Author - Jerry Paxton

Scooby-Doo Meets The Universal Monsters: Mystery on the Backlot Coming to Universal Fan Fest Nights

3 days ago
Jerry Paxton
News, Geek News, Movie News, Trailers / Videos

And action! Universal Studios Hollywood whisks guests to its iconic movie studio backlot via Studio Tour trams as part of Universal Fan Fest Nights’ all-original Scooby-Doo Meets The Universal Monsters: Mystery on the Backlot adventure that fuses theatrics, suspense, humor and engaging live-action, who-done-it mystery.

Tickets are now available for purchase to attend Universal Fan Fest Nights, which runs for a limited 12-nights only: April 23-25; May 1-3, 7-9, 14-16, 2026.

In this clever adventure, guests will set off on location via the Studio Tour, cast as “extras” in a fictitious monster movie until a mysterious villain, known as The Phantom Director, hijacks the production by unleashing The Universal Monsters – Frankenstein’s Monster, Dracula, Bride of Frankenstein and Wolf Man – throwing it into chaos and bringing the filming to a halt.

Equipped with a Mystery Manual at their disposal, guests will join forces with Scooby-Doo and his pals Fred, Daphne, Velma and Shaggy in an attempt to uncover the Phantom Director’s identity. Guests will explore Universal’s world-famous outdoor film sets at their leisure, including the cobblestone streets of Little Europe and the infamous Court of Miracles, renowned as original filming locations for such historic Universal horror films as Frankenstein (1931) and The Wolf Man (1941). As they uncover a series of clues, it will lead them to solve the mystery, identify the villain and restart production.

Entertaining photo ops with the Mystery Inc. team, Universal Monsters and the Mystery Machine will enhance the experience with memorable, social-friendly content.

Universal Fan Fest Nights is an after-hours, separately ticketed event that celebrates the exhilarating world of fandom through immersive and interactive in-world experiences created by the theme park’s renowned and highly creative entertainment team in collaboration with esteemed industry experts. Featuring a spectrum of inspirational categories, Universal Fan Fest Nights will welcome guests to embrace a variety of eclectic worlds that celebrate and elevate fandom favorites alongside live entertainment, character interactions, cosplay, photo opportunities, curated food, beverages and merchandise.

Universal Fan Fest Nights will feature an array of exciting experiences and activations that will be included every event night for guests to enjoy.

Universal Fan Fest Nights will also feature these in-world experiences:

  • ONE PIECE: Grand Pirate Show. ONE PIECE returns to Universal Fan Fest Nights, but this time as a live show extravaganza at the WaterWorld show venue. Inspired by the success of the Universal Studios Japan production, ONE PIECE: Grand Pirate Show will invite guests to a whirlwind performance featuring a cast of ONE PIECE fan-favorite characters. With action, comedy and chaos taking center stage, guests will be transported to the very heart of the world of ONE PIECE – enveloped in friendship, freedom and mayhem.
  • Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon the Miracle: Moon Palace Chapter Deluxe. This exciting Japanese language CG anime short film, which originally debuted as part of Universal Studios Japan’s popular Cool Japan, will gather guests within DreamWorks Theatre to watch a subtitled version featuring heroine Super Sailor Moon as she battles an unforeseen enemy with sinister motives to acquire the Legendary Silver Crystal from Moon Palace’s enchanting ball. With her unwavering spirit, accompanied by audience support, Super Sailor Moon will prove good indeed prevails over evil as she outwits her rival and restores tranquility to the Moon Palace.
  • The Wizarding World of Harry Potter—Forbidden Forest: A Search for the Hippogriff. This new, unique, walk-through experience will take guests into the depths of the Forbidden Forest in search of a lost Hippogriff. With guidance from a Hogwarts Professor, they will encounter magical creatures and familiar beasts as they face a series of obstacles which will require the guests to summon their bravery and spell-casting skills to help a Hippogriff in need.
  • SUPER NINTENDO WORLD – Colorful Yoshi Celebration. This year’s Universal Fan Fest Nights introduces a vibrant, multi-colored Yoshi celebration in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. This all-new adventure will welcome guests to explore the land, where they will have a chance to meet new, colorful Yoshis who can be found throughout the Mushroom Kingdom.
  • DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Secrets of Waterdeep. This fan-favorite immersive experience returns due to popular demand, along with some enhancements. Inspired by the World’s Greatest Roleplaying Game™, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS (D&D), this epic walk-through experience will welcome guests and fans to partake in a one-of-a-kind adventure and explore the fantastic world of D&D. Guests will join the Harpers—a heroic spy network—to foil a plot by the legendary beholder Xanathar and save the city of Waterdeep.

