USERJOY’s Unreal Engine 5 fighting game reflects on its latest global demo test and outlines major gameplay improvements ahead

May 29, 2026 – USERJOY has unveiled new details for Kingdom Heroes: Arena, its upcoming cross-platform fighting game inspired by the long-running Three Kingdoms franchise, following a strong showing at EVO Japan 2026 and the conclusion of its second global online demo test. Built in Unreal Engine 5 and planned for Windows, Steam, PlayStation, iOS, and Android, Kingdom Heroes: Arena blends iconic Three Kingdoms heroes with weapon-switching combat mechanics designed for competitive play.

Fighting Game Icons Daigo Umehara and ET Visit the Booth

As one of the fighting game community’s premier events, EVO Japan served as a major stage for Kingdom Heroes: Arena to introduce its competitive ambitions. The game attracted long lines of players eager to experience its blend of classic Three Kingdoms themes and fast-paced weapon-based combat.

Among the attendees were legendary fighting game competitor “The Beast” Daigo Umehara and EVO World Champion ET, both of whom tried the game firsthand.

Daigo reportedly showed interest in the title’s distinct combination of Three Kingdoms heroes and weapon-switching mechanics, while ET engaged with the development team on gameplay systems and control design from a professional competitive perspective.

Their appearance generated additional excitement on-site and introduced the title to a broader hardcore fighting game audience. 

Second Demo Test Highlights Strengths and Areas for Improvement

Feedback from Kingdom Heroes: Arena’s second global online demo test showed encouraging early results, with more than half of surveyed players describing the game’s core foundation as highly promising. The game’s visual identity and Three Kingdoms-inspired presentation also received particularly positive responses.

At the same time, player feedback highlighted several areas for improvement, particularly around onboarding, weapon-switching clarity, combat feel, and online performance, which the team plans to address in future updates.

Development Priorities Moving Forward

Based on feedback from EVO Japan and the latest demo test, the team’s next development phase will focus on improving tutorial systems, refining combat feel and responsiveness, and optimizing online performance. USERJOY is also exploring a three-month seasonal update structure as part of its long-term live service plans, with future updates aimed at creating a smoother and more competitive gameplay experience.

“The feedback we received from EVO Japan and the latest demo tests has become an important foundation for continued development,” the team stated. “We understand that gameplay feel is at the heart of every fighting game experience, and we plan to continue iterating rapidly ahead of future testing phases.”

Players interested in future updates and upcoming test plans can follow the game through its official channels:

• Steam: Kingdom Heroes: Arena on Steam

About USERJOY Games 

Founded in 1995, USERJOY Games has developed a wide range of titles spanning PC, MMORPG, browser, and mobile platforms. The company is known for titles including Heroes of the Three Kingdoms, Fantasia Sango, Angels Online, and The Legend of Fancy Realm. Through continued investment in game development and innovation, USERJOY Games remains committed to delivering engaging entertainment experiences for players around the world.

Set sail in the mobile title’s latest Fishing Event to catch some off-the-hook treasure!

LIMASSOL, CYPRUS, 29 MAY 2026 | All aboard! Mobile publisher PlayDucky is thrilled to announce the latest event for their ragdoll physics game, Melon Sandbox. Today, players can dive into the new Fishing Event to experience a fresh gameplay mode and earn exclusive rewards. The game is free to play on iOS, Android, and browser. The limited-time event begins today, May 29th, and concludes on June 8th.

Catch This!

Celebrate summer with Melon Sandbox’s latest event: fishing! Set your Melon sailing on the high seas–armed with an upgradeable fishing rod–to catch your bounty. A depth meter tracks your hook’s progress through the deep ocean, with each marine layer offering a new array of sealife. As your Melon begins to reel, drag your hook across the screen to catch as many fish as possible. Seafarers looking to upgrade their equipment (and therefore their catches) can exchange their bounty for currency to purchase equipment upgrades. Strengthen your fishing line to increase the max depth, upgrade your hook to hold more fish, and add a sinker for an extra boost. 

Earn In-Game Rewards

A host of challenges offer opportunities for additional treasure. Keep track of your catches in the ‘Collections’ tab, sorting each species by depth. Catching all of the sealife at a certain depth grants bonus earnings, so keep fishing to complete your collection! Daily challenges–such as spending bait and catching specific sealife–also unlock bonus currency. Players who log in daily to complete these tasks will compound for even greater rewards. Among these earnings are Mels, an in-game currency used to purchase mods and cosmetics from Melon Sandbox’s Marketplace. 

