Author - Jerry Paxton

FUN-GI Launches a New Competitive Family Game: Dodgeball Dojo

FUN-GI GAMES LLC, the indie game design and publishing studio behind House Flip, today announced the global launch of Dodgeball Dojo for iOS, Android, and PC, a bold step in the card and family game category that combines popular elements of East-meets-West pastimes of Big 2, dodgeball, martial arts, and anime. Following a successful soft launch in key test markets in Asia-Pacific, Dodgeball Dojo has now rolled out worldwide with real-time international competitions, a diverse cast of characters, and cross-media partnerships that bring together communities in gaming, merchandise, music, and manga.

The Game: a Classic Reimagined with Modern Manga

Dodgeball Dojo is a multiplayer title inspired by a card shedding game beloved by millions and known by many names: Big 2 (aka Pusoy Dos in the Philippines, 斗地主 in China, 鋤大弟 in Hong Kong, 大老二 in Taiwan, Daifugō (大富豪) in Japan, and President/Asshole in Europe and the United States. Dodgeball Dojo delivers on Big 2’s classic fast-paced gameplay with a novel twist: as players shed cards, their control strategies and speed of play energize in-game characters to perform acrobatic moves in a futuristic dodgeball setting. The objective of Big 2 still holds true: the first player to shed all of their cards wins the round and grants advantages that are loyal to the card game’s roots while pushing strategic play to new levels with innovative martial arts abilities and elemental powers.

As card play crescendos, in-game characters come to life with a variety of Athlete Abilities and Pet Powers matching the intensity of competition. Players collect Athletes and Spirit Pets, each with unique animations, capabilities, stats, and cultural stories. Characters are rendered in stylized anime that blend nostalgic American comic strips with modern Japanese manga. Each Athlete showcases martial arts styles that are true to their cultural origins, including Kung-Fu, Boxing, Capoeira, Krav Maga, and many more. Spirit Pets represent animals and their associated elemental lore like the Red Fox, Hippo, Stork, Snow Monkey, and others indigenous to real countries.

“Our designs draw from familiarity. Millions around the world grew up playing some form of dodgeball and some variant of Big 2, and we’re animating those moves with something everyone loves: martial arts” said Alfred Fung, the CEO at FUN-GI. “We envision Dodgeball Dojo as a franchise uniting players globally in Big 2-inspired competitions by tapping into nostalgia while teaching the family pastime to the next generation with the spectacle of beautiful manga and anime.”

Following a year of testing in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Macau, Australia, and New Zealand, and with additional releases in the Philippines, Türkiye, Indonesia, and Japan; FUN-GI gathered extensive player feedback to improve gameplay, balance core mechanics, and refine the overall experience. The global launch of Dodgeball Dojo builds on those insights and introduces brand-new world map exploration and an intuitive martial arts belt class progression system.\

Game Highlights:

  • Game of Nostalgia: a fun simple strategy card game inspired by the internationally beloved pastime of Big 2, known by a variety of names worldwide: 斗地主/大老二 in China/Taiwan, 锄大弟 in Hong Kong, Pusoy Dos in Philippines, Daifugō/大富豪 in Japan, President/Assohole in Europe and the United States, or Thirteen in Southeast Asia.
  • 1v2 Multiplayer: Real-time competition fostering community and connection.
  • Athlete Abilities: Each Athlete can unleash unique martial arts skills and form powerful card combos.
  • Pet Powers: Spirit Pets infuse Athletes with unique elemental powers that create party advantages, adding a strategic layer to the game.
  • Martial Arts: Sophisticated 3D animations showcasing martial arts styles from around the globe.
  • Unique Art: A stylized blend of modern Japanese manga and classic American comics.
  • Game Mode: Flexible gameplay options, including Quick Games (for casual play), Ranked Matches (for competitive play), and Private Parties (for friends and family).
  • Live Operations: Competitive events along with international character releases that represent local cultures and spiritual lore.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre Launches New Bundle

Following the Gun Interactive Summer of Screams sale on Steam, the team has created a new bundle for horror fans who have yet to step a foot into Muerto County,.

The Gun team has created a new bundle that pairs the base game with the Content Pass – including Wyatt (Victim), Bones (Family), the Summer Time Outfit Pack, 2003 Leatherface, Denim Outfit Pack, Sunday Best Outfit Pack, and Execution Pack 4 – right in time for Halloween. New players can easily dive into this award-winning asymmetrical horror experience with ease and with style, priced at $29.99.

