Home Blog Page 124

Battlefield 6 Season 2 Nightfall – New Map and Mode Available Now

Today, Battlefield 6 and Battlefield REDSEC received their latest Season 2 update with Nightfall, bringing with it a new limited-time mode, the Hagental Base map, new weapons, and the dirt bike vehicle.

Darkness descends on Battlefield with a new way to play the game. This includes a remix of Hagental Base, with the map transformed with blacked-out corridors presenting excellent opportunities to outflank and outsmart your opponents, using darkness as a weapon. Players will have access to Night Vision Goggles in their loadout to help even the odds, empowering squads with unparalleled pathways to victory with stealth combat fantasy. Nightfall will also be coming to REDSEC with a Gauntlet playlist. Read more about the darkness modifiers here.

New weapons include the CZ3A1 SMG and the VZ. 61 sidearm.

Alongside this update, Battlefield REDSEC players will have the chance to trial Battlefield 6’s all-out warfare. You can find further information on the free trial here.

Visit us on Battlefield.com. Join the official Battlefield community channels over at discord.gg/Battlefield. Follow us on @Battlefield to stay informed on the latest updates, and @BattlefieldCom for the rollout of live updates.

About Battlefield
Battlefield is a storied franchise renowned for uncompromising combat gameplay, and all-out warfare, for over two decades. 100 million players and 5 billion hours played later, Battlefield Studios is defining the future of the first-person shooter with the biggest launch in franchise history with Battlefield 6, and a new era beginning with Battlefield REDSEC.

PREPARE FOR A GALACTIC SHOWDOWN IN MONOPOLY: STAR WARS HEROES VS. VILLAINS

Build Iconic Star Wars Teams, Strategise in 2v2 and 3v3 Modes, and Battle Across the Galaxy

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – 18 March 2026 – Today, Ubisoft announced thatMonopoly: Star Wars™ Heroes vs. Villains, a dynamic, team-based twist on the classic Monopoly experience, launches on 11 June on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch™ 1 and 2, GeForce Now as well as Windows PC through the Ubisoft Store, Epic Games Store and Steam. Tune in for the full reveal on 29 April!

Developed by Behavior Interactive, Monopoly: Star Wars Heroes vs. Villains transports players into the Star Wars galaxy with a custom Monopoly board packed with iconic locations from across the saga. Classic Monopoly gameplay is reimagined with thrilling cinematic moments, themed spaces, and dynamic elements that refresh the experience from start to finish. Players can choose from a wide roster of Star Wars heroes and villains, from Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia to Darth Vader and Darth Maul. Each character brings unique abilities that shape your team’s strategy and can turn the tide in your favour with every roll of the dice. 

With competitive 2v2 and 3v3 modes, available online and via couch co-op, traditional gameplay is transformed into an action-packed, strategic showdown where teamwork and hero combinations play a pivotal role. Every turn carries high stakes as properties change hands in an instant, while dynamic GO events introduce game-altering twists. With evolving team strategies, and a few surprises, there’s always a reason to jump back in for one more round. 

For the latest news on all of Ubisoft’s games, please visit news.ubisoft.com.  

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®, 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®. With a Ubisoft+ subscription, players can access new releases, premium editions and extra content on Day One on PC, console and cloud. For the 2024-25 fiscal year, Ubisoft generated net bookings of €1.85 billion. To learn more, please visit: www.ubisoftgroup.com

STAR WARS © & TM 2026 Lucasfilm Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

MONOPOLY ™, ® & © 2026 Hasbro. All Rights Reserved.

© 2026 Ubisoft Entertainment. All Rights Reserved. Ubisoft and the Ubisoft logo are registered trademarks of Ubisoft Entertainment in the US and/or other countries.