This engaging experience features the legendary beholder Xanathar, uniquely created by the masterful puppeteer, Jim Henson’s Creature Shop. For over 40 years, Jim Henson’s Creature Shop has been a world-renowned innovator in puppetry, animatronics and digital animation.

Tickets are on sale now with a variety of ticket offerings available. Click here to purchase tickets and for full Terms and Conditions. Details for each ticket type are subject to change.

  • General Admission: General Admission ticket to Universal Fan Fest Nights. Does not include daytime theme park admission or early event access.
  • Universal Express: Admission to Universal Fan Fest Nights, including one-time (per day) express access to each in-world experience, ride and attraction. Does not include daytime theme park admission or early event access.
  • Universal Express Unlimited: Admission to Universal Fan Fest Nights, including unlimited express access (per day) to each in-world experience, ride and attraction. Does not include daytime theme park admission or early event access.
  • After 2PM Day/Night: Daytime General Admission to the theme park after 2pm and same day evening General Admission to Universal Fan Fest Nights.
  • After 2PM Day/Night Universal Express: Daytime admission to the theme park after 2pm and same day evening admission to Universal Fan Fest Nights, including one-time (per day) express access to each ride, attraction and seated show during the day, plus one-time (per day) express access to each in-world experience, ride and attraction during the event.
  • 2-Night General Admission: 2-Night General Admission access to Universal Fan Fest Nights. Does not include daytime theme park admission or early event access.
  • Ultimate Fandom Pass: General Admission pass to enjoy for up to all event nights of Universal Fan Fest Nights (based on your selected first visit date during purchase). No blockout dates on return visits. All visits must be completed by May 16, 2026. Does not include daytime theme park admission or early event access.
  • Early Access Ticket: Early access, beginning at 6pm (subject to change), to select Universal Fan Fest Nights in-world experiences prior to event opening. A Universal Fan Fest Nights admission ticket for the same date must be purchased separately.
  • Universal Fan Fest Nights VIP Tour: Enjoy VIP treatment of the event, including a shared, expertly guided walking tour of the in-world experiences, rides and attractions, as well as a gourmet dinner (alcoholic beverages excluded) in the private VIP dining room and complimentary valet parking.
  • Pass Member Special Pricing: Pass Members can take advantage of special online Pass Member pricing on General Admission tickets to Universal Fan Fest Nights when visiting on select event nights.

Adding to the adventure, guests can also experience select theme park attractions open during the event, including “Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge,” “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™,” “Flight of the Hippogriff™,” “Jurassic World—The Ride,” “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem,” “TRANSFORMERS™: The Ride—3D,” “Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride” and “The Simpsons Ride™”.

For more information visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com and Universal Fan Fest Nights, follow @UniFanFestNights on Instagram, visit Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and X.

RoadCraft’s Reclaim Expansion Is Out Now

3 days ago
Jerry Paxton
News, Geek News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Focus Entertainment and Saber Interactive are excited to announce the launch of RoadCraft’s second major DLC: the “Reclaim Expansion!” Marking a second year full of updates, this expansion brings exciting new content to RoadCraft, including two new maps and seven vehicles, as well as brand-new demolition and salvage gameplay. RoadCraft’s “Reclaim Expansion” is available today for $14.99 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store.

New Regions to Rebuild from the Ground Up!

The “Reclaim Expansion” adds two brand-new maps to RoadCraft. From storm-ravaged Central Europe to drought-stricken North Africa, these new maps introduce vital challenges to take on:

Autumn Collapse: Help this new forest-filled region recover from violent storms by clearing routes, stabilizing infrastructure, assessing buildings, and demolishing unsafe structures to reclaim valuable materials.

Summer Drought: An ongoing drought has rendered infrastructure unsuitable for the harsh environment, and players must secure access to water, rebuild critical facilities, and dismantle obsolete structures to prepare the region for long-term survival under extreme conditions.

