Rescue horses and uncover the mysteries of a vibrant Barbie world

Wellington, New Zealand – June 16, 2026 – Leading New Zealand developer and publisher PikPok, together with global play and family entertainment company Mattel, Inc., are excited to announce that Barbie: Horse Ride & Rescue is now available on the App Store and Google Play! Barbie “Brooklyn” Roberts and Barbie “Malibu” Roberts head to Moonrise Valley to uncover its mysteries and ride to the rescue in this cozy equestrian adventure.

From the makers of Rival Stars Horse Racing, one of the most popular horse racing games of all time, PikPok brings its experience in world-class horse games to Barbie: Horse Ride & Rescue, to create an immersive equestrian experience for horse lovers and nostalgic Barbie fans everywhere.

After designing their own unique avatar, players will join Barbie and Barbie as volunteers at Roaming Hearts Rescue Ranch. They’ll be shown the ropes and venture into the vibrant Moonrise Valley to find stunning horses in need of help. Once they rescue these lovable steeds, players will bond with their horses through care and grooming, revealing each horse’s unique personality and skills. Then, they’ll take the reins to compete in thrilling equestrian competitions like barrel racing and time trials.

Fashion has always been a part of the Barbie world, and with an expansive wardrobe of horse and rider customization, players can express their unique sense of style. Choosing from hundreds of saddles, bridles, tail decorations and more, players will create a colorful ensemble for their horses, then find a cute outfit to match! Competing in fashion challenges alongside their horses will help players to advance their ranch and dive deeper into the mystery of how Moonrise Valley’s horses came to roam free.

“It has been amazing to collaborate with our partners at Mattel to bring this new Barbie adventure to life,” says Mario Wynands, CEO at PikPok. “Combining our experience of making world-class equestrian games with the global powerhouse Barbie brand, it’s our goal to make Barbie: Horse Ride & Rescue the best ever Barbie horse game.”

“We’re focused on creating digital experiences that authentically extend our brands into new forms of play, and Barbie: Horse Ride & Rescue is a strong example of that strategy in action,” said Erika Winterholler, Head of Business Development, Digital Gaming at Mattel. “Partnering with PikPok has helped us craft a cozy, immersive adventure that invites players to explore and connect with the Barbie universe in a meaningful new way.”

Barbie: Horse Ride & Rescue is perfect for fans of cozy games looking for their next wholesome, horseback riding experience with a fashionable twist! Players looking for Barbie: Horse Ride & Rescue on other platforms can wishlist it on Steam for its release alongside Nintendo switch 2 in 2027.

About PikPok
PikPok® is a leading developer and publisher of critically acclaimed games across PC, console, and mobile, including the hugely popular horse racing and equestrian game franchise, Rival Stars Horse Racing. We give players rich gaming experiences with intuitive gameplay, highly polished art, and immersive audio design. Our 200-person strong team across New Zealand and Colombia have created the Into the Dead® series, the Rival Stars® franchise, the BAFTA-nominated Super Monsters Ate My Condo™, and the critically acclaimed Shatter® and Shatter Remastered Deluxe®, plus many more.

About Mattel  
Mattel is a leading global play and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends™, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Matchbox®, Monster High®, Polly Pocket®, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us at mattel.com. 

BARBIE™ and associated trademarks and trade dress are owned by, and used under license from, Mattel. ©2026 Mattel.

Restore and customize nostalgic gadgets while running your own repair parlor

SEATTLE – June 15, 2026 – Today, indie game publisher tinyBuild and developer Mandragora have announced that ReStory, the chill electronics repair simulator based in Y2K-era Japan, will officially launch on Steam this summer. Check out the newest trailer and play the demo that has just launched for Steam Next Fest. Since its announcement in late 2025, ReStory has welcomed more than 300,000 players into the playtest and amassed over 400,000 wishlists on Steam. 

The demo offers an expanded look at the pre-release version of the game and introduces new gadgets like the Patento BS, which draws inspiration (but not too much inspiration) from one of the most iconic gaming handhelds. Another addition to the demo compared to the playtest build is the airbrush drawing tool, which allows players to visually customize devices – some of the community’s creations can be seen in the latest trailer.

