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Albion Online announced for Xbox Series X|S, launching on 21 April 2026

Optimised for Xbox and with full cross play available with existing PC and mobile platforms

Berlin, Germany – 24 March 2026Albion Online, the free-to-play fantasy sandbox MMORPG developed by Sandbox Interactive will launch for Xbox Series X|S on 21 April 2026. Albion Online is currently available for PC, iOS and Android, and the step into console spaces will open up the door to new players while giving long-time fans a new way to play on their existing account.

Albion Online is set in a fantasy medieval world where players can forge their own path by exploring the vast landscapes, crafting everything from basic tools and clothes to armor and powerful weapons, facing enemies or other adventurers, and carving out their own pieces of Albion by forming guilds, claiming land and making it their own. 

The game has been fully optimised for Xbox Series S|X with a brand-new UI navigation flow, a dedicated controller scheme and specifically adapted key screens, like the Marketplace and player inventory. Combat has also been overhauled to work smoothly with controllers, and new accessibility features have been developed with console players in mind.

Players that have already spent time in Albion on PC or mobile, will be able to use the same account for Xbox Series S|X without losing any progress, allowing seamless cross-play no matter which platform they choose.

Albion Online will also receive a full visual upgrade when the Radiant Wilds update launches on 13 April, which will bring the graphics up-to-date for modern systems along with performance improvements, controller support, and a new PvP mode which will benefit Xbox players as well.

Albion Online Key Features:

  • Console Optimisation: When Albion Online launches for Xbox Series S|X it will include a brand-new UI navigation flow, overhauled combat and accessibility features all designed to work smoothly for console players.
  • Cross Platform Play: Albion Online is a true cross-platform MMO experience available on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iOS. One account lets you play on all platforms.
  • Player Driven Economy: Nearly every item in the game is crafted by players which can be sold, bought and traded at local marketplaces all across Albion.
  • Classless Combat System: In Albion, weapons and armour define a player’s skills meaning that switching playstyles is as easy as switching gear.
  • Face Deadly foes: From solo to small-group to large-scale battles there’s an array of enemies to take on, including small scouting bands to massive bosses, to dungeons and full-blown faction bases.
  • Put Down Roots: Players can claim land to make their own and use for growing crops to make into food and raising livestock and mounts. Houses can be kitted out with plenty of custom furniture.
  • Explore A Vast World: With five vivid biomes, each with its own challenges, there’s plenty to discover as players seek out resources, dungeons, or the mystical Roads of Avalon.

Players can download the game for free on Steam, Epic Game Store, Apple App Store and Google Play.

About Albion Online
Albion Online is a sandbox MMORPG set in the medieval fantasy world of Albion. From its humble beginnings as an independently developed, old-school MMO, it has risen to become one of the world’s foremost sandbox MMORPGs, played by hundreds of thousands of players around the world. Whether you prefer to play as a hardened fighter, a farmer, a merchant or a master craftsman, in Albion’s player-driven world, everyone has a place. A “you are what you wear” system free from typical class restrictions lets players define their own roles within the game world. Each item crafted, enemy slain, and territory conquered has effects and consequences – because in the world of Albion, everyone matters.

About Sandbox Interactive GmbH
Sandbox Interactive is a game development studio in Berlin, Germany that develops and operates the cross-platform sandbox MMO Albion Online. Founded in 2012 with a core team of just three people, the studio has since expanded to over 90 employees. Sandbox Interactive follows the belief that the creation of your own world and interaction with other players are paramount to entertainment – and that these ideas are truly brought to life in the sandbox genre. With Albion Online, the studio has created a game that places compelling gameplay and the player experience squarely in the foreground.

Seismic Squirrel Explores the Visual Identity of Aether & Iron in Dev Diary #5

New behind-the-scenes episode breaks down the artistic evolution behind the game’s decopunk noir aesthetic

Issaquah, WA, USA – March 24th, 2026 – Seismic Squirrel today released the fifth behind-the-scenes developer diary for Aether & Iron, offering players a closer look at how the team defined the game’s distinctive visual style. Titled “Creating the Visual Identity of the Game”, the video features Tyler Whitney, Narrative Lead at Seismic Squirrel, as he walks through the artistic journey that shaped the look and feel of the studio’s upcoming narrative-driven RPG.

