TECHMASH

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  • Mind-Bending Dimensions: ‘THANKS, LIGHT.’ is Bringing Portal-Style Shadow Puzzles to PS5 and Steam This September

    Mind-Bending Dimensions: ‘THANKS, LIGHT.’ is Bringing Portal-Style Shadow Puzzles to PS5 and Steam This September

    Puzzle fans, get your thinking caps ready. Game Source Entertainment (GSE) has officially announced that THANKS, LIGHT., a brilliant 3D portal-like puzzle-platformer, is locked in for a global release on PlayStation®5 and Steam in September 2026.

    Developed by the talented South Korean indie studio Lightersgames, this title is already turning heads in the indie community, having earned accolades at Korea’s INDIECRAFT event and a coveted spot in the Selected Indie 80 showcase at the Tokyo Game Show.

    If you’ve spent the last few years searching for a game to fill the Portal, Superliminal, or The Talos Principle shape in your heart, this might just be your next obsession.

    The Mechanic: Shift Between 2D and 3D

    At its core, THANKS, LIGHT. plays with a deceptively simple yet mind-melting mechanic: the manipulation of light, shadow, and substance. Wielding a flashlight, you explore a surreal, menacing, and beautifully minimalist complex where your perception dictates reality.

    • Shine the Light to Create 3D Mass: Pointing your light at a 2D silhouette transforms it into a tangible, physical 3D object. A flat line on the wall suddenly unfolds into a staircase or a towering pillar with mass, weight, and collision.
    • Absorb the Light to Flatten Reality: By absorbing the light, you switch physics off. A rolling boulder instantly loses its volume and freezes as a flat 2D shadow. A wall that blocked your path suddenly becomes a flat surface you can bypass entirely.

    As you dive deeper into its 3-chapter, 60+ stage campaign, the rules escalate. You’ll soon find yourself juggling mirrors that duplicate objects, lenses that resize structures, and merging mechanics that fuse entirely different forms together.

    “Like Portal and The Talos Principle, this game features solid puzzle mechanics that enable interaction with distant objects.” > — Jeep Barnett, Former Valve Portal Developer

    A World That Watches You Solve It

    The game takes place in an eerie, liminal space built by an enigmatic entity known as the “Administrator.” The aesthetic flows beautifully from pristine marble museums to corporate offices that repeat just a little too often, eventually fracturing into a glitch-laced, black-and-white space where reality leaks through the walls.

    Worse yet? You aren’t entirely alone. There are things hiding in the shadows, and the architecture itself feels alive, watching your every move.

    Play the Demo Right Now

    Can’t wait until September 2026? You don’t have to. Lightersgames recently rolled out a major content expansion for their free playable Steam demo. The updated demo includes a first look at Chapter 3, freshly optimised gameplay, and an immersive new soundtrack to get you entirely lost in the atmosphere.

    Head over to Steam, add it to your wishlist, and start training your brain for the full release this autumn.

    Game Details

    • Title: THANKS, LIGHT.
    • Developer: Lightersgames
    • Publisher: Game Source Entertainment (GSE)
    • Platforms: PlayStation®5, PC (Steam)
    • Release Date: September 2026
    • Genre: 3D Puzzle-Platformer / First-Person Adventure

    Find out more here

    #IndieGames #GamingNews #ThanksLight #PS5 #SteamGames #PuzzlePlatformer #GSE #Lightersgames #PortalLike #TechMash

  • Meta Quest Smash Hit ‘Scary Baboon’ Gets Contaminated: ENVER Drops Massive Toxic Update

    Meta Quest Smash Hit ‘Scary Baboon’ Gets Contaminated: ENVER Drops Massive Toxic Update

    VR horror fans, grab your hazmat suits. Studio ENVER has officially unleashed the Toxic Update for Scary Baboon, dropping a wave of terrifying new mechanics, major map revamps, and plenty of community-requested chaos into one of Meta Quest’s most popular social horror sandboxes.

    Following on the heels of the mind-bending Dreamcore expansion and the combat-heavy Fight Back Update, this latest drop proves that ENVER is listening closely to its massive player base, which now boasts a Discord community of over 200,000 members.

    Here is everything you need to know about what’s lurking in the toxic fumes.

    Fan-Favourite Maps Just Got Deadlier

    The core of the Toxic Update centres on deep overhauls of two of the game’s most iconic locations, turning familiar escape routes into stress-inducing death traps.

    1. The Sewers (With a New Ticking Clock)

    Already one of the tensest environments in Scary Baboon, the Sewers map has undergone a radical mechanic rework.

