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The Elf on the Shelf: Christmas Heroes Out Now

The Lumistella Company, the powerhouse behind the globally cherished Santaverse™ and The Elf on the Shelf® tradition, and Outright Games, a leading publisher of family-friendly interactive entertainment, announced today that The Elf on the Shelf: Christmas Heroes is available now on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and the Microsoft Store.

The iconic Scout Elf’s debut in a console and PC game, The Elf on the Shelf: Christmas Heroes, celebrates the character’s 20th anniversary with a joyful 2D puzzle-platforming adventure perfect for families and players of all ages.

“We can’t wait to further immerse families in the magic of the North Pole through Christmas Heroes,” said Chanda Bell, co-founder and co-CEO of The Lumistella Company. “We’ve always looked for new ways to share our characters, stories and adventures with the world, and now families can actually step inside and experience it for themselves. Whether they’re solving puzzles, exploring Santa’s Workshop, or just enjoying a bit of festive fun together, the game invites everyone to be part of the magic.”

The Elf on the Shelf: Christmas Heroes invites players of all ages to dive into a festive world filled with holiday magic, where families can take on the role of a Scout Elf-in-training and race through 24 levels that cover the North Pole, from lively training grounds to the heart of Santa’s Workshop. The immersive experience is packed with playful puzzles, cookie-themed challenges, and delightful mini-games designed to keep everyone entertained. Thanks to easy-to-use controls and thoughtful accessibility options, like auto-collection and invincibility mode, even the youngest players can join in on the fun and experience the joy of saving the Christmas season.

Marking two decades of holiday magic, The Lumistella Company has become a beloved name in homes around the world. Their cherished The Elf on the Shelf tradition has inspired creativity, imagination, and family unity for millions across more than 29 countries. With over 31 million Scout Elves and related products sold globally, the company continues to bring joy through storytelling, innovation, experiences and products. Now, with the launch of Christmas Heroes, the magic of The Elf on the Shelf takes a new form – inviting players to join an interactive adventure and experience the tradition like never before.

“We’re thrilled that The Elf on the Shelf: Christmas Heroes is now available for players around the world,” said Stephanie Malham, Managing Director of Outright Games. “We wanted to ensure that the moment you start playing, it’s like stepping right into Santa’s workshop. From festive challenges to joyful storytelling, it’s designed to create memorable moments and spread holiday cheer. We’ve captured the spirit of the holidays in a way that’s fun and accessible for the whole family, and we can’t wait for everyone to jump in and experience the game together.”

The Elf on the Shelf: Christmas Heroes is now available on all major consoles and PC. To learn more, visit OutrightGames.com.

Metro Rivals: New York Announcement Trailer

Dovetail Games today announced Metro Rivals: New York, an innovative and genre-defying subway simcade game currently in development. Set to release early 2026, the game is now available to wishlist on Steam, the Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

In Metro Rivals: New York, players step into a near-future New York City where the subway system has been carved into 10 fiercely contested districts. Each is controlled by one or more of the five Track Titans – larger-than-life celebrity drivers who dominate their territory with unrivalled skill, enormous social media influence, and unshakable reputations. These figures guard their turf with ferocity, and only the most talented newcomer has any chance of challenging their dominance.

Players begin their journey with nothing but a hand-me-down train and a determination to rise. To succeed, they must take on a variety of missions, earn cash fares, upgrade their train’s performance, build a loyal following, and win respect. This journey is about more than speed; it requires strategy, precision, and cool-headed execution.

With authentic simulation at its heart and adrenaline-fueled gameplay running through its veins, the game blends strategy and story-driven action in a way that demands both nuance and skill. From high-stakes rivalries to carefully planned upgrades, Metro Rivals: New York offers a fresh and thrilling take on the train sim genre.

In addition to its single-player campaign, the game features an intense PvP mode where up to four players can compete online or with friends. Here, drivers race to stop at designated platforms, but victory is not determined by speed alone. Players are scored on their ability to handle their train with precision and control under pressure, and only the competitor with the highest score leaves with the spoils and the bragging rights – and a place at the top of the asynchronous leaderboards.

