TECHMASH

Tag: #Gameplay

  • Leveling the Playing Field: PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS Unveils 2026 Anti-Cheat Roadmap

    Leveling the Playing Field: PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS Unveils 2026 Anti-Cheat Roadmap

    As PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS charges into its ninth year, Krafton isn’t just celebrating a massive milestone of 1.3 million peak concurrent users—it’s declaring war on those trying to ruin the fun. The newly released 2026 Anti-Cheat Roadmap highlights a significant pivot in strategy: moving beyond simple detection to a holistic, high-tech defence system.

    If you’ve ever been “beamed” by a level-one account from 400 meters away, this one’s for you. Here is everything you need to know about how PUBG is cleaning up the Erangel streets this year.

    1. The War on DMA (Direct Memory Access)
      The biggest headline of the 2026 roadmap is the aggressive stance against DMA-based cheating. DMA hardware allows cheats to bypass standard OS-level detections by reading game memory directly from the hardware.

    2025 Retrospective: Krafton revealed they permanently banned roughly 260,000 DMA cheaters in 2025 alone.

    The 2026 Plan: DMA remains the top enforcement priority. Through dedicated R&D, Krafton has advanced the detection functions within its proprietary anti-cheat, Zakynthos, to identify these hardware-level bypasses more effectively than ever before.

    1. AI-Powered Video Analysis & Real-Time Detection
      The “eye in the sky” is getting a major upgrade. Krafton is integrating AI-based video analysis to help identify suspicious behaviour patterns that traditional code-based detection might miss.

    Deep Learning: The system doesn’t just look for “forbidden files”; it analyses gameplay data (abnormal movement, snap-aiming, and repetitive patterns) in real time.

    Automated Bans: The goal for 2026 is to increase the speed and accuracy of automated bans, reducing the time a cheater spends in a match before being kicked.

    1. Console Fairness: Banning Keyboards & Mice
      Console players have long complained about “XIM” and other unauthorised input devices that allow players to use a mouse and keyboard on a controller-only server.

    Important Update: Krafton has officially strengthened its detection for unauthorised input devices on consoles. Not only are they banning these users moving forward, but they are also retroactively sanctioning accounts. In a recent sweep, over 1,000 accounts were banned based on historical data.

    1. Reducing the “Collateral Damage” (False Bans)
      There is nothing worse than being a high-skill player caught in a ban wave by mistake. Krafton is addressing this by refining its false-ban review process.

    Precision Screening: The first half of 2026 will focus on refining screening models to better distinguish between “god-tier skill” and “software assistance.”

    Automated Unbans: They are exploring an identity-verification-based system to speed up the unban process for legitimate players who were incorrectly flagged.

    1. Regional & Platform-Specific Strategies
      Cheating isn’t a “one size fits all” problem. Krafton has noted that cheating patterns differ significantly across different regions (NA vs. Asia) and platforms (PC vs. Console).

    Custom Defence: 2026 will see the rollout of region-specific management strategies, ensuring that detection tools are optimised for the specific types of illegal software prevalent in those areas.

    Voice Chat Enforcement: A new system is now live to detect and ban accounts using in-game voice chat to advertise illegal software—a move that has already cleaned up hundreds of lobbies.

    The Verdict

    The 2026 roadmap shows a developer who is finally looking at the “long game.” By focusing on hardware-level cheats (DMA), cleaning up the console ecosystem, and utilising AI for behavioural analysis, Krafton is aiming to make PUBG a platform built on trust.

    What do you think of the new measures? Are they enough to keep the Chicken Dinners fair? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here – https://pubg.com/en/news/9856

    #PUBGBattlegrounds #battleroyale #Krafton #PUBG #Battlegrounds #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #platformer #gameplay #demogame #videogames #arcadegames

  • ShantyTown Set to Shine at PAX East 2026: A Cozy City-Builder in the Spotlight

    ShantyTown Set to Shine at PAX East 2026: A Cozy City-Builder in the Spotlight

    London-based publisher Kinephantom Games and solo developer Erik Rempen (the mind behind the acclaimed strategy title Kainga) have officially announced that their upcoming project, ShantyTown, has been hand-selected for the prestigious PAX Rising Showcase at PAX East 2026.

