The Legendary Console Classic Is Back with No Emulation, No Compromise, No Comparison. Be Part of the Real Arcade Revolution with Pre-Orders Starting Today.

20th April 2026: PLAION REPLAI, a leading global publisher and developer of retro video games and consoles, announced the return of a legend, with the NEOGEO AES+ (Advanced Entertainment System) returning to homes ready for Holiday 2026.

With pre-orders opening today, and the launch date set as 12th November 2026, the NEOGEO AES+ has been produced in collaboration with SNK, the producers of the original hardware.

Celebrating 35 years of arcade perfection, the iconic NEOGEO AES stood as a beacon of excellence, with the 24-bit luxury super console a world apart from rival 16-bit systems, designed for gaming connoisseurs who refused to accept compromised homeports of arcade classics.

With each title representing a 1:1 direct replica of the original arcade board used on SNK’s MVS (Multi-Video System), NEOGEO cartridges would differ significantly from traditional console games typically shipped on a 4Mb or 8Mb cartridge, with the largest NEOGEO game weighing in at an incredible 708Mb, and games that exceeded 100Mb in size giving birth to the infamous ‘100Mega Shock’ moniker.

Often imitated but never equalled, the NEOGEO AES represented the definition of high-end, desirable gaming tech, lusted after by all those who played, but proving beyond the reach of casual gamers thanks to the premium cost of hardware and game cartridges, many of which still command huge prices today on the collector market.

Honouring the prestigious hardware in the manner it deserves, the return of the NEOGEO AES represents a milestone in retro hardware re-releases. In keeping with the original ethos of ‘Zero Compromise’ gaming, the NEOGEO AES+ is no mere micro console, offering unrivalled authenticity designed to appeal to the true gamer and discerning collector. Forgoing the traditional route of emulation, the NEOGEO AES+ utilises ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits), presenting a wholly authentic experience for both hardware and software, looking, feeling and playing just as you remember, truly ‘arcade perfect’ in each and every way. The new hardware is so authentic, in fact, that the NEOGEO AES+ offers full compatibility with original NEOGEO AES cartridges, ideal for those with a pre-existing collection of games, wishing to play on modern displays.

Speaking of modern displays, the NEOGEO AES+ comes armed with discrete quality of life upgrades designed to appeal to a modern gaming audience without altering or compromising the console features so inherent to the original appeal. In addition to the regular AV out, built for CRT enthusiasts to enjoy, the new hardware comes complete with low-latency HDMI™ output, finally allowing the games to be enjoyed in crystal clear HD, with resolutions of up to 1080p. On-screen BIOS and DIP Switches located on the bottom of the console allow for instant switching of territory language selection, overclocking the hardware or choosing different display modes, and the console now offers low power usage as well as permanently saving gamers’ High Score saves for each game.

Such momentous hardware deserves more than a mere console release however, and PLAION REPLAI plan to support the console launch with a full ecosystem of games and accessories, offering fans old and new alike a chance to build their ultimate collection of arcade classics with all of the authenticity, but none of the prohibitive costs associated with the system and software, finally priced at a level that puts perfection within the reach of the masses.

Launching alongside the console is a collection of ten classic NEOGEO games, with more releases expected to follow. On day one, gamers can purchase the following software:

• Metal Slug
• The King of Fighters 2002
• Garou: Mark of the Wolves
• Big Tournament Golf
• Shock Troopers
• Samurai Shodown V Special
• Pulstar
• Twinkle Star Sprites
• Magician Lord
• Over Top

As part of the 35th anniversary celebration, gamers will also be able to purchase the exclusive Anniversary Edition bundle, stunningly presented in an ice white design which has been applied to the authentic wireless Arcade Stick, Metal Slug game cartridge and Memory Card, which come included as part of the bundle. The white Metal Slug game cartridge will not be available to buy anywhere else.

