Author - Jerry Paxton

SpongeBob: Krusty Cook-Off Now Available on PlayStation and Xbox

SpongeBob: Krusty Cook-Off has made it ashore onto PlayStation 5/4, Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One today. PlayStation and Xbox Goofy Goobers alike can now dive into this cooking game inspired by one of the most beloved cartoon franchises of all time for $14.99. Steam players can get their hands on the game later this year.

Originally launched for mobile in 2020, the cooking game co-developed by global publisher Tilting Point in partnership with Nickelodeon has garnered over 100 million downloads and hooked multiple awards, including Google Play’s 2020 “Users’ Choice” award in the US, the “Best Casual Game of 2020” award worldwide and the 2021 Mobile Game Awards’ “People’s Choice Award.” Krusty Cook-Off then docked onto the Nintendo Switch the following year where it has since sold more than 555,000 digital units to-date and has secured a spot on the console’s “Top 25 Best Sellers” list. Beyond Krusty Cook-Off, Tilting Point has also helped its other partners reach wider audiences by expanding their titles beyond mobile. These include Star Trek Timelines and Warhammer: Chaos & Conquest which both achieved great success on PC.

In SpongeBob: Krusty Cook-Off, the bustling cooking game from Tilting Point in association with Paramount Consumer Products, players take on the role of titular fry-cook SpongeBob SquarePants from the beloved cartoon franchise to help Mr. Krabs expand his restaurant empire. Tilting Point is bringing all of the fun of the mobile hit with access to tons of decorative items, costumes, kitchen gear and more. Players can experience unlimited play and unleash four console exclusive power-ups to help show off their skills behind the grill.

SpongeBob: Krusty Cook-Off is available now through the PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, My Nintendo Store, Google Play, the App Store and Netflix Games. For more information on Tilting Point, visit tiltingpoint.com.

World of Warships: Legends and World of Warships Blitz July Updates

Wargaming, the developer and publisher of the leading naval battle multiplayer game World of Warships, is celebrating summer in style, bringing plenty of new activities and in-game items to World of Warships: Legends and World of Warships Blitz. World of Warships: Legends celebrates the 4th of July with in-game festivities, alongside a second wave of Star Trek content, and a new Legendary campaign. On mobile, World of Warships: Blitz introduces new French destroyers, a “Turbo Strike” game mode, and an array of quality-of-life improvements., World of Warships: Blitz introduces new French destroyers, a “Turbo Strike” game mode, and an array of quality-of-life improvements.

World of Warships: Legends celebrates Independence Day with U.S. Ships and Skins

With American Independence Day approaching, plenty of patriotic additions are arriving to World of Warships: Legends. Kicking off the festivities is a brand-new campaign “Forward for Freedom” starting on June 30. Spanning five weeks and 120 milestones, this campaign offers U.S. Tier VIII Premium battleship Wisconsin as the grand prize for those with Admiralty backing. Throughout the campaign players can also collect a special currency, Independium, which can be used to unlock Legendary Tier cruiser Puerto Rico, themed skins and other in-game items.

Tier VI Premium battleship West Virginia ’44 also sails into Legendary waters, and can be found in the Steel and Stars random bundle. Rounding out these all-American additions to the game, U.S. Legendary Tier battleship Louisiana makes waves in the Bureau, bringing impressive firepower and devastating airstrikes to those who complete this research project.

Beyond these celebrations, a new permanent camouflage arrives for HMS Rodney. Based on Rodney’s Admiralty Disruptive Pattern from the Second World War, the historical camouflage for this formidable British battleship will be available from June 30.

Star Trek beams back into World of Warships: Legends

Star Trek returns to World of Warships: Legends, bringing the Tier VIII cruiser U.S.S Voyager to the game and a new Borg Queen’s Diamond skin for Yamato. Joining World of Warships: Legends’ lineup of out-of-this-world Commanders are four more iconic Star Trek characters – Riker, Janeway, Worf, and the Borg Queen. The new content can be found in the Store and in the new Replicator Crate II, alongside returning content from the previous collaboration wave. Players can access these Crates for free through the “Forward for Freedom”, and through the “To the Delta Quadrant and Back” mission, and Commander Riker will be available through the new Number One Calendar and in the Store.