    • The Flood Event: Every five minutes, the sewers will completely flood for a full sixty seconds. Players must drop everything and scramble for high ground to survive the rising waters.
    • A New Threat: As if drowning weren’t enough, a brand-new sewer monster has been added to the depths, ensuring you are never truly alone while trying to stay dry.

    2. The Hospital (Where Ghosts Don’t Rest)

    The revamped Hospital map introduces a chilling, haunting mechanic that fundamentally changes multiplayer dynamics.

    • Vengeful Spirits: When a player dies inside the Hospital, they don’t just head to a spectator screen. Instead, their ghost lingers in the space for a few minutes.
    • Turn on Your Friends: These temporary ghosts have the power to hunt down and kill surviving players—or seek immediate revenge on the teammates who left them behind to die.

    Biohazards, Better Menus, and Love Letters

    Beyond the map overhauls, the update brings a fresh biohazard-themed cosmetic bundle so you can dress the part while navigating the contaminated chaos.

    ENVER has also delivered a suite of quality-of-life improvements based on player feedback, including an entirely revamped settings menu, cleaner user interfaces, more intuitive tools for making friends in-game, and expanded accessibility features.

    “This update is our version of a love letter to the community, a love letter which includes a flooding sewer, monsters, and a hospital haunted by ghosts.” — Will Creighton, Game Director at ENVER

    The Verdict

    With millions of downloads and a stellar 4.6-star rating on the Meta Quest store, Scary Baboon continues to dominate the VR social space by keeping its content rhythm fast, simple, and incredibly shareable. The Toxic Update doubles down on what makes the game a viral sensation on YouTube and TikTok: high-impact panic, unpredictable player interactions, and pure multiplayer fun.

    The Toxic Update is available to play right now on Meta Quest. Dive in, watch the clock, and watch your friends’ backs—especially after they die.

    Find out more here

    #TechMash #ScaryBaboon #VRHorror #MetaQuest3 #GamingNews #ENVER #ToxicUpdate #VirtualReality #VRGaming #IndieDev

  • HoYoverse Unveils Next Closed Beta for Honkai: Nexus Anima—The ‘Evolution Test’ Starts This July!

    HoYoverse Unveils Next Closed Beta for Honkai: Nexus Anima—The ‘Evolution Test’ Starts This July!

    The masterminds behind global mega-hits like Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, and Zenless Zone Zero are gearing up for their next massive adventure. Global interactive entertainment brand HoYoverse has officially announced that Honkai: Nexus Anima will launch its highly anticipated second closed beta test, dubbed the “Evolution Test,” on July 9.

    If you’ve been itching to jump back into the Honkai universe with a fresh twist, the wait is almost over. The upcoming test will be available across PC, iOS, and Android, and recruitment is officially open!

    What is Honkai: Nexus Anima?

    For those unfamiliar, Honkai: Nexus Anima is HoYoverse’s first foray into the creature-collecting adventure strategy genre. Set in a fractured world where invisible bonds known as the “Nexus” have been shattered, players take on the role of a dimension-hopping traveller.

    To survive and uncover long-buried truths, you must forge deep bonds with mysterious creatures called Anima—remnants of the broken Nexus power that embody opposing concepts like Light and Dark, or Love and Hate. These companions aren’t just for show; their elemental powers are vital for strategic overworld exploration, puzzle-solving, and tactical Nexus Battles.

    What’s New in the “Evolution Test”?

    Following initial reveals, the Evolution Test is set to drastically expand the game’s core systems and narrative scope. Here is what players can look forward to when the beta drops on July 9:

    • The World of Iia Expands: Players will begin their journey in the quiet town of Iia, located in the Reality Plane. This build unlocks the lively streets of the New Quarter, commercial districts, and crucial architectural landmarks like the Nexus Hall and the True Nexus Building.
    • Deepened Anima Evolution: True to the test’s name, evolution will take centre stage. Transformations in Nexus Anima represent the growing strength of the bond between player and creature. Players can even name their companions, snap photos to preserve milestones, and—if they’re lucky—encounter ultra-rare Chromatic Anima.
    • Fresh Faces: The story progresses further into the unknown as travellers cross paths with newly introduced characters like Nanafey, Bai Mei, and Olympia, each tied to the deep lore of the game’s warring factions.

    How to Sign Up for the Beta

    The Evolution Test is a limited, free-to-play closed beta, meaning player slots are restricted, and all progress will be wiped once the test concludes.

    How to Register:

    1. Head over to the official Honkai: Nexus Anima website.
    2. Complete the pre-registration details.
    3. Fill out the official recruitment questionnaire survey.

    HoYoverse will select final testers via a lottery pool from those who complete the survey ahead of the July 9 launch. Make sure to keep an eye on your email and follow their official channels (@HonkaiNA) for access drops!

