Throughout 2026, fans can anticipate exciting collaborations featuring the beloved action-adventure franchise and the legendary Lara Croft

SAN MATEO, Calif. – January 28, 2026 – The original Tomb Raider first debuted in 1996 and instantly established Lara Croft as one of gaming’s most iconic heroines, spurring multiple sequels, star-studded movies, an animated TV show and much more. This year, in celebration of Tomb Raider’s 30th anniversary, Crystal Dynamics is bringing together a wide array of notable brands across gaming, apparel, collectibles and beyond to honor the legacy of everyone’s favorite acrobatic archaeologist!

To kick off the festivities, take a look at some of the incredible partners that are slated to release Tomb Raider collaborations this year:

• 8BitDo,the premier third-party video game hardware company known for their retro-inspired gaming peripherals
• Aspyr, the next-level developer and publisher whose recent work includes Tomb Raider I-VI Remastered (available now on all platforms) and the release of Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2
• Blend Cota Studios: Prolific fine artist Blend Cota will be partnering with Tomb Raider for original works based on Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis
• Dark Horse, the world-renowned comic publisher whose works include Hellboy, Star Wars, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and recently, Tomb Raider: The Sacred Artifacts
• FiGGYZ, magnetic pixel-art collectibles with interchangeable backdrops
• Fulllife, the premium French streetwear and gaming apparel brand
• Funko, the lifestyle brand known for its iconic Pop! figures
• GUNNAR Optiks, pioneers of clinically proven, cutting-edge eyewear that enhances the digital screen experience and protects the human visual system
• Iconiq Studios, creators of premium collectibles, board games, and more
• Loungefly, a high-quality, innovative brand that blends fandom with fashion
• Shark Robot, the apparel and collectibles merchandise site that hosts beloved brands and featured artists
• Syntilay: Futuristic footwear brand Syntilay will be releasing a collaboration with Tomb Raider to celebrate the 30th anniversary
• Tomb Raider Gear Store: The official Tomb Raider Gear Store will have new products all year long celebrating the anniversary
• Tubbz: The era of the duck continues with a new 30th Anniversary Lara Croft duck
• Upper Deck,the leading sports and entertainment trading card company

These partnerships will contribute to an exciting 2026 for Tomb Raider, with Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, the reimagining of Lara Croft’s original genre-defining adventure created in collaboration with Amazon Game Studios and Flying Wild Hog, slated to launch on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S later this year. Stay tuned for more information on Tomb Raider projects and collaborations throughout 2026. The celebration has only just begun!

ABOUT CRYSTAL DYNAMICS

Crystal Dynamics is an award-winning, best-in-class game development studio headquartered just south of San Francisco in sunny San Mateo, Calif. Founded in 1992, Crystal Dynamics has grown into a world-class studio by developing iconic franchises and keeping at the forefront of the very latest in technology and graphics. Having created beloved properties such as Gex and the Legacy of Kain series, as well as driving the award-winning, massively successful Tomb Raider franchise at around 100M franchise units sold to date, Crystal Dynamics is now laying the groundwork for the next generation of innovative and technologically stunning projects.

ABOUT TOMB RAIDER

The TOMB RAIDER video game franchise includes more than 20 video games, is loved by more than 160 million people around the world according to a May 2022 survey, and has sold around 100 million copies since the first entry was released in 1996. The franchise’s popularity has exploded into a series of blockbuster films based on the original Tomb Raider game and 2013 reboot. Its protagonist Lara Croft has been a contemporary global icon for over two decades and was listed as one of TIME Magazine’s 15 Most Influential Video Game Characters of All Time. The most recent “Survivor Trilogy,” comprised of Tomb Raider (2013), Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015), and Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018), garnered more than 200 “Best of” awards and nominations, and chronicles Lara Croft’s remarkable origin story. All of this continues to make TOMB RAIDER a destination brand for adventure entertainment.

