Gacha, gacha everywhere. Everything seems to be gacha these days – including the new mech game Mecharishi that came out the other day and has managed to hold my attention for longer than much of this sort of thing does.
One of the longer-term and more successful examples out there at the moment is the popular Honkai Star Rail, which has just announced the arrival of its latest 3.5 update. But when is it, what will it bring, and what news has been released so far?
Honkai: Star Rail Version 3.5 “Before Their Deaths”
When is it out?
HoYoverse has announced that we can expect the version 3.5 update to arrive on August 13th, so less than two weeks away from the time of publication.
This update officially kicks off the second half of the Amphoreus story. Trailblazers will encounter new companions, confront fresh enemies and events, and witness old friends in entirely new forms. Hysilens and Cerydra will also make their long-awaited debut as playable characters, joining players in the next leg of the Amphorean trailblazing expedition.
Version 3.5 introduces two powerful new characters to the team of Trailblazers. The first is Hysilens, commander of the holy city’s knights and a 5-star Physical-Type character following the Path of Nihility. Hysilens excels when paired with characters who specialize in DoT.
The other 5-star Wind-Type character following the Path of Harmony, Imperator Cerydra, is the holder of the Law Coreflame and the initiator of the first Flame-Chase Journey
HSR V3.5 will see the limited 5-star characters Stellaron Hunter Kafka and Silver Wolf return in the first and second halves of the Version 3.5 warp event
Voice actor features
This is an interesting one. Version 3.5 brings a toggle to the in-game audio that allows you to toggle between the original in-game dub and the original licensed voice actors. This is being added to help increase immersion for players.
Honkai Star Rail has so far passed an astonishing 150 million downloads across PC, iOS, and Android. That is a lot of potential income for HoYoverse when you consider it sits beside its other gacha behemoth, Genshin Impact.
You can download the new Honkai Star Rail update on August 13th, and we will update this page with go-live times once they are released.
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It’s that time of year when Europe’s premier video game convention is back. Gamescom 2025 is one of the most influential events in the gaming industry. With the promises of cinematic trailers, blockbuster reveals, and indie surprises. The excitement has already begun for the convention that kicks off in Cologne, Germany, on August 20, 2025.
If you need to stay on top of every Gamescom presentation that’s going on, this guide is for you. Where to watch, viewing options, and what to expect will be included to ensure you do not miss a thing. Strap yourself in for a full rundown of Gamescom 2025’s events.
The Escapist recaps
Gamescom 2025 will run between August 20 – August 24, with some events around the show starting as early as August 1.
The line-up includes THQ Nordic Digital Showcase, Future Games Show, and Gamescom Opening Night Live, with the addition of further partner streams that could still be announced.
Every featured showcase will be streamed for free on Twitch and YouTube.
During Gamescom, there are bound to be many previews, interviews, and news, so it’s worth being aware of the show, even after it’s finished.
Livestreams and grassroots activations could occur closer to the show, so keep tabs on the social media accounts of big publishers.
How to Watch Every Gamescom 2025 Presentation
Below is an essential guide to every major Gamescom presentation this year, with everything you need to know so you do not miss a thing.
August 1 – THQ Nordic Digital Showcase 2025
12 pm PT / 3 pm ET / 8 pm BST Streaming on YouTube and Twitch
What to expect from the THQ Nordic Digital Showcase
THQ Nordic’s introduction to Gamescom 2025 is generally smaller, but the publisher always has the chance to surprise. THQ is well-known for its breadth of franchises under its roof, which extend pretty far these days. While not home to the biggest franchises in gaming, there is a host of recognisable franchises that could turn up here.
The trailer for the event gives some indication as to what will be shown, which you can watch to get some hints. It seems very likely Gothic will be there, alongside games like Wreckfest 2.
This is looking to be a strong kick-off to Gamescom, and going by the comments on the stream, players are very hopeful for Darksiders 4 to show up. Will it? We will have to wait and see.
August 19 – Gamescom Opening Night Live
Geoff Keighley, host for Opening Night Live 2025. Image credit: Gamescom
11 am PT / 2 pm ET / 7 pm BST Streaming on YouTube, Twitch, Instagram, X, and Facebook
What to Expect from Opening Night Live
This is considered to be the crown jewel of Gamescom 2025; Opening Night Live will be hosted by The Game Awards’ own Geoff Keighley. This is where we will get announcements from big-budget AAA studios that will make the biggest waves. If you intend to watch one show, make it this one.
As always, speculation is already running wild withthe Fable reboot,Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, and Borderlands 4. We know that Blizzard will likely show off its next WoW expansion, Midnight here, so any players should be tuned in. Expect to hear news from Ubisoft, Capcom, Bandai Namco, and more here, as all the big publishers will be out.
This has been, and will probably continue to be, the “blockbuster moment” of Gamescom. You’re going to want to watch it. To find out what happens, be sure to check it out.