    Are you excited to dive into a creature-collector set in the Honkai universe? Let us know your thoughts on the new gameplay features in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #HonkaiNexusAnima #HoYoverse #EvolutionTest #GamingNews #MobileGaming #PCGaming #RPG #TechMash

  • Rom-Com Meets the Undead: Why Cute & Dead is the Wackiest VR Shooter You Need This Summer

    Rom-Com Meets the Undead: Why Cute & Dead is the Wackiest VR Shooter You Need This Summer

    If you told us a few years ago that the developers behind the gritty, hyper-realistic physics of Hellsplit: Arena would follow it up with a bright, chaotic VR zombie shooter about a nerd trying to secure a prom date during the apocalypse, we probably would have assumed you’d spent too much time in the headset.

    Yet, here we are. Deep Type Games has officially unveiled Cute & Dead, and it is exactly the kind of beautifully unhinged gaming mashup the VR world needs right now. Blending the fast-paced, nostalgic energy of 90s couch co-op classics like Zombies Ate My Neighbors with modern VR technology and a literal dating simulator twist, this title is shaping up to be pure, unadulterated fun.

    The Premise: Apocalypse? Sure. But Can I Get Her Number?

    In Cute & Dead, you don’t play as a gruff, grizzled military survivor. Instead, you step into the shoes of a typical school nerd. The world has gone to absolute ruin, and flesh-eating hordes are roaming the streets, but you have your priorities straight: you are going to ask the hottest girl in school out on a date.

    To do that, you just have to find her. And rescue her. Along with 30 unique potential “girlfriends” scattered across the game’s maps.

    The loop is brilliant: you fight your way through colourful, stylised environments, gun down wacky undead variants, rescue a classmate, and then head to the club to dance the night away and build your relationship. Oh, and did we mention you get a loyal dog companion who fights right alongside you? Because you do.

    Nostalgic Chaos Blended with Modern VR

    The combat in Cute & Dead is fast, chaotic, and intentionally slapstick. It completely discards grimdark survival tropes in favour of arcade-style thrill.

    • The Arsenal: You’ll be using everything from improvised, everyday gadgets to high-powered weaponry across 10 different weapon varieties to fend off 8 distinct enemy types.
    • The Vibe: The top-down, frantic energy of Zombies Ate My Neighbours translates beautifully into roomscale VR. It’s colourful, frantic, and requires you to keep moving.
    • The Collectable Element: With 8 unique maps to explore and 30 characters to unlock and meet, there is a massive checklist for completionists who want to rescue everyone and find every easter egg.

    Our Take: It’s refreshing to see a VR developer lean entirely into the “just plain fun” territory. The mechanics look sharp, the aesthetic is wonderfully vibrant, and the juxtaposition of arcade violence with a dating sim is comedy gold.

    When Can You Play It?

    The wait won’t be long at all. Cute & Dead is scheduled to drop first on the Meta Horizon Store in July 2026, with full compatibility for Quest 2, Quest 3, Quest Pro, and the upcoming Quest 3S.

    If you are a PCVR purist, hang tight—the game is slated to arrive on Steam VR in the second half of 2026. (As for PSVR2? The developers haven’t planned it just yet, but they haven’t ruled it out for the future either).

    If you’re ready to lock, load, and lock down a date, keep your eyes on TechMash for our full review when the game launches next month!

    Find out more here

    #CuteAndDead #VRExperience #MetaQuest3 #ZombieShooter #IndieGames #DatingSim #VRGaming #GamingNews #DeepTypeGames #ZombiesAteMyNeighbors #TechMash

  • Curate for Free! Two Point Museum Drops a Massive Free Trial and Crossover

    Curate for Free! Two Point Museum Drops a Massive Free Trial and Crossover

    If you have ever fancied yourself as a master curator—or if you just want to see what happens when you build a massive prehistoric exhibit and desperately try to keep unruly children from knocking over a T-Rex skeleton—your time has come.

    To celebrate a massive milestone, Two Point Studios and SEGA have announced that Two Point Museum is now available to try for free on Steam and Xbox.

    Whether you’re a veteran tycoon manager or a newcomer curious about the studio’s signature wacky British humour, this is the perfect chance to jump in without spending a penny.

    What is Two Point Museum?

    Following the massive success of Two Point Hospital and Two Point Campus, Two Point Museum shifts the management mayhem to the world of history, science, and the bizarre.

    As the manager, you don’t just place display cases; you send daring experts on expeditions across Two Point County to dig up remarkable relics, extravagant artefacts, and colourful curiosities. Once back, it’s up to you to design the ultimate layout, keep your staff happy, maximise guest donations, and keep the peace.

    Diving Into the Free Trial (and a Huge Crossover!)

