TECHMASH

Tag: #gamingnews

  • Fire, Rain & Fresh Frontlines — WARDOGS Season 2 Launches October 15!

    Fire, Rain & Fresh Frontlines — WARDOGS Season 2 Launches October 15!

    BULKHEAD and publisher Team17 have officially confirmed Season 2 of WARDOGS drops globally Thursday 15 October 2026 on Steam. The massive update lands barely a month after the game’s explosive September Early Access launch, bringing new weapons, vehicles, weather systems, gameplay overhauls, and a fresh take on the 100-player tactical FPS experience.

    What’s Coming — The Season 2 Breakdown

    New Firepower

    Four weapons enter the fight, expanding loadout options across every range:

    • TCX Spear — high-precision battle rifle
    • M14 — hard-hitting semi-auto classic
    • PP-19 Bizon — high-capacity SMG for close-quarters dominance
    • Evo-3 Ultra — cutting-edge energy sidearm

    Plus the Molotov cocktail — a fiery throwable to deny cover and flush enemies out.

    New Vehicles — Wheels & Firepower

    VehicleRole
    Wolf-110 — Light ReconFast, agile, perfect for rapid deployment
    Wolf-110 Assault — Combat VariantArmoured up with heavy weaponry
    T-72 — Main Battle TankHeavy armour, crushing firepower
    Flakpanzer Gepard — Anti-Air DefenceDominate the skies and rain fire from above

    Buildables & Dynamic Weather

    • Three new deployable structures to fortify forward positions
    • Rain weather system — falling visibility, dampened sound, slick ground, and thunder that masks movement. The battlefield literally changes with the weather

    Wager System & Faction Balance

    • Experimental Wager Vendor — stake your in-game cash for bigger rewards or walk away empty-handed
    • Lonestar (Blue Team) bonuses — cash and XP boosts to level the playing field
    • Catch-up mechanics — 20% vendor discount for those joining mid-battle
    • Faction balancing — team-switching limits and spawn improvements to keep fights fair

    Progression & Balance Overhaul

    • Full Season 1 Wipe — existing cash converts to permanent Gold Bars for cosmetics; XP banks toward future skill trees
    • Weapon damage adjustments, suppression rework, armour tuning, and building cost rebalancing — mortar and drill meta get targeted fixes
    • New player protection — Low-Level Infantry Mode to ease newcomers in

    Release & Roadmap

    DetailInfo
    DeveloperBULKHEAD
    PublisherTeam17
    Release15 October 2026 — Steam Early Access
    Player Count100-player tactical FPS
    PriceEarly Access pricing applies
    Future UpdatesMore seasons, balance passes, and features planned throughout development

    Why It Matters

    Launching to huge enthusiasm in September, WARDOGS proved there’s an appetite for massive, gritty, tactical online combat. Season 2 isn’t just new content — it’s a response. BULKHEAD has listened to thousands of players, reining in overpowered strategies, smoothing the newcomer experience, and adding depth that will keep veterans invested. With rain changing how you see, hear, and fight, and vehicles shifting frontlines overnight, the game is evolving fast — and this is just the second step.

    The frontline resets 15 October. Will you be ready?

    More Info – https://www.team17.com/games/wardogs

    #WARDOGS #BULKHEAD #Team17 #Season2 #TacticalFPS #SteamEarlyAccess #100PlayerGame #GamingNews #TechMash

  • Bars, Blueprints & Big Escapes — The Escapists 3 Breaks Cover for 2027!

    Bars, Blueprints & Big Escapes — The Escapists 3 Breaks Cover for 2027!

    Team17 has officially sprung the biggest reveal of the season: The Escapists 3, the long-awaited next chapter in the award-winning prison escape franchise, unveiled for the very first time during the Triple-I Initiative Showcase. Ditching the series’ signature pixel art for a vibrant fully 3D sandbox, it’s locked in for a 2027 release on PC and consoles — and yes, you can wishlist it right now on Steam.

    Everything You Know — Now in Full 3D

    Prison has rules. You have other plans.

    For nearly a decade, The Escapists has been the gold standard of creative, chaotic breakout gameplay. Now the perspective shifts entirely — but the mission stays the same: study the routine, loot the supplies, craft the impossible, and get out.

