Author - Jerry Paxton

PAYDAY: Aces High Reveal trailer

Today, Fast Travel Games announced that their upcoming VR co-op heist game PAYDAY®: Aces High is coming to Steam Frame, in addition to the Meta Quest 3 and SteamVR versions arriving later this year.

PAYDAY: Aces High invites four players, aka The Aces, to pull off daring jobs in VR using the latest black-market technology and high-caliber weaponry. It’s an officially licensed VR co-op heist game set in Starbreeze Entertainment’s iconic PAYDAY® universe. Ahead of launch, aspiring Aces can wishlist the game now on Steam and the Meta Store.

Watch the global reveal trailer for PAYDAY: Aces High:

PAYDAY: Aces High Key Features:

  • The Rush Of The Score: Roll out with up to three partners in crime. Plan the job, stack your tools, and execute with precision. Every alarm you dodge, every bag you haul, every trigger you pull pushes you closer to that flawless payday… or the kind of heat that burns cities to the ground.
  • Guns, Gadgets, Getting Even: Gear up and hit the score with an arsenal that keeps growing – ARs, SMGs, shotguns, pistols, plus gadgets like grapple and sentry guns. Spend your hard-earned cash and rep to unlock the skills, gear, and toys that crank your heisting game to the next level.
  • Four Aces To Choose From:
    • Ace of Hearts: The Mastermind – The brain behind the chaos. Lines up every angle, every fallback, every escape.
    • Ace of Clubs: The Ghost – Silent, surgical, gone before anyone knows they’ve been fooled.
    • Ace of Diamonds: The Technician – Gadget freak. Orchestrating the theater of destruction.
    • Ace of Spades: The Enforcer – The hammer that keeps hitting when things get loud.

Total War: SHOGUN 2 – Complete Edition Announcement Trailer

SEGA of America and The Creative Assembly Limited are excited to announce that Total War: SHOGUN 2 – Complete Edition is releasing on October 13, bringing together the award-winning strategy classic and all its content in one definitive and updated package.

Widely regarded as one of the finest entries in the Total War™ series, SHOGUN 2 combines deep turn-based strategy with spectacular real-time battles, challenging players to unite a fractured Japan through diplomacy, espionage and conquest while commanding iconic armies spanning the rise of the Samurai to the dawn of modern warfare.

Watch the new trailer here: 

MASTER GRAND STRATEGY ACROSS FEUDAL JAPAN

Total War: SHOGUN 2 – Complete Edition includes three standalone campaigns spanning over 700 years of Japanese history, from the rise of the first Shogun to the fall of the last Samurai.

  • SHOGUN 2: Unite Japan during the Sengoku Jidai and guide your clan from regional power to Shogun through diplomacy, betrayal and conquest.
  • RISE OF THE SAMURAI: Revisit the Genpei War in 1175 and command the great clans whose struggle for power shaped the future of Japan.
  • FALL OF THE SAMURAI: Master the clash between tradition and industrialization during the Boshin War as Japan enters the age of modern warfare.

EXPERIENCE A CLASSIC THROUGH A MODERN LENS

Alongside every major expansion, faction pack and content update, Total War: SHOGUN 2 – Complete Edition introduces a range of enhancements for modern hardware, including:

  • Full Japanese and Chinese voice and text localization
  • Improved visuals, lighting and shadows
  • 1440p and 4K UI scaling
  • Modernized controls
  • More than 50 newly playable factions
  • Integrated Mod.io support
  • 64-bit upgrade
  • Ultrawide monitor support
  • Colorblind accessibility options

Existing owners of Total War: SHOGUN 2 will receive legacy DLC from the original game at no additional cost and will be eligible for a time-limited 75% loyalty discount on the new edition*. Further details on pricing, eligibility and purchasing options can be found in the Total War FAQ.

For the latest news about this title and other Total War games in development, visit www.totalwar.com and follow us on Facebook and Bluesky. Subscribe to Total War’s YouTube channel for future gameplay videos and updates.

*Please note: The Blood Pack will not be included.

Cloudbreaker Official Launch Trailer

Two-person Nova Scotia studio Ballast Games today launched Cloudbreaker, its inventory management bullet heaven, on Steam. Following its demo debut during June’s Steam Next Fest, the strategic roguelite is now available for $12.99 USD, with a 10% launch discount through September 29th.

In Cloudbreaker, players descend beneath the clouds in search of a Bloil Crystal that could secure Haven’s survival against the Biotes, lingering biotech experiments left behind by past civilizations. Explore forgotten ruins, gather valuable resources, and blast through relentless Biotic hordes as you push deeper into the dangerous sky-world.

