Author - Jerry Paxton

Ground of Aces Release Date Trailer

Swiss-Polish indie developer Blindflug Studios has officially announced the release date for its strategy base-building game Ground of Aces: The game will launch in Early Access on July 10, 2025 for Windows PC and Mac.

Ground of Aces puts players in command of an airbase during World War II, where they must build, manage, and lead their base through the hardships of war. The Early Access version features the British Royal Air Force as the first playable faction and offers a wide selection of iconic British aircraft to collect for your base.

Following the successful release of the playable demo earlier this year, the team is now ready to take the next big step. Executive Producer Moritz Zumbühl explains: “Over the past few months, we’ve worked closely with our community, and we’re incredibly excited to launch the Early Access version of Ground of Aces exactly on the 85th anniversary of the start of the Battle of Britain. July 10 is our D-Day – and we can’t wait to send players on their mission.”

Ground of Aces will offer players a unique view into World War II, highlighting the challenges faced by air bases and their crews, including historic events such as the Battle of Britain. It is inspired by free form base building games like Rimworld and Going Medieval, as well as historical strategy games like Hearts of Iron IV. The art style will pay homage to the “ligne claire” style of Franco-Belgian comics like Biggles and Buck Danny.

The main pillars of Ground of Aces:

  • Engulf yourself in the Second World War: Step into the shoes of an air base commander and witness the war from a new perspective. Build and defend your base, send pilots on critical missions, and play a vital role in shaping the war effort.
  • A base builder at heart: Design and expand your air base with complete freedom. Your base is laid out by your own choices and thus unique.
  • A dream for aviation enthusiasts: Take command of a fleet of historically significant aircraft. Carefully select the right planes for each mission, maintain your fleet, and ensure your base is always ready for action.
  • Your crew’s personal stories: Your crew is more than just numbers—they are individuals shaped by war. Witness their struggles and triumphs, and feel the weight of every loss.

Game of Thrones: Kingsroad Gets New Update

Today, Netmarble has launched a game update to its action-adventure RPG title Game of Thrones: Kingsroad that is currently available on all mobile platforms, as well as on PC via Steam, the Epic Games Store and Windows Launcher. Players will experience a variety of new content, including engaging seasonal updates, in the ever-expanding world of Westeros, including:

  • The Crow’s Nest and the surrounding lands are a new area players can explore south of the Stormlands. Stannis Baratheon, brother of Robert Baratheon and claimant to the Iron Throne, is preparing to sail North to answer the call of the Night’s Watch. However, some of the mercenaries he hired to replenish his armies have betrayed their allegiance and have taken the castle of Griffin’s Roost. Unwilling to risk leaving his lands in this vulnerable state, Stannis turns to the player to help break the siege and uncover who is behind these sellsword turncoats.

o   New QuestsSub-questsRuinsBounties and more will be available in this new area. In addition, a new ferocious beast called the ‘Shadowcat’ stands between players and their journeys across Westeros.

  • Raid is a new content mode where players will encounter the ‘Kraken,’ the first Raid boss that can be found in the north of the Sunset Sea. As depicted in A Song of Ice and Fire novels, this creature is large enough to wrap around even the most formidable ships and drag them down into the dark depths of the sea – most who come face to face with one don’t live long enough to tell the tale. This new mode encourages players to team up and engage the Kraken in combat while onboard a ship. Only through teamwork and mastery of its unique mechanics can players hope to defeat this legendary denizen of the depths.
  • Seasonal Updates have been introduced to the game that include WormwalkBeyond the Wall ExpeditionsBountiesSub-quests, and Events. Look for new activities across all of Westeros as this new game update adds more depth to players’ journey on the Kingsroad.

Game of Thrones: Kingsroad features a brand-new story ready to be uncovered as players take on the role of a new character, who, through a quirk of fate, becomes the heir to House Tyre, a small noble house in the North. Three classes inspired by iconic roles within the original series can be chosen from: Knight, Sellsword, or Assassin. The game intricately recreates the unique combat mechanics and skills of each class, enhancing the depth and enjoyment of class-based strategic combat, with players engaging in battles that align with their preferred style.

