Author - Jerry Paxton

World of Warships Celebrates the 250th Anniversary of the USA

Wargaming, the developer and publisher of the leading naval multiplayer game World of Warships, is celebrating the 250th anniversary of American Independence Day with a wealth of new content as part of its 15.5 update. Players will be greeted with a new Independence Day themed New York port upon login, and can enjoy themed content including a new narrative campaign and Event Pass full of special camouflages, ships, destruction effects, and more. New ship customisation effects are also here in the form of Decals, along with other gameplay changes and enhancements.

A Brand New Dawn of a Nation Narrative Campaign
Headlining the update is Dawn of a Nation, a brand new narrative campaign with four unique chapters exploring the history of the Thirteen Colonies and their journey to independence. A new chapter is unlocked weekly, and players that progress through the story over the next month will earn valuable themed rewards, including Historical U.S. commanders John Glover and John Paul Jones, the Betsy Ross flag, American Tier VIII premium cruiser Congress, as well as new enemy destruction effects and a special permanent camouflage for Tier X ships. Progress Tokens can also be earned through activities, granting Dawn of a Nation containers that offer pieces of the campaign’s themed historical collection and award the rare camouflage Minuteman for the Supership Maine.

Celebrate 250 Years of American Independence with a Special Event Pass
The celebrations continue with the 250 Years of Independence Event Pass, rewarding a host of content across two progression lines to complement players’ American fleets. The first progression line, open to all players, includes the Statue of Liberty Commander with an individual voiceover, the Stars & Stripes permanent camouflage, an Artillery Chest container, and the Freedom permanent camouflage for Baltimore as the final reward. For 2,500 doubloons, players can unlock the second progression line and work towards earning the Revolutionary permanent camouflage, U.S. Premium battleship Arizona, the new Old North State permanent camouflage for North Carolina, and the new Thirteen Salvos enemy destruction effect as the final reward. The Go Navy! permanent camouflage for Helena is also received as a bonus reward.

Dive Deeper into Ship Customisation with New Decals
In addition to Independence Day celebrations, update 15.5 introduces Decals, a brand new customisation feature allowing for greater ship personalisation, obtainable via special combat mission containers. Decals include historically-inspired symbols, mottos and other artworks placeable on ship hulls. While they’re currently limited to Tier IX ships, the functionality will be expanded in future updates.

Italian Submarines, Shadow Mapping, and More
Italian submarines Pietro Micca and Pietro Calvi remain available in Early Access as part of this update, allowing players to experiment with the unique Exhaust Smoke Generators native to these stealthy vessels and the Italian tech tree. Each submarine also comes armed with main guns equipped with semi-armor piercing shells, complemented by an improved Main Battery Reload Booster consumable, allowing for powerful attacks on unsuspecting foes.

Improvements to in-game shadow mapping are also here, along with Season 34 of Clan Battles, three new Brawls, and a new Rare Tier X battleship Sete de Setembro arriving in the Armory.

Wreck Runners Launch Date Announcement

Disruptive Games is pleased to announce that its co-op multiplayer extraction game, Wreck Runners, will also be released on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 consoles, as well as the previously confirmed PC launch. Set in the Bermuda Triangle, this chaotic, loot-gathering, sometimes-spooky-often-hilarious game will be released later in 2026.

The extremely benevolent and not at all suspicious Trustwell Corporation has an urgent contract and it needs you and up to three friends to head to the Bermuda Triangle. You’ll explore the vast reaches of this tropical destination in search of valuable loot and profits for your mother company. Just don’t ask about the ominous and encroaching Fog.

Hop into your all-terrain and aquatic vehicle, the ORCA, and venture out into the murky depths, unsafe skies, and a world that’s collapsing around you, aiming to locate precious salvage. Your Scrapjack tool can help too, as you wrangle with its physics-based grappler to wrest loot from difficult to reach places.

Every run is unpredictable and you’ll need to brave unnatural creatures and the elements, including that pesky Fog, to get out safely. In between these runs, you’ll have the opportunity to turn your loot into treasure. Use your earnings to gain better equipment, upgrades, and even a fresh look for you and your crew. Being a wreck runner isn’t always easy, but with comms and collaboration, you’ll become Trustwell’s best employees.

Wreck Runners is coming to PC via Steam, as well as Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5, on July 16, 2026.

Frostpunk 2: Breach of Trust Expansion DLC Arrives June 23rd

Breach of Trust, the second expansion DLC for society survival city-builder Frostpunk 2, presents an all-new scenario, placing players in the centre of turmoil in New Edinburgh. The expansion will be available on all platforms – PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S – on June 23rd.