For those seeking a more relaxed experience, Metro Rivals: New York also includes options for players to set their own paths, hop into their train, and enjoy the sights of the city (and their train!)

And for players’ trains to be the envy of everyone on the rails, customization plays a large role. Players can express themselves with extensive options to upgrade their train’s performance, apply unique skins and liveries in signature colors, and personalize their character’s appearance to stand out on the tracks. There will be in-game purchases, but these will be entirely cosmetic. No pay-to-win.

This release also signals Dovetail Games’ first foray into Unreal Engine 5 development, offering more deeply immersive experiences than ever before with tools such as Nanite, Lumen, and procedural generation designed to create a world that feels intensely alive. Working with Reactional Music, players’ sessions will pulse with the same rhythm that players will feel when shooting down the subway to beat a Track Titan.

Rob O’Farrell, co-CEO of Dovetail Games, said: “Metro Rivals: New York marks a bold new chapter in the Dovetail Games portfolio, offering a real sense of pick-up-and-play, thrill, speed, and excitement within the simcade genre. By merging our deep knowledge of trains with the expertise and talent of our development teams, and by harnessing Unreal Engine 5’s Lumen, Nanite, and procedural generation, we are confident this will deliver an incredibly immersive and exciting experience for players to enjoy in both single-player and our first-ever train multiplayer experience.

“We are also excited to announce we are working with the team at Reactional Music, introducing its procedural music engine into Metro Rivals: New York. Reactional real-time musical interactivity means music is fully native and cinematically integrated in the game, even when swapping tracks.”

Gemma Brown, co-CEO of Dovetail Games, summarizes the experience: “Metro Rivals: New York feels gritty, fast-paced, and full of energy. It keeps you on your toes and blends the attitude of New York with the thrill of a competitive simcade racing experience – think Crazy Taxi meets Need for Speed: Underground. Early feedback from our new on-site Playlab has been fantastic, and we can’t wait to get it into players’ hands next year.”

Metro Rivals: New York is being developed for Steam, the Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, with release planned for early 2026. Players can wishlist the game now and sign up to the official mailing list via https://metrorivals.com/gb/NewYork to receive the latest updates. Follow along on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, Bluesky and YouTube for ongoing news and announcements.

Marvel Rivals Unveils Zombie Mode and Halloween Event

Today at gamescom Asia and the Thailand Game Show, Marvel Games and NetEase Games unveiled new announcements and details for Marvel Rivals, the award-winning and critically-acclaimed Super Hero Team-Based PVP Shooter that lets players assemble an ever-evolving all-star squad of Super Heroes and Super Villains battling with unique powers across a dynamic lineup of destructible maps from across the Marvel Multiverse. Marvel Rivals will see the introduction of a brand new, limited-time PvE Zombie Mode. These announcements were made by Marvel Games Executive Producer Danny Koo during the keynote presentation at gamescom Asia and the Thailand Game Show.

Under Khonshu’s guidance, infiltrate Midtown New York—now engulfed by the zombie virus—alongside your remaining Super Hero teammates. Your objective is singular: Find and stop the Queen of the Dead and her evil plan at any cost. In this new Mode inspired by Marvel Animation’s Marvel Zombies, you’ll get to play as Thor, Blade, Magik, Jeff, or The Punisher, taking on endless waves of zombies. You’ll have to survive the horde, go toe-to-toe with Zombie Namor and The Queen of the Dead as bosses, and fight to save the world from getting totally zombified. Each hero has been given some unique abilities: Charge through the hordes as Jeff, slice and dice with Blade’s bouncing Moon Blades, shock zombies with Thor in his persistent Awakened state, or go berserk as Magik in her unlimited Darkchild form! Showcase your epic combat skills against the zombie swarms and tough bosses!

In addition to the above, players can continue to get all the latest information from the Game Update featuring full Patch Notes and Hero Balance adjustments.