    • Five distinct prisons — each with unique layouts, guard routines, secrets, and surrounding landscapes. Beyond the walls lies dense forest, rugged canyons, ancient catacombs and treacherous waters
    • 120+ items & weapons to scavenge, trade and craft. Almost anything can become part of an escape plan — whether it should is another matter entirely
    • No single solution — dig, climb, sneak, fight, disguise, improvise. There are good plans, bad plans, and the occasional plan involving molten chocolate
    • Skill progression — earn XP, unlock abilities, and tailor your inmate to your preferred escape style. Customise your cell while you’re at it

    Break Out Better With Friends

    Escaping is great — escaping together is better. The Escapists 3 supports:

    ModeDetails
    Online Co-opUp to 4 players — divide the workload, time things perfectly, execute the perfect breakout… and find out who’s useless with a shovel
    Local Split-Screen2 players on one device — old-school couch co-op returns
    Solo PlayTackle every prison at your own pace, no distractions, no deadweight partners

    Release & Platforms

    DetailInfo
    Developer / PublisherTeam17
    Revealed9 Oct 2026 — Triple-I Initiative Showcase
    Release Window2027
    PlatformsPC (Steam), PS5, Xbox Series X
    Steam PageLive now — wishlist today!
    PriceTo be announced
    System RequirementsTo be announced

    On the Record

    “The Escapists, as a series, has been both a breakout and runaway success for Team17. As such, I’m delighted that we’re offering players the chance to become institutionalised once more — but this time in fully realised, 3D correctional facilities. It’s a fresh perspective on a fan favourite, and today’s announcement is just a sneak peek of what’s to come.”

    — Harley Homewood, General Manager, Team17

    Why It Matters

    It’s been roughly nine years since the franchise last arrived — and The Escapists 3 doesn’t just continue the story, it evolves it. The leap to 3D opens up verticality, visibility, and entirely new approaches to scouting and breaking prisons. Yet at its core, it’s still about the same magic: junk turned into tools, observation turned into opportunity, and that glorious moment when your plan finally clicks — or spectacularly unravels.

    Roll call is coming. Will you be there… or will you be gone?

    More Info – https://officialtheescapists.com/

    #TheEscapists3 #Team17 #PrisonEscape #SandboxGame #CoOp #GamingNews #Steam #TripleIInitiative #TechMash

  • Cards, Chains & the Guillotine — Lazare’s Sacrifice Announced for Spring 2027!

    Cards, Chains & the Guillotine — Lazare’s Sacrifice Announced for Spring 2027!

    Developer Dream Reality Interactive and publisher Curve Games have officially pulled back the curtain on Lazare’s Sacrifice, a gripping narrative deckbuilder set amid the blood-soaked chaos of the French Revolution. Revealed during the Triple-I Initiative showcase and crafted in collaboration with Damien Monnier, creator of the original Gwent: The Witcher Card Game, this high-stakes tale of survival and conspiracy arrives on PC via Steam in Spring 2027.

    The Setting — Lose a Duel, Lose Your Head

    You are General Lazare Hoche — once revered, now betrayed. Imprisoned within the stone walls of Carmes Prison, you await your turn at the guillotine. The streets of Paris run red; allies become traitors overnight, and no one is safe. But a twisted game offers a sliver of hope: defeat your fellow inmates in deadly psychological card duels, and you may yet live. Fail — and the blade falls.

    The Core Mechanic — Everything Has a Price

    What sets Lazare’s Sacrifice apart from every other deckbuilder is the very thing that gives it its name: you must sacrifice to win. To unleash your most devastating plays, you actively give up something precious:

    • Sacrifice cards to power game-changing effects
    • Surrender board slots to open up tactical possibilities
    • Spend your own health to tip the scales in your favour

    Push too far, and you won’t survive the cost. Hold back, and the guillotine claims you anyway. Every match becomes a high-wire act of risk, reward, and ruthless calculation.

    Game Modes & Features

    FeatureDetails
    Story ModeExplore Carmes Prison, uncover conspiracies, solve puzzles, and confront historical figures — each with their own agenda
    Tower ModeTest your tactical mastery in a gauntlet of escalating difficulty with custom-built decks
    Four FactionsMaster distinct playstyles, scavenge rare cards, and strip defeated opponents’ decks to build your arsenal
    Multiple EndingsYour choices shape Lazare’s fate and the truth behind his imprisonment
    Designed by a LegendCreative leadership from Damien Monnier, architect of Gwent, ensuring deep, balanced, rewarding strategy
    System RequirementsWindows 10 64-bit; GTX 970 / RX 290 minimum; RTX 2060 / RX 5600 XT recommended; 25 GB storage

    Release & Platforms

    DetailInfo
    TitleLazare’s Sacrifice
    DeveloperDream Reality Interactive
    PublisherCurve Games
    ReleaseSpring 2027 — PC (Steam)
    LanguagesEnglish (Interface + Full Audio + Subtitles)
    Steam PageLive now — wishlist today!

    Why It Matters

    Deckbuilders often ask what you will play. — Lazare’s Sacrifice asks what you will give up. With a proven design talent behind it, a haunting historical setting, and a central mechanic that turns every advantage into a moral and tactical gamble, this is shaping up to be far more than just another card game. It’s a thriller played out one hand at a time — and the stakes have never been higher.

    The prison gates are open. The deck is in your hands. Will you play to survive… or will you play to win?