All versions of the NEOGEO AES+ come complete with power supply, HDMI cable and Arcade Stick, and in addition, the following NEOGEO AES+ accessories will also be available to purchase upon launch:

• NEOGEO AES+ Arcade Stick: A 1:1 replica of the original classic controller, now updated to offer both wired and wireless capability
• NEOGEO AES+ Memory Card: A 1:1 replica of the original, performing in the exact same fashion as the original, but now updated to no longer require a cell battery
• NEOGEO AES+ Gamepad: A 1:1 replica of the original

Please see the Announce Trailer here

Commenting on the launch of the new NEOGEO AES+ console, software and accessories, Ben Jones, Commercial Director of PLAION REPLAI said, “NEOGEO remains peerless in the eyes of arcade enthusiasts who were never inclined to accept anything less than the authentic arcade experience. For 35 years, SNK’s hardware has continued to astonish gamers with the system’s game collection, which includes a wealth of great titles, somehow only improving with age, and remaining timeless classics to this day. We are beyond excited to reintroduce this legendary system to modern gamers, in a way that refuses to compromise on the integrity of the original hardware and collecting experience, now priced at a level which every gamer can finally afford. We look forward to unveiling more news throughout the year and cannot wait for gamers to get reacquainted with the 100Mega Shock that only NEOGEO can provide.”

Both the Standard Edition and the 35th Anniversary Edition NEOGEO AES+ hardware will be released on 12th November 2026 and are currently available to pre-order at The Gamesmen, Amazon and EB Games for an SRP of: $329.99 and $499.99. 

Each game cartridge in the NEOGEO AES+ collection is expected to retail for an SRP of: $139.99.

Pricing of NEOGEO AES+ accessories will vary depending on the territory.

For more information on the NEOGEO AES+ system, software and accessories, please visit: www.plaionreplai.com/neogeo

About PLAION

PLAION is a dynamic and diversified business in the global entertainment sector, masterfully crafting franchises that captivate audiences worldwide. Boasting a vast network of eight game development studios, fifteen regional publishing offices, three game publishing labels, including Deep Silver, and PLAION PICTURES as an independent film publisher and distributor, the company extends its influence with merchandise production and expansive distribution capabilities across the globe.

Founded nearly three decades ago, PLAION has firmly established itself within the entertainment arena. With a diverse range of services and solutions, PLAION stands as the premier publishing partner for console and PC games across both physical and digital channels. Moreover, its strong foothold in the Virtual Reality (VR) domain highlights the company’s commitment to varied gaming experiences.

PLAION is an Embracer Group company.

ABOUT PLAION REPLAI

PLAION REPLAI is a dedicated label under PLAION focused on preserving and celebrating gaming history through high-quality, officially licensed hardware and software.  With a commitment to authenticity, design fidelity, and nostalgia, REPLAI works with the world’s most respected creators to bring timeless classics back to life for a new generation.  For more information, visit www.plaionreplai.com.

Warner Bros. Games has released a new LEGO® Batman™: Legacy of the Dark Knight video, offering an in‑depth look at the Batcave – the legendary underground headquarters of DC’s Batman located beneath Wayne Manor, which has been delightfully reimagined in the upcoming video game.  

Narrated by Jonathan Smith, Strategic Director & Head of Development Team, TT Games, the video showcases how the Batcave serves as the central hub of operations, expanding and evolving as players progress through the campaign.  

This subterranean hideout is where a wide range of collectible Batsuits can be stored and displayed – from the Golden Age suit inspired by the Caped Crusader’s debut look in the original Detective Comics #27 (1939) issue to the most recent suit featured in The Batman (2022) film, and everything in between. Overall, LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight has 100 different outfits for playable characters, including an array of suits for both Batman and his crime-fighting allies. 

The Batcave also functions as the ultimate garage for Batman’s iconic vehicles, housing an impressive lineup of Batmobiles and Batcycles, all faithfully recreated in LEGO brick form. This includes the over-the-top flair from the classic Batman TV series (1966–1968) car, complete with the signature red pinstriping; the gothic style Batmobile from Batman (1989); the skeletal design from Batman Forever (1995); the heavy-duty Tumbler from The Dark Knight Trilogy (2005, 2008, 2012); and many more. 