Battlefield 6 Has Biggest Launch In Franchise History

Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) and Battlefield Studios have revealed that Battlefield 6™, the ultimate all-out warfare experience, is a record-breaking success, shattering long-standing records for the Battlefield franchise – solidifying Battlefield 6 as one of the biggest gaming and entertainment launches of the year. Battlefield 6 is now available on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC (Steam™, EA App, Epic Games Store).

Following a record-shattering Open Beta in August, Battlefield 6 now has the biggest opening ever in the storied Battlefield franchise. Battlefield 6 hit all-time highs for franchise sales during the first three days of launch, selling over 7 million copies and counting. Thanks to the series’ passionate community, the game had over 172 million matches played online and accumulated over 15 million hours watched on streaming services during the 3-day weekend as well as earning the most concurrent players for Battlefield ever.

“First and foremost we want to thank our players,” said Byron Beede, General Manager of Battlefield. “Battlefield 6 was built with our fans. From the initial concept through to the implementation of Battlefield Labs and into the record-shattering Open Beta we have been obsessed with player feedback. Together, with our players we’ve had a singular goal: to craft the best Battlefield ever. And this is just the beginning – our first season of new content is just 12 days away.”

“We never take moments like this for granted, so I want to express our sincere gratitude to our global Battlefield Studios and passionate community that has helped get us to this point,” said Vince Zampella, Executive Vice President. “We appreciate you joining us for Battlefield 6’s momentous launch. We have so much more to come in the weeks ahead.”

Battlefield 6 takes the fight to an unprecedented level, with brand new multiplayer modes, an exciting blockbuster Single Player campaign, a host of enhancements that have created a remarkable sandbox where every fight, vehicle, and strategy leads to victory, and the return of Portal, offering powerful creator tools that players have already used to demonstrate their mind-blowing creativity and skill.

Battlefield 6’s explosive launch is the first step to building a connected Battlefield universe for the franchise, with Season 1 releasing imminently on October 28. The first phase of thrilling seasonal content kicks off with Rogue Ops, which includes a new map called Blackwell Fields built for the chaos of all-out warfare and an intense new 4v4 mode. Seasonal content will be released on a consistent basis, with the next two phases of Season 1 content arriving later this year.

Battlefield 6 is now available on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC (Steam™, EA App, Epic Games Store). Battlefield 6 is available in a Standard Edition (USD$69.99) and also a Phantom Edition (USD$99.99)*. The Phantom Edition includes a full game download of Battlefield 6, as well as the exclusive “Phantom Squad” Soldier Skin pack, plus two high-performance Weapon Packages, a Vehicle Skin, and a Combat Knife Skin. The Phantom Edition also includes a token for Battlefield Pro, a Season 1 package that includes the Battle Pass, 25 Tier Skips, exclusive cosmetics, XP tokens, and much more.

Visit us on Battlefield.com. Join the official Battlefield community channels over at discord.gg/Battlefield. Follow us on @Battlefield to stay informed on the latest updates, and @BattlefieldCom for the rollout of live updates.

*Offers may vary or change. See retailer site for details.

* This announcement may change as we listen to community feedback and continue developing and evolving our Live Service & Content. We will always strive to keep our community as informed as possible.

Nightdive Releases Definitive PC Update I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream

Following a console release last March, industry-leading remaster developer Nightdive Studios has announced the release of the “Definitive Update” for Harlan Ellison’s I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream. The update is currently available on Steam and GOG for Windows PC, Mac, and Linux. The “Definitive Update” features various technical improvements from the game’s console release, including enhanced controller support, new display options, bonus content, and more!v

Based on the post-apocalyptic short story by renowned author Harlan Ellison, I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream plunges players deep within the center of the earth, where they play as each of the five survivors who have been trapped in the bowels of the insane AI AM for the past 109 years. Fueled by his intense hatred for the human race, AM has spent the past century torturing and toying with each character as he sees fit, culminating in a final game: an appropriately meta adventure-style quest for each of them, teasing the prospect of freedom if they succeed.

