Category: Gaming News

  • DMZ is Back: Everything We Learned From COD POD Ep. 11 for Modern Warfare 4

    DMZ is Back: Everything We Learned From COD POD Ep. 11 for Modern Warfare 4

    Call of Duty fans, it is time to prep your loadouts. Following the massive reveal of the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 campaign and multiplayer, Activision and Infinity Ward just dropped the ultimate tactical bombshell.

    In COD POD Episode 11, the developers at Infinity Ward sat down for an exclusive “DMZ First Look,” giving us a massive deep dive into the completely evolved extraction mode launching with MW4 on October 23, 2026.

    If you thought the original DMZ Beta was intense, you aren’t ready for what’s coming to the Hajin Exclusion Zone. Here is everything we learned from the episode and why this iteration is set to change the extraction shooter genre forever.

    Welcome to Hajin: A Living, Volatile World

    The original DMZ felt like a sandbox, but Modern Warfare 4 is turning it into a living combat ecosystem. Set on the Korean Peninsula in a region bordering Russia, the new map, Hajin, is directly forged by the explosive aftermath of the MW4 Campaign.

    Infinity Ward is moving away from casual sandbox loops to deliver a persistent, gritty “hero’s journey” that can last for months. The environment itself is a threat, featuring a Dynamic Weather System. You might infil during a clear afternoon, only for a heavy snowstorm, dense fog, or torrential rain to roll in mid-match, completely destroying your visibility and altering how you approach a firefight.

    The Forward Operating Base (FOB) & A Grounded Economy

    Say goodbye to basic cooldown slots. In MW4, your entire DMZ experience revolves around your Forward Operating Base (FOB)—a persistent central hub you upgrade between matches.

    Infinity Ward has completely overhauled how you gear up:

    • The 3D Printer: Looting actually matters now. You will scavenge the map for unique ingredients and rare recipes to 3D-print your own plate carriers and Killstreaks.
    • Cash-Driven Gunsmith: Unlike the beta, your weapons are driven by the cold, hard cash you extract. Money earned from contracts and looting is wired back to your FOB to build and customise your weapons.

    Realism Check: Infinity Ward emphasized that they are sticking to a “grounded and authentic” aesthetic this time around, focusing heavily on realistic military tech rather than over-the-top cosmetics.

    Story Missions, Dynamic Ops, and the Threat Level

    When you deploy into Hajin, you can choose your focus: narrative-driven Story Missions, Dynamic Operations, or free exploration. However, the AI isn’t going to let you walk away easily.

    MW4 introduces an escalating Threat System. As your squad infils and starts causing chaos, the local forces will actively track your activity. The higher your threat level, the more aggressive the AI reinforcements become. Enemies are categorised into distinct tiers, ranging from basic foot soldiers to lethal Lieutenants and map Commanders.

    Want to hunt down a Lieutenant for high-tier dog tags? You can pay for intel at your FOB before the match, or risk it all by climbing Lieutenant Hunt Towers in-game to hack their locations. Just beware—the new Bounty Board means high-value players will be marked on the map for rival squads to hunt down.

    Tactical Healing and Refined Movement

    Built on the upgraded engine of Modern Warfare 4, DMZ will feature smoother environmental traversal, including climbing pipes and fluid mantle mechanics.

    But the biggest shift for survivalists is the health system. Survival is brutal, and Infinity Ward has added a layer of tactical medical management. For example, using a tourniquet to stop bleeding might save your life, but it will permanently reduce your maximum health by 50 points for the rest of the match until you find a proper medical extraction tool.

    The Verdict: A True Extraction Shooter

    Infinity Ward listened to the feedback from the original Beta. They are treating DMZ not as a side-hustle mode, but as MW4’s definitive third pillar alongside Campaign and Core Multiplayer. With persistent inventory, a logical looting ecosystem, and deep character progression, this is the hardcore extraction experience fans have been begging for.

    Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 and the new DMZ land on October 23, 2026, for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2.

    Are you dropping into Hajin solo, or is your squad already building their strategy? Let us know in the comments below!

    Source

    #ModernWarfare4 #CODPOD #DMZ #InfinityWard #GamingNews

  • Hell Freezes Over: DOOM: The Dark Ages Gets Massive ‘Revelations’ Expansion This July!

    Hell Freezes Over: DOOM: The Dark Ages Gets Massive ‘Revelations’ Expansion This July!

    Just when you thought it was safe to put down the shield-chainsaw, id Software and Bethesda Softworks have crashed the party to remind us that the grind never stops. Fresh off the press from the Xbox Games Showcase, a brutal new chapter in the Slayer’s saga has been officially unmasked.