As a developer comprised of huge horror heads, Gun Interactive created The Texas Chain Saw Massacre as a way for other fans to experience their own cut of the film with each match played. With an abiding love for both the franchise and the genre, the team was able to introduce horror royalty into The Texas Chain Saw Massacre with Skeet Ulrich and Bill Moseley as Wyatt and Bones.

Cid Silva, Community Developer at Gun Interactive, shared the following:

“We are always seeing an influx of new players, especially during Halloween season. The team regularly engages with the community through our official Discord server and we are happy to help out new players as much as possible! Come say hi to us as we continue to celebrate The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.”

This bundle retails for $29.99 USD.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is available on Playstation®4, Playstation®5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC via Steam and the Microsoft Store. For more news and community discussion, be sure to check out game’s official subreddit, r/TXChainSawGame, or join the conversation on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

TCL Enters US Gaming Monitor Market with Premium QD-Mini LED Tech and Partnership with Call of Duty

TCL®, one of the world’s best-selling and leading consumer electronics companies, today announced it is entering the gaming monitor business in the U.S. for the first time and returns as the Official TV, Sound Bar and now Gaming Monitor partner of Call of Duty®, one of the best-selling video game franchises, as the Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Beta rolls out. The growing partnership confirms TCL’s commitment to gamers, with innovative new QD Mini-LED TVs and gaming monitors, and premium sound bars. In addition, TCL debuted its new gaming monitors at Call of Duty: NEXT, a live streaming community showcase event that previewed what’s ahead for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Multiplayer, Zombies and Call of Duty: WarzoneTM. Offering early access to the game’s Multiplayer and Zombies Survival experiences, the Black Ops 7 Beta runs from October 2-8. The Early Access period begins October 2 for players who pre-ordered Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. The Open Beta kicks off October 5 and will be free to play on all available platforms.

TCL, a major force in global gaming monitors and already a top choice of gaming TVs, brings Call of Duty to life by letting players enjoy virtually every detail with incredible brightness and amazing visuals. Continuing its dedication to delivering immersive picture and sound, TCL’s QD-Mini LED monitors offer enhanced depth and realism in a cost-effective alternative to OLED for premium gaming. Benefits like high refresh rate, VRR with adaptive sync, high resolution, strong black levels, and fine shadow detail, allow for more clarity in dark scenes.

“TCL has always designed TVs with gamers in mind, incorporating innovative technologies to enable enhanced game play. We are now combining that expertise with our advanced QD-Mini LED display technology, to create premium gaming monitors. By offering high speed, high brightness, amazing contrast, and most importantly fine shadow detail, these new gaming monitors provide a true TCL Gamer’s Advantage.” said Scott Ramirez, Vice President of Product Marketing and Development, TCL Home Theater. “It’s an honor to have such a long history with Call of Duty and now see the partnership evolve to reflect TCL’s superior innovations in premium gaming monitors.”

TCL was an official partner of the Call of Duty: NEXT event held in Las Vegas, NV earlier this week. Top content creators were the first to play Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 ahead of the Beta, as well as demo the TCL gaming monitors. Within the TCL “Power Hour” segment, fans who watched from home had a chance to score TCL’s new gaming monitors to upgrade their arsenal.

TCL G64 Series Gaming Monitors

Offering a gaming solution for virtually every player, TCL’s new G64 Series QD-Mini LED Gaming Monitors delivers stunning image quality for the truly immersive sessions that serious gamers seek. TCL’s advanced backlight system creates next level picture accuracy for stunning images, while sharp QHD resolution is perfect for both gaming and streaming. With LD180 precise local dimming and HDR600 peak brightness, these premium gaming monitors have deeper contrast and higher brightness, for dynamic images with fine detail, even with dark content or a bright room.

For motion, which is critical for gamers, the 180Hz native refresh rate yields fluid motion and razor-sharp clarity in fast-paced action with 1ms (GTG) lightning-fast responsiveness and AMD FreeSync

for smooth, stutter-free gameplay with no tearing. And a built-in Crosshair Aim Guide gives players four options to provide enhanced targeting precision during the game.

Additionally, these monitors include high-speed inputs for all your devices, an adjustable stand and TÜV Low Blue Light Certification Designed to protect your eyes—creating less eye strain for more comfort during long sessions.