Australia’s video game industry shows revenue of AU$608.5 million

Video games continue to make a significant contribution to Australia’s economy

18 March 2026, Sydney – The Interactive Games & Entertainment Association (IGEA) has released its findings for the Australian game development industry, which generated revenue of AU$608.5 million in FY25. The results come from the tenth annual Australian Game Developer Survey (AGDS) Snapshot, alongside supplementary analysis from IGEA’s own research and data provided by market intelligence firm Sensor Tower which captured additional revenue from a select panel of games studios. This is the first time IGEA has incorporated supplementary data from Video Game Insights by Sensor Tower, helping paint a more comprehensive picture of the Australian video games industry. A Q&A document has been prepared to provide more details about this year’s results.  

The findings highlighted a maturing local industry, with Australian studios progressing into sustained production. 30% of video game studios have been active for 10 years or more, while a further 19% have been operating for 6-9 years, demonstrating growing longevity across the sector.

Although the sector experienced some job losses, overall employment was stable with only a minor decrease in the number of full-time positions. The number of full-time positions currently sit at 2,443. Encouragingly, results from the AGDS saw many Australian studios sharing their intentions to hire in 2026, with larger studios reporting the highest number of planned recruitments. Jobs within the video games industry are spread out around Australia, with a variety of highly-qualified roles making up the sector.

With 31% of studios in 2025 developing their first game, Ron Curry, CEO of IGEA, said appropriate state and federal funding remains an important factor for supporting early-stage and mature developers, enabling sustainable studio growth, scaled production and the ability to fully compete in international markets.

“These latest numbers further highlight that the AGDS is an invaluable tool for showcasing the industry’s growth to federal, state and territory governments,” said Curry. “It gives us the ability to help strengthen the case for continued support through initiatives, including tax incentives like the Digital Games Tax Offset, and direct funding. We continue to strongly encourage local studios across Australia to participate so we gather the most comprehensive and accurate data possible, ensuring we have the clearest picture for how to best support a thriving Australian game development industry.” 

“The Australian games industry is showing steady growth according to our industry snapshots and we have a positive outlook for the year ahead, with several of the larger studios indicating that they are planning to hire. Government support has continued to provide confidence and stability, and likely a reason to invest in our industry and community. The support the industry has and the talent it holds is reflected in the outstanding and groundbreaking games that Australian studios are taking to market,” concluded Curry.

IGEA has developed a short Q&A document which further explains some of the 2025 Australian video game industry revenue results.  You can view the Q&A here.

About IGEA

IGEA (Interactive Games & Entertainment Association) is the peak industry association representing the voice of Australian and New Zealand companies in the video games industry.  IGEA supports the games industry’s business and public policy interests through advocacy, research and education programs. For more information, please visit www.igea.net

About Australian Game Developer Survey

Our FY2025 game development survey is based on financial year data from 1 July 2024 – 30 June 2025. The survey was conducted by Bond University which supplies responses in aggregate to IGEA. The survey opened in October 2025 and closed in the middle of January 2026. Participation in the survey is voluntary.  Over 600 studios were invited to participate and contacted numerous times, with 141 studios completing the survey and providing usable data.  11% more studios participated in the survey than the previous year.

Additionally, IGEA has partnered with Video Game Insights by Sensor Tower to provide a more accurate picture of revenue generated by Australian games studios.  For our FY2025 report, PC and console game sales generated from a small selection of Australian studios was included in the revenue reported.

More information can be found about this year’s study by visiting the FAQ page.

Ubisoft Appoints New Leaders to Advance Its Creative Houses Operating Model

Julien Bares named General Manager of Creative Houses 3 and 5; Thomas Andrén named General Manager of the Creative Network

Sydney, Australia – MARCH 18, 2026 – Today Ubisoft announced new leadership appointments supporting the rollout of its Creative Houses-led operating model, marking an important step in the company’s ongoing transformation.

Julien Bares will join Ubisoft as General Manager of Creative Houses 3, focused on high-intensity live experiences, and Creative House 5, dedicated to casual and mobile play. Thomas Andrén has been appointed General Manager of the Creative Network, which will bring together a network of expert studios providing best-in-class production and cross-functional creative expertise in support of the Creative Houses.

Under this new structure, teams are organized into five distinct Creative Houses aligned around brands that share similar player experiences and genres. Each Creative House operates with clear ownership of its brands and responsibility for their development and long-term growth, empowering teams with greater autonomy and accountability.