New Vehicles to Help Manage New Gameplay Possibilities

The “Reclaim Expansion” introduces seven new vehicles to further harness and expand RoadCraft’s next-gen, physics-driven sandbox, including the 5111Б Dragline Demolisher, a heavy demolition vehicle ready to dismantle abandoned or unsafe buildings and recover salvageable resources, and the Torque G-175, a massive tree crusher designed to clear dense forests to create new paths for forestry-based missions. Players will also receive a new Scout vehicle, SAR vehicle, Heavy Cargo variant, and Heavy Sand Dumper, as well as the Hollander M7, a new cable layer for restoring power in damaged areas.

Today’s new expansion introduces a major feature that allows players to explore new demolition and salvage gameplay options solo or in co-op. Demolition is a strategic choice that allows materials to be salvaged and reused elsewhere, bringing a new sense of autonomy to RoadCraft’s gameplay. You can now rebuild your own way as decisions directly reshape the environment, influencing future missions.

Celebrate RoadCraft’s First Anniversary with the New 1‑Year Anniversary Edition

This edition is available now for $59.99 and includes the base game, the “Rebuild Expansion,” the “Timberworks Pack” DLC, as well as the brand‑new “Reclaim Expansion.” It also grants day‑one access to the Invictus Type A, a unique high‑performance scout vehicle. A new themed vehicle pack for industrial, resource, and off‑road missions will also be added soon, expanding the game even further.

RoadCraft’s “Reclaim Expansion” is available now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. For more information, visit the official Focus Store page. Create your Focus Together account today to receive exclusive rewards and join the community and development of RoadCraft.

Season 6 of The Outlast Trials – Project Judas – is Live Today

3 days ago
Jerry Paxton
News, Geek News, Halloween, PlayStation 5 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox Series X News

Please attempt to adjust your television’s screen settings, by all means it may be your salvation. Today, Red Barrels proudly airs Project Judas, Season 6 of The Outlast Trials to a silver screen near you. Otto and Arora Kress have prepared an unforgettable premiere for players on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. Pop your corn while you can, and enjoy a 70% sale on Steam until April 2; bring a friend and tune in for all sorts of new twists and turns kicking off now!

After years of training Bob Vanier, the silver-tongued celebrity icon, into their ideal political candidate, the Kress twins have him primed to announce his candidacy, live on national television — unless Reagents cancel them only to slot in Murkoff’s own candidate first.

Starting today, this free update is available for all current The Outlast Trials owners that will see Reagents race against Vanier and the Kress twins to prevent a political takeover. Will there be a cliffhanger ending? A plot twist? That’s the magic of live television, no one knows for sure what will happen. During the season, Reagents are asked to ignore any unconventional programs that may populate their screens, especially involving the Sleep Terminal. Enjoy these non-spoiler features:

Ten pages. Countless new exclusive cosmetic items to fuel your identity-affirming, self-expression practices. Here’s how the Deluxe Catalog for Project Judas works:

  • Unlock the Deluxe Catalog using Murkoff Coins, earned by completing the Onboarding Catalog or other Deluxe Catalogs, or purchased directly from the Murkoff Store.
  • Earn Stamps by completing Trials and Tasks, then spend them to claim Catalog items.
  • The Deluxe Catalog is permanently available. Unlock items at whatever pace suits you.

Daybreak Games Announces Solo-Friendly EverQuest Legends

3 days ago
Jerry Paxton
News, Geek News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Daybreak Games and independent development studio Game Jawn are thrilled to announce their fan-driven collaboration designed to give players a new way to experience classic EverQuest. EverQuest Legends takes players back to the early days of the trailblazing MMORPG with restored sound and visuals and all-new quality-of-life enhancements designed to make it more approachable for new and returning adventurers.

“EverQuest Legends is a passion project for me,” says David Youssefi, executive producer of EQ Legends at Daybreak Games. “I’ve dreamt of a solo/casual version of EQ for over 20 years. The opportunity to bring that dream to life in collaboration with a group of our biggest and most passionate fans is truly epic. We’ve put a lot of love and hard work into making a game that honors the legacy of EQ while forging new experiences for players of all stripes to enjoy. We hope old school fans and new adventurers alike will enjoy the magic and wonder of Norrath in EverQuest Legends!”

“I’ve been playing EverQuest since the turn of the century and have been an active member of its incredible community ever since,” says Eda Spause, founder of Game Jawn. “Our team has been pinching ourselves since we were given the opportunity to work with our favorite game and leave our own mark on the world we’ve loved for decades.”