Breach of Trust new features:
  • A gripping story exploring the fate of New Edinburgh and its former colony, Aurora.
  • 5 unique Communities and Factions, each with distinct backgrounds, identities, and ideologies
  • Lethal new environmental hazards, featuring the Tremors and Volcano Night mechanics
  • New narrative events and new custom gameplay mechanics provide fresh challenges
  • Independent Colony – navigate relations with the independent colony through peaceful trade, forceful extortion, or total conquest
  • 2 new scenario maps
  • 5 new buildings and hubs to reinforce your city’s infrastructure
  • New laws

“I had a dream…,” says the Old Captain. But that dream is crumbling. And as New Edinburgh burns from the inside while the volcanic threat looms over the city, power is passed to you.

As the First Citizen, you’ll be subject to periodic Votes of Trust. But the toughest test arrives once Aurora – a nearby colony set on a frozen lake – proves to be the only possible safe haven for the city’s people. Then comes the choice: trust or force. Unity or control.

Stellaris: Nomads Expansion Available Now

Build no borders and claim no worlds in Nomads, the brand-new expansion released today on PC for Paradox Interactive’s grand sci-fi strategy game Stellaris. In Nomads, players will journey across the galaxy in a massive, fully upgradable Arkship, establish interstellar trade routes to grow their empire, earn favor, resources, and influence by issuing and taking on contracts, and become the galaxy’s ultimate champion.

Launching alongside the Nomads expansion is the 4.4 ‘Pegasus’ update, available for free for all players. This major update allows players to join and leave wars in progress and adds vastly improved job systems and selection, a reworked situation log UI, performance improvements, bug fixes, and more.

Features of Nomads include: 

  • Nomadic Empires: Create empires that are not bound by claiming systems or colonizing worlds. Instead, navigate the stars with massive Arkships, your main habitats.
  • Arkships: Your capital, your cradle, and your fortress. This massive, fully upgradable wonder will replace traditional Worlds for your empire. Customize Military, Scientific, or Civilian Arkships with specialized modules, districts, and upgrades as your Empire evolves by traveling through the stars.
  • Wayline Networks: Construct Waystations to create lasting interstellar trade routes that harvest resources you can claim with a simple pass through.
  • Contract System: Perform task-driven interactions with other empires to earn favor, resources, and influence.
  • New Origins:
    • Voidfarers: The standard origin for Nomadic Empires. A flexible, streamlined start for you to define your own nomadic journey.
    • Heirs of the Khan: Play as the successor of a murdered Khan, as you evade marauder hit-squads through trickery and bribery until you are strong enough to come back and reclaim your throne.
    • The Sacred Path: Guide a fleet of pilgrims towards ancestral holy sites in a galactic pilgrimage. Your journey is a spiritual odyssey fueled by faith.
    • Forever Cruise: Manage a society split between a pampered elite demanding new entertainment and sightseeing opportunities from their vista lounges, and an overworked crew keeping the dream afloat.
  • New Ambition: Defender of the Galaxy: Command a set of Hero Ships to fight against existential threats and, when the threat is vanquished, make the choice that will mark you as a true hero of legend.
  • The Stellar Canon: This late-game Megastructure upgrade allows you to weaponize your entire energy stockpile, discharging it into a devastating beam capable of striking enemy systems across the galaxy.
  • Champions Forge Live!: Answer the call and participate in gladiatorial fleet combat all across the galaxy. The winner gets the Trophy relic and glory, the losers only envy.
  • New Renown Nomadic Paragons
  • New Civics and Traditions

Nomads is available now as part of the Season 10 Expansion Pass, which offers a 20% discount over purchasing the contents individually, or standalone for the suggested retail price of $24.99/£20.99/€24.99.

Ubisoft+ Free Trial From June 18-23

Ubisoft+ Premium is offering a free trial from June 18-23 via the Ubisoft Store, Ubisoft Connect and Blacknut. During the free trial, you can play premium editions of Ubisoft games, including DLC and bonus content, such as:
When You Can Get Ubisoft+ Premium For Free

Depending on where you are in the world, here’s the exact time of your free Ubisoft+ Premium trial:

  • North, Central, and South America: June 18 at 6:00AM PDT – June 23 at 6:00AM PDT
  • Europe and Middle East: June 18 at 3:00PM CEST – June 23 at 3:00PM CEST
  • Japan: June 18 at 10:00PM JST – June 23 at 10:00PM JST
  • Asia and Oceania: June 18 at 10:30PM ACST – June 23 at 10:30PM ACST
What You Get With a Ubisoft+ Subscription