Bringing deep expertise across the games and technology sectors, Bares and Andrén will lead teams as they transition into this new operating model. 

“I am very pleased to see Julien and Thomas stepping into these strategic roles. They both bring proven experience in game development and a shared passion for our industry,” said Yves Guillemot, co-founder and CEO, Ubisoft. “Their vision and their ability to bring together top talent will be key to creating compelling experiences that delight players, while contributing to Ubisoft’s transformation and growth.”

Julien Bares Appointed General Manager of Creative Houses 3 and 5

Joining Ubisoft on March 23, Bares has more than 25 years of extensive experience across game development, studio leadership, and business operations spanning mobile, console, online, and social games. Most recently, he served as Head of Development and Portfolio Support at Tencent Games Global. Prior to that, he was General Manager of 2K China.

Bares began his career at Ubisoft, where he worked as a Producer on Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon and Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell. With his experience across multiple genres, business models and global studio leadership, as well as strong knowledge of Ubisoft, he will lead Creative House 3, focused on high-intensity live experiences including brands such as The Crew, For Honor, and Riders Republic, as well as Creative House 5, dedicated to casual and mobile play and including brands such as Just Dance, Growtopia, Hungry Shark, and more.

“I entered the games industry to create experiences that resonate with players,” said Julien Bares, General Manager, Ubisoft. “Leading Creative Houses 3 and 5 is an opportunity to partner with incredibly talented teams to build innovative games and deepen the connections we have with our communities. By combining powerful technology and smart collaboration across our studios, we can push the boundaries and continue building on Ubisoft’s unique creative culture.”

Thomas Andrén Appointed General Manager of the Creative Network

As General Manager of the Creative Network, Andrén will oversee a group of expert studios bringing world-class capabilities, strong delivery expertise, and the agility to support Creative Houses across a wide range of development mandates.

Andrén has more than 20 years of leadership experience across media, technology, and gaming. Before joining Massive Entertainment at Ubisoft, he served as Chief Operating Officer at Red Bee Media, where he led complex international operations and transformation initiatives.

At Ubisoft, Andrén and the teams at Massive Entertainment have contributed to the delivery of Star Wars Outlaws and its DLCs, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora and the recent From the Ashes DLC, while helping secure the long-term roadmap for The Division franchise. He strengthened cross-studio collaboration across projects and technology teams overseeing teams including Ubisoft Bucharest, Ubisoft Craiova and Ubisoft RedLynx.

Andrén will begin his new role on April 1. He will also be the interim Managing Director for Massive Entertainment until his replacement is found.

“The Creative Network within Ubisoft’s new operating model represents an incredible concentration of expertise, craftsmanship, and innovation,” said Thomas Andrén, General Manager of the Creative Network. “Each studio brings its own unique strengths and capabilities, and by strengthening collaboration across the network and with our Creative Houses, we can combine agility with world-class expertise to support the development of ambitious games and deliver great new experiences for players.”

For more information, please visit news.ubisoft.com.

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®, 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®. With a Ubisoft+ subscription, players can access new releases, premium editions and extra content on Day One on PC, console and cloud. For the 2024-25 fiscal year, Ubisoft generated net bookings of €1.85 billion. To learn more, please visit: www.ubisoft.group.com © 2026 Ubisoft Entertainment. All Rights Reserved. Ubisoft and the Ubisoft logo are registered trademarks in the US and/or other countries.

Starfield Comes to PlayStation 5 + Terran Armada DLC and Free Lanes Update

Bethesda Game Studios is excited to announce that Starfield is coming to PlayStation 5 on April 8. The PS5 launch arrives in tandem with Terran Armada and Free Lanes, Starfield’s next major content drops, releasing on all platforms on April 8.

Starfield represents one of Bethesda Game Studios’ most ambitious projects, and since launch in 2023 the game has continued to grow. New content, game systems, fan‑requested features, a story expansion, quality-of-life updates, and over 1000 community Creations have deeply enriched the universe

The additions coming on April 8 represent the biggest update to the game since launch, marking the most complete version of Starfield for new players to jump in and veteran players to discover what’s new across the Settled Systems.