August 20 – Future Games Show @ Gamescom
The Future Games Show returns this year at Gamescom. Image credit: GamesRadar / Future PLC
11 am PT / 2 pm ET / 7 pm BST Streaming on YouTube, Twitch, Instagram, X, and Facebook
What to Expect from the Future Games Show
Publishing giant Future will be running back their mid-sided show over in Germany, too. Many creative AAA, AA, and indie games will be shown, bringing some games that might not get the spotlight into the foreground.
Generally, this show highlights interesting projects and AA games, so if you’re looking for something away from the big stuff, this is a great place to find it. Last year, games like Once Human, a Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 update, Goat Simulator 3, and more were shown off. So, it really can be a great place to scout interesting projects.
If you are looking for something new to delve into or you simply crave some unique design, this is the Gamescom showcase for you.
What is Gamescom?
Self-described as the “heart of gaming”, Gamescom was launched in 2009, succeeding the Games Convention, which was previously held in Leipzig, Germany. It has since become the largest gaming convention in the world, with over 335,000 visitors (and more than 32,000 trades) seeing over 1,400 exhibitions encompassing more than 60 countries as of last year. In other words, it’s the games convention, so we’re expecting big things from the presentations broadcast from the show floor this year.
Ask The Escapist
When is Gamescom?
Gamescom 2025 will start officially on August 20 until August 24, while digital events like THQ Nordic will occur earlier in the month.
What companies are going to be at Gamescom?
Participants that are confirmed include Sony, HoYoverse, Sega, CD Projekt, Capcom, Nintendo, Bandai Namco, Ubisoft, Blizzard, Microsoft/Xbox, THQ Nordic, and plenty more. Cologne’s halls will be filled with over 1,400 exhibitors, who will be represented through some form of announcement or stream.
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⚠️ This page mixes confirmed information with industry rumors and speculation. We’ll keep it updated as new details and leaks come to light.
One of the biggest surprises of the Xbox Games Showcase, Super Meat Boy 3D is a brand new take on the tough-as-nails platformer made for a new generation. It’s been nearly five years since the last release in the franchise, the disappointing auto-runner Super Meat Boy Forever, giving Team Meat (and Sluggerfly) another shot at franchise superstardom.
We’re going over everything there is to know about the expected Super Meat Boy 3D release date, which is currently earmarked for a yet-to-be-determined 2026 release window, as well as analyzing the gameplay, characters, features, and more further down the page. Is a perspective and art style change enough to give the slab of raw beef another shot? Let’s find out.
The Escapist recaps
Super Meat Boy 3D will be released in ‘early 2026’ according to Team Meat.
As well as a graphical facelift, Super Meat Boy 3D translates the action to three dimensions.
Confirmed Super Meat Boy 3D platforms are Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC via Steam and Epic Games.
No Super Meat Boy 3D price has been announced yet, however, it’s rumored to cost around $30-40.
Precision platforming is still just as vital for Super Meat Boy 3D gameplay, just with more room to move.
When could Super Meat Boy 3D be released?
Confirmed for ‘early 2026’ with no concrete release date yet.
We won’t be waiting too long for the third game in the franchise as Sluggerfly and Team Meat have recently confirmed the Super Meat Boy 3D release window to be “early 2026”. While that’s no exact release date, it does nail things down to Q1 of next year, meaning we could see the platformer debut between January and March 2026, provided that a delay isn’t on the cards.
The proposed Super Meat Boy 3D release date marks a departure from what we saw from the original game and its sequel, as both titles were released in November and December (Q4) of their respective launch years. With that said, the Steam release of Super Meat Boy Forever dropped on January 10, 2022, after previously being an Epic Games exclusive on the platform.
Are Super Meat Boy 3D pre-orders and price live?
Pricing and pre-orders for Super Meat Boy 3D are yet to be announced.
With no confirmed release date, it’s unsurprising that Super Meat Boy 3D pre-orders are not yet available. Similarly, the pricing is still to be determined, meaning we can only speculate on how much the title will cost. Historically, Sluggerfly’s and Team Meat’s games have ranged between $15 and $20, which is fitting given their indie backgrounds, but this could change.
You only have to take one look at the gameplay and graphics to know that it’s a much more sophisticated release, featuring a more advanced game engine. As such, it wouldn’t be out of the question to expect the Super Meat Boy 3D price to be higher than its predecessors; we estimate anywhere from $30 to $40, considering the face-lift, but this is unconfirmed at this time.
Super Meat Boy 3D platforms
Confirmed for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store.
Most people will be able to play the third entry in the franchise as the confirmed Super Meat Boy 3D platforms include the Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC via Steam and Epic. You will, however, note the lack of a Switch / Switch 2 port from Team Meat at this time. It’s currently unknown whether the title will arrive on either of Nintendo’s handhelds.
We wouldn’t necessarily rule out an eventual Super Meat Boy 3D Switch 2 port in the future. That’s because the original Super Meat Boy arrived on the Switch in January 2018, and Super Meat Boy Forever dropped the same day as the other platforms. However, considering the graphical upgrades, some work may need to be implemented for the handheld-hybrid version.