In ReStory, you’ll travel back to the 2000s to run an easygoing electronics repair shop in Japan near the turn of the millennium! As you work on growing your business, you’ll fix a variety of nostalgic tech, including retro video game consoles, handhelds (including licensed Atari systems), cellphones, home appliances, cameras and more!

Influence each customer’s path as you make choices that will impact their unique branching storyline, whether it’s uncovering secrets hidden on a former gangster’s phone or learning about a lovestruck student’s crush.

Key Features

• A wide range of 2000s devices to repair
• In-depth device cleaning and restoration system with multiple tools for device repairs
• Y2K-era web browser to hunt for spare parts
• A variety of in-person and online orders to fulfill with unique customers and dialogues
• Replayable branching storyline with choices that will impact the ending
• A distinct, chill vibe of urban life in Japan

ReStory is set to release on Steam this summer, but before then, you can head to Steam to check out the new Steam Next Fest demo and add it to your wishlist right now! And don’t forget to follow along on Twitter and TikTok for the latest news and updates.

About Mandragora

Mandragora is a small but passionate indie studio with a remote-first team distributed all across the world. The team has been exploring and experimenting with different genres, gameplay mechanics and creative ideas since 2014 – with a goal to create engaging and meaningful games. Previous titles from Mandragora include I Am Future and Skyhill.

About tinyBuild

tinyBuild started as an indie game developer and morphed into a developer-publisher you can’t miss. The company’s dedication to creating long-term partnerships and elevating recognizable franchises has resulted in many successful collaborations with talented developers from all over the world. The company has released dozens of games, including the Hello Neighbor series, Graveyard Keeper, SpeedRunners, DUCKSIDE, The King is Watching and more. Although headquartered in the Seattle area, USA, the company has established a strong global presence with studios across the US, Netherlands, and Eastern Europe. https://www.tinybuild.com

Digital and physical pre-orders are coming soon for the terrifying survival-horror action game!

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – June 16, 2026 – You’re so close now… Saber Interactive and Boss Team Games have revealed today that the survival-horror action game Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival is coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam on Oct. 8, 2026. Check out the gruesome new trailer for a peek at what happens to those judged unworthy!

Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival will launch on October 8 with two editions to choose from. The game’s digital and physical Standard Edition will be available to pre-order soon for $39.99. A $49.99 Deluxe Edition will also be available to pre-order before release. Full details on the Deluxe Edition’s contents will be revealed closer to launch.

Players who pre-order any edition of Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival will unlock the exclusive in-game Labyrinth Pistol Skin and Martyr Sawblade Skin at release.

You can also still pre-order one of two special Collector’s Editions of Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival featuring a variety of exclusive, licensed collectibles at hellraiser.bossteamgames.com. Collector’s Edition pre-orders will unlock all Deluxe Edition and pre-order bonus content, including the Labyrinth Pistol Skin and Martyr Sawblade Skin.

Embark on a battle for survival against Hell’s armies with a terrifying new story in the Hellraiser universe in Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival! Descend into the darkest depths of the underworld to rescue your love from the depraved clutches of the Cenobites. Face your deepest fears against deviant wretches, cultists and creatures with the infernal powers of the Genesis Configuration puzzle box and an arsenal of earthly weapons.

KEY GAME FEATURES

• A New Nightmare in the Hellraiser Universe: Discover a chilling new story in the iconic horror franchise as you unwittingly kickstart Pinhead’s (voiced by Doug Bradley) ritual to unleash the ultimate torment on the world. We assure you: the pain will be exquisite.
• Wield the Might of Hell: Harness the unique powers of the Genesis Configuration, including pyrokinesis, telekinesis, and the iconic Hell Chains, to inflict bone-breaking, flesh-searing pain (or pleasure?) upon your enemies. The Genesis Configuration is also instrumental in solving puzzles and transforming parts of the winding Labyrinth.
• Battle for Survival Against Hell’s Armies: Take on Hell’s wretches, deviants, cultists, and its most infernal priests in an unholy war for your immortal soul, all while trying to thwart the sinister plans of the Cenobites.

Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival is coming to Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S on October 8. For more info, visit www.HellraiserGame.com.

About Saber Interactive

Saber Interactive is a worldwide publisher and developer consisting of 15 studios in the Americas and Europe. Creating games for all major platforms based on original and licensed IPs, Saber’s titles include Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando, Jurassic Park: Survival, Turok: Origins, World War Z, SnowRunner, Expeditions: A MudRunner Game, A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead and RoadCraft. Founded in 2001, Saber is known for two decades of development partnerships with leading developers and publishers, including producing The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt for Nintendo Switch, Halo: The Master Chief Collection, Crysis Remastered, and many others. Learn more at https://saber.games.

About Boss Team Games

Boss Team Games, LLC is focused on crafting unforgettable experiences across console, PC, mobile, and VR platforms. The company has worked with top entertainment companies to bring iconic characters and franchises to life such as Evil Dead: The Game, Cobra Kai: Card Fighter, and the RetroRealms series featuring Halloween and Ash vs Evil Dead. Stay connected with Boss Team Games on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @bossteamgames for the latest updates or visit the company website at bossteamgames.com.

Game content, code, and other game development materials © 2026 Saber Interactive Inc. Other game content and code is © 2026 Lament GameCo, LLC. Published by Saber Interactive Inc. Saber Interactive™ and the Saber Interactive logo are trademarks of Saber Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Hellraiser™ and The Hellbound Heart titles, characters, settings, protected marks, plot lines, and themes are exclusively licensed for video games to Lament GameCo, LLC by Clive Barker and Park Avenue Entertainment, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

The unexpected crossover is announced and teased as Team Jade gears up for Delta Force’s biggest season of the year — featuring the annual flagship Operations new map, a new Warfare map, and a newly revealed Operator

June 16 – Playa Vista, CA – Today, Team Jade is thrilled to announce that Delta Force is teaming up with Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege, with a collaboration arriving in the game’s next season. Two of the most recognizable names in tactical, squad-based shooters are officially crossing over for the first time.

The reveal lands at a milestone moment for Delta Force. The upcoming season is the biggest of the year, headlined by the annual flagship Operations new map — Delta Force’s marquee extraction update — alongside a new Warfare map and a newly teased Operator. The Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege collaboration arrives on the heels of that Operator reveal, adding to one of the most stacked seasons in the game’s history.

“Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege is a franchise that helped define modern tactical shooters, so bringing it into Delta Force is something our whole team is incredibly excited about. Both games are built for players who love smart, squad-based combat, and this collaboration is a celebration of that shared DNA. And this is only the beginning — there’s a lot more coming in our biggest season yet, and we can’t wait for players to see it.” — Shadow, Game Director, Team Jade

“Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege has always been about high stakes, heart pounding, tactical squad-based action. Squad based action that forges bonds between players that can last a lifetime, and we see that same spirit in Delta Force. Bringing Rainbow Six Siege into their world is a fantastic way to connect two passionate tactical shooter communities, and we think fans will love what’s in store.” — Joshua Mills, Creative Director, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege, Ubisoft.

Full details on the collaboration — including in-game content — will be shared ahead of the season’s launch. Players can stay up to date by following Delta Force’s official channels.

For more information about Delta Force visit our official website.

About Delta Force

Delta Force is a free-to-play tactical shooter that is the latest instalment of the beloved Delta Force series, which features two tried-and-true multiplayer modes, as well as an action-packed co-op campaign, a deep weapons arsenal for customization, and more. Delta Force has been released on PC, console and mobile, and players can join the fray by getting the game for free via its website, Steam and Epic Games Store pages, or on the App Store for iOS players and on the Play Store for Android players. Console players can also jump in on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S via their respective stores.

About Team Jade

Team Jade is a notable branch of TiMi Studio Group renowned for Call of Duty: Mobile and Assault Fire, the latter being the most popular Chinese shooter game on PC for the past decade. With a roster of hundreds of industry veterans, the team has garnered multiple prestigious accolades, including BAFTA and TGA awards. 

About Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege

Developed by Ubisoft Montreal* and with more than 100 million registered players, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege puts players in the middle of a fast-paced, ever-evolving multiplayer experience grounded in the selection of unique Operators. Using the right mix of tactics and destruction, Rainbow Six teams engage their enemies in sieges, where both Attackers and Defenders have exclusive skills and gadgets at their disposal.

*Associate Ubisoft studios include Barcelona, Blue Byte, Bucharest, Kyiv, Reflections, Saguenay, Shanghai, Chendgu and Toronto.

Update 15.5 brings Independence Day celebrations to World of Warships in the form of a festive New York port, a themed narrative campaign, and Event Pass, and the arrival of new ship customisation features

June 16th, 2026 – Wargaming, the developer and publisher of the leading naval multiplayer game World of Warships, is celebrating the 250th anniversary of American Independence Day with a wealth of new content as part of its 15.5 update. Players will be greeted with a new Independence Day themed New York port upon login, and can enjoy themed content including a new narrative campaign and Event Pass full of special camouflages, ships, destruction effects, and more. New ship customisation effects are also here in the form of Decals, along with other gameplay changes and enhancements.

A Brand New Dawn of a Nation Narrative Campaign

Headlining the update is Dawn of a Nation, a brand new narrative campaign with four unique chapters exploring the history of the Thirteen Colonies and their journey to independence. A new chapter is unlocked weekly, and players that progress through the story over the next month will earn valuable themed rewards, including Historical U.S. commanders John Glover and John Paul Jones, the Betsy Ross flag, American Tier VIII premium cruiser Congress, as well as new enemy destruction effects and a special permanent camouflage for Tier X ships. Progress Tokens can also be earned through activities, granting Dawn of a Nation containers that offer pieces of the campaign’s themed historical collection and award the rare camouflage Minuteman for the Supership Maine.

Celebrate 250 Years of American Independence with a Special Event Pass

The celebrations continue with the 250 Years of Independence Event Pass, rewarding a host of content across two progression lines to complement players’ American fleets. The first progression line, open to all players, includes the Statue of Liberty Commander with an individual voiceover, the Stars & Stripes permanent camouflage, an Artillery Chest container, and the Freedom permanent camouflage for Baltimore as the final reward. For 2,500 doubloons, players can unlock the second progression line and work towards earning the Revolutionary permanent camouflage, U.S. Premium battleship Arizona, the new Old North State permanent camouflage for North Carolina, and the new Thirteen Salvos enemy destruction effect as the final reward. The Go Navy! permanent camouflage for Helena is also received as a bonus reward.

Dive Deeper into Ship Customisation with New Decals

In addition to Independence Day celebrations, update 15.5 introduces Decals, a brand new customisation feature allowing for greater ship personalisation, obtainable via special combat mission containers. Decals include historically-inspired symbols, mottos and other artworks placeable on ship hulls. While they’re currently limited to Tier IX ships, the functionality will be expanded in future updates.

Italian Submarines, Shadow Mapping, and More

Italian submarines Pietro Micca and Pietro Calvi remain available in Early Access as part of this update, allowing players to experiment with the unique Exhaust Smoke Generators native to these stealthy vessels and the Italian tech tree. Each submarine also comes armed with main guns equipped with semi-armor piercing shells, complemented by an improved Main Battery Reload Booster consumable, allowing for powerful attacks on unsuspecting foes.

Improvements to in-game shadow mapping are also here, along with Season 34 of Clan Battles, three new Brawls, and a new Rare Tier X battleship Sete de Setembro arriving in the Armory.

You can find the full patch notes here.

About World of Warships

World of Warships is a free, historical, online combat PC game from Wargaming. With its massive fleet of most iconic war vessels, including five different ship classes and strategically designed environment, World of Warships provides the ultimate naval warfare gaming experience, suitable for everyone. Thanks to its largest collection of historically accurate ships available to play, World of Warships prides itself as a digital ship museum and a focal point for naval history enthusiasts. New thematic content and innovative game modes are being added on a regular basis, providing a diverse and exciting gameplay to its broad player base.