    Taking place from March 26th to 29th at the Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Centre in Boston, the PAX Rising Showcase highlights a curated selection of the most promising indie titles of the year. For ShantyTown, this selection follows a massive surge in momentum; during February’s Steam Next Fest, the game doubled its wishlist count and saw over 30,000 players dive into its urban dioramas.

    What is ShantyTown?

    Developed under Rempen’s studio, Silk Softworks, ShantyTown is a “casual diorama-builder” that celebrates the beauty of dense, messy, and lived-in urban environments. Unlike traditional city-builders that focus on rigid grids and resource management, ShantyTown is a meditative experience.

    Vertical Creativity: Players build upwards in tight spaces, filling every nook and cranny with light, utility, and over 150 unique decorations.

    A Relaxing Journey: Featuring a handcrafted soundtrack by vaporwave artist Macroblank, the game encourages a “no wrong answers” approach to architecture.

    The Surveyor’s Dossier: Players travel across 20 distinct locations, from floating tea shops to industrial warehouse markets, photographing their finished towns to fill a personal portfolio.

    Catch it at PAX East

    Attendees heading to Boston this week can find ShantyTown at Booth 13097. Visitors will have the exclusive opportunity to:

    Play the full game ahead of its official release.

    Meet solo developer Erik Rempen in person.

    Snag ShantyTown-specific goodies and physical swag.

    Can’t make it to Boston?

    The celebration isn’t limited to the show floor. A brand-new update for the ShantyTown demo is now live on Steam, introducing the highly anticipated Creative Mode. This sandbox state allows players to revisit any surveyed location with unrestricted access to all unlocked buildings and decorations.

    The community is also buzzing on Discord, where the third weekly build competition is currently underway. Winners of these contests even have the chance to be “immortalised” within the game’s puzzles.

    “ShantyTown is inspired by my love for densely built cities—the kind of places where every wall, alley, and rooftop tells a story,” says developer Erik Rempen.

    ShantyTown is scheduled to launch in full on April 16, 2026, for PC via Steam.

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/rSMzj

    #KinephantomGames #SilkSoftworks #ShantyTown #PAXRisingShowcase #PAXEast #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #platformer #gameplay #demogame #videogames #arcadegames

  • Dungeon Bodega Simulator From Laid-Off Adventurer to Bodega Boss

    Dungeon Bodega Simulator From Laid-Off Adventurer to Bodega Boss

    You play as Elm Myrkwater, a recently laid-off adventurer who decides to trade in the sword for a storefront. Set over 24 in-game days, the story follows Elm’s journey through imposter syndrome and the daily grind of running a “one-stop adventuring shop.”

    While the main story clocks in at a cosy 3-4 hours, there is a deep well of mechanics to keep you busy, and an Infinite Mode unlocks once you’ve solved the central mystery of the dungeon.

    What’s on the Shelves?

    This isn’t just a simple “buy low, sell high” tycoon game. To succeed, you’ll need to master several crafts:

    Farming & Processing: Grow your own crops and process them into essential supplies.

    Alchemy: Brew complex potions and elixirs to keep those heroes healthy (or fast, or strong).

    Blacksmithing: Forge expensive weapons and tools to boost your bottom line.

    Pet Slimes: You can actually raise dungeon slimes as pets, which—let’s be honest—is the real reason we’re all here.

    Retro Vibes & Modern Features

    The game features a charming Retro PC aesthetic that feels like a lost 90s classic, but it comes packed with modern perks like Twitch Integration, allowing viewers to interact with the bodega in real-time.

    TechMash Tip: Keep an eye on your regulars! Befriending the locals isn’t just for flavour; it’s the key to solving the puzzles hidden in the dungeon beneath your floorboards.

    Dungeon Bodega Simulator is available now on Steam for PC and Linux. If you’re looking for a short, mechanically-focused indie gem to fill your weekend, this might be the best $7.99 (currently on a 10% launch discount for $7.19) you’ll spend this month.