    More Info – https://www.playsacrifice.com/

    #LazaresSacrifice #CurveGames #DreamRealityInteractive #Deckbuilder #Gwent #DamienMonnier #FrenchRevolution #PCGaming #Steam #GamingNews #TechMash

  • Blades, Bonaparte & Blood — Valor Mortis Launches October 13 With Star-Studded Cast!

    Blades, Bonaparte & Blood — Valor Mortis Launches October 13 With Star-Studded Cast!

    Lyrical Games has officially dropped the launch trailer for Valor Mortis, the blistering first-person Soulslike from Ghostrunner creators One More Level, arriving worldwide Tuesday 13 October 2026 — 5:00 PM UTC across PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC via Steam, and launching day one on Xbox Game Pass.

    The game pairs breakneck, skill-driven combat with a supernatural reimagining of the Napoleonic Wars — and its voice cast is nothing short of spectacular: Vincent Cassel commands as Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, while Jennifer English takes the role of resistance leader The Shrike. Both have featured in brand-new behind-the-scenes interviews alongside the trailer reveal.

    What Is Valor Mortis?

    You are William Dowsett, a resurrected soldier of the Grande Armée thrust into a war twisted by dark magic. Across an occupied and corrupted Eastern Europe, you fight not just flesh and blood — but nightmare amalgamations and supernatural horrors. From the team that redefined first-person speed with Ghostrunner comes a Soulslike built for the same visceral perspective: every dodge, parry, strike and spell lands right in your face.

    Transmutations are your edge — eldritch powers channelled through your left hand that tear through enemies, manipulate the environment, and turn the tide of battle. Combat rewards stamina management, sharp timing, and aggressive adaptability — die, learn, rise again.

    A Cast of Award-Winning Heavyweights

    ActorRoleDistinction
    Vincent CasselNapoleon BonaparteCésar Award-winning actor
    Jennifer EnglishThe ShrikeBAFTA Award-winning voice actress
    James AlexanderWilliam DowsettProtagonist / Resurrected Legionnaire

    Cassel described his personal connection to the historical figure in his interview, noting Napoleon as “a cousin of the family” through his own ancestry, while English delved into bringing fierce rebel leader The Shrike to life. Both feature in dedicated behind-the-scenes featurettes released alongside the trailer.

    Launch Details

    DetailInfo
    Release DateTuesday 13 October 2026 — 5:00 PM UTC
    PlatformsPS5, Xbox Series X
    Standard Price$39.99 / €39.99 / 149.99 z?
    Deluxe Edition$59.99 / €59.99 / 199.99 z? — includes Major Story DLC (2027) + cosmetic packs
    SteamBundle discounts available
    New Game+Confirmed — coming Q4 2026

    Why It Matters

    One More Level earned its reputation making movement feel like power; Ghostrunner was lightning in first-person form. Now they turn that same intensity toward the punishing, rewarding Soulslike formula — and the result looks fierce, fast, and uniquely fresh. Add a period setting twisted into dark fantasy, a cinematic cast, and a price point that underscores confidence, and Valor Mortis is shaping up to be one of the boldest new releases of the month.

    New Game+ arrives before the year is out, and multiple free updates are planned to keep the fight going long after launch.

    History is rewritten. Empires fall. Will you stand?

    More Info – Valor Mortis

    #ValorMortis #OneMoreLevel #LyricalGames #Soulslike #VincentCassel #JenniferEnglish #XboxGamePass #Steam #PS5 #GamingNews #TechMash

  • Belts, Bullets & 200K Wishes — BELTFED Joins Hooded Horse!

    Belts, Bullets & 200K Wishes — BELTFED Joins Hooded Horse!

    Hooded Horse, the powerhouse publisher behind Manor Lords, Against the Storm, and Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era, has officially added BELTFED — Roguelike Factory Defence to its prestigious portfolio. Developed by Cornwall-based two-man team Hello World Studios, this industrial-scale blend of automation, tower defence, and roguelike chaos has already rocketed past 200,000 Steam wishlists in under two weeks — and the hype shows zero signs of slowing.

    You Are the Machine — And the Machine Is Deadly

    In BELTFED, you play as a rogue AI with one unwavering mission: automate death. Your factory is not just a production hub — it is your weapon. Lay conveyor belts, wire up smelters, and feed assemblers; turn raw ore into bullets, lasers, mortar shells, and drone swarms — all while hundreds of thousands of ravenous alien bugs descend to tear your operation apart.

    This isn’t just defence — it’s industrialised extermination. A single run can see kill counts climb into the millions, with every weapon, wall, and turret fuelled entirely by the supply lines you build.

