Author - Jerry Paxton

Cities: Skylines II Dives Into Performance Improvements and New Benchmark Tool

Paradox Interactive and Iceflake Studios have published City Corner #4, a deep-dive dev diary focused on Cities: Skylines II’s performance, including what “performance” means for a dynamic city builder, what the team is currently investigating, and what improvements are being prioritized next.

Key highlights of the dev diary include:

  • Rendering Performance (GPU): The team is prioritizing more and improved Level of Detail (LOD) models to reduce the number of triangles rendered (and improve shadow rendering efficiency). They’re also investigating ways to improve water simulation performance and terrain rendering, where a significant amount of generated geometry ends up culled or discarded due to being off-screen or too small to display.
  • Simulation Performance (CPU): On the CPU side, performance issues tend to surface once cities grow, often tied back to pathfinding frequency and cost. The team is exploring potential gameplay/system adjustments (e.g., smarter citizen behaviors, better reflecting city scale with pedestrian counts) while continuing to track and address issues that can cause excessive pathfinding.
  • A New Benchmark Tool: Iceflake also previewed an early iteration of a benchmark tool intended to help players compare performance between patches. This also gives the team better data on where optimizations are needed. This tool is planned to be included in the next patch, currently targeted for the end of the month.

Iceflake Studios continues to investigate and optimize performance further (including collaboration with Unity to help pinpoint and resolve specific issues), and we’ll keep you in the loop on future patches.

SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance SEGA Villains DLC Now Available

SEGA® and Lizardcube announced that the SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance™ SEGA Villains Stage DLC is now available for PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, Steam and Nintendo Switch. The SEGA Villains Stage DLC is available now for all players who purchased the Digital Deluxe Edition of the game. Players who own the Standard Edition can jump into the DLC by purchasing the DLC as a standalone item ($9.99 MSRP USD) or as part of the upgrade pack ($11.99 MSRP USD).

Joe Musashi must now face his fiercest challenge yet as he goes head-to-head with three legendary SEGA foes: the ruthless giant Death Adder (Golden Axe™), the “mad dog” of Shimano Goro Majima (Like a Dragon™/Yakuza™) and the evil genius Dr. Eggman (Sonic the Hedgehog™).

The SEGA Villains Stage DLC takes players through exciting new stages featuring stunning worlds inspired by beloved SEGA franchises. The DLC includes Three new bosses, five new stages, two new Boss Rush modes, three new ninpo, three new outfits and six new music tracks.

Live alongside today’s DLC launch, SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance has also received a free update patch available to all players. This update adds a “Hardcore Mode” and various combat system adjustments, as well as updates to character outlines and map/tutorial display features.

Seven Knights Re:BIRTH Unleashes Celestial Guardian Randgrid In New Update

Netmarble, a leading developer and publisher of high-quality games, has rolled out a new update for its collectible RPG Seven Knights Re:BIRTH that introduces new heroes, themed events, and additional content.

The update highlights the arrival of [Final Pride] Randgrid, a member of the Celestial Guardians. Designed as an attack-type hero, Randgrid specializes in weakening enemy defenses while delivering a powerful strike that targets an enemy in the front row.

Alongside her debut, the Legendary hero [Wings of Darkness & Ranch] Deo has been introduced as a special April Fools’ hero. Equipped with immunity to silence effects, Deo brings unique utility to Castle Rush and expands strategic options for players.

Players can also dive into a newly added story event, “Two Hearts And Undying Memories,” which explores Randgrid’s narrative. By progressing through the story and clearing given missions, players can earn rewards such as a Legendary Hero Ticket and Brilliant Skill Enhancement Stones. Additional content includes a new mini-game, “Instant Deo,” where players must slice incoming food objects, as well as the introduction of two new costumes.

A variety of in-game events are now available to commemorate the update. Through the Deo’s Gift Event, players can obtain rewards including a new hero Deo, Hero Summon Vouchers, Pet Summon Vouchers, and Brilliant Skill Enhancement Stones by checking in during the event period. The Deo the Gourmandizer Appears! Event gives the opportunity for players to collect points through gameplay and exchange them for rewards such as up to seven Deo and other growth materials.

Seven Knights Re:BIRTH inherits the key elements of the original Seven Knights, Netmarble’s flagship IP that has surpassed 100 million cumulative downloads, including its story, characters, combat systems, and core mechanics while enhancing the gameplay experience with modern gameplay features and the latest trends.

More details on Seven Knights Re:BIRTH are available on the official website and forum. Fans can also stay up-to-date with the latest information on the game by following official social channels on Facebook and YouTube.

Repterra Release Date Trailer

MicroProse announces that Repterra, the base-building survival RTS set in a dinosaur-overrun world, will launch on April 28. Alongside the release date reveal, a brand-new teaser trailer showcases the game’s graphic overhaul, delivering improved visuals, enhanced environments, and more impactful large-scale battles.