    Get your PC, Xbox Series X|S, or PS5 ready, because DOOM: The Dark Ages | Revelations is officially launching on July 7.

    If you missed the adrenaline-pumping 4K announcement trailer, check your pulse, pull up a chair, and prepare to rip and tear through the details below.

    Welcome to Purgatory: The Story of Revelations

    Revelations is a hefty, premium campaign expansion picking up after the events of the base game. This time around, our favourite unidirectional force of nature finds himself in a bit of a tight spot. Wounded, betrayed, and trapped in a psychological purgatory, the Doom Slayer has to navigate a prison built from his own mind.

    To break free and lead his followers to salvation, he’ll have to forge an alliance with a mysterious entity and go toe-to-toe with an absolute abomination of the gods. Expect a dark, atmospheric dive into the Slayer’s lore alongside deeper environmental puzzles, brand-new level designs, and some seriously horrific new demon types to turn into paste.

    The New Arsenal: Enter the Chain Spear

    You didn’t think id Software would drop a major expansion without giving us a shiny new toy to paint the walls red with, did you?

    Say hello to the Chain Spear.

    This devastating new weapon opens up a completely new dimension of combat. Built for players who love high skill ceilings and intense mobility, the Chain Spear allows for rapid dash-evasions, brutal close-range stabs, and highly satisfying combat loops that reward absolute mastery. The trailer gives a tantalising 4K glimpse of it in action, and it looks every bit as fluid and punishing as you’d expect.

    Free Update: Ripatorium 3.0

    Dropping right alongside the DLC on July 7 is the Ripatorium 3.0 update, which is completely free for all existing DOOM: The Dark Ages players.

    This update overhauls the game’s customizable arena challenge mode, introducing:

    • Deeper arena customisation options.
    • Improved passcode generation for sharing custom arenas with the community.
    • The ability to save and load personal presets.

    Bonus for Expansion Owners: If you conquer the Revelations story campaign, you’ll automatically unlock three brand-new maps, exclusive demons, and fully upgraded weapons to experiment with inside the new Ripatorium.

    Pricing and Availability

    Ready to jump back into the meat grinder? Here is how you can access the expansion when it drops next month:

    Edition / Purchase MethodPriceAccess Details
    Premium Edition / Collector’s BundleIncludedIncluded at no extra cost at launch
    Standalone Expansion DLC$19.99 / £15.99 (approx.)Available for purchase on July 7
    Premium Upgrade (For Base Game Owners)$34.99Available now to secure day-one access

    Note: While the base game is available on Xbox Game Pass, the standalone Revelations DLC will require a separate purchase unless you upgrade to the Premium Edition.

    Mark your calendars for July 7, stock up on caffeine, and get ready for the ultimate metal-fueled gauntlet. Hell is waiting.

    Source

    #DOOMTheDarkAges #DoomRevelations #idSoftware #GamingNews #Doom

  • Fallout 76: Infestations Launch Trailer Teases Deadly New Threats And 4-Star Legendary Loot

    Fallout 76: Infestations Launch Trailer Teases Deadly New Threats And 4-Star Legendary Loot

    Bethesda has dropped the official launch trailer for its latest free update, Fallout 76: Infestations, giving dwellers a gritty, action-packed look at the new chaos taking over Appalachia. If you thought the wasteland was already dangerous, it’s time to stock up on RadAway and grab your best weapons—things are about to get a lot more crowded.

    What Is Fallout 76: Infestations?

    The Infestations update introduces a dynamic twist to exploration. Familiar locations across the West Virginia map are being overrun by “infested” zones. These areas become hotbeds for high-level, aggressive enemy variants that will test the mettle of even the most seasoned Vault dwellers.

    If you’re willing to brave the swarm, the risks come with some seriously massive rewards.

    Key Features In The Update:

    • Infested Zones: Dynamic map events where familiar landmarks are taken over by hordes of high-level foes.
    • 4-Star Legendary Gear: For the first time, players can hunt down elite enemies to secure highly coveted 4-Star Legendary weapons and armour mods.
    • Free Daily Rewards: To celebrate the launch, Bethesda is offering free daily in-game rewards for players logging in between June 7 and June 15.

    The trailer perfectly captures the frantic energy of squad-based combat, showcasing players defending their C.A.M.P.s and raiding infested zones with everything from heavy plasma rifles to modified melee weapons. It’s clear that teamwork—or an incredibly overpowered build—is going to be essential to survive the outbreak.

    Gear Up, Dweller

    The Infestations update is officially live and free for all players across PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4. Log in this week to claim your daily rewards and start farming that elite 4-star gear before the bugs take over for good!