CANADA — Jan. 28, 2026 — LANESPLIT, the traffic-weaving motorcycle racing simulator developed by solo developer FunkyMouse, throws caution to the wind with today’s launch on PC via Steam ahead of PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S versions arriving later this year.

Straddle the line between life and death as brake lights become luminous streaks of bright red and blinding white. Push the throttle to the max while zooming through traffic-filled tunnels. Speed towards colorful skylines, chase the sunset, and navigate low-visibility conditions as night falls on alpine mountains, twisted Tokyo roads, and other maps based on real-life locations. 

Mind the weather before making a selection from 15 high-performance motorcycles: dry streets allow for nimble maneuvers, but wet asphalt will call for maximum traction. Test impulsive reflexes and split lanes in Rush Hour mode, or become one with the road in Zen Mode for traffic-free runs. Customize clothing and helmet options, and hit the road running towards the top of global leaderboards by earning high scores from going fast without crashing. 

Enter a high-octane flow state while flirting with death as “responsible” drivers merge onto the highway and unexpectedly switch lanes as they abide by the speed limit. Experience the physics, motion blur, and tight controls as the energetic drum-and-bass soundtrack intensifies in volume alongside the speedometer. 

“The support LANESPLIT has received from the motorcycle community has been monumental, and I cannot thank them enough for spreading the word about my game,” said Shakya Ranatunga, founder and solo developer at Funky Mouse. “Whether riding solo or with friends, amid rush hour traffic or with the road all to yourself, there is no wrong way to become king of the road here.”

LANESPLIT cuts through tricky traffic to arrive today on PC via Steam for $17.99 with language support in English, with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S versions planned for a later date. For more information, follow developer FunkyMouse on Twitter/X and check out the official YouTube page.

About FunkyMouse

FunkyMouse is a solo independent game developer founded by Shakya Ranatunga, a video game designer based in Canada. They dedicate themselves to providing a true sense of reality in their games by incorporating realistic visuals and audio into their creative projects, fleshing out fantastical worlds rooted in real life, such as their current project LANESPLIT featuring ultra-realistic motorcycle physics, handling, and sounds.

Strap in Troopers, it’s time to join Federation legend General Johnny Rico and get to know our latest hero,Major Samantha “Sammy” Dietz. Meet the Major for the first time ever and learn more about the battles that await in Starship Troopers: Ultimate Bug War!

In her first ever appearance, Major Sammy Dietz is here to take you behind the scenes of the most realistic depiction of war that’s ever been seen. Follow this exclusive interview, hosted by General Johnny Rico himself, and find out how you can do your part to help the war effort!

Our special thanks to Federation Citizen Charlotta Mohlin for bringing Major Samantha Dietz to the screen.

Set 25 years after the events of the original Starship Troopers film, this heroic campaign follows war veteran Samantha Dietz as she recounts her hunt for the dreadful Assassin Bug during the First Bug War. Relive her experiences as you annihilate the Arachnids on their familiar home world of Klendathu and journey to all new worlds like Planet P and beyond in this streamlined solo campaign with access to a devastating arsenal of 14 weapons (including the iconic Morita rifle), 11 Tactical Supports and a Mech vehicle in a gloriously gory 3D pixelated combat simulation.

Are you doing your part? Wishlist NOW, and stay tuned for Federal communications, including a full Gameplay Briefing Trailer coming soon. Remember – Service Guarantees Citizenship!

A fearsome evil ex and state-of-the-art ally make their grand entrance into the fray

MONTREAL (Jan. 28, 2026) – Developer and publisher Tribute Games (MARVEL Cosmic Invasion, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge), in collaboration with Universal Products & Experiences, today revealed that Scott Pilgrim EX will be launching digitally on March 3 via a brand-new trailer for the high-energy beat ’em up-style adventure to save Toronto. In between the references to Scott Pilgrim video game legends of the past, two new characters have also been announced for Scott Pilgrim EX – Matthew Patel and Robot-01. 