Coming to PlayStation 5
Starting on April 8, Starfield will be available on PlayStation 5, inviting players everywhere to embark on cosmic journeys and explore the universe straight from the couch.

Starfield on PlayStation 5 takes advantage of the console hardware, integrating the lightbar, adaptive triggers, touchpad, and more. On the PlayStation 5 Pro, players can select a Pro Performance Mode to prioritise a higher-target FPS or select Pro Visual Mode.

Bethesda Game Studios aims to make it easier than ever for new players to jump in, while continuing to expand the experience for those already exploring the Settled Systems. Starfield’s base edition will be available on all platforms for AU$79.95 / US$49.99, welcoming even more players into the universe.
 

Free Lanes Update & Terran Armada Story DLC
Terran Armada introduces a new questline across the Settled Systems, with new characters, locations, enemies, quests, systems, and rewards. Players get the chance to shape the future of humanity in space as they combat the incursions of the Terran Armada’s robotic forces in this brand new story DLC.

Free Lanes is a free update that adds significant new features and systems designed to deepen the core Starfield experience for both new and returning players, most significantly opening up interplanetary travel within systems. With this update, players can use cruise mode to travel from planet to planet within a star system, where they’ll experience frequent encounters and activities and spend some quality time on their ship with their crew.
Additional features coming with the update include:

  • New locations – A number of new Encounters, POIs, Dungeons, notable increase in variety for players to discover
  • X-Tech – A new resource used to upgrade weapons, ship modules, and more
  • Enemy modifiers – New enemy tiers with performance modifiers, such as extra shielding, more frequent attacks, or elemental damage
  • Moon Jumper – New land vehicle
  • Outpost improvements – Cross-outpost storage & Milliewhale pet
  • New crew – Muria and the mini-bot
  • Starborn Improvement – Ability to bring a limited number of items through the Unity to a NG+

The Free Lanes update comes free for all players. All existing Premium Edition owners on Xbox and Steam will receive the Terran Armada DLC at no additional cost.

Trackers Alliance
In 2024, the Trackers Alliance was introduced to Starfield to give players even more options to experience the Settled Systems as a bounty hunter. Bethesda Game Studios continues to build on the Trackers Alliance experience with five new Trackers Alliance adventures—all available to play now.

This update expands the bounty hunter experience with new targets, contracts, and rewards. Players who previously purchased the original Trackers Alliance content will receive these new adventures for free. New players can access the complete set for 700 Creations Credits.

Together, these launches mark the next chapter for Starfield, bringing its most complete and refined experience to more players as the universe continues to expand. Stay tuned to social channels for more information on Starfield’s next big update, and for more details on all things Starfield, head to Bethesda.net.

For more information head over to the Bethesda News site.

Fight Hackers By Hand: Mixed Reality Turret Defender Xploit.ZERO Hits Early Access Today on Meta Quest 3

MADRID — March 17, 2026 — Xploit.ZERO, the mixed-reality firewall vs. viruses tower defender from developer AAA Game Studios, launches into Early Access today on Meta Quest 3.

A one-of-a-kind virus infects a supercomputer in a security breach of epic proportions. Remove the cutting-edge malware the only way possible: Upload your consciousness into the mainframe, and fight waves of malicious code threatening to destroy the CPU and only gateway back to reality. 

Fend off dozens of crawling DDoS bugs with defensive structures. Perfectly place turrets along malware pathways, inside each weapon’s field of vision. Search the remains of downed virus’ shrapnel for Memory Cores to increase weapon capacities and prepare for the waves to come.

Not every enemy follows a predictable path — aerial Malworms fly in from every direction, dead-set on destroying turrets. Swipe at incoming missiles with Meta Quest Controllers to knock deadly programs off their trajectory, and keep the path from the digital universe back to the real world intact.