In the episode, Whitney explains how the team started with a foundation of 1930s New York and a noir tone, but explored several visual directions before landing on the final look. Early concepts leaned more heavily into steampunk influences, with sci-fi elements, robots, and a more stylized, anime-inspired character design.

As the project evolved, the team shifted toward a more grounded, alternate-history aesthetic, drawing inspiration from classic illustration and pulp comics. The result is a distinctive visual style that balances grit with a bold, modern edge – helping define Aether & Iron’s unique decopunk noir identity.

Aether & Iron launches on Steam on March 31, 2026, featuring full English voice acting and text localization support for English, Spanish (Spain & Latin America), French, German, Polish, Russian, Brazilian Portuguese, and Simplified Chinese – Play the demo and wishlist Aether & Iron now on Steam!  

About Aether & Iron: 
Set in an alternate 1930s New York transformed into a vertical city by the discovery of “aether”, a key component to newfound anti-gravitational technology, Aether & Iron follows Gia, a smuggler navigating crime syndicates, political conspiracies, and fragile alliances. Players shape Gia’s story through meaningful decisions, with every choice influencing relationships, outcomes and the fate of the city itself. The game features writing talent with credits on Mass Effect, Far Cry, and Sovereign Syndicate, with an original score composed by two-time Grammy Award winner Christopher Tin and Grammy nominee Alex Williamson, best known for their work on the Civilization series. 

About Seismic Squirrel
Seismic Squirrel is a talented and passionate team of both industry veterans and enthusiastic newcomers. We share a strong desire to tell fascinating stories supporting engaging gameplay mechanics. 

NEW IN FARMING SIMULATOR 25: VREDO PACK LAUNCHES WITH YIELD-BOOSTING TECH AND WILD BOAR THREATS

Publisher and developer GIANTS Software expands its lineup of virtual farming technology with a new partnership: Vredo, the renowned specialist in overseeding and slurry injection, is now part of Farming Simulator 25, alongside the return of Evers Agro. The Vredo Pack includes 12 state-of-the-art machines, and introduces wild boar roaming the land, keeping farmers on their toes.

Overseeding to Restore Grassland

Traditional Dutch manufacturer Vredo enables virtual farmers to fight the degradation of grassland and restore fields and their yield potential. High-tech machines like the Vredo Agri Twin 580, Agri 290, and Agri Air 290, all part of the new DZ5 seeder generation, allow players to overseed.

Slurry Injection for Higher Yield

Vredo’s slurry injectors do not just restore yield, they increase yield and crop quality by improving soil nutrition and efficiency. Machines like the Vredo VT7138, a high-capacity, three-axle, self-propelled slurry tanker, injectors from the Vredo Profi series, and the mounted Evers Agro Toric 48-672 help farmers take fertilization strategies to the next level.

Protecting Fields from Boar Damage

Alongside new machinery and yield-improvement techniques, the Vredo Pack introduces a new threat farmers need to watch out for: In addition to existing natural events like twisters and hail, wild boar can cause crop damage unless they are distracted. Managing this risk reduces yield impact and adds another layer of responsibility in protecting the harvest.

Farming Simulator 25 is available for PC, Mac, PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S. The Vredo Pack was released separately today on digital channels. A Year 2 Season Pass is available and includes the Vredo Pack, a bonus tractor, and additional content to be released in 2026 – fans save up to 30% compared to getting the content separately. GIANTS Software will also continue to release free content updates and user-generated content on the official ModHub. Visit the official Farming Simulator website.

About GIANTS Software
GIANTS Software is a globally operating game developer and publisher headquartered in Zürich, Switzerland. Established in 2004, the company is known for creating the popular Farming Simulator franchise. With international teams, including offices in Erlangen (Germany) and Brno (Czech Republic), GIANTS Software develops and publishes simulation experiences worldwide. Beyond Farming Simulator, it is strengthening its position in the genre with Project Motor Racing and a global network of partners and industry ties.