The first Super Meat Boy 3D trailer was revealed during the Summer Xbox Games showcase last month as a shock reveal. It had been five years since we saw the sentient brick of mystery meat in action, and he is looking better than ever. True to its namesake, it’s no longer a 2D cartoon precision platformer, but instead, elevated to the three dimensions.
In just over a minute, we get a new look at not only Meat Boy, but also Dr. Fetus and Bandage Girl in this new art style. However, it’s the Super Meat Boy 3D gameplay that is the big talking point. The game shares more of its DNA with Super Mario 3D World and Sackboy: A Big Adventure than either of its predecessors, albeit as a title that’s still just as hellbent on punishing players.
That leads us to the latest Super Meat Boy 3D gameplay trailer, which also gave us the release window of early 2026. We get a substantial look at how the franchise’s motifs, such as a Forest, Factory, and Junkyard, have translated to 3D. What kind of Meat Boy game would it be without perilous threats such as saw blades, saw shooters, spikes, and missiles, too? Check.
Meat Boy’s sense of speed and unique momentum have been perfectly preserved in the jump to 3D, as the wall jumping and slick acceleration are present and accounted for. There are countless instances throughout the new Super Meat Boy 3D trailer where he’s seen weaving through obstacles, leaping up narrow gaps like Ryu Hayabusa, and gliding around the terrain on his meat… juices.
If you were worried that a new Super Meat Boy game would make the same missteps as Forever, better hands seem to be at the wheel here. 3D isn’t an autorunner, giving you full autonomy for your movement, nor is it geared towards the imprecise nature that a touchscreen facilitates. Everything seen so far looks promising; hopefully, the franchise will be back to form.
What is Super Meat Boy about?
Precision platforming over harsh hazards is still the name of the game in Super Meat Boy 3D. Image credit: Steam
Meat Boy was originally developed as a proof of concept Flash game for Newgrounds by Team Meat, Edmund McMillen, Tommy Refenes, and Jon McEntee. The 2008 demo proved to be such a hit that the game was then expanded into Super Meat Boy two years later for Xbox, PlayStation, and PC platforms, which took the indie world by storm for its challenging gameplay.
Difficulty aside, what also helped Super Meat Boy stand out from the crowd was its irreverence. The 2010 game was very of its time with the humor on display, often parodying not only established franchises, such as Ninja Gaiden, but also the tropes of the genre as well. The puerile comedy isn’t going to be for everyone, but that’s the identity cultivated by the release, something it seems that Super Meat Boy 3D looks to uphold 15 years later, too.
Ask The Escapist
Is Super Meat Boy 3D a remake?
It’s currently unknown whether Super Meat Boy 3D will be a remake of the 2010 original or a play on the locales and themes of its predecessor. All we know is that there are familiar locations and characters, and not that the title will employ the same levels, bosses, and structure.
Why is Super Meat Boy so difficult?
Super Meat Boy is regarded as one of the hardest video games of all time, and this is due to the title’s unforgiving nature. This is due to ‘slippery’ physics, increased presence of threats, and a slim margin of error for making a mistake. Mitigating (most) of the frustration, however, is the fact that you respawn instantly to try (and die) again.
Who is developing Super Meat Boy 3D?
Super Meat Boy 3D is being made by Sluggerfly and Team Meat, where the game is currently scheduled for an ‘early 2026’ release window.
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⚠️ This page mixes confirmed information with industry rumors and speculation. We’ll keep it updated as new details and leaks come to light.
The Duskbloods is an upcoming multiplayer Souls game by FromSoftware that has a lot in common with Bloodborne. The game will be coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026 and was originally revealed during April 2025’s Nintendo Direct presentation, to a lot of hype from fans of the genre.
Below, we’ll reveal everything there is to know about The Duskbloods, including when we think its release window is likely to be, what the game is about, and if it’s a traditional Souls adventure, or something new. We’ll also address whether or not it’s connected to any other Soulsborne game.
The Escapist recaps
The Duskbloods is a Soulslike adventure coming to the Nintendo Switch 2.
The game will be a Switch 2 exclusive.
The Duskbloods will be focused on PvP and PvE multiplayer.
It is not connected to Bloodborne, despite sharing some visual similarities.
The Duskbloods release date will be sometime in 2026.
When could The Duskbloods be released?
The Duskbloods is set to be released at some point during 2026.
Nintendo hasn’t revealed a Duskbloods release window yet, but we’d expect the game to come out at some point during the second half of 2026.
So expect The Duskbloods‘ release date to be sometime between summer and the winter holiday season of 2026. Of course, the release date is likely to be revealed well before then, and we’ll confirm it here once it is.
Are The Duskbloods pre-orders and price live?
No, the storefront for The Duskbloods pre-orders is not live yet.
It will likely be updated when the game’s release date is revealed. While we don’t have any concrete information from Nintendo as to when that will be, expect The Duskbloods pre-orders to go live anytime between now and early 2026.