Turn what you find into an airship built to wreak havoc. Collect Engine Parts and relics, strategically fit them into your Engine Grid, and stack powerful synergies that can transform your build with every run. Unlock new airships with distinct grid layouts and abilities, experiment with new combinations, and build your way from barely surviving to breaking through the clouds.

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.

Cities: Skylines II Expansion Pass 2 Out Now

Paradox Interactive and Iceflake Studios today released a new expansion pass for their city-building management game Cities: Skylines II. Expansion Pass 2 grants immediate access to the “Downtown Market Set” instant unlock, as well as upcoming access to two expansions, three creator packs, and a radio station. The new pass can be purchased on PC today for $44.99/£37.99/€44.99, offering up to 24% off compared to purchasing each piece of content individually.

Expansion Pass 2 marks Iceflake Studios’ first expansion pass release since taking over Cities: Skylines II development late last year, and their first wave of original content for the game. The new pass expands the game with a full park-building system, an overhauled tourism economy, a vibrant commercial set, residential buildings, a complete emergency services infrastructure, and more!

Cities: Skylines II: Expansion Pass 2 includes:

  • Downtown Market Set: This Instant Unlock adds a dynamic social hub made from repurposed shipping containers and food trucks. The container gate anchors the space and expands with smaller shops, while the individual food truck lots can be placed anywhere in your city. Includes a Scottish-inspired Temperate map, enriched by lochs, rivers, and ruins. This content is instantly unlocked upon purchase of Expansion Pass 2.
  • Park Adventures: This Expansion introduces a modular park-building system where you draw your park area and fill it with assets from four distinct park types: city parks, zoos, amusement parks, and nature reserves. Parks level up as they attract visitors, and a new park economy lets you manage ticket prices, staff budgets, and maintenance to keep your ratings high. Includes over 100 new assets and five new maps.
  • City Vacations: This Expansion enhances tourism with new visitor-focused buildings, landmarks, and attractions. Visitor numbers now shift with the seasons, and new management tools let you control tourist arrival flows, preferred transport methods, and where spending goes in your city.
  • Creator Pack: Modern Suburbs (by ‘Trist1322’): This Creator Pack introduces contemporary low-rise residential buildings — mixed-use structures and row homes of one to three stories — designed to work as standalone developments or as infill alongside existing residential zones from other packs.
  • Creator Pack: First Response (by ‘Arthaix’): Meet your city’s emergency response needs from a Tiny Village all the way to your Massive Metropolis! Unlock a range of buildings specialized for each emergency service as your city progresses, whether it’s Fire, Disaster, Medical, Police, or new all-in-one Combined Response; there’s a response to any emergency you may face!
  • Map Pack: Explore new horizons with ‘Map Pack’ by ‘Uncle Ron’. This Creator Pack features seven maps inspired by destinations around the world, from tropical islands to alpine valleys and desert canyons. Unlock fresh landscapes, challenges, and possibilities for your city!
  • Corner Street Beats: Whether you’re laying down transit lines late into the night or watching the city lights come on across the skyline, Corner Street Beats keeps the session going with late-night sounds purpose-built for city building.

Today’s launch is accompanied by the ‘Autumn Breeze’ patch, which includes various improvements to gameplay, visuals, UI, and more. Read the full patch notes here.

Two Point Museum: Rides & Relics Coming 8th October

Two Point Studios and SEGA Europe have announced ‘Rides & Relics’ will be Two Point Museum’s next DLC, rolling in on 8 October. The announcement comes alongside the launch of Two Point Hospital: Full Health Collection tomorrow, on 16 September.

Two Point Museum’s latest expansion ‘Ride & Relics’ will give curators the chance to thrill their guests by designing jaw dropping coasters, hiring lovable Mascots and serving sugary treats on a stick.

Players will take on the role of Funfair Expert as they prepare to reopen the gates of Two Point County’s once-legendary amusement park. For years, the site at Riquetti Gardens has sat dark, rusty and guest-less – and there’s nothing amusing about that.

To run a successful funfair, curators will have to carefully craft mini-coasters with custom height, tilt and camber, whilst making sure their corkscrew doesn’t spiral into any fragile artefacts. Museum assistants can be dressed to thrill as they transform into Mascots, entertaining and immersing guests as they wait to board rides and explore the park. Experts can also be sent further on expeditions to the old abandoned park of Gearbox Fairgrounds to uncover new breathtaking blueprints and perks to make this museum one hell of a ride.