    Are you jumping back into Appalachia to clear out the infestations? Let us know your build strategies in the comments below!

    Source

    #Fallout76 #InfestationsUpdate #GamingNews #Bethesda #XboxGamesShowcase

  • From Clicks to Crafting: Why RuneScape: Dragonwilds is the Survival Game We Didn’t Know We Needed

    From Clicks to Crafting: Why RuneScape: Dragonwilds is the Survival Game We Didn’t Know We Needed

    For 25 years, the name RuneScape has conjured up very specific mental images: clicking on willow trees for hours, running away from the Wilderness Zamorak mages, and asking strangers to trim your armour (please don’t fall for it).

    But Jagex is doing something wildly unexpected, and it’s officially time to pay attention. Fresh off the massive announcements at Summer Game Fest 2026, the studio has confirmed that its breakout open-world survival crafting spin-off, RuneScape: Dragonwilds, is officially leaving Steam Early Access and hitting a full 1.0 release on September 15, 2026.

    Not only is it coming to PC, but it is making history by launching on PlayStation 5 (as a Day One launch on PS Plus Extra/Premium) and Xbox Series X|S. Yes, you read that right—a RuneScape title is finally debuting on consoles.

    If you’re wondering whether this is just a reskinned Valheim or another tedious survival grind, here is why Dragonwilds is shaping up to be one of the most exciting departures the franchise has ever taken.

    Welcome to Ashenfall: No Nostalgia Required

    The absolute best part about Dragonwilds? You don’t need to know your Zaros from your Guthix to play it.

    The game drops you (either solo or in a co-op team of four) onto an entirely new, undiscovered continent named Ashenfall. The lore is fresh, the landscape is rich with untamed “anima” magic, and you play as an original character.

    That being said, long-time fans will find plenty of brilliant nods to the franchise’s DNA. You’ll be exploring hand-crafted biomes, completing quests, and battling legendary creatures like Zogres, Black Knights, and the fearsome Garou.

    “Survival-Light” Meets Sorcery

    Let’s be honest: some survival games feel more like a second job. Keeping track of calorie intakes, hydration levels, and body temperature can sometimes suck the fun out of exploring.

    Jagex has explicitly pitched Dragonwilds as a “survival-light” experience. There are no tedious hunger bars to baby. Instead, the focus is squarely on gathering, building, levelling up your skills, and using a highly unique magic system called Survival Through Sorcery.

    Because Ashenfall is bursting with wild magic, you can harness the environment in incredibly fun ways:

    • Need lumber? Don’t just chop—summon a spectral axe to fell an entire grove in seconds.
    • Getting swarmed? Blink out of danger in a cloud of magic.
    • Need resources? Snap your fingers to explode ore veins, or literally conjure a tornado of fish out of a nearby lake.

    It takes the classic RuneScape “skilling” grind and turns it into a fast-paced, magical playground.

    What’s Coming at Launch? > When the 1.0 version drops this September, it’s not just the base game. It will include the brand-new Scorned Wilderness update alongside all the content from the upcoming Umbral Sands expansion.

    The Ultimate Goal: Slaying the God Eater

    You aren’t just building a cosy log cabin to admire the scenery. There is a looming threat over Ashenfall: the dragons have awoken.

    Your entire progression loop—brewing potions, forging high-tier gear, and unlocking devastating spells—is designed to help you follow a trail of destruction. Your ultimate target? Kuldra the God Eater, a terrifying Dragon Queen who will require serious co-op coordination (and a lot of high-level food) to take down.

    Why It’s Worth Your Time

    Having already surpassed 1 million copies sold during its PC Early Access phase, the community-driven roadmap has clearly struck a chord. Jagex has been listening intently to player feedback, polishing the combat, and preparing for a massive multi-platform launch.

    Whether you are a seasoned Gielinor veteran looking for a fresh perspective or a survival fan who just wants to blow up iron ore with magic, RuneScape: Dragonwilds deserves a spot on your wishlist before the September madness begins.

    Source

    #RuneScapeDragonwilds #GamingNews #SurvivalGames #Jagex #ConsoleGaming

  • That’s No Moon Reimagines Crossfire as a Single-Player PC Powerhouse

    That’s No Moon Reimagines Crossfire as a Single-Player PC Powerhouse

    The tactical shooter landscape is about to get a major shake-up. Independent AAA studio That’s No Moon—founded by veteran developers behind Naughty Dog and Infinity Ward—has officially pulled back the curtain on its debut game. Fresh from its big reveal at Summer Game Fest, the studio is reimagining Smilegate’s massive multiplayer IP, Crossfire, as a premium, narrative-driven single-player tactical action-adventure.