    The timing of this free trial couldn’t be better. Two Point Studios is celebrating its 10th anniversary, and they are going all out.

    • Steam & Xbox: Players can download and jump into the full base game right now to experience the museum madness firsthand.
    • PlayStation Players: If you’re on PS5 and have a PlayStation Plus Premium subscription, a permanent two-hour game trial has also gone live in the library.

    Bonus: The Dave the Diver Crossover is Live!

    If a free trial wasn’t enough, the studio has rolled out its major free Update 10.0, which introduces a spectacular crossover with the hit indie game Dave the Diver.

    While you play, you can explore the “Digiverse Rift” to access the depths of the Blue Hole. You’ll be able to collect marine life across six unique exhibits, decorate your halls with gorgeous Sea People aesthetics, and—best of all—open up your very own Bancho Sushi Bar right inside your museum to serve fresh fish to your guests!

    Don’t Miss Out

    If you fall in love with the chaotic management loop during the free trial, there’s more good news: the game is currently seeing its deepest discount yet on Steam at 33% off, with various sales running across other major platforms.

    Head over to Steam or the Xbox Store, grab your curator lab coat, and start building your exhibition empire today.

    Have you played Two Point Museum yet? What’s the weirdest artefact you’ve dug up? Let us know in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #TwoPointMuseum #TwoPointStudios #SEGA #GamingNews #FreeToPlay #SteamGames #XboxGaming #DaveTheDiver #TycoonGames #TechMash

  • No More Mondays! Garfield – Escape from Monday Dropping This September

    No More Mondays! Garfield – Escape from Monday Dropping This September

    Get your lasagnas ready and hide the spinach! Microids has just announced a brand-new 3D platforming adventure that promises to make everyone’s least favourite day of the week a whole lot more exciting. Developed by OSome Studio, Garfield – Escape from Monday is officially set to launch later this year.

    The world’s most famous orange, cynical, and pasta-loving feline is embarking on an unforgettable journey that is as dynamic as it is delicious. While exact plot details are still under wraps, the title suggests Garfield is doing what we all wish we could do: completely bypassing Monday.

    OSome Studio is no stranger to bringing iconic comic characters to life in vibrant 3D worlds (having previously worked on the Asterix & Obelix XXL series and The Smurfs – Mission Vileaf), making them the perfect team to capture the charm, humour, and attitude of Jim Davis’ beloved creation. Players can expect plenty of platforming challenges, puzzles, and undoubtedly a few nap-related mechanics.

    Release Date and Platforms

    You won’t have to wait too long to join the orange cat’s latest escapade. Garfield – Escape from Monday will be available on September 24, 2026.

    The game is getting a wide release, launching across all major modern platforms:

    • Nintendo Switch
    • PlayStation 5
    • Xbox Series X|S
    • PC

    Whether you want to play on the couch or on the go, Monday doesn’t stand a chance. Stay tuned to TechMash for more updates, trailers, and gameplay reveals as we get closer to the September launch!

    Find out more here

    #GarfieldGame #EscapeFromMonday #Microids #OSomeStudio #GamingNews #NintendoSwitch #PS5 #XboxSeriesX #PCGaming #TechMash

  • The Boss’s Birthday Bash: Crime Boss: Rockay City Drops Massive Free Update 21!

    The Boss’s Birthday Bash: Crime Boss: Rockay City Drops Massive Free Update 21!

    When the Boss invites you to his birthday party, you’d better be there!

    Today, Global Publisher 505 Games and developer INGAME Studios are thrilled to share that Update 21—a massive, free update for their bombastic co-op FPS heist game Crime Boss: Rockay City—is officially available across all platforms.

    Whether you are a seasoned crew member or looking to dive into the neon-soaked underworld for the very first time, this latest update brings a treasure trove of content, optimisations, and chaotic fun to celebrate the game’s milestone.

    What’s Waiting for You in Update 21?

    The developers have been hard at work refining the criminal underworld, and Update 21 is a thank-you note written in spent casings and duffel bags of cash. Here is a quick look at what you can expect when you log in today:

    • Fresh Content & Heists: New scenarios and challenges to test your crew’s synergy.
    • Gameplay Refinements: Smoother mechanics, smarter AI, and balanced progression that make the high-stakes robberies feel more rewarding than ever.
    • Quality of Life Upgrades: Interface improvements and bug fixes across PC and consoles to ensure your criminal operations run without a hitch.

    Crime Boss: Rockay City has consistently evolved since its launch, blending a star-studded 90s action-movie aesthetic with intense, cooperative heist gameplay. Update 21 proves that the party is far from over, and the empire is only getting bigger.