If you keep your Ubisoft+ Premium subscription after the free trial ends, you can unlock even more. With an active subscription, you get:

  • Day 1 access to new games, like Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced
  • Access to the full Ubisoft+ library, including game DLC and bonus content
  • Exclusive monthly in-game rewards (up to four per month when you level up your Ubisoft Connect account)
  • Special 10% off discount on virtual currency
After your free trial, subscribe to Ubisoft+ Premium to keep playing its vast library of games, and get access to exclusive rewards and discounts, as well as day 1 access to new releases like Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced on July 9 and Rayman Legends Retold on October 1.

Mistfall Hunter Open Beta Now Live

Bellring Games and publisher Skystone Games have officially launched the Mistfall Hunter Open Beta across PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5. This beta brings several major additions to the hunt: the newly playable Withered Knight class, the new Hallowgrave map, and the first public look at the Mist Lord boss, Sálmar, the Cursed Moonwane. These are live and playable now, ahead of the game’s full launch on July 29, 2026.

Multi-Platform Open Beta Details
The Mistfall Hunter Open Beta is open to all players and lasts until 3AM PT on June 22nd. The Mistfall Hunter Open Beta represents the title’s first hands-on console availability, expanding testing to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S alongside PC. The open beta supports full cross-play functionality for players on the same server, allowing players to experience the game’s high-stakes extraction mechanics either solo or in three-player cooperative squads ahead of launch.

The Withered Knight, Now Playable
Originally elite protectors of the Kingdom of Gaenaria, the Withered Knights are exiled warriors wielding two-handed greatswords. Designed for mid-range spacing and calculated counter-offensives, the class introduces a unique sigil-and-detonation combat loop.

The Hallowgrave Map
The update introduces Hallowgrave, a highly vertical map set within a bleached, desolated forest. This new zone features distinct sub-regions that alter tactical engagements:

The Divine Anchor: A central point of interest featuring high enemy density drawn to a powerful relic.

Hastine’s Fall: A coastal highland zone featuring open sightlines and varied terrain elevation, where a giant’s corpse still radiates with divine strength.

Witchery Woods: A dense, close-quarters forested area that limits visibility and emphasizes stealth and close-range skirmishes, where Gyldhunters must survive its ghostly secrets to confront the devastating power of a false god.

The Gylden Rush Event
Exclusively available during the Open Beta, the Gylden Rush calls upon hunters to secure the rare “Golden Cipher.” These coveted items can be found within the remains of fallen foes or hidden deep in chests scattered across the realm. Cracking a cipher provides a shot at prestigious spoils, from specialized Gyldhunter Badges to Deluxe and Standard Edition Steam Keys. Lucky hunters may even unlock the Golden Woodling headpiece, the “Strike It Rich” emote, and other rare treasures to bolster their arsenal.

The Guild Europa 1410 Demo Available Now

Get a first taste of life in medieval Europe: the demo for The Guild – Europa 1410 is available now on Steam and will also be featured as part of Steam Next Fest, which kicks off later today.

Check out the demo on Steam now: https://thqn.net/tge-demo-steam

In the demo, players can step into the bustling city of Kuttenberg and choose one of three professions: Smith, Innkeeper, or Alchemist. Across 17 turns, aspiring merchants, craftsmen, and entrepreneurs will get an early glimpse of the economic, social, and political systems that form the foundation of the full game.

Depending on individual playstyle and decision-making, the demo offers approximately 2–4 hours of gameplay and showcases some of the opportunities and challenges awaiting players in the game.

The demo is currently available in English. Additional language support and multiplayer functionality will be introduced throughout the Early Access phase. Early Access for The Guild – Europa 1410 begins on July 16th, 2026.

Wishlist The Guild – Europa 1410: https://thqn.net/tge-steam
Visit the official Website: https://theguild.thqnordic.com/

Forensics: Crime Scene Detective Official Release Date Trailer

Aerosoft, Binary Impact and Alchemical Works are pleased to announce that Forensics: Crime Scene Detective will launch on 13th July 2026 for PC via Steam, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S digital stores, with a PS5 Physical version coming as well.

Developed in close collaboration with Germany’s State Criminal Police Office Rhineland-Palatinate (LKA RLP), Forensics: Crime Scene Detective challenges players to think methodically, analyse evidence with precision, and uncover the truth behind complex criminal cases. Take a look at all the important materials here:

The Truth is Hidden in the Details

In Forensics: Crime Scene Detective, players investigate apartments, bars, basements, and other locations connected to criminal activity. Using professional forensic equipment, they must secure traces often invisible to the untrained eye, from fingerprints on glassware and blood spatters to digital evidence hidden within mobile devices.

