Author - Jerry Paxton

astragon and Team17 Unveil Gamescom 2025 Lineup

Today, the everplay group plc subsidiaries astragon Entertainment and Team17 announce their varied and exciting lineup for gamescom 2025,taking place in Cologne, Germany, featuring a broad range of brand-new projects. Once again, they will join forces and showcase their latest games together on two booths in theEntertainment and the Business area from August 20 to 24.

Entertainment Area

At the joint entertainment booth in Hall 6 B-060, visitors can look forward to a variety of simulation highlights from astragon Entertainment as well as an exciting selection of popularnew indie titles from Team17.

All of these games will be available to explore and experience at the consumer booth in Hall 6:

astragon Entertainment:

  •  Firefighting Simulator: Ignite
  •  Seafarer: The Ship Sim

Team17:
• Golf With Your Friends 2
• Sintopia
• Wraith Ops
• Rogue Point
• Nice Day for Fishing

Even more exciting titles will be featured as part of the stage program at the joint booth. The full stage schedule will be revealed soon!

Business Area

At the business booth in Hall 4.2 B-010, press representatives and industry partners will receive exclusive insights and presentations on the latest projects from astragon Entertainment.

Here’s what to expect at the business booth:

astragon Entertainment:

  • Firefighting Simulator: Ignite: Get a first-time and exclusive hands-on opportunity as well as detailed insights directly from the developers of weltenbauer. for the extensive firefighting simulation, which will be released on 9th September 2025.
  • Seafarer: The Ship Sim: Lift anchor for an exclusive hands-on look at the new immersive ship simulation from astragon Development, where authentic ships and exciting career paths meet the thrill of the open sea, coming soon to Early Access.
  • Unannounced new game: Be one of the first to get to know a completely new simulation IP from astragon Entertainment, and experience the very first gameplay in an exclusive hands-off presentation.

We invite you to join us at gamescom 2025, taking place from August 20 to 24, for an unforgettable showcase of gaming innovation and creativity.

NEON Unveils NEXT WAVE OF HORROR Panel for San Diego Comic-Con

NEON, the award-winning studio and leader in the independent horror space, will host the “Next Wave of Horror” panel on Friday, July 25th at this year’s Comic-Con International. It will feature exclusive sneak footage and a discussion with cinematic horror powerhouse Osgood Perkins (Longlegs, The Monkey) and Tatiana Maslany for Keeper, Together’s writer/director Michael Shanks, stars/producers Dave Franco and Alison Brie, and Shelby Oaks’ debut feature filmmaker, Chris Stuckmann.

After revolutionizing the independent horror landscape with LONGLEGS which grossed over $100 million globally, NEON has proven to be an incredibly versatile independent distributor. With TOGETHER, SHELBY OAKS, and KEEPER, the studio will usher in a thrilling, fresh wave of horror that delivers something for every kind of scare lover.

Michael Shanks body horror love story TOGETHER had audiences raving and squirming in their seats at Sundance and SXSW. Featuring knockout performances from Dave Franco and Alison Brie like you’ve never seen them before. TOGETHER is one of the most anticipated horror films of the year with 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. The story follows Tim and Millie (Franco and Brie) years into their relationship, finding themselves at a crossroads as they move to the country, abandoning all that is familiar in their lives except each other. With tensions already flaring, a nightmarish encounter with a mysterious, unnatural force threatens to corrupt their lives, their love, and their flesh. TOGETHER is in theaters nationwide on July 30th.

Youtube film critic Chris Stuckmann steps into the director role with his long-awaited found footage horror film, SHELBY OAKS. After garnering an overwhelming amount of online support through a kickstarter campaign, SHELBY OAKS has gained an unprecedented following with critics calling it “one of the best horror debuts” and “creepy as all hell”. Stuckmann co-wrote the script about a woman’s desperate search for her long-lost sister. She falls into obsession upon realizing that the imaginary demon from their childhood may have been real. Stuckmann’s directorial debut will be in theaters October 3rd.

Scare aficionado Osgood Perkins’ collaboration with NEON continues, descending deeper into darkness with his eerie new trip, KEEPER. Starring Tatiana Maslany and Rossif Sutherland, KEEPER is an intimate tale that is dripping with Perkins’ signature dread and is slated to be in theaters this Fall. In addition to the panel, Perkins will be autographing NEON’s THE MONKEY collector figurine at the Unbox Industries booth between 12:00pm and 1:30pm PT on Friday, July 25th. Dubbed “The Bloody Variant,” this exclusive limited edition will only be available to purchase from NEON’s online shop at https://www.neonrated.com/shop and picked up during Comic-con® (July 24-27) while supplies last.