    Gear Up, Crew

    Don’t leave the Boss waiting. Grab your crew, choose your crew’s loadout, and claim your share of the turf today. Update 21 is live right now on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

    Have you jumped into Update 21 yet? Let us know your favourite new features or your craziest heist stories in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #CrimeBossRockayCity #505Games #INGAMEStudios #GamingNews #CoOpGaming #FPS #TechMash #GamingCommunity #FreeUpdate

  • Skyrim Just Got a Massive DLC-Sized Expansion: Enter Sigil of the Fallen

    Skyrim Just Got a Massive DLC-Sized Expansion: Enter Sigil of the Fallen

    Even a decade and a half after its initial launch, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim refuses to let go of its crown. Bethesda’s masterpiece continues to draw in massive player numbers, and we all know exactly why: an unstoppable, fiercely dedicated modding community.

    While we all twiddle our thumbs waiting for The Elder Scrolls VI, a massive new verified Creation has dropped that might just be the closest thing to an official DLC we’ve seen in years. Developed by the legendary team at Kinggath Creations, “Sigil of the Fallen” is a hefty, premium expansion that injects a brilliant injection of fresh lore, mechanics, and dungeons into Tamriel.

    Here is why you need to boot up your PC or Xbox and head back to Skyrim immediately.

    The Mystery of the Soul Sanctum

    The journey kicks off when rumours of bizarre, supernatural sightings reach your ears just northeast of Markarth. This leads you to the discovery of the Sigil Geode, a mysterious artefact that accidentally unleashes ancient spirits across the province.

    To clean up this spectral mess, you’re pulled into the Soul Sanctum—a brand-new questline tracking the fates of three legendary heroes and a young girl burdened with an unfortunate gift. This isn’t just a quick fetch quest, either; Kinggath Creations has packed this expansion with multiple massive, custom-built dungeons filled with mind-bending puzzles, hidden secrets, and punishing boss fights that will push your high-level builds to their limits.

    Meet Your New 4-in-1 Spirit Companion

    One of the most innovative features of Sigil of the Fallen is your new ghostly follower. Rather than just another standard companion who gets stuck in doorways, this Spirit Guide is a highly dynamic asset to your party.

    She has the unique ability to channel the forms, memories, combat abilities, and distinct voices of the fallen heroes you encounter.

    • Class-Shifting on Demand: You can dynamically swap her combat class depending on what your current encounter requires.
    • Progression: As you progress through the expansion, you will unlock new powers and upgrade her abilities, turning her into a true powerhouse.

    Mighty Relics with a Twist

    What’s a Skyrim adventure without some shiny new loot? Sigil of the Fallen introduces three incredibly powerful, fully upgradeable relics that feature unique gameplay mechanics rather than standard stat boosts:

    • The Shield: Features a massive slam ability to clear out groups of aggressive enemies.
    • The Mace: Perfect for melee builds, allowing you to instantly close the distance between you and your target.
    • The Staff: Allows mages to summon volatile, explosive orbs to control the battlefield.

    As you dive deeper into the backstories of the items’ original owners, you’ll unlock materials to upgrade these weapons into devastating end-game gear.

    Ghost Hunting Across Tamriel

    The expansion integrates seamlessly into the wider world of Skyrim. The spirits unleashed by the Sigil Geode will actively possess items, furniture, doors, and enemies throughout the map. You can take on official jobs from the Priests of Arkay to clear out these hauntings, hunting down spirits to harvest the essential materials required to upgrade your Spirit Companion.

    TechMash Tip: Sigil of the Fallen is fully voice-acted with professional quality, making it feel like native DLC. It is highly recommended for characters Level 20 or higher. You can trigger the questline automatically by speaking to any Innkeeper for work once you hit level 20, or you can manually discover the cave entrance northeast of Markarth at any level!

    The Verdict

    If you’ve been looking for a reason to lose another 20 hours to Skyrim, Sigil of the Fallen is it. Priced at 1000 Creation Credits on the official Bethesda Creations store for PC and Xbox, it delivers a level of polish, voice acting, and mechanical innovation that rivals Bethesda’s own expansions.

    Are you going to dive back into Skyrim to conquer the Soul Sanctum? Let us know your thoughts on this new Creation in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #Skyrim #ElderScrolls #SigilOfTheFallen #SkyrimCreations #GamingNews #RPG #Bethesda #KinggathCreations #Xbox #PCGaming #TechMash

  • Get Excited! Dr. STONE Infiltrates Fortnite via Crunchyroll Anime Island for the Ultimate Watch Party

    Get Excited! Dr. STONE Infiltrates Fortnite via Crunchyroll Anime Island for the Ultimate Watch Party

    If you’ve been counting down the seconds (Senku-style) to the grand finale of Dr. STONE, Epic Games and Crunchyroll have engineered the ultimate pre-party just for you.

