Author - Jerry Paxton

Cloudbreaker Release Date Trailer

Cloudbreaker, the inventory management bullet heaven developed by Ballast Games, is officially launching on September 15th on Steam! After its successful demo debut in June Steam Next Fest, the two-person team at Ballast Games has been tirelessly implementing user feedback and working toward Cloudbreaker’s launch.

In Cloudbreaker, your ship is your weapon. Your mission? To delve beneath the clouds and secure a Bloil Crystal to secure Haven’s survival against the Biotes, the lingering biotech experiments of past civilizations. Cut through hordes of Biotes, upgrade your ship through an inventory management puzzle system, and create powerful synergies as you strategically place new engine parts.

About Cloudbreaker

  • Explore & Survive – Descend through a dangerous sky-world filled with ruins, resources, and waves of enemies as you push deeper into the clouds.
  • Engine Grid System – Upgrade your ship using an inventory management puzzle system where Engine Part placement determines your power and build.
  • Build Synergies – Combine unique Engine Parts and relics to create powerful interactions that evolve your strategy every run.
  • Unlockable Airships – Expand your fleet with ships that feature distinct Engine Grid layouts and abilities, supporting varied playstyles.
  • Deep Customization – Upgrade ships and weapons through dedicated upgrade trees to tailor each run to your preferred strategy.
  • Boss Battles – Take on bosses and mini-bosses that test your build and execution.
  • Full Controller Support – Play with Keyboard + Mouse or full Controller support.

Ready to begin breaking through the clouds to save Haven? Drop a wishlist to stay up-to-date, and join the growing community on the Cloudbreaker Discord.

1666: Amsterdam Launches in Early Access on August 25

Panache Digital Games today announced that 1666: Amsterdam will launch in Early Access on August 25 for PC via Steam and Epic Games Store for $29.99 USD.

To mark the announcement, the team has also released an all-new Gameplay Feature showcasing the core gameplay systems players will master throughout their journey as Noa and Aaron.

The video offers the most in-depth look yet at the game’s investigation mechanics as players hunt the mysterious Originals across Amsterdam. It also showcases combat, the day and night cycle, Noa’s mystical abilities, Aaron’s feline gameplay, and how both characters combine their unique skills to uncover hidden truths and restore the balance of the world.

Wishlist 1666: Amsterdam now on Steam and Epic Games Store ahead of its Early Access launch.

After months of revealing the world, characters, and gameplay systems behind 1666: Amsterdam, Panache Digital Games is now ready to invite players into Early Access on August 25.

The hunt is about to begin.

Sins of a Solar Empire II: Harbinger Expansion Announcement Trailer

Today, Stardock announced the release date for the upcoming expansion for Sins of a Solar Empire II, Harbinger. The Vasari have spent generations running, and they have warned anyone who would listen about what was behind them. On September 3, 2026, their time runs out and players will finally discover the greatest threat they’ve ever faced: the Eidolon.

Fighting for planets, trade routes, culture, or wealth is not the Eidolon way. Working behind the scenes, the Eidolon spread corruption wherever they go. Their technology shroud entire worlds to fuel their advance, and they strike from the shadows with cloaked fleets, forcing every other empire to fight for survival on unfamiliar terms.

Features
The Eidolon rewrite the rules of galactic conquest with systems built around corruption, secrecy, and control:

  • Planetary Transformation: The Eidolon spread corruption across the galaxy to empower themselves and their worlds. As populations fall under the Eidolon’s influence, their planets gain corruption over time. Once a world has fully fallen, it can be shrouded, greatly expanding the upgrades that planet can support.
  • Unit Corruption: Corruption empowers Eidolon units in combat as well as weakens them. As an Eidolon ship gains corruption, its hull dwindles while its offensive power increases. Enemy forces can become infected by corruption, giving the Eidolon another advantage.
  • Null Weapons: Eidolon weapons are far more advanced than the other factions; and can negate shields and spread corruption against enemies.
  • Cloaked Ships: Subterfuge is one of the sharpest weapons of a great enemy, as on the Kalizaeth Profaner support capital ship. New cloaking and detection systems let the Eidolon appear and vanish at will, enabling hit-and-run tactics that reward patience and punish anyone caught off guard.
  • Psionic Abilities: The Eidolon possess psionic abilities that allow them to seize control of lesser beings and drive Vasari ships into madness firing on friend and foe alike.
  • Phase Echoes: Sometimes the dead don’t die. Eidolon units infused with corruption may refuse to die and carry on the onslaught.
  • Unit Animation System: A new unit animation system brings the Eidolon and other faction units to life with recoiling cannons, expanding factories, hangar bay doors and more.
  • Discover more about the Sins universe as you explore ancient technology and research new Eidolon capabilities.

