Assemble an Army of Ants, Oddballs, and Outlandish Allies — Just Don’t Get Too Attached
London, UK – July 21, 2025 – Hungarian indie developers Save Sloth Studios and Bristol-based indie publisher Yogscast Games today announced that The Royal Writ, a hilariously ruthless lane-based deckbuilder, will release on PC via Steam Store on Thursday, August 7. Set in the medieval realm of Aranfold, the game begins with King Mikolt the Second — beloved by most, feared by some, and ignored by many — issuing a royal decree to the Bandit Leader who’s been looting the kingdom. When diplomacy (read: a very stern letter) fails, the King unleashes his loyal legion of lizards, bugs, bats, and other barely qualified fighters to restore order through the time-honoured tradition of turn-based violence.
The Royal Writ combines picture-book visuals, delightful humour, and frequent fatalities in a deckbuilding strategy game where permadeath is real, and favourite characters will probably die. The goal? Knock the enemy’s health to zero before reaching their base, with players competing across ever-changing battle layouts of one to three rows, delivering damage through power and multiplication modifiers.
Players must build the perfect squad of cannon-fodder and clutch-carrying creatures, balancing strategy and a slight disregard for their troops’ feelings. With a deck limit and permanent death looming, fighters can be upgraded between battles through various events, from horse racing to a trip to the dentist, earning relics and gear, which can help dodge hazards like anthills, spike pits, creeks, and mushroom fields.
“The Royal Writ rips up the rulebook and offers a unique lane-based deckbuilder where sentiment and loyalty go out the window in the pursuit of victory,” said Simon Byron, Managing Director, Yogscast Games. “As the self-proclaimed home of the roguelike deckbuilder, we’re excited to see our community build weird armies, watch them die, mourn them briefly, then throw their replacements into battle five minutes later.”
Players will bond with their army and betray them for loot when they’ve served their purpose. From ants that gain strength when partnered with other ants, to charismatic killers like The Tax Collector (a vampire bat that bites both wallets and necks), or Gereb (a drunk frog that gets stronger the closer it is to death), each card has personality and purpose. With no one way to triumph, The Royal Writ invites players to experiment to unlock perfect synergies and, with several Hardship and Challenge options, feel the urge to return to the game for yet one more run.
Keep up-to-date with the latest news and information, visit theYogscast Gameswebsite.
About Yogscast Games
Yogscast Games was established in 2017, with a simple goal: to work with independent teams to develop and publish games which are as fun to watch as they are to play. Responsible for a string of hits such as PlateUp!, which has sold over two million copies on Steam, and Dungeons & Degenerate Gamblers, which grossed over $1m in its first month on sale, it prides itself in working with tiny teams doing brilliant things.
Rule-breaking, memory-making, and hall-skipping mayhem in a nostalgic open-world coming-of-age adventure.
[July 21st, 2025] – Refugium Games is thrilled to announce Agefield High: Rock the School, a heartfelt open-world adventure that captures the chaos and charm of teenage life at the turn of the millennium. In development for PC and consoles, this single-player, story-driven game puts you in the shoes of a senior navigating a new school, big decisions, and one last chance to leave a legacy. With its saturated colors, satirical edge, and soundtrack soaked in early 2000s pop-punk, the game delivers a nostalgic ride through high school like you’ve never played before.
In Agefield High: Rock the School, you play as Sam Tatum, an 18-year-old on the edge of graduation — until your parents uproot your life and drop you into the sleepy small town of Agefield. With just a few months until summer break, you’re thrown into a new school and a new reality. But this isn’t just about surviving senior year — it’s about making it unforgettable. From satirical school assemblies to late-night prank wars and bike rides through suburban sprawl, every moment taps into the chaos, comedy, and rebellious energy of early 2000s teen life.
Skip classes or sit through them. Sneak into tattoo parlors, mow lawns for cash, prank call your crush, and hustle to build your rep. Explore a fully simulated campus and a small-town open world dripping with nostalgia — from dusty corner stores and cluttered arcades to garage band rehearsals and hallway showdowns. Whether you’re ditching detention or chasing high school glory, every decision shapes how your legend will be remembered when the yearbook closes.
Key Features:
Cinematic Gameplay: Follow a branching narrative through a series of missions with different endings.
A Fully Simulated School System: Attend (or skip) five different class types, including English, Math, Geography, Music, and German.