For the latest information and updates, visit (https://gameofthrones.netmarble.com/) or join the community conversation on Discord, Facebook, X and YouTube.

Razer and 100 Thieves Reunite to Drive Innovation Across Esports and Lifestyle

Razer™, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, and 100 Thieves, the premium lifestyle brand and gaming organization, today announced a new multi-year, multi-category partnership. 

 This renewed collaboration designates Razer as the Official Headset, Controller, and Chair Partner for 100 Thieves and the Los Angeles Thieves across top esports titles including Call of Duty, Apex Legends, VALORANT, League of Legends, and Marvel Rivals. The partnership underscores a shared commitment to advancing competitive play while shaping the broader gaming lifestyle.  

 Founded in 2017 by esports icon Matthew “Nadeshot” Haag, 100 Thieves has established itself as a powerhouse in competitive gaming, known for its championship pedigree and cultural influence. From winning the 2021 League of Legends Championship Series (LCS) to dominating the 2022 Call of Duty League Championship under the Los Angeles Thieves banner, the organization has consistently delivered elite performances. With Razer’s cutting-edge gear once again in their corner, the two brands are set to push the boundaries of performance and innovation even further.  

 “We’re excited to have Razer back with 100 Thieves,” said Jacob T. Toft-Andersen, CEO of 100 Thieves. “They’ve been part of our journey before, and this next chapter expands on that, especially in the console space, where high performance controllers and audio really matter. It’s not just about the gear, it’s about how we support our players and show up for the community.” 

 “Reuniting with 100 Thieves during Razer’s 20th year feels like the right move,” said Jeff Chau, Global Director of Esports at Razer. “With their championship pedigree in console titles like Call of Duty, we’re excited to support 100 Thieves with our most advanced controllers and high-performance audio gear. This partnership is about setting a new standard in console competition while creating authentic experiences that inspire fans everywhere.”  

 The Los Angeles Thieves Call of Duty roster – Envoy, Ghosty, Scrap, and HyDra – continues to shine in the league. HyDra, affectionately known as the “French Phenom” for his explosive gameplay and clutch performances, has helped lead the team through a strong 2025 season. With top finishes in major tournaments this April and May, the team has reaffirmed its status as one of the most formidable in the scene. 

 Through this partnership, Razer and 100 Thieves will collaborate on product development, content creation, and community initiatives – delivering tools and experiences that reflect the evolving intersection of esports and lifestyle.  

For more information about Team Razer and its roster of esports athletes, please visit www.razer.com/esports.  

Cave Crave Official Launch Trailer

Cave Crave – VR spelunking & cave diving game arrives today at Meta Quest (10:00 AM PST) for $14.99.

🧗 Immersive VR Spelunking

The caving story begins here! Dive into the unknown in the most realistic VR cave exploration game: “Cave Crave”! The first story chapters of this eagerly awaited spelunking experience arrive today on Meta Quest at 10:00 AM PST – along with the optional “Horror” and “Tourist” modes and more content dropping already next week.

🎮 Core Gameplay

“Cave Crave” features immersive underground navigation including crawling, climbing, and swimming (swimming will be added soon in an update), as well as a unique VR mechanic for squeezing through extremely tight spaces.

📦 Premiere Starting Pack

  • Story Mode
    • Players begin their expedition with the first four chapters of the story campaign, including a starting set of maps. There are no cheap jump scares or artificial anxiety-inducing mechanics included – the main game fear factors are headlamp battery life and well… players’ nerves! The spelunking adventure will continue shortly after launch with the first game update coming in the first week of July.
  • Horror Mode
    • A standalone, completely optional mode that introduces survival-horror elements. Players navigate unfamiliar sections of the cave with limited tools while facing potential threats. Intended for users seeking a tense and frightening experience, this mode unlocks after completing the first chapter of the Story Mode. The HORROR mode is completely optional and not connected to the story campaign in any way (players may skip it entirely).
  • Tourist Mode
    • A relaxed mode for revisiting previously explored caves without gameplay pressure. Designed for players who want to immerse themselves in the visuals and atmospheric soundtrack at their own pace.

