Sand Sailor Studio and Thunderful have today released a new update for ASKA that adds an appropriately themed layer of celebration and community to your Viking settlement as Steam Medieval Fest kicks off. More than 600,000 players have checked out ASKA during the game’s Early Access period. The new Hearth & Honey update and a 20% discount for the duration of the Medieval Fest makes now the perfect time to join the growing Viking-hordes in festival spirit as the mood shifts from raiding to bees and delicious mead.
ASKA Hearth & Honey Update
Hearth & Honey brings a whole new production chain to the game, centered around beekeeping and brewing mead. It starts with a voyage out to the marsh islands to track down wild beehives and ends with your villagers raising a horn at the newly added taverns, which can now also be upgraded to tier 3. Stocking your taverns with this tasty liquid gold provides a new way to manage your tribe’s needs and keep their spirits high.
Hearth & Honey is the latest in a relentless stream of content, following 8 major updates and numerous patches – including the game-changing Seaborne Raiders expansion which brought longships and naval exploration to the world.
Today, Ubisoft announced that Assassin’s Creed™ Black Flag Resynced will be officially unveiled during a dedicated Showcase, airing on April 23 at 6:00 PM CEST / 9:00 AM PDT on the following channels:
Back in 2023, it was shared that the original Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag has reached over 34 million players, highlighting its lasting impact on the franchise and its community.
For the latest news about Assassin’s Creed and other Ubisoft games, please visit news.ubisoft.com. To purchase, please visit store.ubisoft.com
22cans drops their official launch trailer for Masters of Albion today. Launching into Early Access at $24.99 (USD) minus an early adopters 10% discount via Steam on the 22 April 2026 at 18:00 BST. Masters of Albion blends city-building, simulation, and real-time combat into a single player-driven experience defined by freedom, creativity, and consequence. In the words of its creator, Peter Molyneux, Masters of Albion is the culmination of a lifetime’s work in the games industry, bringing together mechanics from previous much-loved titles like Black & White, the Fable series, and Dungeon Keeper.
With systems-driven gameplay at the heart of the game, Masters of Albion reimagines and reinvigorates the God Game genre, placing complete control in the hands of players, and ensuring that every decision made carries weight.
Early impressions have highlighted this pulling together of previous titles. Following a studio visit, Jörg Langer of GamersGlobal wrote:
“It feels like a best of the best of Molyneux titles – yet it still has its own ideas.”
This sentiment reflects a return to form for Peter Molyneux and the team at 22cans, with Masters of Albion positioned as both a homage to the foundations of the genre and a step forward in how those systems are realised.
By day, players can navigate through the story, explore the world and design, build, and
manage fully customisable towns with a freedom not found in many city builders.
By night, however, players find themselves in a very different world, one in which they must defend their towns against increasingly volatile threats from the creatures of the night in real-time combat, utilising every power they have available to them to keep their towns from destruction.
This contrast between creation and survival sits at the heart of the experience, allowing players to enjoy the juxtaposition of a cosy day of god work helping your people live and work, and the terrors of a night where every second is marked with danger.
Masters of Albion is built around experimentation, bringing together ideas that defined earlier god games with new mechanics that expand how players interact with a modern game world.
Developed by a team that includes Peter Molyneux, Mark Healey, Russell Shaw, Kareem Ettouney and Iain Wright, Masters of Albion combines decades of experience in game development across all disciplines. It is a team that is packed with the people behind genre-defining titles such as Fable, Black & White, and Dungeon Keeper, bringing those influences together into a modern interpretation of the God Game.
Players can wishlist the game on Steam ahead of its Early Access launch on April 22nd.
Players who purchase and play within the first week of release will receive an exclusive Founders Paint Pack, a limited set of premium in-game colours available only to early supporters.
Deep Silver and KING Art Games today revealed the second of four in-game CGI narrative sequences for Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV, this time focusing on the Adeptus Mechanicus and their relentless pursuit of ancient technology: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2272360/Warhammer_40000_Dawn_of_War_IV/
Making its debut in the Dawn of War series, the Adeptus Mechanicus enters as a new playable faction. Watch the Adeptus Mechanicus CGI trailer here:
The Adeptus Mechanicus CGI Overview
Following on from the previous CGI chapter, each cinematic serves as an introduction to one of the four playable factions. This time, the focus shifts to the Adeptus Mechanicus – the Omnissiah’s devoted servants, driven by an unrelenting pursuit of knowledge and ancient technology.