Explore a Small-Town Sandbox: From bike shops to tattoo parlors, the world of Agefield is filled with places to discover and decisions to make.
Side Hustles and Mini-Games: Complete a variety of side missions and activities like prank calling and lawn mowing to earn cash and unlock items.
Customize Your Look: Buy clothes, accessories, bikes, hairstyles, and more to express your style and stand out in the halls.
Authentic Early 2000s Vibes: A pop-punk soundtrack, springtime setting, and vibrant color palette create an atmosphere that’s as loud and rebellious as your teen years.
Currently in development, Agefield High: Rock the School is scheduled to release for PC via Steam, with console versions planned for a later date.
About Refugium Games
Refugium Games’ mission is to create games on topics that no one has dared to tackle yet.
Their journey started as a solo developer just with the vision of creating a game about classic grey aliens, an invasion, and UFOs.Greyhill Incident launched on June 9, 2023 on Steam, PlayStation and Xbox. Criticism and negative reviews rained down on release day because of a lack of beta testing, the newbie developer took it as a lesson and moved forward.After the successful launch of their second game Vacant’s Mine, more developers joined. And Refugium Games decided on starting to work on their dream game, Agefield High: Rock the School, the open-world game where you play as a teenager in high school.
Globally, Ready or Not has now sold over 10 million copies on all platforms
Los Angeles, CA – July 21, 2025 – VOID Interactive, a global independent studio, has announced that as of Saturday, July 19, their highly immersive tactical FPS Ready or Not has officially sold over 1 million console copies since their release on July 15.
Releasing on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S last week, VOID Interactive’s ambitions of bringing the breakout PC hit to a brand new playerbase have been a resounding commercial and critical success, currently sitting with an 83 (Xbox Series X/S), and 82 (PS5) on Metacritic.
This news follows the announcement in April that PC sales broke the 9 million units sold milestone. As of today, total sales across all platforms have surpassed 10 million, an incredible achievement for an independent outfit with AAA ambitions.
“When we launched Ready or Not on PC, it took about 36 days to reach 1 million units sold. On console, it took about 3.6 days. I’m incredibly proud of the team and what we’ve accomplished together. It’s a huge moment — and one we don’t take for granted.
Game reviews are holding strong as we head into our first weekend, and the team is already hard at work ironing out issues and continuously improving the experience. To our players, partners, and everyone who believed in the project — thank you.” Julio Rodriguez, CEO of VOID Interactive
“The response from console players has completely blown us away. Going from the days of excitement from our Early Access trailer blowing up on PC to seeing the community grow globally so much across platforms is humbling, but testament to the incredible dedication of the entire VOID Interactive team to make this vision a reality for Ready or Not.” Stirling Rank, Creative Director and VOID Interactive COO
Ready or Not is fully accessible to squad up across platforms for crossplay. Ready or Not Digital Edition is out now on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
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About
Ready or Not puts players into high-risk and realistic scenarios involving SWAT teams. Defuse situations involving hostages, active bomb threats, barricaded suspects, and more. Ready or Not is rated ESRB M/PEGI18.
About VOID Interactive Limited
VOID Interactive is a digital provider in the video game and entertainment industry. VOID Interactive publishes the realistic, tactical first-person shooter, Ready or Not, as its flagship title, and is delivered digitally for download for PC systems. The company was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in Cork, Ireland with business activities managed globally.
The Sounds of Drums Have Put the Patapon Tribe on the March; Lead the Warriors Past Challenging Battles to Reclaim their Home
PATAPON 1+2 REPLAY, the remaster bringing the critically acclaimed rhythm-based action-adventure game to new players on consoles and PC, is now available worldwide. Published by Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe, the title includes the first two critically acclaimed entries in the PATAPON series. Known for their charming aesthetic, inspired art style, memorable soundtrack and memorizing rhythm-strategy gameplay, PATAPON 1+2 REPLAY features enhancements including updated graphics, new difficulty settings, and more. The game is available now for PlayStation®5, Nintendo Switch™ and PC via Steam®.
The ancient Mighties had departed, and the Patapons lived sadly in a corner of the world, which drove them to become fierce warriors that can only be commanded by the beat of the drums, an instrument at the command of the Mighty One (the player). Their wait has finally come to an end as the drums are heard once again by the Mighty One’s return to guide the Patapon tribe through their adventures to fight against challenging enemies and set out for Earthend, where the legendary “IT” is said to be.
