Free Genesis Ascended Part I Launches ARK’s First-Ever Physics-Based Water System Alongside Tides of Fortune’s Expanded Naval Warfare – Studio Wildcard Shadowdrops ARK: Dragontopia, the First Chapter of the All-New Sky Based Adventure Arrives Today

SEATTLE, WA – July 6, 2026 – Studio Wildcard today launched one of the largest content updates in ARK: Survival Ascended‘s history, sending Survivors across the open seas and into the skies with three major additions. Available today are the free Genesis Ascended Part I remaster, the Tides of Fortune DLC introducing ARK’s biggest naval gameplay systems yet, and the surprise debut of ARK: Dragontopia, an all-new dragon-focused adventure that begins today and with new updates through December. All three are now available to download on PlayStation 5, Xbox X|S and Steam PC.

Included free with ARK: Survival Ascended, Genesis Ascended Part I completely reimagines the original story expansion with a massive ocean biome powered by ARK’s first-ever physics-driven water system. Featuring dynamic waves, realistic buoyancy, chaotic ocean warfare, and the colossal Palaeoctopus, Survivors will uncover the next chapter of ARK’s epic saga while completing missions, battling bosses, and exploring a fractured virtual simulation alongside their holographic companion, HLN-A. 

Get ready for Lumina’s arrival on July 9, and keep your spyglass trained on the skies. This week’s Dragon reveal will show a very different side of Dragontopia!

Launching alongside Genesis is Tides of Fortune ($19.99), an all-new premium DLC that transforms the ARK universe into a naval battlefield. Players can construct and customize seaworthy ships, command fleets in large-scale ship combat, hunt buried treasure, experience new cinematic story moments starring Karl Urban as Bob and Auli’i Cravalho as Meeka, play as “Cinematic Bob” featuring the likeness and voice of Urban and then recruit new companions including the healing Tidepup and treasure-hunting Parrot. 

SURPRISE LAUNCH: ARK: DRAGONTOPIA! 

Studio Wildcard has unveiled ARK: Dragontopia, an all-new premium expansion pass that introduces Survivors to a vast aerial ecosystem where dragons rule the skies. To survive this new high-altitude frontier, you’ll need to grow through the Dragon Skill Trees, a new progression system built around strengthening your bond with these mythical beasts. Craft highly specialized gear and wield potent tools, and expand your base with a draconic tileset, incubator backpacks, and mysterious potion stations. Owners will receive included content updates in late July, October and December culminating when a boundless, skyworld map drops. 

Here is info on all three updates launching today. For additional gameplay details please visit their linked Steam/PlayStation/Xbox product pages:

Genesis Ascended Part I

• Ocean Biome: As a new addition to the fully remastered Genesis expansion, dive into a massive, map-wide ocean biome built on a completely overhauled water physics system. Prepare for a true maritime experience with dynamic waves and realistic buoyancy as you command your own sailing ship. Discover islands and hidden fortresses that set the stage for chaotic, wide-scale ocean warfare. 
• Palaeoctopus:  Master the ocean depths with this cliff-climbing cephalopod that uses its crushing tentacles to seize dual targets and supplies your tribe with limitless colored ink.

Tides of Fortune

• Naval Fleet: Construct customizable seaworthy vessels at the Shipyard, including the swift Sloop and the towering Brigantine. Transform your ship into a true floating fortress by building out the decks, painting the hull, flying your own Jolly Roger, and sailing into battle with sea shanties ringing over the roar of cannon fire!
• Ship Combat: Take the helm to manually aim and fire your broadside cannons, either solo or as a cooperative multiplayer team! Utilize specialty ammo like Incendiary and Corrosive Cannonballs to give enemy armadas no quarter and send them to Davy Jones’ locker – all without micromanaging a crew. 
• Ship Skill Tree: Customize your vessel’s seafaring capabilities by investing your plunder across three distinct skill trees: Piracy, Merchant, and Luxury. 
• New Creatures:
  • Tidepup: As adorable as it is invaluable, this benevolent semi-aquatic salamander specializes in support, protection, and healing. Keep it as a Juvenile shoulder-pet to defend against incoming damage and dispel negative effects, or evolve it into a Mature rideable mount capable of creating a regenerative healing zone for your allies.
  • Parrot: This feathery friend tracks valuable treasure sources like Cave Crates, Alpha Creatures, and enemy Ship

