Author - Jerry Paxton

Iconic Underwater Adventurer Ecco the Dolphin Returns

A&R Atelier announced today that Ecco the Dolphin is officially in development. Originally released in 1992, Ecco the Dolphin garnered critical and commercial acclaim at launch.

“It has been years in the making and we’re honored to bring Ecco back,” said Ed Annunziata, Chief Creative Officer of A&R Atelier. “Ecco has always been more than a game about a dolphin—he’s a bridge between worlds.”

While specific details are still under wraps, A&R Atelier is pleased to share that, in fact, several new Ecco the Dolphin products and games are currently in development. Information regarding these upcoming projects and partnerships will be announced at EccoTheDolphin.com as developments unfold.

Additionally, A&R Atelier has launched the official Ecco the Dolphin Discord server, where fans and newcomers can connect with developers and join the community hub for all things Ecco. The community will receive exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes content, and early looks at what’s to come.

To join the community and receive the latest news and updates about Ecco the Dolphin, please visit EccoTheDolphin.com.

Ghost Keeper Early Access in January 28th

Time to be scared! We are happy to announce that Ghost Keeper will be launching on Steam in Early Access on January 28th.

After releasing the demo of the game for Halloween 2025 to generally positive reviews (84% Steam Review Score), it was time to push the development of the game further and provide a bigger and more polished experience to players.

The Early Access version of the game will launch with 7 characters to control, 6 unique locations and a sandbox mode of gameplay. The game will launch with a 12.99 USD price tag.

About the game

In Ghost Keeper you control ghastly and monstrous minions to frighten and remove humans from what rightfully belongs to its demonic citizens. Visit distinct Victorian locations and use your tactical prowess to terrorize the people living there. Each minion that you control has a set of unique abilities that needs to be mindfully deployed to leverage success, but beware, not all humans are so defenseless – the Brotherhood of Light may be summoned to deal with your shenanigans.

Ghost Keeper mixes strategy and puzzle game elements with a reverse light-horror setting and a good dose of grotesque humor.

Game Features:

  • Take control of ghosts, demons, and monsters, use their unique abilities to defeat your enemies.
  • Fight the malicious Brotherhood, show the world who is the ultimate Keeper of fearful creatures.
  • Exploit varied strategies, there is never a single path to victory – the way you lead is entirely up to you.
  • Marvel at the Victorian era setting, locations, style and atmosphere that’ll captivate you on each subsequent level.
  • It is an ultimate scaring experience! Remember that only through fear, can you claim true power!

GAMEMAX Unveils NEX C53 Panoramic Chassis

GAMEMAX, a rising innovator in PC gaming hardware, today announced the launch of the NEX C53 Panoramic Chassis, a compact yet highly capable PC case designed to showcase modern components without sacrificing airflow or compatibility. Built around a panoramic view layout, the NEX C53 delivers a clean, immersive visual presentation while maintaining efficient internal space utilization.

Engineered for enthusiasts and gamers seeking high-performance hardware support in a streamlined form factor, the GAMEMAX NEX C53 accommodates large graphics cards of up to 410mm in length, advanced cooling configurations, and modern connectivity. Its redesigned internal structure breaks away from traditional layouts, allowing GAMEMAX to deliver premium aesthetics, enhanced airflow customization, and improved space efficiency within a compact chassis footprint.

Key Features

Aesthetic Panoramic Layout

Aesthetically optimized internal design maximizes component visibility and airflow efficiency, delivering a true panoramic visuals with clean and minimal internal components.

Hidden Connector Motherboard Support

The NEX C53 is designed to support next-generation hidden connector motherboards, including platforms such as ASUS BTF, MSI Project Zero, and GIGABYTE Stealth. By relocating power and data connectors to the rear of the motherboard, the chassis enables cleaner cable management, an unobstructed interior view, and improved airflow – perfectly complementing showcase builds that prioritize both aesthetics and performance.