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/O3nfa

    #DungeonBodegaSimulator #AlienFruit #steam #adventurer #bar #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #platformer #gameplay #demogame #videogames #arcadegames

  • The Apocalypse has released a new development log video, “DEVLOG #05,”

    The Apocalypse has released a new development log video, “DEVLOG #05,”

    The survival genre is a crowded one, but every so often, an indie project comes along that makes us sit up and take notice. The Apocalypse, the upcoming open-world survival title from Team APOCA, has just dropped its latest progress report—DEVLOG #05—and it’s looking like a major technical leap forward for the project.

    While previous updates focused on the low-poly aesthetic and basic crafting, this latest reveal dives deep into the “engine room” of the game, showcasing how the team is handling the massive scale of their post-apocalyptic world.

    Technical Foundations & World Loading

    According to the developers, the project has entered a critical phase focused on strengthening its technical foundation. One of the standout features in the new footage is the large-scale world loading. For an open-world game featuring diverse biomes—ranging from frozen snowfields to scorched deserts—seamlessly moving between regions without a loading screen is the holy grail.

    The devlog showcases unedited internal footage of character movement through these environments, and the stability is surprisingly impressive for this stage of development.

    Smart AI and Survival Stress

    It’s not just about the scenery, though. The devlog highlights significant improvements to the AI behaviour system. We’re not just talking about zombies that run in a straight line; the new “mutant” classes and humanoid AI seem to interact with the environment (and each other) in much more unpredictable ways.

    “We want the world to feel dangerous even when you aren’t looking,” says the lead developer. “The new AI synchronisation means that whether you’re playing solo or in multiplayer, the threats are consistent and reactive.”

    What Else is New?

    The update also touched on several core gameplay systems that have been refined over the last few months:

    Multiplayer Sync: Improvements to server-side stability to ensure that building and vehicle physics remain “jitter-free” during high-pop sessions.

    Vehicle Handling: New footage of land vehicles traversing rough terrain, with the team specifically asking for player feedback on the “weight” of the driving mechanics.

    Unified Build Integration: The next month of development will focus on merging these technical upgrades into a single, playable internal build to prepare for wider testing.

    A Survival Game for the Time-Poor?

    One of the most interesting philosophies behind The Apocalypse is its approach to “the grind.” Team APOCA has been vocal about making a game that feels deep but remains accessible for those who only have an hour or two to play. With over 100 technological recipes—from primitive bows to precision rifles—the progression looks rewarding without feeling like a second job.

    The Apocalypse is currently slated for an Early Access launch on Steam, where it is expected to remain for 6 to 12 months as the community helps shape the final features.

    Find out more here – https://forms.gle/98pPi58hdUSYTbyQA

    #TeamAPOCA #theapocalypse #devlog #survivalgame #openworld #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #platformer #gameplay #demogame #videogames #arcadegames

  • Peter Molyneux’s Masters of Albion: Closed Beta Sign-ups Are Live (But Blink and You’ll Miss Them!)

    Peter Molyneux’s Masters of Albion: Closed Beta Sign-ups Are Live (But Blink and You’ll Miss Them!)

    If you’ve been keeping a “God Hand” on the pulse of Peter Molyneux’s latest project, today is the day to act. 22cans has officially announced a Closed Beta Playtest for Masters of Albion, and the window to get in is incredibly tight.

    After the buzz from Gamescom and the recent reveal of the April release date, this is the first real chance for the public to see if Molyneux’s “return to his roots” lives up to the lofty legacy of Dungeon Keeper, Black & White, and Fable.

    The 48-Hour Dash: How to Sign Up

    This isn’t your standard open-ended beta. 22cans is looking for a focused group of players to help fine-tune the systems before the game hits Steam.

    The Deadline: You have exactly 48 hours to register. Sign-ups close at 6 PM GMT on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.

    Where to Go: Registration is being handled exclusively through the Official Masters of Albion Discord.

    The Goal: The team is specifically looking for feedback on the “Day/Night” gameplay loop and the possession mechanics.

    What Exactly Is Masters of Albion?

    For the uninitiated, Masters of Albion is an ambitious blend of everything that made Molyneux a household name in the 90s and 00s. It’s set in the familiar (yet legally distinct) world of Albion, which is currently undergoing an industrial revolution as magic begins to seep back into the soil.