About Wargaming

Wargaming is an award-winning online game developer and publisher headquartered in Nicosia, Cyprus. Operating since 1998, Wargaming has grown to become one of the leaders in the gaming industry. Millions of players enjoy Wargaming’s titles across all major gaming platforms. Our flagship products include hit free-to-play franchises – World of Tanks and World of Warships.

Official website: https://wargaming.com/en/.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA– JUNE 16, 2026 – Today, Ubisoft announced that Assassin’s Creed Shadows Title Update 1.1.11 will be launching from tomorrow as a free update on all platforms except Switch 2. Nintendo Switch 2 players will receive the update at a later date.

The game’s final major update introduces several additions, including: 

• Black Tides: a final story arc, delivering approximately two hours of narrative content that concludes Naoe and Yasuke’s journey, while connecting to Edward Kenway’s story in Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced and the broader Assassin’s Creed universe. Access to Black Tides does not require ownership of the Claws of Awaji expansion, however, players must have completed the main story, as well as the previous story content updates A Critical Encounter and A Puzzlement. 
• Domains: A replayability-focused set of challenges comprising five end-game simulations with evolving gameplay modifiers. Designed to challenge players’ mastery of combat and character builds, Domains offer new unlockable gear, exclusive rewards, and hidden secrets. 
• A new Modern Day Rift entitled Horizon: This newly opened Rift reveals emerging threats. The Eagle will provide more information about the Guide… 

In addition tothis update, two new projects will be added to the Animus Hub: Projects Undertow and Riptides. They feature Assassin’s Creed Black Flag-inspired outfits for Naoe and Yasuke. Following the release of Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced on July 9, players will also be able to unlock Assassin’s Creed Shadows-inspired outfits for Edward Kenway. 

For the latest news about Assassin’s Creed Shadows and other Ubisoft games, please visit news.ubisoft.com.  To purchase, please visit  store.ubisoft.com   

About Assassin’s Creed 

Since it first launched in 2007, the Assassin’s Creed series has sold more than 230 million games worldwide. The franchise is now established as one of the best-selling series in video game history. Recognized for having some of the richest, most engrossing storytelling in the industry, Assassin’s Creed transcends video games, branching out into numerous other entertainment media. 

About Ubisoft 

Ubisoft is a creator of worlds, committed to enriching players’ lives with original and memorable entertainment experiences. Ubisoft’s global teams create and develop a deep and diverse portfolio of games, featuring brands such as Assassin’s Creed^TM, Brawlhalla®, For Honor®, Far Cry®, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon®, Just Dance®, Rabbids®, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six®, The Crew® and Tom Clancy’s The Division®.  

Dan Houser and Lazlow alongside creative partners from Dark Horse Comics, Smilegate and Kevin Anderson & Associates, shared insights on building immersive worlds beyond video games

NEW YORK, NY — June 15, 2026 — As part of the Storytelling Summit at this year’s Tribeca Festival, Dan Houser, founder of Absurd Ventures and longtime creative force behind the Grand Theft Auto, Red Dead Redemption and Bully franchises, took the stage on June 13 for “LUMINARIES: DAN HOUSER’S ABSURD VENTURES,” a wide-ranging conversation on storytelling, worldbuilding and the future of entertainment.

Joined by longtime collaborator and Absurd Ventures founding member Lazlow, Dark Horse Comics Head of Publishing Tim Wiesch, Kevin Anderson & Associates CEO Kevin Anderson and Smilegate Vice President of GTM Paul Lee, Houser discussed the creative philosophy behind Absurd Ventures and its growing project slate across three original universes spanning video games, books, comics, audio fiction, animation, television and more.

Moderated by award-winning broadcaster Elle Osili-Wood, the session drew attendees from across the entertainment, publishing, gaming and media industries for a conversation centered on creativity, innovation and the next generation of worldbuilding.