🔓 Post-Launch Content

Additional maps, story chapters, tools, game modes and caving mechanics will be introduced in free updates, as 3R Games plans to expand the game with long-term support – “Just as we did with Thief Simulator VR: Greenview Street.” – says Piotr Surmacz, game director and CEO of 3R Games. The first content update for Cave Crave is coming in the 1st week of July.

🎬 Release Trailer

 

Razer Kishi V3 Review: The New King of Mobile Gaming?

I’ve been at this game reviewing gig for over a decade now. I’ve seen trends come and go, from the motion control craze to the brief, misguided flirtation with 3D. But the most persistent, undeniable shift has been the rise of mobile gaming from a time-killing distraction to a legitimate, high-fidelity platform. With cloud services streaming AAA titles and native ports becoming increasingly common, the only thing holding our pocket supercomputers back has been the controls. Touchscreens are fine for puzzles, but for a proper gaming session, you need sticks and buttons. Razer has been trying to solve this problem for years, and with the Razer Kishi V3, it feels like they’ve finally stopped trying to build a mobile accessory and have instead built a proper console controller that just happens to wrap around your phone.

From the moment you hold it, the Kishi V3’s design philosophy is clear: comfort over convenience. Gone are the days of flimsy, pocketable controllers that felt like a compromise. This device has the heft and ergonomic contour of a standard Xbox gamepad, split in two. For someone like me, whose hands have logged thousands of hours and are prone to cramping with smaller devices, this is a revelation. Long sessions of streaming from my PC or diving into a lengthy RPG feel natural and sustainable, without the claw-hand fatigue that plagues so many of its competitors. The trade-off, of course, is portability. This is not a controller you casually slip into your jeans pocket; it’s a deliberate piece of kit you pack in a bag, signaling a more intentional, “sedentary” approach to mobile play.

The real story is in the hardware under your thumbs. The face buttons and D-pad use Razer’s signature mecha-tactile switches, delivering a satisfyingly crisp, “mouse-click” feedback that feels incredibly responsive. The D-pad, in particular, is a joy to use for platformers and fighting games, offering precise inputs that many controllers struggle with. But the star of the show is the new TMR thumbsticks. For years, we’ve been hearing about Hall Effect sensors as the cure for the dreaded stick drift. Razer claims this Tunneling Magnetoresistance technology is a step beyond, offering even greater precision. In practice, the sticks feel incredibly smooth and accurate, and the promise of immunity to drift is a massive selling point for any long-term investment. The Pro model I tested even includes swappable magnetic thumbstick caps, a premium touch that lets you tailor the feel for different genres, much like you would with an elite console controller.

This premium hardware is backed by what might be the Kishi V3’s secret weapon: the Razer Nexus software. The app acts as a unified dashboard for all your games, whether they’re installed natively or accessed through cloud services. Pressing the dedicated Nexus button instantly launches you into a clean, console-like interface, making the whole phone-and-controller setup feel like a cohesive, dedicated gaming handheld. The app is also where you can remap the extra programmable buttons—a feature that gives a tangible advantage in competitive games—and even enable a Virtual Controller Mode for touchscreen-only titles on Android. Most impressively, the integrated PC Remote Play works flawlessly, turning my phone into a high-fidelity extension of my gaming rig with no perceptible lag. The best part? Unlike some of its key competitors, the Nexus app and all its features are completely free, which adds significant, undeniable value to the overall package.

However, this pursuit of a “pro” experience comes at a pro-level price, and this is where the Kishi V3 line stumbles. While the standard Razer Kishi V3 model is priced competitively, the higher-tier Pro versions command a premium price. That extra cost gets you two additional “claw grip” bumpers, the swappable thumbsticks, and Razer’s Sensa HD Haptics. Razer Sensa HD Haptics are genuinely impressive, offering nuanced feedback that surpasses standard rumble, but there’s a major catch: they don’t work on iOS. This creates a fractured value proposition, asking iPhone users to pay for a key feature they can’t use. Furthermore, despite the controller’s generous size, the decision to stick with an offset thumbstick layout feels like a missed opportunity. The design places the face buttons directly below the right stick, which can still lead to some thumb strain during intense sessions—an issue a symmetrical layout could have easily solved with the available real estate.