    Why This Beta Matters

    Molyneux hasn’t exactly had a quiet career, and Masters of Albion is being framed as his “redemption” arc—and potentially his final game. Early previews suggest a game that is “refreshingly sassy” and focused on fun rather than trying to revolutionise the entire tech industry.

    By joining the beta, you aren’t just playing a demo; you’re helping 22cans bridge the gap between “Molyneux’s vision” and “actual player experience” ahead of the April 22, 2026, launch on Steam Early Access.

    TechMash Tip: If you miss the beta window, make sure to Wishlist the game on Steam. It’s the best way to stay notified about the impending Early Access launch next month.

    Find out more here – https://mastersofalbion.com/

    #22cans #PeterMolyneux #closedbetaplaytest #MastersofAlbion #steam #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #platformer #gameplay #demogame #videogames #arcadegames

  • Space Engineers 2 Update VS2.2: Mechanical Blocks & Weapons are Here!

    Space Engineers 2 Update VS2.2: Mechanical Blocks & Weapons are Here!

    The wait is over, Engineers. Keen Software House has officially dropped Major Update VS2.2 for the Space Engineers 2 Alpha, and it is a massive leap forward for the Almagest system. If you felt the initial Alpha was a bit “static,” this update changes everything by introducing motion, Mayhem, and a whole lot of machinery.

    Here is everything you need to know about the Mechanical Blocks & Weapons update.

    The Engineering Revolution: Rotors & Pistons

    The most anticipated addition is undoubtedly the arrival of Mechanical Blocks. For the first time in SE2, your grids can move. Whether you’re building folding hangar doors, rotating solar arrays, or complex crane arms, the physics of the VRAGE3 engine are ready to be put to the test.

    Rotors: Available in Large (1.25m) and Small (0.5m) variants.

    Pistons: Essential for extending reach, available in Large (4m) and Small (2.5m) sizes.

    Production Lines & Area Welding

    Building at scale just got a lot easier. The update introduces Production Lines and Area Welding.

    Ship Tools: New Large and Small Welders/Grinders now feature “Area” functionality, allowing you to build or dismantle multiple blocks simultaneously.

    The Area Welder (Hand Tool): Even on foot, the Mark 1 Area Welder lets you repair clusters of blocks at once using materials from your backpack.

    Weapons & Combat Basics

    Space is no longer a peaceful vacuum. VS2.2 introduces the foundations of Combat Basics. You can now arm your ships and your character to deal with emerging threats.

    Grid Weapons: The Gatling Gun (manual) and Gatling Turret (automated) are now available to defend your builds against enemy grids and incoming projectiles.

    Character Weapons: You can now carry the Assault Rifle for precision fire and the Rocket Launcher for when you need to make a bigger statement.

    Exploration Expanded: New Moons & Asteroid Rings

    The Almagest system has grown. The update adds significant environmental variety and new places to stake your claim:

    New Moons: Explore Palatine (orbiting Verdure) and the dangerous, atmospheric Caligo (orbiting Kemik).

    Asteroid Rings & Clusters: Navigation just got more interesting with the addition of massive asteroid rings and resource-rich clusters.

    Weather & Events: Keep an eye on the sky—Planetary Events and Weather have been implemented, adding a layer of environmental survival to your base management.

    Economy, Trading, and Survival

    Survival mode is becoming much deeper. VS2.2 introduces Trading and Credits. You can now visit Trade Terminals on stations to exchange base resources, giving you a reason to haul cargo across the system.

    Note: To see the new Moons, Asteroid Rings, and Economy features, you will need to start a New Save.

    Other Key Features:

    Suit Oxygen: A new survival mechanic requiring you to manage your O2 levels.

    Cargo Ships: Non-static ships now roam the system, providing opportunities for salvage or trade.

    Customizable Controls: Finally, you can remap your keybinds to suit your playstyle.

    What’s Next on the Roadmap?

    Keen has been transparent about what didn’t make the cut for VS2.2. Wheels were prototyped but are still “cooking” and are expected in the next milestone, VS2.3, along with Hinges.

    Looking further ahead:

    VS3: Volumetric Water Systems.

    VS4: NPCs and the first iteration of Multiplayer.