EverQuest Legends will be hosting a closed beta in April ahead of its planned July 2026 launch. Interested players can register for access to the closed beta by visiting EverQuestLegends.com.

KEY NEW FEATURES 

  • Experience Classic EverQuest – EverQuest Legends features all of the magic and nostalgia of classic EverQuest, including the original art style, graphics, zones, spell effects, loot, and music. Enjoy the game as it hasn’t been seen, heard, or experienced in over 20 years.
  • Modern Game Features – EQL features tons of modern game features, including a streamlined user interface, upgraded spell and ability management, and countless other quality of life enhancements.
  • Forge Your Legend – EQL allows players to create unique characters by selecting up to three classes at a time, with all of the benefits, stats, spells, and abilities that come with each class. You can also upgrade your gear (up to +10) and swap and combine different focus, click, and proc effects on your gear. With 15 available races and 560 possible class combinations, the possibilities for forging the ultimate character are virtually endless.
  • Adventure… Your Way – With the additional power provided to player characters and the many benefits of a modernized gaming experience, EQL makes it possible for players to progress through the game at their own pace and to forge their own adventures, whether alone or with others. While small groups (up to 4 players) and raids (up to 8 players) are possible, even a solo player can build a character strong enough to take on the toughest challenges and acquire the most epic gear in the game.

For more information about EverQuest Legends and to sign up for Closed Beta, visit www.everquestlegends.com. Follow our community discussions and receive game updates on Discord, X, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, Twitch, and YouTube.

Razer Unveils the Viper V4 Pro and Gigantus V2 Pro

3 days ago
Jerry Paxton
News, Geek News, Peripherals News

Razer™, the world’s leading lifestyle brand for gamers, proudly announces the launch of the Razer Viper V4 Pro and Razer Gigantus V2 Pro. The latest evolution of esports gear by the #1 gaming mouse brand amongst pro-gamers – this new duo is engineered to give players an edge in today’s most demanding competitive game titles.

The Viper V4 Pro takes one of the world’s most trusted esports mice and makes it lighter, faster, and more precise, while the Gigantus V2 Pro reimagines Razer’s flagship soft gaming mouse mat with five distinct speed ratings so players can choose the surface that locks in the way they play.

Refined by Pros. From the #1 Mouse Brand.

Esports Legends Lee “Faker” Sang-Hyeok and Nikola “NiKo” Kovač at Razer’s design studio.

At the highest levels of competitive gaming, milliseconds decide rounds and series. Built with direct input from pros, the Viper line has long been a fixture in top-level competition, while the Gigantus line remains a trusted choice for gamers seeking reliable precision mouse control.

Together, they form a pro-level combo built to outpace the fastest plays in today’s games, bringing quicker response and more consistent control than any other pairing out there.

“In Esports, matches swing on margins as thin as a few milliseconds. At that level, players can’t afford guesswork. They rely on what’s proven to win, which is why Razer has become the top choice of pro players,” said Jeffrey Chau, Global Esports Director at Razer. “The Viper V4 Pro is engineered to deliver faster, more consistent inputs where it matters most: live competition. Combined with the Gigantus V2 Pro’s specialized surfaces, this is a loadout built not just to keep up with the fastest plays in the game, but to outpace them.”

Razer Viper V4 Pro: When the Best Gets Better

Riding on the dominance of the Viper V3 Pro – the #1 Mouse used by esports pros, and still their top choice today – Viper V4 Pro takes the winning formula even further by delivering faster and more consistent aim, not just clicks that feel good.

Engineered for claw and fingertip grips, it sharpens pro-level fundamentals such as latency, tracking integrity, and click consistency, so players can focus on competing, not configuring.

“The Viper V4 Pro feels like an extension of my hand. Its responsiveness is exactly what is needed for high-stakes matches,” said Lee “Faker” Sang-Hyeok, six-time League of Legends World Champion.

Unmatched Speed and Precision

  • Razer HyperSpeed Wireless Gen-2 with true 8,000 Hz polling

While the DeathAdder V4 Pro was the first to debut this next-gen wireless platform, the Viper V4 Pro pushes the boundary even further – now delivering ultra‑fast latency with averages as low as 0.204 ms for clicks and 0.36 ms for motion, and true 8,000 Hz polling in both wireless and wired modes.