Chop Chop Inc. Official Launch Trailer

In Chop Chop Inc., the world tends to turn upside down, cause even though money doesn’t grow on trees (which would be boring anyway), the same can’t be said for metal, stone, and tech equipment. The game also features quirky player-created designs, such as wooden PCs known for their premium heat-conducting properties, sleds for stranded penguins, and many more that set the Chop Chop Inc. apart from its corporate competitors. The game has already chopped its way onto over 150,000 wish lists of wood enthusiasts on Steam and is being released today for PC at a price of €12.99.

The brand-new release trailer:

After being laid off by Furnox Corp., players involuntarily face a fresh start with new challenges in Chop Chop Inc.. They must hone their skills in carpentry, woodworking, and all forms of wood processing, while their entrepreneurial abilities are tested repeatedly. With an axe slung over their shoulder and countless trees of all kinds right outside their door, players in Chop Chop Inc. transform a small workshop into a production giant, creating an impressive furniture empire through efficient processes, wheel-powered hamster-tech, and a workforce of “volunteers” from the surrounding area.

Players can befriend countless quirky characters, such as the Hardstyle Penguin or the Builder Beaver, and support them with Chop Chop Inc.’s unique creations. This ensures the local residents’ full cooperation, though caution is advised, because the ducks are quacking up something big!

HandyGames Transitions to THQ Nordic Mobile

HandyGames today announced its official transition to THQ Nordic Mobile. Under this strategic realignment, the veteran publisher will operate under the THQ Nordic brand, focusing exclusively on bringing premium, critically acclaimed PC and console titles to mobile audiences worldwide.

The move streamlines publishing operations and positions the group to accelerate the development of high-end adaptations of established gaming franchises for iOS, Android, and next-generation mobile platforms.

Building on previous success with premium mobile adaptations such as Wreckfest, SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom – Rehydrated, and Titan Quest, THQ Nordic Mobile will serve as the dedicated publishing pipeline for bringing major IPs from the broader THQ Nordic portfolio to mobile players.

Concurrently, the company’s internal development team in Giebelstadt will continue its operations and 26-year heritage under the name HandyGames Studios, focusing on original game development and supporting THQ Nordic Mobile’s technical porting pipelines. Co-founders Christopher Kassulke and Markus Kassulke will continue to lead both the publishing label and the development studio.

The structural reorganization will be seamless for existing partners, external developers, and players. Current development pipelines, ongoing support for existing titles, and active licensing agreements will remain fully operational and will transition smoothly under the respective new branding structures.

For more information on upcoming premium mobile releases and studio updates, please visit our website.

Let’s Sing 2027 and Let’s Sing ABBA Take the Stage This November

Warm up your vocal cords and get ready to own the spotlight! This November, THQ Nordic and Voxler invite players to celebrate music with two exciting karaoke releases. Let’s Sing 2027, the newest entry in the beloved karaoke franchise, launches alongside the return of Let’s Sing ABBA (initially released Oct 4th, 2022), bringing unforgettable sing-along experiences to players around the world.

New in Let’s Sing 2027
Launching on November 3, 2026, Let’s Sing 2027 arrives on PlayStation®5, Nintendo Switch™, and Nintendo Switch™ 2, bringing the series to Nintendo’s newest console for the first time.

Let’s Sing 2027 also marks a new chapter for the franchise as it joins the THQ Nordic family. Developed by Voxler, the studio behind the series and a specialist in music and singing games for over 20 years, the latest entry continues to refine the karaoke experience while introducing fresh ideas for newcomers and longtime fans alike.

Players can choose from a Standard Edition (39.99 €/USD) or a dedicated 2 Mic Bundle (59.99 €/USD), both including one month of VIP Pass at no additional cost. For those looking for even more songs, the digital Gold and Platinum Editions include 3 and 12 months of VIP Pass access.

Features:

  • 35 licensed songs featuring today’s biggest hits alongside beloved classics
  • Vocal Preference Mode lets players adjust the original vocals between full vocals, audio guide, or instrumental mode for a personalized karaoke experience
  • Save Soundtown, a brand-new party mode featuring three mini-games and a lighthearted story for up to two players
  • Completely refreshed avatars, new customization options, unlockable rewards, banners, skins, emotes, and poses
  • Official music videos accompany every performance
  • Up to four local players can sing together
  • No microphone? No problem! Simply use the free Let’s Sing Companion App as a microphone
  • Includes one month of VIP Pass, giving access to 150+ additional songs at launch
  • All local songs are included in the base game from day one, no separate downloads required

Let’s Sing ABBA Returns
2026 marks the 50th anniversary of „Dancing Queen“ as well as the return of Let’s Sing ABBA, making its debut on Nintendo Switch™ 2 while also returning to Nintendo Switch™and PlayStation®5, featuring 32 legendary ABBA hits including the additional song “I Have A Dream“, giving players another chance to celebrate one of the greatest pop groups of all time. Let’s Sing ABBA will be available as a physical 2 Mic Bundle (59.99 €/USD) or digitally, without microphones (39.99 €/USD).