    Even better news for the master race? It is officially locked and loaded for a PC release.

    A Radical Departure for the Crossfire Universe

    For over a decade, Crossfire has been a titan of competitive, first-person multiplayer matchmaking. But That’s No Moon is throwing the old rulebook out the window. Shifted into a cinematic third-person perspective, this new title focuses heavily on a linear, character-driven campaign.

    The story drops players into the treacherous Atlas Mountains, following a mercenary named Layla Qassem (played by Claudia Doumit). After a routine recon mission goes completely sideways, Layla is forced into a fragile, highly unstable alliance with an opposing Tier-One Operator, Delroy Cross (played by Ricky Whittle).

    You’ll play exclusively as Layla, navigating a fraught relationship where trust isn’t guaranteed, but cooperating is the only way to survive an overwhelming global threat.

    Redefining the Cover Shooter with “Adaptive Cover”

    What makes this PC release incredibly exciting isn’t just the pedigree of the storytelling team—it’s the tech powering the gameplay. The developers are using Unreal Engine 5 to introduce a genre-reinventing mechanic called Adaptive Cover.

    “With Adaptive Cover, the player character dynamically responds to the complex terrain around her and enemy positions to adjust her stance to maintain cover. This creates a greater sense of immersion and becomes an active skill to refine and master.”Jacob Minkoff, Game Director

    Instead of the traditional, rigid “press button to lock behind a box” mechanic seen in older third-person shooters, Crossfire features a fluid visibility system. Stances and cover adjust automatically based on line-of-sight vectors and uneven geometry.

    Hardcore Strategy Meets Cinematic Action

    The studio aims to bridge the gap between punishing military simulators and accessible action blockbusters. On PC, players can expect a highly tactical experience where brainpower trumps mindless firepower:

    • Tactical Stealth: Smart positioning, flanking, and breaking enemy sightlines are essential.
    • Squad-Based AI: Enemy NPCs won’t just brainlessly rush you; they use suppressive fire, coordinate flanks, and actively hunt your last known location.
    • Dynamic Companion Mechanics: While Delroy Cross isn’t playable, he acts independently in combat—providing suppressive fire and distracting enemies based on your tactical choices.

    The game is being built as a complete premium experience with no paid DLC planned, meaning PC players will get a full, polished narrative right out of the box.

    Keep your eyes on TechMash for more updates, specifications, and a release date as they drop!

    Source

    #CrossfireGame #ThatsNoMoon #PCGaming #GamingNews #SummerGameFest

  • XCOM Meets a Galaxy Far, Far Away: Why ‘Star Wars Zero Company’ Is the Tactics Game We’ve Been Waiting For

    XCOM Meets a Galaxy Far, Far Away: Why ‘Star Wars Zero Company’ Is the Tactics Game We’ve Been Waiting For

    Move over, Jedi Knights and dogfighting starfighters—it’s time for the boots-on-the-ground tacticians to shine.

    Electronic Arts and Bit Reactor (a studio staffed by former XCOM veterans) have officially blown the doors off the Summer Game Fest with a massive gameplay reveal for Star Wars Zero Company™. Launching on August 27, 2026, for PC, PlayStation®5, and Xbox Series X|S, this single-player turn-based tactics game is trading high-flying lightsaber duels for cover mechanics, squad synergy, and brutal permadeath.

    If you’ve ever wanted to play XCOM in the Star Wars universe, your dream is finally coming true. Here is everything you need to know about your next strategy obsession.

    The Premise: Misfits, Mercenaries, and Mythical Cults

    Set during the twilight of the Clone Wars, Star Wars Zero Company leans away from the pristine halls of Coruscant and dives straight into the gritty, underworld vibe of Rogue One and Andor.

    You step into the boots of Hawks, a former Galactic Republic officer. Your mission? Recruit a rogue crew of specialists, misfits, and mercenaries from across the galaxy to stop a dangerous, Separatist-aligned cult known as the Infinite Coil, led by the mysterious Kundri Fathom.

    The story is fully canon, and Aaron Contreras (narrative lead behind Jedi: Fallen Order and Survivor) is at the helm. Expect plenty of political intrigue, high stakes, and even a few heavy-hitting cameos—yes, Anakin Skywalker popped up at the end of the trailer!

    ? QUICK FACT: You can fully customize Hawks’ gender, appearance, voice, and species. Want to play as a Twi'lek or a Human? The choice is yours.
    

    Gameplay: Deep Strategy Meets Cinematic Action

    Bit Reactor is utilising its strategy pedigree to deliver deep, turn-based combat from a top-down perspective, but with a twist. The game seamlessly transitions into cinematic, third-person action cameras when the blaster bolts start flying, giving it the high production value of a major action-adventure title.