    Space Engineers 2 is evolving rapidly. Whether you’re a master of “Clang” or a newcomer to the Almagest, there has never been a better time to jump back into the cockpit.

    Are you ready to build your first moving ship?

    Find out more here – https://2.spaceengineersgame.com/space-engineers-2-vs2-2/

    #KeenSoftwareHouse #SpaceEngineers2Alpha #scifi #spaceexploration #spaceengineers #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #platformer #gameplay #demogame #videogames #arcadegames

  • Netmarble’s ‘The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin’ Officially Launches Globally

    Netmarble’s ‘The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin’ Officially Launches Globally

    Fans of Britannia, the wait is finally over. Netmarble, the powerhouse behind some of the world’s most polished mobile and cross-platform titles, has officially announced the grand launch of its highly anticipated anime open-world RPG, The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin.

    Following a successful “Early Play” period on PlayStation 5 and PC (via Steam) that kicked off last week, the game has now completed its multi-platform rollout. As of March 23, 2026, players can dive into the world of Britannia on iOS and Android, bringing the full cross-play experience to life.

    A New Chapter in Britannia

    Unlike its predecessor, Grand Cross, which focused on card-based tactics, Origin is a sprawling action RPG. You step into the shoes of Prince Tristan—the son of Meliodas and Elizabeth—as he navigates a world where time and space have collided.

    This “multiverse” approach allows Netmarble to weave a fresh narrative while bringing back fan-favourite characters from the original manga and anime. Whether you’re soaring through the sky with Tioreh or smashing through obstacles with Tristan’s raw strength, the world feels massive and surprisingly interactive.

    Key Features at Launch

    True Cross-Platform Play: Start a quest on your PS5 and finish it on your commute via your smartphone. The UI for the mobile version has been completely redesigned for touch controls, ensuring it doesn’t just feel like a “port.”

    Dynamic Combat: The game uses a tag-based combat system. You can swap between four characters on the fly, chaining together “Combination Skills” that vary depending on your team composition.

    Open-World Exploration: It’s not just about fighting. You can go fishing, cook recipes to buff your team, and explore hidden underwater ruins or high-altitude floating islands.

    Co-op Gameplay: While the story is a solo journey, you can team up with up to four friends for co-op exploration and world boss raids.

    Rewards for Early Birds

    To celebrate the grand launch, Netmarble is being quite generous with the “Star Fragments” (the in-game currency). If you log in during the launch window, you can claim:

    Up to 59,000 Star Fragments (enough for a massive head start on summons).

    90 Regular Hero Draw Tickets.

    The SSR Hero Guila and her signature weapon are available through special launch missions.

    Our Initial Take

    Early performance metrics show the game is already a hit, ranking in the Top 5 on Steam’s UK charts within days of its early access release. While some players have noted the steep 30GB storage requirement on mobile, the visual fidelity—powered by Unreal Engine—is arguably the best we’ve seen from a mobile-first developer this year.

    The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin is available now as a free-to-play title on the App Store, Google Play, Steam, and PlayStation 5.

    Find out more here – https://7origin.onelink.me/uWLQ/ks44ulvu

    #Netmarble #anime #RPG #TheSevenDeadlySinsOrigin #OpenWorld #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #platformer #gameplay #demogame #videogames #arcadegames

  • Creature-Catcher ‘Aniimo’ Confirms PS5 and Epic Games Store Launch

    Creature-Catcher ‘Aniimo’ Confirms PS5 and Epic Games Store Launch

    If you’ve been keeping an eye on the burgeoning “Pokémon-meets-Zelda” genre, you’ve likely seen Aniimo popping up in your feed. Developed by Pawprint Studio and published by Kingsglory, this free-to-play open-world RPG has already generated significant buzz on Xbox and Steam. Now, the developers have officially confirmed that the world of Idyll is getting even bigger: Aniimo is officially coming to PlayStation 5 and the Epic Games Store.

    Expanding the Horizons of Idyll

    Previously announced for Xbox Series X|S, Steam, and mobile, this latest move ensures that almost every modern gamer will have a chance to dive into its vibrant ecosystem. For PlayStation fans who felt left out of the recent beta tests, this is the news you’ve been waiting for—wishlisting is now live on the PlayStation Store.