Developed by Voxler and published by THQ Nordic, Let’s Sing 2027 launches on November 3, 2026, for Nintendo Switch™ 2, Nintendo Switch™, and PlayStation®5. Let’s Sing ABBA will be available the same day for Nintendo Switch™ 2, Nintendo Switch™ and PlayStation®5.

Six Flags Magic Mountain and Knott’s Berry Farm 2027 Season Passes Available Now

Six Flags Magic Mountain and Knott’s Berry Farm season passes are now on sale at the lowest price this year and next. Guests who purchase a 2027 Season Pass early are granted unlimited visits to their home parks (Magic Mountain and Hurricane Harbor Los Angeles or Knott’s Berry Farm) for the remainder of the 2026 season and all of 2027, including signature seasonal events such as Fright Fest, Holiday in the Park and Knott’s Merry Farm. This limited time pricing will be available through Sept. 7.
In addition to unlimited visits to Magic Mountain or Knott’s Berry Farm, a 2027 Gold Season Pass offers exceptional value through exclusive benefits, including:
  • Admission to all West Coast Six Flags parks, including Knott’s Soak City, California’s Great America, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom and Hurricane Harbor Phoenix
  • Free general parking (not valid at Knott’s Berry Farm)
  • Discounts on select food, merchandise and tickets
Guests seeking the ultimate VIP experience can choose a Prestige Pass, which includes:
  • Access to all Six Flags parks across North America
  • Preferred parking at select parks
  • Complimentary fountain beverages
  • VIP entrance access for the first two operating hours, on select days
  • Two free Bring-A-Friend tickets
  • One free single-use Fast Lane per visit
New Thrills, More Splashes to Experience at Magic Mountain and Knott’s Berry Farm
The 2027 Season Pass with access the remainder of 2026 arrives as the highly anticipated MonteZOOMa: The Forbidden Fortress has opened along with Crafty’s Kitchen at Knott’s Berry Farm. Additionally, Knott’s Soak City recently announced Coral Craze and Kelp Kraze making their 2027 debuts and Magic Mountain will soon release details about the new coaster also arriving next year.
Guests must purchase by Sept. 7, 2026, to receive the season pass launch pricing. To purchase a 2027 Season Pass or learn more about Passholder benefits, visit sixflags.com/magicmountain and knotts.com.

THQ Nordic Showcase 2026 Recap

What a show! The THQ Nordic Digital Showcase 2026 just wrapped, delivering a wave of exciting reveals around our favorite IPs. Couldn’t catch it live? No worries! The full show is now available on demand across all our official channels. So grab a snack, press play, and dive into everything we announced.

Official THQ Nordic channels to re-watch the Showcase:

THQ Nordic Showcase Sale
But that’s not all – we’re also kicking off the THQ Nordic Showcase Sale on Steam! From August 7th to 14th, fans can explore a curated event page packed with great deals across our portfolio. Expect steep discounts on titles you’ve just seen during the show, like REANIMAL (25% off), Titan Quest II (30% off), and Wreckfest 2 (25% off) – but also on fan favorites including SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide (50% off) and the Darksiders franchise (up to 85% off). And even our latest release, the Gothic 1 Remake, is 10% off during the THQ Nordic Showcase Sale 2026.

Check out the full lineup here: https://store.steampowered.com/publisher/THQNordic

Showcase Sales on Consoles
The THQ Nordic Showcase Sale is also live on Xbox! Starting August 4th, 2026 and running until August 10th, 2026, players can grab great games like Gothic 1 Remake (20% off) at fantastic discounts. Additional highlights include REANIMAL – Digital Deluxe Edition (including the new DLC The Prisoner!) at 25% off, SpongeBob: Titans of the Tide at 30% off, and MX vs. ATV Legends with a staggering 75% discount!
https://thqn.net/thqn-xbox-sale

Additionally, many THQ Nordic titles are also part of the summer sales at PlayStation and Nintendo Switch, offering steep discounts!

Ice Nine Kills To Score Terror Tram Starring Art The Clown For Halloween Horror Nights

Ice Nine Kills will bring their collision of razor-edged heavy music, horror, and theatrical scale to Universal Studios Hollywood this fall with new music for “Terror Tram starring Art the Clown” at Halloween Horror Nights which opens Thursday, September 3, and runs select nights through Sunday, November 1. Fans can purchase tickets HERE.