You can find the full patch notes here and a video overview here:

Temporary game mode and French destroyers brings high-octane action to World of Warships: Blitz

A new line of French Destroyers has dropped anchor in Early Access. Ready for fast-paced combat, players on mobile can take three new ships built for stealth and speed into combat: Tier V L’Adroit, Tier VII Hardi and Tier IX Orage. Equipped with brand new variable torpedoes, players can reap the rewards of close-quarters combat, dealing maximum damage at up to 6km distance, and up to 60% damage from 12km distance.

Players can further prepare for dashing speedin “Turbo Strike”, a new fast-paced game mode that puts a spin on the classic domination gameplay. With unique ship enhancements, powerups, and unlimited respawns, the action doesn’t stop until one team reigns supreme. Closing out these additions to World of Warships: Blitz, players can also enjoy , UX improvements, and other quality-of-life adjustments.

You can find the full patch notes here and a video overview here:

 

Trainwreck: Storm Area 51 Official Trailer

This is the story of the greatest sh*tpost ever made. When 20-year old Matty Roberts creates a Facebook event inviting people to storm the classified Air Force facility Area 51 in the Nevada desert, the post quickly goes viral, with hundreds and then thousands saying they’ll join the event that stated “They can’t stop all of us”.

This prompts the US Air Force, FBI officials and the Federal Aviation Administration to strongly advise against anyone illegally trying to access the base, and the Military warns that they stand ready to protect America and its assets with deadly force. The meme continues to go viral and spread to other social media apps and soon millions have signed up to attend…

Some joke, “If we Naruto run we can move faster than their bullets” but will a crazy party in the desert turn into a deadly confrontation? Featuring an epic ensemble cast of meme lords, military commanders, UFO hunters, sexy aliens and YouTubers, this is the ultimate story of the internet bursting into the real world.

Director: Jack Macinnes
Executive Producer: Alex Marengo
Series Producer: Ben Rumney
Production Company: RAW and BBH

Illusionist Brad Ross Brings Show to Knott’s Berry Farm This Summer

This summer, award-winning International Star Illusionist Brad Ross brings his mesmerizing show to Knott’s Berry Farm, taking audiences on an unforgettable journey into fantasy and imagination. Families will experience jaw-dropping grand illusions, hilarious comedy and breathtaking magic LIVE on stage. This action-packed show will thrill, amaze and have fans of all ages on the edge of their seats.

Ross delivers the ultimate family entertainment experience, blending theatricality, music and choreography with astonishing on-stage marvels. With his signature “boy-next-door” charm, he captivates audiences, drawing them into a world of wonder and making them part of the show. Through interactive moments and thrilling audience participation, every show is a one-of-a-kind experience where surprises unfold at every turn.

After captivating audiences in over 50 countries, Ross brings the world’s greatest illusions to Knott’s Berry Farm. Catch Brad Ross at the Walter Knott Theater from July 12 through August 3 before he disappears!

WHEN: Tuesdays – Wednesdays & Fridays – Sundays from July 12 – August 3
Showtimes are at 1 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

WHERE: Walter Knott Theater at Knott’s Berry Farm
8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620

This NEW magical must-see show is included with an admission or season pass to Knott’s Berry Farm.

Let’s Sing 2026 is Set to Take the Stage Later this Year

Today, publisher PLAION and developer Voxler announced that Let’s Sing 2026 is bringing the karaoke party back again to living rooms and will be coming soon to Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Celebrating 15 years of unforgettable karaoke moments, the Let’s Sing series returns with a fresh mix of chart-topping hits, brand-new features, and a more immersive singing experience. Whether you’re taking the spotlight solo or performing with friends, Let’s Sing 2026 offers an electrifying way to belt out your favorite tracks.

Grab your microphone, warm up your vocal cords, and get ready for the ultimate karaoke party in Let’s Sing 2026.

The Crew Motorfest Unveils Season 7 Headlined by Ferrari

Today, Ubisoft announced The Crew™ Motorfest Season 7, a tribute to the rich heritage of European luxury and performance, headlined by Ferrari. Available on all platforms, this new season introduces an immersive Ferrari experience, new vehicles, and a deep dive into automotive history.