    Ahead of the premiere of the series’ final animated cour, Dr. STONE SCIENCE FUTURE, Crunchyroll dropped a brand-new launch trailer unveiling a massive takeover of the newly minted Crunchyroll Anime Island in Fortnite.

    Missed the trailer or want the full breakdown of how to drop in? Let’s dive into how science is conquering the battle royale island.

    Rebuilding Civilisation, One Battle Royale at a Time

    The official watch party launch trailer showcases a custom-built paradise dedicated to the Kingdom of Science. Rather than just staring at a screen, players get an interactive celebration of all things Dr. STONE.

    What’s on the Island?

    Crunchyroll and Epic Games have brought some of the anime’s most iconic creations to life. When you jump in, you can explore:

    • The Ramen Cart: Senku’s legendary culinary masterpiece that won over the Village.
    • The Steam Gorilla: The makeshift, revolutionary automobile that advanced the Stone World’s industrial era.
    • The Perseus: The majestic, massive ship built to cross the open ocean.

    The Ultimate Watch Party & In-Game Loot

    The focal point of the island is the custom screening area. Fortnite players can gather to watch exclusive content, including creator insights and the thrilling first episode of Dr. STONE SCIENCE FUTURE’s final cour, “FUTURE ENGINE” directly inside the game.

    It isn’t just a walking tour, either. The launch trailer highlights science-themed challenge leaderboards, exclusive photo-op destinations, and custom Crunchyroll-themed weapons to ensure your battle royale skills stay as sharp as Senku’s mind.

    How to Join: You don’t need a PhD to get in on the action. Simply search for “Crunchyroll Anime Island” in Fortnite’s Discover tab or enter the official island map code: 6044-5327-4490.

    The Final Countdown

    This custom limited-time island serves as the perfect victory lap for one of the most unique, educational, and thrilling anime of the decade. With the final episode of Dr. STONE SCIENCE FUTURE airing on Crunchyroll on June 25, there is no better way to celebrate the stone-to-science journey.

    Are you dropping into the Crunchyroll Anime Island? Let us know in the comments if you’ve spotted the Steam Gorilla yet!

    Find out more here

    #Fortnite #DrSTONE #Crunchyroll #AnimeIsland #GamingNews #DrStoneScienceFuture #EpicGames #AnimeFortnite #TechMash

  • Back Into the Storm: The Division 2 Recruits Agents for ‘Into the Dark’

    Back Into the Storm: The Division 2 Recruits Agents for ‘Into the Dark’

    Ubisoft has officially dropped the narrative cinematic trailer for The Division 2: Into the Dark, and it’s safe to say that Washington D.C. is about to get a whole lot bloodier. If you thought the capital was finally stabilising after pushing back the Black Tusk, think again. The vacuum has been filled, and an old enemy is back with a terrifyingly potent upgrade.

    Check out the trailer breakdown and what this means for your next drop into the capital.

    The Hyenas Have a New Addictive Edge

    The narrative cinematic sets up a bleak new reality on the streets. With the Black Tusk presence weakened, the chaotic Hyena faction has seized the opportunity to tighten their grip on Washington D.C.

    How? They’ve weaponised a brand-new, highly volatile variant of “Spice.” This isn’t just a street drug anymore; it’s a chemical compound recovered right out of the Dark Zone that makes their fighters hyper-aggressive, incredibly resistant to pain, and brutal to bring down. Civilians are going missing, chaos is spreading, and the streets are slipping back into total anarchy.

    “To push them back, you must return to the most dangerous place in Washington D.C.—The Dark Zone.”

    Redefining the Dark Zone Experience

    This season places the Dark Zones directly at the heart of the endgame narrative, and Ubisoft is backing it up with a massive gameplay overhaul. Whether you are a hardcore PvP sweeper or a PvE player who usually avoids the DZ like the plague, Into the Dark has something for you:

    • The Toxic Dark Zone (PvE Variant): A seasonal, 12-agent shared space designed for players who want high-stakes extraction tension without the constant threat of rogue PvP players. You’ll fight waves of buffed Hyenas, manage severe “Toxicity” mechanics, and extract Sample Cannisters to disrupt the Spice supply line.
    • The Balanced Dark Zone (PvPvE): For the purists. This zone features high-level normalisation based on Conflict rules. SHD Watch and Expertise bonuses are completely disabled here, levelling the playing field so that tactical skill—not just hours gritted into a build—determines who wins a gunfight.
    • PvP Rebalancing: Ubisoft is kicking off a long-term campaign to overhaul PvP, starting with massive tweaks to overperforming and underused Weapon and Gear Talents to diversify the meta.