The Adeptus Mechanicus CGI trailer follows Magos Dominus Nulpherus-1 and a fellow tech priest as they descend into what they believe to be a long-buried Necron tomb, driven by their pursuit of lost knowledge. At first, the structure appears dormant, its secrets waiting to be uncovered…
…but as the pair ventures deeper into the depths, it soon becomes clear: the tomb is not as silent as it seems
Necron forces begin to awaken, turning a calculated exploration into a chaotic firefight within the collapsing ruins. With the situation rapidly spiraling out of control, Magos Nulpherus-1 is forced into a desperate retreat
Salvation comes in the form of Sicarian Ruststalkers, cutting through the darkness as the Adeptus Mechanicus make their escape. What starts as a mission of discovery quickly becomes a battle to survive
This Adeptus Mechanicus CGI is the second of four faction reveals coming to Dawn of War IV, launching on PC later this year. Stay tuned for the rest.
After a thrilling cinematic and gameplay reveal in collaboration with Xbox, we’re excited to announce METRO 2039, the long-awaited next chapter in the METRO saga from acclaimed storytellers 4A Games. METRO 2039 is coming to Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Steam and Epic this winter.
The official reveal showcases METRO 2039’s handcrafted, story‑driven single‑player FPS campaign, claustrophobic immersive atmosphere and psychological horror. The 15-minute stream featured interviews from 4A Games’ Jon Bloch (Executive Producer), Andriy ‘mLs’ Shevchenko (Creative Director) and Pavel Ulmer (Co-Creative Director & Lead Audio Designer), as well as a stunning six-minute reveal trailer and gameplay tease. The gameplay itself was captured using a mix of gameplay and real-time cinematics, giving fans a glimpse of the series’ haunting environments, stunning visual fidelity and iconic METRO equipment, including the signature weapons and wristwatch during a heart pounding mutant combat encounter.
WATCH THE FULL 15-MINUTE SHOWCASE STREAM HERE:
WATCH THE REVEAL TRAILER HERE:
THE YEAR IS 2039.
For a quarter century, the last survivors of nuclear war have been locked in bitter conflict deep in the Metro tunnels beneath the poisoned city of Moscow. Now, the underground factions are unified under one banner – the Novoreich, led by a new Fuhrer: the legendary Spartan, Hunter. The Fuhrer promises salvation and a new life for the people on the surface but in reality, communities remain trapped deep within the Metro, flooded by propaganda and misinformation, suffering under his authoritarian regime.
You play as The Stranger, a recluse haunted by violent waking nightmares, forced to undertake a harrowing journey back down to the Metro, a place he swore he would never return to. The Stranger will be a fully voiced lead protagonist, making a notable step towards deeper immersion in METRO’s iconic atmospheric storytelling.
A CLASSIC METRO STORY, TOLD FROM A UKRAINIAN PERSPECTIVE.
4A Games was born in Ukraine, and still remains majority Ukrainian, but now with a team that spans over 25 different nationalities united by a Ukrainian spirit of determination and pride for their projects. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has impacted and directly shaped the development of METRO 2039, with its story shifting to focus acutely on choices, actions, consequences and the cost of securing a future.
While told from a distinctly Ukrainian perspective, METRO 2039 remains an authentically METRO story. Now working primarily from two locations in Kyiv and Malta, the goal remains the same: to create an experience that is unmistakably METRO.
METRO 2039 is developed in Ukraine amid Russia’s ongoing full-scale invasion, and in Malta. 4A Games continues to support its homeland and team members in Ukraine in every possible way. If you wish to contribute, we can recommend the Official Fundraising Platform of Ukraine: United24: https://u24.gov.ua/
Be the first to learn more by registering for updates at METRO2039.com and follow us on X, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, YouTube and Bluesky with @MetroVideoGame. To find out more about 4A Games, please visit the official website at www.4a-games.com, follow on Facebook www.facebook.com/4aGames and Twitter www.Twitter.com/4agames.
IO Interactive, the award-winning developer and publisher behind the globally acclaimed HITMAN franchise, and Amazon MGM Studios revealed today the title sequence of 007 First Light, during the BAFTA Game Awards ceremony held in London, United Kingdom. The title song is performed by multi-platinum selling and award-winning singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey, written and composed by Lana Del Rey & David Arnold, marking the return of the composer to the Bond franchise. 007 First Light is set to release on May 27, 2026, featuring a reimagined origin story of James Bond, still inexperienced and sometimes reckless, as he takes his first steps into the world of espionage.
The title sequence follows the Bond franchise’s long-lived tradition of the opening credits showcasing the game’s motifs and identity. The title sequence and title song of 007 First Light set the tone for Bond’s reimagined origin story with a modern yet classic flair. Built around striking visuals and a rich cinematic atmosphere, it brings together the main themes of James Bond’s journey in the game, as he enters the world of espionage. Anchored by Lana Del Rey and David Arnold’s powerful title song, the sequence embraces the franchise’s legacy while bringing its own identity, honoring James Bond’s return to gaming after more than 13 years.