TCL R84 Series Gaming Monitors

For gamers looking for further enhanced performance, the TCL R84 Series builds on the G64 features with LD1100 precise dimming and stunning HDR1400 brightness. On-board USB-C power delivery provides charging and video all with one cable, coupled with built-in 6-watt speakers. The 32” monitor offers 4K UHD Resolution with 165Hz native panel refresh rate, while the 34” version houses a curved WQHD screen with 180Hz. A high-tech two-tone cosmetic design with five multi-color LED ambient lights compliments any gaming set-up.

TCL R94 Series Gaming Monitors

Continuing to push the boundaries in gaming, the TCL R94 Series takes the QD-Mini LED Gaming Monitor lineup to the next level with LD2300 Precise Dimming, built-in gaming headphone hanger as well as built-in KVM functionality to easily manage multiple sources with Picture-in-Picture.

“It’s been exciting to watch the Call of Duty and TCL partnership expand, now adding TCL’s gaming monitors to the mix ahead of the launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7,” said Cody Neal, Director of Alliance & Partnerships, Activision. “Black Ops 7 immerses players in the world of Black Ops across all modes, and we can’t wait for fans to experience the game for themselves with the TCL lineup.”

The new TCL 32” G64 model is available now for $649 MSRP, while the 27” G64 Series, 32” and 34” R84 Series, as well as the 27” R94 Series will be coming soon.

About TCL

TCL Electronics specializes in the research, development and manufacturing of consumer electronics including TVs, mobile phones, audio devices, smart home products and appliances. Combining thoughtful design and innovative technology to inspire greatness, our lineup delivers must-have features and meaningful experiences. As one of the world’s largest consumer electronics brands, our vertically integrated supply chain, and state-of-the-art display panel factory help TCL deliver innovation for all.

For additional product information, please visit www.tcl.com for the full portfolio.

One Week Left for Dungeons Deep Kickstarter Campaign

Independent game developer Enraged Gamers is thrilled to announce Dungeons Deep, an innovative dark fantasy action RPG that does things a little differently. Taking a departure from popular Soulslike mechanics like lock-on camera and combat, Dungeons Deep favors a visceral over-the-shoulder view and weapons with precise hitboxes offering methodically-paced combat and abilities, randomized dungeon designs, hordes of different enemy types, bosses, and more. All said, Dungeons Deep imagines what dungeon crawlers like Diablo would play like in three dimensions. A demo is currently available experience this innovative spin on the genre first-hand. Dungeons Deep is also currently on Kickstarter, looking to raise $15,000 to complete development with key features, with several stretch goals planned such as console releases, an expanded campaign, co-operative mode, and additional player classes and customization.

“Some of our levels feature a river sequences where you’re battling enemies on a moving raft. An idea inspired by classic games like Die by the Sword. It’s one of those moments where the environment itself becomes part of the challenge.”

The game is available at the $25 USD pledge level, with additional reward options including alpha access, campaign-exclusive armor skins, and helping design the games weapons, armor, dragons, and dungeons. Dungeons Deep’s Kickstarter campaign will run through October 10, 2025:

Dungeons Deep on Kickstarter

“Dungeons Deep draws its most inspiration from Diablo II, in its grim setting, ARPG mechanics, and spatial inventory system,” notes Enraged Gamers. “We were also inspired by the dismemberment and combat in Severance: Blade of Darkness. Dungeons Deep stands out by combining an immersive over-the-shoulder perspective with skill-driven combat where every swing, dodge, and spell truly matters. Interestingly, during early development, the enemy AI glitched where instead of attacking normally, it started circling the player in this eerie, unpredictable way. It was actually creepier than what we had planned, so we recreated the behavior so that certain enemies will stalk and flank the player… we hope players notice these details!”

Learn more: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2636460/Dungeons_Deep/

Key Features

  • CHOOSE a thrilling single-player mode or co-operative experience planned for up to four plays (co-op dependent upon Kickstarter funding).
  • EXPLORE dozens of intricately-crafted locations that are procedurally re-arranged so every play through is different.
  • DOMINATE the dungeon’s many perils, from deadly traps to colossal dragons, foes so fierce they will overwhelm the unprepared.
  • ATTACK using skill based aiming and full gamepad support.
  • CUSTOMIZE your appearance and abilities to your liking, with endless combinations to gain the upper hand over the hordes of evil.
  • REJOICE in bloody spectacle of hacking and slashing with a robust dismemberment system.

The 9th Charnel Story Trailer

Brace yourselves for a deeper look into the darkness as SOEDESCO® and SAIKAT DEB CREATIONS reveal a brand-new trailer for The 9th Charnel, the upcoming psychological horror game set to terrorize PC, PlayStation®5, and Xbox Series X|S soon. The trailer dives into the twisted narrative, ominous environments, and the cast of characters who must confront the horrors that await.

