The Ice Protocol Begins: New region. New characters. New code-crafted abilities.

Germany, December 4th, 2025 – ByteRockers’ Games has locked in Q1 2026 for the full release of Net.Attack(), closing out its Early Access cycle with a barrage of new content, system upgrades and lethal refinements. Net.Attack() is a top-down bullet-heaven roguelite where your brain power is your firepower: engineer lethal algorithms from 150+ programming nodes and survive overwhelming security responses.

To mark the announcement, the studio has deployed the Glacier Update – a frozen new region, new enemy threats, three deadly characters and a sweeping upgrade to the game’s algorithm-crafting systems. Early Access players have been refining builds and sharpening the game for months, driving community-powered iteration across nodes, characters and core systems. All of that work is now deploying in this update – and even more content is planned for the v1.0 release. This is the final drop before 1.0 and it hits the system like a full-force intrusion.

Inside the Glacier Update:

Major System Overhaul of Net.Attack()’s tactical programming tools:

• Node Sets reorganize abilities into clearer, more strategic clusters.
• Modifications, run-defining super-upgrades, unlock devastating algorithm builds.
• New enemy threats detected:
  • Warden – A relentless enforcer that locks down waves with suffocating pressure. Wardens don’t give you space, they take it.
  • Artillery – A shock-impact mini-boss that bombards the arena with precision strikes. Hesitation = Deletion.
  • Surfer – A swarm-class predator triggered when all remaining ByteCoins convert into pursuit units. They flood the field instantly and they run you down.

These aren’t just new enemies, they’re new failure conditions. Adapt or get overwritten.

Three New Characters Join the Fight

Each character rewrites the battlefield with unique attack architectures:

• 7UR7ING – Armored. Methodical. Deploys modular Heat Link towers channeling thermal energy into brutal suppression zones. Bend enemy paths to your will – then incinerate them.
• M4RRY – A relentless shark-inspired brawler built for close-quarters brutality. Every strike builds strength until Rage Mode erupts, igniting a speed-and-damage surge turning aggression into annihilation.
• GU$$ – Serpentine tactician. Collect Observers to extend your shifting body, increasing reach, control and strike potential while weaving through enemy formations. Evolve mid-run and dominate late-game arenas.

Net.Attack() is available now in Early Access on Steam. The full version launches in Q1 2026 with even more content, systems and algorithmic firepower.

About Net.Attack()
CODE OR DIE. Net Attack() is the bullet-heaven roguelite for intelligent gamers who solve problems through code. Build killing-machine algorithms from 150+ programming nodes in a visual drag-and-drop system. 

No RNG excuses. Your brain power determines your firepower.

Hack enemy systems. Extract valuable Files. Survive security counterstrikes with algorithms you designed. Trade your files on the Dark Market, climb Hacker Rankings by mastering escalating difficulties.

Every victory is earned. Every failure is a lesson to debug. HACK THE PLANET.

About ByteRockers’ Games

Berlin-based development studio and publisher of indie games that loves to rock n’ roll. Currently working on the code-based bullet hell Net.Attack() and a space-themed mining simulator named Exovia, the company has a long track record of releasing quality games since 2018. As publishing partner and proud resident of the German games capital, supporting small teams with fresh ideas has become the signature of ByteRockers’ Games, who make a point to show face at local events of all sizes and even take on the role as industry advocate with the politicians and media in town.

An all-new original RPG from Pathea Games, the award-winning independent studio behind the multi-million selling ‘My Time’ series, revealed in new CGI and Gameplay Video

Chongqing, China – 4th December: Pathea Games, the studio behind the beloved life-sim series My Time, is delighted to unveil ‘The God Slayer’ – a new third-person, open-world steampunk fantasy, roleplaying game in development for PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox platforms.

Enter an Eastern-inspired steampunk metropolis where gods known as Celestials reign with a divine fist! In this premium open-world RPG, you are an Elemancer who refuses to bow to his creators. Infused with elemental powers and a heart of vengeance, you will dethrone them all. You will rise to be The God Slayer.