    Here are the features we are most excited about:

    • Customizable Squads: Your team will feature a mix of hand-crafted story characters—like a Mandalorian from Clan Verminoth or a rogue Clone Trooper—and custom mercenaries you hire. You can even build and customise your own astromech droids to provide explosive support.
    • The Permadeath Threat: Just like XCOM, every move matters. Your squad members can suffer lasting injuries or even permanent death. Lose your favourite sniper, and they are gone for good, though the narrative will dynamically adapt to your losses.
    • The Den (Your Base of Operations): Between tactical strikes, you’ll manage your HQ on the Ring of Kafrene. Here, you will use a holotable to plot missions across a dynamic map of over 150 planets, manage squad conflicts, and research new gear.
    • Dynamic Timelines: Time moves in “cycles.” Some high-priority target missions are time-sensitive. If you ignore them to gather intel elsewhere, they will expire, allowing the enemy to grow stronger.

    How to Get Ready For Launch

    Pre-orders are live across Steam, the PlayStation Store, and Xbox. Snagging the game early secures you the Crystalline Astromech Cosmetic Pack. If you opt for the Deluxe Edition, you’ll get two additional exclusive cosmetic packs and five painted weapon themes to make your squad look as lethal as possible.

    Mark your calendars for August 27, 2026. May the Force—and a high hit-percentage chance—be with you.

    Source

    #StarWarsZeroCompany #TurnBasedTactics #GamingNews #SciFiGaming #SciFi

  • Healing the Planet, One Dome at a Time: Solarpunk Sim ‘BioEden’ Blooms on PC This September

    Healing the Planet, One Dome at a Time: Solarpunk Sim ‘BioEden’ Blooms on PC This September

    The gaming world is getting a massive dose of wholesome, planet-healing energy. Fresh from its world premiere at the FutureGames Live Show, publisher Focus Entertainment and developer Broken Arms Games have officially unveiled BioEden—a gorgeous, cosy solarpunk management simulator. Best of all, we don’t have to wait long to save the world; it’s officially launching on PC via Steam on September 3, 2026.

    If you’re tired of high-stress survival loops and post-apocalyptic grimdarkness, BioEden is exactly the breath of fresh, purified air you’ve been waiting for.

    What is BioEden?

    In BioEden, you step into the boots of a Keeper, an environmental specialist tasked by the “Cosmic Collective” to breathe life back into a wounded, barren planet. Instead of exploiting a world for resources, your entire mission is built around restoration, patience, and mindfulness.

    The core gameplay centres on building a self-sustaining network of interconnected domes. You’ll clear debris, manage delicate power grids and water networks, purify contaminated lakes, and recycle old structures to ensure you leave absolutely no footprint behind.

    Bring Extinct Species Back to Life

    The ultimate reward for your ecological engineering? Bringing beautiful, long-lost animal species back from extinction. Inside your domes, you will harvest DNA samples, tend to cocoons, and carefully manage the climate—balancing humidity, temperature, and vegetation—to craft the perfect tailored biome for dozens of unique creatures. Watch them flourish, and you’ll feel like a proud cosmic parent.

    A Pressure-Free, Meditative Experience

    Broken Arms Games is aiming for ultimate relaxation here. BioEden features:

    • No fail states or artificial pressure: Go entirely at your own pace.
    • Five unique Guilds: Choose a faction aligned with your specific philosophy on how to restore the planet.
    • A soothing solarpunk aesthetic: A beautiful world accompanied by a meditative soundtrack and the calming sounds of nature returning to the land.

    Play the Demo Right Now!

    Can’t wait until September 3rd? You don’t have to. A playable demo is available right now on Steam. The demo includes the full tutorial, giving you a hands-on taste of the game’s core resource management, exploration, and animal caretaking mechanics.

    Even better, if you like what you play, Steam is currently running a 9% pre-purchase discount up until launch day, bringing the price down to just £19.99 / $19.99.

    While PC players get first dibs this September, console fans won’t be left in the dust forever—BioEden is also slated to land on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and the Nintendo Switch 2 at a later date.

    Will you be downloading the demo tonight? Let us know your thoughts on this cosy green future in the comments below!

    Source

    #BioEden #CozyGames #Solarpunk #PCGaming #SteamGames

  • Booting Up the Horror: 90s-Inspired Digital Mystery ‘Desktop Explorer’ Confirms July Release Date

    Booting Up the Horror: 90s-Inspired Digital Mystery ‘Desktop Explorer’ Confirms July Release Date

    The Summer Game Fest hype train is officially leaving the station, and it’s already delivering some massive wins for indie horror fans. Announcing today during the Latin American Games Showcase: SGF Edition, developer Recurring Dream revealed that their highly anticipated retro-inspired, eerie point-and-click mystery, Desktop Explorer, is officially arriving on July 17 for PC and Mac via Steam.