ARK: Dragontopia

• Eclipsar Umbra, the legendary obsidian terror born to claim the night sky. Bound to your will through the mythic Dragon Horn, this shadow-forged executioner strikes with terrifying, unpredictable speed. Rain precision plasma from the cover of darkness, or slip through the void itself to ambush unsuspecting prey. 
• Dragon Skill Tree unlocks a brand-new progression path that lets you forge a deeper bond with your dragons. Push the limits of their gravity-defying acrobatics, amplify their shadow-forged plasma attacks, or tailor their defensive auras, as you shape the ultimate apex predator around your exact playstyle.
• Drake Claw Grappler: Wield this essential new tool for high-altitude traversal and midair dragon mounting.
• Draconic Armor: Equip this cosmetic set and look every inch the legendary dragonrider. 
• Dragon Life: Many more dragons will be launching in the weeks and months ahead as part of this phased expansion, culminating in a massive world map in December.

Haven’t yet experienced ARK: Survival Ascended? The ARK franchise of games is currently on sale this week with the base game 75% off

ARK: Survival Ascended includes access to all of ARK’s worlds, including Scorched Earth, Aberration, Extinction, ARK Genesis Part 1 and Part 2. Available now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Epic Game Store and Steam, players will create a Survivor, form a tribe, and then tame, train, breed & ride dinosaurs all within a living ecosystem.

ABOUT STUDIO WILDCARD 
Since revealing its flagship game ARK: Survival Evolved in 2015, Studio Wildcard has tirelessly strived to bring its dinosaur-filled vision to the masses. With millions of players worldwide, the team has delivered an amazing amount of new content and leveraged cutting-edge technology to keep fans engaged. With a transmedia universe, the ARK story can be discovered on all gaming platforms, within spin-off titles, and now as an epic narrative featuring a star-studded cast in ARK: The Animated Series on Paramount+. www.studiowildcard.com

A party-based roguelite where magic meets chaos and party strategy defines survival.

Athens, Greece, 6 July 2026 | Indie developer SOTO Game Studio is proud to announce that their debut game, Luminas: Parasite Reign, will officially release on Steam in Early Access on July 24th, 2026. This summer, fight massive enemy waves, defeat unique bosses, unlock powerful treasures, and build synergies through multiple skill paths in this single-player, party-based survivor roguelite.

A Party-Based Bullet Heaven

Welcome to the voxel world of Luminas: Parasite Reign, a party-based roguelite where the key to survival is strategy. Control up to three unique Luminas, magical beings fighting back against the monstrous Parasites corrupting the world of Solaris Land. With waves of enemies, epic boss battles, and evolving abilities, every run is a fight for survival and a chance to grow stronger.

Build Your Dream Team

Each Lumina offers distinct elemental powers that will define your party’s playstyle. There are eight different Luminas to choose from, each with unique spells and playstyles to define your party. Glass Cannon builds, Tank builds, Death/Revive builds, and more are available to fit your unique playstyle. Over twenty parasites are out there dying to devour you, so build the team you know can beat them back!

Evolve, Combine, Progress

Luminas can evolve during your runs and gain extra abilities and stats, and certain Lumina pairs can even combine their abilities to create combos. You can even leverage rule-changing corruptions that expand the roster and up enemy difficulty to introduce fresh new challenges. With so many paths to evolve, combine, learn, and corrupt, each run feels fresh, new, and full of discovery.

Surviving the Storm, Together!

This Early Access launch will include three dynamic maps, eight playable Luminas, and over 90 treasures to discover and combine. Player feedback during Early Access will help shape new modes, Luminas, spells, maps, and bosses as Solaris Land continues to evolve. Are you ready to awaken the power within and stand against the Parasite tide?

Full Game Features:

• Collect 8 different Luminas and optimize each of their individual elemental spell abilities to take your build in the direction of your choice 
• 64 Spells Offering Endless Party-Based Synergy Combinations, allowing you to create the strongest synergies imaginable through different team layouts
• Over 90 Pieces of Treasure to pick and choose from, offering customizable equippable bonus effects across all Luminas 
• Unlock Skill Trees and Evolutionary Upgrades to continually adapt your team to the ever-growing threats on Solaris. 
• 3 World Map Biomes, each offering unique new special bosses and parasitic encounters.  
• Robust Endgame options that allow you to control the difficulty, the number of parasites, and more in each map for a continually fresh and evolving game.