Additionally, the Batcave is where players will upgrade gadgets, display trophies, review case files via the Batcomputer, and personalise the environment with a variety of LEGO‑themed furnishings – even a personal gym. 

LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight is an all-new open-world action-adventure videogame inviting players to embark on Bruce Wayne’s epic journey to become the hero of Gotham City, from origin to legend, inspired by decades of Batman films, television shows, comic books, and games, combined with DC lore and TT Games’ signature brand of fun-filled LEGO humour.  

LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight launches worldwide on May 22, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam and Epic Games Store). Pre-orders are available now for the Standard and Deluxe Editions of the game on the aforementioned platforms. Deluxe Edition pre-orders will receive 72-hour early access, now beginning on May 19, prior to the main launch. All pre-orders will receive The Dark Knight Returns Batsuit (at launch), inspired by the acclaimed comic book series. The Nintendo Switch 2 version of the game will launch later in 2026 and can be Wishlisted now. 

Players can unlock the Golden Age Batsuit (at launch), accessible for eligible users who create a Warner Bros. Games account, as well as those who already have an account. 

Four new LEGO DC Batman sets are available now, each including in-game digital content redeemable when LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight releases. The LEGO® DC Batman™: Batman Logo set will unlock an exclusive gold Batsuit for the videogame, and the LEGO® DC Batman™: The Batman™ Batmobile™, LEGO® DC Batman™ Batman v Superman™ Batmobile™, and LEGO® DC Batman: Batman & Robin™ Batmobile™ sets include an in-game playable version of each respective vehicle, plus an exclusive gold variant of each vehicle, for the videogame. Please note that the exclusive in-game gold Batsuit and gold vehicle variants are only available through purchase of the LEGO sets. 

To learn more about LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight, visit LEGOBatmanGame.com or join the community conversation on Instagram (@LEGODCGame), X (@LEGODCGame), YouTube (@WBGames), TikTok (WBGames), and Facebook (LEGODCGame). 

WARNER BROS. GAMES LOGO, WB SHIELD: ™ & © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s26) 

LEGO® BATMAN™: LEGACY OF THE DARK KNIGHT © 2026 TT Games Ltd. Produced by TT Games under license from the LEGO Group. LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Brick, and the Knob configurations and the Minifigure are trademarks and/or copyrights of the LEGO Group. © 2026. DC LOGO, BATMAN, and all related characters and elements © and ™ DC (s26). 

New Main Scenario Quests, Beastmaster Limited Job, Echoes of Vana’diel Part 3 – Windurst: The Third Walk, and More to Arrive in Upcoming Game Updates

During Saturday’s Letter from the Producer LIVE broadcast, SQUARE ENIX revealed more information on the latest major patch for FINAL FANTASY XIV Online. Patch 7.5, titled Trail to the Heavens, was again confirmed for a 28th April release date.

The trailer, introduced by Producer and Director Naoki Yoshida showcased a variety of additions and updates set to arrive with the patch, including main scenario quests, the final instalment of the Echoes of Vana’diel alliance raid series, the next update to Occult Crescent, a new dungeon, a new Ultimate difficulty raid, a look at the new limited job—Beastmaster, and much more.

You can view the trailer for Patch 7.5 below.

Further details on content coming in the Patch 7.5x series are available below:

• New Main Scenario Quests
• Allied Society Capstone Quests
• Inconceivably Further Hildibrand Adventures
• New Custom Deliveries – Tiisol Ja
• Duty Support Additions – Support for The Dusk Vigil & Shisui of the Violet Tides will be added
• PvP Updates – PvP Series 11 begins, with adjustments to existing PvP actions and the addition of a new Crystalline Conflict arena: the Archeia Harmonia
• New Dungeon – The Clyteum
• New Alliance Raid – Echoes of Vana’diel, Part 3 – Windurst: The Third Walk
• New Trial – Enuo – Includes both Normal and Extreme difficulties
• New Unreal Trial – Shinryu’s Domain (Unreal): Take on the mighty Shinryu at level 100
• New Ultimate Raid
• New Occult Crescent Update – New zone with new monsters, Critical Encounters, increased knowledge level, and multiple new Phantom Jobs
• New Limited Job – Beastmaster – Capture beasts and call upon them to fight at your side!
• Phantom Weapon updates
• Ocean Fishing Update – New route (towards Thavnair)
• Cosmic Exploration: New Planet – Auxsia – A new planet for intrepid crafters and gatherers to explore, as well as additional updates and changes
• Housing Update – Increased limits for interior and exterior furnishings, new interior designs, and more
• Armoire Update – A dramatic increase to the number of items that can be stored
• Dye System Update
• Miscellaneous Updates – Companion Chocobo system update, Crafting updates, Gold Saucer updates and more.

An archive of the broadcast (Japanese audio only) can be viewed here: https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2750146881?t=0h39m35s

Finally, FINAL FANTASY XIV Sound Director Masayoshi Soken appeared on the broadcast to share more details surrounding the recent announcement of THE PRIMALS performing at Download Festival in the UK on Friday 12th June 2026. Discussing the performance and the festival itself, Soken expressed his excitement at being able to perform alongside some of the world’s most iconic acts and shared additional details for the show, including exclusive merchandise that fans will be able to get their hands on in the near future. For the latest information on Download Festival and THE PRIMALS, please visit the Lodestone.

The Download Festival Exclusive T-shirt, available for purchase soon

With more than 30 million total registered accounts, there has never been a better time for newcomers to begin their adventures in the critically acclaimed FINAL FANTASY XIV Online saga. The Free Trial includes all content from A Realm Reborn, the Heavensward and Stormblood expansions (and updates through Patch 4.58). Free Trial players can enjoy hundreds of hours of award-winning gameplay and story experiences equivalent to three full FINAL FANTASY titles, without limit on playtime. More information can be found at: https://sqex.to/FFXIVFreeTrial

About Square Enix Ltd.
Square Enix Ltd. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX and TAITO branded entertainment content in Europe and other PAL territories as part of the Square Enix group of companies. The Square Enix group of companies boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property including: FINAL FANTASY, which has sold over 207 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST, which has sold over 95 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS. Square Enix Ltd. is a London-based, wholly owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.
 
More information on Square Enix Ltd. can be found at https://square-enix-games.com
 
© SQUARE ENIX – LOGO ILLUSTRATION: © YOSHITAKA AMANO

Anis Takes Center Stage in a Global T.T. Star Comeback Tour Featuring New NIKKE Characters, Exclusive Event Skins, 160+ Free Pulls and Global Celebration Events

PALO ALTO, CA – April 18, 2026 – Level Infinite today revealed full details for the upcoming GODDESS OF VICTORY: NIKKE3.5 Anniversary event during a special livestream presentation earlier today. This milestone celebration sees the welcome return of fan-favorite NIKKE Anis to the stage with an idol-style comeback tour inspired by her past as the lead singer of the three member group T.T. Star. 

View the complete NIKKE 3.5 Anniversary Livestream VOD HERE.

Detailing the struggles of her early idol career, the 3.5 Anniversary update shines a spotlight on Anis’ “Lights of Hope” tour and also dives into the battlefield with massive daily login rewards, new NIKKE characters, limited “idol-style” skins, a music-rhythm mini-game, main story chapter missions, and much more.