    What Makes Aniimo Stand Out?

    While the creature-catching loop feels familiar, Aniimo introduces a “next-gen” twist that sets it apart from its contemporaries.

    The “Twine” Mechanic: This is the game’s primary hook. Instead of just commanding your creatures from the sidelines, you can “Twine” with them. This allows you to essentially become the Aniimo, using their specific abilities (flying, swimming, burrowing) to solve environmental puzzles and navigate the massive continent of Idyll.

    A Living World: Creatures appear based on the time of day, weather patterns, and specific environmental phenomena.

    Beyond the Battle: When you aren’t hunting or battling in the sky-floating metropolis, you can retreat to your personal RV. This acts as a portable hub where you can access your “Homeland”—a cozy, customizable space to plant crops and decorate with your favourite Aniimo.

    Competitive Play: The game features a unique PVEVP mode called “Egg Heist,” where three-player teams compete in real-time battles in the Lost Isles.

    Play it Early at PAX East 2026

    For those heading to PAX East in Boston (March 26–29), Pawprint Studio will have a playable demo at Booth #16055.

    Attendees will be among the first to test out the latest build, which introduces a brand-new creature: Hoptail. This energetic spark-plug of an Aniimo stores electrical energy in its tail to trigger massive, explosive leaps—perfect for scaling Idyll’s vertical landscapes.

    The Verdict: With cross-platform progress and a launch window set for later in 2026, Aniimo is shaping up to be a serious contender in the creature-collection space. Its jump to PS5 and EGS proves that Pawprint Studio is aiming for a massive, unified player base from day one.

    Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/BSDGd

    #PawprintStudio #Aniimo #RPG #freetoplay #PAXEast #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #platformer #gameplay #demogame #videogames #arcadegames

  • Wartales Heats Up: ‘Contract: Fires in the Capital’ DLC Brings Urban Warfare this April

    Wartales Heats Up: ‘Contract: Fires in the Capital’ DLC Brings Urban Warfare this April

    The gritty, low-fantasy world of Wartales is about to get a lot more crowded—and a lot more flammable. Shiro Games has officially announced the next major expansion for their hit tactical RPG: Contract: Fires in the Capital, set to launch on April 30, 2026.

    For a game that has largely defined itself through the muddy treks of the wilderness and the isolation of the frontier, this DLC represents a massive shift in scale and setting. We’re heading to Isandrin, the crown jewel of the Edoran Empire, and it is anything but peaceful.

    Isandrin: A City on the Brink

    Forget the open plains; the “Fires in the Capital” expansion drops your mercenary troop into a dense, reactive metropolis. Isandrin is currently a powder keg of civil unrest, where the authority of the Legion is being openly challenged.

    The most intriguing addition is the new Chaos System. In this urban environment, your choices don’t just affect your bank account—they ripple through the city’s districts.

    Restore Order: Hunt down brigands, tear down hostile propaganda, and fund local charities to stabilise the streets and reopen trade.

    Embrace Anarchy: Focus on your own profit and watch as the city descends into a full-blown crisis, changing the very layout of the world you’re navigating.

    New Tactical Scenarios

    Urban combat isn’t just a change of scenery; it fundamentally alters the win conditions of Wartales’ turn-based battles. Shiro Games is introducing objective-based scenarios that go beyond “kill everyone on the grid.” You can expect:

    The Chase: Intercepting fleeing criminals before they can vanish into the alleyways.

    Escort Missions: Protecting supply convoys from relentless waves of rioters.

    Rescue Operations: Navigating burning streets to save trapped civilians before the environment itself becomes your deadliest enemy.

    Launch Details

    Release Date: April 30, 2026

    Platform: PC via Steam

    Price: £12.99 / $12.99 / €10.99

    The DLC will integrate directly with your existing playthroughs, so there’s no need to start a fresh save to see the fires of Isandrin for yourself. Whether you act as the city’s saviour or its final undoing, the capital is waiting for a contract to be signed.

    Are you planning to keep the peace in Edoran, or will you be the one holding the torch? Let us know in the comments!