Wishlist Luminas: Parasite Reign now on Steam to be notified the moment it launches on July 24th.

About SOTO Game Studio

We’re a small team of three friends working at an independent digital agency in Greece, each coming from different worlds, marketing, development, and creative. Luminas: Parasite Reign is our first step into game development, born from a mix of curiosity, late-night design talks, and a shared love for roguelites.

The mining roguelite sequel completes its console rollout and is now available on all current-generation consoles.

[July 6, 2026] — Alawar is excited to announce that Wall World 2 is now available on Xbox Series X|S. Following its launch on PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch, the mining roguelite sequel can now be played across all current-generation console platforms.

Climb into your robospider and set out on dangerous expeditions across a vast vertical world. Mine procedurally generated depths for resources and lost technologies, then return to the surface to fend off waves of hostile creatures. Every run brings new discoveries, new threats, and new opportunities to improve your weapons, tools, exosuit, and robospider. With strange anomalies, dangerous enemies, and secrets waiting far below the surface, Wall World 2 gives players more ways to explore, survive, and grow stronger.

Wall World 2 is available now on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch.

About Alawar

Alawar is an independent video game developer and publisher founded in 1999. Specializing in midcore and casual games, the company extends its creative influence across PCs, video game consoles, and mobile devices. Alawar’s key titles include the Beholder series, Do Not Feed the Monkeys, Karate Survivor, Necrosmith, Wall World series, and an array of other releases.

Cygames brings Australia’s largest manga & anime convention to life with games, activities, merchandise, and screenings

July 6, 2026 – Shibuya, Tokyo – Video game publisher and developer Cygames, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as “Cygames”) heads to SMASH! in Sydney, Australia’s largest show focusing on Japanese pop culture, from 11–12^th July.

Exhibiting for the first time at SMASH!, Cygames will be located in Level 1, Booth Number 1-414 and will showcase and celebrate the launch of the action-packed RPG Granblue Fantasy: Relink – Endless Ragnarok. Attendees can play the game on Nintendo Switch™ 2, and those who play Endless Ragnarok at the Cygames booth will be able to receive badges selected randomly from one of four designs.

Other activities taking place at the Cygames booth include photo opportunities for Umamusume: Pretty Derby, where guests can pose next to the key visual. Attendees who come, take a photo of the wall, and post on social media will be rewarded with an “Umazing!” sticker.

Fans of the anime film Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Beginning of a New Era will be able to watch a full screening at SMASH! taking place at the Panel Stage on Saturday, 11^th July at 2:00 p.m. (AEST).  Admission is limited to the number of ticket add-ons booked in advance.

Cygames will also be distributing complimentary light sticks to attendees (while stocks last), encouraging everyone to light up the finale together for an Umamusume-style concert experience.

For further information on SMASH!, including ticketing and how to reserve a place at the film screening, please visit www.smash.org.au.

For more information on Cygames, visit the official Cygames website and the official X account (formerly Twitter) for Cygames EN.

Rally Car Mechanic Simulator arrives on PlayStation 5 on July 7, bringing its blend of rally car repair, garage management, and team building to a new audience. The game is also available on PC and XBOX Series X|S.

Two Polish studios, Play2Chill and Atomic Jelly, are behind the creation of Rally Car Mechanic Simulator. Ultimate Games S.A. is responsible for preparing and releasing the console versions.

The game first launched on PC in early 2025 under the name Rally Mechanic Simulator. It currently holds a 72 percent positive rating from players on Steam.

Fix rally cars and build a championship Team

Rally Car Mechanic Simulator is a relaxing and realistic title that puts players in the role of a rally mechanic. It is aimed mainly at fans of the Car Mechanic Simulator series, WRC rallying, and motorsport in general.

Gameplay centers on preparing cars for rallies and repairing damage sustained on special stages. Players also manage a garage and a rally crew, assemble their team, and negotiate with sponsors. The journey starts in a small garage that can be expanded as players progress. The goal is to reach the top of the rally world.

PlayStation Store – https://store.playstation.com/concept/10018074

The game stands out with its realistic rally car models and a wide range of possible interactions. Players can install, remove, repair, and modify parts specific to rally cars, including turbos, competition transmissions, and coilover suspensions. Work can also be done on more standard components such as suspension, turbochargers, electronics, tires, and gearboxes.

Rally Car Mechanic Simulator also features a detailed damage and cleaning system for rally cars. Vehicle models can be customized, tuned, and tested on the track.