“It always comes down to story or narrative… What we’re looking for is something we find interesting and then a conflict. A character who is not at one with his world, and then that evolves into something bigger. Then we’d bat it backwards and forwards, and some things would blossom and some things would shrivel. But you start to go, “I think this has legs.”

-Dan Houser on the writing process and where an idea starts

“The whole point of an open world game is we provide guides, but we want you to experience the story…The players enjoying being in the world, mucking around, doing whatever they want to do, messing with the systems. The most fun thing about the game isn’t any rubbish we write, it’s the systems that we make. That’s still always going to be the most fun – it’s being in this world, seeing what happens when you jump off this building, when you punch that person, you drive that car, when you interact with this thing or that thing, whatever way, that’s always going to have a sort of magical quality to it — and we are on some level on the story side, just the icing on the cake.
We can’t be precious about what they do. We can encourage them to play it the way we want them to play it, but we have to give them agency.”

-Dan Houser on the players experience in open world games

“Some jokes don’t age that well — society changes values… In terms of jokes, you find things that you think are funny that have some kind of eternal truth about human foibles in them, and then most of them should stand on the test of time. Politicians are always going to be hypocritical. They may not always be comparable in this way or that way – but if what you’re exposing is the hypocrisy, that’s probably going to last. I think it’s always about looking for something that feels both topical in some ways but has some eternal truth.”

-Dan Houser on balancing topical satire with timeless storytelling

“We love creating universes that people get lost in, and they can’t find the bottom of it. When you’re writing the dialogue for those games and making those rich universes, if people hear every line of dialogue that you’ve written, you haven’t written enough. Because you’ve got living, breathing worlds with those NPCs that have lives and personalities. So, we said, “Let’s keep doing this amazing stuff but in new spaces.”

-Lazlow on creating original IP universes alongside collaborator Dan Houser

“Dan and Lazlow have created the most iconic franchises in entertainment, and their work showed the industry how powerful games can be as a storytelling medium…What brought us together wasn’t simply a publishing opportunity, but the understanding of what it takes to build something that lasts…we come from different parts of the world, but we have the common goal of making great games and great IP that people will remember for years to come.”

-Paul Lee on Smilegate’s partnership with Absurd Ventures for A Better Paradise

“You know, having people that know how to tell a story in a medium where you know you have no control over how the end user is going to interact with it — games and comics have that in common, where you can put all the best intentions in there, but if somebody turns the page or skips that cutscene, all your work is lost…I knew that as soon as I read the first script of American Caper that night, that this was going to work.”

Tim Wiesch on what made Absurd Ventures a good fit for Dark Horse

“It’s rare to find a comic that is both hyper satirical and very representative of exactly what’s happening right now. It’s to an extreme and very elevated level when you can see the truth of our world in America right now happening in this book in real time.”

-Tim Wiesch on American Caper

Most recently, Absurd Ventures debuted American Caper — its darkly comic, politically charged crime fiction series created and written by Dan Houser and illustrated by Eisner Award-winning artist David Lapham — through Dark Horse Comics in November 2025. Issue #1 became the bestselling crime-fiction comic book in America per November ICv2 sales data, and the first collected edition, American Caper Volume 1: Red-Pilled Blues, arrives July 14, 2026.

Last year, the company also expanded its sci-fi thriller universe A Better Paradise with the first novel in a series of books, following the audio fiction series that debuted as the #1 fiction podcast on Apple.

With Absurd Ventures’ third universe — an animated comedy-satire world called the Absurdaverse — set to debut an untitled animated series and an untitled original story-driven action-adventure game currently in development, the company’s slate continues to grow across every medium.

For the latest news and updates from Absurd Ventures, visit AbsurdVentures.com and follow along on social media at the following:

About Absurd Ventures

Absurd Ventures is a storytelling-driven entertainment company creating original video games, live-action and animated film and television, audio fiction, books, comic books, and more. The company was founded by Dan Houser, who was previously co-founder of Rockstar Games, and the lead creative force behind some of the most successful entertainment properties in history. Absurd Ventures’ original IP, created by Houser, includes sci-fi-thriller universe A Better Paradise, crime-fiction universe American Caper, and comedy-satire universe Absurdaverse. Its debut project, an audio fiction series set in the A Better Paradise world, debuted as the #1 fiction podcast on Apple. In 2025, Absurd Ventures released the American Caper comic book series, an A Better Paradise novel, and more. Absurd Ventures is headquartered in Santa Monica, with additional studio offices in Marin, California. Storytelling. Philanthropy. Ultraviolence.