This season, the legendary Enzo Ferrari Museum makes its debut on the island of Maui, offering players a chance to explore Ferrari’s legacy firsthand. The museum becomes the centerpiece of the “Ferrari Supercars” Playlist, inspired by the current exhibition in Maranello, Italy. During the playlist players will have the chance to get behind the wheel of the latest creation of Ferrari: the F80, before having the chance to add it to their collection. Throughout the Playlist, players will be guided by Michele Pignatti Morano, Director of the Ferrari Museums, who will share exclusive insights on Ferrari’s history, design, and cultural influence. Completing the Playlist unlocks the Ferrari 288 GTO (Street Tier 2) as a special reward.

After a month dedicated to Ferrari, Season 7 of The Crew Motorfest will continue its tribute to European automotive heritage with the “Luxury Chronicles: Europe” Playlist, available starting August 6. In this new chapter, the Playlist chapters and weekly Main Stage events will be thematically aligned, each month highlighting a distinctive automotive style from French elegance to German precision and British heritage. From August to October, a new Playlist event will be released each week, for a total of 13 unique challenges, with up to 1 million bucks to be earned by completing them all.

17 new vehicles will be added to The Crew Motorfest during Season 7, bringing the total to 784 vehicles.  Year 2 Pass holders will get early access to:

  •         Ferrari F50 (Street Tier 2) July 2nd
  •         Genty Automobile Akylone (Hypercar) August 6th
  •         Audi R8 LMS GT2 (Racing) September 3rd
  •         Triumph Rocket 3 R (Street Tier 2) October 1st

Ubisoft Ivory Tower also continues to enhance The Crew™ Motorfest based on community feedback, introducing new Quality of Life and Quality of Service updates in Season 7. The Fast Fav system has been completely redesigned for full customization, now including customizable slots for smoother vehicle switching. Players seeking a more immersive experience can activate the brand-new “Immersion Mode”, instantly removing HUD elements for seamless gameplay. Competitive racers will also benefit from enhanced Grand Race mode, featuring new gameplay modifiers, dynamic event formats, and the introduction of Spectator Mode with split-time tracking, offering a deeper level of strategy and competition.

With Ferrari leading the charge, Season 7 is a true celebration of European speed, style, and precision engineering. Players are invited to race, explore, and experience the legacy of the world’s most prestigious automotive brands in this thrilling new Motorfest chapter.

Dan Stevens Joins Cast of Lego Star Wars Sequel Series as Solitus

Dan Stevens has joined the upcoming sequel series “LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy – Pieces of the Past” as Solitus, a fallen Jedi who sought out access to Forcehold – a secret realm full of discarded pieces of the past.

The all-new LEGO Star Wars™ building set tied to the upcoming special “LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy – Pieces of the Past” will be available in retail stores starting August 1, 2025. The action will really heat up with the LEGO Star Wars: The Force Burner Snowspeeder building set (http://lego.com/the-force-burner-snowspeeder-75414), which features a new flame-decorated vehicle model with double cockpit, minifigures of the characters Sig Greebling, Darth Dev, and newcomer Solitus, detachable speeder bike model, rear stud shooter, and Lightsaber accessories for each included minifigure.

In the “LEGO Star Wars” animated sequel series, which is a continuation of the story that began in 2024 with “Rebuild the Galaxy,” a new threat rises in the galaxy, and Sig Greebling and Darth Dev must combine their powers of Force Building and Sith Breaking to stop it. Alongside Jedi Bob, Yesi Scala, and Servo, they will journey into the deepest corners of LEGO Star Wars lore, uncovering pieces of all the galaxies that have come before. Returning voice cast includes Gaten Matarazzo as Sig Greebling, Tony Revolori as Darth Dev, Bobby Moynihan as Jedi Bob, Marsai Martin as Yesi Scala, Michael Cusack as Servo, Ahmed Best as Darth Jar Jar, and a special guest appearance by Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker. The four-piece sequel series welcomes Dan Stevens as Solitus, Ashley Eckstein as LEGO BrickHeadz™ Ahsoka Tano, and Ben Schwartz as Jaxxon.

“LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy – Pieces of the Past” is written and executive produced by Dan Hernandez and Benji Samit, and the director is Chris Buckley. James Waugh, Jacqui Lopez, Josh Rimes, Jill Wilfert, Jason Cosler, and Keith Malone are executive producers. The producers are Daniel Cavey & Dan Langlois. Produced in collaboration with Atomic Cartoons.

Lucasfilm and the LEGO Group’s “LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy – Pieces of the Past” debuts on Disney+ on September 19, 2025.

Vindictus: Defying Fate Concludes Successful Alpha Test

The developers of the highly anticipated Vindictus: Defying Fate are thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of the game’s alpha test phase. Held from June 8 to June 16(PDT) during Steam Next Fest, the test gathered invaluable feedback and suggestions from players – insights that are now helping shape the future of Vindictus: Defying Fate as it moves toward launch.

The alpha drew over 400,000 players, securing the game a spot on Steam’s official “Next Fest: The 50 Most-Played Demos of the June 2025 Event” list. It also generated valuable feedback that will help refine future gameplay, balance and overall game experience. The Vindictus: Defying Fate team extends their sincere gratitude to the community for their time, enthusiasm, and insights. To connect with fans and share the gameplay experience, the team hosted a special two-hour Vindictus: Defying Fate gameplay preview stream during Steam Next Fest, featuring live commentary and in-depth gameplay straight from the game’s combat and monster designer.

Following the conclusion of the Alpha, the team has some exciting stats to share with the public that were gathered during the alpha test, including:

  • Total Players: 426,176
  • Blood Lord Defeated: 154,426 times
  • White Tyrant Defeated: 351,674 times
  • Countries Represented: 189
  • Total Playtime: 1,151,621 hours (equivalent to 131.46 years)
  • Total Monsters Defeated: 42,626,277
  • Total Player Defeats: 7,240,480
  • Defeats by Rolling Logs: 37,987
  • Deadliest Boss: Gnoll Chieftain Crimsongale
  • Delia was the most played character
  • Fiona was the most chosen follower

So what’s next? With the alpha phase complete, the team will focus on implementing player-driven improvements before the next test. In a recent development letter, the team has responded about some main points of feedback, including:

  • Performance Optimization: “While the goal of the alpha test was to identify performance bugs, we received feedback that performance was below standard, resulting in many players experiencing disruptions due to low frame rates and input delays. This feedback has become a top priority for the team, and we will work diligently to ensure a significant improvement optimization in the future.”
  • Combat Direction: “The team received a lot of feedback regarding the current state of combat, with many players stating that it felt restrictive and repetitive. In response, the team is working to shift the combat experience towards a more fluid and dynamic experience compared to what players experienced in the alpha build. This includes speeding up attack animations, improving the transition timing between actions and allowing players to chain attacks or react more intuitively even mid-interruption depending on the character’s mechanics. The aim is to encourage reactive, expressive combat that rewards player intuition and skill.
  • Hit Feedback: “We’re now working on improving camera shakes, effects, recoil feedback, and technical elements to enhance the feel of every hit, both when attacking and when getting hit.”
  • “In addition to these core issues, we’re also reviewing and adjusting various other features based on your feedback. Once again, thank you for participating in the alpha test and sharing your honest feedback. We always believe there’s room to improve, and that mindset drives us forward. We will continue to strive toward making a better game.”
  • You can read the full developer note with more details here.

PAX West 2025 Tabletop Exhibitors and Unplugged 2025 Badge Sale Details

Co-show organizers ReedPop and Penny Arcade reveal tabletop news for 2025’s PAX events, revealing the first list of tabletop exhibitors coming to PAX West 2025 from Friday, Aug. 29, to Monday, Sept. 1, in Seattle. As well, badges for PAX Unplugged 2025 go on sale Thursday, July 10, for the event taking place in Philadelphia from Friday, Nov. 21, through Sunday, Nov. 23.

Bandai brings its heavyweight franchises to the Seattle Convention Center at PAX West 2025, such as Dragon Ball and Digimon, alongside other companies known for adapting beloved video games into board games. Check out upcoming projects from the likes of award-winning Chip Theory Games (The Elder Scrolls: Betrayal of the Second Era), Hachette Boardgames (Dead Cells), and Contention Games (Slay the Spire), to name a few.