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2640950/Scott_Pilgrim_EX

Today’s brand-new fighters coming to Scott Pilgrim EX are two more former enemies of Scott and Ramona: Matthew Patel, a member of the series’ iconic League of Evil Exes, and Robot-01, a creation of two members of the league, the Katayanagi Twins, built to beat the snot out of Scott.

• Matthew Patel brings theatrical flair and mystic chaos to the battlefield. With a style that blends fire and ritualistic showmanship, Patel manipulates the flow of combat like a puppet master – using his summoned demon hipsters to distract enemies, control crowds and lay traps that can tip the scales in his team’s favor. His supernatural abilities allow him to call forth extra arms, launch flame bursts and unleash devastating finishing moves imbued with mythic power.
• Robot-01, meanwhile, is all precision and punishment – rocketing across the screen with thrusters and transformations, delivering brutal blows at blistering speed. A combat unit built for mayhem, Robot-01 morphs mid-battle, fires long-range blasts and unleashes a powerful strong attack that rains explosive projectiles across the screen, clearing out crowds in a flash.

Watch Patel and Robot-01 clean up the streets of Toronto in today’s release date trailer for Scott Pilgrim EX here:

In Scott Pilgrim EX,members of Toronto’s coolest band, Sex Bob-omb, are kidnapped and their instruments stolen as the city is terrorized by demons, vegans and robots. Scott Pilgrim, Ramona Flowers and their gang of unlikely allies must bash their way across the city, from its streets to its beaches and even back in time to save the band, the city and the world. A total of seven playable fighters will be featured, with Scott and Ramona set to gain one final ally ahead of Scott Pilgrim EX’s release.

Battle it out across a wild, video game warped Toronto with bursting colors and deep-cut Scott Pilgrim references, completing quests while defeating the gangs that rule over different parts of the city. Enemies can be dispatched with each character’s unique, upgradable toolkit, or with different items found in the game’s highly interactable environment, from baseball bats to demonic rods, turnips and more. Featuring a brand-new storyline co-written by Bryan Lee O’Malley and the team at Tribute Games, as well as all-new music from Scott Pilgrim alumni Anamanaguchi, Scott Pilgrim EX delivers a bold new chapter in the franchise for longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Scott Pilgrim EX is launching digitally on PC and consoles March 3 with physical editions coming soon. Keep up with the latest from Tribute Games and Scott Pilgrim EX at https://linktr.ee/tributegames

About Tribute Games

Tribute Games is a Montreal-based developer and publisher known for crafting genre-defining, pixel-perfect action titles. With hits like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, Mercenary Kings, Flinthook, Panzer Paladin, and the recently announced MARVEL: Cosmic Invasion, Tribute blends nostalgic artistry with modern design to create unforgettable gameplay experiences that feel just like we remember them.

About Universal Products & Experiences

Universal Products & Experiences (UP&E) globally drives the expansion and elevation of NBCUniversal’s iconic collection of brands, intellectual properties, characters, and stories based on the company’s extensive portfolio of properties created by Universal Pictures, Illumination, DreamWorks Animation and NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. The division executes this through innovative physical and digital products, as well as engaging retail and product experiences across our expansive global theme park destinations (for both owned and third-party IP), location-based venues, e-commerce product platforms, and retailers around the world. Along with global brand strategy and creative, UP&E’s lines of business include Consumer Products and Games, along with Theme Parks Products & Retail. UP&E is a division of Universal Destinations & Experiences, part of NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.

About Scott Pilgrim

Scott Pilgrim is a genre-defying cult classic that has grown into a beloved multimedia universe. Created by Bryan Lee O’Malley as a six-volume graphic novel series published by Oni Press, the story combines romance, music, and video game-inspired action in a uniquely heartfelt and irreverent way. Its popularity sparked a critically acclaimed film adaptation, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, directed by Edgar Wright, followed by a video game adaptation developed by Ubisoft. Most recently, the franchise was reimagined in the Netflix anime series Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, bringing new life to the characters with the original film cast returning. Across each medium, Scott Pilgrim continues to resonate with fans through its bold storytelling, unforgettable characters, and unmistakable punchy style.