Rally Car Mechanic Simulator – Key Features

• Become a rally mechanic
• Prepare and repair racing cars
• Enjoy realistic car models
• Test rally cars on the track
• Manage your garage and rally team

Rally Car Mechanic Simulator launches on PlayStation 5 on July 7, 2026.

LOS ANGELES – July 3rd, 2026 – At their Anime Expo panel, MangaGamer announced a July 30th release date for the second season of 07th Expansion’s Rose Guns Days, two new licenses: parade’s Lesson, and Alicesoft’s Galzoo Island, and the production of an exclusive plush of Shamsiel from the Funbag Fantasy series.

Promotional Website
MangaGamer Store Page
Steam Page
Release Date: July 30th

The second of four chapters of 07th Expansion’s Rose Guns Days featuring updated graphics and Japanese, English, and Chinese language options.

This action-suspense thriller takes place in an alternate history Japan where a natural disaster during World War 2 forced Japan to capitulate to Sino-American forces before the use of the bomb, resulting in a nation divided piecemeal between China and America as both force the native Japanese into the minority as they compete for political superiority in the occupied nation.

When a war veteran and the proprietress of brothel find themselves at the center of multiple gang conflicts, the growing strife soon leads to the birth of a new mafia family aiming to gain power within City 23 to secure the future for their Japanese brethren. Blood, bullets, and tears will fly as mafia vie for control and clash with the occupation forces.

Promotional Website

The latest title from parade, developers of NO, THANK YOU!!!, Room No. 9, and Lkyt.: Lesson. Another dark BL story in the vein of Room No.9 focusing intensely on two characters.

On a chilly, rainy night in early spring, Kento heads home on his bike. Just six months ago he was released from his second stint in juvenile detention, but he, now twenty, had finally settled into his job.

“Mess up again, and it won’t just be juvie next time.”

The warning flits through Kento’s mind just moments before colliding violently with a car. He blacks out, seriously injured.

Upon regaining consciousness in the hospital, Kento finds himself face-to-face with the driver of the car: Takafumi. Kento has no one he can rely on during his recovery, so Takafumi suggests they live together while Kento recovers from his injuries. Seeing a man who didn’t judge him for his naivety and clumsy speech, Kento begins to open up to Takafumi and accepts his offer.

From that day on, the pair become closer than they could ever imagine.

Promotional Website

Galzoo Island is a dungeon crawler spin-off of the Rance series featuring Gal Monsters from Alicesoft!

Leopold, aka Leo, is a young man studying the art of monster husbandry under the legendary tamer, Vestal Batch. While he’s gotten the fundamentals down, he’s still unable to tame even the wimpiest of monsters. But one day while Leo was engrossed in his studies, a Gal Monster known as Captain Vanilla appeared before him with a plea for help, but before Leo could get a word in edgewise, she had already whisked him away.

On the other side of the Teleport Gate, Leo finds the mysterious Squid Paradise: an island utopia created by the limitless power of the fearsome Baron Squid, along with a bevy of Gal Monsters who had been transported there from across the globe as potential marriage candidates for the baron. The imprisoned Gal Monsters are subjected to all manner of humiliations at his hand, and are understandably pretty peeved about the whole situation, but so long as the baron retains command of the Lady Killer—a nigh invulnerable monster—they’re powerless to fight back.

Although soliciting help from humans goes against their instincts, the Gal Monsters decided go to the legendary Vestal Batch for assistance in taking down Baron Squid once and for all, but unfortunately for them, they wasted their once-a-week opportunity to use the Teleport Gate not on Vestal Batch, but on his greenhorn apprentice…

MangaGamer Store Page
Release Date: Fall 2026

The seductive, sly succubus from Funbag Fantasy, is now a fumo-styled plushie! This plush is a special limited item produced only for customers outside of Japan, releasing in the fall of 2026. Pre-orders are open now.

For more information on these and other titles from MangaGamer, be sure to join the discussion on Discord or follow MangaGamer on Bluesky, Twitter and Facebook. You can also check out their blog for comments from the staff and other featured articles!

ABOUT MANGAGAMER.COM
MangaGamer.com is the world’s biggest publisher of English translated Visual Novels. Since its launch in July 2008, it has offered services where fans can download and enjoy popular Visual Novels such as 07th Expansion’s Higurashi When They Cry series,Alicesoft’s infamous Rance series, and Novectacle’s critically acclaimed The House in Fata Morgana right from their homes.