    If you love digging through vintage operating systems, solving fragmented puzzles, and uncovering deeply unsettling digital secrets, this is one timeline you won’t want to clear from your cache.

    What is Desktop Explorer?

    In Desktop Explorer, you inherit an old, bulky 90s PC from your uncle. To your surprise, it boots up, but tucked away inside the outdated software is a letter tasking you with investigating a missing person’s case.

    Your gateway to the truth? A cryptic, pre-installed puzzle game that gives the project its name.

    To solve the mystery, you’ll have to rummage through abandoned user profiles, dig into corrupted applications, read through old chat logs, and play classic built-in computer games. The aesthetic perfectly captures that liminal, nostalgic tech vibe—but underneath the pixelated charm lies a heavy, psychological horror narrative.

    Backed by Indie Royalty

    If the premise alone doesn’t hook you, the powerhouse team backing the project certainly will. Desktop Explorer is co-funded by Outersloth (the massive indie fund launched by Among Us creator Innersloth) alongside Casey Yano, the co-founder of Mega Crit (Slay the Spire). With that kind of creative backing, expectations are understandably sky-high for this retro nightmare.

    Play the Demo Right Now!

    Can’t wait until July? You don’t have to. Ahead of the upcoming Steam Next Fest, Recurring Dream has dropped a free playable demo right now on Steam. It gives players a chance to explore the opening chapter, test out classic OS tools, and solve the first 10 puzzles to get a taste of the eerie atmosphere.

    TechMash Tip: Grab your headphones for this one. The demo features a brilliantly nostalgic, unsettling soundtrack filled with old-school computer whirs and clicks that elevate the tension beautifully.

    More News Coming This Week

    The showcase hype doesn’t stop here. Desktop Explorer is also locked in to make an appearance during Fellow Traveller’s Story-Rich Showcase.

    • When: June 6 at 10 AM PT / 6 PM BST.
    • What to expect: A deeper dive into the narrative and mechanics of this digital mystery.

    Make sure to head over to Steam, try the demo, and hit that wishlist button ahead of its July 17 launch!

    #IndieGames #DesktopExplorer #HorrorGaming #SGF2026 #SteamNextFest

  • Dark Rituals and Autobattles: Order Automatica Haunts the ID@Xbox Summer Showcase

    Dark Rituals and Autobattles: Order Automatica Haunts the ID@Xbox Summer Showcase

    The shadows are lengthening, the gears are turning, and an eerie mechanical hum is filling the air. If you tuned into the recent ID@Xbox Indie Selects Summer Edition showcase, you likely caught a glimpse of something wonderfully sinister.

    Order Automatica, the highly anticipated dark auto-battler, officially took centre stage—and it’s safe to say the mysterious rituals are about to begin.

    Enter the Machine Age of Dark Magic

    Developed by the twisted geniuses at New Beings and published by the indie champions at better. publishing, Order Automatica is not your average strategy game. It strips away the colourful, bright aesthetics often found in the auto-battler genre and replaces them with a grim, atmospheric world governed by arcane machinery and occult rites.

    In Order Automatica, players assemble a grotesque syndicate of mechanised minions and cultist constructs. Your job? Program their behaviours, position them strategically, and watch them execute your dark will in automated, high-stakes combat.

    Watch the Brand-New Trailer

    To celebrate its feature in the ID@Xbox showcase, the developers dropped a gorgeous, spine-chilling new trailer. It gives players a deeper look into the game’s grimdark aesthetic, its hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, and the complex tactical layers awaiting those brave enough to command the automatons.

    Check out the eerie vibe and tactical depth on display:

    “The ritual requires precise calibration. One wrong gear, one misplaced rune, and the machine turns on its master.”

    Play the Demo on Xbox Today!

    Can’t wait to start your own mechanical cult? You don’t have to.

    Xbox players can dive into the darkness right now. A brand-new playable demo is officially live on the Xbox Store, allowing you to get a hands-on feel for the game’s unique blend of strategy, resource management, and haunting atmosphere.

    Whether you are a seasoned auto-battler veteran or a sucker for a great gothic sci-fi aesthetic, this is one demo you shouldn’t sleep on. Download it today, test your strategies, and prepare yourself for the full ritual.