To get a flavour of this exciting new universe, please watch the CGI cinematic and gameplay trailer below:

Long ago, the god‑like Celestials created the human world and all living things in it, designing everything to cultivate a powerful force known as ‘Qi’ to fuel their eternal lives. In this new age, humanity has learned to channel that same qi energy into elemental powers, wielding fire, water, earth, metal and wood through flowing, martial‑artistry. Outraged that their divine energy is being used by mere mortals, the Celestials make a brutal example of humanity by conquering the strongest kingdom in the land in a single night — hunting down and killing the king and the kingdom’s Elemancers. An event remembered as the God Fall.

In this 40-hour story-driven campaign, players assume the role of one of these gifted Elemancers, Cheng, as he seeks to galvanise a resistance against the merciless Celestials. Imbued with a sense of power and anger at the loss of his own family during the God Fall, Cheng embarks on a journey to change his world, avenge the fallen, and slay the gods that have wronged him.

“Thematically The God Slayer is a big departure from what Pathea is known for, namely the My Time series,” explained Zifei Wu, founder and creative director at Pathea. “However we’ve made multiple open-world RPGs before, filled with beloved characters and varied systems for players to experiment with and flourish. The God Slayer has all that and more with our talented development team attempting something darker and more serious in tone, bolstered by thrilling elemental combat at its core.”

Featuring a darker tone than Pathea’s previous games, The God Slayer, features freeform RPG gameplay that players love with fully customisable elemental combat, a giant capital city named Zhou to explore, factions to befriend or belittle, and mission design that enables players to make different choices in how they achieve their objectives.

This exciting new release was first mentioned as part of Sony Interactive Entertainment’s ‘China Hero Project’ at ChinaJoy in 2023. Over the past two years Pathea has been crafting and refining their vision to create a truly immersive open-world story-driven experience.

For a more complete feature rundown please see below:

• A Reactive Steampunk Metropolis 
  Lose yourself in a unique fantasy steampunk setting, enhanced with Eastern flair. Set foot in the capital city of the Zhou Kingdom, an urban metropolis that is experiencing a technological revolution, with an assortment of airships, steamboats, monorails, and steam vehicles. A fortunate few in the upper class savor the miracle of air-conditioned homes and mechanical washing drums, while in the poor neighborhoods the vast majority still toil in soot-blackened factories or bow beneath the weight of noble privilege. 
• Customisable Elemental Combat
  Combine water, earth, metal and fire to create powerful attacks and weaponry. Use these abilities to bend the environment to your whim and in direct combat. Experiment with different strategic options and create your own fully customisable fighting style to dominate enemies big and small. Every encounter is a challenge, every battle a chance to unleash thrilling elemental combos that scratch your creative itch.
• Confront Challenges Your Way
  Missions in The God Slayer will allow players to approach them in multiple ways. For instance, players are free to attack all enemies head-on, they can bribe guards to look the other way, they can activate elemental powers to create diversions / distract enemies, they can pathfind usually hidden side routes and utilize other means to achieve their objective.
• A Story of Vengeance
  Embark on a thrilling story-driven campaign filled with interesting characters and intriguing twists and turns. Choose your allies, inspire people across the city, and overthrow scheming gods to bring justice to the world.

The God Slayer is currently available to wishlist on Steam and Epic Games Store, with store pages for Xbox and PlayStation 5 coming soon. If you’d like to see screenshots, videos and more as development progresses, please visit The God Slayer’s official website thegodslayer.pathea.net. 

Pathea also invites everyone to their official Discord channel where they plan on sharing more insights into The God Slayer’s ongoing development.

ABOUT PATHEA GAMES

PATHEA GAMES is one of China’s leading development studios that makes video games for audiences the world over. Its aspiration is to bring memorable moments to players that stay with them for a lifetime, through building fun and immersive experiences. Pathea’s most popular IP: ‘My Time at Portia’ and ‘My Time at Sandrock’ have generated over 5 million unit sales worldwide with the future installment ‘My Time At Evershine’ currently in development. Visit Pathea.net to find out more.