Free Genesis Ascended Part I Launches ARK’s First-Ever Physics-Based Water System Alongside Tides of Fortune’s Expanded Naval Warfare – Studio Wildcard Shadowdrops ARK: Dragontopia, the First Chapter of the All-New Sky Based Adventure Arrives Today

SEATTLE, WA – July 3, 2026 – Studio Wildcard today launched one of the largest content updates in ARK: Survival Ascended‘s history, sending Survivors across the open seas and into the skies with three major additions. Available today are the free Genesis Ascended Part I remaster, the Tides of Fortune DLC introducing ARK’s biggest naval gameplay systems yet, and the surprise debut of ARK: Dragontopia, an all-new dragon-focused adventure that begins today and with new updates through December. All three are now available to download on PlayStation 5, Xbox X|S and Steam PC.

Included free with ARK: Survival Ascended, Genesis Ascended Part I completely reimagines the original story expansion with a massive ocean biome powered by ARK’s first-ever physics-driven water system. Featuring dynamic waves, realistic buoyancy, chaotic ocean warfare, and the colossal Palaeoctopus, Survivors will uncover the next chapter of ARK’s epic saga while completing missions, battling bosses, and exploring a fractured virtual simulation alongside their holographic companion, HLN-A. 

Arriving free with Genesis Ascended, the Palaeoctopus lurks beneath the waves, ready to turn calm seas into chaos. As captains set sail in search of fortune, they’ll soon discover that not every adventure at sea goes according to plan

Launching alongside Genesis is Tides of Fortune ($19.99), an all-new premium DLC that transforms the ARK universe into a naval battlefield. Players can construct and customize seaworthy ships, command fleets in large-scale ship combat, hunt buried treasure, experience new cinematic story moments starring Karl Urban as Bob and Auli’i Cravalho as Meeka, play as “Cinematic Bob” featuring the likeness and voice of Urban and then recruit new companions including the healing Tidepup and treasure-hunting Parrot. 

SURPRISE LAUNCH: ARK: DRAGONTOPIA! 

Studio Wildcard today unveiled ARK: Dragontopia, an all-new premium expansion pass that introduces Survivors to a vast aerial ecosystem where dragons rule the skies. To survive this new high-altitude frontier, you’ll need to grow through the Dragon Skill Trees, a new progression system built around strengthening your bond with these mythical beasts. Craft highly specialized gear and wield potent tools, and expand your base with a draconic tileset, incubator backpacks, and mysterious potion stations. Owners will receive included content updates in late July, October and December culminating when a boundless, skyworld map drops. 

Here is info on all three updates launching today. For additional gameplay details please visit their linked Steam/PlayStation/Xbox product pages:

Genesis Ascended Part I

• Ocean Biome: As a new addition to the fully remastered Genesis expansion, dive into a massive, map-wide ocean biome built on a completely overhauled water physics system. Prepare for a true maritime experience with dynamic waves and realistic buoyancy as you command your own sailing ship. Discover islands and hidden fortresses that set the stage for chaotic, wide-scale ocean warfare. 
• Palaeoctopus:  Master the ocean depths with this cliff-climbing cephalopod that uses its crushing tentacles to seize dual targets and supplies your tribe with limitless colored ink. 

Tides of Fortune

• Naval Fleet: Construct customizable seaworthy vessels at the Shipyard, including the swift Sloop and the towering Brigantine. Transform your ship into a true floating fortress by building out the decks, painting the hull, flying your own Jolly Roger, and sailing into battle with sea shanties ringing over the roar of cannon fire!
• Ship Combat: Take the helm to manually aim and fire your broadside cannons, either solo or as a cooperative multiplayer team! Utilize specialty ammo like Incendiary and Corrosive Cannonballs to give enemy armadas no quarter and send them to Davy Jones’ locker – all without micromanaging a crew. 
• Ship Skill Tree: Customize your vessel’s seafaring capabilities by investing your plunder across three distinct skill trees: Piracy, Merchant, and Luxury. 
• New Creatures:
  • Tidepup: As adorable as it is invaluable, this benevolent semi-aquatic salamander specializes in support, protection, and healing. Keep it as a Juvenile shoulder-pet to defend against incoming damage and dispel negative effects, or evolve it into a Mature rideable mount capable of creating a regenerative healing zone for your allies.
  • Parrot: This feathery friend tracks valuable treasure sources like Cave Crates, Alpha Creatures, and enemy Ship