The new DLC will also feature iconic rides from Two Point County’s past and veteran managers will have the chance to bring history to life for guests by building blueprints for immersive ride experiences that complement the existing museum themes.

What’s in the park?

  • Tools to build your own mini-coasters with 5 Coaster Themes
  • An unexplored expedition map exploring the abandoned Gearbox Fairgrounds
  • A brand new museum location: Riquetti Gardens
  • A new five-star campaign to explore
  • New expert type: Funfair Experts
  • 15+ Funfair Exhibits including Antique Amusements
  • New Gift Shop items
  • New themed items and decorations
  • New utility items including Helipad, Ticket Desk, benches, bins and more!

Rides and Relics will be available for £9.99 on 8th October 2026 on PC, Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5, and coming soon to Nintendo Switch 2.

What is Dune: Awakening? Trailer

A new video, “What Is Dune: Awakening?”, introduces the open-world survival experience to a new audience ahead of the game’s upcoming console launch.

Wondering what Dune: Awakening is all about? Our new short overview video offers a quick, accessible introduction to the open-world survival experience set on the deadly desert planet of Arrakis.

Discover a world where every drop of water matters, sandworms rule the dunes, and power is fought over through exploration, crafting, combat, politics, and the spice. Watch now to see what awaits you on Arrakis.

Releasing on PlayStation®5 and Xbox on September 22, including with Game Pass and Xbox Play Anywhere. Deluxe and Ultimate Edition owners can begin their head start on September 17. The update will also launch on PC on September 17.

OTHER MOMMY Final Trailer Released

Can I go inside your heart?

From producer James Wan, one of the most influential architects of modern horror, and Blumhouse Atomic Monster, the studio behind Backrooms and Obsession, comes a terrifying trip from breakout genre director Rob Savage, into the darkening world of a young girl, Bela, who forms a relationship with a sinister entity in her home who looks uncannily like her own mother.

Academy Award® winner Jessica Chastain (It Chapter Two, The Eyes of Tammy Faye) stars in dual roles as Bela’s mother and as “Other Mommy,” a manifestation of the entity. Jay Duplass (Transparent, Industry) plays Daddo, Bela’s father, and Arabella Olivia Clark (The Housemaid, The Hand that Rocks the Cradle) plays Bela.

The impressive supporting cast includes Actor Award nominee Dichen Lachman (Severance), Emmy and Tony Award nominee Arian Moayed (Succession) and screen legend Karen Allen (Indiana Jones films).

Other Mommy is directed by Rob Savage (Host, The Boogeyman) from a screenplay by WGA award winner Nathan Elston, writer for the Emmy-winning sensation Succession, based on the New York Times bestselling novel Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman (Bird Box).

The film is produced by James Wan, p.g.a. (Saw, Insidious and Conjuring franchises) of Blumhouse Atomic Monster, and is executive produced by Michael Clear, Judson Scott, Rob Savage, Josh Malerman and Ryan Lewis.

Genre: Horror

Cast: Jessica Chastain, Jay Duplass, Arabella Olivia Clark, Dichen Lachman, with Arian Moayed and Karen Allen

Directed by: Rob Savage

Screenplay by: Nathan Elston, based on the novel Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman

Producer: James Wan, p.g.a.

Executive Producers: Michael Clear, Judson Scott, Rob Savage, Josh Malerman, Ryan Lewis

Wardogs Passes Two Million Copies Sold

BULKHEAD and team17 today announced that WARDOGS has passed two million copies sold, less than five days after launching into Steam Early Access on Thursday, 10 September.

The milestone comes during a huge opening weekend for WARDOGS, which reached an all-time peak of 428,666 concurrent players on Steam on 13 September, according to SteamDB.

WARDOGS reached 100,000 Steam wishlists just three days after its reveal, passed 500,000 in May and hit one million wishlists in August. Less than a month later, more than two million copies have been sold.

“Two million in less than five days is completely ridiculous.” said Joe Brammer, CEO at BULKHEAD. “We knew there was a huge amount of excitement around WARDOGS going into launch, but nothing really prepares you for seeing this many people actually jump into the game.

The numbers are massive, but the best part has been watching what players are doing with it. The clips, the insane strategies, the last-second victories, the absolute chaos – that’s the stuff we built WARDOGS for.

We’re still in Early Access and we’re not pretending the work is finished. We’re reading and watching reactions, fixing things, improving things and building what comes next. Thank you to everyone who has played, supported us and told us what they think so far. Keep it coming.”