Regarding The Duskbloods‘ price, Nintendo hasn’t revealed it yet. However, based on current pricing for brand-new Nintendo Switch 2 games, we’d estimate that price point will be approximately £64.95 / $69.99. We’ve seen this most recently with the launch of Donkey Kong Bananza, which forgoed the higher asking rate of Mario Kart World.
The Duskbloods platforms
The Duskbloods will be released on the Nintendo Switch 2, with the trailer saying, “Only on Nintendo Switch 2” at the end.
It won’t be released on the original Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, or Xbox consoles.
The game is also unlikely to be released on PC, unless Nintendo permits it at a later date. However, this isn’t something Nintendo typically does with its first-party games.
At first glance, The Duskbloods gameplay looks a lot like Bloodborne, with the trailer showing a dark world that’s overrun by monsters that need hunting down. These will include some massive and terrifying boss encounters, something FromSoftware is well known for.
The Duskbloods trailer showed some of these monsters, and as the game is primarily a multiplayer experience, players will likely need to work together to take down these mighty beasts.
The trailer also shows an art style that’s reminiscent of Code Vein, with the player characters being creatures similar to vampires. It also made a point of showing off some character examples, confirming that players will be able to make a variety of builds that are associated with the Souls games.
Players will be able to make strength-focused warriors in heavy armor, to lighter, more dexterity-focused characters like gunslingers, and many more. The game is also likely to have builds suited to casters, just like previous FromSoftware games have.
What is The Duskbloods about?
Like many of FromSoftware’s other games, The Duskbloods is set in a bleak, decaying world that has fallen on hard times, but could be revived by a hero. The gothic world is eerily similar to the one seen in Bloodborne and is also based on a dark interpretation of Victorian Europe.
The game’s story is focused on a group of warriors known as the “Bloodsworn,” who are taking part in a forbidden hunt known as the “First Blood”, now that the “Twilight of Humanity” has begun.
Having been given superhuman powers by their blood, the Bloodsworn must go out into the night and face down the hellish creatures that have started infecting the world. Each player will assume the role of a Bloodsworn as they battle against the darkness – and each other.
Ask The Escapist
Is Duskbloods a Switch 2 exclusive?
Yes, The Duskbloods is only going to be available on Nintendo’s Switch 2 console.
Is The Duskbloods a sequel to Bloodborne?
No, The Duskbloods is not a sequel to Bloodborne.
However, it will be a spiritual successor to Bloodborne in many ways, featuring a similar dark style and art design. The world that The Duskbloods is set in looks reminiscent of Yharnam, with the buildings, weapons, and even clothing of the characters resembling those from Bloodborne.
The game’s trailer also reveals that The Duskbloods shares themes with Bloodborne, such as the moon, and that blood contains both power and a curse. These were both key elements in Bloodborne’s story, and the trailer confirms that The Duskbloods will continue to explore such ideas.
Is The Duskbloods going to be open world?
FromSoftware hasn’t confirmed if The Duskbloods is going to feature an open world or not.
It’s more likely that The Duskbloods will feature a smaller but interconnected world like the ones seen in the Dark Souls series and Bloodborne, rather than a fully open world like the one seen in Elden Ring.
Is Duskbloods made by Miyazaki?
Yes. The Duskbloods developer and director will indeed be Hidetaka Miyazaki.
So, expect the game to feature his usual grimdark style, and for it to have some elements in common with his previous games, such as Elden Ring, Dark Souls, and Bloodborne.
We also put money on the character Patches showing up at some point in the game, as he did in so many other Souls games directed by Miyazaki.
Is Duskbloods a Soulsborne game?
Yes, The Duskbloods trailer reveals that it will contain many gameplay elements, especially the combat, that mark it as a Soulsborne title. However, the game will focus on multiplayer over single-player exploration.
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⚠️ This page mixes confirmed information with industry rumors and speculation. We’ll keep it updated as new details and leaks come to light.
Code Vein 2 is the sequel to the Soulslike game that saw a group of vampires hack, slash, and bloodsuck their way through a post-apocalyptic sci-fi wasteland. Much like last time, they’re going to slay monsters and save the world in style, but as with any game that’s inspired by Dark Souls, things aren’t going to be easy.
Below, we’ll gather all the Code Vein 2 news in one place, including the game’s most likely release window, what you need to know about the gameplay, and what platforms it will be released on. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions about Code Vein 2, such as addressing if it’s part of the God Eater franchise or if it’s just an anime Dark Souls game.
The Escapist recaps
Code Vein 2 is an anime Soulslike game coming sometime in 2026.
There’s no official Code Vein 2 release date as of yet.
The game will feature a deep character creation system.
The AI partner system will return from the first game.
Code Vein 2 will be released on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
When could Code Vein 2 be released?
No official Code Vein 2 release date has been confirmed yet by Bandai Namco, but the game is slated to be released in 2026.