PATAPON 1+2 REPLAY combines the first two entries in the PATAPON series, which debuted on Sony’s PlayStation®Portable (PSP) in 2007 and 2008, respectively. The game blends unique rhythm-based action and real-time strategy 2D gameplay, where players must overcome their enemies and return the Patapon to Earthend. As the Mighty One, players will be tasked with issuing rhythmic commands intertwined with a catchy soundtrack set in charming and colorful environments. Players will find the game easy to jump into with its intuitive and rhythm-based controls but will ultimately need to hone their skills for precise timing and tactical thinking to lead the Patapon tribe to victory in battles.
Along with updated graphics, new for PATAPON 1+2 REPLAY are difficulty settings and additional quality-of-life improvements. The new title also features 1-4 player local co-op on Nintendo Switch. Players can customise their army with troops varying in distinct roles and combat styles such as the flag-waving “Hatapon” who leads the charge, the horse-riding “Kibapon” who charges into battle, and the bow-wielding “Yumipon” who strikes from afar. Patapons can also be enhanced by combining items collected from rare materials through stages and missions. With over 400 types of weapons and equipment, players can build their personalized Patapon unit and tackle diverse stages and formidable enemies.
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.
Sci-Fi 2D Action-Platformer developed by Bandai Namco Studios Reimagines PAC-MAN and Features Nostalgic Nods and Surprise Twists for Numerous Classic Arcade Games
Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe today announced the launch of SHADOW LABYRINTH™, the darkly inspired sci-fi take on the iconic PAC-MAN™ franchise. The 2D action-exploration platformer drops players into a maze-filled world where they must fight, hunt, and consume to become the planet’s apex predator and discover the numerous mysteries that surround the planet. SHADOW LABYRINTH is available on PlayStation ®5, Xbox Series X|S, PC via Steam®, Nintendo Switch™, and Nintendo Switch™ 2.
In SHADOW LABYRINTH, players assume the role of Swordsman No. 8, waking in a desolate world with a mysterious yet familiar companion known as PUCK to guide them. To survive, they’ll need to take down vicious creatures, consume their power, and evolve, unravelling the secrets of a planet designed to destroy them. The game blends classic 2D action-platforming with deep exploration and environmental puzzle-solving, inviting players to descend into a sprawling, maze-like world built for those who dare to devour it. Players will gain new abilities and weapons as they traverse the labyrinth, including the ability to transform into a powerful mech form called GAIA. SHADOW LABYRINTH weaves nostalgic elements of PAC-MAN into its DNA, from pursuit-style gameplay to dynamic combat and boss battles, including PAC-MAN’s nemeses the GHOSTS, reimagined as G-HOSTS. References to other beloved classic Bandai Namco franchises such as DIG DUG, BOSCONIAN,SPLATTERHOUSE, GALAGA and more enrich the world of SHADOW LABYRINTH and serve to raise the stakes for our heroes.
In the game, players encounter increasingly challenging enemies and puzzles with gameplay that weaves fluid tried-and-true 2D action platformer mechanics with inspired modern game design. SHADOW LABYRINTH offers a vast world to explore as players uncover terrifying secrets about the planet and its inhabitants, with an engaging narrative where venturing deeper into this maze of a world begins to unravel the mystery of the planet and PUCK’s role in its history.
Shadow Labyrinth is available now in both digital and physical formats in the following editions:
Standard Edition: includes the base game in a physical case.
Digital Standard Edition: includes the full game in digital format.
Digital Deluxe Edition: includes the full game, digital artbook, digital soundtrack, and additional bonus in-game items detailed below.
The Nintendo Switch version can be upgraded for free to the Nintendo Switch 2 version.
All editions include the PAC-MAN™ Arcade Sound FX Pack as a limited-time pre-order bonus, letting players experience in-game cues inspired by the original arcade classic.
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.
It’s always interesting to see what a series might try to do next but when it comes to the AI: The Somnium Files players certainly never know what to expect. This twisting and turning puzzle pair of puzzle games has always been incredibly odd with its own brand of humor and deep explorative themes, but when the next game was announced and lacked the involvement of one of its primary creators and only a supervisory role of another, questions were raised. Combine this with the fact that No Sleep for Kaname Date – from AI: The Somnium Files is something we don’t see much in game series’ and we already have a rather strange combination. While there may be many sequels and many pre-quels, this one happens to be a mid-point side story rather than any form of continuation.