About Melon Sandbox

Melon Sandbox is a thrilling sandbox game where players unleash creativity through brutal experiments with realistic ragdoll physics. Originally launched in 2022, the game encourages experimentation and creativity among its playerbase. Users can test unique interactions between objects–such as vehicles, weapons, explosives, and tools–to create chaos in an open world. A variety of maps are available to choose from–including cities, acid pits, lava, and underwater environments–each with unique physics and different items to choose from. In addition, Melon Sandbox’s Editor allows users to create their own gameplay experiences to share with fellow players. These creations may be uploaded and purchased via the in-game storefront.

Gameplay Features:

• Experiment With Physics: Throw, smash, and test unique interactions between objects!
• Massive Arsenal: Use firearms, melee weapons, explosives, and vehicles to tear through ragdolls!
• Create Chaos: Stab, crush, burn, or vaporize with custom devices!
• Open-World Sandbox: Explore diverse maps and build your own playground of destruction!
• Catch Of The Day: Earn Mels in the newest Fishing Event, available May 29th-June 8th!

Melon Sandbox is free to download. The Fishing Event is live now on iOS, Android, and browser.

About PlayDucky

PlayDucky Game Publishing is a premier, global mobile game publisher focused on casual games. With years of experience in the industry, PlayDucky provides developers with essential support and resources, allowing them to thrive in an increasingly competitive market.

About Melon Sandbox

Launched in 2022, Melon Sandbox is a physics-based world where players use a massive toolkit of objects and vehicles to create emergent gameplay. Available on iOS, Android, and Browser, it has surpassed 150 million downloads and is becoming the go-to launchpad for the next generation of indie developers.

Enjoy your stay in the worst place on earth!

Madrid, Spain – 29 May 2026 – Meridiem is pleased to announce that I Hate This Place Elena’s Edition is now available for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch. Developed by Rock Square Thunder and digitally published by Feardemic, in partnership with Skybound Entertainment, I Hate This Place is a craft-focused, isometric survival horror game filled with twisted monsters and warped realities, all wrapped in a bold comic book art style and dripping with an ’80s horror vibe.

Meridiem is responsible for designing and manufacturing the physical Elena’s Edition of I Hate This Place for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch, which will be the only physical boxed edition available during the launch period, and will include a copy of the game, a special effect cover, a secret letter from Elena, and an artbook.

I Hate This Place is inspired by Skybound’s Eisner Award-nominated comic book series created by writer Kyle Starks and artist Artyom Topilin.

Players take on the role of Elena, whose fight for survival begins when she and her friend unwittingly summon a malevolent force. Outmatched and hunted in a hostile world, players will need to stay vigilant, loot their surroundings, and pick their battles carefully against formidable foes, many of which hunt you by sound.

Features

• Classic craft-based survival horror: scavenge every corner of Rutherford Ranch to stay alive. From haunted forests, a derelict town, to infested bunkers. Explore a world teeming with danger as you gather vital resources, craft essential gear, upgrade your campsite, and rebuild outposts to have somewhere to hide.
• Day prepares you, night hunts you: a dynamic day-night cycle that changes the world. Use daylight wisely to explore, scavenge supplies, craft what you need, and prepare for what’s coming. When night falls, the real nightmares come out to play. More enemies appear, stronger and more aggressive than before. The landscape becomes harder to navigate with just your flashlight. Sometimes your best hope is to find shelter and hunker down till morning.
• Deadly silence goes a long way: stealth and combat go hand-in-hand here as many of the twisted creatures in Rutherford Ranch hunt and stalk you by sound alone. Brute force will often just land you in an early grave. Use sound to your advantage, luring creatures away from your path or cleverly leading them straight into deadly traps you laid.
• 80’s vibes meets coming book flair: inspired by the award-nominated comic book series created by Kyle Starks and Artyom Topilin, I Hate This Place comes to life with bold colors, a punchy retro comic book style, and a heavy dose of ’80s flair. A unique blend of horror, dark humor, and just the right touch of camp and gore where unsettling dread meets stylized charm.

I Hate This Place is now available physically for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch.

ABOUT MERIDIEM

We are Meridiem, a video game publisher and distributor in love with its culture, which we protect and pass on in order to preserve it. We do this by fostering talent through investment in independent projects with potential, bringing back classic titles, promising indies and AAA games while continuing to support the physical format.

When we stop working on video games, we celebrate by playing video games.