Chill out over the holidays in a town full of endless possibilities

Shanghai, China — December 4, 2025 | XD Games is happy to announce that the final closed beta test for Heartopia will kick off on PC and Android, on 10 December, and it will run through to 23 December. Anyone who plays the upcoming life simulation game, during this period, will be rewarded with items that they can claim once Heartopia officially launches next year.

Players who successfully create a character during the final beta test — as well as those who successfully created a character during the first beta test — will receive one Blueberry Crossbody Bag in-game cosmetic, which can be claimed when Heartopia launches, in early 2026. On top of that, players who reach level 18 during the final beta test — or, again, those who reached level 18 during the first beta test — will receive one Star Mascot Head in-game cosmetic, which can also be claimed when Heartopia launches, in 2026.

Pre-registration is now open on the App Store for iOS users, Google Play for Android users, and via the official website for PC players. Anyone who pre-registers will receive a selection of in-game items, including Gold x4000, Wishing Star x20, Moonlight Crystal x400, and Exhibition Pass x60, when the game is officially released.

What is Heartopia?

Heartopia blends narrative roleplay, life simulation, and personal connection. Set in a contemporary, stylish urban world, the game focuses on everyday warmth: think conversations over coffee, shared routines, self-expression, and moments of emotional discovery.

Players create their own lives, building friendships and exploring romance options along the way, making choices that influence how others respond to them. Heartopia prioritises authenticity and emotional realism: relationships evolve naturally, characters react to your behaviour, and your daily decisions gradually define who you become in the world.

Heartopia is built around several core pillars that define the experience. Players can expect deep relationship and narrative systems that allow connections to grow naturally through meaningful choices and emotional interactions. Avatars, outfits, and living spaces are fully customisable, giving players freedom to express their personal style and create a life that feels uniquely their own. Daily routines and social encounters unfold in real time, encouraging organic moments, chance meetings, and a sense of everyday rhythm.

Alongside this, the world offers light and comforting exploration, with gentle activities that support relaxation and immersion rather than pressure or grind. All of this is set within an evolving city filled with story events and memorable characters, each adding depth to the world and inviting players to discover new experiences as they go.

With a welcoming aesthetic and grounded emotional tone, Heartopia aims to offer a space that feels familiar, comforting, and personal.

About XD Games

Founded in 2003, XD Games. is a global video games developer and publisher with extensive experience across development, publishing and operations. As of 2022, XD has 38 free-to-play and paid games with over 50 million monthly active users worldwide. In addition, TapTap — a mobile games community and app store — was launched by XD in 2016 and is estimated to currently have 44 million monthly active users. XD’s mission is to assemble like-minded talented games industry craftspeople with a common goal of touching the hearts of players around the world. XD produces games of the finest quality with passion, offering a pure gaming experience, and encouraging players of all ages to embrace the unique joy of video gaming.

The long-established Scholarship debuted the latest winner at Africa Games Week

LOS ANGELES – December 4, 2025 – The International Game Developers Association Foundation (IGDA Foundation) is honored to recognize Margaret Gathoni as the recipient of the 2025 Eric Dybsand Memorial AI Scholarship during the final day of Africa Games Week.

As a past grantee of the IGDA Foundation’s Virtual Exchange Program in 2024, Margaret Gathoni builds upon her industry experience to further explore how games and interactive storytelling inspire learning and connection. Her prior work includes mentorship platforms that blend technology, data, and creativity, as well as experimental, narrative-driven projects. 

The IGDA Foundation founded the Eric Dybsand AI Scholarship in 2007. Eric Dybsand was a pillar of the game AI development community, known at GDC as one of the “AI guys.” In his honor, the Foundation awards the Scholarship to one student studying AI to aid their education and foster the next generation of AI engineers.

“I am deeply honored to be selected as the recipient of the Eric Dybsand Memorial AI Scholarship,” said Margaret. “I am sincerely grateful to the IGDA Foundation for this opportunity and for enabling me to attend Africa Games Week. Their support allows me to connect with global industry peers and strengthen my mission to showcase how African creativity, culture, and storytelling can shape the future of gaming and technology.”

Africa Games Week spotlights the excellence of Africa’s gaming talent, including studio heads, developers, industry professionals, and newcomers to the gaming industry. The annual 4-day event showcases the brilliance behind Africa’s gaming landscape through leading industry speakers, B2B networking, workshops, and a sprawling games exhibit located in South Africa.