Story
Almost right from the get go it should be known that No Sleep for Kaname Date is not for those who have not played at the very least the first game in the franchise. It is possible to play this one without playing Nirvana Initiative but some interactions, revelations, and introductions will lack a bit of “impact” without having done so first. In fact, just like Nirvana Initiative, No Sleep for Kaname Date gives players a knowledge check right out of the gate with players needing to type in an answer to let the game freely reveal details from the first title without worrying about obfuscating things or skirting them entirely. Since we did know the answer, we don’t know how this might be presented to those that don’t.
Anyways, No Sleep for Kaname Date picks up sometime, probably no more than a few months, after the events of the end of the first game with Kaname Date, a perverted investigator who works for the secret government organization IBIS alongside his AI-ball (eye-ball) companion that lives in his eye-socket Aiba, finding out that his internet-idol friend Iris Sagan has been kidnapped by aliens and is being forced to play an escape game by the reptilian known as Akemi. Iris must solve these puzzles on her own but is given the chance to contact one other person for help, and she has chosen Date to aid her in escaping from this alien being’s strange plot.
To make things even stranger, when Date and Aiba begin to look into the mysterious disappearance of Iris and try to locate where she was when she was taken, Mizuki notifies them that a strange coffin-like object has been found within a refrigerated warehouse on the docks with the sign “Psync Me” taped to it. With no knowledge of who or what might be inside the pod but possibly having ties to what might be happening to Iris, Date has no choice but to do so and enter the Somnium of whatever is inside to find out. This leads to what ends up being perhaps the most underwhelming, low-stakes, and shortest games in the franchise and probably why it is being treated more as a spin-off rather than a “mid-quel” that it appears to be.
As mentioned earlier it is worth noting that Uchikoshi, who took the lead on the other two games in the series has no connection to this release with Kazuya Yamada instead taking the reigns this time around with the storyline and, thanks to the fact that this is a game all about mysteries and puzzle solving we can’t really go into them without spoiling things, it is worth mentioning that the twists and revelations here are incredibly simplistic to the point that one of the Aiba notes that scrolls on top of the screen from time to time even points out that players probably already know what’s going on before the big reveal. It also doesn’t help that No Sleep for Kaname Date feels more like it was written as a set of two DLCs that were instead combined together with just enough tangential connection to create a coherent storyline.
Now, with all that said, it should be worth noting that while we’ve said quite a few negative things about the way the story unfolds, it must be said that Yamada has managed to capture Uchikoshi’s eclectic cast of characters perfectly here. In fact, the fact that players are able to see so many new interactions between characters here whether it is Date and Aiba’s non-stop back and forth banter, some hilarious reactions and interactions with objects and outcomes depending on choices made during Somniums or escape room choices, or even the two new characters having a chance to shine and we have a storyline that is actually heavily carried by the fact that these are characters that fans of the franchise love. They do a lot of heavy lifting here but it works well throughout every aspect of the storyline, with aforementioned newcomers Hina, the new psync technician at ABIS who is conveniently obsessed with escape rooms, and the reptilian Akemi serving their roles well.
As mentioned before, No Sleep for Kaname Date is on the shorter side, running roughly half the length of either of the original releases which is to its benefit thanks to the lackluster twists but that doesn’t mean that the team at Spike Chunsoft has skimped on the extra content. There are over ten different “alternate” endings that are joke endings, ranging from simple callbacks, or even call-forwards in this case, to entirely off the wall style ones. None of these are canon though one does happen to appear to have quite a bit more too it though at the moment of this writing we couldn’t figure out the final condition needed to unveil it. Alongside these bonus endings are other small scenes that players can unlock that provide some extra scenes for some characters and a few fun perspective mini-novels as well, giving players a wealth of bonus content to enjoy even after the credits roll.
Gameplay
No Sleep for Kaname Date puts a bit of a twist on the usual formula of the past two games, while players will still be finding themselves playing as Date and traveling between locations and using the joycons to examine objects in the environment and talk to characters, including using Aiba’s new “Wink Psync” that fully appeared in the second game as a sample here, as well as occasionally taking part in psyncs that see Aiba being the one in control as she explores the mind of an individual inside of their Somnium, both of these elements actually take more of a backseat compared to the third element that the former Zero Escape team is best known for, escape rooms.