Notable tabletop legend Cephalofair Games (Gloomhaven) joins the tabletop exhibitors alongside a swath of indie developers coming to PAX West 2025. See what’s next for 9th Level Games (Kobolds Ate My Baby), Archon Games (Eschaton), Fib Games (Fib® A Game for Liars and Thieves), Ghostfire Gaming (Grim Hollow), Dice Throne, and many others pushing the boundaries of innovation with a physical format.

PAX Unplugged 2025, the East Coast’s most-attended tabletop gaming event, returns to the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia from Friday, Nov. 21, through Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025. Discover new favorite games and upcoming titles in an expansive expo hall that featured more than 350 exhibitors at the sold-out 2024 event.

“It’s been a rough year for the tabletop industry, but the PAX audience always shows up for them,” said Jerry Holkins, co-founder of PAX, Penny Arcade, and Child’s Play. “I can’t wait to see what they’ve got on tap.”

PAX West badges are currently available for $255 for a 4-day badge, $70 for a single-day Saturday badge, $68.50 for single-day badges for Friday or Sunday, and $66 for a single-day Monday badge. BYOC (Bring Your Own Computer) badges are $50.

PAX Unplugged badges go on sale Thursday, July 10, 2025, for $94 for a 3-day badge, $44 for single-day Friday or Sunday badges, $45 for a single-day Saturday badge, and $15 for kids badges (available on Sunday only for children up to 12 years old). For information on media and content creator applications, panel and content applications, and other ways to take part, visit the PAX Unplugged Get Involved page.

Bandai Namco Celebrates 30 Years of Ace Combat

The ACE COMBAT Series began 30 years ago today with the PlayStation launch of Air Combat. Debuting on the original PlayStation console, the game laid the groundwork for a sprawling series that brings hyper-realistic aerial combat and intense military-drama storytelling to players around the globe, having recently surpassed the 20 million cumulative sales milestone. To mark the occasion, Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc., will begin celebrations with a series commemorative trailer:

ACE COMBAT series brand director Kazutoki Kono also has a direct message to convey to series fans in honor of the 30th anniversary:

Since the release of the first title in 1995, thanks to your unwavering support, the ACE COMBAT Series has reached a remarkable milestone, its 30th anniversary in 2025.

First and foremost, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all our fans and everyone involved who has supported the series throughout the years. Thank you, sincerely, from the bottom of my heart. This moment is our chance to return thirty years’ worth of appreciation to you.

I believe that sustaining a legacy over three decades means far more than simply the passage of time. I’ve always shared this message with everyone involved in the series:

“To deliver emotionally resonant, high-quality experiences that exceed expectations, to spark excitement for what comes next—and then to meet that anticipation with even greater ambition. By continuing this cycle, we build a bond of trust with our players, and that bond is the truest expression of our gratitude.”

Over the past thirty years, times have changed. Values have shifted, technologies have evolved, and certain cultures have faded. Our company and our team have continually transformed to navigate these tides. In a word, we’ve embraced change.

There were times we may not have fully met your expectations. But I also believe there were moments when we exceeded them—when we soared higher than anyone imagined.

Namco’s founder, Masaya Nakamura, once said, “Only those who can adapt to change will survive.”

I joined Namco in 1994. Back then, I understood those words intellectually—but not yet from experience.

Now, I truly do.

After three incredible decades of adapting to change, we’ve built an enduring bond of trust with all of you. That connection is the very force that has sustained the ACE COMBAT Series and propelled it into the future. I can now feel this truth in every fiber of my being. And I’m proud—proud that our ongoing commitment to delivering value and earning your trust has led us to this 30th anniversary.

And now, we’re ready. Everything is in place. It’s time to take flight once again—toward even greater heights.

June 30, 2025
Brand director of ACE COMBAT Series
Kazutoki Kono

Also on deck for the series anniversary celebration is the relaunch of the ACES WEB website (https://www.acecombat.jp/) with English language support. With the help of Bandai Namco Game Music, the “ACE COMBAT Original Soundtrack” is now available on major streaming services and for digital downloads, curating 19 tracks from the series’ history. More is planned, including refreshed social channels.