About Farming Simulator
With more than 40 million copies of the main series sold worldwide since 2008, the Farming Simulator franchise is leading in its genre. Available on all major platforms, the series features hundreds of authentic machines from renowned brands and offers compelling agricultural simulation with relaxing, family-friendly gameplay. It’s based on the powerful GIANTS Engine – built in-house to provide realistic physics, high-fidelity graphics, dynamic systems and extensive modding support.

© 2026 Published and developed by GIANTS Software GmbH. Farming Simulator, GIANTS Software and its logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of GIANTS Software GmbH. All manufacturers, vehicles, machines, equipment, names, brands, and associated imagery featured in this game in some cases include trademarks and/or copyrighted materials of their respective owners. The vehicles, machines, and equipment in this game may be different from the actual ones in shapes, colors, and performance. © 2026 Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC. “PlayStation“, “PS5“ and “PS5 logo“ are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.. Mac is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Steam and the Steam logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Valve Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other names, trademarks and logos are property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

“Gaming gave me my life back”: why accessible video games are transforming disabled players’ lives

The founder of a leading charity helping people with severe physical disabilities play video games says accessible technology is transforming lives by reconnecting players with friends, family and everyday social experiences

March 24th, 2026 – Speaking on the latest episode of the Good Game Club podcast, SpecialEffect founder and CEO Dr Mick Donegan explains how adaptive controllers, eye-tracking technology and personalised gaming set-ups are enabling people with disabilities to play games for the first time.

SpecialEffect are a “catalyst for change,” helping the global games industry to embrace accessibility, with companies such as Xbox and PlayStation introducing adaptive controllers and more inclusive game design in recent years. Now, they are breaking new ground by leading the way on making iOS and Android games more accessible with their mobile versions of their free to play ‘Eye Gaze Games’. “I like to think that we’re just part of this general move to be as inclusive as possible,” says Donegan.

For many players supported by SpecialEffect, access to gaming means far more than entertainment. It restores independence, connection and the ability to participate in shared experiences with friends and family. One player with a progressive condition sent a message to SpecialEffect after the charity helped him return to playing video games with his brother: “Dear SpecialEffect, I’ve just beat my brother five-one at FIFA. Thank you for giving me my life back.”

Donegan founded SpecialEffect after years working with children with physical disabilities and discovering that many were excluded from a major part of modern childhood: playing video games with siblings and friends. “These children were missing out socially,” he says. “They were missing out on the opportunity to learn. They were missing out on the opportunity to face challenges, to solve problems.” SpecialEffect now works with people around the world to create personalised gaming set-ups tailored to each player’s abilities.

“It’s looking at the person, looking at their abilities and not at their disabilities; it’s not what they can’t do, but what they can do,” Donegan explains.

“This is a global challenge,” says Donegan, whose charity received a Special Award at the BAFTA Games Awards in 2024. “There’s over a billion people with disabilities across the planet, and a significant number of those have physical disabilities.”

Good Game Club builds on the success of Jude Ower and Mathias Norvig’s bestselling book Gaming for Good, bringing global voices together to explore how games can be a positive force for people and the planet. The podcast is supported by a strategic partnership with Tencent – together, they share the ambition to highlight the positive impact that gameplay can have on individuals and communities.

The Good Game Club podcast featuring Dr Mick Donegan is released on March 24.

About SpecialEffect
SpecialEffect is an award-winning UK charity helping to improve the lives of disabled people across the globe through the innovative use of technology. At the core of this mission is providing greater inclusion through the opportunity to play video games to the best of their abilities.

Voice Of Belldona Private Beta Launches on PC, A Sci-fi Deckbuilder Inspired by Warhammer 40K’s dark with cosmic aesthetic

Developer Storycrop and publisher Okasan’s Recipe have announced the beta version of Voice of Belldona, a sci-fantasy roguelike deckbuilder, will be available on PC via Steam on March 31st

Blending strategic deckbuilding with a dark, cosmic atmosphere, Voice of Belldona challenges players to shape their builds through high-risk decisions and tactical combat. This upcoming beta introduces new content and gameplay improvements, further enhancing the game’s depth and replayability.