Full details for NEON’s “Next Wave of Horror” panel will be available on Comic-con’s website https://www.comic-con.org/cc/.

2025 FANGORIA Chainsaw Awards Voting Open Now

The FANGORIA Chainsaw Awards return to honor the best horror movies of the year! Last year, Fangoria made the shift to an October awards show, and they’re keeping the new tradition going. The following nominees represent the absolute best in the horror genre from the most impactful releases between July 2024 and June 2025.

Cast Your Vote Now

Official Nominees for the 2025 FANGORIA Chainsaw Awards

BEST WIDE RELEASE

  • 28 Years Later
  • Bring Her Back
  • Final Destination: Bloodlines
  • Heretic
  • Longlegs
  • Nosferatu
  • Sinners
  • Strange Darling
  • The Substance
  • The Ugly Stepsister

BEST LIMITED RELEASE MOVIE

  • Azrael
  • Frankie Freako
  • Freaky Tales
  • Get Away
  • Little Bites

BEST STREAMING PREMIERE

  • Best Wishes to All
  • Cannibal Mukbang
  • Gazer
  • Mr. Crocket
  • There’s A Zombie Outside

BEST INTERNATIONAL MOVIE

  • Cuckoo
  • Dangerous Animals
  • Oddity
  • Red Rooms
  • The Ugly Stepsister

BEST FIRST FEATURE

  • Best Wishes to All
  • Blink Twice
  • Cannibal Mukbang
  • Mr. Crocket
  • The Ugly Stepsister

BEST LEAD PERFORMANCE

  • Lily-Rose Depp, Nosferatu
  • Willa Fitzgerald, Strange Darling
  • Sally Hawkins, Bring Her Back
  • Michael B. Jordan, Sinners
  • Maika Monroe, Longlegs
  • Demi Moore, The Substance
  • Lea Myren, The Ugly Stepsister
  • Hunter Schafer, Cuckoo
  • Naomi Scott, Smile 2
  • Sophie Thatcher, Companion

BEST SUPPORTING PERFORMANCE

  • Nicolas Cage, Longlegs
  • Miles Caton, Sinners
  • Ralph Fiennes, 28 Years Later
  • Hugh Grant, Heretic
  • David Jonsson, Alien: Romulus
  • Wunmi Mosaku, Sinners
  • Jack O’Connell, Sinners
  • Margaret Qualley, The Substance
  • Bill Skarsgård, Nosferatu
  • Dan Stevens, Cuckoo

BEST DIRECTOR

  • Danny Boyle, 28 Years Later
  • Ryan Coogler, Sinners
  • Robert Eggers, Nosferatu
  • Coralie Fargeat, The Substance
  • Osgood Perkins, Longlegs

BEST SCREENPLAY

  • Scott Beck & Bryan Woods, Heretic
  • Ryan Coogler, Sinners
  • Coralie Fargeat, The Substance
  • Bill Hinzman & Danny Philippou, Bring Her Back
  • J.T. Mollner, Strange Darling

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

  • Autumn Durald Arkapaw, Sinners
  • Andres Arochi, Longlegs
  • Jarin Blaschke, Nosferatu
  • Benjamin Kracun, The Substance
  • Anthony Dod Mantle, 28 Years Later

BEST SCORE

  • Robin Carolan, Nosferatu
  • Ludwig Göransson, Sinners
  • Raffertie, The Substance
  • Young Fathers, 28 Years Later
  • Zilgi, Longlegs

BEST COSTUME DESIGN

  • Ruth E. Carter, Sinners
  • Mari-An Ceo, MaXXXine
  • Linda Muir, Nosferatu
  • Manon Rasmussen, The Ugly Stepsister
  • Emmanuelle Youchnovski, The Substance

BEST MAKEUP FX

  • Felix Fox, Harlow MacFarlane, Werner Pretorius, Longlegs
  • Damien Leone, Terrifier 3
  • John Nolan, 28 Years Later
  • Pierre Olivier Persin, Stéphanie Guillon, The Substance
  • David White, Traci Loader, Nosferatu

BEST CREATURE FX

  • Paul McDonnell, Oddity
  • Millennium FX / Morphology / Jeremy Selenfriend / Studio Gillis, Smile 2
  • Pierre Olivier Persin, The Substance
  • Studio Gillis, Werewolves
  • Legacy Effects / Studio Gillis / Wētā Workshop, Alien: Romulus