    Find out more here

    #OrderAutomatica #IDatXbox #IndieGames #XboxGaming #AutoBattler

  • Solo Studio, Six Figures: Battle Waves: Mobile Smashes 100K Downloads in First Week

    Solo Studio, Six Figures: Battle Waves: Mobile Smashes 100K Downloads in First Week

    The mobile gaming market is notoriously tough to crack, especially for solo developers competing against massive studios with endless marketing budgets. But every now and then, a true indie gem breaks through the noise.

    Enter Battle Waves: Mobile, the debut title from solo developer Gabriel Langlois of Gabriel’s Games. Just seven days after launching for free on iOS and Android, this fast-paced, real-time deck-building card-battler has officially crossed a major milestone: 100,000 downloads on Google Play worldwide.

    Securing a six-figure download count in its first week is a massive win for a single-person studio, proving that compelling gameplay loops still reign supreme.

    Why Is Battle Waves: Mobile Exploding?

    If you haven’t jumped into the fray yet, Battle Waves: Mobile masterfully blends the tactical strategy of a card-driven deck-builder with the chaotic, fast-paced intensity of an auto-battler.

    The game operates on a deceptively simple loop: Outsmart. Outbuild. Outbattle. Players assemble custom decks from various fantasy factions, carefully managing resources in real-time to deploy waves of minions. The goal? Counter the enemy’s oncoming forces and smash their base before they can destroy yours.

    The game has struck a chord with both solo and competitive players by offering:

    • Deep Faction Synergies: Dozens of card combinations that reward strategic experimentation.
    • Ranked PvP: Global leaderboards where players can test their deck-building skills against real opponents.
    • An Endless Campaign: A beefy five-act single-player campaign featuring an infinite New Game Plus mode.

    Winning Over the Community

    The success isn’t just limited to Google Play, either. Over on the iOS App Store, five-star reviews have been pouring in, with a particularly strong reception leading the charts in the United States, France, and Germany.

    What makes this milestone even more impressive is how the developer is handling the sudden influx of players. Instead of sitting back to celebrate, Gabriel’s Games has already rolled out its first major wave of post-launch updates. Acting directly on community feedback, the solo dev has patched four of the most-reported launch issues, tuned combat balance, and polished the user interface.

    “Launch week was intense in the best way,” Gabriel Langlois said regarding the milestone. “I wanted to stay close to players and make the game a little better every single day… Crossing 100,000 downloads is incredible, but what I’m proudest of is that the game is already stronger than it was on day one.”

    It’s that kind of dedication that turns a viral launch into a long-term community hit. With a rock-solid foundation, rapid developer support, and a rapidly growing player base, Battle Waves: Mobile is definitely a title to watch in the mobile esports and strategy scenes.

    Battle Waves: Mobile is available to download right now for free on the App Store and Google Play.

    #BattleWavesMobile #IndieDev #MobileGaming #DeckBuilder #AndroidGames

  • Building Giants, Piece by Piece: Why Model Kit Studio is Our Next Cosy Gaming Obsession

    Building Giants, Piece by Piece: Why Model Kit Studio is Our Next Cosy Gaming Obsession

    There is something deeply therapeutic about the click of plastic pieces coming together, the steady stroke of a paintbrush, and the final, satisfying snap of a completed model. But let’s be honest: the hobby can get expensive, your living room table quickly turns into a hazard zone of stray plastic clippings, and spilling a bottle of enamel paint is a tragedy no one wants to relive.

    Enter developer Spooky Rabbits. They are handing us the ultimate digital hobby bench with Model Kit Studio, a relaxing model-building simulator set to launch on Steam in 2027. And trust us—this is about to become a paradise for mecha enthusiasts and cosy gamers alike.

    The Ultimate Digital Hobby Bench

    Model Kit Studio isn’t just a simple puzzle game; it’s a fully realised, immersive simulation of the model-building experience. The game strips away the stress of the real-world hobby while keeping every ounce of the satisfaction.

    Here is what you can look forward to when you step into the studio:

    • Clip, Trim, and Assemble: Experience the tactile joy of building complex mecha models from scratch. Follow step-by-step instructions to snip parts from the sprue, clean up the edges, and assemble intricate joints.
    • A Masterclass in Painting: Want to stick to the classic anime colour scheme? Go for it. Want to give your giant robot a pastel pink, retro-vaporwave aesthetic or a battle-scarred, weathered metal look? The extensive painting toolkit—complete with airbrushes, fine detail brushes, and weathering effects—lets your creativity run wild.
    • Strike a Pose: Once your mechanical masterpiece is complete, the fun doesn’t stop. Model Kit Studio features an advanced articulation and posing system, allowing you to manipulate every joint. Set your mecha up in an epic, gravity-defying action pose or a sleek, museum-ready stance.
    • The Perfect Photo Op: Place your finished build into custom dioramas, adjust the lighting, choose your camera angles, and snap studio-quality photographs to share with the community.