The 9th Charnel delivers an immersive, atmospheric horror adventure that follows Michael and his team of genetic scientists after they become stranded in a remote valley during a field expedition. As Michael searches for his missing colleagues, he is drawn into a terrifying web of fanatical cults, forgotten rituals, and malevolent forces. Along his journey, players will uncover the intertwined stories of several compelling characters, each burdened by their own secrets, fears, and motivations.

For those brave enough, a free demo of The 9th Charnel is available now on Steam, offering a first taste of the thrilling psychological horror experience.

SOEDESCO® and SAIKAT DEB CREATIONS will be sharing more details about the gameplay and release date of The 9th Charnel in the coming weeks.

THQ Nordic Reveals Steam Next Fest Line-Up

THQ Nordic is thrilled to announce its Steam Next Fest line-up, offering players around the world the chance to experience three highly-anticipated titles through exclusive demos. Tides of Tomorrow will be available starting TODAY at 10 am pac as part of the Steam Next Fest Press Preview. REANIMAL and SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tides! will all be available starting Monday, October 13.

Play the Tides of Tomorrow demo NOW: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2678080/Tides_of_Tomorrow/

Tides of Tomorrow
From the creators of Road 96 comes a completely asynchronous multiplayer adventure! In this 40-minute demo, players step into the role of a Tidewalker and shape the fate of a living, ever-changing world! Explore Marketland, a vibrant yet unstable island whose environment and inhabitants are shaped by the decisions of the player you choose to follow, whether a friend, one of your favorite streamers, or a stranger.

Your mission: steal a stock of medicine from Obin, a feared Marauder, while navigating challenges that shift based on prior players’ actions. From stealth and tense dialogue to high-stakes chases and persuasion, every run offers a unique experience. Replay the demo to discover new perspectives and outcomes, or play offline using premade profiles from members of the DigixArt developer team.

Don’t miss your chance to play early!

REANIMAL
In this exclusive, co-op demo, players start at the very beginning, including the reunion of orphaned siblings trying to survive the most dire circumstances. The Boy and The Girl, our protagonists then begin their desperate search for their missing friends together. Explore eerie environments such as the Mill and Trainyard, uncover the first fragments of the dark mystery that binds this unsettling world.

But danger lurks in the fog: as you search for Hood, you’ll come face-to-face with the grotesque captor known only as Sniffer. From Tarsier Studios, the creators of Little Nightmares™ I and II, the demo offers a taste of the impossible terrors to come.

SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide
Join SpongeBob and Patrick for a first look at the mayhem caused by the Flying Dutchman and King Neptune in a brand-new playable demo. Get ready for chaotic fun in Bikini Bottom as the beloved duo faces ghosts, magic, and more!

When the Flying Dutchman and King Neptune’s egos collide, the result is pure undersea chaos: spectral mayhem spreads across Bikini Bottom, and only SpongeBob and Patrick can (sort of) set things right. Players will explore iconic locations, face epic bosses, and, most importantly, have F.U.N!

And mark your calendars: SpongeBob will also make waves at IGN Fan Fest on October 15, 2025 – for one day only!

Critical Role Campaign 4 Begins Tonight!

The wait is over. Critical Role premieres its highly anticipated Campaign 4 tonight, ushering in a bold new era for the global storytelling phenomenon. For the first time, celebrated creator Brennan Lee Mulligan takes the seat as Game Master for the flagship series, guiding a rotating cast of 13 players through Aramán, a world outside Exandria that’s brimming with danger, wonder, and intrigue.

At the center of this tale is Thjazi Fang, a hero to some and enemy to others, whose looming execution pulls together disparate figures from across his life. As their stories collide, the campaign weaves high-stakes drama, clandestine scheming, and epic fantasy into a saga that asks: Without the gods, what great deeds now fall to us?

For the first time, Critical Role adopts a West Marches-style format in Campaign 4, with three rotating tables (Soldiers, Seekers, and Schemers) offering audiences multiple vantage points as the story unfolds. Drawing on the updated 2024 Dungeons & Dragons rules, alongside homebrew elements from famed game designers Jeremy Crawford and Chris Perkins, this campaign sets the stage for epic stories of survival, rebellion, and destiny.