ARK: Dragontopia

• Eclipsar Umbra, the legendary obsidian terror born to claim the night sky. Bound to your will through the mythic Dragon Horn, this shadow-forged executioner strikes with terrifying, unpredictable speed. Rain precision plasma from the cover of darkness, or slip through the void itself to ambush unsuspecting prey. 
• Dragon Skill Tree unlocks a brand-new progression path that lets you forge a deeper bond with your dragons. Push the limits of their gravity-defying acrobatics, amplify their shadow-forged plasma attacks, or tailor their defensive auras, as you shape the ultimate apex predator around your exact playstyle.
• Drake Claw Grappler: Wield this essential new tool for high-altitude traversal and midair dragon mounting.
• Draconic Armor: Equip this cosmetic set and look every inch the legendary dragonrider. 
• Dragon Life: Many more dragons will be launching in the weeks and months ahead as part of this phased expansion, culminating in a massive world map in December.

Haven’t yet experienced ARK: Survival Ascended? The ARK franchise of games is currently on sale this week with the base game 75% off

ARK: Survival Ascended includes access to all of ARK’s worlds, including Scorched Earth, Aberration, Extinction, ARK Genesis Part 1 and Part 2. Available now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Epic Game Store and Steam, players will create a Survivor, form a tribe, and then tame, train, breed & ride dinosaurs all within a living ecosystem.

ABOUT STUDIO WILDCARD 
Since revealing its flagship game ARK: Survival Evolved in 2015, Studio Wildcard has tirelessly strived to bring its dinosaur-filled vision to the masses. With millions of players worldwide, the team has delivered an amazing amount of new content and leveraged cutting-edge technology to keep fans engaged. With a transmedia universe, the ARK story can be discovered on all gaming platforms, within spin-off titles, and now as an epic narrative featuring a star-studded cast in ARK: The Animated Series on Paramount+. www.studiowildcard.com

From the shadows of dance studios to the spotlights of international stadiums, become the new Korean pop sensation. A major musical adventure, playable solo or in a group of up to 3 players on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and PC.

Sydney, Australia July 3, 2026 – More than just a musical genre, K-Pop is now a cultural tidal wave that is shaking up the charts, filling the biggest stadiums on the planet, and uniting millions of passionate fans across the globe. Microids is particularly proud to announce today its collaboration with the studio Old Skull Games for the release of K-POP Rising – Dream to Shine. This simulation and rhythm game will be available starting November 5 on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and PC (Steam).

In K-POP Rising – Dream to Shine, players immerse themselves in the demanding and fascinating world of modern music. Accompanied by their best friend Nova, they will need to commit 100% to the race for stardom: from intensive training sessions in the studio to the ultimate recognition on the most prestigious stages, the title offers a complete experience combining a sense of rhythm, deep customisation, and community management in the era of social media.

Key features of the game:

• The international phenomenon in your hands: Draw inspiration from your idols and experience the rise of today’s biggest K-Pop groups. Become the face of this culture that fascinates the entire world.
• An adventure that reflects who you are (Full customisation): Express your uniqueness! Create and customize your character from head to toe to match your style and the vibe of your performances. Trendy outfits, iconic makeup… everything is possible to establish your style in the spotlight.
• Your group, your rules: You call the shots. Create a group in your own image, recruit its members, and turn your very first fans into an international community of millions of followers.
• Stay in the rhythm! Talent is nurtured. Perfect your singing, master highly precise choreographies, and sharpen your sense of timing through captivating rhythm gameplay phases to become an accomplished star.
• From your bedroom to conquering stadiums: Start at the bottom of the ladder in the anonymity of your bedroom, climb the ranks through your passion and perseverance, and transform yourself into the international icon of your dreams.
• Shine solo, triumph as a trio! Because music is all about sharing, experience this adventure alone or with two friends. Form the group of your dreams in co-op mode and unite your talents to lead your Bandstraight to the top of the global charts!

“Music is your universe, passion is your fuel: the future of K-Pop is you!“

K-POP Rising – Dream to Shine is getting ready to thrill players around the world starting November 5 on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and PC (Steam). The race to stardom begins soon!

