader Crypto-137 and unleash chaos upon 1950s Earth. Wield powerful psychic abilities, outrageous alien weaponry, and the series’ signature humor as you harvest human DNA and remind mankind exactly who’s in charge.

The Nintendo Switch 2 version also includes the Skin Pack DLC, giving Crypto even more ways to invade Earth in style.

Gameplay trailer:

Destroy All Humans! will be available for $39.99 / €39.99 / £34.99. If you already own the game on Nintendo Switch, there won’t be a free upgrade. However, owners of the Nintendo Switch version can purchase the Nintendo Switch 2 version at a 75% discount off the regular price.

RuneScape: Dragonwilds Umbral Sands Update Available Now

Jagex: The RuneScape Company has today launched Umbral Sands, the final major Steam Early Access update to RuneScape: Dragonwilds ahead of its launch on PC and consoles on 15th September.

Launching today as a Major Update, Umbral Sands offers players a first look at Dragonwilds take on the iconic RuneScape desert biome, complete with its own dynamic environment system to endure and overcome.

Umbral Sands Key Updates:

  • New Area to explore – The dunes of Umbral Sands introduce a dynamic environmental system for players to overcome, as they rely on shade, hastily built shelters, and nighttime travel to avoid the draining heat of the blistering sun and successfully traverse its perilous landscape.
  • New Dragon – Fuzan, the blazing tyrant, will hunt players after nightfall once the corrupted sun has set, alongside his lesser red dragon minions which threaten the area. Players will have to journey into the Fight Cave to put an end to his threat where they will need to overcome waves of enemies and molten lava before taking on this apex predator. The Fight Cave is also wholly replayable with advanced modes, rare crafting rewards, and powerful Vestiges ready to be claimed.
  • New Items – Iconic RuneScape items make their Dragonwilds debut, with new crafting materials Adamant, Red Dragonhide and Yew entering the game for the first time allowing players to craft Adamant tier gear, Red Dragonhide leather armour and Yew bow and staffs.
  • New Mounts – Magic carpets also arrive in the Umbral Sands update, enabling rapid travel across the dunes and its pools of quicksand, while the addition of new colour variants offer greater levels of customisation for the flying rugs and other player mounts.
  • New Allies and Enemies – In addition to Fuzan and his red dragon minions players will also come up against iconic RuneScape enemies such as kalphites and the kot-haar, while those looking for allies will find the Menaphite god of the dead, Icthlarin, ready and available to help.

Umbral Sands is the final major update for RuneScape: Dragonwilds ahead of its v1.0 launch on PC and console debut on Xbox Series consoles, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch 2. The full launch will also see the release of the Scorned Wilderness Raid and a boss fight with Kuldra, bringing that storyline to an epic conclusion.

Also launching alongside Umbral Sands is the official launch of Chinese (simplified), Japanese and Korean support for the game, bringing RuneScape: Dragonwilds to even more audiences than before.

PSB Debuts iQ Series All-in-One Streaming Speakers

PSB Speakers, the Canadian loudspeaker manufacturer with over fifty years of acoustic research and design, today announces the iQ series, a new generation of all-in-one streaming speakers designed to deliver high-fidelity sound without the complexity of traditional stereo systems. The iQ Series launches with two models: the iQ1, an introduction to PSB’s line of streaming speakers, and the iQ2, a true wireless stereo system in a choice of seven premium finishes, including a premium Walnut Veneer.

Built from the same acoustic platform introduced in PSB’s award-winning Alpha iQ, the new iQ Series elevates the all-in-one design with a new Burr Brown™ amplifier platform, cloth fabric grilles, and more refined finishes across the line. Both the iQ1 and iQ2 deliver the full BluOS experience, letting you listen to music, podcasts, and radio stations from more than 20 streaming services, and multi-room to other BluOS enabled speakers and audio systems throughout the home. An audiophile-grade DAC ensures audio is delivered in rich detail, supporting high-resolution playback up to 24-bit/192kHz.

“With the new iQ series, we’re expanding what PSB represents for listeners today. There is a growing segment of customers that want true high-fidelity sound without the complexity of traditional separates, and iQ is our answer to that shift,” said Mack Tommy, Product Manager at PSB Speakers. “It brings together PSB’s acoustic legacy with a more accessible, design-forward, and all-in-one approach—making it easier than ever to experience PSB performance in everyday spaces.”

iQ1: Designed for Better Listening

The iQ1 brings PSB’s signature sound into a streaming powered speaker that every listener can enjoy. A wired stereo cable connects the primary and secondary speakers together, keeping both channels in perfect sync and achieving the best audio performance. The iQ1 is available at a suggested retail price of $999 USA in a choice of durable Black or White vinyl finishes.

iQ2: True Wireless Stereo in Seven Finishes

The iQ2 uses a low-latency wireless link to stereo pair the left and right speakers together without audio delays or interruptions. It is available in seven high-quality finishes including four new colours—Ember Red, Boreal Green, Granite Grey, Sandstone Beige, and a premium Walnut Veneer with copper-finished accents. A fingerprint-resistant coating is also applied through the finishing process to keep the cabinets clean with daily use. The iQ2 starts at a suggested retail price of $1,399 USA for colour finishes and $1,499 USA for the Walnut Veneer.