Challenge the virus swarms in timed levels of increasing difficulty in Countdown Mode, or outlast them for as long as possible at a chosen difficulty in Infinite Mode. Compare survival times with other NeuroGate guardians, beat personal bests, and climb the global leaderboard.

Xploit.ZERO starts simple, but quickly activity ramps up to a high-alert adrenaline-fueled experience.” said Antonio Marín, CEO and co-founder of AAA Game Studios. “Multi-tasking and determining where to prioritize attention is key, with each run leading to new strategies and ramped up action.”

Xploit.ZERO is now available on Meta Quest 3 for $9.99 with English language support. For more information, visit the official AAA Game Studios website, follow Xploit.zero on X / Twitter, and search the hashtag #XploitZero on social media.

About AAA Game Studios

AAA Game Studios is a team of twenty-five members specializing in the creation of virtual- and mixed-reality gaming experiences. Their most recent title, Golf5 eClub, is the second-most downloaded golf game on Meta Quest and is also available on both Steam VR and Pico.

Tunnel Toward Treasure: Cozy Mining Collectathon DigDigDrill Launches Today on Nintendo Switch

Unearth a rock solid Japanese indie gem after 30,000 “Overwhelmingly Positive” reviews

TOKYO, Japan — Mar. 18, 2026 — DigDigDrill, the cozy underground mining collectathon developed by Toorai and published by Phoenixx Inc., tunnels onto Nintendo Switch today after collecting over 30,000 “Overwhelmingly Positive” reviews across PC via Steam, Android, and Apple platforms.

Drill a path to the 999th floor, exploring every nook and cranny of an underground treasure trove filled with surprises. Embrace the lack of enemies and time limits to peacefully progress at any pace. 

Break ground with hack-and-slash style digging mechanics to uncover ore deposits, abandoned explosives, and buried treasure. Once the weight limit is reached, return to the surface for restful respite and to unload a hoard of valuables in exchange for upgrades. 

Forge customized drills out of block puzzle blueprints with abilities like quicker dirt destruction, faster movement speed, and increased storage capacity. Experiment with explosion-enhancing drill bits to blast cavernous holes into the Earth.

The deeper the dig, the more mysterious the world becomes. Maintain absolute peace and peak drilling efficiency, to find out what fresh challenges lie beyond the 999th floor.

“Despite being about mining, DigDigDrill is a remarkably quiet and calm game” said Toorai, solo developer of DigDigDrill. “We provide players an opportunity to disconnect and just dig. While the task is simple, the game itself has depth beyond just the 999th floor.”

DigDigDrill is now available for Nintendo Switch for $9.99 with a limited-time 20% discount ($7.99 during the sale), with language support in English, Japanese, Chinese (Traditional & Simplified), and Korean. To learn more, check out Phoenixx Inc.’s official website, and follow Toorai and Phoenixx Inc. on X/Twitter.

About Toorai

Toorai is a solo developer based out of Japan, and the creator of DigDigDrill, which is currently available on PC via Steam with more than 500 “Overwhelmingly Positive” reviews. 

About Phoenixx Inc.

Established in 2019 by industry veterans, Phoenixx Inc. aims to support innovative and creative developers from Japan and around the world. Its mission is to inspire and nurture the human spirit – one creator, one game, and one community at a time.

Restore the Multiverse’s Plants and Animals in the Garden and a Goat Playtest Today

CHICAGO — 18 March 2026 — Garden and a Goat, the adorable animal collecting and ecosystem restoration game from developer Contemplation Games, plants the seeds for future growth in its first public playtest, launching on PC via Steam today until Tuesday, 31 March. Continue fostering the environment when Early Access launches in Q3 2026.

A team of entertainment industry professionals, including modeling and animation specialists responsible for TV and movie hits including “Stranger Things”, “Evil”, and “What We Do In The Shadows”, and game industry veterans from Dungeons & Dragons Online, Marvel Puzzle Quest, Osmo Hot Wheels MindRacers, Fortnite’s recent UNO addition, and more, all draw from their decades of experience. 