About Microids

Microids, a French video game publisher founded in 1985, has established itself as a key international player in the industry.By collaborating with renowned studios and creators, Microids offers immersive experiences based on popular licenses, allowing players to experience unique adventures alongside iconic characters.

With console launch on September 22^nd, Funcom teams up with Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe and Solutions 2 GO Inc. to put the PlayStation 5 release of Dune: Awakening on shelves – yes, with a disc inside

Developer and publisher Funcom® today released a new video that dives into the topic of just what players can expect when Dune: Awakening finally releases on PlayStation 5 and XBOX on September 22^nd, including single-player, scalable difficulty and game customization, an epic story finale, and more. Already out on PC, Dune: Awakening is an Open World Survival game inspired by Frank Herbert’s Dune and Denis Villeneuve and Legendary Entertainment’s blockbuster franchise. The PlayStation 5 version will be available in Physical version in retail stores across Australia and New Zealand.

The new Dune: Awakening Developer Deep Dive video is available below.

Funcom is also excited to announce that the PlayStation 5 version of Dune: Awakening will be available as a physical edition from September 22^nd. The studio is teaming up with Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe for a retail release across Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, and with Solutions 2 GO Inc. for North and South America. The game will also be released in retail in Japan, with a publisher to be announced later.

“September 22^nd isn’t just putting the game on consoles. It’s a major milestone for us, the second launch of Dune: Awakening across PC, PlayStation 5, and XBOX,” said Funcom CEO Rui Casais. “For more than a year now we have expanded and enhanced Dune: Awakening on PC and all these additions, as well as several new ones, will be available on all platforms on day one. This is the best version of Dune: Awakening yet and we’re excited to open it up to a much larger audience across platforms. Teaming up with strong partners around the world to put it on shelves everywhere is another great way for us to bring more survivors to the dangerous sands of Arrakis.”

The digital PlayStation 5 and XBOX versions of Dune: Awakening have been available for pre-order on the PlayStation Store and XBOX Store since June 2^nd. Starting today, you can also pre-order the physical PlayStation 5 version from select retailers including Amazon, GameStop, EB Games, and more. In Japan, the game is expected to release in October, with pre-orders commencing soon.

With the third installment in Denis Villeneuve’s epic Dune saga will hit theatres on December 18^th, the physical PlayStation 5 edition is also the perfect holiday gift for Dune fans everywhere. 

Console editions and pre-order incentives:

• Physical: PlayStation 5 base game edition. For a limited time only, it includes the exclusive Terrarium of Muad’Dib that you can place in your base and a global color swatch.
• Digital: Base game, Deluxe Edition, and Ultimate Edition available on PlayStation Store and XBOX Store. Pre-ordering any edition includes the Terrarium of Muad’Dib and the global color swatch, and pre-ordering Deluxe or Ultimate also provides a 5-day head start. The Deluxe and Ultimate Edition includes a slew of in-game content including DLCs, armor, and building pieces.

Highlights of what’s coming with the September release:

• Console: Same experience as on PC, with controls and UI optimized for console. 60fps target for both PlayStation 5 and XBOX Series X (Performance Mode).
• Single-player: The full game can now be played entirely in single-player, with scalable difficulty and a wide range of gameplay customization settings.
• Story complete: The grand finale of Book One, offering a dramatic conclusion to Dune: Awakening’s cinematic storyline. Play it from start to finish.
• Scalable difficulty: Tweak everything from harvesting rates to experience gain and combat difficulty. In single-player and private servers, you’re in control.

New players on PC and console will also get to enjoy all the additions and improvements that have been rolled out on PC since launch, including fully optional PvP, a bigger and better late game loop, new content including new locations and missions, and countless quality of life improvements.

For a full overview of everything coming in the September release, and what has been added and improved since PC launch, please check out DuneAwakening.com.

At its core, Dune: Awakening is an Open World Survival game, where you must rise from survival to greatness through exploration, combat, crafting, and building. But it’s also so much more, incorporating an epic, cinematic storyline, adventure and RPG mechanics, and several ways to play whether it’s in single-player, on a private or self-hosted server with friends, or in large-scale multiplayer on official servers. How you play is up to you.

ABOUT FUNCOM

Funcom is a developer and publisher of online games for PC and consoles. Funcom has provided outstanding entertainment since 1993 and continues to expand its track record of more than twenty released games. Titles include ‘Conan Exiles’, ‘Metal: Hellsinger’, ‘Aloft’, ‘Dune: Spice Wars’, ‘Secret World Legends’, ‘Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures’, ‘The Longest Journey’, ‘Anarchy Online’, and ‘Dreamfall: The Longest Journey’. For corporate information, please visit www.funcom.com.