Scott Pilgrim Ex © 2026 Universal City Studios LLC. All Rights Reserved. “Scott Pilgrim vs. The World” graphic novel and related characters TM & © 2026 Bryan Lee O’Malley. Game Software © Tribute Games inc. 

LONDON (Jan. 28, 2026) – Explore a long-forgotten world teeming with untold secrets in Core Keeper – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, an enhanced version of the hit sandbox adventure, available to download today on Nintendo Switch 2 and as a free upgrade to all existing owners on Nintendo Switch. 

Upgraded and enhanced to utilize the power of Nintendo Switch 2, Core Keeper – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition features improved graphical fidelity, with enhancements to lighting, shadows, water and particle effects, all while running at up to 60fps for smoother gameplay.

Improved online co-op support also allows up to eight players to explore the underground together – twice as many as the original Nintendo Switch version. 

Plus, players still playing the original Nintendo Switch version can now join in the fun in eight-player co-op when joining a world hosted by a player on Nintendo Switch 2.

Core Keeper is an award-winning mining sandbox adventure set in an ancient cavern filled with creatures, treasures, trinkets and secrets. Set out on an adventure alone, or explore with friends in online co-op, harvesting relics and gathering resources to build your base, craft advanced tools and discover a vast subterranean world teeming with adventures.

About Pugstorm

Pugstorm is an award-winning development studio specialising in juicy pixel art games that will make your inner dog bark with joy. For more information, please visit pugstorm.eu.

About Fireshine Games

Fireshine Games is a global publisher of digital and physical video games based in London, England, with a focus on finding fun and bringing innovative indie gems to players around the world. Originally established in 2014, Fireshine Games has built a portfolio of digital titles and indie sensations, including award-winning titles Core Keeper and Shadows of Doubt, while partnering with studio giants to bring digital hits to physical release, including Lies of P from Neowiz, Balatro from Playstack, and Planet Zoo: Console Edition from Frontier Developments. Fireshine Games is part of the EG7 group of companies. For more information on Fireshine Games and its titles, visit the official website at fireshinegames.co.uk.

Nintendo Switch is a trademark of Nintendo. “PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Interactive Entertainment.

Grab a friend to join the first playtest in February

JAN. 28, 2026 – WheelMates, a co-op adventure where two players drive tiny RC cars through the house of an eccentric scientist from developer FireVolt, revs up its engines for a release on Steam for PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S in 2026. A first playtest will take place in February on Steam.

A strange house owned by an even stranger professor lies waiting for someone to discover its secrets…and the whereabouts of its owner. The only way through the building is by piloting a pair of RC cars that must coordinate with each other in order to progress and solve the mystery.

WheelMates focuses on cooperation over competition, with no timers and no pressure to move fast. The experience focuses on shared problem solving at the duo’s own preferred pace, enabling discovery of surprises and secrets, complete with online and split-screen co-op experience.

These small cars can use powerful experimental equipment to make their way through this household. Jump boosters enable them to reach greater heights and bound over obstacles. Latch onto far away points with grappling hooks. Adhere to metal surfaces with magnet wheels, and manipulate faraway objects with the magnets. 

Each room in WheelMates offers a compact playground, filled with hidden paths, mechanical puzzles, and story details waiting to be discovered. From narrow corridors to towering furniture, the house reveals itself gradually. Inspired by Metroidvanias, backtrack through the mansion, discovering previously inaccessible locales and formerly unsolvable puzzles. 

With roots in classic RC games like Re-Volt and puzzle-platformer experiences the team wanted to bring a new type of cooperative adventure with WheelMates, where RC cars become heroes of the game. The movement mechanics of remote-controlled cars, the fun of driving through household environments, all combined with a bunch of power-ups, open up so many possibilities for our fresh take on a genre so many people love.