 Thanks to improved wireless efficiency and sensor optimizations, the Viper V4 Pro is around 2.5 times faster in motion latency and achieves up to 180 hours of battery life (at 1,000 Hz), nearly double the play time compared to equivalent wireless gaming mice options.

  • Razer Focus Pro 50K Optical Sensor Gen-3

Next level precision with up to 50,000 DPI, 930 IPS, and 90 G acceleration, now featuring Frame Sync, the first sensor technology in the market to align sensor frames with the mouse’s scanning and polling cycle for just-in-time scanning and reporting. This minimizes motion latency even further, allowing for faster and more ultra-responsive aiming, all while improving battery efficiency by eliminating redundant sensor updates.

The sensor also includes advanced software tools such as Dynamic Sensitivity, Mouse Rotation, 1 DPI step adjustments, Sensitivity Matcher, Asymmetric Cut Off (26 levels), and Smart Tracking to elevate gameplay and make it easier to port settings between different setups.

Built to Last

  • Razer Optical Scroll Wheel

Optical scroll wheel tuned for esports that is 3.3 times more reliable and consistent than traditional mechanical designs. It offers more precise scrolling and helps prevent unintended scroll inputs during weapon swaps, ability cycling, or inventory navigation.

  • Razer Optical Mouse Switches Gen-4

Redesigned with a completely updated switch architecture, delivering ultra-fast response times and up to a 100-million-click lifecycle. It retains true mechanical tactile feedback while leveraging optical actuation for crisp, consistent clicks with zero debounce delay, eliminating double-click issues common in mechanical switches.

Shaped by Pros. Made to Clutch

  • Ultra-light. Ultra-balanced.

Approximately 49 g in Black and 50 g in White – around 9% lighter than the Viper V3 Pro. This reduction is achieved through mechanical optimizations such as refined shell thickness and a more compact PCB, while reinforced structural elements ensure stability and durability. The result is a mouse that feels exceptionally light yet reassuringly solid in hand.

  • Ready to Plug-In and Perform

An optimized hemispherical dongle provides stable connectivity and at-a-glance status via integrated LED indicators. Razer Synapse Web enables streamlined, browser-based device tuning without software installation, and quick onboard adjustments let players change DPI and polling on the fly, for instant in-match optimization.

Razer Gigantus V2 Pro: Precision for Every Playstyle

The Razer Gigantus V2 Pro is the latest evolution of the Gigantus line. Designed with five distinct speed ratings and matching foam firmness, players are now able to choose a mouse mat that best suits them, no matter the playstyle.

“It’s the most complete mouse mat I’ve used. That’s why I chose it for my collection.” said Nikola “NiKo” Kovač, 10-time Counter-Strike Championship MVP.

Developed and rigorously tested with pro players such as NiKo, Faker and Zellsis, each speed rating reflects the different demands of roles from riflers to duelists to ADCs.

  • Forged for Pros, Tuned for Every Player

Specialized thread and weave patterns across five speed ratings let players choose the glide profile that suits them best.

    • Max Control: Ultra‑high friction for flick precision.
    • Control: High friction for consistent micro-adjustments.
    • Balance: Medium friction for a hybrid glide.
    • Speed: Low friction for fast swipes.
    • Max Speed: Ultra-low friction for lightning-quick movements.
  • Razer Proprietary GlideCore™ Foam

Foam firmness that fits each playstyle. Each speed rating is paired with a specific GlideCore foam type to deliver a tailored feel and stopping power, from cushioned, precise stopping power on Max Control to a firmer, faster response on Max Speed.

  • Optimized for optical sensors

Lab-tested with leading optical sensors to ensure pixel-perfect tracking, so every flick, micro correction, and wide swing feels consistent across the mat.

  • Built for competition and travel

Low-profile stitched edges that help resist fraying while staying comfortable, an anti-slip base that keeps the mouse mat in place during intense matches, and a rollable, warp-resistant design that is easy to pack for competitive environments.

A Complete Setup, Not a Single Gimmick

Together, the Razer Viper V4 Pro and Razer Gigantus V2 Pro deliver the ultimate competitive pairing that covers mouse, surface, and tuning. The mouse focuses on ultra-low latency, advanced sensor control, and a pro-validated shape. The soft gaming mouse mat range offers clear, playstyle-specific options that simplify the decision between control and speed.