GODDESS OF VICTORY: NIKKE3.5 Anniversary features include:

• Three New Characters
  • Anis: Star – Equipped with high-spec “Star Expansion Gear” derived from Pretty, Anis: Star utilizes high-intensity optical weaponry to discharge devastating “star” shaped thermal bursts that have been customized with specialized ammunition to handle both close-quarters lethality and long-range suppression.
  • Neon: Vision Eye – Created with ancient V.T.C. technology, Neon’s new body is able to cut off all external elements, making her immune to corruption, Dark Matter, and E2 Crystal. It’s undeniably the healthiest body in the world.
  • Avistar – A calm and meticulous member of the Overseer (Inspection Unit) and an apologetic, die-hard fan of Anis. Avistar is available for free during the 3.5 Anniversary update.
• Anniversary Debut Skins
  • Event Pass Costumes – Rapi: Redhood Shining Light, Dorothy Luna Light
  • Limited Gacha Costumes – Liberalio: Dreaming Lake, Anis: Star Popstar and a bonus Anis costume, Anis Starlight.
• New Event Mini-game – Get into the groove with the T.T. Star rhythm mini-game! Accurately time notes to the beat and ignite T.T. Star’s potential with your amassed power. Showcase your hard work on stage and complete a flawless debut performance.
• Main Storyline Chapters 34 & 35 – The never-ending battle moves into The Lift, the tallest structure ever built by mankind. Piercing the clouds high in the sky, the battlefield moves upward toward the world’s beginning. 
• Reward Celebration Decorations – The Outpost is decked out with extravagant decor for the 3.5th anniversary.
  • Event Story Map – The new concert stage at Arkian Hall is bustling with backstage activity and the main stage where players can witness the dazzling final performance of T.T. Star featuring Anis.
  • Over 30 new Union icons will be added to the existing 18 icons.
  • Skill Resets – Reset characters with 3 Skill Uninstallers provided during this limited time event.
• Double Rewards – Players can earn 2X rewards from Simulation Room, Anomaly Interception, and Daily Missions during the 3.5 Anniversary period. 

A NIKKE Celebration Around the World
To mark the anniversary, NIKKE is launching a Global Commander Cheering Campaign, a unique community driven event that lets players around the world support Anis and T.T. Star’s return to the stage! By completing log-in missions and sharing content on social channels Commanders earn Support Points which unlock individual rewards, such as Recruit Vouchers, and increase Global Support Points. The more Global Support Points are achieved, new milestone awards unlock for all NIKKE players around the world. Seven exciting Global rewards can be unlocked, including exclusive in-game items, a T.T. Star idol performance, and an IRL celebration! As the hype builds Anis and T.T. Star will literally light up four major landmarks around the world (Times Square – NYC, Shibuya Itasha Street – Tokyo, N Seoul Tower – South Korea, Kaohsiung Metro Station – Taiwan) – before culminating this global cheer campaign with a final encore at London Bridge. For more information, visit the official site HERE.

Downloaded over 45 million times since launch, GODDESS OF VICTORY: NIKKE is available globally for PC, iOS, and Android mobile devices. GODDESS OF VICTORY: NIKKE continues to deliver regular updates and content expansions that keep players immersed in the game’s evolving narrative. Download the game on the iOS App Store, Google Play, and Windows PC.

To learn more about GODDESS OF VICTORY: NIKKE, go to: http://nikke-en.com

About Level Infinite
 Level Infinite is Tencent’s global games brand, dedicated to delivering engaging and original gaming experiences across diverse genres to a worldwide audience, whenever and wherever they choose to play. The brand also provides a wide range of services and resources to a network of developers and partner studios around the world to help them unlock the potential of their games. Level Infinite is both publisher of breakout hit games like PUBG MOBILE, Honor of Kings and Goddess of Victory: NIKKE and a collaborative partner in games such as Dune: Awakening from Funcom, Warhammer 40K: Darktide and many more. To learn more about Level Infinite, visit www.levelinfinite.com, and follow on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.For more information about Level Infinite, please visit the official website at www.levelinfinite.com/ja or the official X account at x.com/LevelInfiniteJP.

Echoes of Aincrad offers players a deeper look at the heart of the adventure through its new gameplay trailer.