High-Performance Hardware Compatibility in a Compact Size

Supports air coolers up to 175 mm, graphics cards up to 410 mm, 360 mm top-mounted radiators, up to seven 120 mm or five 140 mm fans, and ATX power supplies up to 160 mm.

Flexible Cooling with Multi-Angle Fan Bracket

The adjustable fan bracket allows users to fine-tune airflow direction for improved cooling performance and build customization.

Premium Dual-Layer Top Panel Design

A refined dual-layer top panel replaces conventional exposed dust filters, offering a cleaner and more cohesive premium appearance.

Four Pre-Installed ARGB Fans

Includes three 120 mm reverse-blade ARGB fans at the bottom and one 120 mm ARGB fan at the rear, featuring a ring blade design for consistent lighting and optimized airflow.

Built-In GPU Support Bracket

An integrated GPU support bracket helps prevent GPU sag and protects the motherboard PCIe slot for long-term system stability.

Front-Mounted PSU for Enhanced Space Efficiency

A redesigned front-mounted PSU layout enables full support for large radiators and long GPUs while eliminating unused internal corners for a cleaner display.

High-Speed Front I/O Connectivity

Equipped with one USB Type-C Gen 2×2 port and two USB 3.0 ports to support fast data transfer and modern peripherals.

By combining thoughtful engineering with premium design elements, the GAMEMAX NEX C53 positions itself as an ideal solution for builders who value both performance and visual impact — making it well-suited for high-end gaming systems and showcase builds alike.

Warranty, Availability, and Pricing

The GAMEMAX NEX C53 will be available in black and white variants, with US pricing set at $64.99 for the Black version and $69.99 for the White version. The NEX C53 is backed with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty.

To learn more about the NEX C53 ATX gaming chassis, visit https://gamemaxpc.com/Infinity/6679.html

Freefall ’95 Trailer

Indie developer S-Bend Games is excited to announce their debut game, Freefall ‘95, a ‘90s-inspired, fast-falling, adrenaline-inducing experience filled with radical combo-creating action. A demo of the game will be making its crash landing onto Steam January 29th. Play as a sole survivor of a mid-air disaster, plummeting towards Earth through a variety of levels; from clear, blue skies to stormy mountains, erupting volcanoes, and more.

A Doomed Flight

Combine sick tricks, attempt deadly stunts, and collect items to build up huge brain-tickling scores. Dodge various airborne hazards such as broken aircraft parts and flaming debris, as each hit you take will deal damage and risk ending your run prematurely. Eventually, you’ll inevitably meet your doomed fate, only for you to wake back up on the plane, stuck in a twisted time loop, and do it all again. Inspired by classic arcade extreme sports games of the ‘90s, Freefall ‘95 takes the player back to simpler times with its nostalgic art style and soundtrack.

Perform Radical Tricks for Massive Combos

Well, don’t just sit there, do something! Throughout your free fall, make use of the items nearest to you by grabbing broken parts, passenger belongings, or even…snakes? Then, fall with style while performing tricks like backflips, somersaults, and even the Worm. Picking up items while performing tricks seriously amplifies your score, so try your best to chain as many combos as you can before eating the ground face-first! Bullet hell fans will find a special treat waiting for them, as with each new level, new environmental-based objects and obstacles are introduced. Ice blasts, lightning, and even flaming projectiles; each zone presents a checklist of challenges you must complete to advance. Aim for clean, smooth runs as you compete for high scores on the leaderboard against your friends on every level!

Meet Your Fellow Passengers

While in the peaceful confines of the pre-devastated plane, interact with your fellow passengers and take on quests to discover what might be causing this aviation nightmare. Spend your hard-earned coins from previous runs on useful items and upgrades that’ll make future falls more enjoyable. Try out each ability item, experiencing levels in wild new ways, and find items during your falls to share with other passengers for their insights. As you unlock new levels, uncover more of the narrative, slowly piecing together what’s really going on. If you’re lucky enough, you might just unravel the mystery and save yourself from a doomed flight… but do you really want to?