Each victim is subjected to a personalized psychodrama designed by AM to explore their greatest fears and feelings of guilt. Players go through each character’s personalized scenario, discovering the truth about each of their pasts and why AM chose to keep them alive and prolong their suffering. Whether they have the strength to overcome his games and face their demons…well, that’s for the player to decide.

I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream Definitive Update Patch Notes:

  • Added modern menu options, allowing players to customize their experience as they prefer (screen size adjustments, background image selection, visual filters, aim sensitivity)
  • Added in-game bonus content, including a fully localized manual and jukebox with the complete I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream soundtrack
  • Improved controller support, added pre-set shortcuts for smoother and more intuitive gameplay
  • Added an achievement system to encourage exploration and extend replayability
  • Added cloud saves, game progress is now stored and linked to the player’s account, allowing the game to continue being played across different devices

TaleWorlds Shares New Details on Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord

Get ready to set sail for glory across the seas of Calradia! TaleWorlds Entertainment has revealed new insights into War Sails — the highly anticipated naval expansion for MOUNT & BLADE II: BANNERLORD — through its ongoing developer blog series.

In the latest entries, the team dives deep into some of War Sails’ most exciting features: from commanding ships and navigating dynamic winds, currents, and storms, to executing naval blockades and mastering large-scale sea battles. The blogs also showcase the diverse range of ship types and their distinctive roles in both warfare and trade.

SETTING SAIL – How a new land was shaped and a first look at navigation and naval tactics
INTRODUCING THE NORDS – Faction showcase
SHIPS – More details about ship classes and customization

Fans can learn even more through TaleWorlds’ ongoing community Q&A series (Q&A #1, Q&A #2, Q&A #3), where the developers answer the most popular community questions. New concept art, screenshots, and other assets are also available across TaleWorlds’ official social media channels – and all published short-form videos can be downloaded here.

The incoming War Sails expansion is scheduled to arrive to MOUNT & BLADE II: BANNERLORD in the Fall of 2025 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and GoG, alongside a major free update to the base game.

The Occultist Extended Gameplay Trailer

Daedalic Entertainment and DALOAR have premiered a striking new trailer for The Occultist during IGN Fan Fest. The video showcases never-before-seen gameplay and deepens the game’s oppressive, supernatural atmosphere – from the pendulum’s arcane powers to cryptic puzzle encounters and the spectral and monstrous beings haunting the island of Godstone.

More than just a preview, the trailer underlines how far development has progressed and teases the haunting journey awaiting players. Each scene draws deeper into Godstone’s decaying streets, where silence hides secrets and every ritual leaves its mark.

The Occultist will descend upon PlayStation 5, Xbox, and PC in 2026, drawing players into Godstone’s shadows.

PlayStation 5:
​https://store.playstation.com/en-us/concept/100120​77

Xbox X|S
​https://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/store/the-occulti​st/9n​5z615​f5f86

Steam page:
​https://store.steampowered.com/app/2092840/The_Occ​ultis​t/

PAINKILLER Developer Diary Released

Saber Interactive’s 3D Realms label and developer Anshar Studios have released a new developer diary video for Painkiller, the reimagining of the classic action franchise launching October 21 on PlayStation 5 (Deluxe), Xbox Series X|S (Deluxe), and PC via Steam. Go behind the scenes of the creation of a totally new Painkiller and learn how the team took inspiration from the series’ roots to design the visuals, levels, weapons and more of this new brutal experience featuring co-op multiplayer!

For Painkiller, the teams at 3D Realms and Anshar Studios set out to create something fast, challenging and fun, preserving the franchise’s attitude while pushing it forward in new ways. The result is a game that’s all about dynamic movement and freedom in co-op, letting you flow through fights and dominate overwhelming hordes of enemies together.

Weapons were a key pillar of this philosophy, and Painkiller’s arsenal features multiple designs drawn directly from the series’ origins and given new modern flourishes. This includes the ability to tailor your weapons’ upgrades, allowing for unique builds that can fit a variety of playstyles and even combo with your friends’ loadouts in co-op.