Check out the updated car controls, full Steam Deck support in the latest build

WheelMates, the co-op adventure where two drivers guide tiny RC cars through the secret-riddled house of an eccentric missing scientist from developer Firevolt, has a newly updated demo as part of Steam Next Fest. Ready a fresh set of batteries for the PC launch on Monday,
7 September, as revealed at the Future
Games Show.

Go offroad, indoors! Grab a friend and make death-defying leaps from the top of the bookshelf. Topple vases from the kitchen table to the floor, then whiz through the living room and under the sofa while collecting new abilities, all while solving the mystery of the missing inventor.

The updated demo includes new handling options to making the R/C cars drive how you would like, along with new camera control options for better views of the great indoors as you zoom through at top speed! Additionally, the newly added Journal feature tracks progress through WheelMates’ story, collecting the clues about the professor’s whereabouts.

Take WheelMates along on real-world adventures, as the demo now features full Steam Deck support – perfect for a night of intensive couch co-op with a friend.

Would you consider WheelMates for any Best of Steam Next Fest lists? For more information, join the Discord server, visit the game’s official site, and follow WheelMates on X, TikTok, and YouTube.

About Firevolt

An independent studio Firevolt combines its experience and knowhow to make its own co-op titles that bring new approaches and shared experiences to the world. 

Continue the path of cleansing across a blazing new landscape

SEATTLE – June 15, 2026 – VOIN, the hack-and-slash action RPG set in a dark fantasy world from solo developer Nikita Sozidar and publisher tinyBuild, calls upon the aid of flames in the Inferno update available now on PC via Steam.

Elemental avatar VOINreturns in a blaze of glory with the game’s third major update. Slash through scorching enemy swarms, an expansive dungeon, new items, and rebalanced difficulty levels, among other quality of life improvements. 

Step through The Thousand Names Atheneum, a blistering locale with breathtaking sights to behold. Traverse winding corridors riddled with foes, gaze in awe at the open-air vistas, and face the Fleshsmith Ramzedram in this multi-layered dungeon five times larger than the Cathedral of the Other Side. 

Orchestrated by the Mother Herald, tear through never-ending waves of new enemies. Swiftly vanquish up to 300 foes at once, and cut them down in style with freshly forged weapons dealing elemental damage. Uncover artifacts to gain an upper hand, but beware as they may act in HER favor instead.

Conquer new tasks scattered throughout the map, and claim randomized rewards at the end of every run. The Inferno update also introduces rebalanced difficulty levels, improved attack speed rates, and reworked save systems, among other changes to keep HER reign lasting forevermore. 

“Inferno is a huge step toward the vision I have for VOIN,” said solo developer Nikita Sozidar. “Much of what I’ve dreamed of for the final release is already here, but there’s still more to come and I can’t wait to share what’s next!”

VOIN is available on Windows PC via Steam Early Access for USD 19.99, alongside the newest Inferno update. The game supports English, German, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, French, Japanese, Korean, Polish, and Ukrainian languages. 

To stay up to date with VOIN, follow @vointhegame and @tinyBuild on X (formerly Twitter), wishlist it on Steam, and subscribe to Sozidar’s YouTube channel. 

About tinyBuild

tinyBuild started as an indie game developer and morphed into a developer-publisher you can’t miss. Our dedication to creating long-term partnerships and elevating recognizable franchises has resulted in many successful collaborations with talented developers from all over the world. The company has released dozens of games, including Hello Neighbor, Graveyard Keeper, SpeedRunners, and more. Although headquartered in the Seattle Area, USA, the company has established a strong global presence with studios across the US, Netherlands, Latvia, and throughout Eastern Europe.