Repterra blends classic RTS gameplay with a unique dinosaur-driven twist. Players are tasked with rebuilding humanity’s foothold on a planet reclaimed by prehistoric predators – constructing colonies, managing resources, and surviving relentless waves of dinosaurs while turning them into powerful allies.

The latest teaser highlights the game’s upgraded presentation, with richer environments, improved lighting, and clearer battlefield readability – all while maintaining the massive scale that defines the experience.

Beyond the Light Episode 3 Official Story Dev Diary

IO Interactive, the award-winning developer and publisher behind the globally acclaimed HITMAN franchise, and Amazon MGM Studios today released the third episode of Beyond the Light, the developer diary series offering an inside look at the making of 007 First Light. In the third episode of Beyond the Light, IO Interactive explores the game’s narrative foundations and the team’s approach to reimagining James Bond’s origin for video games, bringing a youthful, hopeful perspective to the dangerous world of espionage. 007 First Light is set to release on May 27, 2026, on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2*, and PC, and is available for pre-order, including the Collector’s Edition and Legacy Edition. Additionally, players who pre-order 007 First Light will get upgraded to the 007 First Light – Deluxe Edition for free, granting 24-hour Early Access**, as well as exclusive in-game items and outfits.

In this episode, Main Writer Michael Vogt shares how the story for 007 First Light is crafted, starting with classic screenwriting fundamentals like structure, character arcs, and theme, then translating that outline into an interactive experience built in close collaboration with level design. He explains how a young Bond shapes the tone of the world of 007 First Light: it’s not cynical or jaded, but adventurous and inviting because this Bond is stepping into espionage for the first time, and eager to prove himself. The episode also dives into what defines Bond as a character and in 007 First Light: charisma, audacity, coolness under pressure, and resourcefulness that audiences expect, alongside traits that feel fresher for this reimagined origin story, such as idealism.

007 First Light is scheduled to launch on May 27, 2026, pre-order now and get a free deluxe upgrade. All details can be found at https://ioi.dk/007firstlightgame.

For more information, please visit our official website: 007FirstLightGame.com or follow us on X, Instagram, TikTok, Twitch, Facebook, Threads, Reddit, Bluesky, and YouTube.

EA and Full Circle Announce skate and Nike SB Game Event

EA and Full Circle announced that Nike SB is now available in skate., bringing the iconic brand to the streets of San Vansterdam. Nike SB in skate. is more than just product integration. We’re delivering so much more than that including a limited-time Nike SB Pop-Up event starting today until May 5, debuting the highly requested fan feature of skating at night with Grom at Night, a Nike SB park takeover, an extensive collection of Nike SB cosmetics and challenges inspired by popular Nike SB skate videos. These additions keep building on skate.’s focus on real skate culture, letting players roll in the same footwear and apparel that’s been part of skateboarding for decades.

The Nike SB Pop-Up features a limited-time event, Grom at Night, transforming the Isle of Grom into an after hours skateboard oasis. For the first time, all skaters will be able to shred under the moonlight at a Nike SB-branded skatepark located on the Isle of Grom, which was first introduced at the start of Season 3 on March 10th. Grom at Night will be available for all skaters today until May 5. Once the event ends, skaters will either need a 24-hour San Van Water Taxi pass purchased with Rip Chips or skate. Premium Pass to check out Grom at Night. Full details can be found here.

The Nike SB Pop-Up also introduces five all-new challenges named after historic Nike SB skate videos, custom tasks and exclusive cosmetics. Completing tasks and challenges will reward players with new cosmetics including Nike SB Dunk High shoes and Nike SB Logo Sock accessories.

Alongside cosmetic rewards, players can now deck their skaters out in a wide-variety of legendary Nike SB options available for in-game purchase including:

  • Dunk Low Pro
  • Zoom Blazer Mid
  • Baggy Jorts*
  • A hoodie*
  • Tshirts
  • And so much more

* indicates bundled item

“Nike SB has been an institution in skateboarding for more than 25 years,” said Deepa Sen, Senior Director of Global Brand Management, Electronic Arts. “Bringing Nike SB’s rich history into our game is another step toward making skate. feel as true to real skating as we can for players.”

skate. Season 3: Fluid Flashback is rolling until June 2 featuring a 70s-inspired makeover, new locations, tricks, customizations and more. Full details on Season 3 can be found here. The Nike SB Pop-Up will run from April 14 until  May 5, while players can continue their skating adventures under the stars with Grom at Night until June 2.