To learn more about Africa Games Week, visit https://gamesweek.africa/.

About the IGDA Foundation

The International Game Developers Association Foundation (IGDA-F) is dedicated to advancing inclusivity and diversity in the gaming industry by providing opportunities, education, and support for individuals from underrepresented communities. The IGDA-F is sponsored by a generous group of industry companies, including Double Fine Productions, Stride PR, and Premack Rogers Downs. Since 2008, the IGDA-F has supported more than 1,000 alumni who  develop games at both AAA and indie studios. For more information, visit https://igdafoundation.org 

Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe today releases THE FORSAKEN HOLLOWS, a DLC for the multiplayer co-op survival action game ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN by FromSoftware, Inc.. ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN: THE FORSAKEN HOLLOWS is available today forPlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.

With THE FORSAKEN HOLLOWS, Nighfarers will see their ranks grow, with two new archetypes joining the roundtable to see the hunt to its end: Scholar and Undertaker. Watch their respective reveal trailer here and here.

Scholar is a trained academic, excelling in the art of spellcasting; he boasts impressive arcane knowledge and gains incredible advantages on the battlefield through keen observation.

Undertaker is driven by faith and strength; mandated by her monastery to slay the Nightlord, she is an unassuming gatekeeper to the afterlife using her uncanny strength to annihilate her enemies with ruthless efficiency.

THE FORSAKEN HOLLOWS also brings new areas and threats encountered in Limveld, as well as two new bosses to defeat at the dawn of the third day. Lastly, a new mysterious Shifting Earth changes the layout of the map under certain conditions and will renew the experience of Nightfarers all around the world.

ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN is a condensed multiplayer co-op survival action game where players never experience the same journey twice. Players select a Nightfarer, armed with distinctive weapons and abilities, and make split-second choices in combat and exploration across a map that shifts between biomes, weapons and enemies, all rushed by the Night’s Tide, pushing them towards bosses at night. Players must survive each day, and on the third day, face a final boss, overcoming its challenges. Nightfarers must cooperate, combining their distinct abilities, in an unparalleled experience in the ELDEN RING universe.

ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN: THE FORSAKEN HOLLOWS DLC is available today forPlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. Players who own or purchase the Deluxe, Seekers or Collector’s editions of ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN on Steam will automatically receive ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN: THE FORSAKEN HOLLOWS. Players on consoles need to manually download the DLC from their console’s store pages. Players owning the Standard Edition can purchase the DLC separately.

For more information on ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN and other titles from Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe please visit: https://www.bandainamcoent.eu.

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 two studios, Reflector Entertainment and Limbic 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.

For more information, please visit www.bandainamcoent.eu 

Press Release © 2025 Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe S.A.S.

All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners.

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

©Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc. / ©2025 FromSoftware, Inc. 

Play as your favorite PDude, defeat countless enemies in a mission-driven bullet heaven shooter

TUCSON, Ariz – Dec. 3, 2025 – POSTAL: Bullet Paradise, a timeline-hopping dystopian bullet heaven first-person shooter with POSTAL’s signature darkly humorous personality from publisher Running With Scissors and developer Goonswarm Games, blasts through hordes on Steam via PC, Mac, and Linux in Q3 2026, with PlayStation 4|5, and Nintendo Switch versions to follow.

Everyone’s happy in Paradise…except for the POSTAL Dude. Stuck in a shitty future full of forced positivity, constant surveillance, obnoxiously bright lights, and social credit scores, the POSTAL Dude just wants to relax and drink a few beers. So when Paradise’s automated enforcers flag him as a threat due to a “negative demeanor”, the hapless everyman POSTAL Dude is once again pulled off his couch and into the action.

The POSTAL Dude doesn’t want to be a hero. He just wants things to go back to normal so he can watch TV in peace.