    High Stakes, High Rewards

    If you’re brave enough to step into these updated zones, the loot table upgrades are massive. Exotic Component drop rates from Landmark Chests have been bumped up significantly (up to 40% in PvP DZs and 25% in the Toxic DZ), meaning optimising your endgame builds is about to get a lot smoother.

    Coupled with a fresh Season Pass, an upcoming Incursion later in the season, and two new Classified Assignments (Conspiracy Zone Hideout and McMillan Reservoir Assault), Into the Dark is shaping up to be one of the most intense, high-stakes updates the game has seen in years.

    The Into the Dark update is live right now. Lock and load, Agents—it’s time to head back into the shadows.

    Are you ready to face the upgraded Hyenas, or will you be sticking to the light? Let us know your thoughts on the new cinematic and the PvE Dark Zone in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #TheDivision2 #IntoTheDark #Ubisoft #GamingNews #TomClancy #DarkZone #PCGaming #Xbox #PS5 #TechMash

  • Dominate the Leaderboard: The Ultimate PUBG PNC 2026 Event Pass & Fantasy League Guide

    Dominate the Leaderboard: The Ultimate PUBG PNC 2026 Event Pass & Fantasy League Guide

    The battle for global supremacy is back! The PUBG Nations Cup 2026 (PNC 2026) is officially kicking off in Seoul, South Korea, bringing together 24 all-star national teams to fight for their country’s pride and a massive $500,000+ prize pool.

    But PNC 2026 isn’t just a spectacle for viewers. Krafton has dropped two massive features to get players directly in on the action: the PNC 2026 Event Pass and the brand-new, highly strategic PUBG Fantasy League.

    If you want to unlock exclusive esports cosmetics and win free G-Coin, here is your definitive guide to maximising your rewards during the tournament from June 23 to June 28.

    Part 1: The PNC 2026 Event Pass – Rewards & Progression

    Running alongside the main tournament, the PNC 2026 Event Pass is live on PC for a budget-friendly $3.99 (or via G-Coin equivalents).

    Unlike a standard, long-term Battle Pass, this Event Pass is highly condensed and tailored specifically around the duration of the Nations Cup. It acts as your primary progression hub while you watch the matches unfold.

    How it works:

    • Earn Pass XP: Complete dedicated daily and weekly in-game missions, or simply accumulate survival time in normal matches.
    • Crowdfunded Prize Pool: 25% of the revenue generated from the Event Pass and designated PNC 2026 items goes directly into increasing the pro tournament’s prize pool.
    • The Loot: Levelling up unlocks exclusive esports-themed items, contraband coupons, emblems, special sprays, and unique tournament collectables to commemorate the Seoul showdown.

    TechMash Tip: If you’re short on time but want the cosmetics, you can purchase individual levels for 100 G-Coin each. The pass is on sale until June 30, so make sure to grab it before it leaves the store!

    Part 2: PUBG Fantasy – Build Your Dream Roster

    The biggest buzz around PNC 2026 is the revamped PUBG Fantasy League. This PC-only feature changes the game by letting you act as a general manager, predicting real-world match outcomes to climb a global leaderboard.

    The Rules of the Market

    Unlike traditional fantasy esports, where you draft individual players, PNC 2026 Fantasy tasks you with selecting 4 whole national teams within a starting budget of $4 Million.

    • Dynamic Pricing: A team’s cost fluctuates based on their real-world popularity and how many fantasy players are picking them.
    • Budget Scaling: If your selected teams increase in value on a Game Day, your total fantasy budget expands for the next round. If they tank, your budget shrinks.
    • Roster Locks: You can freely swap teams before the daily matches start, but your roster will lock automatically as soon as the first game of the day begins.

    Scoring Points & Bonuses

    Your teams earn Basic Fantasy Points through their live performance: placement points, total kills, and survival time. However, the secret to hitting the top 1% lies in the bonuses:

    • Slot Bonus: You can designate one team as your “Favourite” to apply a point multiplier to their score.
    • Match Achievements: Extra points are awarded for outstanding games, such as Dominance or securing the Terminator (kill leader) title.
    • Game Day Achievements: Massive point bumps for macro milestones, like a team securing Two Chicken Dinners in a single day or showcasing Perfect Teamwork.

    Smart Picks & Strategy for the Survival Stage

    With the tournament split between the Survival Stage (June 23–24) and the Grand Finals (June 26–28), your strategy needs to adapt quickly.