Mind-Bending Gadgets and Abilities

As you progress through the levels, you’ll collect unique items and gadgets that change how you play. Draw items to you with the Electromagnet, or use the Repulsor to clear your course of obstacles; all in the name of preserving your epic combos. Don’t stop there, though; combine the two to create an orbit of collectibles and hazards all around you. Teleports, Turbo Gloves, and more mind-bending gadgets await you in Freefall ‘95!

Styx: Blades of Greed Demo Out Now

NACON and Cyanide Studio are thrilled to offer players a free demo of Styx: Blades of Greed. This third installment in the series marks the triumphant return of the goblin master in a third-person solo stealth experience. With this demo, available on Steam for a limited time, players can explore the first hour of the game ahead of its release on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam, Epic Games Store) on February 19, 2026. Demo save data will be transferable to the full version.

Check out the Styx in 60s Pre-Order Trailer:

The Styx: Blades of Greed demo begins as Styx is attacked by a massive golem. Players get to familiarize themselves with the master of shadows by controlling him before embarking on a perilous quest within The Wall, one of the game’s environments. Their mission? Locate Captain Irving, the only dwarf capable of piloting a zeppelin in the area. Players can also use Styx’s various tools and powers against the Inquisition, which is monitoring the rogue captain. In The Wall, as in all areas of the game, there is never just one way to stealth through: players can devise their own solutions to the stealth puzzles by sneaking, trapping, and assassinating enemies without leaving a trace.

This demo gives players the chance to get to know Styx and preview the full experience. All of his abilities and tools will be available in the final game.

Styx: Blades of Greed is now available for pre-order on consoles and PC:

  • Standard Edition + Pre-order Bonus: includes the base game and the Master of Shadows Skin (from the first installment), available for €49.99 | $49.99 | £44.99 on consoles and €39.99 | $39.99 | £34.99 on PC (Steam, Epic Games Store).
  • Quartz Edition: includes the base game, 48h Early Unlock, skin packs for Styx and his weapons, a Starter Pack with talent points and crafting resources, and 5 taunts to lure enemies. The Master of Shadows Skin pre-order bonus is also included. Available for €59.99 | $59.99 | £54.99 on consoles and €49.99 | $49.99 | £44.99 on PC (Steam, Epic Games Store).
  • Styx: Master of Stealth Collection: this bundle brings together Styx: Master of Shadows, Styx: Shards of Darkness, and Styx: Blades of Greed in its Quartz Edition. Available for €69.99 | $69.99 | £64.99 on consoles, and also available on PC (Steam).

The Division 2 – Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora Event on Now

Celebrate the Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora – From the Ashes expansion through a special crossover event in The Division 2.

Two “Massive” worlds come together in a special crossover event bringing Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora into the Division 2. The entire set of collaboration rewards is free and can be earned through the themed Project Chain running from January 13 to January 27.

AVATAR: FRONTIERS OF PANDORA EVENT

This special event drops a 7-day Project Chain open to any agent who can access the project system. Each stage leads you to Named enemies throughout the city, turning your daily run into a hunt that becomes more rewarding with each victory.

Completing the entire chain grants all four pieces of the RDA SecOps Uniform along with eye catching Specialization weapon skins inspired by the Ash Clan. Sharpshooter, Gunner, and Firewall each get their own themed skin, letting you bring a touch of Pandora straight into your loadout. Along the way, you will also collect Named Caches and Exotic Components.

A new project unlocks each day, and all seven need to be finished before January 27. Log in, clear your targets, and claim the crossover gear before it disappears!

Viva La Dirt League in Daggerheart: Azerim Out Now On Beacon

Viva La Dirt League (VLDL), in partnership with Critical Role, officially launches Daggerheart: Azerim, a new long-form Daggerheart actual-play series that brings VLDL’s beloved table to Critters across the globe. The series debuts first on Beacon, giving members early access to new episodes before they release on VivaPlus and, later, VLDL’s RPG YouTube channel.