To give players an early hands-on look at this cooperative experience, the team is planning a first developer-led playtest shortly after the announcement.

WheelMates is in development for Steam for PC and PlayStation 5, aiming for a 2026 launch date, with details on additional platforms to be shared at a later date. 

About FireVolt

An independent studio FireVolt combines its experience and knowhow to make its own titles that bring new approaches and fun experiences to the world. 2026 will see the reveal of its first original titles, starting with the co-op adventure with toy cars, WheelMates, with additional titles in development.

Fans can now pre-order the Nintendo Switch™ 2 version. A collaboration with SILENT HILL f was also announced alongside new gameplay details!

Hertfordshire, 28^th January 2026 – Today, KOEI TECMO Europe and developer Team NINJA announced that a demo for FATAL FRAME II: Crimson Butterfly REMAKE will be released 5^th March 2026 on PlayStation®5, Nintendo Switch™ 2, Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC via Steam®. Fans were also treated to the announcement of a collaboration with SILENT HILL f, the newest title from the SILENT HILL series which is set in Japan, as well as the release of new details about the highly anticipated remake of the classic Japanese horror adventure game. To celebrate the start of Nintendo Switch™ 2 pre-orders, a trailer featuring music by popular artist Tsuki Amano was unveiled.

In FATAL FRAME II: Crimson Butterfly REMAKE, twin sisters wander into an abandoned village infested with wraiths, and use the Camera Obscura, which has the ability to capture and contain the impossible, as their only weapon. This complete remake of the second title in the PROJECT ZERO (FATAL FRAME) franchise will introduce new gameplay elements, including a brand-new ending featuring the song “Utsushie”, composed by Tsuki Amano, along with new side stories and new locations to explore.

During their haunted journey, players will be able to use Broken Spirit Stones to delve into the past of various characters and discover new side stories, expanding the lore of Crimson Butterfly. Players will also explore new locations such as the Umbral Mound, an ominous burial site tightly bound with ropes and hidden within dense bamboo groves, and the candlelit hall of Eikado Temple, where twin statues tied together by sacred cords await them.

As players delve deeper into the mystery of the haunted village, battles become more terrifying than ever. The evil spirits can now sprout wings, growing more frantic and far more dangerous. In this state, wraiths are shrouded in crimson malice, rapidly regenerating health while attacking more frequently and with even greater power. To help defeat the wraiths lurking in the shadows, players will be able to use Prayer Beads to enhance the Camera Obscura in battle, increasing the number of focus points as well as improving the reload speed. Reversion Beads can also be found throughout exploration to help reset all unlocked upgrades. 

Using the Camera Obscura, players will be able to use both standard shots as well as new Special Shots to fight vengeful spirits. The effects of Special Shots vary depending on the filter equipped as they each feature unique effects, allowing players to adapt their strategy to the situation, even when facing a particularly devious spirit. For example, the Paraceptual Filter allows players to activate the Special Shot Blinding, which temporarily blinds their target, allowing them to escape. The Radiant Filter, on the other hand, allows them to use the Special Shot Purging, which, using Mio’s willpower, will inflict significant damage proportional to the amount of willpower charged.

Not only useful to repel vengeful spirits, the Camera Obscura can also be used to capture photographs of Twin Dolls scattered across Minakami Village. Modelled after the Twin Maidens, these dolls are guardians against calamity and, by photographing them together in a single frame, players will be able to purify them, finally putting the emotions trapped within them to rest. The more Twin Dolls they purify, the more items will become available in the Point Exchange. In addition to these new mechanics, FATAL FRAME II: Crimson Butterfly REMAKE will introduce a new Photo Mode that players can use to capture in-game moments. By using frames, stickers, and visual effects, they will be able to create their own terrifying souvenirs and, maybe, capture an unexpected spirit photograph.