Suit up for chaos as one of 11 playable POSTAL Dudes from different timelines, each with their own starting loadout and perks. Blast through hordes of enemies with an evolving arsenal of POSTAL weapons and gadgets. Purge punkasses in Paradise and beyond, fighting through iconic POSTAL locations and all-new environments, completing mission-specific objectives and securing powerful weapon upgrades and modifiers that might even crack a smile on the POSTAL Dude’s face.

Balance firepower and the Dude’s signature lack of impulse control. POSTAL: Bullet Paradise runs are lightning fast and full of action. Rain shotgun fire on throngs of cultists, dodge out of danger as protestors swarm the scene, and heal up with pizza before dishing out damage to challenging bosses spreading forced positivity and blocking progression. 

Experiment with different weapon upgrades and modifiers to create an unstoppable Dude. Complete mission objectives to unlock new guns and meta unlocks. Paradise’s streets are rife with opportunity for the enterprising Dude, making different loadouts and tactics the key to victory. And if that wasn’t enough, call in a friend with online co-op support for up to four players. 

“POSTAL: Bullet Paradise is all about releasing the essence of POSTAL and its signature gallows humor into an over-the-top and highly replayable package,” said Artem Korovkin, CEO, Goonswarm Games. “Equal parts irreverent and action-packed, we’re thrilled to partner with Running With Scissors to bring this dystopian slice of Paradise to life.”

“No way in Hell Mike J is going to Heaven,” laughed Running With Scissors founder Vince Desi. “But he’s definitely gunning for POSTAL: Bullet Paradise next year.”

POSTAL Bullet Paradise will launch on Steam with PC, Mac, and Linux support in Q3 2026 for $19.99. PlayStation 4|5 and Nintendo Switch versions are planned for a later date. For more information, wishlist the game on Steam and visit the official Running With Scissors website.

About Goonswarm Games

Goonswarm Games is an independent studio built on bold ideas, tight gameplay, and a straight-up “make it happen” attitude. Founded in 2019 by developers with a genuine love for games, the team is best known for creating the Sin Slayers universe.

For more about Goonswarm Games, follow them on X, Instagram, and TikTok, and join the Discord community.

About Running With Scissors

Founded in 1996 and still defiantly independent in Tucson, Arizona, Running With Scissors makes the games your mom warned you about. Best known for the long-running POSTAL series—an unapologetic blend of dark satire, slapstick ultraviolence, and free-speech mischief—RWS has steered the franchise through bans, cult fandom, a Hollywood adaptation, and more than two decades of community-driven mayhem. With a mantra of “pure, politically incorrect entertainment,” the studio continues to self-publish on PC and consoles, stream weekly dev shows, and license fresh spins on its rowdy universe. 

For more about Running With Scissors, visit the official website, follow them on X, Instagram, and TikTok, and join the Discord community.

Fallout 76: Burning Springs, the definitive update for fans of the Fallout TV show and the classic video games, is now available for free for all Fallout 76 players. This update welcomes players to a post-nuclear Ohio with new characters and factions, and an all-new Bounty Hunting system hosted by Walton Goggins as ‘The Ghoul’.

Bounty Hunting
New with this update, players can now undertake the ruthless pursuit of Bounty Hunting, an endless series of missions from ‘The Ghoul’. Players can find the iconic character at ‘The Last Resort’ in Highway Town and pick up a bounty mission unique to Burning Springs. New Grunt Hunt and tougher Head Hunt bounties will always be rolling in, so players should check in with ‘The Ghoul’ often to pick up the latest bounties – and their rewards upon completion.

Burning Springs
Burning Springs is Fallout 76’s largest update since 2020, introducing players to an arid and charred region of post-nuclear Ohio, complete with new factions, challenges, unique weapons and gear, and even new fish to catch. 

In this new location, players can find the Rust King, an intelligent Super Mutant who has no shortage of work for them across Burning Springs. The region brings public events, workshops, and even a wild local menace called the Rad Hog, which can become a C.A.M.P. Pet for those brave enough to tame it.

Additional details on Burning Springs can be found here.

In tandem, Season 23: Blood x Rust kicks off today. This season brings an homage to Fallout: New Vegas through unique cosmetics; “Raiderized” workbenches, a new seasonal weapon, and more. Additional details on Season 23 can be found here. 