Alongside the title sequence and title song, IO Interactive also released the fourth episode of Beyond the Light, focusing this new entry on the game’s soundtrack. This new episode includes interviews with Dominic Vega, Missions and Audio Director on 007 First Light, and The Flight, the composer duo behind the score of 007 First Light. In those interviews, the different speakers dive into the unique opportunity of working on the Bond franchise and share how they came up with the music that has been created for 007’s new era in gaming.
007 First Light is scheduled to launch on May 27, 2026 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, and Summer 2026 on Nintendo Switch 2. Pre-order now* and get a free deluxe upgrade, including a 24-hour early access**. All details can be found at https://ioi.dk/007firstlightgame.
This year, Crusader Kings III will add new threads to the rich medieval tapestry players can weave. Today’s launch of Chapter V reveals the upcoming plans for Paradox Interactive’s celebrated grand-strategy role-playing game, including two expansions that highlight major new playstyle options and greater depth and historical flavor as well as a music pack and cosmetic pack that are available today.
Today, Crusader Kings III is also getting a major free update, adding new ways to find information about your game, with an improved ledger and other stat tracking, as well as more shortcuts, changes to the interface, new sound cues and more.
The two upcoming expansions, By God Alone and Silk & Silver, focus on aspects of the medieval world that the wider Crusader Kings community has wanted to see explored in more depth. By God Alone deepens the religious themes of the game, with more attention to the evolution of Christianity in Europe and how medieval secular rulers competed with the religious orders for power and wealth. Silk & Silver opens up merchant republics for play, letting you take the position of a medieval merchant rising to power through shrewd trading, political office, or noble patronage.
Crusader Kings III: Chapter V is available now, and it includes:
Symbols of Authority: This clothing pack offers new crowns and headwear for European characters, including crowns inspired by some of the most glamorous heads of history. Available today, this pack is instantly unlocked upon purchase of Chapter V.
Songs of the Realm: Out now, this new Crusader Kings III Music Pack offers a wide variety of musical accompaniment to your empire-building and dynastic scheming. Songs of the Realm offers thirteen songs, a mix between remasters of Crusader Kings classics and adaptations of traditional European music. This Music Pack is the perfect soundtrack to while away the hours as you plot your next big move to secure your family’s hold on destiny.
By God Alone: This Core Expansion for Crusader Kings III focuses on the religious life of your characters, with a special emphasis on new systems for Christian characters. Guide your dynasty through religious developments as the tenets of the faith evolve over the centuries, avoid or embrace heresies, navigate Schisms and Synods and watch your characters struggle with the demands of their religion. Coming later this year.
Silk & Silver: This Major Expansion for Crusader Kings III focuses on medieval trade and the merchant families that ruled or financed great empires. Play as a merchant family with a mansion to maintain, earning gold through the trade of exotic goods. Compete for power in a merchant republic, where gold is more important than blood, or set up shop in a landed kingdom and finance its expansion. Push rival families out of the most valuable markets, establishing monopolies on important routes. Coming later this year.
Crusader Kings III: Chapter V is available now for the suggested retail price of $43.99/ ￡36.99/€43.99.
NACON, a leader in premium gaming accessories and parent company of the RIG audio brand, today announced the U.S. availability of its latest additions to the R5 SPEAR PRO Series: the RIG R5 PRO HX, RIG R5 PRO HC, and a white edition of the critically acclaimed RIG R5 PRO HS.
Officially licensed for Xbox, the R5 PRO HX includes a one-year Dolby Atmos for Headphones subscription, elevating in-game performance with precise 3D audio rendering to help players pinpoint incoming threats.
Each headset in the R5 PRO Series has been custom-tuned specifically for first-person shooters and harnesses the power of 40mm graphene drivers. The R5 PRO’s driver diaphragm is coated with a graphene layer, making it exceptionally lightweight while also extremely rigid, minimizing audio distortion and delivering crisp, detailed sound. For gamers, this provides superior audio reproduction and the ability to easily pinpoint in-game threats with unmatched accuracy.
The R5 PRO Series also introduces RIG’s new SNAP+LOCK mod system, allowing gamers to personalize their headset with interchangeable magnetic Mod-Plates and ear cushions. Exclusive ‘Audio Above All Edition’ Mod-Plates – inspired by RIG’s signature tagline – are available for purchase through Shop Nacon. Gamers can also purchase blank Mod-Plates from Shop Nacon, to take customization even further.