To help add to the already eerie gameplay, a newly-announced collaboration with SILENT HILL f, the latest title of the renowned psychological horror franchise SILENT HILL that has sold over 13 million copies worldwide, has been announced. Collaboration costumes will be added at a later date as free downloadable content. More details about this future update will be announced in the coming weeks.

Fans can now pre-order the Digital Deluxe Edition, which includes the base game, the Digital Soundtrack and Digital Art Book, as well as the Digital Deluxe Bonus Set featuring the Deluxe Charm and costumes for Mio and Mayu*. A Digital Deluxe Upgrade is also available separately. Players who purchase a physical or digital version of the game before 25^th March 2026 will receive the following early purchase bonuses: Wraith Charm, Peony Hair Ornament (Red) / Peony Hair Ornament (Blue), and Kimono (Red) / Kimono (Black).

Players who digitally pre-order the game before 12^th March 2026 will receive the Spirit Charm, Cat Ears (White) / Cat Ears (Black) bonus, as well as the costumes Crimson Butterfly – Mio (Original) / Crimson Butterfly – Mayu (Original) bonus, inspired by outfits from the original game.

FATAL FRAME II: Crimson Butterfly REMAKE is scheduled to release on 12^th March 2026 on PlayStation®5, Nintendo Switch™ 2, Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC via Steam®. The game will include voices in Japanese with texts in English, French, German, Italian and Spanish.

Digital pre-orders in UAE, Australia and New Zealand territories will be available at a later date. Users can add the game to their Wishlist on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC via Steam® and will become notified when pre-orders are available in their country. * Costumes included: Lace Gloves (White) / Lace Gloves (Black), Japanese Gothic (Left Wing) / Japanese Gothic (Right Wing).

ABOUT FATAL FRAME: CRIMSON BUTTERFLY REMAKE

This title is a full remake of FATAL FRAME / PROJECT ZERO II: Crimson Butterfly, the second game in the FATAL FRAME / Project Zero series, originally released for PlayStation®2 in 2003. It is a Japanese horror adventure game that begins with twin sisters Mio and Mayu Amakura as they visit a stream from their childhood, soon to be submerged by a dam. As Mio reminisces, Mayu is lured away by a crimson butterfly, leading her to a mysterious village that has vanished from all maps—a village of vengeful spirits searching for the twin girls who once escaped their ritual. A village trapped in an endless night. As Mio searches for Mayu and tries to escape, her footsteps unknowingly retrace the village’s tragic past. Deep within its depths, she uncovers the terrifying truth behind the “forbidden ritual that must never be seen.”

ABOUT KOEI TECMO EUROPE LTD.

KOEI TECMO EUROPE LTD. is a publisher of interactive entertainment software for current generation consoles, handhelds and digital download content based in Letchworth, Hertfordshire, UK. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of KOEI TECMO HOLDINGS CO., LTD., headquartered in Yokohama, Japan. KOEI TECMO’s best known for their signature ‘one versus thousands’ Warrior’s series, the fan-favourite NINJA GAIDEN and fighting entertainment title DEAD OR ALIVE. Through collaboration with strong existing franchises, such as A.O.T. Wings of Freedom (Attack on Titan), has brought fan-favourite shows to life in video game form. The company’s desire for innovation and diversity has seen the creation of the critically acclaimed dark-samurai action title Nioh, which takes on new and unique gameplay styles. The company’s acquisition of Gust, developer of a variety of heart-warming titles, has seen their flagship Atelier series span generations of consoles and fans alike. More information about KOEI TECMO EUROPE LTD and its products can be found at www.koeitecmoeurope.com 

©KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD. All rights reserved. Team NINJA is a trademark of KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD. The KT logo is a trademark of KOEI TECMO HOLDINGS CO., LTD.

©2026 Valve Corporation. Steam and the Steam logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Valve Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries.