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

  • Doc of Chucky
  • George A. Romero’s Resident Evil
  • In Search of Darkness: 1990 – 1994
  • The J-Horror Virus
  • Suzzanna: The Queen of Black Magic 

BEST NON-FICTION TV SERIES OR MINISERIES

  • The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula
  • Horror’s Greatest
  • The Last Drive-In
  • Svengoolie

BEST SERIES

  • The Creep Tapes
  • From
  • The Last of Us
  • Squid Game
  • Yellowjackets

BEST VIDEO GAME

  • Death Stranding 2
  • Mouthwashing
  • Silent Hill 2 Remake
  • Slitterhead
  • Sorry We’re Closed

BEST PUBLIC DOMAIN RESURRECTION

  • Popeye’s Revenge
  • The Mouse Trap
  • Popeye the Slayer Man
  • Screamboat
  • Shiver Me Timbers
  • Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare

As always, the highly competitive “Best Kill” category is a write-in vote.

Wednesday: Season 2 Official Trailer

Here We Woe Again. Watch the official trailer for Wednesday Season 2. Part 1 is coming on August 6th. Part 2 is coming on September 3rd. Only on Netflix.

Announcing THE DOOM TOUR…..

This month, Wednesday is putting the TOUR in [TOUR]ture as the cast and creators of Wednesday embark on a delightfully dreadful misadventure lamenting the promotion of season 2 throughout Australia, Canada, England, France, Italy, Poland, Romania, South Korea & USA. Follow along at @wednesdaynetflix to see when the storm clouds are descending on an area near you!

Anima Gate of Memories 1&2 Remaster Physical Edition Trailer

SelectaPlay is excited to announce that the critically acclaimed action RPGs Anima: Gate of Memories I&II from developer Anima Project, is coming to PlayStation 5 as a beautifully crafted physical edition, launching later in 2025. This enhanced remaster combines both epic adventures into one definitive package, set in the richly imagined world of Gaia, inspired by the Anima: Beyond Fantasy tabletop universe.

Fans can choose from two physical editions: the Standard Edition or the ultimate fan experience, the Collector’s Edition, filled with themed collectables that bring the world of Anima to life like never before.

Two Editions. One Epic Journey.

The Standard Edition includes the full PS5 game on disc along with a printed full-colour manual, perfect for collectors and newcomers eager to step into the mysterious world of Gaia. The Collector’s Edition is an exclusive treasure trove for fans, packed with premium extras and stunning artwork that celebrates the legacy of Anima.

Collector’s Edition Includes:

  • Oversized Collector’s Box featuring exclusive cover art
  • Full game on PlayStation 5 disc, with printed colour manual
  • Original Soundtrack CD featuring the haunting score of both games
  • Large-format Visual Artbook filled with concept art and illustrations from the developers
  • Exclusive Pin
  • Keychain featuring the iconic Anima logo
  • Printed Character Cards of the main protagonists
  • Premium Art Prints showcasing breathtaking imagery from the game
  • Every item is designed to immerse you deeper into the lore, atmosphere, and artistry of the Anima universe.

Pre-Orders Open Now

Pre-orders for both the Standard and Collector’s Editions of Anima Gate of Memories I&II Remastered on PS5 are now available at select local retailers. Quantities of the Collector’s Edition are limited, so secure your copy before it vanishes into myth.

 

Razer Unveils the Custom BlackWidow V4 Tenkeyless Hyperspeed Keyboard

Razer™, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, today announced the launch of the Razer BlackWidow V4 Tenkeyless HyperSpeed, the latest addition to its custom gaming keyboard lineup. This new release brings enthusiast-level features to the gamer-favorite tenkeyless form factor, offering unrivaled wireless performance and personalization options.    

Designed for Customization and Control 

Razer Orange Tactile Mechanical Switches

The BlackWidow V4 Tenkeyless HyperSpeed is built for gamers who value gaming prowess and customizability. It comes pre-loaded with Razer Orange Tactile Mechanical Switches Gen-3 and is hot-swappable to both 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches, allowing gamers to easily personalize the sound and feel of their keyboard. Its internal construction includes dual-layer dampening foam to reduce reverberation, factory-lubricated stabilizers for smoother keystrokes, a top-mounted steel plate to minimize pings, and pre-applied PCB tape to soften high-frequency clacks, resulting in a cleaner acoustic profile and smoother typing experience.  

A multi-function roller and three dedicated control buttons offer quick access to media playback, volume control, and battery status. These controls are customizable and can be remapped via Razer Synapse, enabling users to tailor their setup to match their gaming style. 