 

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Crusader Kings III Roads to Power Expansion and Wandering Nobles Event Pack Coming Soon to Consoles

Today, Paradox Interactive announced that Crusader Kings III: Roads to Power, a major expansion to the celebrated medieval grand-strategy game, and Wandering Nobles, a travel-themed event pack, are coming to Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 consoles on May 11, 2026.

Developed by Room 8 Group in partnership with Paradox Interactive, Roads to Power introduces an additional government type inspired by the Byzantine Empire, along with an entirely unique way to experience medieval life as a landless, wandering adventurer. Wandering Nobles adds a new lifestyle, activities, and events designed around life on the road, whether you’re trekking across your realm, heading out on pilgrimage, or chasing adventure.

Key features of Roads to Power include:

  • Administrative Government: Manage an empire through appointed Governors competing for influence and appointments, where intrigue and ambition can matter as much as merit.
  • The Family Estate: Build and improve a powerful estate that anchors your House’s influence, even when you hold no other land.
  • Influence System: Rise through the bureaucracy by accumulating influence. Start from an estate and work your way toward higher authority.
  • A Life of Adventure: Roam the map as a landless adventurer, complete contracts, build a reputation, and amass wealth and fame before deciding where (and how) to settle.
  • Choose Successor or Caesar: Spend influence to shape imperial succession, or even co-rule to share the burden of the throne.
  • New Byzantine Flavor + Cosmetics: Byzantine-themed events, activities (including chariot racing), UI skin, court fashions, new art, monuments/holding designs, a throne room for Royal Court sessions, and music inspired by Orthodox chants will be included.

Key features of Wandering Nobles include:

  • New Wandering Lifestyle with three branches: Inspector, Wayfarer, and Voyager
  • New Activities: Inspection, Hike, and Monument Expedition
  • New travel-focused events tied to the lifestyles and activities, adding fresh story moments across journeys and pilgrimages

White Knuckle Anniversary Update Release Date Trailer

Today, the trio of developers who make up New Mexico-based Dark Machine Games, alongside indie horror publisher DreadXP, have announced a major anniversary update for their critically-acclaimed horror speed-climbing roguelike White Knuckle, arriving on Friday, April 17th! After a full calendar year of great escapes and breathtaking speed runs, the team is ready to enhance and upgrade the pure adrenaline-pumping experience that White Knuckle offers, headlined by the addition of Trinkets and Bindings: unique equipment obtained from clearing objectives that players can select at the outset of every Run. Trinkets provide buffs to player Stats & Abilities, while Bindings grant additional Trinket slots & increase score multipliers—at the cost of a severe debuff.

In addition to Trinkets & Bindings, the anniversary update also introduces a newly revamped metaprogression in the form of Facility Credits, which can be used to purchase Facility Upgrades. Formerly known as the gamemode bank, Roaches banked during Runs are now stored as Facility Credits. Beginning each Run, players will receive an allotment of starting roaches pulled from your Facility Credit pool, and can also obtain more Facility Credits using the Roach ATM with a floppy disk.

Roaches and Facility Credits can be used to purchase Facility Upgrades in Interlude safe rooms. These upgrades are divided into Sector & Global upgrades, allowing players to access new stations in each safe area, as well as activate permanent buffs & cosmetics. Select Sector upgrades include the Recycling Station, which recycles items into roaches at 50% of their value, the Extra Vendor (which brings an additional vendor to the sector’s safe area), and Vendor Upgrades, which replaces a vendor in safe areas with one that provides higher tier items. Some of the Global Upgrades include the Starter Loan (which allows for additional roach withdrawals at a run’s start), the Biomod Oversupply that allows you to reroll perks at no cost once per station, and the Permanent Inventory unlock Pouch Trinket.

In addition to the above, the major Anniversary Update for White Knuckle also adds in a variety of fresh content, including a New Challenge Map, new Score Calculation mechanics, and a new Competitive Mode for all speedrunners and other obsessives, which limits perks to a smaller pool that are speedrun viable and sets all facility unlocks to true, removing metaprogression components.

White Knuckle traps the player in the crumbling depths of SUB-STRUCTURE 1 as a lone climber fighting to ascend a nightmarish underground compound. You must navigate collapsing walls, leap over deadly gaps, and dodge brutal traps, all while evading the monstrous presence lurking and creeping from down below. Precision, speed, and smart resource management are essential. Tools can aid your climb, but overpacking will slow you down, and accessing your gear mid-ascent means having to let go of a hand. One wrong move, just one fumbled grab, and it’s a long, long way down…

XGIMI Teams Up With EA SPORTS FC 26 to Bring Football Gaming to the Big Screen

XGIMI has announced an official partnership with EA SPORTS FC™ 26, launching a new campaign centered around making football gaming a more immersive and shared social experience. Under the banner of “A Bigger Way to Play,” the collaboration highlights how big-screen projection can transform casual matches and weekend tournaments into cinematic events, bringing every pass, tackle, and goal to life on a massive scale.