Fallout 76: Burning Springs is available on Steam, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PlayStation 5 and 4. Fallout 76 is also available on Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus Extra. We are happy to offer any Codes or Atoms on request – please reach out for more details.

For more information head over to the Bethesda News site

If anyone screams, you restart, in new expanded title from HYPERCHARGE: UNBOXED devs Digital Cybercherries

Manchester, UK – December 3rd, 2025  – Digital Cybercherries’ are pleased to announce that their co-op horror, DON’T SCREAM TOGETHER, is available now on Steam. A follow up to the studio’s viral horror hit, DON’T SCREAM, this expanded version’s many new features, including the headline addition of co-op, saw the game generate an incredible 270,000 wishlists since its announcement in late October.

DON’T SCREAM TOGETHER is an experience about friendship, fear, and keeping your voice down. Up to four players must survive the night together by exploring, finding batteries for their camcorders, and speaking quietly through a forest that may – or may not – be haunted. Beware the jump scares, because if anyone screams, everyone restarts. If you choose to play in the new “Hunted” mode, speaking too loudly will see that player return as a playable hunter who can track, stalk, and intimidate the remaining team via proximity voice before finishing them off.

The game turns a simple concept into an unpredictable and hilarious test of teamwork and self-control. Whether you’re surviving as a group or slowly losing one friend at a time, it’s a beautifully terrifying walk in the woods. Alongside the addition of co-op and the new “Hunted” mode, there are expanded locations, dynamic scares, improved voice detection, accessibility options and much more, making DON’T SCREAM TOGETHER a completely new experience. 

“The response to DON’T SCREAM TOGETHER since we announced the game has blown us away,” said Joe Henson, Creative Gameplay and Marketing Director at Digital Cybercherries, best known for their hit action figure shooter, HYPERCHARGE: UNBOXED. “The phenomenal amount of wishlists the game got in such a short time shows us that people really want this game and we are delighted to deliver it today!”

Key Features

• Use Proximity Voice Chat to whisper, panic, and argue in real-time; only nearby players can hear you
• Choose between two modes: scream and restart, or scream and return as the hunter
• Explore the forest and discover hidden locations, symbols, relics, and secrets
• Find batteries to power your camcorder and keep it running
• Dynamic scares make every playthrough feel new
• Time only moves when you do; keep moving
• Microphone may flag laughing, coughs, sneezes, burps, and farts as a scream
• A beautiful, relaxing walk in the forest (may contain traps)
• Some jump scares might be… real?
• Voice chat may become ASMR

About Digital Cybercherries
Digital Cybercherries came to life in 2015, nestled in the heart of Manchester, UK. We’re a cozy crew of six indie devs with a big passion for games. Our mission? To make games that entertain, innovate, and stand the test of time. We’ve had our hands in a bunch of cool projects – like New Retro Arcade: Neon, a VR trip down memory lane, and Hypercharge: Unboxed, an action figure adventure that caught the internet by storm. We’ve also spooked the gaming world with hits like DON’T SCREAM and are buzzing about our next big thing, Paranormal Tales. Making games that we and players love is what gets us up in the morning. We’re all about bringing something new and exciting to the table for gamers everywhere! For more information, visit: https://digitalcybercherries.com

TOKYO, Japan – December 3, 2025 – Thirdverse, Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Tokyo; CEO: Masaru Ohnogi”) is pleased to announce that the Early Access release for the new social VR game Hello Kitty Skyland, set in the world of Sanrio characters, will begin on December 22, 2025. The game will be available on Meta Quest 2, 3, 3S.

Additionally, Thirdverse published a new key visual and the Early Access launch trailer.

■ Wishlist here

https://www.meta.com/experiences/hello-kitty-skyland/24351103704475532

■ Early Access Overview

In Early Access, players will gain access to the central online lobby area of SKYLAND and experience core content, including the multiplayer competitive race game, “Sky Dash”.

The avatar dress-up system will also feature a variety of original outfits, as well as limited-time avatar costumes themed around Hello Kitty®, Kuromi™, and My Melody™, allowing players to express themselves in unique and charming ways.

During the Early Access period, the development team will gather player feedback and continue adding content toward the full release.