Players will be able to experience the updated content starting March 31st

When chaos knows no end, what kind of fate will you choose? In a world where the only constant is war, Voice of Belldona draws you into an endless cycle of conflict and survival.In an effort to overcome the turmoil, the people decide to create a little warrior. But this white-haired, god-like entity has a major case of social anxiety?! She turns the once apocalyptic, barren world into a new one filled with races and civilizations previously known only from mythology and fairy tales, and grants the mysterious power of The Source to its inhabitants, including humans.

Voice of Belldona takes place in this fantastic world created by Cheryl and tells the story of her adventures after being unexpectedly awakened again.

Key Features

  • Expanded card pool: 120+ new cards enable more diverse and powerful deck combinations.
  • Training & Legendary Blessings: Unlock upgrades and powerful one-time blessings to enhance your stats and playstyle.
  • New build variety: 50+ new blessings allow for deeper customization and synergy.
  • New maps and enemies: Explore new areas with stronger foes and hidden stories.
  • New story events: 40+ events add unpredictability and narrative depth to each run.
  • New summoned units: Recruit unique allies with distinct combat roles and synergies.
  • “Wish” system: Unlock new run-altering mechanics with high-risk, high-reward outcomes.
  • Advanced challenges: Take on harder modes with modifiers like fixed decks and ambush encounters.

Gameplay Overview

Voice of Belldona features roguelike deckbuilding where you build and evolve your deck each run through combat and choices, summon allies to shape your strategy, and control battlefield formations to maximize positioning and combos. With multiple playstyles between aggressive combat and summon-based control, dynamic synergies that grow over time, branching paths filled with events and risks, and procedurally varied encounters, every decision becomes a high-risk choice that can define or break your run as you adapt your strategy in real time.


Voice of Belldona will be available for limited beta access on PC via Steam on March 31st. Join the beta to experience new content early and help shape the future of Voice of Belldona.

Wishlist / Play on Steam:  https://store.steampowered.com/app/2223420/Voice_of_Belldona/

About Storycrop

Storycrop is an indie developer focused on crafting immersive gameplay experiences that blend strategic depth with rich worldbuilding. With Voice of Belldona, the studio explores a dark sci-fantasy universe shaped by conflict, fate, and the consequences of power, delivering a roguelike deckbuilding experience driven by tactical decision-making and evolving player builds. .

About Okasan’s Recipe

Okasan’s Recipe is an indie game publisher supporting unique narrative-driven projects from creators around the world. The team focuses on bringing distinctive stories, experimental ideas, and emotionally engaging games to a global audience.

Little Nightmares – Broken Promises the stop-motion short film developed with Taller del Chucho, has been selected at Annecy International Animation Film Festival

Little Nightmares – Broken Promises, the stop-motion animated short film teased at the Little Nightmares Showcase Event last June, has been officially selected for the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in the Commissioned Films category and will be showcased during the festival.

Created in collaboration with the International Animation Center Taller del Chucho at the University of Guadalajara – a renowned Mexican stop‑motion studio founded by Guillermo del Toro – the short film reconnects with the original inspirations behind the award-winning Little Nightmares franchise. It embraces a handcrafted stop-motion aesthetic that deepens the series’ charmingly eerie atmosphere.

The short film is directed by Sofía Carillo and Juan Medina. Sofía Carillo is known for Cerulia (2017), the animated short film she directed, animated and wrote, which has received more than 20 international awards.  Juan Medina, winner of five Arieles from the Mexican Academy of Arts and Film Sciences between 2013 to 2015, is recognized for the short film Tío (2021) and the feature film Salma’s Big Wish (2012).

Broken Promises follows a neglected girl, locked in an attic, who escapes into a dollhouse world full of promises. As she ventures deeper, she begins to uncover the sinister truth lurking beneath its charming facade, a world where every shadow may hide a monster.

For more information about Little Nightmares and other titles from Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe please visit: https://www.bandainamcoent.eu.