ABOUT BROKEN MIRROR GAMES 

Founded in 2024, Broken Mirror Games is a co-development horror label under Bloober Team, known for its commitment to pushing the boundaries of the horror genre. With a focus on immersive experiences, innovative gameplay, and captivating storytelling, Broken Mirror Games creates unforgettable, spine-chilling titles that leave a lasting impact on players. 

ABOUT FEARDEMIC

Feardemic is a horror indie game publisher focused on out-of-the-box experiences, driven by creativity… and fear. The company works with studios across the globe to bring eerie, emotional, and atmospheric experiences to players on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. Founded by Bloober Team, Feardemic is dedicated to bringing horror games that will haunt you for days.

ABOUT SKYBOUND ENTERTAINMENT 

Skybound is the leading entertainment company built to create, produce, scale, and sustain world-class IP across comics, television, film, video games, audio, merchandise and collectibles. Co-founded by visionary creator Robert Kirkman and CEO David Alpert, Skybound owns and controls a portfolio of hundreds of globally recognized franchises and cultural hits including The Walking Dead, Invincible, Impact Winter, Stillwater and others. Through a creator-first model, Skybound has become the go-to launchpad for original stories across all forms of entertainment.   The company’s video game division Skybound Games, publishes, produces, and globally distributes games across all genres. Its latest expansion includes Skybound’s first in-house game development studio Quarter Up, which will release the highly anticipated tag fighter Invincible VS in 2026.

Build unstoppable hero synergies in this fast-paced roguelike autobattler. Sharpen your strategy now and try the demo before launch. 

Indie developer Octavia Blue is excited to announce that Some of You May Die will launch on PC via Steam, iOS, and Android on July 24. This action-packed roguelike autobattler challenges players to upgrade everything: heroes, stats, and abilities, as they assemble powerful teams and outwit opponents in both single-player runs and competitive online PvP matches.

Blending strategic drafting with fast, automated combat, Some of You May Die invites players to experiment with a diverse roster of heroes, discovering game-changing synergies and adapting their tactics with every run. Whether overwhelming enemies with numbers or forging a handful of elite, high-level champions, every decision shapes the outcome on the battlefield.

Each match delivers meaningful choices, from stacking duplicate heroes to level them up, to customising abilities and refining builds using gold earned in battle. With matches lasting just 10–20 minutes, the game offers a perfect balance of quick-fire competition and deep, replayable strategy across both solo and multiplayer modes.

Features: 

• Strategic hero drafting and synergy-driven team building.
• A flexible stacking system for levelling and upgrading heroes.
• Deep customisation of hero abilities and stats.
• Competitive multiplayer PvP autobattler gameplay.
• Fast-paced matches designed for quick sessions or extended play.
• Single-player and online multiplayer modes.

Some of You May Die launches on PC via Steam, iOS and Android on July 24, but players don’t have to wait to enter the fray. A free demo is available now, giving a first taste of its strategic depth and chaotic battles. Be sure to wishlist the game on Steam to stay updated and be ready to deploy your ultimate team when it launches.

FRIDAY, 29TH MAY – Milan, Italy: 3DClouds has released a new 1.6 update for their PC and console racer, Formula Legends. The new update adds dozens of new teams and drivers and liveries to the game, as well as the first wave of console steering wheel support. This update is available across PlayStation, PC and Xbox platforms, with Nintendo Switch getting the content in the next few weeks. For a complete breakdown of this new content, check out the official developer blog HERE.

Coinciding with this new update, Formula Legends has been selected for this weekend’s Xbox Free Play Days promotion. This means that Formula Legends is available to play for free on Xbox Platforms from Thursday, 29th May to Sunday, 31st May.

3DClouds also revealed a new content roadmap for the coming months including a preview of the new Historic Track Pack and details on how players can enroll in the highly anticipated online multiplayer beta (set for later this summer). For more information check out the community blog HERE.

Formula Legends’ continues to evolve and improve rapidly with a mixture of new premium content releases, such as the most recent Formula E DLC, and free updates like 1.6 bolstering out the game’s content. Currently Formula Legends is available for 30% off its regular price across all platforms.

3DClouds has also partnered with publisher Microids to bring a physical edition of Formula Legends (featuring DLC and more) to retailers on 4th June. To pre-order Formula Legends – Legacy Edition (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch), please visit the official Microids website or ask your local retailer about the game.