    The top 8 teams from last year’s PNC auto-qualified for the Grand Finals, meaning the remaining 16 squads are fighting tooth-and-nail in the Survival Stage just to make it through. Here’s who you should keep an eye on to maximise early value:

    • Team Ukraine ($1.15M): Composed largely of elite NAVI players. Because they already have pre-existing team cohesion and rigid tactical protocols, they are highly reliable picks for consistent placement points.
    • The Neutral Roster ($1.31M): Featuring powerhouse fragments from Twisted Minds, this squad brings immense gunfighting skill. While the competitive shift to TPP has thrown them some curveballs, the addition of Lev4nte makes them a high-kill threat.
    • Watch the Market: Look for dark horse teams with low pick-rates ($ underdogs) on Day 1. If they have a decent showing, their price will jump, boosting your overall budget for the Grand Finals.

    The Payoff: What Can You Win?

    Playing PUBG Fantasy isn’t just for bragging rights—it’s a direct ticket to free currency. Rankings are calculated at the end of the tournament, and rewards are performance-based:

    Global Leaderboard RankG-Coin Reward
    Top 1%1,000 G-Coin
    Top 2% – 5%750 – 400 G-Coin
    Top 10%300 G-Coin
    Top 25%200 G-Coin
    Top 50%100 G-Coin

    Crucial Note: You must claim your rewards manually in-game between June 29 and July 7. If you miss the deadline, your hard-earned G-Coin will disappear into the blue zone!

    Don’t Forget the Freebies!

    Even if you aren’t playing Fantasy, log into your Krafton ID to participate in the Fan Cheer Event for a free PNC 2026 Nameplate and a raffle ticket for up to 5,000 G-Coin. Plus, link your Twitch or Kick accounts to secure the exclusive PNC 2026 Jacket via official stream Drops.

    Get your rosters locked, level up that pass, and enjoy the highest-stakes PUBG tournament of the year!

    Find out more here

    #PUBG #PNC2026 #PUBGEsports #PUBGFantasy #GamingNews #TechMash #Battlegrounds #EsportsGuide

  • Massive 1M-Player Web Hit ‘Soulbound’ Storms Steam Next Fest Ahead of July Release

    Massive 1M-Player Web Hit ‘Soulbound’ Storms Steam Next Fest Ahead of July Release

    Indie developer Spiderware has some massive news for MMO and roguelite fans. Their smash-hit, web-based pixel-art MMORPG, Soulbound: Online, is officially making the leap to PC—and you can play it right now.

    To celebrate its upcoming storefront launch, Spiderware has dropped a massive playable demo for Steam Next Fest, giving players a huge head start before the game’s official release on July 21st.

    From Browser Sensation to Steam Heavyweight

    If you haven’t heard of Soulbound yet, you’re missing out on a certified underground phenomenon. Originally launched as a native browser and Discord title, this indie darling has quietly amassed an incredible community of over 1,000,000 players without the traditional backing of a major storefront launcher.

    Now, London-based Spiderware is taking things to the next level. The Steam Next Fest demo isn’t just a tiny vertical slice; it offers over 7 hours of playable content, introducing newcomers to the game’s opening story chapters, solo play, and 3-player co-op action.

    What to Expect: Bullet Heaven Fuses with Classic MMO Meta

    Soulbound masterfully splits its loop into two distinct experiences: a shared overworld filled with quests and a player-driven economy, and brutal, fast-paced roguelite dungeons.

    • Build Your Ultimate Pioneer: Forget rigid class locks. Soulbound features deep skill trees and over 100 swappable ability paths. You can build a traditional heavy Tank, a crucial Healer, a high-damage DPS character, or a hybrid of your own design, with the freedom to respec instantly between runs.
    • Survive the Bullet Heaven Dungeons: Once you step inside the instanced dungeons, the game shifts into a chaotic, action-packed survivor experience. Face massive enemy swarms and procedurally escalating boss phases. No two runs are identical.
    • Establish Your Base of Operations: Your customizable home base isn’t just a cosmetic flex. It serves as your main hub for progression, where you upgrade salvaged materials, craft legendary gear, and manage your economy.
    • The Threat of The Anima: Story-wise, you awaken in a digital reality hunted by malevolent entities known as The Anima. Saved by a friendly robotic companion, it is up to you—either solo or with a 3-player squad—to gear up, form guilds, and push back the corruption.

    Grab the Demo Today!

    With an established million-user player base and a highly anticipated Steam leaderboard to climb, Soulbound is shaping up to be one of the summer’s most addictive indie multiplayer releases.

    Head over to the Soulbound Steam Page right now to dive into the 7+ hour Next Fest demo, test your builds, and add it to your wishlist before it officially drops on July 21st.

    Are you diving into the Soulbound demo this week? Let us know your favourite character builds in the comments below!

    Find out more here

    #Soulbound #SteamNextFest #IndieGames #MMORPG #Spiderware #Roguelite #GamingNews #TechMash