Shared Acoustic Platform

Both iQ models share a 4-inch polypropylene mid-bass driver with a steel basket and rubber surround, and a 0.75-inch aluminium dome tweeter with a neodymium magnet and ferrofluid damping. A new Burr Brown Class-D amplifier delivers 270 watts of total system power, with a 90-watt dedicated amplifier for each woofer. The iQ1 pairs its tweeters to a shared two-channel amplifier delivering 45 watts per channel, while iQ2 uses independent 45-watt amplifiers for each tweeter. A high-quality DSP crossover, tuned bass ports, and an optimized low frequency extension allow the iQ1 and iQ2 to deliver deeper, more powerful bass for their size.

“Every aspect of the iQ Series was engineered to deliver real stereo performance from a simplified system,” said Matt Simmonds, VP of Product Development at PSB Speakers. “From the new amplifier platform to the DSP tuning and driver integration, we focused on maximizing output, clarity, and control within a compact form factor. The result is a system that performs well beyond its size while maintaining the accuracy and balance that define PSB.”

A World of Music

BluOS brings a premium multi-room streaming experience to the iQ series, allowing listeners to enjoy, music, podcasts, and internet radio with the highest quality sound. With access to over 20 popular streaming services like Amazon Music, Pandora, Qobuz, Tidal and SiriusXM, along with personal music libraries and playlists, BluOS puts everything in one place. Easily manage and control your music from any room with the BluOS Controller App, which lets you also pair the iQ series with other BluOS enabled speakers and audio systems for multi-room music. Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, and Bluetooth with aptX™ Adaptive add the flexibility to stream more music from more apps.

Well Connected

Both iQ models provide the flexibility to enjoy all home audio with a built-in MM phono preamp for turntables, RCA and optical inputs, and HDMI eARC for TV, movies, and gaming. The iQ1 and iQ2 are also outfitted with a convenient USB-C audio input for connecting other devices such as a laptop, phone, or mobile music player. A subwoofer output with DSP-enabled low-pass and high-pass filters lets the iQ series pair perfectly with a powered subwoofer for even deeper bass.

Smart and Simple

The iQ Series is experienced through the power of the BluOS Controller App, available for Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows. Browse music, playlists, podcasts and radio stations, with seamless control from any device. Top panel touch controls on the primary speakers provide quick and easy access to volume, playback, and two custom presets for favorite stations, playlists, or streaming services. Through BluOS, the iQ Series can be seamlessly integrated with popular smart home control systems including Control4, Crestron, Nice, RTI, and URC.

Features & Specs

iQ1 iQ2
System Type Powered stereo pair (wired) Powered stereo pair (wireless)
Amplification 270 watts total per pair 270 watts total per pair
Drivers 4″ mid-bass driver, 0.75″ aluminium dome tweeter 4″ mid-bass driver, 0.75″ aluminium dome tweeter
Stereo Connection Wired Wireless
Music Streaming BluOS, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect BluOS, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect
Max Resolution 24-bit / 192 kHz 24-bit / 192 kHz
Connectivity HDMI eARC, RCA, optical, USB-C, USB-A HDMI eARC, RCA, optical, USB-C, USB-A
Wireless Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth aptX Adaptive Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth aptX Adaptive
Subwoofer Output Yes Yes
Finishes Black, White Black, White, Ember Red, Boreal Green, Granite Grey, Sandstone Beige, Premium Walnut Veneer

Pricing & Availability

  • The iQ2 will be available in all finishes starting June 23, 2026, at $1,399 USA through PSB dealers, authorized online retailers, and psbspeakers.com. Premium Walnut will be available in November 2026 for $1,499 USA.
  • The iQ1 will be available in Black and White for $999 USA starting August 10, 2026, through authorized PSB retailers and psbspeakers.com.
  • Global pricing and availability will vary by country. For information on international pricing and availability, contact an authorized PSB distributor.

For more information on the iQ series, visit psbspeakers.com/iq.

About PSB Speakers

Since 1972, Founder and Chief Designer Paul Barton has been designing high-fidelity speakers based on psychoacoustic research. Now part of Lenbrook International’s global portfolio, PSB Speakers is sold in more than 70 markets and is known for “True to Nature” sound and value-driven acoustic design.

psbspeakers.com

THQ Nordic Digital Showcase 2026 Announced

THQ Nordic’s Digital Showcase 2026 is just around the corner, and this year’s event is set to deliver a packed lineup of fresh updates and news across a wide range of our core IPs. From long-awaited reveals (release dates!!!) to exciting new looks at fan-favourite franchises, there’s plenty to look forward to for everyone following the THQ Nordic universe.