To celebrate the partnership, XGIMI is offering special hardware bundles that include an EA SPORTS FC™ 26 game code. The campaign spotlights three key products designed to fit a variety of gaming setups:

  • HORIZON 20 Series: A premium projector offering low latency, smooth gameplay support, and projection sizes up to 300 inches for a highly competitive, large-scale experience.
  • MoGo 4 Bundle: A compact and flexible option designed for portability, perfect for spontaneous gaming sessions and shared spaces.
  • Vibe One: A streamlined setup focusing on style and convenience for easy, large-scale entertainment.

In addition to the hardware bundles, the collaboration bridges the gap between the virtual and physical pitch by featuring official XGIMI branding directly within the EA SPORTS FC™ 26 game environment. The campaign will also roll out various community activations and a dedicated landing page designed to inspire fans to build their ultimate at-home football gaming setups.

New Horrified: Dungeons & Dragons Ravenloft Game From Ravensburger

What will you become to defeat the persistent evil in the mysterious Ravenloft? Ravensburger, acclaimed publisher of toys and games, today announced Horrified: DUNGEONS & DRAGONS – Ravenloft as the newest installment to its award-winning Horrified game franchise. Set in the terrifying domain of Barovia, a land steeped in gothic horror, players must work together to defeat four new foes inspired by monsters from Ravenloft, a fan-favorite horror setting from the World’s Greatest Roleplaying Game, Dungeons & Dragons (D&D). Horrified: DUNGEONS & DRAGONS – Ravenloft releases this summer and is now available for pre-order on Target.com.

In Horrified: DUNGEONS & DRAGONS – Ravenloft players will choose to play as one of five new Heroes, each inspired by character classes from D&D. Together, they’ll take on the Vampire Dark Lord Strahd Von Zarovich; the murderous living doll Carrionette; the witch Baba Lysaga and her walking hut; and the sentient, supernatural Gulthias Tree.

“One of the things fans love about both Horrified and D&D is the endless possibilities of adventures that take you to new locations and new encounters,” said Florian Baldenhofer, Head of Games for Ravensburger. “And after the overwhelmingly positive reception of the first Horrified: DUNGEONS & DRAGONS game last year, the question wasn’t if we wanted to step back into the world of D&D, but rather, where we wanted to go and what monsters we might want to go up against on our journey. Ravenloft quickly emerged as the frontrunner thanks to its deep ties to the horror genre, eerie atmosphere and haunted residents.”

“We’re always looking for new ways for players to immerse themselves in the worlds of D&D. Since its introduction in 1983, Ravenloft has been a beloved campaign setting,” said Kara Kenna, Franchise Creative Director at Wizards of the Coast. “Being able to continue our collaboration with Ravensburger by bringing the rich characters and lore from the Domains of Dread through the mists and into Horrified’s narrative-driven adventure and cooperative gameplay felt natural. Timing couldn’t be more perfect as we enter the Season of Horror celebrating Ravenloft: The Horrors Within, the newest Ravenloft release available June 16.”

Under license by Hasbro and its Wizards of the Coast Division, Horrified: DUNGEONS & DRAGONS – Ravenloft is a follow-up to last year’s incredibly successful Horrified: DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, which brought the world of Horrified and D&D together for the first time. While the location, heroes and monsters are all different this time, players can once again expect gameplay to utilize a d20, or 20-sided die.

“At Ravensburger, we aim to design and create immersive experiences that transport fans into familiar stories,” said Baldenhofer. “Finding a way to include the d20, which is iconic to D&D gameplay, into our established Horrified gaming system was one of the many ways we brought the worlds of both games together in an authentic and enjoyable way for fans of both series.”

Like last year’s Horrified: DUNGEONS & DRAGONS game and other prior entries in the series, players will need to complete different and unique challenges in order to defeat the monsters and save the citizens of Ravenloft. Designed by Peter Lee, an accomplished game designer behind more than 15 D&D-inspired games, including last year’s Horrified: DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, the collaborative monster challenges immerse players into a world that feels reminiscent of a D&D campaign. Players can also choose to combine the monsters differently with each playthrough for new play experiences each time.

Horrified: DUNGEONS & DRAGONS – Ravenloft can be combined with Horrified: Dungeons & Dragons, Horrified: World of Monsters, and Horrified Greek Monsters for even more game play value.

Horrified: DUNGEONS & DRAGONS – Ravenloft will be available for purchase on Target.com and Ravensburger.com July 19, 2026. Horrified: DUNGEONS & DRAGONS – Ravenloft is a cooperative board game for one to five players, ages 10 and up and will have an MSRP of $34.99.

Additional details about featured monsters and gameplay will be shared this summer.