While the developers haven’t confirmed when in 2026 the game will be released, we’d estimate that the Code Vein 2 release window is likely to be during the second half of the year, between June and December 2026.
Are Code Vein 2 pre-orders and price live?
No. Code Vein 2 pre-orders are not yet available on any of the digital storefronts.
However, this is likely to change soon after Bandai Namco, the Code Vein 2 developer, announces an official release date.
We’ll also most likely learn about the different Code Vein 2 editions, too, when this happens, such as if there will be a limited or collector’s edition of the game.
As for the Code Vein 2 price, this also hasn’t been confirmed yet. However, we can take an educated guess based on what new games are going for currently. So, we’d estimate that Code Vein 2 will cost approximately $59.99 / £64.99.
Of course, this price isn’t set in stone until it’s confirmed by Bandai Namco.
Code Vein 2 platforms
Code Vein 2 is set to be released on the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam.
There’s been no word on a PS4 or Xbox One version as of yet, but as the game is releasing in 2026, a last-gen version may be unlikely.
While Bandai Namco hasn’t announced Code Vein 2 for Switch 2, the company’s relationship with Nintendo means one isn’t out of the question, at least eventually.
The Code Vein 2 trailer shows the new protagonist killing a creepy figure made of wax and candles, only for her to transform into a more ordinary-looking vampire (on account of her red eyes). This figure then extends her hand to the protagonist, and they leave together.
This, and some of the gameplay footage, suggests that Code Vein 2 features the partner system from the original game, allowing players to explore and take on bosses with an AI ally.
This mechanic makes the Code Vein 2 gameplay less punishing than other Soulslikes, but the sequel is still likely to be very challenging, just like the first game could be in spots.
The trailer shows both figures going back in time and suggests that history could be changed to save the world from ruin. So, we expect that this will play into the death and rebirth mechanic that Soulslike games often have, explaining why characters can continuously die and try again.
Finally, the trailer shows some epic new boss encounters, which fans of the first game are likely very keen to take on in battle.
How is Code Vein different from other Soulslikes?
Code Vein is a traditional Soulslike experience and is heavily inspired by FromSoftware’s Dark Souls games, but it also borrows from Bandai Namco’s anime franchise, God Eater, particularly its art style and several gameplay mechanics.
The first Code Vein game allowed players to explore and take on bosses with an AI ally, something that eliminated the need for co-op multiplayer if players wanted to roll solo, but it also made the game less difficult than games like Dark Souls or Nioh.
The original game also didn’t feature any PvP multiplayer, like an invasion mechanic, something that has become synonymous with Soulslike games and adds to their crushing difficulty. While co-op play is likely to return in Code Vein 2, PvP is unlikely to be added, unless the developers say otherwise.
Ask The Escapist
Will Code Vein 2 have character creation?
Yes. Code Vein 2 will feature a deep character creation system that expands on the one from the first game.
So players can look forward to making their own unique vampire and letting them loose on the post-apocalyptic world.
Players will be unable to create their own AI partner, but they will be able to customize a range of existing NPC characters that will fight alongside them.
Is Code Vein a sequel to God Eater?
No. While the Code Vein and God Eater franchises are both developed by Bandai Namco and feature a similar art style, each is set in its own distinct continuity.
However, don’t be surprised to see ideas, items, and characters from God Eater potentially pop up in Code Vein 2 as playable skins and upgrades. This is something Bandai Namco often does between its IPs.
Is Code Vein a spin-off?
No. Code Vein is an original franchise, developed by Bandai Namco, that features a group of vampires trying to survive in a ravaged post-apocalyptic version of Earth.
The game has a lot in common with other Soulslike games and action adventures like God Eater, but Code Vein is its own unique franchise and not a spin-off of any other.
Is Code Vein just anime Dark Souls?
While Code Vein is heavily inspired by FromSoftware’s Souls series, and is absolutely a Soulslike game, it’s much more than just anime Dark Souls.
Its anime art style gives it a very different and less gritty feel than Dark Souls games have. While Dark Souls is often subtle, understated, restrained, and grimdark, Code Vein is flashy, loud, colorful, and overtly stylish.
In truth, Code Vein often has more in common with games like Devil May Cry and Nioh than it does Dark Souls, Bloodborne, or Elden Ring. Code Vein 2 gameplay is also likely to reflect this.
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Team Ninja’s devilishly difficult samurai souls-like is back, and it’s bigger and bloodier than ever. Revealed during PlayStation’s June 2025 State of Play, the Nioh 3 announcement confirmed what many hoped was coming: a brutal, faster, and more ambitious sequel. PS5 players even got hands-on time via a limited-time demo.
While that has now passed, the Nioh 3 news cycle is just getting started. Nioh 3 introduces open-field zones, dual-style combat stances, and new yokai-related hijinks. Whether you’re here for the masochist punishment or the Japanese folklore setting, the next in the franchise promises a defining step forward in Team Ninja’s samurai saga.