Embark on a rewarding mission as an adorable robot making a difference where it matters the most: restoring dying ecosystems across the multiverse. Study each biome, initiating cultivation efforts, and seeding indigenous plants to coax native wildlife back home where they belong. 

Collect and interact with lovable bees, squirrels, bears, leopards, and other cute creatures. Pet them, offer them handmade treats, and place their favorite decorations throughout the environment to unlock them as permanent residents. As the ecosystem flourishes, new and exciting multiverse variant animals appear as well! Utilize high-tech consoles and drones to care for each garden’s needs. Scan the surroundings to harvest data gems, which will be vital to expanding and nurturing the environment with new harvestable crops, treats, animals, and decorations. Customize the robot, tech consoles, and more with cute cosmetic unlocks. Oh, and keep an eye on the goat overseeing it all…

Garden and a Goat is inspired by classic games like Viva Piñata, and we’re thrilled to bring its cute and engaging mix of creature collecting and ecosystem management to Steam with the first public playtest today,” says Jeff Vilimek, Founder and Studio Lead, Contemplation Games. “We look forward to players diving into the dynamic animal progression system and discovering all of the secret animal variants there are to collect.”

The Garden and a Goat playtest is available now until Tuesday, 31 March on PC via Steam with English language support, with an Early Access launch planned for Q3 2026. 

To keep up-to-date with the latest information, visit the official website and follow the team on Bluesky, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, and join the community on Discord.

About Contemplation Games

Contemplation Games is a self-funded independent development studio composed of entertainment industry professionals who’ve worked on Hollywood productions including “Stranger Things”, “Evil”, “What We Do In The Shadows”, “NCIS”, and “Jane The Virgin”, as well as notable games such as Dungeons & Dragons Online, Marvel Puzzle Quest, Hot Wheels MindRacers by Osmo, and more. Its team strives to create enjoyable gameplay experiences for themselves and their players. They are currently developing the studio’s debut animal collecting and ecosystem restoration game, Garden and a Goat.

Steel Soul Shaper revealed! Become a highly skilled cyberware surgeon in this narrative-driven, cyberpunk repair simulator

Grab your soldering iron, stock up on microchips, update your antivirus software, turn your PC on, and join the first Steel Soul Shaper public playtests to see if you have what it takes to succeed as a cyberware surgeon.

Clients not always willing to reveal their identity. Business offers far from legal. Officials trying to manipulate you and make you betray your friends. A high-stakes, high-risk game, or a less profitable but far safer alternative that allows you to keep your moral integrity. The path you’ll choose is entirely up to you in this newly revealed narrative-driven, cyberpunk repair simulator from GenePop Studio and publisher Spiral Up Games.

Add the game to your Steam wishlist and join public playtests to see if you’ve got what it takes to run this highly risky business.

ABOUT STEEL SOUL SHAPER

Steel Soul Shaper is a narrative-driven repair simulator where you play a highly-skilled cyberware surgeon running a secret back-alley clinic in a cyberpunk city. As you modify your clients’ bodies, you’ll hear their stories, uncover their secrets, and quietly shape the course of destiny in this neon-soaked dystopia.

STEEL SOUL SHAPER – MAIN FEATURES

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

Dive deep into the world of cyberware repair. Weld cracked metal, patch armor, remove rust, and purge viruses using a range of specialized tools and materials. When the damage goes beyond repair, source parts by any means and work your magic to bring busted limbs back to life.

CREATE ORIGINAL DESIGNS

Create one-of-a-kind pieces tailored to each client. Add bold metallic paint jobs, expressive decals, and custom neon lights to turn every mechanical arm into a dazzling work of art to adorn the futuristic cityscape.

NO TWO CLIENTS ARE THE SAME

Your clients will range from ambitious youngsters to dangerous higher-ups. But embedded in the cold steel and closed circuits of each cyberware are memories of joy and sorrow. Unravel the hidden stories of your clients and reveal the complexities of survival in a neon-bathed metropolis.

SHAPE THE STORY

The tools in your hands don’t just repair cyberware, they shape the course of destiny. Faced with “special requests” from clients, the lure of money from illegal mods, and pressure from powerful factions, every choice you make matters. The ending is yours to write.