From the crime scene, investigations continue into the laboratory, where DNA profiling, ballistic analysis, and digital forensics help transform evidence into conclusions. Every lead must be verified, every hypothesis tested, and every conclusion supported by facts.

Developed with Real-World Expertise

Forensics: Crime Scene Detective is based on experience reports from real experts from the LKA RLP (State Criminal Police Office Rhineland-Palatinate) and was developed in close collaboration with the LKA RLP to ensure an authentic portrayal of forensic work.

Cases are inspired by real-world scenarios and emphasise realism, logic, and evidence-driven conclusions over scripted outcomes. Players must carefully evaluate information, validate assumptions, and build their cases using scientific methods and investigative reasoning.

Key Features:

  • Realistic Forensic Gameplay: Use authentic tools such as DNA swabs, fingerprint powder, ballistic tracking equipment, and digital analysis tools
  • Crime Scene Investigation & Lab Analysis: Carefully search environments for traces, then analyse and connect evidence in the lab
  • Evidence-Driven Outcomes: Your conclusions can incriminate suspects, exonerate the innocent, or leave cases unresolved
  • Inspired by Real Cases: Missions are based on real-world scenarios and professional forensic methodologies
  • Your Instincts Matter: You decide which evidence matters, overlooked clues can change everything

Players can experience Forensics: Crime Scene Detective for the first time during this June’s Steam Next Fest, starting today!

Get ready for the full Steam, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S launch on July 13th 2026!

Thrustmaster Unveils New Products at FlightSimExpo 2026

As part of its participation in FlightSimExpo 2026, Thrustmaster is thrilled to unveil its 2026 lineup of flight simulation products at the Saint Paul RiverCentre in Saint Paul, Minnesota, in the United States.

Attending the event for the fifth consecutive year, Thrustmaster is presenting its new releases for 2026 at this popular annual gathering of flight simulation fans.

Visitors can discover the brand’s new products alongside the iconic devices in its flight simulation range at FlightSimExpo 2026, booth 721.

TCA Sky Yoke

TCA Sky Yoke is Thrustmaster’s first general aviation yoke compatible with PC, PS5® and Xbox Series X|S, designed to make flying accessible to anyone who has always wanted to take to the skies.

Created with realism in mind, TCA Sky Yoke has a built-in steel pitch axis shaft with 7 axes, a throttle, a trim system, and yaw controls. With its full-featured yoke wheel featuring 24 action buttons, an 8-way “Point of View” hat switch, a mini-stick and 2 analog triggers, it’s perfect for flight sim fans looking to try their hand at piloting.

TCA Sky Yoke will be available in Q3 2026 at a suggested retail price of £169.99 / $199.99 / €199.99.

T.Flight Hotas 5 Microsoft Flight Simulator Edition

Announced on May 20 and available from June 12, 2026, T.Flight Hotas 5 Microsoft Flight Simulator Edition is designed to help gamers explore Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. It lets them adjust the joystick’s resistance — as well as the positions of the throttle and the control lever — for complete customization according to their preferences and comfort needs. Thanks to its Plug & Play system, T.Flight Hotas 5 Microsoft Flight Simulator Edition is instantly recognized on PS5®, PS4® and PC (Windows 10/11), so you can go full throttle in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 without further delay!

T.Flight Hotas 5 Microsoft Flight Simulator Edition is available now, at a suggested retail price of £89.99 / $109.99 / €99.99.

Airbus Add-On Grip

Airbus Add-On Grip is the first officially-licensed left-handed grip from Thrustmaster. This modular 1:1 scale replica lets gamers fly like a captain, thanks to its left-handed design, piloting A300 series airliner and A400M military transport aircraft, depending on the selected configuration. The grip is compatible with a wide range of Thrustmaster joystick bases, including AVA, Sol-R, Hotas Warthog MKII and Hotas Warthog (using Warthog Converter), all sold separately.

Airbus Add-On Grip will be available in July 2026 at a suggested retail price of £89.99 / $129.99 / €99.99.

Hotas Warthog MKII

Hotas Warthog MKII is an updated version of Thrustmaster’s legendary Hotas Warthog joystick. A 1:1 scale reproduction of the Viper flight stick and dual throttle system from the U.S. Air Force A-10C Warthog attack aircraft, Hotas Warthog MKII features updated electronics for compatibility with all generations of Thrustmaster grips, as well as next-generation mechanisms ensuring superior smoothness and enhanced durability over the long term.