About 3DClouds
3DClouds is one of Italy’s biggest and most prolific video game development studios. Located in the outskirts of Milan, the developer boasts veterans from Microsoft and Milestone as well as some of the brightest development talent in Italy. Known for producing celebrated licensed video games including Paw Patrol World, Transformers: Galactic Trials, Hot Wheels: Monster Trucks Stunt Mayhem and more; 3DClouds is also developing and publishing their own original IP including the swashbuckling RPG adventure Trident’s Tale and the cherished sim-cade racer, Formula Legends.

Cognition sets its sights on a future launch for its debut title, as the first playtest gets underway

Friday, 29th May 2026, Zaventem, Belgium – A brand new story and gameplay trailer for the upcoming serious sci-fi adventure Lunar Strike debuted exclusively during yesterday’s Insider Gaming Showcase, offering players a fresh look at life inside humanity’s final inhabited lunar colony.

Developed by Belgian studio Cognition, Lunar Strike is a narrative-driven science fiction game set in a permanently inhabited settlement at the Moon’s south pole. Instead of heroic missions, the game highlights the everyday challenges of survival, maintaining knowledge, and protecting humanity’s legacy within a fragile lunar society.

Alongside the new trailer reveal, Cognition has also confirmed that a playtest for Lunar Strike is now available. Taking place during the early stages of the adventure the playtest is a snapshot of the pre-alpha build of the game, introducing players to some of the main characters and the last lunar colony, New Arcadia. As they explore their surroundings, they’ll experience the game’s grounded vision of lunar life, including exploration, scanning systems, environmental storytelling, and its distinctive approach to “hard” science fiction.

Lunar Strike trades combat for survival, atmosphere, and character-driven storytelling as players step into the role of a tech-augmented archivist racing to preserve humanity’s legacy before New Arcadia collapses. Following a devastating attack by the extremist Earth First faction – known as the MudBoots – the Moon’s final inhabited colony is left facing destruction – forcing players to make impossible choices over which real-world artefacts, discoveries, and records of human achievement are saved… and which are lost forever.

Lunar Strike launches later in 2026 and is available to wishlist now on Steam.

About Cognition Europe

Cognition Europe is an independent studio based in Belgium, focused on narrative design, speculative science, and system-based storytelling. The team includes developers, researchers, sound designers, and advisors from across the space science and cultural heritage sectors. Lunar Strike is the studio’s debut title.

Hands On Car Wash owners can expand their Money Laundering operations with a free Higgins Helitours Business and earn 4X GTA$ and RP on all Money Laundering Missions this week. 

Plus, players can earn 5X GTA$ and RP on all Lamar Contact Missions (including Lowriders), and Double Rewards on Mr. Faber Work.  

Full details from this week’s update include: 

• 5X GTA$ and RP on all Lamar Contact Missions, including Lowriders
• 4X GTA$ and RP on Money Laundering Missions
• Double GTA$ and RP on Mr. Faber Work, Random Transform Races, and The Community Combat Series
• Free Higgins Helitours Business for Hands On Car Wash owners
• Double Laundered Income at the Hands On Car Wash
• GTA$100K reward for completing three Hands On Car Wash Legal Missions 
• Aircraft Discounts: 30% off the Buckingham Vestra, Buckingham Howard NX-25, JoBuilt Velum 5-Seater, and Sea Sparrow
• Additional Discounts: 30% off the Benefactor Terrorbyte, Albany Cavalcade XL, Obey Tailgater S, Karin Previon, Maibatsu Penumbra FF, Imponte Ruiner ZZ-8, and Grotti Brioso 300
• Gun Van Discounts: 50% off the Heavy Rifle, 40% off the Military Rifle (GTA+ Members) 
• GTA+ Members: Claim a free Übermacht Sentinel GTS sports car from the Vinewood Car Club, free Junk x Jackal gear, Chameleon Paints, and much more

Please see the Rockstar Games Newswire for more information. 

Rustic Panda Games’ action RPG launches crowdfunding after exclusive debut at Indie Quest 2026 showcase; new gameplay trailer now available.

Phoenix, Arizona – May 28th – Indie developer Rustic Panda Games (published by Level Up Gaming) premiered their highly anticipated action RPG Colossus: Eternal Blight at Indie Quest 2026, with their Kickstarter campaign launching immediately thereafter to support development.

The exclusive Indie Quest debut showcased a brand-new gameplay trailer, introducing global audiences to Lucian’s mission to save his brother Lance from the corruption consuming the kingdom of Eireos. The showcase generated strong interest from the gaming community, with players eager to back the project.