The series follows the group’s famed “Baradun and the Dickheads” adventuring party in what begins as a light run through the “Beast Feast” Daggerheart campaign frame, and quickly turns into something much darker…

When Bodger’s legendary Grandfather’s Hammer mysteriously disappears, the Dickheads assume they’re chasing a simple thief. Instead, they uncover a spreading Void horror that threatens the very foundations of Azerim, blending VLDL’s signature comedy with escalating stakes and cosmic horror.

Featuring Robert Hartley as the Game Master, Adam King as High Sorcerer Baradun, Alan Morrison as Greg the Garlic Farmer, Rowan Bettjeman as Bodger Blodger, and Ben Van Lier as Bartholomew Osiris Bladesong / BOB.

Meet Insta360 Link 2 Pro & Link 2C Pro: AI 4K Webcams for Pro-Grade Video and Audio

Insta360, a global leader in innovative imaging technology, today announced the launch of Insta360 Link 2 Pro and Insta360 Link 2C Pro, two next-generation AI 4K webcams designed to close the gap between traditional webcams and professional camera-and-microphone setups.

Insta360 Link 2 Pro has been recognized with a 2026 CES Picks Award in the TWICE category, highlighting its innovation in the webcam market. This award honors products that stand out for their technological advancements, reinforcing the Link 2 Pro as a leading choice for professionals, educators, and creators.

Engineered for professionals, educators, and streamers, Link 2 Pro and Link 2C Pro deliver studio-level image quality, clear directional audio, and intelligent workflow controls in a compact, desktop-ready design.

Both models feature a larger 1/1.3-inch sensor with dual native ISO for improved low-light performance and more natural exposure across changing lighting conditions, paired with advanced HDR for greater detail and balance. Audio performance is driven by an all-new directional pickup system using beamforming and AI noise canceling, helping voices stay clear and focused even in challenging environments.

The result is a webcam experience that looks and sounds remarkably close to a professional camera and microphone setup, without the complexity typically required.

“With remote and hybrid work here to stay, and streaming at an all-time high, quality defines credibility. Our latest webcams offer creators and professionals a major step forward in clarity, audio precision, and control, all without complicating the workflow,” said Max Richter, VP of Marketing and Co-Founder at Insta360. “We wanted to build a webcam that feels effortless but performs at a level serious users can trust every day.”

Pro-Grade Imaging in Any Environment
At the core of the new Pro is the largest sensor in its class, 1/1.3”, significantly larger than typical sensors in its category. With Dual Native ISO, next-gen HDR, and major gains in low-light performance, the two new webcams deliver cleaner, brighter, and more detailed video across all lighting conditions.

Both models support up to 4K30fps resolution with crisp detail and vibrant color reproduction. The upgraded True Focus system uses faster Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF) to lock onto subjects instantly and maintain tack-sharp clarity during movement or demonstrations.

For creators and presenters who want a more cinematic look, Natural Bokeh replicates the shallow depth of field typically achieved with DSLR cameras, producing a soft, realistic background blur that keeps the focus on you.

Two Unique Models
To meet the varied needs of educators, business users, and streamers, the Link 2 Pro launches with two distinct designs:

Insta360 Link 2 Pro
A premium 2-axis gimbal design offering smooth, natural AI Tracking with single- or group-mode framing. Ideal for teachers, presenters, fitness coaches, and creators who move frequently during recording or live sessions.

Insta360 Link 2C Pro
A compact, static design optimized for conference calls, streaming, and fixed-position setups. It delivers the same 4K image quality and AI enhancements, now with upgraded Auto Framing and advanced audio tools.

Both models include an improved Magnetic Mount for fast, flexible placement on monitors or metal surfaces.

PAYDAY 3: Shopping Spree Heist Gameplay Trailer

The PAYDAY gang is back in action with Shopping Spree, a brand-new DLC heist coming to PAYDAY 3. Set in the floundering Nobleman Galleria shopping mall, where Pietro Palatucci traffics illegal goods behind a glossy retail front, this job lets players strike at the heart of the mob’s business empire and hit them where it hurts most. Get your copy here!