    What Makes BELTFED Stand Out

    FeatureThe Lowdown
    Factory AutomationBuild belts, furnaces, and assembly lines — your ammo is made, not found
    Roguelike StructureEvery run starts fresh; permanent meta-progression unlocks new tech
    Dynamic Upgrade CardsGame-changing modifiers — from exploding buildings to black-hole cannons
    Massive ScaleHundreds of thousands of enemies; kill counts in the millions per run
    The NexusYour core, your command centre — lose it, and the run ends
    Multiple PlanetsUnique worlds with distinct hazards and resources
    Custom LoadoutsPick your Nexus core and starting modules to match your playstyle
    Release Window2027 — PC via Steam

    The Hype Train Is Moving Fast

    The announcement trailer dropped and the internet took notice — fast. Surpassing 100,000 wishlists in 11 days before doubling down to hit 200,000+ in under two weeks, BELTFED has become one of the most-wanted upcoming strategy games on Steam. Millions have watched the trailer, captivated by the promise of satisfying automation fused with relentless, overwhelming combat.

    Hooded Horse CEO Tim Bender had this to say:

    “We played BELTFED, and it’s incredibly fun. The trailer rocks and has got people excited — but the game itself is going to knock their socks off.”

    Hello World Studios Lead Designer Toby Atkinson added:

    “I’m a lifelong strategy fan, and Hooded Horse has published some of my favourite games over the years. They know the genre inside out — so we couldn’t imagine anyone better to partner with.”

    From Cornwall to the World

    Hello World Studios is the brainchild of brothers Toby and Troy Atkinson, a two-person independent team based in the South West of England. BELTFED is their debut project — and with Hooded Horse now in their corner, they’re poised to deliver something truly special.

    A public demo is in development, though no release date has been confirmed yet. The full game is scheduled to arrive on Steam in 2027, with English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian, and Simplified Chinese supported at launch.

    Why It Matters

    BELTFED sits at the intersection of three massive trends: satisfying factory automation, tense tower defence, and replayable roguelike progression. With a publisher that knows exactly how to nurture deep strategy games, a dev team pouring passion into every belt and bullet, and a player base already hungry for more — this is one to watch.

    The bugs are coming. Your factory is ready. Will you be there when the production lines open?

    More Info – BELTFED

    #BELTFED #FactoryDefense #Roguelike #StrategyGames #HoodedHorse #HelloWorldStudios #AutomateDeath #GamingNews #PCGaming #TechMash

  • Wings, War-Machines & Who’s Next — Zenless Zone Zero 3.3: Journey to the Sky Lands October 21!

    Wings, War-Machines & Who’s Next — Zenless Zone Zero 3.3: Journey to the Sky Lands October 21!

    Global interactive entertainment powerhouse HoYoverse has officially lifted the lid on Zenless Zone Zero Version 3.3 — “Journey to the Sky”, launching globally Tuesday 21 October 2026 across PC, mobile, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and more. The update brings two elite S-Rank Agents, a game-changing mech-combat system, and the next thrilling chapter in the urban-fantasy ARPG’s story.

    Double S-Rank Showcase: Phoenix First, Severian Second

    Version 3.3 rolls out in two distinct banner phases, giving Proxies two powerhouse new allies to recruit:

    Phoenix — S-Rank Anomaly (Fire) — First Half

    Making her debut in the update’s opening phase is Phoenix, an S-Rank Fire Anomaly Agent whose name says it all: she can return from the brink of defeat with full health, turning near-certain wipeouts into dramatic comebacks. Her kit excels at amplifying damage against enemies afflicted with Anomaly status, making her a stellar centrepiece for reaction-focused squads.

    Severian — S-Rank Attack (Wind) — Second Half

    Arriving in the second half is Severian, an S-Rank Wind Attack Agent built around fluid, aggressive combat. His mechanics reward sharp timing: landing dodges and strikes builds “Flow” that he unleashes in devastating multi-hit combos. He also carries the “Shadow Flash” ability — automatically countering incoming attacks with a sweeping Raging Whirlwind while charging his momentum gauge. Expect him to dominate as a high-skill, high-reward main DPS.

    Story-wise, the pairing isn’t just tactical — it’s dramatic. The two serve rival authorities and harbour deep professional differences, yet are forced to operate together as events on Quietude Isle spiral. Can they put aside their friction to face the looming threat?

    Mech Combat: Pilot, Infiltrate, Dominate

    The biggest gameplay shake-up in Version 3.3 is the introduction of combat mech piloting. Proxies will suit up to infiltrate enemy-held bases, stepping into cockpits for a fresh hybrid fighting style that blends heavy melee strikes with ranged artillery barrages.

    This isn’t just a cosmetic reskin — mech combat operates with its own weighty, impactful rhythm:

    • Dual-threat engagement — swap between close-quarters crushing blows and long-range bombardment on the fly
    • Stealth & subterfuge — infiltrate occupied zones disguised as a friendly unit before striking
    • Distinct pacing — slower, heavier, and more imposing than standard Agent combat, offering a satisfying change of pace

    Story & Setting: The Sky’s the Limit

    Version 3.3 centres on Roscaelifer, a floating island nation cut off from the outside world. With access to Boastrum blocked, the only way forward lies through the occupied skyport of Quietude Isle. As the Proxy joins forces with Lindver, truths about the mysterious Three Sunbringers and the enigmatic Karma Cores begin to surface — promising major revelations for Zenless Zone Zero’s overarching lore.