Emmert Will Lead Development on Cryptic Studios’ Current Portfolio of Beloved MMORPGs and Shape the Future of the Studio Returning CEO to Re-Engage with Players via Twitch Livestream and Reddit AMAs Next Week

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – January 27, 2026 – Arc Games and Cryptic Studios, the studio behind some of the world’s most influential online gaming experiences, today announced the return of acclaimed game industry veteran and visionary MMO pioneer, Jack Emmert, as the new Chief Executive Officer of Cryptic Studios. Widely regarded as one of the architects of modern day MMOs, Emmert previously led Cryptic Studios through its most groundbreaking era with the releases of fan-favorite MMORPGs, Star Trek Online, Neverwinter, and Champions Online, and helped create several of the most successful massively multiplayer online worlds in gaming history. 

Across the aforementioned Cryptic Studios MMORPGs Emmert has led and helped develop, these titles have collectively reached more than 32.2 million players worldwide, generating over 1.47 billion hours of total playtime. Star Trek Online alone has drawn over 7.7 million players since its launch — a testament to the long‑lasting appeal Cryptic Studios’ games have maintained within one of gaming’s most competitive genres. 

Watch Jack Emmert’s Cryptic Studios CEO Introduction Video below:

With his return to Cryptic Studios, Emmert is determined to recapture the spirit and ambition that once made the studio a genre-defining force, while rebuilding its portfolio of games for a new generation of players.  Emmert’s vision for the long-running studio is to honor its legacy and restore the studio to its full potential, create unforgettable experiences for gamers, and drive the team forward with the dedication and effort needed to deliver exceptional worlds for players around the world to explore.

To re-connect directly with the community, Cryptic Studios will host a live Q&A livestream with Jack Emmert via Cryptic Studios’ Twitch channel next Tuesday, February 3 at 11:00am Pacific Time giving players a chance to hear more about his vision for the studio’s future. Additionally, he’ll be participating in a Reddit AMA on Neverwinter’s subreddit (r/Neverwinter) starting next Wednesday, February 4 at 9:00am Pacific Time and on Star Trek Online’s subreddit (r/STO) the same day, February 4 at 11:00am Pacific Time, inviting fans of both titles to ask questions, share feedback and engage in an open discussion about the road ahead. These community-focused opportunities are just one-way Emmert plans to re-engage with fans to get their feedback to help shape the evolution of Cryptic Studios.

“Coming back to Cryptic feels like coming home in a way,” said Jack Emmert, returning CEO of Cryptic Studios. “Cryptic’s incredible games have always been more than projects to me — they’re living, unforgettable worlds that I loved helping create alongside players and our team. Coming back to these worlds feels like revisiting old friends and rediscovering the spark that inspired us from the beginning. I’m profoundly thankful to return to the studio I helped build, and that has always held a special place in my heart. Now, I’m eager to guide it into a new era defined by creativity, ambition, and renewed purpose. I’m excited to bring new ideas that honor our past while evolving the studio like never before!”

“Few people in this industry have had the kind of impact that Jack has had, especially on the MMOs we brought into the world together – games that still resonate with fans today,” said Yoon Im, CEO of Arc Games. “His return marks an important and major chapter not just for Cryptic and for all of us at Arc Games, but for the future of what’s possible in online gaming. We’re thrilled to have him back and excited to partner with him as he leads the Cryptic into its next era.”

During Emmert’s earlier tenure, Cryptic Studios launched and expanded MMOs that reshaped the video game industry, set new standards for worldbuilding within MMOs, and attracted millions of players worldwide. His leadership was marked by a commitment to innovation, player‑driven design, and long‑term worldbuilding — values that remain central to the company’s identity. As CEO of Cryptic Studios, Emmert will oversee the studio’s existing portfolio of live service games and lead the future of the studio, including new projects.

“Cryptic Studios has always been defined by deep worldbuilding, incredible player experiences, and a commitment to raising the bar for what’s possible in massive worlds,” returning CEO Jack Emmert added. “We’re ready to push those boundaries again.”