Players will take part in intense real‑time combat with meaningful progression, and true cooperative survival within the deadly floors of the flying castle of Aincrad. As their adventure unfolds, each new level will grant them growth points to use and increase their attributes in a classic RPG style, extending their stamina, strength, dexterity and more to fit their playstyle. Adding to their own capabilitiesincluding a wide range of Special Skills, players will be able to choose between a variety of armour pieces and weapons, visiting the smithy to enhance their armoury will prove essential to get stronger and defeat bigger enemies.

Survival will not be just about upgrading equipment; progress will depend on mastering combat alongside a partner who will fight at the players’ side and respond to commands. Battles will revolve around the Switch system, allowing players to seamlessly shift roles and chain attacks by alternating between autonomous partner actions or having the partner wait for the player’s attack and even split damage. Each partner will feature a unique Special Skill, encouraging tactical decisions and precise execution.

Step into the danger of Aincrad with the gameplay trailer below.

Echoes of Aincrad launches on 10 July 2026, and pre-orders are available now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.

For more information about Echoes of Aincrad or other titles from Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe please visit https://www.bandainamcoent.eu.

Introducing the new Protagonist, new locations, character overhaul, more

SEATTLE – April 17, 2026 – Hello Neighbor 3, the new installment in the survival horror stealth franchise played by more than 40 million people, developed by Eerie Guest Studios and Nikita Kolesnikov, the creator of the original game, and published by tinyBuild, welcomes players to its Pre-Alpha version on Steam today.

Looking for a change of scenery? Perhaps a cozy, not-at-all-strange neighborhood? Come on down to Raven Brooks for this Pre-Alpha test, offering a glimpse into Hello Neighbor 3’s core narrative and gameplay. Every nook and cranny from the build is part of its complete canon story, including the reveal of the new Protagonist. That’s you!

Whether this is players’ first time meeting the Neighbor or if they have been watching from across the street, Eerie Guest and Nikita Kolesnikov designed Hello Neighbor 3 to serve as the best entry point in the beloved horror franchise, requiring no prior knowledge of the series to enjoy the neighborhood.

Arrive in Raven Brooks on a corporate mission: find the missing employee who is the only person who knows the whereabouts of a very important report. However, what begins as a routine search quickly unravels into something far more unsettling. Locals make no secret of their distrust of the corporation, and you will soon learn that in Ravens Brook, disappearances are anything but rare.

This Pre-Alpha introduces a new objective system providing guidance through the narrative while preserving the Hello Neighbor series’ free-roam spirit. Loop-based progression replaces the pressure of speedrunning: when a loop ends, it restarts seamlessly with objectives and collected knowledge carrying over. 

Character behavior has been overhauled to feel more deliberate and predictable, with sneaking working better than ever. The Raven Brooks map has also been expanded with new locations, items, and visual upgrades. Oh, and get ready to meet the Neighbor for the first time! 

“We’re building Hello Neighbor 3 around the idea that there is no wrong way to play,” said Nikita Kolesnikov, franchise creator. “With the Pre-Alpha, we’re going to see how players actually use that freedom.”

To learn more about Hello Neighbor 3, check out the franchise’s official website, and follow @NeighborGamesHQ on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram.

About Eerie Guest Studios

Having evolved from the team behind the original Hello Neighbor, Eerie Guest is an internal studio of tinyBuild comprising a 15-person group of creators, with half of the team based in the Netherlands and the other half scattered around the world. The studio strives to create system-based games with personal stories and an uncanny art style.

About tinyBuild

tinyBuild started as an indie game developer and morphed into a developer-publisher you can’t miss. Our dedication to creating long-term partnerships and elevating recognizable franchises has resulted in many successful collaborations with talented developers from all over the world. The company has released dozens of games, including Hello Neighbor, Graveyard Keeper, SpeedRunners, and more. Although headquartered in the Seattle Area, USA, the company has established a strong global presence with studios across the US, the Netherlands, Latvia, and throughout Eastern Europe.

To stay up to date on tinyBuild projects, follow the company on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter), and join the company’s Discord server.