Ultimately, the Razer Kishi V3 mobile controller is an exceptional piece of hardware that successfully bridges the gap between mobile and console gaming. It offers unparalleled comfort for long sessions and a suite of high-performance components that feel genuinely “pro-grade.” The free and powerful Nexus software ecosystem elevates the entire experience, making it feel like more than just an accessory. Yet, it’s a product defined by its compromises. Its focus on ergonomics sacrifices portability, and the premium price tag of the higher-tier models will be a barrier for many, especially for iPhone users who don’t get the full feature set of the Pro model. It’s not the perfect mobile controller for everyone, but for the dedicated gamer who uses their phone or tablet as a primary gaming screen and is willing to pay for an uncompromising, console-quality experience, the standard Razer Kishi V3 is, without a doubt, the new king of the hill. The Razer Kishi V3 retails for $99.99 and is available now.

Overall Rating 5 out of 5

Pros

  • Advanced, drift-free thumbsticks and satisfying mecha-tactile buttons
  • Powerful and free Razer Nexus software with PC Remote Play

Cons

  • Some may find the plastic build of the standard model feels light for the price

White Knuckle: The Challenge Update Trailer

Speed runners and challenge junkies, it’s time, once again, to grab your pitons, hammer, and… grubs, as the Dark Machine Games team alongside horror publisher, DreadXP, have launched the Challenge Update for the hit speed-climbing horror roguelite, White Knuckle. The new update offers a variety of handcrafted Challenge maps with different objectives to further test your climbing skills and compete for better times or higher scores.

Not quite ready to take on the new challenges? The update also unveiled the Training Sector, offering a customizable experience to refine skills with or without the dangers lurking in the main campaign. Work on basic climbing, practice with different items, and familiarize yourself with each region, all with the flexibility to adjust different aspects of the training.

As if that wasn’t enough content, the team has expanded Habitation, adding new rooms, hazards, notes, and more, spread throughout the region. The update also brings additional [REDACTED] content, optimization, balancing, and bug fixes.

White Knuckle is available now in Steam Early Access for $12.99 USD / €12.79 / £10.99 and currently has a discount of 15% as part of the Steam Summer Sale. As White Knuckle’s content develops throughout the Early Access period, pricing will be adjusted accordingly. The first price adjustment is planned with the added scope of The Abyss Update, coming Q3 this year. A highly praised demo is currently available for free on Steam for aspiring climbers to test their mettle before taking on the full force of Substructure 7.

Insta360 Unveils Flow 2 AI Smartphone Stabilizer

We’re excited to officially launch Insta360 Flow 2! A more affordable, creator-friendly evolution of the gimbal we’ve spent years refining. It’s built for anyone with a story to tell, be that playing with kids, group vlogs, video calls, or just a quiet solo trip.

With built-in 3-axis stabilization, NFC One-Tap Shooting, a sturdy selfie stick and tripod, Deep Track 4.0, Multi Person Tracking and Active Zoom Tracking, all with a 10-hour battery, Flow 2 keeps the best of what creators love, now at a price that makes it more accessible than ever.

“With Flow 2, we’re taking everything we’ve learned from developing the Flow series, and making it easier for more people to create,” shares JK Liu, founder of Insta360. “It’s designed to make smartphone shooting that much better, packed full of features, while remaining portable and accessible.”

A True All-in-One Companion

Folding up to fit snugly in your bag or pocket, Flow 2 comes complete with a built-in selfie stick, a sturdy metal tripod, and a 10-hour battery that can even charge your phone while you shoot.

Flow 2 features NFC One-Tap Shooting* for supported phones, letting you skip the Bluetooth pairing process and jump straight into the Insta360 app’s shooting page. Just tap your phone and you’re in!

For Android users, there’s also an optional Quick Launch setting in the Insta360 app that automatically opens your native phone camera when you unfold the gimbal, too.

Smarter Tracking, Smoother Shots

At the heart of Flow 2 is our smartest tracking tech yet: Deep Track 4.0.

The latest rendition of our AI tracking brings sweeping updates to subject identification (even when obstructed by obstacles), and better support for tracking full groups. This works incredibly well if you’re vlogging with friends, or filming a group dance or performance, ensuring nobody is left out of shot!