    What & When

    DetailInfo
    Version3.3 “Journey to the Sky”
    Release Date21 October 2026
    Phase 1Phoenix (S-Rank Fire Anomaly)
    Phase 2Severian (S-Rank Wind Attack)
    New GameplayMech combat & infiltration missions
    PlatformsPC, iOS, Android, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

    Final Thoughts

    From one of gaming’s most reliably polished live-service pipelines comes an update that feels genuinely fresh: not just two new characters, but an entire new way to fight. Whether you’re here for the lore drops, the high-stakes pulls, or the chance to climb into a giant mech and tear it up, Journey to the Sky looks set to be one of Zenless Zone Zero’s boldest updates yet.

    The skyport opens — 21 October. Will you be ready?

    More Info – Zenless Zone Zero

    #ZenlessZoneZero #ZZZ3 #JourneyToTheSky #HoYoverse #Phoenix #Severian #GamingNews #ARPG #TechMash

  • Beats, Dreams & Brightest Stars — K-POP Rising: Dream to Shine Lifts The Curtain On Gameplay!

    Beats, Dreams & Brightest Stars — K-POP Rising: Dream to Shine Lifts The Curtain On Gameplay!

    The spotlight is swinging open, the stage is set, and your moment has arrived. Publisher Microids and developer Old Skull Games have today unveiled the very first gameplay trailer for K-POP Rising: Dream to Shine, giving fans their clearest look yet at the rhythm-fuelled journey from wide-eyed trainee to global superstar — and it lands November 5 on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam.

    From Rehearsal Rooms To Stadium Lights

    The new trailer pulls back the curtain on the full experience, walking players through every chapter of their rise: from gruelling studio dance and vocal practice, through social media community building, all the way to commanding the biggest stages on the planet. At the heart of the game is a fusion of rhythm action and career simulation, where every beat, step, and post shapes your path to fame.

    You won’t be walking this road alone. Your best friend Nova stands by your side from day one, cheering you on, pushing you forward, and helping turn your shared dream into reality. Together you’ll start small — in your bedroom, unknown and hungry — and climb the ranks through dedication, talent, and smart choices.

    Your Star, Your Story

    Dream to Shine puts you in total control of your identity:

    • Fully customisable character — craft your look from head to toe, with endless combinations of fashion, makeup, hairstyles, and performance styles to match your unique vibe
    • Build your own group — recruit members, set your sound and image, and lead your lineup to the top of the charts
    • Grow your fanbase — manage your social presence, connect with supporters, and watch your popularity soar after every show

    The rhythm gameplay itself is the core of the challenge: nail the timing, master intricate choreography, hit every note, and refine your sense of tempo to turn good performances into legendary ones that audiences will remember forever.

    Shine Solo — Or Triumph As A Trio

    You can chase glory entirely on your own, or bring up to two friends along for the ride in 3-player online co-op. Form the ultimate dream team, coordinate your moves, and take on the world together — because K-Pop shines brightest when shared.

    Release Details

    ——
    TitleK-POP Rising: Dream to Shine
    DevelopersOld Skull Games
    PublisherMicroids
    Release DateNovember 5, 2026
    PlatformsNintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PC (Steam)
    ModesSingle-player, 3-player online co-op

    From bedroom rehearsals to sold-out arenas, viral posts to award-winning performances — the dream is real, the stage is yours, and the world is waiting.

    Watch the trailer, claim your spotlight, and get ready to shine.

    More Info – K-POP Rising – Dream to Shine

    #KPoPRising #DreamToShine #Microids #OldSkullGames #RhythmGame #KPop #NintendoSwitch #PlayStation5 #Steam #GamingNews #NewGame2026 #Techmash

  • Titans, Tactics & Troops — March of Giants Pioneer Playtest Marches Free on Steam!

    Titans, Tactics & Troops — March of Giants Pioneer Playtest Marches Free on Steam!

    Command colossal power, lead loyal troops, and reshape the battlefield itself. Ubisoft has launched the Pioneer Playtest for March of Giants — their bold new 4v4 tactical MOBA — live right now and completely free on Steam. Step into the boots of a towering Giant, rally your army, and fight to crush the enemy strongholds before they level yours.

    What Is March of Giants?

    March of Giants isn’t your standard MOBA — it’s warfare on a massive scale. You don’t just control a powerful champion; you lead a Giant — an avatar of Dreams or Nightmares forged in the fires of a century-long conflict — alongside battalions of soldiers that follow your orders, capture points, and reinforce your advance.

    Set against a gritty early-20th-century backdrop blending industrial technology and arcane wonder, matches are 4-vs-4 tactical clashes where coordination, positioning, and smart deployment decide victory.