Expect the showcase to shine a spotlight on titles such as Titan Quest II, Wreckfest 2, The Guild – Europa 1410, Fatekeeper, Expeditions: Samurai, The Eternal Life of Goldman and Way of the Hunter 2, with more to come as we count down to showtime.

Mark your calendars for Friday, August 7, 2026, at 12:00 PM PDT / 3:00 PM EDT / 8:00 PM BST / 21:00 CEST / 10:00 PM EEST, and get ready to tune in for another showcase packed with energy, standout moments, and plenty of reasons to stay hyped.

Official THQ Nordic channels to watch the Showcase:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thqnordic
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/thqnordic
Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/publisher/THQNordic

More information on the official website: THQ Nordic Showcase Website.

Full Line of Pokémon by Stern Pinball Accessories Now Available

Today, Stern Pinball, Inc., the largest manufacturer of pinball games in the world, in collaboration with The Pokémon Company International, revealed and released a new line of pinball machine accessories for Pokémon by Stern Pinball, compatible with the Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition (LE) models.

Upgrade your gaming experience with the Magikarp Pokémon topper. This topper features a mechanically animated Magikarp and mechanical wave motion over an ocean scene, RGB lighting, and M-A-G-I-K-A-R-P callout letters. Owners of this topper will have access to an exclusive Magikarp Multiball. Catching a Pokémon awards a letter. Spell out MAGIKARP to light the Magikarp Multiball at the right ramp. Keep the excitement going as awarded letters will carry over from player to player and from game to game.

Embark on your journey straight from the plunge with the Poké Ball shooter knob. This shooter knob features a sculpt of the iconic Poké Ball, adding a fun element to every Trainer’s journey.

Make your speakers stand out with the official Speaker Expression Lighting System accessory for the Pro and Premium edition. With intelligent RGB LED lighting, your speakers will light up and flash with this fully integrated and dynamically responsive accessory as you progress through your journey.

Enhance your game with the Expression Lighting System Accessory kit. This modular kit adds intelligent full color spectrum RGB LEDs. Featuring laser cut Illuminated Side Armor, Cabinet Expression Lighting with 96 intelligent RGB LEDs, and Side Armor Expression Lighting with 48 intelligent RGB LEDs. This system is synchronized to custom light shows and dynamically responsive to game events.

Extend the world of Pokémon beyond the playfield with the Pokémon Art Blades. These stunning art blades feature art of several Pokémon and a new dimension to the world under the glass.

“These newly available upgrades will level up your game and your Pokémon by Stern Pinball experience,” said Seth Davis, President & CEO of Stern Pinball.

Pricing and Availability:

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (“MSRP”):

*MSRP (US) are for sales to end-users before any applicable VAT, GST, Sales Tax, Duties, Tariffs, or other taxes and are subject to change.

  • Magikarp Pokémon Topper $US 1499.99
  • Poké Ball Shooter Knob $US  174.99
  • Side Armor $US  399.99
  • Side Armor Expression Lighting System $US  249.99
  • Cabinet Expression Lighting System $US  299.99
  • Speaker Expression Lighting System $US  199.99
  • Pokémon Inside Art Blades $US  99.99

iBUYPOWER Masters FML 2026 Ticket Sales Starts July 26th

Leading system integrator iBUYPOWER and Erik “fl0m” Flom, a popular streamer and Counter-Strike player, announced earlier this month that tickets for their upcoming iBUYPOWER Masters fl0m’s Mythical LAN 2026 event on Sept. 25-27 will be on sale starting on June 23! Ticket prices for General Admission start at around $250 for all three days, with VIP prices to be announced on the day of the sale. To learn more, please visit: https://www.ibuypower.com/community/events/fl0ms-mythical-lan-2

This VRS-ranked event will be held in Allied Esports Arena in Las Vegas, NV, within the Luxor, where eight teams will compete to win from a prize pool of $30,000! I also have some some extra information about the LAN in case you have not been following either iBUYPOWER or fl0m’s social updates. To briefly summarize:

  • iBUYPOWER Masters FML 2026 is a Tier 2 ranked event that uses the America VRS rankings, with an added regional filter for North America and South America.
  • We are inviting eight total teams – six from the North America VRS sub-region, and two from the South America VRS sub-region. Invites will be sent starting on July 6, 2026, after the July 4th holiday.
  • Tournament format will be two groups of four teams divided by global seeding (1,4,5,8) | (2,3,6,7), and will play a GSL best-of-three group stage, where two teams from each group qualify for the single elimination best-of-three playoffs including a third place decider match.
  • Prize pool for the competition is $30,000 w/the following prize breakdown
    • 1st: $12,500
    • 2nd: $7,000
    • 3rd: $3,500
    • 4th: $2,500
    • 5th-6th: $1,250
    • 7th-8th: $1,000

More information about the tournament can be found at the following link – https://www.ibuypower.com/community/events/fl0ms-mythical-lan-2 – we’ll also have more details on iBUYPOWER Masters FML 2026 to share once tickets are ready for purchase, so be sure to check back in on June 23.