There’s also the handy Pro Framing Grid, using Insta360‘s golden ratio tech to allow for 9 unique angles (simply tap the screen, Flow 2 will accomodate your subject), to ensure you get perfect framing for your environment.

Even better, you can control your Flow 2 remotely via Apple Watch or a second smartphone. It’s perfect for those moments when the whole family wants to be in the shot. No more awkwardly asking strangers for help!

As Max Richter, Co-founder and VP of Marketing, puts it: “Flow 2 is an exciting addition to our gimbal lineup. Its accessible pricing combined with plenty of exciting features really positions it as an everyday gimbal far ahead of the competition.”

Vlog-Ready with the New Insta360 Mic Air

We’ve made vlogging easier with tools like the new Insta360 Mic Air for hands-free audio, letting you capture clearer voiceovers or commentary whether you’re walking, cooking, or unboxing.

Combined with the new Teleprompter feature via the Insta360 app, you’ll have perfect live cooking demos, product showcases, and more! Simply load your script and it’ll scroll while you record with your phone’s camera.

Flow 2 also includes the AI Tracker, which enables subject tracking in third-party apps that don’t natively support it, especially helpful for Android users, offering powerful tracking capabilities across more platforms. Better yet, it includes a built-in spotlight for natural shots even at night!

Once you’re done filming, the AI Editing Suite can auto-trim and polish your footage for you as well!

Flow 2 vs. Flow 2 Pro: What’s the Difference?

Flow 2 and Flow 2 Pro share most of the same smart shooting features, but Flow 2 Pro adds some hardware and design upgrades for creators who want even more:

Feature

Flow 2

Flow 2 Pro

Deep Track 4.0

✅

✅

Pro Framing Grid

✅

✅

NFC One-Tap Pairing

✅

✅

AI Tracker (for 3rd-party apps)

✅

✅

Built-in Spotlight

✅

✅

Insta360 Mic Air Support

✅

✅

Teleprompter Mode

✅

✅

Selfie Mirror

❌

✅

Tracking Ring Light

❌

✅

Transparent Motor Design

❌

✅

Apple DockKit Native Tracking

❌

✅

360 Infinite Pan Tracking

❌ (limited tracking)

✅

Free Tilt Mode

❌

✅

If you want the most advanced mobile gimbal out there, Flow 2 Pro is for you. If you want the best value in the game, Flow 2 hits that sweet spot.

Built for Real Life

We designed Flow 2 with a clear goal: pack in the powerful tools creators love, drop the friction, and make the price more accessible. From the first tap to the final edit, it’s designed to be smooth, powerful, and accessible.

For those looking for the most flexibility in how they approach smartphone filming, or require advanced shots like 360 Infinite Pan Tracking or tilt shots, Flow 2 Pro is not going anywhere, and may be your ideal pick for smarter shots on mobile.

Flow 2 is available now, starting from $109.99 for the Standard Bundle, or $129.99 for the AI Tracker Bundle. Both bundles are available via the Insta360 Official Store, Amazon, and global retailers.

*NFC pairing is supported on select phone models. Further compatibility details are available at insta360.com.

Spirit Halloween Hiring 50K Retail Associates for 2025 Season

As the Halloween season creeps closer, Spirit Halloween, the nation’s largest Halloween retailer, is seeking dedicated seasonal sales associates and store managers to join the retail team. With 50,000 positions available to support more than 1,500 retail locations expected to open in 2025, Spirit Halloween is ramping up for another year of magic and memories.

Candidates interested in a position can find more information at Work4Spirit.com or can text “Reaper” to 85000 to apply.

“With the anticipation for Halloween at an all-time high, we are committed to creating the same immersive experience that keeps our fans coming back year after year,” said Steven Silverstein, CEO of Spirit Halloween. “The talent and enthusiasm of our associates is the driving force that brings Halloween to life each year, and we look forward to welcoming new and returning faces for another killer season.”

Spirit Halloween treats associates to frightfully fun perks, including competitive salaries, flexible scheduling, a premium pay incentive program, and seasonal retention bonuses for returning store managers. To keep the tricks and treats alive after-hours, all associates also receive a 30% discount on Spirit Halloween purchases.