The Psyncs still work the same as before and only happen a few times this time around with Date delving into the psyche of someone with Aiba having a six minute timer where she must break through various “mental locks” by using keys and objects scattered through the Somniums that are incredibly straightforward this time around. Players can use various tools to decrease the amount of time some actions take, giving players a chance to take risks if they don’t know the answer or mess around with an obviously wrong but most likely funny sequence instead. The design and lack of challenge in the Somniums this time around is disappointing in the end and while it is understandable they aren’t the main focus this time around, a little more variation or unique elements like before would have been nice.
Similarly the exploration sequences where Date travels from place to place around the real world to investigate are as simple as can be. These point and click style segments are generally filled with the aforementioned fun engagements with the beloved cast of characters and jokes, a few of which aren’t translated the best, when examining random items in the environment. These tend to be where players obtain “hidden” early endings and random sticker collectables as well. It is also worth noting though that players can “lock” themselves out of fully exploring or examining everything or going to the correct location first if they aren’t careful.
It is the escape room puzzles where No Sleep for Kaname Date really shines and players can tell that the Zero Escape team has put a lot of effort into making these puzzles and riddles really interesting while also trying to balance making them tough but rewarding to figure out. As players progress through the game these escape rooms grow considerably more challenging with more players being added into the fray beyond just Iris and as the player solves clues, gathers items, combines them, and solves riddles, they’ll always feel like they are actually engaged and challenged. In fact, almost every escape room culminates in a timed challenge that players will need to figure out a solution quickly or risk a game over (there are checkpoints in the escape rooms). These timers increase the intensity and even work as a good little play on words as Akemi will challenge players to use their “Third Eye” (get it?) to find a third solution to an impossible on the surface puzzle.
Thankfully, these puzzles can be heavily modified in actual challenge by swapping difficulty levels and if the player does fail, they have an option to knock the level down one step. These difficulty levels dictate how long players can have to solve some puzzles, whether or not a clue can be pointed out to them to examine, or even just straight up point out the solution. In many cases players will be able to figure these challenges out on their own but there are a few obscure ones that might push the limit a bit and we aren’t too proud to admit that for one “third eye” solution we let our allies spell out the code needed. This means that even those who aren’t the best at puzzles can still enjoy what they can solve and still ask for help when needed as characters will only speak up when prompted to, giving a nice balance of challenge and reward.
Audio & Visuals
It is worth noting that we reviewed No Sleep for Kaname Date on the standard Nintendo Switch and for the most part the game still looked as impressive as ever with solid character models that only had a bit of jagged edges at times and great character designs to go along with them. The levels players explore in the escape games are wildly varied and look great but the Somniums are a disappointing re-use of assets and lack the “twisted dream” feeling they used to have. Also, while I am all for fan-service in a game and applaud it, the bunny costume that Iris wears is one of the oddest takes on a bunny costume I have ever seen.
Thankfully all of the English voice cast has returned to reprise their roles in the English dub of the game, including characters that only appeared in the second game. This works great since most fans are quite familiar with them and it makes some of the new interactions even better, especially since some of these characters never talked to one another before. Newcomers Hina and Akemi are similarly voiced quite well and the Japanese voice track is always there as well as an option should fans prefer that route. The background music throughout the game is quite fitting when exploring or solving puzzles and there is even the classic dance number at the end, though the accompanying song might not be quite as catchy as either of the other two in my opinion.
Overall
No Sleep for Kaname Date – from AI: The Somnium Files is a solid side-story/mid-quel for fans that already know what to expect from the game. The storyline is one of the weakest yet when it comes to twists and stakes but thanks to an absolutely wonderful cast of characters that make up for it. The character interactions happen to be some of the best parts of the game alongside some wonderfully challenging escape rooms on a title that is great for fans but doesn’t reach the heights of the main entries.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
On July 24, CarGo! hits PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. This chaotic arcade game throws players into the shoes of frantic couriers battling time and disorder. CarGo! can be played solo or in local co-op with 2 to 4 players. Fans of Overcooked and Moving Out will feel right at home. The game is already available on PC, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.
CarGo! was developed by Polish studios Memory Leak Games and Cleversan Games. It debuted on PC in November 2024 and later launched on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch. Console publishing and development is handled by Ultimate Games S.A.
A Wacky Delivery Simulator
CarGo! is a fast-paced delivery simulator where players take on all sorts of transportation missions. Its bright, cartoony visuals and isometric perspective make it easy to keep track of the constantly shifting logistics chaos.