    The Objective

    • Three Bastions anchor each team’s front line
    • Destroy two of the enemy’s three to win
    • Defend your own from the same fate
    • Push lanes, secure resources, and outmanoeuvre your foes

    Choose Your Giant — Dream or Nightmare?

    Each Giant brings unique powers, playstyles, and commanding strengths to the field:

    Table

    GiantTypeStyle
    VictoriaMelee — DreamSpear-wielding warrior whose immolation burns through foes; leads from the front
    WolfgangMelee — NightmareUnleashes inner rage and packs of terrifying werewolves to harry and tear apart lines
    VoidmasterRanged — NightmareSpreads corruption via dark rituals; weakens foes over wide areas
    StrykkaMelee — NightmareStrikes with shocking speed and retribution; punishes those who dare oppose her
    KraggMelee — NightmareBrute force incarnate; earth-shaking charges break formations and clear paths
    Pandemos (coming Oct 12)—New Giant joining mid-playtest — unlock permanently via Pioneer Status

    Troops, Trenches & Tactics — More Than Just Hero Combat

    Where most MOBAs give you passive minions, March of Giants puts command in your hands:

    • Lead your soldiers — rally, redirect, and send them to scout, attack, or capture objectives
    • Deploy Battleworks — spend gathered Supplies to shape the fight: trenches, bunkers, tanks, cavalry drops, and more
    • Gather & upgrade — capture nodes, stockpile resources, and tailor your Giant’s build to shift momentum
    • Team synergy — combine Giant abilities with troop positioning and Battleworks for devastating coordinated strikes

    Pioneer Playtest — All the Details

    • Now live through October 18, 2026
    • Platform: Steam (PC) — free to join
    • Available regions: North America + select European countries (including UK)
    • Requirements: Free Steam account + free Ubisoft Connect account
    • How to join: Visit March of Giants Steam page ? click Request Access under Playtest ? wait for a Steam notification

    Earn Pioneer Rewards That Last Forever

    Play during the test, earn Pioneer Points, and unlock exclusive, permanent benefits:

    • Pioneer Medal — displayed in all future matches
    • Pandemos unlocked — the new Giant, forever yours
    • Free Early Access Pack — exclusive cosmetics arriving Summer 2027
    • Shape the game — your feedback directly guides balance and design

    What Lies Ahead

    Following the Pioneer Playtest, March of Giants targets Early Access — Summer 2027, with the full free-to-play release to follow. This is your first chance to experience the unique troop-command system, the evolving roster, and a MOBA where you don’t just fight — you lead an army.

    “In this game, you aren’t just a hero. You are the front line, the general, and the hope of your people — all in one.”

    Request access on Steam today, pick your Giant, and march toward glory. The Bastions await.

    Find out more about March Of Giants

    #MarchOfGiants #Ubisoft #MOBA #PioneerPlaytest #FreeToPlay #Steam #PCGaming #TacticalGame #4v4 #Esports #NewGame #GamingNews #Techamsh

  • Streets, Skylines & Second Chances — Cities: Skylines – Expanded Edition Rises on Switch 2 October 28!

    Streets, Skylines & Second Chances — Cities: Skylines – Expanded Edition Rises on Switch 2 October 28!

    Build bigger, manage smarter, and look better than ever. Paradox Interactive, in partnership with Tantalus Media, has officially unveiled Cities: Skylines – Expanded Edition — a complete rebuild of Colossal Order’s landmark city-building experience, optimised from the ground up exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2. It arrives October 28, ready to turn your console into a thriving metropolis.

    What Is Expanded Edition?

    This isn’t just a port — it’s a reimagining. Where the original 2018 Switch release faced hard limits, Expanded Edition tears them up and starts fresh. Every system, visual, and tool has been overhauled to take full advantage of Switch 2’s power — delivering the deepest, most flexible city-building experience ever seen on a Nintendo platform.

    More Space to Build Your Vision

    • 25 buildable tiles — up from just 9 in the original Switch version, letting your city sprawl across a far larger landscape
    • Map Editor — craft completely custom landscapes, shape rivers, sculpt mountains, and lay coastlines before placing a single road

    Precision Tools & Polished Play

    • Precision placement with distance indicators and improved snapping — line up every road and building exactly where you want it
    • Quick Selection Tool — jump instantly between roads, zones, and utilities without digging through menus
    • Environmental Controls Panel — adjust time of day, rain, fog, and atmospheric colouring in real time to set the perfect mood
    • Full keyboard & mouse support alongside controllers — build the way that works best for you

    Two Ways to Play

    Table

    Graphics ModeTargetBest For
    PerformanceUp to 60 FPS with upscalingFast-paced expansion, busy cities, smooth movement
    Quality30 FPS with enhanced visualsScenic tours, screenshots, admiring your work