Wireless Freedom and Immersive Lighting 

Razer BlackWidow V4 Tenkeyless HyperSpeed

Powered by Razer HyperSpeed Wireless, the keyboard delivers low-latency, reliable connectivity trusted by esports professionals. It also supports Bluetooth pairing with up to three devices, allowing seamless switching between platforms. With multi-device support, users can connect both the keyboard and a compatible Razer mouse to a single dongle, reducing cable clutter and freeing up USB ports. 

The keyboard features Razer Chroma™ RGB for vibrant per-key lighting effects that integrates with more than 300 games and applications. Custom lighting profiles can be created using Razer Chroma Studio, while the keyboard’s white steel plate naturally enhances light diffusion for a refined visual touch. 

The keyboard offers up to 980 hours of battery life via Power Saving Mode, which can be activated by holding the dedicated Battery Life and Status button for 3 seconds. Gamers can also quickly check battery status by tapping the same button, with the number row lighting up to indicate remaining charge. 

The Razer BlackWidow V4 Tenkeyless HyperSpeed combines gaming-grade wireless performance, hot-swappable flexibility, and customizable lighting in a compact form to deliver a well-rounded keyboard experience that aligns with the evolving needs of today’s gamers. As part of Razer’s continued commitment to innovation, this keyboard lays the foundation for more personalized, high-performance setups and reflects the future of custom gaming peripherals. 

For more information, please visit rzr.to/blackwidow-v4-tkl-hs. 

The Toxic Avenger Oozes Into Hall H at San Diego Comic-Con

Get ready for mayhem, mutants, and mop justice! Be among the first to dive into the wild world of The Toxic Avenger — the UNRATED, no-holds-barred reimagining of the cult classic from Troma Entertainment. Join writer & director Macon Blair (I Don’t Feel At Home in This World Anymore, writer for Marvel Comics/Dark Horse Comics), iconic Troma co-founder Lloyd Kaufman, and an all-star cast including Peter Dinklage (“Game of Thrones”), Elijah Wood (The Lord of the Rings franchise), Jacob Tremblay (Room, Wonder), and Taylour Paige (Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, Zola) for an unforgettable panel. The panel will be moderated by IMDb Head of Programming Bret Federigan. Hear behind-the-scenes stories, exclusive insights, and join a live Q&A. This is one toxic takeover you don’t want to miss! Hall H

The Toxic Avenger: Unrated & Radioactive
Thursday, July 24, 2025
5:30PM – 6:30PM

Knott’s Scary Farm Nightmares Revealed and Event Tickets On Sale July 25

Knott’s Scary Farm is Southern California’s longest-running and most haunting Halloween theme park event. At the exclusive preview event, Nightmares Revealed, guests learn about the NEW mazes, shows and nightmares that will be waiting at Knott’s Scary Farm. On Aug. 19 bear witness to a full presentation of Knott’s Scary Farm offerings, then take a sinister stroll through the streets of Ghost Town, complete with fog, monsters and more. Those looking to unleash their inner monster at this year’s event can purchase event tickets on July 25 at 10 a.m.

Also on July 25, tickets will go on sale for Knott’s Scary Farm, the frightful experience that has left no tomb unearthed, no crypt unrattled and no fear untouched. This year’s terror-filled lineup is one that no one will want to miss running select nights from Sept. 18 through Nov. 1.

This year’s lineup includes 10 frightening mazes, five sinister scare zones and three hair-raising shows. Guests can expect to experience their worst nightmare as the most horrendous monsters await around every corner ready to turn you into their next victim.

WHEN: Nightmares Revealed will take place on Aug. 19 from 7-10 p.m.
 
Knott’s Scary Farm returns Sept. 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27 and 28; Oct. 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30 and 31; and Nov. 1. Knott’s Scary Farm is open 7 p.m.–2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 7 p.m.–1 a.m. on select Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. For those counting, that’s 28 fearful nights of horror

WHERE: Tickets will go on sale Friday, July 25 at 10:00 a.m. at knottsscaryfarm.com

Lara Croft and Duke Nukem Come to World of Tanks

World of Tanks proudly introduces its latest Battle Pass Special: Heroes’ Paths, a thrilling tribute to the gaming legends Lara Croft and Duke Nukem. Running from July 10th to July 21st, this limited-time event features two unique Chapters, each themed around one of these iconic heroes and packed with exclusive content inspired by the Tomb Raider and Duke Nukem franchises. The heroes come to life through their acclaimed voice actors: Lara Croft’s lines are delivered by Keeley Hawes, renowned for her role in several classic Tomb Raider titles, while Duke Nukem’s iconic grit is brought back by Jon St. John, the unmistakable voice of the character since 1996.