    Find out more here – https://shiro.li/CmxaNF

    #Wartales #RPG #ShiroGames #urbancombat #DLC #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #platformer #gameplay #demogame #videogames #arcadegames

  • Atomic Owl! A Tale of Feathers and Fury

    Atomic Owl! A Tale of Feathers and Fury

    In Atomic Owl, you step into the talons of Hidalgo Bladewing. After a devastating defeat at the hands of the vengeful void crow, Omega Wing, Hidalgo’s troupe has been captured. Two years later, he’s back with a grudge and a “Mezameta” blade—a sentient, brash-talking sword that provides as much commentary as it does combat prowess.

    The game is a love letter to the 16-bit era, blending the precision platforming of Mega Man X with the modern roguelite progression of Dead Cells.

    What’s New for the Console Release?

    This isn’t just a straight port; the console launch introduces the Definitive Version of the game. If you found the original PC version’s roguelite mechanics a bit too punishing, there’s a major addition for you:

    “NO ROGUELITE” Mode: You can now play the game as a classic, linear side-scrolling action platformer. No more restarting from the hub—just pure, old-school stage progression.

    Rebalanced Combat: Weapons have been tweaked for better flow, and the sound design has been polished to make every hit feel even punchier.

    Cross-Buy & Play Anywhere: The Xbox version supports Xbox Play Anywhere, meaning one purchase gets you the game on both console and Windows PC via the Microsoft Store.

    Key Features to Watch For

    8 Roguelite Zones: From neon-lit urban sprawls to vine-choked ruins in the world of Judanest.

    Dynamic Weaponry: Don’t just stick to the sword. You can swap between hammers, whips, and scythes to deal with the menacing Tengu hordes.

    The Void Crow: When things get dire, Hidalgo can transform into a powerful Void Crow to clear the screen in a whirlwind of dark fury.

    Stunning Aesthetics: The pixel art is vibrant and expressive, backed by a soundtrack that perfectly bridges the gap between JRPG melodies and 80s synthwave.

    Launch Details

    Atomic Owl will be available digitally for $12.99 / €12.99. Keep an eye out during launch week, as eastasiasoft is offering a 10% discount on select platforms to celebrate the release.

    If you’re a physical collector, keep your eyes peeled; limited physical editions for Switch and PS5 (complete with manuals and “challenge cards”) have been teased for those who prefer their owls on a shelf.

    Find out more here – https://www.eastasiasoft.com

    #eastasiasoft #AtomicOwl #roguelite #MonsterTheater #console #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #platformer #gameplay #demogame #videogames #arcadegames

  • Jagex Sets Sail: Havenhythe Part 1 Launches in RuneScape’s Boldest Expansion Yet

    Jagex Sets Sail: Havenhythe Part 1 Launches in RuneScape’s Boldest Expansion Yet

    The wait is finally over for the citizens of Gielinor. Today, Jagex officially pulled back the curtain on the first chapter of Havenhythe, the single largest area expansion in RuneScape’s storied 25-year history.

    This isn’t just another patch; it’s a cornerstone of Jagex’s “Road to Restoration,” a 2026 initiative aimed at bringing the game back to its roots—focusing on exploration, grounded storytelling, and a significantly reduced emphasis on monetisation.

    What is Havenhythe?

    Located east of Morytania, Havenhythe is a mysterious, isolated landmass that has been teased since RuneFest 2025. Unlike the high-fantasy, god-tier threats of recent years, Havenhythe leans into the “Classic RuneScape” feel. It’s a land of ancient civilisations, strange magic, and stories long forgotten.

    The expansion is launching in multiple parts throughout the year, with today’s update opening the gates to the coastal village of Wendlewick and the surrounding wilderness.

    Key Features of Today’s Launch

    Whether you’re a Free-to-Play veteran or a long-term Member, there is a substantial amount of content to dig into:

    A Massive New Map: Explore the first half of a sprawling new region designed to feel like a “natural part of Gielinor.”

    The Hunter Skill Cap Increase: The Hunter skill cap has been raised to level 110, bringing with it new “Big Game Hunter” style encounters and stealth-focused tracking mechanics.

    New Quests:

    Visions of Havenhythe (F2P): Your journey begins at the Rusty Anchor in Port Sarim with a mysterious vision.