■ About the Game

Hello Kitty Skyland is a new social VR game set in a virtual world called SKYLAND, where Sanrio characters appear. Players from around the globe can gather and enjoy a variety of activities and social interactions.

In addition to immersive encounters with Sanrio characters in VR, the game includes full-body multiplayer activities, avatar decoration features, and many other VR-native experiences.

Players can enjoy a wide range of content through customization, cooperation, and discovery.

About Sanrio

Sanrio is a global lifestyle and entertainment company best known for its beloved characters such as Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, Kuromi, My Melody, Pompompurin and Gudetama. Since its founding in 1960, Sanrio has upheld the corporate philosophy of “Minna Nakayoku” (Getting Along Together). Today, with a presence in over 130 countries and regions, Sanrio continues to strengthen its global influence in entertainment through consumer products, digital content, and immersive experiences. Guided by the vision “One World, Connecting Smiles”, Sanrio is committed to creating smiles, one person at a time, and spreading the circle of happiness even further afield. As it evolves into a global IP platform provider, Sanrio aims to generate new value in entertainment and shape the future of fun and joy through co-creation with people around the world.

About Thirdverse, Co., Ltd.

Thirdverse is a XR game studio with a vision to create a new virtual world where one billion people can live. With development bases in Japan and San Francisco, the studio is committed to delivering immersive XR gaming experiences to a global audience. Its latest title, Hello Kitty Skyland, signals the beginning of broader collaborations that blend beloved characters with cutting-edge social gameplay.

The information in this release is current as of the announcement date and is subject to change without notice. Ⓒ ’25 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPR. NO. N660009

Best Indie Games Winter Showcase Reveals Release Date and New Look at Characters and OST

TOKYO, JAPAN -December 3rd, 2025 – Tokyo-based publisher SHUEISHA GAMES and solo developer Koeda are excited to announce that ANTHEM#9, the strategic gem match roguelite, will launch in February 2026 on Steam at a price of $14.99. Originally planned for Winter 2025, the launch has been moved to February 2026 to ensure the highest possible quality, and the development team is working with full dedication to polish and refine the game.

Alongside the release date reveal at The Best Indie Games Winter Showcase, SHUEISHA GAMES announced that the game’s original soundtrack will be released on Steam at a later date, with pricing and release details to be announced soon.

“Although we have decided to postpone the release of ANTHEM#9, the team is fully committed to improving the game and making it the best experience possible,” said koeda, developer of Anthem#9. “We are working with all our strength to raise the overall quality. Thank you for your patience, and we hope you’ll look forward to the final game. We can’t wait to share it with you.”

Beni, on the other hand, is a proud martial artist and self-proclaimed hero who fights with unshakable resolve. She consumes gems to gain shields, healing and powerful attack buffs, specializing in stacking enhancements that transform her strikes into overwhelming blows or fortify her defenses to withstand any challenge. Sworn to punish evil and pursue justice, she embodies both strength and conviction.

About ANTHEM#9
ANTHEM#9 is a turn-based roguelite where players match red, green and blue gems to activate skills and unleash dazzling combo chains. Quick thinking and smart deck-building are the keys to survival as every run challenges you to adapt, strategize and push your combos to the limit.

Match gems to trigger powerful skills, chain them together for massive damage and crush bosses with style. Collect new skills and “Blessings” as you progress through procedurally generated dungeons as you customize your deck to fit your strategy. The higher the combo, the greater the thrill of battle!

For more information on ANTHEM#9:
Official Website: https://shueisha-games.com/games/anthemnumber9/
Steam Store Page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2656490/ANTHEM9/

About Koeda
Koeda is a self-taught game creator who began developing games in 2021. With no prior industry or programming experience, he pursued his passion for game development from scratch, ultimately creating his debut title, ANTHEM#9. The project earned the Grand Prize at the Shueisha Game Creators Camp Game BBQ vol.2 (No Demo Division).

About Shueisha Games
Shueisha Games, founded in February 2022 and headquartered in Tokyo, is an enthusiastic and experienced team responsible for the planning, development, and sales of many titles for consoles, PCs, and smartphones.