The Heroes’ Paths offer 30 stages for Tomb Raider Chapter and 40 for Duke Nukem. Along the way, players will unlock themed 2D styles, decals, emblems, and exclusive crew members with zero perks — Lara Croft and Duke Nukem. At the end of every Improved Rewards track awaits the ultimate prize: a brand-new Premium vehicle designed to match the unique style of its hero. These tanks come with exclusive 3D styles, featuring visual elements inspired by their respective universes.

· For Lara Croft, it’s the IMT, a Tier VIII U.S. versatile medium tank. Sleek, swift, and deadly accurate — this machine reflects Lara’s cleverness and agility. The tank is outfitted with iconic gear such as a winch, a hook-tipped harpoon, cables, ropes, a hatchet, powerful spotlights, and a range of hand tools personally used by Lara — each reflecting her signature style from the games.

· For Duke, it’s the TS-6, a Tier IX U.S. assault heavy tank. A powerhouse of destruction, this tank mirrors Duke’s “all guns blazing” approach. It boasts a custom nuclear reactor, enhanced weapon systems, and aesthetic nods to Duke’s arsenal, including laser machine guns and grenade launchers. The tank’s design draws inspiration from classic Duke Nukem weapons such as the incinerator and fire extinguisher.

Players looking for the full thematic experience can opt for hero-themed bundles, packed with additional cosmetics, characters, and collectibles from Tomb Raider and Duke Nukem universes.

Complementing the action are two dynamic musical themes: a newly composed adventure track echoing Lara’s spirit, and the legendary “Grabbag” theme from Duke Nukem, composed by Lee Jackson.

Lara Croft and Duke Nukem blaze into World of Tanks with attitude, legacy, and firepower. Join the Heroes’ Paths and carve your way through the battlefield with legends by your side.

MLB RIVALS Celebrates 2nd Anniversary

The global baseball hit MLB RIVALS has entered its second year and surpassed 5 million downloads across Steam for PC, the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Developer and publisher Com2uS has prepared a grand slam of events and rewards to celebrate this milestone and the second anniversary.

Available for free, MLB RIVALS will also celebrate the 2025 MLB All-Star Game with community content and in-game activities that capture the spirit and thrill of the Midsummer Classic.

MLB RIVALS 2nd Anniversary Event

To celebrate the occasion, Com2uS has prepared several gifts and limited-time activities for players of MLB RIVALS. These include…

  • Free 2nd Anniversary Gift – All players who log in during the anniversary period can claim a free 2nd Anniversary gift package, which includes a Team Selective Signature Pack and other rewards.

  • Random Dice Event – Players can earn useful in-game items by completing missions using daily dice rolls.

  • 2nd Anniversary Mission Pass – Advance through this limited-time progression series by playing MLB RIVALS, earning newly released Moment-tier cards along the way.

MLB All-Star Game

Ahead of the real-world Midsummer Classic on Tuesday, July 15, Com2uS will give MLB RIVALS players a variety of ways to join the excitement:

  • Ranked Slugger World Championship – Running for two weeks starting July 7 at 1 a.m. EDT, the Ranked Slugger World Championship beckons players to test their mettle in home run battles. Using All-Star players during these showdowns will grant bonuses to Boost and Potential levels.

  • All-Star Game Predictions – Community-based content, such as All-Star Game predictions, will further enhance the celebratory atmosphere with fan participation in-game and on social media.

  • All-Star Game Scout Event – In this limited-time event, earn Scout Tickets by completing daily missions, event matches, roulette spins and more. Use these Scout Tickets to acquire new players.

This season is more exciting than ever in MLB RIVALS.  Since its launch, the game has surpassed 5 million downloads and gained popularity in major markets such as the United States, Japan, and Taiwan. A recent partnership with the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum celebrates the history of baseball through exclusive in-game content and playable Hall of Fame legends like Derek Jeter, Greg Maddux, Jack Morris and many more. Plus, the beloved voices of Joe Davis (play-by-play) and Orel Hershiser (commentary) are now part of MLB RIVALS.

With MLB RIVALS, officially licensed by MLB, experience baseball action on PC and mobile with realistic graphics, immersive gameplay and epic competition starring real-life teams, players and stadiums. Test your skills and face the competition across an array of game modes, including single- and multiplayer modes like League, Live Match and Ranked Slugger. By using motion capture to bring the players’ unique forms and actual movements to the game, MLB RIVALS offers an immersive, wholly authentic presentation.