Spirit Halloween offers the latest costumes, décor, and animatronics trends to create a one-of-a-kind Halloween shopping and entertainment experience for guests. The brand’s signature in-store experience is reimagined each year, creating a fun and dynamic workplace culture that stays rooted in respect, integrity, and community.

Follow @SpiritHalloween on social media to stay up to date on all the latest thrills and chills, and visit SpiritHalloween.com to shop the best Spirit Halloween has to offer anytime, anywhere, every day of the year.

Commandos: Origins Deluxe Edition Marches onto Store Shelves

Kalypso Media and Claymore Game Studios are proud to announce that the physical version of the Commandos: Origins – Deluxe Edition is now available at retail and online stores in the United States on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 for $59.99 – the Green Beret and his Commandos squad have now marched onto store shelves.

Finally, strategy fans can proudly add Commandos to their collection once again! The Commandos Origins – Deluxe Edition is the definitive choice for strategy enthusiasts and longtime fans of the series. The edition offers an extra dose of nostalgia, including six iconic Commando skins from Commandos 2 adapted for Commandos: Origins, a 3D printing template for the Green Beret, a digital Commandos: Origins calendar and the Original Soundtrack with 15 symphonic tracks.

Commandos: Origins is available with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass, and on Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5. Digital versions on Xbox One (including Xbox Smart Delivery) and PlayStation 4 will launch later this year.

Features:

  • Challenging Real Time Tactical Stealth Gameplay: Make the best use of your Commandos’ unique abilities, infiltrate enemy facilities, and hit them where it hurts most before disappearing into the shadows.
  • An extraordinary team: Featuring 6 infamous characters, each with their own storied history, banding together to form an extraordinary fighting force – the Commandos: Take control over Jack O’Hara “the Green Beret”, Thomas “the Sapper” Hancock, Francis T. “the Sniper” Woolridge, Samuel “the Driver” Brooklyn, James “the Marine” Blackwood, and Rene “the Spy” Duchamp and lead them to success.
  • Many paths to victory: The detailed, varied, and interactive environments offer multiple approaches to reach your goal. Sneak, climb, drive in various vehicles, or hide and creep your way to mission success!
  • On your mark: A modern user experience with precise and intuitive controls enables you to control the commandos with expert precision. Coordinate complex actions simultaneously to overcome heavily fortified targets.
  • Fight on all fronts: Play through more than 10 missions in historically authentic WWII environments, spanning from the barren Arctic to the African desert, with a range of core and voluntary objectives that will require your full tactical expertise.
  • There is no I in team: Take on missions with a friend in the 2-player cooperative multiplayer mode, either online or via local split-screen.

Firefighting Simulator: Ignite Pre-Order Trailer

Firefighting Simulator: Ignite will launch on September 9, 2025, for PC, PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S and is now available for pre-order on all platforms.

The new trailer shows off the pre-order bonus and key features of the game:

Fans who pre-order the game will receive the Fire Station Companion Pack for free as a pre-order bonus. The Fire Station Companion Pack brings even more charm to the fire station, which serves as the central hub for operations. And while Dalmatians may no longer be essential to firefighting, they’re still the heart of the station — Simi, the loyal firehouse dog, is always waiting to welcome the crew home. The pack also includes a special 1950s-style retro firefighter helmet, providing a distinctive look.

But that’s just the beginning of additional content. With the Year 1 Season Pass, players not only save more than 35% compared to purchasing the included DLCs individually but also gain access to exclusive content—such as the Rosenbauer HEROS Titan Helmet, available only through the Year 1 Season Pass. Additional content includes the upcoming Cosmetic Pack, two Vehicle Packs, three mission expansions, and one major expansion throughout the course of the Year 1 Season.

Firefighting Simulator: Ignite will be released on September 9, 2025, for PC, PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S and is now available for pre-order across all platforms—complete with the Fire Station Companion Pack as a pre-order bonus. The Firefighting Simulator: Ignite – Year 1 Edition is also available for pre-order for PC, PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S. The Edition includes the base game and the Year 1 Season Pass.