Between 17:00 on 10 September and 05:00 on 14 September, the WARDOGS community generated some enormous numbers:

  • $1.28 trillion total cash earned
  • $561.9 billion total cash spent
  • 122.2 million kills
  • 86.1 million headshots
  • 60.7 million revives
  • 27.7 million heals
  • 4.6 million tower caps
  • 51.1 million drop-offs
  • 212.8 million spots
  • 111.8 million tips
  • 188.9 billion XP earned

And despite the bullets flying, WARDOGS players appear to understand that teamwork pays. Support is currently the highest XP-earning class, accounting for 21.42% of all XP earned, followed by Assault at 20.54% and Medic at 19.97%.

XP distribution:

  • Support: 21.42%
  • Assault: 20.54%
  • Medic: 19.97%
  • Recon: 18.66%
  • Driver: 10.57%
  • Pilot: 8.70%

Player feedback has shaped WARDOGS throughout its road to Early Access. Nearly half a million players joined the August Closed Beta, while the final pre-launch test peaked at 245,118 concurrent players on Steam.

The tests helped BULKHEAD improve performance and stability, while thousands of community clips, streams and videos gave players an unfiltered look at the game ahead of launch. The studio is continuing to work directly with the community throughout Early Access.

To celebrate the community, BULKHEAD is running the WARDOGS $100K Clip Contest, looking for the best plays, biggest fails and most chaotic moments from the game.

 

Throttle Trace Launches into Early Access

MicroProse and Unordered Games are excited to announce that Throttle Trace is now available in Early Access on Steam, inviting players to discover a racing game where speed is only the beginning – and every corner is a decision.

Built around an immediately accessible throttle-and-brake control scheme but powered by a detailed simulation underneath, Throttle Trace distills racing down to the decisions that matter: how much speed to carry into a corner, when to push the tires, when to preserve them, where to attack, when to defend, and how to react when weather, traffic, damage, or strategy suddenly change the race.

To celebrate the Early Access launch, MicroProse and Unordered Games have released a brand-new launch trailer, showcasing the breadth of Throttle Trace: close wheel-to-wheel battles, changing conditions, career racing, multiplayer, detailed telemetry, and the tools that allow players to create entirely new circuits.

Racing Made Accessible. Simulation Without the Compromise.
Getting a car around the circuit is simple. Getting it around fast is another matter.

Behind Throttle Trace’s approachable controls is a simulation tracking the forces and systems that shape every lap. Tire temperatures and degradation, fuel, grip, aerodynamics and dirty air, track conditions, weather, collisions and component damage all interact to create races where the fastest solution is rarely as simple as holding the throttle down.

AI competitors race with their own strategies and react dynamically to what happens around them, while the Race Engineer helps players make sense of an evolving race. The result is a racing game that’s easy to start playing but designed to keep revealing new layers as players chase those final tenths.

Fright Fest Starts this Friday at Six Flags Great Adventure with Four New Haunted Mazes

The wait is almost over. Fright Fest Presented by SNICKERS® begins this Friday, Sept. 18, at Six Flags Great Adventure, unleashing four new haunted mazes, returning fan favorites, sinister scare zones, live entertainment and world-class thrill rides after dark.

The Northeast’s premier theme park destination is preparing to transform after dark with one of its most ambitious Fright Fest lineups yet, bringing blockbuster horror franchises, original Great Adventure nightmares and decades of Halloween tradition together for select nights through Nov. 1.

Four new haunted mazes lead the charge this year, including JASON: Blood Reign and Final Destination: Death’s Playground, inspired by two blockbuster horror franchises, plus two all-new original Great Adventure nightmares, Twisted Holidays and Deadwood Cabin. They join returning licensed experiences The Conjuring Universe™ and Army of the Dead®, additional original haunted mazes, sinister scare zones and a packed live entertainment lineup.

This Friday, the nightmare begins.

Beginning Sept. 18, guests can experience hours of Halloween entertainment across the park, from haunted mazes and scare zones to the return of Dead Man’s Party and nighttime rides on Great Adventure’s world-class roller coasters.

“Fright Fest is one of the events our guests wait for all year, and this Friday we are turning the fear all the way up,” said Mike Fehnel, Park President of Six Flags Great Adventure. “With four new haunted mazes, major horror franchises, the return of Dead Man’s Party and an entire park that transforms after dark, this is a Fright Fest built to deliver big scares and even bigger thrills.”