The Escapist recaps
Nioh 3 release window is set for early 2026.
PS5 demo ran June 4–18, 2025, but it is now now offline.
Dual-style combat: Samurai & Ninja stances.
Open-field exploration replaces linear maps.
The game will launch day one on PS5 and PC (Steam).
When could Nioh 3 be released?
The Nioh 3 release window is officially confirmed as early 2026, according to the PlayStation Blog and the June 2025 State of Play event.
That places the Nioh 3 release date somewhere between January and March, barring any major delays. From what was observed by the state of the demo, it’s not hard to speculate that a Q1 launch seems highly likely.
While it’s not clear when Nioh 3 will get a more specific release date, Gamescom and Tokyo Game Show are likely candidates. Given Team Ninja’s tight marketing windows in the past, expect a steady rollout of more content and previews over the coming months.
Nioh is full of surprising enemies, meaning you never know what you’ll see when you round a corner. Image credit: Team Ninja
Expected Nioh 3 Price & pre-orders
Nioh 3 pre-orders aren’t live yet, but they will likely appear when the game receives its full release date..
Completing the demo (now expired) rewarded players with a special Crimson Kabuto Helmet, which will be available in the full game. Whether there will be more demos or chances to get the cosmetics in the future is not currently known.
Expect various editions, with collector’s bundles and digital bonuses, especially if Koei Tecmo repeats its strategy from Nioh 2’s launch. With that in mind, we expect this to be a full-priced $69.99 release.
Nioh 3 Platforms
Confirmed Nioh 3 platforms on day one are PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam. This is a first for the series—Nioh 1 and 2 both launched on PlayStation first before trickling over to PC months later. There’s no PS4 version planned, and Team Ninja hasn’t announced any plans for an Xbox release either.
The official Nioh 3 trailer set the tone perfectly: fast, vicious, and stylish. Combat has evolved with a new dual-style system, letting you switch in real-time between a heavy, defensive Samurai stance and a fast, evasive Ninja stance. This gives players more tools than ever to control the pace and flow of each battle.
The transition to open-field zones is another big shift. Gone are the segmented, mission-based maps. Instead, Nioh 3 offers larger, interconnected areas filled with side paths, minibosses, yokai ambushes, and hidden gear
The demo also gave players a taste of the character creator, with promises of full customization at launch. All of these points suggest a faster, more flexible, and even deadlier evolution of the classic Nioh formula, especially with the inclusion of a double-jump, giving Nioh 3 some serious Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice vibes.
What is the Nioh series about?
Nioh is an action RPG series developed by Team Ninja and set in a dark, mythologized version of Japan’s war-torn Sengoku era. The games blend the historical with the supernatural, pitting players against legendary samurai and grotesque yokai.
The gameplay is known for being brutally difficult. You’ll need to master parries, Ki (stamina) management, and weapon stances to survive. Nioh has always rewarded patience, precision, and planning. With each entry, Team Ninja has expanded on that core, adding more weapons, systems, and now—in Nioh 3—more space to explore and fight.
Nioh (2017) had you play as real-life Englishman turned samurai, William Adams. You were in pursuit of an evil sorcerer, all while fighting off hordes of yokai in a fictional retelling of Adams’ involvement in the unification of Japan before the Edo period.
Nioh 2 (2020) was set earlier in Japan in the late 1500s, acting as a prequel to some of the events of Nioh, where you play a Hidechiyo, a half-human half yokai, who can be customized by the player, trying to uncover the secrets of their past.
You’ll be able to embody a Ninja – or a Samurai – in Nioh 3. Image credit: Team Ninja
Ask The Escapist
Is Team Ninja making Nioh 3?
Yes. Team Ninja—the original studio behind Nioh and Nioh 2—is developing Nioh 3, once again led by director Fumihiko Yasuda. It’s a proper sequel with all the original DNA intact, not a reboot or spin-off.
Is Nioh 3 open world?
Not quite. While it’s not a seamless open world like Elden Ring or Ghost of Tsushima, Nioh 3 uses an “open-field” structure. Think larger, interconnected areas with multiple objectives and plenty of reasons to explore. It’s a step up in scale and freedom compared to the mission-based zones of previous entries.
Will Nioh 3 have multiplayer?
Yes. Multiplayer is returning in Nioh 3, including co-op features like Visitor Summons and Expedition Missions. Team Ninja hasn’t detailed PvP yet, but given past games, it’s very likely. Whether helping friends or summoning assistance, multiplayer remains central to the Nioh formula.
Is there a Nioh 3 demo?
There was, for a limited time. The Nioh 3 demo was available exclusively on PS5 from June 4 to June 18, 2025. It offered early access to new mechanics, an open-field zone, and a character creator. Completing the demo unlocked a reward for the full game. No second demo has been announced, but a wider beta before release isn’t out of the question.
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⚠️ This page mixes confirmed information with industry rumors and speculation. We’ll keep it updated as new details and leaks come to light.