WHEN: Thursday, October 2, 2025, 7:00 PM PT

WHEN & WHERE TO WATCH:

  • Campaign 4 premiere airs Thursday, October 2nd at 7pm Pacific on YouTube & Twitch (@CriticalRole)
    • For Beacon Members: VOD and Podcast out Thursday, October 2nd at 7pm Pacific
    • Beacon members will also get exclusive access to all episodes of Critical Role Cooldown for Campaign 4, where the cameras keep rolling and you get a front row seat to the cast’s post-show reactions.
  • Rebroadcasts Friday, October 3rd at 9am Pacific on Twitch
  • VOD out Monday, October 6th at 12pm Pacific on YouTube
  • Podcast released in two parts
    • Part 1 Podcast out Thursday, October 9th at 5am Pacific
    • Part 2 Podcast out Tuesday, October 14th at 5am Pacific

TRON : Ares Takes Over Piccadilly Lights, First Ever Rooftop Red Carpet Event Above Iconic London Landmark

In a never-before-seen stunt, “TRON: Ares” director Joachim Rønning and cast members Jared Leto (also producer), Greta Lee, Jodie Turner-Smith, Evan Peters and Gillian Anderson reunited in the U.K. for the first-ever rooftop red carpet event above the iconic Piccadilly Lights. Standing atop the London landmark, Jared Leto unveiled exclusive 3D “TRON: Ares” footage live on the giant screens as elated crowds gathered below to watch. Leto was joined on the rooftop by the director and cast for a show-stopping photo call, creating a truly historic moment as the space was transformed into the electrifying world of “TRON: Ares.”

Cast and filmmakers previously completed global publicity appearances in Seoul, South Korea, New York, Paris, Málaga, Spain, Milan and Berlin.

“TRON: Ares” follows a highly sophisticated Program, Ares, who is sent from the digital world into the real world on a dangerous mission, marking humankind’s first encounter with A.I. beings. The feature film is directed by Joachim Rønning and stars Jared Leto, Greta Lee, Evan Peters, Jodie Turner-Smith, Hasan Minhaj, Arturo Castro and Cameron Monaghan, with Gillian Anderson and Jeff Bridges.

Sean Bailey, Jared Leto, p.g.a., Emma Ludbrook, p.g.a., Jeffrey Silver, Justin Springer, p.g.a., and Steven Lisberger are the producers, with Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross, Russell Allen, and Joseph Kosinski serving as executive producers. The screenplay is by Jesse Wigutow, with story by David DiGilio and Wigutow, based on characters created by Steven Lisberger and Bonnie MacBird.

Disney’s “TRON: Ares” releases in U.S. theaters on October 10, 2025.

SquarePants: Titans of the Tide Reveal Trailer

New content reveal ahoy! The content reveal trailer for SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide is live, showcasing a frosty twist on the well known Jellyfish Fields, iconic costumes, and a not-so-happy Sandy!

Alongside SpongeBob and Patrick, players must first make their way through the snow-covered Jellyfish Fields before braving the climb to Mount Bikini. But the icy conditions come with a surprise: the cold transforms Sandy into her chilling alter ego, Hibernation Sandy! And she is definitely not happy about someone disturbing her sleep… .

Players can also experience a brand-new mechanic: jellyfishing on the Ghost Board surfboard, adding a fresh layer of fun and challenge to the adventure.

To top it off, the trailer teases a selection of iconic costumes coming in the Season Pass, giving fans an early glimpse of the customization options waiting for them.

Dark Atlas: Infernum Release Date Trailer

The nightmare draws closer. Dark Atlas: Infernum, the psychological survival horror title from Night Council Studio and publisher SelectaPlay, has officially revealed its release date during the Horror Game Awards Showcase. The game will launch on November 14th, introducing players to a twisted world of terror and fractured reality. Alongside the announcement, a free playable demo is now available on Steam as part of Steam Next Fest as well as on PS5, giving players an early taste of the horrors that await.

In Dark Atlas, you step into the role of Natalia Asensio, Grand Master of a secret esoteric order. As the world crumbles and interdimensional horrors seep into reality, Natalia awakens in a dark, dust-filled basement drugged, disoriented, and plagued by disembodied voices whispering cryptic orders. She must confront a terrifying blend of physical and psychological threats, where every step could lead to salvation… or madness.

Every corner of Dark Atlas: Infernum is designed to unsettle. From spine-chilling soundscapes to meticulously detailed environments, the game immerses players in a bleak, oppressive atmosphere where the only escape may be through the dark corners of the mind.