ABOUT CRYPTIC STUDIOS

Cryptic Studios is a leading developer of online games committed to delivering the next level of gameplay. Founded in 2000, the long-running studio is known for bringing popular properties to life with innovative gameplay mechanics to create an engaging and immersive player experience. Its successfully launched titles include Star Trek Online, Neverwinter, and Champions Online. Cryptic Studios is under Arc Games, a leading independent video game publisher of AA and indie games, including premium and live service titles, in North America, Europe and Asia. 

ABOUT ARC GAMES

Arc Games is a leading independent publisher of AA and indie video games — including premium and live-service titles — across North America, Europe, and Asia. Originally founded in 2008 as Perfect World Entertainment, the company later rebranded as Arc Games and continues to expand its presence as a global publisher. Known for bringing beloved titles such as Neverwinter andStar Trek Online to players around the world, Arc Games has also delivered a strong portfolio of original releases, including REMNANT II, Remnant: From the Ashes, the Torchlight series, andFellowship, as well as distinctive indie experiences like Have a Nice Death and Frosthaven. Headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area with offices in Amsterdam and Shanghai, Arc Games is dedicated to supporting talented game creators and delivering high-quality, memorable gaming experiences. For more information, please visit www.arcgames.com.

A SHADOWY BACK PASSAGE IN LONDON – 28 Jan, 2026 – Developer Buried Things and Publisher Forklift Interactive are proud to announce that unlike one hundred other wannabies with equally confident press releases over the last two years, they have successfully developed a Balatro-style roguelike equally capable of ruining your grades and relationships. It’s called Cursed Words, and the demo is available today on Steam.

It all starts quite simple: form words from tiles on the board, aiming to score enough points in a few rounds to earn some money and progress on. But as the required scores get higher, and bosses with ever increasing difficulty begin to appear, winning will require stretching the very definition of a word. 

Use chess pieces, poker hands, numbers, maybe even fractions and break the rules of language as the game evolves into a roguelike beyond words.. ARE YOU STILL READING THIS?!!?!?! GO PLAY THE DEMO! 

Soon enough, tiles that feature increasingly impactful or down right incomprehensible symbols that abandon any pretense of being letters to begin with start to fill the board…break the game and the rules of language (if there were ever any to begin with).

Build and form powerful synergies with the four characters’ special abilities in the demo. The full game will feature eight characters, and more than 200 stamps and stickers to maximize score and play your way.  

Nina Nix’s Void tiles, which have negative values but have a 10% chance to become high-scoring shiny tiles, might not be easy to work with at first…but maybe there’s a stamp or sticker that could turn the odds around. And some characters might not even play words to score at all!

“Why a word game?” asked Niru Fekri-Arnold, Buried Things Co-founder. “Because we’re really smart. And we’re British, so we sound even smarter than that. But don’t worry,” he adds, “Cursed Words accepts American words too.”

:♕♖S 4 ♙” said Forklift CEO Andrei Podoprigora, a look of smug satisfaction on his sticker and stamp-covered face. It’s unknown exactly what he meant, having written this with the many cursed tiles found in Cursed Words, but the quote is worth over 1200 points.

Cursed Words’ demo is available today on Steam for PC, and will release later in 2026.

For the latest word on Cursed Words and Forklift Interactive, check out the official website and stay up to date by following @forkliftgames and joining the official Cursed Words Discord.

About Buried Things

Buried Things is a United Kingdom-based studio and was founded by two cousins using game development as a paper-thin veneer for their failing familial relationship. It has since expanded into a team of cutting edge talent building synergistic games.

About Forklift Interactive

Forklift Interactive is a Barcelona and Atlanta-based indie publisher founded by experienced industry veterans including former tinyBuild Publishing Director Andrei Podoprigora and Adult Swim Games Product Lead Tuсker Dean. They specialize in the production of deep, endless, system-driven games with player created narratives.