007 First Light has to be the one upcoming game that I’m most excited for right now, with GTA 6 being a close second. Developed by IO Interactive, a studio we all know and love for its Hitman series, the game will explore an all-new story for James Bond.
Instead of following a storyline from one of the movies, IO Interactive reimagined Bond’s origin story, introducing us to the rebellious agent before he ever became a spy. 007 will be younger than we’ve ever seen him before, but you can bet that his charm and penchant for getting in (and out of) trouble will be just the same. It was originally known as Project 007.
The Escapist recaps
007 First Light, the new Bond game, is currently being developed by IO Interactive, the studio behind the Hitman franchise.
The game is shaping up to be a third-person action-adventure, featuring a blend of cinematics, dynamic combat scenes, stealthy action, and story-driven depth.
This is the first new James Bond game in over a decade, and IO Interactive is diving right in with its own, previously unseen storyline.
Players will meet familiar faces from the Bond universe, but also brand-new characters, such as a mysterious figure designated as 009.
Similar to the recent Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, the game appears to be set in various locations around the globe.
When could 007 First Light be released?
IO InteractiveIO Interactive
While the 007 First Light release date has yet to be revealed, IO Interactive has confirmed the game will be coming sometime in 2026. The current development stage is still a mystery, so we don’t even have a ballpark as to whether 007 First Light will arrive in the first or the second half of the year. However, there are signs pointing to it being sooner rather than later.
While the 007 First Light release window seems vague, we can look to the studio’s previous work, Hitman 3, for a rough time frame of when the James Bond title could debut. Hitman 3 was announced in June 2020 before being released in January 2021, a gap of just seven months. Similarly, First Light was officially revealed in June 2025 and could come out early next year.
Expected 007 First Light price & pre-orders
While we still don’t know the confirmed007 First Light price, we can speculate given the state of the industry, as the game is likely to cost $70 / £70 / €70 in line with today’s AAA releases. The studio’s previous standalone release, Hitman 3, debuted at $60 / £60 / €60 back in 2021, which was then later replaced by the tiered monetization system of World of Assassination.
It’s also likely that we’ll see different 007 First Light editions alongside the standard version. For those who sign up at the game’s official website, they can unlock the “On Duty” outfit (a black turtleneck with holster inspired by Daniel Craig’s look in No Time To Die) and the Gilded Wrath golden Walther PPK. We could see a deluxe/premium edition including more cosmetics.
Considering the lack of a firm release window,007 First Light pre-orders aren’t open yet, but you can already wishlist the game on Steam. It’s possible that we could see a confirmed price and pre-order window available by the end of 2025, around the Holiday period, to gear fans up. However, as IO Interactive is privately owned, it could break away from genre conventions.
007 First Light platforms
Although 007 First Light was announced at Sony’s State of Play, the game is, fortunately, not a PS5 exclusive. The new James Bond game will be available on the PlayStation 5, but also on the Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via the Epic Games Store and Steam. However, PS5 Pro gamers will be able to enjoy PSSR and 60 fps in Quality Mode.
By the looks of it, we’re in for a treat. IO Interactive shared a three-minute trailer of 007 First Light, and the game appears to be fast-paced, action-packed, and rather story-driven.
The 007 First Light trailer starts by making us privy to a conversation involving M and Greenway, a new mentor figure for Bond. Bond appears to have made an impression during a mission in Iceland, but his recklessness and rebellious spirit have done him no favors with Greenway. M, however, is impressed.
“Always at the top of his class,” says M of young Bond. “Always at odds with authority,” counters Greenway. Bond fears nothing and relies on luck to keep him alive, and that makes him a “bullet without a target” in the eyes of his mentors. That’s not a bad thing—that’s exactly what MI6 wants to see.
We learn the origin story of James Bond, whose parents died to save his life, and he had to witness it firsthand. He’d been bouncing around all kinds of boarding schools ever since. When the game begins, Bond is 26, and he’s not a spy yet—he’s a Royal Navy air crewman, later recruited into MI6.
The 007 trailer sets the stage for a completely new story. 007 First Light is set in the modern day, long before any of the movies ever took place. Aside from new characters such as the mysterious antagonist referred to as 009, we’ll see familiar faces, such as M, Q, and Moneypenny.
Apart from giving us a glimpse into Bond’s dark story, the trailer shows us the kind of 007 First Light gameplay we can expect. Bond travels all over the globe, sneaks around, shoots his gun, and throws grenades, not to mention racing fancy-looking cars and looking death in the eye (on more than one occasion). It appears to be a more cinematic take on the studio’s previous work with the Hitman reboot trilogy.
Ask The Escapist
Is 007 First Light PlayStation exclusive?
Fortunately, 007 First Light is not a PlayStation exclusive. The game is confirmed for a broad multi-platform release in 2026, and will be available on the PS5, but also on the Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox Series X/S.
Who is playing James Bond in 007 First Light?
IO Interactive has yet to reveal who will play James Bond in 007 First Light, but the rumor mill is buzzing with just one name: Patrick Gibson. This widespread belief stems from his striking resemblance to the character shown in the reveal trailer.