ABOUT LEGENDARY ENTERTAINMENT

Legendary Entertainment is a leading independent media studio with film (Legendary Pictures), television and digital (Legendary Television and Digital Media) and comics (Legendary Comics) divisions dedicated to owning, producing and delivering content to worldwide audiences. Legendary has built a library of marquee media properties and has established itself as a trusted brand that consistently delivers high-quality, commercial entertainment and successfully translates the world’s most popular fan-driven IP. In aggregate, Legendary Pictures-associated productions have realized grosses of nearly $21 billion worldwide at the box office. To learn more, visit: www.legendary.com.

ABOUT BANDAI NAMCO ENTERTAINMENT EUROPE S.A.S

Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe is a leading global publisher, developer, and distributor of entertainment content for platforms including, but not limited to, all major video game consoles and PC. Producing intellectual property for a global audience, Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe is building its reputation with franchises such as LITTLE NIGHTMARES™, and production capabilities of Reflector Entertainment. Based in Lyon, France, Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe is known for bringing many of the entertainment industry’s top franchises such as PAC-MAN™, GUNDAM™, TEKKEN™, ACE COMBAT™, DARK SOULS™, and ELDEN RING™ to EMEA and ANZ markets.

ABOUT SOLUTIONS 2 GO INC.

Privately held Solutions 2 GO Inc. is a multinational distributor of video game, mobility and consumer electronic products that serves leading retail, publishing, and manufacturing partners across the globe. An industry pioneer, highly regarded Solutions 2 GO Inc. has earned a plethora of awards and distinctions collectively by its valued partners and industry experts.

BORDEAUX, France – 3 July 2026 – Northgard Battlegrounds, the city-building auto-battler set in the Viking world of Northgard, which sold more than 5 million units, will launch an Open Beta from Thursday, 9 July to Wednesday, 15 July as a part of Steam Tacticon. Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor developer Funday Games joins forces with publisher Shiro Unlimited — the creators of the original Northgard — to create a fresh twist on waging war.

Check out the never-before-seen gameplay presentation below

Rise from the ruins of Ragnarök in a unique blend of Northgard’s strategic settlement-building and tactical auto-battler combat. Choose from iconic Viking clans, each offering distinct traits, abilities, and playstyles, then establish a thriving settlement, gather vital resources, and assemble a powerful warband capable of crushing rival clans.

Every decision shapes the outcome of battle. Carefully manage resources, strategically position buildings to unlock powerful synergies, then watch your warriors clash in dynamic automated battles. Earn Krowns after every victory to expand your settlement, recruit new villagers, and strengthen your economy. Spend Lore to earn the favor of the Norse Gods, unlocking game-changing blessings that can dramatically alter each run.

Test your strategies against battle-hardened opponents in competitive asynchronous PvP battles that combine accessibility with meaningful strategic depth. Experiment with new builds, adapt your tactics with every run, and lead your clan to victory in a highly replayable experience where no two runs unfold the same way.

“Exploring the auto-battler genre has allowed us and Funday Games to create an experience that both preserves and expands upon Northgard’s strategic depth and core gameplay,“ said Nicolas Cannasse, co-founder of Shiro Games. “Join the frey and claim the favor of the Gods next week during Tacticon.”

Northgard Battlegrounds launches an Open Beta on Steam from Thursday, 9 July to Wednesday, 15 July. The game will launch on PC in Early Access via Steam in 2026. For more information, wishlist the game on Steam, visit the official Subreddit, and follow on X, Bluesky, Facebook, and Discord.

About Shiro Unlimited

Shiro Unlimited is the publishing label of Shiro Games, built on over 12 years of experience developing and publishing successful indie titles. Shiro Unlimited curates and supports projects aligned with the studio’s creative vision, while empowering developers to focus on what matters most: making the best games possible.

For more information on Shiro Unlimited, please visit the official website.

About Funday Games

Funday Games was founded in 2011 in Aarhus, Denmark, and today employs more than 50 talents.

Best known for developing Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor, which has surpassed more than 3 million players since launching in 2024, the studio specializes in creating spin-off games based on evergreen indie IPs across all platforms.

Simultaneously, Funday Games also creates and publishes its own original IPs.