Wartales DLC ‘Contract: Fires in the Capital,’ Wages Urban Combat on April 30

BORDEAUX, France – March 23, 2026 – Wartales, the medieval open-world tactical RPG with more than 1MM units sold from developer Shiro Games, conducts chaotic urban combat in its next DLC. Contract: Fires in the Capital comes to PC via Steam on Thursday, April 30, 2026. 

Rally the warband and set out for Isandrin, the imperial capital of Edoran, where tensions between the Legion and the Empire have reached a boiling point. Large-scale unrest threatens to consume the city and the beating heart of the Empire’s power. Every decision could either help pull the metropolis back from the brink or be the tipping point in its descent into anarchy. 

Isandrin is a completely different environment from the frontiers Wartales mercenaries typically explore, and combat is only one approach. Tracking down brigands, destroying propaganda, building support for civic institutions, and even performing as a bard all have far-reaching effects, influencing everything from the prices of provisions to the public mood.

Take on new urban battle scenarios reflecting the state of the capital. Stop fleeing criminals before they escape and further destabilize the city, escort vulnerable supply convoys through waves of enemy reinforcements, and fight in the burning streets while rescuing trapped civilians – all in a constantly evolving medieval metropolis.

Wartales players have always been interested in learning more about the Legion and the inner workings of the Empire, and Contract: Fires in the Capital is sending them straight into the heart of it,” said Quentin Lapeyre, Game Director at Shiro Games. “This is a new perspective for Wartales, where we’ve always been on the fringes of the known world. Isandrin is a more systemic and reactive environment, and the new Chaos system means every choice players make could potentially impact the city’s entire population.”

Wartales – Contract: Fires in the Capital launches on Thursday, April 30, 2026, on PC via Steam for $12.99 | €10.99 | £12.99. The DLC includes English, French, German, Spanish (Spain), Polish, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian, Simplified Chinese, and Korean language support. 

For more information about Wartales, please visit the official website and follow the game on X/Twitter, Facebook, or Discord

About Shiro Games 

Shiro Games is an independent Bordeaux-based studio founded by video game veterans Sebastien Vidal and Nicolas Cannasse to bring new innovative games to life. Based in Bordeaux, France, the studio released its first project Evoland in 2013 and its acclaimed sequel Evoland 2 in 2015. Shiro Games then launched its popular Viking strategy game Northgard on Steam in 2018, which has gone on to sell more than 5MM units across various platforms as well as Dune: Spice Wars, the spice-infused blend of 4X and RTS gameplay. Wartales is their latest title, with several major DLC additions since its release in April 2023. 

THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS: ORIGINMARKS GLOBAL GRAND LAUNCH WITH MOBILE EXPANSION AND SUPPORT ACROSS ALL PLATFORMS

New Anime Open World RPG Has Climbed Steam’s Top Sellers Charts Following PS5® and Steam Versions Early Launch on March 16

LOS ANGELES MARCH 23, 2026 – Netmarble, a leading developer and publisher of high-quality games, today announced the grand launch of its new anime open world RPG The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin, now available on mobile via Google Play and the App Store. 

Following its Early Play release on PlayStation®5 and Steam on March 16, the title has now expanded across all supported platforms that enables players to seamlessly experience the adventure across console, PC, and mobile. The mobile version offers a dedicated interface and UI sizing optimized for mobile devices, and players can freely switch across console, PC, and mobile devices with a single account to enjoy playing.

Players can step into the role of Tristan and explore Britannia, setting out to restore order to a world thrown into chaos by the collision of time and space. The journey can be enjoyed solo or cooperatively with up to five players, including the host player.

To celebrate the launch, The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin is providing generous in-game rewards. Players will receive up to 59,000 Star Fragments and 90 Regular Hero Draw Tickets. In addition, special launch events will grant further rewards including SSR hero Guila, the SSR weapon Black Flame Wings Lance, an SSR Crafted Weapon Selection Chest, 60 Regular Hero Draw, 10 Hero Pick Up Draw Tickets, and 4,300 Star Fragments. 