The infamous Terror Tram returns with all-new host, Art the Clown in “Terror Tram starring Art the Clown.” When the demented killer arrives at the historic Universal backlot with his blood-soaked bag of presents, he realizes it is too early for Christmas and hijacks the tram for his own holiday celebration. Ice Nine Kills will create new music for the experience, putting a dark twist on classic Christmas songs. In addition, guests who think they escaped Art’s chaos on the backlot may find themselves encountering him throughout the theme park as he lurks in the most unsuspecting of places.

The pairing brings Ice Nine Kills back into Art’s orbit following “A Work of Art,” their official song from Terrifier 3. Its blood-soaked music video debuted alongside the movie in theatres nationwide, while the track has run up nearly 60 million streams; it debuted at No. 3 and spent 18 weeks on Billboard’s Hot Hard Rock Songs chart.

Speaking on today’s announcement, Ice Nine Kills frontman Spencer Charnas shares

“We are forever honored that Terrifier writer/director Damien Leone and his team invited us to play in their sandbox of bloodshed. Art himself, David Howard Thornton, killed it in the ‘A Work of Art’ music video, and we’ve had Damien and several of his cast members at our Silver Scream Cons every year so far. Halloween Horror Nights is among our favorite destinations each season, and our fans love it, too. This is yet another natural step forward in our unnatural world of horror.”

Ice Nine Kills have since carved through more of modern horror’s biggest worlds with “Twisting The Knife (feat. Mckenna Grace),” heard over the closing credits of Scream 7, “Hell or High Slaughter (Grave Diggler Pt. 2)” from Ready or Not 2: Here I Come and “Play Dead,” created for Dead by Daylight’s 10th anniversary alongside an in-game Ice Nine Kills Collection.

That franchise streak has arrived alongside some of the biggest musical milestones of the band’s career. Their single “A Grave Mistake”, inspired by The Crow, was officially certified Gold by the RIAA; “Twisting The Knife (feat. Mckenna Grace)” became Ice Nine Kills’ first No. 1 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart. The track also topped Billboard’s Hot Hard Rock Songs and Hard Rock Digital Song Sales charts and has garnered 35 million cross-platform streams to date.

Now, twenty years after the release of their first album, Ice Nine Kills will put a new soundtrack beneath the screams on Universal Studios Hollywood’s historic backlot, with Art the Clown in control and Christmas arriving very, very early.

Midsummer Scream Will Move to Anaheim – Season’s Screamings Returns in 2027

Midsummer Scream, the world’s largest Halloween and horror convention, concluded its most successful year to date, welcoming more than 50,000 fans to the Long Beach Convention Center for another sold-out weekend of haunted attractions, celebrity guests, panels, and Halloween spectacle. The record-breaking attendance marks a landmark milestone for the event, which has grown into the premier destination for horror enthusiasts, creators, and fans worldwide.

Midsummer Scream will move to the Anaheim Convention Center for its 2027 show, scheduled for August 6–8. The expanded venue offers greater space to accommodate the event’s growing community of fans, haunters, vendors, artists, and celebrities.

However, Midsummer Scream won’t be leaving Long Beach behind entirely. Organizers also announced that their fan-favorite holiday horror event, Season’s Screamings, will return December 5–6, 2027 at the Long Beach Convention Center. The winter event will feature the Hall of Yuletide Spirits, spooky vendors, and other surprises to celebrate the holidays with a healthy dose of scares.

“The amazing community of Halloween and horror fans continues to grow, and we’re excited to be able to grow with it,” said David Markland, executive director and co-founder of Midsummer Scream. “It’s bittersweet to leave a venue as amazing as the Long Beach Convention Center, but we look forward to all the new opportunities awaiting us in Anaheim.”

From the CATHEDRAL Listening Party on Friday evening to the standing-room-only 30th Anniversary Scream panel hosted by Matthew Lillard (produced in partnership with Paramount Scares), to Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights closing panel with Creative Director and Executive Producer John Murdy, the weekend was packed wall-to-wall with unmissable moments.

More than 350 vendors filled the convention floor, offering an unrivaled shopping experience featuring rare collectibles, original artwork, and costumes. The Hall of Shadows drew massive crowds across all three days, with fans packing nearly two indoor acres of attractions from Lionsgate Studios, Universal Studios Horror Unleashed, and independent creators from open to close.

The floor also gave haunted attraction fans an exciting preview of the upcoming Southern California scare season, featuring displays and photo ops from Knott’s Scary Farm, Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor, Los Angeles Haunted Hayride, and Six Flags Magic Mountain.

Celebrity meet-and-greets kept lines buzzing throughout the weekend, while a full slate of kid-friendly activities kept young horror fans entertained—proving that Midsummer Scream truly offers something for everyone.

Tickets for both Midsummer Scream and Season’s Screaming will go on sale in early 2027. For up-to-date information, follow them on Instagram and Facebook @midsummerscream or signup for their mailing list at midsummerscream.org.

(Midsummer Scream 2027 announcement poster by Creepy Duck Design.)