More than just a faster click, this combination reflects Razer’s continued focus on performance-driven design, collaborative development with esports professionals, and gear that helps gamers turn practice into consistent performance on the big stage.

For more information on the Razer Viper V4 Pro, visit https://rzr.to/viper-v4-pro.

For more information on the Razer Gigantus V2 Pro, visit https://rzr.to/gigantus-v2-pro.

Terror Comes to PAX East With the First Playable Demo for Paranormal Activity: Threshold

4 days ago
Jerry Paxton
News, Geek News, Halloween, PAX, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Following the debut of its first gameplay teaser during the 2025 Indie Horror Showcase, DreadXP, in partnership with Paramount Pictures, will present the first playable demo for the upcoming horror thriller, Paranormal Activity: Threshold, coming to PC via Steam, at PAX East 2026 from March 26th to 29th in Boston, Massachusetts. Developed by Brian Clarke of DarkStone Digital, the creator of the horror sensation The Mortuary Assistant, this demo will give attendees the first opportunity to experience the terror of the Paranormal Activity film franchise brought to life.

Paranormal Activity: Threshold follows Daniel and Jessica Stewart as they record the process of remodeling their first home. The more they document their renovations, the more they realize that the house is hiding much more than just asbestos and faulty wiring. Their excitement turns into concern as they uncover strange markings and items hidden within the walls, revealing that they’re not the only inhabitants of their new home. The couple is unprepared for the horrifying events that follow, as they sink deeper into the influences of the dark presence residing there.

Upon its release in 2022, Clarke’s The Mortuary Assistant was a breakout horror title, amassing millions of plays and a dedicated fanbase, and has continued to stand out as one of the top games in the genre. Known for his signature approach to fear and immersion, utilizing an unnerving atmosphere and innovative scares, Clarke is taking everything he learned from The Mortuary Assistant to deliver a uniquely unsettling experience, expanding on the Paranormal Activity franchise’s legacy of found-footage horror in fresh, frightening ways.

Terrifying audiences worldwide since the release of the original Paranormal Activity film in 2007, the franchise has established itself as a mainstay of modern horror, with multiple sequels expanding the chilling universe. The upcoming game will offer immersive gameplay, allowing fans to experience the franchise’s trademark supernatural terror first-hand, encouraging players to search for more answers buried in the cursed Stewart home.

Paranormal Activity: Threshold is set to launch on Steam, with its first playable demo available at the DreadXP booth (13109 and 15108) at PAX East 2026, held March 26th to 29th in Boston, Massachusetts. Follow and Wishlist it now on Steam to keep up to date on future news.

ShantyTown – Steam NEXT Fest Trailer

4 days ago
Jerry Paxton
News, Geek News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Kinephantom Games and solo developer Erik Rempen of Silk Softworks announce that ShantyTown will be taking part in the upcoming PAX Rising Showcase at PAX East. The event will run from March 26th to 29th at the Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center in Boston.

The showcase features a carefully curated selection of games on its show floor from some of the hottest upcoming indie titles of the year. Attendees of the event will be able to enjoy ShantyTown-specific goodies, play the full game ahead of release, and have a chance to talk with Erik himself at Booth 13097. For players following from home, the ShantyTown demo will still be available to try on Steam with a brand new update.

During Steam Next Fest February 2026, ShantyTown doubled its wishlist count and welcomed over 30,000 players to its demo, with creators and fans praising its cozy gameplay. The momentum carried over to its community Discord, doubling its size in just a few short days, where players can find sneak previews of the finished game alongside weekly contests and competitions to make use of the game’s free-form Creative Mode.

Community activity is also in full swing ahead of launch: ShantyTown is currently running its third weekly build competition on Discord, where players can submit themed builds using the game’s built-in Camera Mode and submit their best designs in the Discord contest channel for a chance to be immortalized in the game’s release with their name attached to a building, as well as an opportunity to win a key for the game’s full release and OST.

Free-Form Puzzles With No Wrong Answers

ShantyTown’s latest demo also introduces its new Creative Mode, which allows unrestricted access to all previously-unlocked buildings and decorations. Players can revisit any location they’ve already surveyed, or build their own sprawling community in a sandbox state.