    Hearts of Sanguine (F2P): Continue the core narrative as you explore the island’s history.

    Two additional side quests are available exclusively for Members.

    New Boss Encounters:

    Ivar, King of Bones (F2P): An early-game boss designed to teach players core mechanics like protection prayers.

    Silverquill the Dreadhog (Members): A mid-level challenge with telegraphed attacks and unique spike mechanics.

    Fish Farming: A new, casual (but hands-on) activity for Members. You’ll need to stock and clean your pools to harvest fresh rewards.

    A New Era of Integrity

    This launch follows the monumental removal of Treasure Hunter earlier this year, a move that signalled Jagex’s commitment to “Integrity-first” development. With Havenhythe, the developers are focusing on “small, grounded adventures”—the kind of world-building that made players fall in love with the game two decades ago.

    “Havenhythe is designed to be a place you return to, not just an area you complete once and forget,” says the Jagex development team.

    How to Get There

    Ready to start your journey? Head to the Rusty Anchor pub in Port Sarim to trigger the starting vision and set sail for the east.

    Are you diving into Havenhythe today? Let us know in the comments if you’re tackling the 110 Hunter grind or going straight for Silverquill!

    Find out more here – https://www.jagex.com/

    #Jagex #TheRuneScapeCompany #Havenhythe #MMORPG #RuneScape #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #platformer #gameplay #demogame #videogames #arcadegames

  • Checkmate the Abyss: Below the Crown Hits 1.0 this April

    Checkmate the Abyss: Below the Crown Hits 1.0 this April

    If you’ve ever looked at a chessboard and thought, “This is great, but it needs more fireballs and psychological dread,” then Misfits Attic has the answer to your very specific prayers. The developers behind the award-winning strategy hit Duskers have announced that their latest project, Below the Crown, is officially exiting Early Access and launching into Version 1.0 on April 21st, 2026.

    Described as a “love letter to chess, roguelikes, and dungeon crawlers,” Below the Crown isn’t just about moving pieces across a board—it’s about surviving a glitchy, retro-style nightmare for the amusement of a very demanding Emperor.

    What’s New in the 1.0 Update?

    The jump to full release isn’t just a label; it’s bringing a massive haul of new content to the dungeon floor. Here is what you can expect when you dive back in on April 21st:

    The Final Boss: For the first time, players will be able to face off against the Emperor himself in a climactic final battle.

    New Playable Wizard: The Queen Wizard joins the roster, offering a fresh way to approach the game’s tactical puzzles.

    Expanded Repertoire: Version 1.0 introduces a wealth of new runes, spells, skills, and upgrades, allowing for deeper customisation of your strategy.

    Psychological Depth: New narrative elements and “glitchy” psychological evaluations will further unravel the mystery of the world below the castle.

    Quality of Life: Steam Cloud saves, more achievements, and a suite of new animations to make every checkmate feel even more satisfying.

    Why You Should Care

    Below the Crown has earned its stripes (and an IGF 2026 Honourable Mention for Excellence in Design) by making chess accessible and, frankly, cool again. You don’t need to be a Grandmaster to play; you start with just one piece and build your party—using Knights, Mad Queens, and Mimics—as you progress through maze-like chambers.

    The game swaps out dry theory for explosive spells and dynamic hazards. If you take too long to make your move, the board itself might start self-destructing, forcing you to keep your wits sharp and your feet moving.

    “One of our goals… is to bring more players into the chess atmosphere, crafting a fun and accessible experience for newcomers, while maintaining the classic and challenging strategy elements for long-time fans.” — Tim Keenan, Founder of Misfits Attic.

    Availability

    Below the Crown is currently available in Early Access on Steam, and if you’re looking to get a head start, a massive Beta update recently added the Infinite Dungeon mode and a Replay Room.

    Mark your calendars for April 21st—it’s time to see if you have what it takes to bring back the gold and survive the Emperor’s evaluation.

    Find out more here – http://www.misfits-attic.com/

    #BelowtheCrown #IGF2026 #Wizards #Steam #MisfitsAttic #gameupdate #games #gaming #gamers #platformer #gameplay #demogame #videogames #arcadegames