Check out Painkiller’s demo now, available as part of Steam Next Fest through October 20! Team up with up to two friends in online co-op or play on your own offline, unleash infernal weapons like the Stakegun and Electrodriver, and blast through hordes of demons in brutal, fast-paced combat.

Both the Standard Edition and Deluxe Edition (featuring the Season Pass) of Painkiller are available to pre-order now on PlayStation 5 (Deluxe), Xbox Series X|S (Deluxe), and PC via Steam. All pre-orders come with the “Iron Crusade” pre-order bonus skin pack.

The physical version of the Standard Edition is available to pre-order on PlayStation and Xbox at major retailers, as well. In addition to the “Iron Crusade” pack, physical pre-orders also include the “Burnished Pride” weapons pack, which includes bonus gold weapon skins.

For more info, visit the game’s website, and follow along on Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and X for the latest updates.

Firefighting Simulator Ignite – Summer Camp DLC and Demo Out Now

Publisher astragon Entertainment and developer weltenbauer. are bringing fresh challenges to Firefighting Simulator: Ignite with today’s release of the brand-new Summer Camp DLC. At the same time, free trial versions are now live on PC, PlayStation®5, and Xbox Series X|S.

New Missions at Camp Woodchuck

The new DLC expands the game with two additional main missions set at Camp Woodchuck – a long-standing getaway destination known for its large lake, cozy log cabins, and welcoming community lodge where kids and teens gather.

Get a glimpse of the challenging new missions with the new Release Trailer:

The Summer Camp DLC is part of the Year 1 Season Pass and marks the beginning of many more planned additional content packs, all included in the Season Pass. The DLC will be released on October 16 for 4.99 EUR / 4.99 USD (SRP) on PC, PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S

Free Demo and Trials Available

Starting today, players can also try the game for free to experience the game’s firefighting action before jumping into the full adventure.

  • On Steam, a demo offers the full tutorial plus two complete missions.
  • On PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S, players can access the full game for a two-hour trial period.

Firefighting Simulator: Ignite is available for PC, PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S. The Firefighting Simulator: Ignite – Year 1 Edition can be purchased for PC, PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S. This Edition includes the base game, the Fire Station Companion Pack and the Year 1 Season Pass.

With the Year 1 Season Pass, players save more than 35% compared to purchasing the included DLCs individually. Throughout the Year 1 Season, a cosmetic pack, one vehicle pack, one vehicle skin pack, three mission expansions, and one major expansion will be released.

The Outlast Trials – Official Invasion Trailer

Escape was the injury. Relapse was triage. Now… it’s time for the surgery. The Outlast Trials introduces the Invasion Experimental Therapy, which was announced today at IGN Fan Fest with a gruesome new trailer illustrating the new, PvP Invasion Mode. The centrepiece of the upcoming major update in Season 4, Invasion Mode will allow players to enter the Trials of their fellow Reagents, disguising themselves as Imposters and wielding brutally effective knives to sabotage and slay their opponents. Combining unique co-op strategy with close-quarters combat, the new Invasion mode heightens the suspense—and the violence—of The Outlast Trials on October 21st, just in time for Halloween.

You are not your brother’s keepers: you are your father’s children. And a father gains the trust of his children by trusting them himself. That’s why the ever-gracious Easterman has provided his beloved children with the tools they need to truly sympathize with one another: knives, security cameras, and disguises made of human flesh. After all, sometimes you have to hurt the ones you love to help them get better… and in the world of The Outlast Trials, harm and healing always go hand-in-hand.

Accessed via the Sleep Room Terminals, the new Invasion Mode allows players to join as either a Reagent or an Imposter. Only a limited number of Imposters can invade any given Trial, but while the others wait, they can be the eyes and ears of their murderous teammates. Each Imposter will get a chance to invade the Trial, as their peers succeed in their sabotage…or die trying.