Guests wishing to experience haunted mazes must have valid park admission, a Season Pass or membership, plus a Haunted Attractions Pass. Options include a one-night Haunted Attractions Pass, an All Season Haunted Attractions Pass for eligible season passholders and members, and a Haunted Attractions Express Pass offering priority maze access.

THE ENTIRE PARK BECOMES PART OF THE NIGHTMARE

At Fright Fest, fear doesn’t stop at the maze exit.

Scare zones transform entire sections of Great Adventure into open-air nightmares. Carnevil unleashes maniacal clowns across The Boardwalk; zombies lurk within Exile Canyon; restless souls take over Plaza De La Muerte; the undead surround Bloody Fountain; and pirates and sea creatures roam Curse of Blackbeard’s Bounty.

Scare zones, live entertainment and nighttime ride experiences are included with park admission, giving guests hours of Halloween entertainment beyond the haunted mazes.

Fright Fest is not recommended for children under 13.

DEAD MAN’S PARTY RISES AGAIN

After a one-year hiatus, one of Great Adventure’s most celebrated Fright Fest traditions is rising from the grave.

Dead Man’s Party returns in 2026, bringing Dr. Fright and his undead friends back to the stage for the high-energy production that became a fall tradition for generations of Great Adventure guests.

Blending the energy of a rock concert with theatrical choreography and Halloween spectacle, Dead Man’s Party has spent decades helping define Fright Fest entertainment at Great Adventure. Now, after a year away, Dr. Fright and his undead crew are ready to rock the afterlife once again.

The entertainment doesn’t stop there. The nightly Awakening signals the start of the park’s transformation, Blade Drummers gets fired up with demonic bladesmiths, and Unleashed combines live-action entertainment with cirque-style feats, dance and acrobatics.

Together, the shows add another full layer of entertainment between haunted mazes, scare zones and nighttime rides.

FRIGHTFULLY GOOD FOOD AND DRINKS

At Fright Fest, even the menu gets a sinister makeover.

Great Adventure’s Halloween food and beverage lineup extends the experience beyond the mazes with limited-time specialty food, cocktails and nonalcoholic creations served throughout the park.

Among the most eye-catching offerings are specialty blood bag cocktails, including Transfusion, made with vodka, cranberry juice, grenadine and lemonade; Alien Blood, featuring vanilla vodka, candied-orange syrup and sweet and sour; and Zombie Juice, an undead-inspired combination of vodka, Granny Smith apple syrup and lemonade.

Guests looking for all the Halloween presentation without the spirits can sink their teeth into specialty mocktails including Vampire’s Kiss, combining lemonade, cherry and vanilla; the Purple People Eater, a mix of desert pear, cranberry and lemonade; and Pixie Potion, a colorful combination of blue raspberry, green apple and lemonade.

Limited-time Halloween food and sweet treats round out the menu, giving guests even more to discover between haunted mazes, scare zones, shows and nighttime rides.

MAKE FRIGHT FEST PART OF A FULL SEASON OF THRILLS

For guests who want to experience Fright Fest and return throughout the seasons ahead, a 2027 Season Pass or eligible membership stretches the value well beyond Halloween.

Eligible products can be used during the remainder of 2026, giving guests access to Great Adventure’s fall events and more opportunities to visit participating Six Flags parks across the region.

At nearby Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, that includes Halloween Haunt presented by SNICKERS® and the all-new Blair Witch: No Signal. Step into the legend of The Blair Witch Project and venture deep into the mysteries of the Black Hills Forest. In near-total darkness, you’ll navigate environments inspired by the world of the franchise, including winding trails, abandoned camps, eerie ritual sites, and the infamous Rustin Parr House as the forest itself seems to close in. Reality unravels within — experience Blair Witch: No Signal.

When Halloween ends, the value continues.

Holiday in the Park returns to Six Flags Great Adventure for the 2026 holiday season, giving passholders and eligible members another reason to return before the year is over.

Then comes 2027 and Bakunawa.

Great Adventure’s record-breaking new spinning launch coaster will rise 382 feet above The Boardwalk and reach speeds of 100 mph when it debuts next year, adding another major experience to a full 2027 season.

Eligible passes also include free parking and regional access to participating Six Flags parks, turning one purchase into opportunities for multiple visits, multiple seasons and multiple destinations.

Fright Fest this fall. Holiday in the Park this winter. Bakunawa in 2027. One pass unlocks a lot more than one visit.

For event dates, operating hours, tickets, Haunted Attractions Passes and 2027 Season Pass information, visit the Six Flags Great Adventure website.