Additional grand launch celebration events include a special mission event that provides materials to craft two SR Engraved Equipment and one SSR Engraved Equipment, as well as dedicated growth support content designed to help players progress faster. A special Pick-Up event featuring Meliodas is also underway, alongside a limited-time event running until April 8, where players can obtain his exclusive costume “Sacred Treasure: Demon Sword Lostvayne.” 

The game has demonstrated strong early performance following its console and PC debut. The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin ranked No. 6 on the global Steam Top Sellers chart shortly after release, reaching No. 1 in France and No. 2 in Belgium, Italy, and Spain. It also secured No. 4 positions in Germany, Norway, and the Netherlands, while ranking No. 5 in South Korea, Japan, the United Kingdom, Brazil, and Thailand. On PlayStation®5, the title has earned a user rating of 4.35 out of 5.

Based on the hit Japanese manga and anime IP The Seven Deadly Sins, which has sold over 55 million copies globally, The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin lets players explore Britannia in a vast open world. It features tag-based combat, combination skills, and customizable teams using diverse characters and weapons. Multiplayer elements include forming parties for exploration or teaming up to defeat bosses.

About Netmarble Corporation

Founded in Korea in 2000, Netmarble Corporation is a leading global game developer and publisher. Through acclaimed franchises and strategic partnerships with top-tier IP holders, the company delivers innovative and engaging gaming experiences to audiences worldwide. As a parent company of Kabam, SpinX Games, Jam City, and a major shareholder of HYBE and NCSOFT, Netmarble’s diverse portfolio includes Solo Leveling:ARISE, Seven Knights Re:BIRTH, RAVEN2, MARVEL Future Fight, and The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross. More information can be found at http://company.netmarble.com.

Darts VR2: Bullseye Confirms Quest, PSVR 2 & SteamVR Release Date

There’s not long to wait!

London, UK, 23rd March 2026 – Darts fans look out, there’s a new game in town next month! Developer Gamitronics and Evolution Publishing are excited to reveal the launch date for their explosive sequel, Darts VR2: Bullseye, hitting Meta Quest, SteamVR and PSVR 2 on 9th April 2026.

Have you ever picked up a dart and known the joy of scoring a 180 or the sorrow of missing that last double? All of that can be relived and more in Darts VR2: Bullseye, the ultimate blend of realistic physics and arcade gameplay. 

In front of a roaring crowd in a packed-out arena, take on the challenge of the 501 Mode and try and knock those numbers down as quickly as possible; everyone’s watching! Continuing the high-pressure environments, see how long you can survive in the Zombie Mode, with careful use of some rather explosive darts! Killstreak, on the other hand, adds a thrilling arcade mode where you can never be sure quite how the dartboard will behave next. Or for a more tranquil darts experience, go on a journey in Around the World, it’s just you and the dartboard. 

“We’re super excited to finally reveal the launch date for Darts VR2: Bullseye on Meta Quest, PSVR 2 and PC VR,” said Kevin Joyce, CEO Evolution Publishing. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to have such a high quality experience as our first title from Evolution, and are looking forward to VR gamers and Darts fans alike picking up their virtual arrows for the very first time. But watch out for the zombies – they bite!”

Darts VR2: Bullseye is filled with non-stop action, from single-player modes to multiplayer tournaments, there’s never a dull moment.

Darts VR2: Bullseye Key Features:

  • Physics-Based Darts – Finely tuned physics mean the darts behave like darts
  • Gameplay Modes – Play 501, Around the World, Killstreak, Zombies and more
  • Online Leaderboards – Compete with players around the world
  • Tournaments – Create your own or join worldwide tournaments
  • Customise – Step out in style with new dart liveries, hats, sunglasses and more
  • Become the ultimate Darts master!

Darts VR2: Bullseye is preparing a simultaneous launch on 9th April 2026, for Meta Quest 3/3S & Quest 2, PlayStation VR 2 and PCVR on Steam. Add to your wishlist today!