    Packed with Premium Content

    Ten DLC expansions and content packs come included at no extra cost:

    • After Dark — nightlife and tourism districts
    • Snowfall — winter weather, trams, and heating systems
    • Green Cities — eco-friendly buildings and policies
    • Sunset Harbor — fishing industries, harbours, and transport
    • Plus Map Pack 3, Country Road, Pearls from the East, Deep Focus Radio, Carols Candles & Candy, and Match Day

    Pricing & Upgrade Offer

    • Launch Price: £41.49 / $49 / €49
    • Upgrade Discount: Owners of the original Switch edition get 70% off Expanded Edition until April 28, 2027 — just £12.45 to upgrade
    • Availability: Digital eShop + physical retail release

    Why It Matters

    For years, Cities: Skylines has been the gold standard in city-building — but console versions always compromised on space or features. Expanded Edition changes that, bringing the breadth of the PC experience to your living room or on the go, with refinements designed specifically to feel right at home on Switch 2.

    “This is the city-builder you’ve always wanted — bigger, prettier, and more flexible than ever before.”

    Pre-orders are live now on the Nintendo eShop. Whether you’re returning mayor or fresh-faced planner, the sky isn’t the limit — it’s just the beginning.

    Find out more about Cities Skylines

    #CitiesSkylines #ExpandedEdition #ParadoxInteractive #TantalusMedia #ColossalOrder #NintendoSwitch2 #CityBuilder #Simulation #ManagementGame #Switch2 #GamingNews #October2026 #Techmash

  • Blight, Blade & Burden — The Relic: First Guardian Descends Upon Switch 2 October 9!

    Blight, Blade & Burden — The Relic: First Guardian Descends Upon Switch 2 October 9!

    A shadow stretches across the land, and only one soul stands between hope and oblivion. Developer and publisher Project Cloud Games and Perp Games are proud to announce that The Relic: First Guardian, their atmospheric dark fantasy action-RPG, arrives exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 this October 9th — and you are the champion the realm has been waiting for.

    A Kingdom Cloaked in Shadow

    The once-vibrant kingdom of Aethra lies fading under the creeping spread of the Blight — a corrupting force that twists the land, warps its creatures, and gnaws at the very memory of civilisation. Ancient guardians have fallen. The sacred Relic that once bound darkness at bay has fractured. Now, as the last chosen bearer of its light, you must venture into the blighted wilds, reunite its shards, and restore hope before the world is lost entirely.

    This isn’t a tale of invincible heroes marching to easy victory — it is a journey through a realm in grief, where every patch of reclaimed land feels like a triumph, and every ally saved is a precious light in the gathering dark.

    Forged in Combat, Tempered by Choice

    The Relic: First Guardian delivers a deeply hands-on action experience designed to feel sharp, responsive, and rewarding:

    • Weighty, tactical combat — strike, dodge, parry, and unleash relic powers against corrupted beasts, twisted knights, and towering abominations
    • Grow your guardian — master distinct weapon classes, unlock powerful abilities, and tailor your build to match your playstyle
    • A world in flux — heal the land as you progress; regions transform, new paths open, and hope returns where once there was only ruin
    • Rich, unfolding lore — uncover the tragedy of Aethra through environmental storytelling, fallen journals, and conversations with those who still endure
    • Optimised for Switch 2 — crisp visuals, fluid performance, and intuitive controls built from the ground up for Nintendo’s next-generation system

    Rise as the First Guardian

    The game earns its name for a reason: you are the first of a new line. How you carry the burden — who you trust, who you save, and how you wield the Relic — will define the legacy left to those who come after. Your choices echo through the story, shaping the world and the ending you receive.

    “The Relic does not make you a hero. What you do with it does.”

    Launching October 9, 2026 — available digitally via Nintendo eShop, with a physical edition also arriving at participating retailers. Pre-orders are live now, including a limited Guardian’s Pack with exclusive armour sets, in-game consumables, and a digital artbook preview.

    Quick Details

    • Title: The Relic: First Guardian
    • Platform: Nintendo Switch 2
    • Release Date: October 9, 2026
    • Genre: Dark Fantasy Action RPG
    • Players: Single-player

    The Blight waits for no one. Sharpen your blade, steel your heart, and step into the light — Aethra needs you.

    Find out more about The Relic First Guardian

    #TheRelicFirstGuardian #NintendoSwitch2 #DarkFantasy #ARPG #ActionRPG #IndieGame #NewRelease #October2026 #SaveTheWorld #GamingNews #Techmash

  • Worlds, Wonder & What Lies Ahead — ArcheAge Chronicles Drops Fresh Developer Insight Video!

    Worlds, Wonder & What Lies Ahead — ArcheAge Chronicles Drops Fresh Developer Insight Video!