A new episode of Beyond the Light, focusing on the title song and the music of 007 First Light, is also available now

007 First Light is Available for Pre-Order Now on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2*, PC, and at Amazon.com

Copenhagen, Denmark – Friday, April 17^th, 2026 – IO Interactive, the award-winning developer and publisher behind the globally acclaimed HITMAN franchise, and Amazon MGM Studios revealed today the title sequence of 007 First Light, during the BAFTA Game Awards ceremony held in London, United Kingdom. The title song is performed by multi-platinum selling and award-winning singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey, written and composed by Lana Del Rey & David Arnold, marking the return of the composer to the Bond franchise. 007 First Light is set to release on May 27, 2026, featuring a reimagined origin story of James Bond, still inexperienced and sometimes reckless, as he takes his first steps into the world of espionage.

The title sequence follows the Bond franchise’s long-lived tradition of the opening credits showcasing the game’s motifs and identity. The title sequence and title song of 007 First Light set the tone for Bond’s reimagined origin story with a modern yet classic flair. Built around striking visuals and a rich cinematic atmosphere, it brings together the main themes of James Bond’s journey in the game, as he enters the world of espionage. Anchored by Lana Del Rey and David Arnold’s powerful title song, the sequence embraces the franchise’s legacy while bringing its own identity, honoring James Bond’s return to gaming after more than 13 years.

Alongside the title sequence and title song, IO Interactive also released the fourth episode of Beyond the Light, focusing this new entry on the game’s soundtrack. This new episode includes interviews with Dominic Vega, Missions and Audio Director on 007 First Light, and The Flight, the composer duo behind the score of 007 First Light. In those interviews, the different speakers dive into the unique opportunity of working on the Bond franchise and share how they came up with the music that has been created for 007’s new era in gaming.

Watch the 4^th of episode of Beyond The Light here

007 First Light is scheduled to launch on May 27, 2026 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, and Summer 2026 on Nintendo Switch 2. Pre-order now* and get a free deluxe upgrade, including a 24-hour early access**. All details can be found at https://ioi.dk/007firstlightgame.  

*Pre-orders on Nintendo Switch 2 are limited to physical editions

**24-hour early access limited to digital editions only

ABOUT Lana Del Rey

Lana Del Rey is an American singer-songwriter who rose to prominence with her 2012 album Born to Die. Since then, she has sold more than 77 million albums worldwide, amassed tens of billions of global streams and is the sixth most-streamed female artist of all time on Spotify. Her debut album Born To Die currently holds the record for the longest charting album by a woman in the history of the US Billboard 200 album chart. She has received 11 GRAMMY® Award nominations, including Album of the Year and Song of the Year for her 2023 album Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd, which debuted in the Top 10 of the Billboard 200 and became her sixth No. 1 album in the UK. Across her career, she has also won multiple BRIT Awards, MTV Europe Music Awards and Billboard Music Awards. Del Rey has released nine studio albums, including Ultraviolence, Honeymoon, Lust for Life, and the critically acclaimed Norman F**ing Rockwell!, which was widely named among the best albums of the decade, with Rolling Stone UK naming her the ‘Greatest American songwriter of the 21st century’.

ABOUT David Arnold

David Arnold is an award-winning British composer and producer renowned for his powerful orchestral style and contemporary approach to film and television scoring. Arnold is best known for scoring five films in the James Bond series, helping to shape the franchise’s modern musical identity. His film credits also include Independence Day, Stargate, 2Fast2Furious, Narnia, Zoolander, and Hot Fuzz. For television, Arnold composed the score for the acclaimed BBC series Sherlock, earning a Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Music Composition. He also served as Musical Director for the London 2012 Olympic Games, overseeing music for both ceremonies of one of the most-watched global live events. Arnold continues to work across film, television, and live productions as one of the most respected composers in contemporary screen music, writing and composing the title song for the upcoming game 007 First Light.