Colossus: Eternal Blight features a hand-crafted pixel art world inspired by classics like Hyper Light Drifter and Chrono Trigger, powered by a dynamic combat system built around parries, dodges, and fluid combos. Players will shape the story through meaningful choices, deciding whether to aid or abandon struggling citizens as the Blight spreads across the realm.

A playable demo will be made available during Steam Next Fest in June, offering a hands-on experience with the game before its early access release.

The Kickstarter is live now at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/poysky-productions/colossus-eternal-blight

About Rustic Panda Games

Rustic Panda Games is a six-person indie development studio headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, with team members spanning the US, UK, France, Malaysia, and Colombia. Founded by Nick Camacho and co-owned by Adeel Jafree, the studio is dedicated to crafting deep, unforgettable RPG experiences that blend the nostalgia of classic beloved titles with a modern twist.

Colossus: Eternal Blight marks the studio’s debut title, born from Nick Camacho’s passion for action RPGs and JRPGs, particularly his love for Hyper Light Drifter. The game represents the studio’s vision to fuse these two genres into a single experience that honors the golden era of gaming.

A New Trailer Showcases the Demo Content: the Game’s First Area and The Beginning of the Main Quest

Lesquin, 28 May 2026 – NACON and Midgar Studio announced during the Indie Quest 2026 showcase a free demo for Edge of Memories, a French-made JRPG developed in collaboration with renowned artists from the genre. Available on Steam starting June 15, 2026, during Steam Next Fest, the demo will allow players to discover the beginning of Eline’s journey. Edge of Memories will launch on PlayStation^®5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC Steam in 2026.

Watch the Edge of Memories Demo Trailer:

The demo opens with the game’s first chapter, where Eline awakens on an idyllic beach along the Estfalian Coast and encounters Ysoris, a mysterious wanderer equipped with strange prosthetics. Despite her suspicions, Eline agrees to escort him to the nearest village, where circumstances lead them to join forces in order to rescue hunters who have been abducted by monsters born from the Corrosion. Players will be able to experience the foundations of the combat system by unlocking Eline’s first combos and Ysoris’ abilities, while also discovering the enemy weakness system and learning how to craft potions at campsites.

At the end of the quest, players will face the game’s first boss and uncover Eline’s hidden power: her transformation into the Black Beast, granting her incredible strength for a short period of time. Once transformed, Eline can deal massive damage and execute her enemies with a spectacular finishing blow… even though she remembers none of it afterward.

The demo includes part of the game’s first chapter and offers nearly two hours of content. Players will be able to experience the beginning of the main quest, explore the game’s first area — the Estfalian Coast — and take on a boss encounter.

Edge of Memories is a French-made JRPG developed by Midgar Studio, based in Montpellier. This third-person action RPG offers players an epic adventure on the continent of Avaris, accessible to both longtime fans and newcomers alike. Blending the richness of JRPGs with French animation, the game’s captivating world comes to life through refined art direction and an immersive, evolving soundtrack composed by Cédric Menendez (Edge of Eternity™), enhanced by the vocals of Emi Evans (NieR™ / NieR: Automata™) and Marion Schneider (Edge of Eternity™ / Temtem™). The core of the game was developed in collaboration with renowned artists of the genre, including character designer Raita Kazama (Xenoblade Chronicles™ X) and writer Sawako Natori (NieR™), as well as contributions from composers Mariam Abounnasr (Xenoblade Chronicles™ 3 / ONINAKI™) and Yasunori Mitsuda (Chrono Trigger® / Xenogears™) on the original soundtrack.

Edge of Memories will be available on PlayStation^®5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Steam) and nacongaming.com in 2026.

About NACON

A company within the BIGBEN group, NACON was created in 2019 to optimize its expertise and leverage synergies in the video game market. Comprising 15 development studios, AA game publishing, and the design and distribution of premium gaming peripherals, NACON brings 40 years of experience to benefit the world’s gaming community. This unified center of excellence strengthens NACON’s position in the market and creates unique opportunities for innovation and competitive advantages.

About Midgar Studio

Midgar Studio is a game development company located in Montpellier, one of France’s sunniest cities. A small-scale studio, it is made up of a team of passionate Japanese role-playing game enthusiasts who use their expertise to create immersive and captivating worlds. Whether it’s futuristic worlds like Hover or heroic-fantasy like Edge of Eternity and Edge of Memories, Midgar Studio is committed to providing refreshing gaming experiences that allow players to explore original universes. Always attentive to its community, the studio stays close to players and constantly strives to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation. Since 2022, NACON, one of Europe’s leading video game publishers, has held a 100% stake in the company.