The gang’s war with the Palatucci crime family is reaching a breaking point. Pietro Palatucci has been the driving force behind the grudge against the Payday Gang, and the mall provides the funding to keep the conflict going. If the Nobleman Galleria operation collapses, the family can no longer afford to bankroll this feud.

According to Shade’s intel, the mall is more than failing retail. It is a hub where illegal goods are moved, laundered and sold under the cover of normal foot traffic.

The mission is simple: turn the Nobleman Galleria into a disaster zone for the Palatuccis, store by store, and walk out with everything that is not nailed down.

Plan, Adapt, Replay
Shopping Spree is built around replayability and player choice. The heist takes place across the winding corridors and storefronts of the Nobleman Galleria, randomizing between three main points of interest each time you play. Every location comes with its own objectives, security setups and obstacles, changing how the job unfolds from one run to the next.

Dynamic favors let crews twist the heist even further. Use them to tilt the odds in your favor or to add extra risk in exchange for bigger rewards.

Whether you are sneaking through back rooms and service corridors or turning the mall into a full-blown warzone, Shopping Spree is designed to let you decide how hard you hit the Palatuccis. The mob is having a fire sale. Everything must go.

Teddy Moo is also in the crosshairs. The in-world brand is woven throughout the Nobleman Galleria, from storefronts to set-pieces, tying the heist directly into the wider PAYDAY universe and the ongoing struggle between the Payday Gang and the Palatucci family.

PAYDAY 3 Shopping Spree Heist Overview

  • Paid DLC – Shopping Spree
  • Shopping Spree features randomized main objectives, dynamic favors and a multi-store layout built for repeat play.
  • Quality-of-life improvements
  • Additional quality-of-life improvements and broader bug fixes launch alongside Shopping Spree as part of a free update for all PAYDAY 3 players.

Read the full patch notes here.

Since launch, PAYDAY 3 has grown to include 19 total heists, all set across the gritty landscape of New York City. This includes 9 core heists, 4 side hustles, and 4 heists from The Bad Apple DLC campaign — with Shopping Spree further expanding the criminal playground.

For more information about PAYDAY 3, please visit: www.paydaythegame.com

New Update Extends Battlefield 6 and REDSEC Season 1

Battlefield Studios announced today an extension of Battlefield 6 and Battlefield REDSEC first season, will include new weekly challenges, a Bonus Path, and a continuation of the Season 1 Battle Pass.

The first season will now run until the launch of Season 2 on February 17, with the Season 1 extension update being released on January 20. This extended launch has been implemented to allow extra time to further develop and refine Season 2 as a result of community feedback.

Available on January 27, the Frostfire Bonus Path gives players the chance to unlock new free and premium customization rewards, including a Weapon Package and a Soldier Skin, as well as XP Boosts, by advancing through the tiers of the Frostfire Bonus Path. Premium Tier Rewards require purchase of the Season 1 Battle Pass.

Free rewards from the Frostfire Bonus Path will include a Hardware XP Boost, a Vehicle Skin and playercard customization items, while Battle Pass owners can grab a new Weapon Package, a Career XP Boost and additional customization items.

The Frostfire Bonus Path can be completed concurrently alongside the Season 1 Battle Pass. Players do not need to choose to make progress between a Season 1 Battle Pass Path – i.e. Rogue Ops, Soldiers Of Fortune – and the Frostfire Bonus Path. Each Bonus Path Tier requires 10 Bonus Path Points to unlock, with a total of 110 Bonus Path points required to fully complete the Bonus Path. Unlike previous Bonus Paths, all Bonus Path Points for the Frostfire Bonus Path are earned through Weekly Challenges; there are no Bonus Challenges associated with this Bonus Path.

Later this update, the team will be celebrating Valentine’s Day! Another set of Daily Login Rewards will be introduced, alongside several Double XP Weekends throughout the update period.

The Season 1 extension update also includes various updates and fixes. Full information about what those updates and fixes entail can be found in the “Game Updates” section of our website here.