ABOUT 007 First Light

007 First Light is a third-person action-adventure game that blends IO Interactive’s signature stealth and action gameplay mechanics, featuring a fully original, re-imagined origin story of a young James Bond. Players will step into the shoes of a 26-year-old Bond, a promising yet sometimes rebellious Royal Navy air crewman who is recruited into MI6, immersing them in the exotic and dangerous world of espionage captured in the films. Bond’s adventures will take players all around the globe, coming face to face with allies and foes while choosing how they overcome obstacles and challenges, whether it be with brute force, cunning guile, or charming wit. 007 First Light will release on May 27th, 2026, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, and Summer 2026 on Nintendo Switch 2. 

ABOUT IO Interactive

IO Interactive is an independent video game developer and publisher with studios in Copenhagen, Malmö, Barcelona, Istanbul, and Brighton. As the creative force behind some of the most talked-about multiplatform video games in the last two decades, IOI is dedicated to creating unforgettable characters and experiences using their award-winning proprietary Glacier technology.

IO Interactive will develop and publish a reimagined James Bond origin story with 007 First Light and is currently developing a new IP under the codename Project Fantasy. For more information, visit: https://ioi.dk

ABOUT Amazon MGM Studios

Amazon MGM Studios is a leading entertainment company focused on the production and global distribution of film and television content. Original series premiere on Prime Video, which is available to watch on hundreds of compatible devices in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. Original films are produced and acquired by the studio for theatrical release and exclusively for Prime Video. Amazon MGM Studios also produces content for MGM+, the premium pay television network.

© 2026 IO Interactive A/S. IO Interactive, IOI, HITMAN are registered trademarks of IO Interactive A/S. 007 FIRST LIGHT (source code and other software and certain audiovisuals only) © 2026 IOI. 007 FIRST LIGHT (audiovisuals), 007 FIRST LIGHT, JAMES BOND,  and related James Bond copyrights and trademarks authorized for use by IOI under license from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., exclusive licensee of London Operations LLC. © 2026 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. Developed in association with Delphi Interactive LLC. “PlayStation” and “PS5 logo” are registered trademarks of Sony Interactive Entertainment ©Inc. XBOX and Xbox logos are registered trademarks or trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies and are used under license. © 2026 Nintendo Switch is a trademark of Nintendo. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.  All rights reserved.

Something more is going on than a simple elevator crash on Mars

Nicosia, Cyprus, (April 17th, 2026) | Today, Owlcat subsidiary META Publishing and developer Pokuch gave a first glimpse into the story of their upcoming Sci-fi survival game Blind Descent during Gamestar’s Find Your Next Game show. The co-op survival-craft title will launch in Early Access on Steam later this year, with its full release launching on both PC and console.

After an elevator crash at an excavation site on Mars, the player discovers a hidden world below the surface of the planet. After surviving the crash, they start looking for their missing crew members… but it seems there might be someone else present with a different agenda. Another, presumably scientific, team had descended into the Martian depths to study a local infection. During their survey, they encountered sophisticated alien technology blocking all their comms, as well as several artificial structures that may be the remnants of an unknown civilization — though to what end is unclear. The most peculiar discovery is that these Martian infections affect human organisms differently, causing mutations that enable them to form symbiotic bonds with their environment. 

In Blind Descent, players have to start from scratch after crashing at a Martian excavation site and discovering a marvelous and dangerous world below the surface. They must craft tools, build a reliable shelter, and adapt to a reactive and hazardous alien environment through the in-game symbiosis system. Through multiplayer co-op, survivors can brave the dangers of Mars alone or in a group of up to four players. 

Blind Descent is set to launch in Early Access on PC via Steam in 2026 and will come to consoles upon its full release.

About META Publishing

META Publishing is a growing publishing label owned by Owlcat Games, specializing in gameplay-first titles with co-op multiplayer features. The label has a solid portfolio, including games like Biped, Spirit of the Island, Train Valley 2, and more.

About Pokuch

Pokuch is a young game development studio based in Turkey, working on its first title: Blind Descent. The studio’s goal is to create games with unique concepts, a strong artistic direction, and engaging gameplay.