Will 007 First Light be on PC?
Yes, 007 First Light will be available on PC in 2026. You’ll be able to buy the game through Steam and the Epic Games Store.
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At the end of the Xbox Games Showcase, Microsoft surprised gamers with the debut teaser for the latest Call of Duty. While official information is still scarce, here’s everything we know about Black Ops 7.
Setting and Story
While the last several Call of Duty games have elected to stick to historical or modern settings, Black Ops 7 is heading back to the future. Despite being numbered to follow 2024’s Black Ops 6, the latest CoD actually has way more in common with the classic Black Ops 2.
Like Black Ops 2, 7 will take players a decade ahead of the game’s release and predict a near future full of technology which revolutionizes the way wars are fought. Black Ops 7 takes place in 2035, with characters from Black Ops 2 returning in the form of David Mason, Menendez, and Harper. The announcement blog further teases the setting as a “world on the brink of chaos, ravaged by violent conflict and psychological warfare”.
While story details are still being kept classified, the cryptic teaser does give fans a taste of what to expect. That trailer is filled with surreal, mind bending environments which confirm the spirit of Black Ops as a trippy espionage thriller is still alive and well. Several of these aforementioned locales allude back to classic characters and missions from early Black Ops campaigns. Most notably, David Mason confronts Raul Menendez in a recreation of the room has father was interrogated in over the course of the original Black Ops story.
Multiplayer, Zombies, and More
As exciting as a new Black Ops Campaign can be, Call of Duty’s suite of multiplayer modes is what keeps players hooked all year. That being said, the Campaign does actually fit in here, too. Perhaps whats most exciting about Black Ops 7’s story is that fans will be able to experience it with others. In a rare move for the franchise, this year’s campaign is confirmed to be playable co-op or solo, allowing fans to play the narrative out together for the first time in a decade.
For fans of Call of Duty’s PvP offerings, Black Ops 7 is expected to have the classic Multiplayer modes, as well as some new ones. Black Ops 7 will continue the trend of a direct sequel to a previous Call of Duty entry in an odd numbered year; just as Modern Warfare III followed up II the year before it. However, unlike MWIII, Black Ops 7 is confirmed to have several brand-new Multiplayer maps at launch, rather than just a collection of remasters.
The seasons of Warzone content to follow the Black Ops 7 launch seem to feature a new large-scale map called Avalon. Several prominent CoD content leakers have claimed Avalon was originally set to release with Black Ops 6, but was delayed too make room for the re-introduction of Verdansk. Several of the Black Ops 6 Multiplayer maps take place in or around Avalon, and the surrounding area matches up with some brief looks at gameplay in the first Black Ops 7 teaser.
A brief look at this year’s Zombies offering was also shown. Black Ops 7 will once again feature the classic Round Based Zombies mode. Our first look at the horde mode this year shows a group of zombies being alerted by the turning on of headlights in a rural environment. Many fans believe this could be some sort of remake or reimagining of Tranzit, the launch map for Black Ops 2 Zombies, as the teaser images seem to include that map’s Farm locale and bus. Fans have long wanted a reinvention of the controversial map on new hardware, and with Black Ops 7 being a direct sequel to 2, the time may finally be right.
A full reveal of Black Ops 7 is promised for this summer. In the meantime, you can play Black Ops 6 & Warzone on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. Black Ops 7 will be available on all those platforms as well. It is unknown if and when the game will come to the Nintendo Switch 2.
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Bringing a game to market is an expensive and time consuming proposition (follow along as we take Froggy Bazaar from an idea to publication & beyond). It’s easy to over-estimate the value of your game idea, and underestimate the value of the rest of the process of bringing a game to market.
In short, even if your game rocks it isn’t worth it for anyone else to steal it.
Stealing a game would also come with a lot of risk. The indie design community is small and close-knit. And indie game consumers likely wouldn’t be forgiving towards a publisher who stole another designer’s game.
You do occasionally see successful games re-implemented like Cards Against Humanity broadly re-implemented Apples to Apples with NSFW content. But, I don’t know of any instances where an indie design was ripped off especially before publication.
So, get to playtesting!
Where to Find Playtesters
I like to think of playtesting in a couple of categories each with a different audience, and with different goals. Where you go to find playtesters in each stage will vary. And, as you playtest more you’ll be sourcing playtesters more broadly outside of your immediate circle.
Early Stage
The earliest stages of playtesting you’ll be figuring out whether your game is fun and functional. This will mostly be playing by yourself and roping family and friends into games while you iterate on rules.
Where to find early stage playtesters:
Mid Stage
As your game progresses you’ll be focused on developing the game, balancing it, and finding your audience. In some playtests you’ll be focused on getting feedback on specific mechanisms or interactions, in others you’ll want broad feedback, and in others you’ll be focused on what gamers your game gels with.
Published: Aug 2, 2025 11:32 am