    Why We’re Hyped

    As much as we love Gunpla and sci-fi modeling, finding the time, space, and budget for massive builds can be tough. Model Kit Studio captures that hyper-focused “flow state” of crafting, backed by a soothing soundtrack and beautiful visuals. It’s all the zen, with zero cleanup.

    Don’t Wait Until 2027—Play It Today!

    While the full game won’t officially launch until 2027, Spooky Rabbits is giving us an early taste of the workshop.

    The Model Kit Studio playtest is officially live on Steam right now. You can download it today, grab your virtual nippers, and start building your very first mecha. Head over to Steam, opt into the playtest, and get a head start on designing your dream digital shelf.

    Are you ready to build something awesome?

    Find out more here

    #ModelKitStudio #MechaGaming #CozyGames #SteamGames #IndieDev

  • Brave the Tempest: Stormforge Announces Public Playtest and Drops Stunning New Trailer

    Brave the Tempest: Stormforge Announces Public Playtest and Drops Stunning New Trailer

    The survival crafting genre is about to get a serious jolt of magical energy. Roboto Games, the brilliant minds behind the highly anticipated fantasy open-world survival crafter Stormforge, has officially announced that its first public playtest will kick off this July.

    If you’ve been itching to test your mettle against a world literally being torn apart by mystical weather, your time has come.

    To make the announcement even sweeter, the studio unveiled a gorgeous new gameplay trailer during the Women-Led Games Showcase (part of the Summer Game Fest lineup). The trailer gave fans a dazzling look at Stormforge’s vibrant, cel-shaded art style, deadly new biomes, and the terrifyingly chaotic elemental storms that define the game.

    Check out everything we know so far about the upcoming playtest and why this title needs to be firmly at the top of your Steam wishlist.

    Surviving the Squall: What is Stormforge?

    Stormforge drops up to eight players into a procedurally generated high-fantasy world overrun by malevolent, magical storms. These aren’t just moody skyboxes with a bit of rain; the tempests in Stormforge are living, breathing hazards.

    We’re talking about tornadoes that literally rip buildings apart and hurl rocks, trees, and enemies through the air, and brutal dust storms that blind you while draining your health. But where there is danger, there is power. Players must venture directly into the eyes of these storms to harvest the rare, magical resources needed to craft top-tier gear and build fortified bases.

    ? Quick Stats: 
    • Players: 1–8 player co-op (or solo play)
    • Available Skills: 100+ unlockable abilities
    • Release Window: Early Access in 2026
    • Playtest Window: July 2026
    

    Play It Your Way: Class-Blending Combat

    One of the most exciting reveals alongside the trailer is Stormforge’s incredibly flexible class system. You’ll start your journey as a classic Warrior, Mage, or Ranger. However, as you explore the world of Sorana and defeat formidable bosses, you’ll unlock entirely new classes.

    Instead of locking you into a rigid role, Roboto Games is giving players total freedom. You can mix and match skills from any unlocked tree to create wild, hybrid playstyles. Want to play a sneaky Warrior with stealth mechanics? Or a Mage who crushes crowd control with a heavy jump attack? The choice is entirely yours.

    “Giving players the freedom to decide how to play Stormforge has been our top priority since the very beginning. If you would like to play as a warrior with sneaking abilities, you can… You can mix and match abilities and skills from your classes, and play Stormforge your way.” — Mathilde Pignol, Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer at Roboto Games

    What to Expect in the July Playtest

    Roboto Games has confirmed that the upcoming July playtest will offer a meaty chunk of gameplay (roughly 5 to 10 hours, or even more if you get hopelessly addicted to the base-building mechanics).

    Testers will get a first-hand look at:

    • 8-Player Multiplayer Co-op: Team up with your squad to divide and conquer the storm-ravaged landscape.
    • Terrifying New Flora & Fauna: Keep an eye out for magically enhanced predators like Mistwolves, which can phase into a mist-like state to ambush you.
    • Extreme Weather: Face off against three distinct types of item-hurling, base-destroying tornadoes.
    • Epic Boss Battles: Test your hybrid builds against two challenging boss encounters.

    How to Sign Up

    Ready to brave the storm? Registration for the public playtest is live right now. Head over to the Stormforge Steam Page and hit the “Request Access” button to throw your hat in the ring for the July build.

    Don’t forget to wishlist the game to stay up to date ahead of its planned Steam Early Access launch!

    #Stormforge #RobotoGames #SurvivalCrafting #CoOpGaming #IndieGames