About Darts VR2: Bullseye:

Darts VR2: Bullseye is the next evolution of immersive darts gameplay, bringing precision, competition, and casual fun to virtual reality. Whether you’re aiming for the championship trophy, battling zombie hordes, mastering 501 Mode, or just throwing darts for fun, this game has something for everyone.

About Gamitronics:

A pioneer in the world of VR gaming, specialising in simulators and sports, Gamitronics released its acclaimed Darts VR back in 2017 for PCVR gamers. Now, almost 10 years on, the studio has returned to the sport that has captured fans the world over, Darts VR2: Bullseye.

About Evolution Publishing: A specialist within the field of XR, Evolution Publishing has quickly built an enviable reputation for its focus on defining market-leading games and apps that highlight the true power and potential of immersive gaming. Its latest project is the highly anticipated Darts VR2: Bullseye

Survivor Mercs Returns with Major “Final Drill” Update, Introducing New Weapons, Improved Upgrades, and Extensive Balancing

The long-awaited Early Access update delivers sweeping gameplay improvements and sets the stage for full release on Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation

Los Angeles, CA – March 23, 2026 – Wolpertinger Games, in partnership with Wandering Wizard, today announced that Survivor Mercs is back with its most significant Early Access update yet. Following months of behind-the-scenes challenges, the team is ready to unveil Update 0.15 “Final Drill”, a major overhaul introducing new weapons, reworked progression systems, sweeping balance changes, and a host of gameplay, UI, and performance improvements.

The update marks a major milestone as Survivor Mercs enters its final phase of Early Access, with Version 1.0 set to launch soon on Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation.

The release marks a pivotal moment for both the game and its development team, following a difficult period that temporarily brought development to a halt.

“In September 2025, I was hospitalized for over three months due to a sudden decline in my health, bringing development to an unexpected standstill,” said Sebastian, Studio Lead at Wolpertinger. “We went through an incredibly uncertain time, but thanks to the resilience of the team and the continued support from our community, we’re here again. Update 0.15 is a major step forward – and I’m incredibly proud to say that 1.0 is now within reach.”

Update 0.15 “Final Drill” introduces new weapons, including a starting Pistol, early-game Shotgun, and unlockable SMG, alongside a comprehensive progression rework that improves onboarding, clarifies mission objectives, and deepens base-building systems. A full balancing pass across operations, loot, and difficulty further enhances run flow, while new Vault objectives and a reworked Complications system introduce greater strategic depth.

Players can also expect expanded upgrade systems, including new Mercenary synergies, an increased level cap of 300, and deeper weapon and gear customization. These improvements are complemented by upgrades to AI behavior, combat readability, and overall UI clarity, resulting in a more responsive and polished gameplay experience.

Update 0.15 “Final Drill” is available now for both the full game and demo.

Update 0.15 “Final Drill” Key Features

  • Expanded Arsenal: New weapons including Pistol (starting), Shotgun (early), SMG (mid-game), and most weapons have been buffed, dealing more damage, having longer-lasting effects, or enabling multiple attacks similar to your dash charges.
  • Progression Overhaul: Improved onboarding, clearer objectives, earlier access to Genome Lab, and new Radar Room for strategic upgrades
  • Full Balancing Pass: Reworked operations, loot distribution, and difficulty for more consistent and rewarding runs
  • New Strategic Systems: Vault objectives for rare loot and a redesigned Complications system introducing meaningful trade-offs
  • Deeper Build Customization: New Mercenary synergy upgrades, expanded weapon (Lv.10) and gear (Lv.5) upgrades, +1 Gear slot, and level cap increased to 300
  • AI & Combat Improvements: Smarter enemy behaviors, improved Merc positioning, and clearer combat signaling
  • UI & Visual Enhancements: Refined HUD, improved readability, and expanded VFX and animation polish

About Wandering Wizard
Wandering Wizard is passionately committed to championing indie game developers. We provide a platform for fresh voices, revolutionary ideas, and daring experiments within the indie gaming realm. Embracing the inherent risks of indie game development, we partner with creators worldwide to enrich the global gaming community with inclusive, inspiring, and innovative gaming experiences. wanderingwizard.com