Hotas Warthog MKII will be available in September 2026 at a suggested retail price of £449.99 / $599.99 / €549.99.

OMNI Extension

OMNI Extension lets you reposition your left flight stick for improved ergonomics and better control in space simulation games. OMNI Extension redefines how you pilot a spaceship: precise, smooth, natural and immersive, it gives you total control over your maneuvers, from atmospheric flight to space combat.

OMNI Extension will be available in July 2026 at a suggested retail price of £34.99 / $44.99 / €39.99.

TCA Sky Quadrant

TCA Sky Quadrant is natively compatible with TCA Sky Yoke, offering gamers greater control over their aircraft for even more advanced immersion.

TCA Sky Quadrant will be available in Q4 2026 at a suggested retail price of £69.99 / $79.99 / €79.99.

Thrustmaster UnveilsT.Flight Hotas 5 Microsoft Flight Simulator Edition For PS5

Thrustmaster is thrilled to unveil T.Flight Hotas 5 Microsoft Flight Simulator Edition, designed for PS5®. This full-featured, precise HOTAS joystick will offer gamers looking to immerse themselves in piloting an immersive flight experience and realistic sensations during their aerial adventures.

Thrustmaster is expanding its product range resulting from its longstanding collaboration with Microsoft by launching its brand-new T.Flight Hotas 5 Microsoft Flight Simulator Edition, featuring the official Microsoft Flight Simulator logo in the iconic white, blue and black design and incorporating the buttons of a PS5® gamepad controller.

Designed to accompany gamers as they explore Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, T.Flight Hotas 5 Microsoft Flight Simulator Edition lets them adjust the joystick’s resistance — as well as the positions of the throttle and the control lever — for complete customization according to their preferences and comfort needs. Thanks to its Plug & Play system, T.Flight Hotas 5 Microsoft Flight Simulator Edition is instantly recognized on PS5®, PS4® and PC (Windows 10/11), so you can go full throttle in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 without further delay!

OFFICIAL MICROSOFT FLIGHT SIMULATOR LICENSE

T.Flight Hotas 5 Microsoft Flight Simulator Edition is a complete flight equipment solution — perfect for aspiring pilots looking to improve their skills and enjoy their first immersive flight experiences in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Plug & Play, it offers precise control, instant responsiveness and total immersion from your very first flights.

COMPLETE FLIGHT EQUIPMENT

The joystick’s ergonomic design lets it adapt to all types of flight (air combat, space adventure, civil aviation, etc.). Gamers will experience unprecedented sensations with T.Flight Hotas 5 Microsoft Flight Simulator Edition, making it the ideal solution to progress in an immersive flight experience. The joystick and throttle feature 14 action buttons, 1 rapid-fire trigger and 1 multidirectional hat switch, as well as 5 axes (including the Z-axis), for 16-bit precision.

DETACHABLE THROTTLE

T.Flight Hotas 5 Microsoft Flight Simulator Edition adapts to any gaming environment thanks to its detachable throttle and weighted base. You can keep the unit attached to play on your lap on the couch, or detach the throttle from the joystick and place them on a desk for realistic flight sensations, better stability and space-saving convenience.

DUAL RUDDER SYSTEM

Depending on your preferences, T.Flight Hotas 5 Microsoft Flight Simulator Edition’s rudder function, which lets the aircraft rotate around its vertical axis, can be activated by rotating the flight stick grip (the joystick’s Z-axis) for better control of the aircraft, or using the progressive tilting lever for added realism.

AMAZING FOR ALL TYPES OF FLIGHT

T.Flight Hotas 5 Microsoft Flight Simulator Edition offers optimal flying comfort during piloting sessions thanks to its adjustable flight stick grip resistance, wide hand-rest and ergonomic button layout designed for all types of aircraft. It’s great for civil and military aircraft, helicopters and gliders.

COMPATIBLE ECOSYSTEM

For even more realistic flight sensations and perfect control over your aircraft’s lateral movements, T.Flight Hotas 5 Microsoft Flight Simulator Edition is compatible with the Thrustmaster TFRP rudder pedals system (sold separately) featuring S.M.A.R.T. (Sliding Motion Advanced Rail Tracks) technology.

Commercial information

T.Flight Hotas 5 Microsoft Flight Simulator Edition is available at a suggested retail price of $109.99 / €99.99 / £89.99.

– Pre-orders begin May 20, 2026.

– Available for purchase on June 12, 2026.