Steel Soul Shaper is being developed by GenePop studio and will be published on PC by Spiral Up Games.

About GenePop

GenePop is a small studio creating independent games. The team is working with publisher Spiral Up Games on their first game, Steel Soul Shaper.

About Spiral Up Games

Spiral Up Games is an international game publisher for high-quality PC indie games, headquartered in Singapore. Its team members comprise experienced game veterans with decades of experience in indie game development and marketing. Their mission is to find hidden gems of the indie market and polish them into shining diamonds so that they can be enjoyed and celebrated by gamers worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.spiralupgames.com.

Action-Adventure Metroidvania Grime II Coming to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S

The sequel to Grime launches on PC and consoles on March 31

Leamington Spa, UK – March 17, 2026: UK publisher Kwalee and independent studio Clover Bite have announced that their upcoming action-adventure metroidvania, Grime II, will launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, alongside its previously confirmed PC release.

The sequel to the critically acclaimed 2021 original arrives on March 31, 2026.

Grime II expands on the dark, unsettling world of its predecessor, taking players into a strange new realm filled with distinctive locations that push its creativity even further. To mark the announcement, a brand-new trailer has been released, showcasing the game’s mysterious new land, along with its evolved combat and abilities.

About Grime II 

Story: 

Become a stealer of forms in GRIME II, the sequel to 2021’s acclaimed action-adventure metroidvania. You are a Formless – an art mimic, absorbing creatures and summoning molds in their shape.

Venture into a new and mysterious land in the GRIME universe, where danger and wonder await around every corner. Use your surroundings in tandem with your summoned molds to overcome deadly enemies and epic bosses, all the while exploring a deep world full of diverse cultures and characters.

Create your own playstyle by choosing from a variety of abilities, weapons, and mold summons. Learn the makings of your enemies as you summon their form to both aid you in combat, as well as in exploring the various secrets paths of the world.

Features: 

  • Molds– Absorb defeated enemies, shaping them into molds which can then be used for special attacks. Use molds to throw enemies, fire projectiles, stun, and even turn into summons.
  • Environmental Combat – Wherever you go, the environment provides ample opportunities to damage enemies nearby or from a distance. Be wary, for they can do the same to you!
  • Parry and Grasp – Send hand-tendrils to either parry enemy attacks or grasp and absorb them, drawing you closer to learning their shape.
  • A Lived-in World – Discover incredible locations made of painted nails and giant vases, each with its own unique civilization, culture, and deep characters to converse with.

About Kwalee

Kwalee is a multi-award-winning games publisher and developer based in Leamington Spa, UK. The company has built a growing catalogue of PC and console titles, including Wildmender, ROBOBEAT, Voidwrought, In Sink, Hordes of Hunger, The Precinct, Town to City and Don’t Stop Girlypop! alongside upcoming releases such as Hark the Ghoul, Call of the Elder Gods, Grime II, Ground Zero, Retro Space, Lost Hellden, BPM Bitcrushed, Shift at Midnight, Welcome to Elderfield, Lily’s World XD, The Coin Game, Rune Dice, Modulus and more. 

Founded by games industry icon and Codemasters co-founder David Darling CBE, Kwalee is supported by a global team of games experts, with studios in the UK, India, and remote locations worldwide. The company is actively seeking high-quality games to publish across all platforms and welcomes developers to get in touch.

Officially recognised as ‘Best Publisher’ at the TIGA Awards 2022, Kwalee is also a committed industry advocate—serving as an ambassador for the non-profit organisation Women in Games and regularly supporting charities such as Safe In Our World, GamesAid, and SpecialEffect.

About Clover Bite 

Founded in 2014, Clover Bite is the internal studio of Tiltan School of Design and Visual Communication. Harnessing industry expertise and exceptional graduates and students, it employs 7 teams working on projects spanning PC, mobile, consoles and VR, including the veteran Team Malignant, whose debut game GRIME released to critical acclaim in 2021.