The gameplay is fully arcade-style-simple to pick up, but surprisingly challenging to master. The game’s responsive controls and dynamic pacing will appeal to players looking for pure, skill-based fun.
Whether playing solo or with friends in local co-op (2 to 4 players), teamwork and communication are essential. CarGo! throws players into a variety of challenges set across several colorful islands in the “Carchipelago.”
Time limits add pressure to each mission, turning smooth deliveries into exciting, chaotic sprints.
CarGo! is a must-play for fans of Overcooked, PlateUp!, Unrailed!, and similar couch co-op hits.
Key Features of CarGo!:
A wild delivery simulator
Race against time and chaos
Fast-paced, arcade-style gameplay
Play solo or local co-op (2–4 players)
Charming cartoon visuals
The PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 release of CarGo! is scheduled for July 24, 2025.
Shanghai, China — 18 July, 2025 | XD Games is proud to announce that the Etheria World Summit (EWS) Global Invitational — the first global esports competition for Etheria: Restart — will culminate in an electrifying offline finals event this weekend in Shanghai, China.
128 of Etheria Restart’s best players from around the world entered the competition, 120 have been eliminated across seven incredible rounds, now only eight remain to duke it out for the all important title: Global Champion.
Watch ETHERIA: Theme song of EWS
Tomorrow marks the start of two epic days of battle live on stage in Shangai for the $15,000 grand prize, half of the total $30,000 prize pool for one victor. The road to the final is simple. The top eight will face off, battling it out until only two remain and move on for the gripping final.
The remaining two competitors will then compete in the Grand Final, where the winner will not only claim $15,000 but also earn the right to battle a mystery legendary guest in a special showdown. The runner-up will take home $7,000, and the two semi-finalists will receive $4,000 each.
Global Spectacle – More Than Just a Competition
The EWS Global Invitational sets a new standard for competitive mobile strategy games, with all matches played on standardized accounts with no pay-to-win advantages. Only skill, strategy and real-time adaptability will give our global challengers from Asia, Europe and the Americas the edge they need to win!
In addition to the main tournament, the offline finals will also feature a Special Invitational Show Match:
Six special guests from across three major global regions will team up in a light-hearted, high-level exhibition match — showcasing diverse strategies, personalities and the growing popularity of Etheria across the globe.
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.
SHANGHAI – July 18, 2025 – HoYoverse today announced that Genshin Impact Version 5.8, titled “Sunspray Summer Resort,” will launch on July 30, introducing a brand-new permanent summer-themed region and the long-awaited debut of Ineffa, the game’s first playable character from the mysterious nation of Nod-Krai.
A key highlight of Version 5.8 is the addition of the Easybreeze Holiday Resort, a new permanent map set on an island off the western coast of Natlan. The vibrant location includes four unique exploration zones where players can traverse the landscape using the powers of the whimsical mascot Asha, uncovering hidden surprises and summer-themed adventures.
Version 5.8 also marks the introduction of Ineffa, a 5-star Electro polearm wielder, who brings with her a brand-new “Lunar-Charged” elemental reaction. Her story will be explored in a new Archon Quest chapter titled “Song of the Welkin Moon: Prelude – The Journey Home.”
To preview the upcoming content and setting, fans can check out the Version 5.8 trailer here:
In addition, HoYoverse has released a special preview video for Nod-Krai, titled “Through the Silent Frostbound Night,” offering players a deeper look at the upcoming region and the enigmatic “Frostmoon Scions”:
Key Features of Version 5.8 “Sunspray Summer Resort”:
New Permanent Map: Easybreeze Holiday Resort, a multi-zone summer island with fresh traversal mechanics.
New Character: Ineffa (5-star Electro, Polearm), the first character from Nod-Krai, introduces the Lunar-Charged elemental reaction.
New Archon Quest: “Song of the Welkin Moon: Prelude – The Journey Home” reveals Ineffa’s origin.
Event Wishes:
Phase I: Ineffa, Citlali
Phase II: Mualani, Chasca
New Outfits: Yelan and Bennett receive new themed costumes. Bennett’s outfit will be free via event participation, while Yelan’s will be offered at a discounted rate for a limited time.
Seasonal Events: A variety of mini-games and time-limited activities will offer rewards including Bennett’s outfit and the 4-star Claymore “Flame-Forged Insight.”
New Boss: A new combat challenge against Bakunawa will be available in Mare Jivari.