PRICING AND AVAILABILITY
The RIG R5 SPEAR PRO is available today for a suggested retail price of $69.99 USD at Amazon and Shop NACON.
RIG R5 SPEAR PRO HS / Black
RIG R5 SPEAR PRO HS / White
RIG R5 SPEAR PRO HX
RIG R5 SPEAR PRO HC
Additional RIG R5 SPEAR PRO models will be available at GameStop and Walmart in the coming months, with an SRP of $69.99 USD.
RIG R5 SPEAR Features:
R5 PRO HX officially licensed by Xbox for Xbox Series X|S consoles
R5 PRO HS officially licensed by Sony Interactive Entertainment for PlayStation®5 and PlayStation®4 consoles
40mm graphene drivers
1-year Dolby Atmos for Headphones subscription included with HX and HC models
Marking a historic milestone for the franchise, Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu is the first Star Wars film to be part of the Filmed For IMAX® program. As part of the program, Favreau collaborated closely with IMAX, from early demos and camera tests at its LA headquarters to using virtual reality to review IMAX footage both during shooting and in post-production, fully leveraging IMAX’s technology throughout the process.
Shot with IMAX-certified digital cameras, the film features 53-minutes of IMAX’s exclusive 1.90:1 Expanded Aspect Ratio, filling the spectacular IMAX screen from floor to ceiling and providing IMAX audiences more picture than anywhere else. Select IMAX with Laser theatres will present these scenes in IMAX’s towering 1.43:1 aspect ratio, delivering the largest image area possible for audiences.
Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu was enhanced frame by frame with IMAX’s proprietary Digital Media Remastering (DMR) technology delivering exceptional brightness, clarity, and contrast. The film also features a custom sound mix optimized specifically for IMAX theatres, placing audiences inside the action with unparalleled precision and power.
The scallywags of Kraken Express (formerly known as Windrose Crew) are thrilled to launch Windrose, the highly anticipated co-op pirate survival-adventure game, into Early Access today on Steam, the Epic Games Store and Stove. Players can grab the base game for $29.99, or purchase the Supporter Bundle, featuring the base game, a wallpaper collection and the official game soundtrack (including in-game ambient music, trailer tracks and a hearty selection of sea shanties recorded by Seán Dagher), for $39.99. A 10% launch discount is available for one week for either edition of the game. Currently the 6th Most Wishlisted game on Steam, Windrose lets you become the pirate of your dreams, sailing the open seas as a captain on the quest for revenge, alone or in a crew of up to four* players.
Explore three diverse biomes with quests to complete, enemies to fight in souls-lite-inspired combat, and handcrafted points of interest to discover in a procedurally generated world. Take down epic bosses with an armory of unique weapons, including sabers, maces, muskets and more. Improve your reputation with various factions, trade, farm, fish and build a pirate haven of your own – and command your own vessel in thrilling naval battles with boarding actions. The high seas are yours for the taking!
After a breakout Steam Next Fest demo that saw nearly 900,000 players begin their adventures, the Early Access launch of Windrose provides dozens of hours of content and fan-requested features from the demo! Create the perfect pirate playstyle with an array of skills, talents and gear, and experience seamless land-to-ship gameplay with a focus on exploration, base building and combat. Sail the open seas with three totally new vessels, and one of the most-requested features from the demo: co-op ship controls, where a crew can share control of a vessel’s weaponry, teaming up to take down the enemy.
Key Features
A Pirate Tale for the Ages: Welcome to the Age of Piracy! You are a captain who dares to challenge the legendary Blackbeard. What starts as a grounded story of survival and revenge will put you in the middle of a conflict between empires, pirate clans and mysterious dark powers looming on the horizon.
Conquer the High Seas: Move seamlessly between ship and shore as you adventure. Naval combat is shaped by your decisions, whether you’re trading cannon fire at range or closing in for fierce boarding actions. Equip and customize your ship to suit your playstyle, from nimble ketch to versatile brig and colossal frigate. When the cannons go silent, claim your spoils and share a shanty with your crew as you sail onward.
Survival Perfected: Explore a variety of vibrant biomes, gather resources, and build your base, from simple shelters to elaborate forts and mansions. Recruit NPCs and grow your settlement to speed up harvesting and production. Venture into the uncharted lands, featuring nearly 100 handcrafted points of interest (dungeons, ancient temples, shipwrecks, abandoned camps and more) containing a wide variety of secrets and treasures, though such rewards rarely come without risk.
Become a Legendary Swashbuckler: Hack, slash, bash and shoot your way to glory! Master a vast arsenal of melee weapons and firearms, parry and dodge enemy attacks, and make good use of different strikes to gain the upper hand. Put your skills to the test against challenging bosses and plunder their treasures!