    What does the next chapter of one of MMO gaming’s most beloved universes look like? XLGAMES has offered an illuminating new answer, releasing a brand-new developer video via the official ArcheAge Chronicles YouTube channel — pulling back the curtain on design philosophy, world-building, and the bold vision driving their upcoming open-world action MMORPG.

    A New Era Dawns in Auroria

    Uploaded to the official @ArcheAgeChronicles channel, the latest feature video — titled “The Direction the Devs Are Taking” — walks viewers through the core thinking shaping the game. Far from a straightforward sequel or remake, ArcheAge Chronicles is described as a discovery-driven online action RPG, set in the vibrant, re-emerging continent of Auroria, 50 years after the events of the original ArcheAge.

    The developer team explains that they aren’t just building another MMO — they’re reimagining what an ArcheAge experience can be. The focus has shifted toward tighter, more dynamic combat, exploration as its own reward, and a world designed to be wandered rather than simply followed from quest marker to quest marker.

    What Makes Chronicles Stand Apart

    XLGAMES has been clear from the start: this isn’t ArcheAge 2 in the traditional sense. Key differences shaping the experience include:

    • Auroria reborn — settlements rise from ruins as players return to a continent waking from long slumber
    • Action-forward combat — built from the ground up for responsive, impactful encounters, blending action-RPG flow with shared-world adventure
    • Guided by curiosity, not icons — the team cites The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, The Witcher 3, and Elden Ring as inspiration for exploration that rewards observation and daring
    • Shared but streamlined — a social, connected experience without the massive overlapping systems that can overwhelm new players
    • Self-published by XLGAMES — bringing the studio directly into communication with players throughout Early Access and beyond

    Momentum Building Toward Launch

    The fresh video lands amid growing excitement around the project:

    • A recent network test ran September 13, 2026, offering select players their first taste of Auroria, with early feedback highlighting visuals and combat feel as standout strengths
    • Additional gameplay clips — including PvP encounters, trade runs, and scenic tours — have steadily appeared on the channel, racking up tens of thousands of views and stoking community anticipation
    • Early Access on Steam is targeted for late 2026, with the game also heading to PS5 and Xbox Series X|S

    Watch & Wishlist Now

    The new developer video is live right now on the ArcheAge Chronicles YouTube channel — giving fans the clearest look yet at the mindset behind the game. You can also wishlist ArcheAge Chronicles on Steam and follow the channel for future deep dives into combat, classes, exploration, and everything Auroria has in store.

    “Auroria isn’t just a place to visit — it’s a world waiting to be rediscovered.”

    The next chapter begins soon. Will you answer the call?

    Find out more ArcheAge Chronicles

    #ArcheAgeChronicles #ArcheAge #XLGAMES #KakaoGames #MMORPG #ActionRPG #OpenWorld #Auroria #PCGaming #Steam #PS5 #XboxSeriesX #GamingNews #MMO #Techmash

  • Broken Heroes, Depths & Destiny — Annihilated Arrives November 10!

    Broken Heroes, Depths & Destiny — Annihilated Arrives November 10!

    What do you do when the heroes fall — and only you remain?

    Independent developer Death Kumiai and publisher Flashlight Games have officially announced that Annihilated, their haunting story-driven roguelite RPG, will launch on November 10, 2026, exclusively on Steam.

    What Is Annihilated?

    Annihilated isn’t your typical dungeon crawler. You step into the boots of the sole survivor of a rescue party sent deep into a cursed underworld — only to find the legendary hero’s party completely wiped out. Every single one of them broken, defeated, and abandoned in the dark.

    But they aren’t gone entirely. You can carry one of the four fallen heroes back out. Each survivor carries scars, secrets, regrets, and a unique path to redemption — or reckoning.

    • Four heroes, four distinct routes — no two journeys are the same
    • Deep, emotional storytelling that digs into why they fell — and what they owe
    • Roguelite exploration & turn-based card combat — build your deck, survive the depths, face what lurks below
    • A haunting blend of dark fantasy and heartfelt narrative — where every choice weighs heavy

    A Long-Awaited Return

    Originally slated for release in July, the game was delayed to polish every corner of the experience — and the wait has only built the anticipation. Annihilated has already surged past 150,000 wishlists on Steam, proving players are ready to descend.

    A new playable demo is also on the way, letting you venture as far as the first major boss — The Outcast — with all four heroes available to try.

    Launch Details

    • Platform: PC (Steam)
    • Release Date: November 10, 2026
    • Price: £14.99 / $16.99 — with a 10% launch discount for the first two weeks
    • Languages: English, Japanese, Simplified Chinese

    “Every hero has a breaking point. This is the story of what happens after.”

    Ready to descend? You can wishlist Annihilated now on Steam — and prepare to carry someone home.

    Find out more about Annihilated

    #Annihilated #DeathKumiai #FlashlightGames #Roguelite #RPG #IndieGame #Steam #DungeonCrawler #StoryDriven #GamingNews #Techmash