As Genshin Impact continues its global journey through Teyvat, Version 5.8 sets the stage for the long-awaited arrival of Nod-Krai and further character and lore development leading into future updates.
Now Compatible with Steam Deck, Wuthering Waves Latest Update Promises a New Main Quest, Location, Resonator, Weapon, Events and More!
GUANGZHOU, CHINA – JULY 18, 2025 – Kuro Games revealed details for upcoming version 2.5 of its award-winning RPG Wuthering Wavesin a Preview Special Broadcast last night, teasing a new resonator, new weapon, new main quest, optimizations, features and events! The impending update titled Unfading Melody of Life is scheduled to release simultaneously across all platforms on July 24th. Wuthering Waves is now compatible and optimized for Steam Deck. Rewatch the livestream on the Wuthering Waves official YouTube Channel below.
Wuthering Waves is currently a finalist in The Mobile Games Awards for Best Forever Franchise, an award that is dedicated to weaving themselves into players’ lives, and recognizes the impact of significant updates, in-game events, excellent community management that has ensured the game’s momentum through the past 12 months. Wuthering Waves is a finalist alongside titles like Subway Surfers, Candy Crush Saga, Clash Royale, Monopoly Go and more. Industry members are invited to cast their vote for Wuthering Waves HERE.
Wuthering Waves Version 2.5 Livestream Recap:
New Main Quest
Chapter II Act VII – Dreamcatchers in the Secret Gardens
Overture – Rust, Sword and the Sun
New Location
Fabricatorium of the Deep
New Echoes
Reminiscence: Fenrico
Nightmare: Hecate
Nightmare: Tambourinist
Nightmare: Galcio Predator
Nightmare: Havoc Warrior
New Phantom Echo
Phantom: Nightmare Inferno Rider
New Sonata Effect
Dream of the Lost
3pcs Set: Holding 0 Resonance Energy increases Crit. Rate by 20% and grants 35% Echo Skill DMG Bonus.
Optimizations
Echo Management
Allows you to set up Auto-Lock or Auto-Discard plans in the Data Bank. You can create management plans for Echoes based on quality, COST, Sonata Effects, and Mainstats. When a new Echo is obtained, it will automatically be locked or marked for discard according to the active plans.
Sync Tuning
The Sync Tuning option has been added to the Echo Upgrade. With the Sync Tuning option enabled, Tuners will be added automatically as you upgrade an Echo, which allows Echo Tuning to synchronize with Echo Upgrade.
More Preset Teams
Following the Version 2.5 update, you can have up to 10 preset teams.
On / Off Option for Resonator Skill Music
The Skill Music option is available for specific Resonators. It allows you to turn on or off the background music that accompanies the casting of their skills.
More official announcements on updates and optimizations to come!
New Resonator
Phrolova
Upcoming Featured Resonator Convene
Phase I
Requiem Without End
Stage in the Box
Phase II
Neptune’s Lullaby
Blaze Across the Deep
New Weapon
Lethean Elegy
Upcoming Featured Weapon Convene
Phase I
Lethean Elegy
Tragicomedy
Phase II
Whispers of Sirens
Unflickering Valor
Special Events
Phantasma Dreamland Echo Dreamland Leisure Event
Gifts of Grand Symphony 7-Day Login Event
Dreaming Deep Solaris Film Festival
Overflowing Picture Book Leisure Event
Deep Sea Survey Photo Collection Event
Wuthering Exploration Featured Event: The Border Mountains
Wuthering Waves is a free-to-play, cross-platform, open-world action RPG that emphasizes dynamic movement and freedom of exploration on a mysterious, post-cataclysmic, sci-fi planet. Engage in fast-paced PVE combat that focuses on special dodge, parry, and counter mechanics. Compose a harmonious battle concerto with characters of different abilities. Wuthering Waves hosts a deep storyline, breathtaking art and atmosphere, and addictive action-RPG combat that is suitable for novice and veteran RPG players alike. Wuthering Waves features plenty of fierce opponents and captivating quests that unfold in the game’s vast world.
ABOUT KURO GAMES
Founded in 2014, Kuro Games main focus is to create high quality, original games that push the boundaries. For over a decade Kuro Games has strived to bring more diverse, innovative, and enjoyable services to its players.
Kuro Games independently developed Punishing: Gray Raven, which was well received with warm response from players around the world. With over 30 million downloads worldwide, its recently released new open-world ARPG Wuthering Waves is receiving the same public reception.