For more information, visit: https://www.tinybuild.com/ 

About Nikita Sozidar

A solo developer with a deep background in music and design, Nikita started his game development career as a pixel-art artist and mod developer. VOIN is his first title.

Journey into the Intisuyu Reserve with its diverse landscapes, iconic wildlife, and three distinct biomes

STOCKHOLM – June 16, 2026 – Avalanche Studios Group today launched the Peru Hunting Reserve, the latest DLC for theHunter: Call of the Wild, now available on PlayStation and Xbox consoles, as well as PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and Microsoft Store.

Set within the stunning Intisuyu Reserve, players can journey through spectacular Peruvian landscapes inspired by the country’s extraordinary biodiversity, tracking and hunting a diverse roster of iconic wildlife across three distinct biomes. The Peru Hunting Reserve DLC also includes a new pistol crossbow, the versatile Dahler Reserve Draw CB-150.

“Peru Hunting Reserve” – Key Features:

• Explore three distinct biomes in Peru’s Dry Season (May-October):
  • Puna – Located at the foothills of the Andes Mountains, the Puna’s vast open landscape creates ideal conditions for long-range hunting.
  • Yungas – Dense cloud forests form a natural transition between the highlands and rainforest below. This region is also home to the reserve’s animal sanctuary.
  • Tropical Forest – Thick rainforest vegetation demands close-range hunting tactics, but hunters should tread carefully – this is the kingdom of the jaguar. Meanwhile, the rivers below are inhabited by the black caiman.
• Take on the wilderness with the Daher Reserve Draw CB-150, a new pistol crossbow equipped with a standard red dot sight and upgrade options. Hunters can choose between two broadhead bolt weights for added versatility and tactical precision.
• The reserve is home to 14 animal species, including 10 all-new additions to theHunter: Call of the Wild. Players will encounter apex predators alongside regional wildlife like the capybara and llama.
• The Intisuyu Reserve introduces 60 new missions, including a new notice board system designed to give players greater freedom in how they engage with the reserve and its activities.

Launching alongside the new reserve, Patch 9.2 is available today, delivering a variety of gameplay improvements, bug fixes, and new horn variations for all mountain goats.

The “Peru Hunting Reserve” is out now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC via Steam, the Epic Games Store and Microsoft Store.

For more information, visit the game’s website.

About theHunter: Call of the Wild

theHunter: Call of the Wild is the world’s #1 hunting game, offering an immersive hunting experience to millions of players every month. Developed in close collaboration with its passionate community, the game offers a thrilling outdoor adventure for seasoned hunters and those eager to explore the wonders of nature from the comfort of their home. Since its 2017 release, theHunter: Call of the Wild has continuously expanded, now featuring a large and diverse roster of animal species across 15 unique reserves worldwide – from the expansive plains of Africa to the dense forests of North America and the towering peaks of Nepal. theHunter: Call of the Wild is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Microsoft Store (including PC Game Pass), Steam, and the Epic Games Store.
 
About Expansive Worlds

Expansive Worlds is a creative division within Avalanche Studios Group and a leading developer and publisher of outdoor games. Since 2007, Expansive Worlds has been devoted to delivering highly immersive outdoor gaming experiences for millions of players. It is best known for the long-standing and successful theHunter franchise, as well as the open-world fishing game Call of the Wild: The Angler. Expansive Worlds develops games using the proprietary Apex engine, enabling vast open worlds with endless creative possibilities. Learn more at www.avalanchestudios.com/divisions/expansive-worlds.
 
About Avalanche Studios Group

Avalanche Studios Group is a leading interactive entertainment company offering a wide range of games and live services from creative divisions Avalanche Studios, Expansive Worlds, and Systemic Reaction. Its portfolio includes the Just Cause franchise, theHunter: Call of the Wild, Generation Zero, Rage 2, and Call of the Wild: The Angler. Founded in 2003, Avalanche Studios Group draws from nearly two decades of open-world experience. All its games are developed using the proprietary Apex engine, enabling vast and dynamic worlds, full of emergent gameplay and endless creative possibilities. Learn more at www.avalanchestudios.com.