That interplay between cozy, relaxing diorama-building and placing buildings in their place sets ShantyTown as unique compared to other cozy-gaming. Players balance filling sub-objectives to unlock bonus items with no real guardrails on the style of their build.

Key features

ShantyTown blends cozy creativity with dense, layered city design, inviting players to build around the tight spaces given. Other highlights include:

  • 20 distinctive locations inspired by tightly packed urban environments, each offering new ways to experiment with the player’s creativity
  • Over 150 unique decorations that allow players to shape their own idea of “lived-in” neighborhoods
  • Your personal dossier that reflects completed towns across eight pages, like a charming miniature portfolio
  • A handcrafted soundtrack by vaporwave artist Macroblank that accompanies players with different tunes and vibes
  • In-depth camera tools that let players frame and photograph their completed towns from multiple perspectives. 

Borderlands 4 Official Character Short C4SH (High Roller)

4 days ago
Jerry Paxton
News, Geek News, PlayStation 5 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox Series X News

Today, 2K and Gearbox Software shared the Official Character Short for C4SH, the Rogue, a cinematic introduction to the all-new Vault Hunter coming to Borderlands 4 via paid DLC in Story Pack 1: Mad Ellie and the Vault of the Damned!* C4SH is the first of two new Vault Hunters coming to the game post-launch via Story Packs.

C4SH the Rogue is a CasinoBot with a new lease on life after winning a magical deck that imbues him with eldritch boons in a high-stakes card game. This would be a cursed trophy for most people, but for a robot who has been able to game the solar system’s casinos and battlefields with statistical knowledge, he finally knows what unpredictability feels like. For the first time, he feels human. This drives him to play nothing safe, always bet on himself, and take as many risks as possible.

In C4SH’s new Character Short “High Roller”, take a seat and buy-in for his retelling of the high-stakes card game that set him down an unforeseen path. C4SH is playable across the entire game, allowing players to experience everything on Kairos using his unique set of skills or dive right into the new Story Pack 1 content via a new menu option, which fast-forwards any fresh Vault Hunter to the new Whispering Glacier map zone at level 13!

Read all about C4SH the Rogue’s unique Traits and Action Skills in the written Character Spotlight, and learn more about Story Pack 1’s wide variety of added content, including new story missions, new map zone called The Whispering Glacier, new loot, and more.

Borderlands 4 is available worldwide and Story Pack 1: Mad Ellie and the Vault of the Damned will launch on Thursday, March 26 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC through Steam and the Epic Games Store.

For the latest information on Borderlands 4, visit www.borderlands.2k.com, and follow the game across YouTube, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.

Masters of Albion Closed Beta Playtest Announced

4 days ago
Jerry Paxton
News, Geek News, Windows PC News

22cans is inviting players to take part in an exclusive closed beta playtest for Masters of Albion.

As development progresses, the team is looking to gather direct player feedback to help refine and improve the experience ahead of release.

Players interested in participating can join the official Discord to learn more about how to get involved.

Registration will be open for a limited 48-hour window, closing at 6pm GMT on Wednesday 25 March.

Players can wishlist the game on Steam now. Keep up to date on the latest news via X, Instagram, Facebook, Reddit, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

Discord Link: https://discord.gg/ncwBx6KkeT

Steam Page Link: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3165650/Masters_of_Albion/

Yakuza Powered by Nihon Touitsu Live-Action Drama on SEGA YouTube

4 days ago
Jerry Paxton
News, Geek News, Movie News

Today, SEGA announced that all three episodes of the live-action drama Yakuza Powered by Nihon Touitsu is now available on the official SEGA YouTube channel. The series is a special collaboration between Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and the creators of the hit Japanese video series Nihon Touitsu, which depicts Japan’s yakuza society.

Yakuza Powered by Nihon Touitsu

Ep. 1 https://youtu.be/mxSlVjCoXZY

Ep. 2 https://youtu.be/TUKqJKHrF20

Ep. 3 https://youtu.be/fFZDn8h_kzU

Originally released exclusively in Japan, the three-episode drama follows the events leading up to the latest release in RGG Studio’s beloved Like a Dragon & Yakuza series Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, which launched on February 12 for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S and Steam.

The main cast includes Yasufumi Motomiya (Kazuma Kiryu), Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi (Goro Majima), Kazuhiro Nakaya (Akira Nishikiyama) and Kenji Matsuda (Makoto Date).