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MangaGamer announces two new licenses, limited edition Funbag Fantasy plush, and opens pre-orders for Rose Guns Days Season 2!

LOS ANGELES – July 3rd, 2026 – At their Anime Expo panel, MangaGamer announced a July 30th release date for the second season of 07th Expansion’s Rose Guns Days, two new licenses: parade’s Lesson, and Alicesoft’s Galzoo Island, and the production of an exclusive plush of Shamsiel from the Funbag Fantasy series.

Promotional Website
MangaGamer Store Page
Steam Page
Release Date: July 30th

The second of four chapters of 07th Expansion’s Rose Guns Days featuring updated graphics and Japanese, English, and Chinese language options.

This action-suspense thriller takes place in an alternate history Japan where a natural disaster during World War 2 forced Japan to capitulate to Sino-American forces before the use of the bomb, resulting in a nation divided piecemeal between China and America as both force the native Japanese into the minority as they compete for political superiority in the occupied nation.

When a war veteran and the proprietress of brothel find themselves at the center of multiple gang conflicts, the growing strife soon leads to the birth of a new mafia family aiming to gain power within City 23 to secure the future for their Japanese brethren. Blood, bullets, and tears will fly as mafia vie for control and clash with the occupation forces.

Promotional Website

The latest title from parade, developers of NO, THANK YOU!!!, Room No. 9, and Lkyt.: Lesson. Another dark BL story in the vein of Room No.9 focusing intensely on two characters.

On a chilly, rainy night in early spring, Kento heads home on his bike. Just six months ago he was released from his second stint in juvenile detention, but he, now twenty, had finally settled into his job.

“Mess up again, and it won’t just be juvie next time.”

The warning flits through Kento’s mind just moments before colliding violently with a car. He blacks out, seriously injured.

Upon regaining consciousness in the hospital, Kento finds himself face-to-face with the driver of the car: Takafumi. Kento has no one he can rely on during his recovery, so Takafumi suggests they live together while Kento recovers from his injuries. Seeing a man who didn’t judge him for his naivety and clumsy speech, Kento begins to open up to Takafumi and accepts his offer.

From that day on, the pair become closer than they could ever imagine.

Promotional Website

Galzoo Island is a dungeon crawler spin-off of the Rance series featuring Gal Monsters from Alicesoft!

Leopold, aka Leo, is a young man studying the art of monster husbandry under the legendary tamer, Vestal Batch. While he’s gotten the fundamentals down, he’s still unable to tame even the wimpiest of monsters. But one day while Leo was engrossed in his studies, a Gal Monster known as Captain Vanilla appeared before him with a plea for help, but before Leo could get a word in edgewise, she had already whisked him away.

On the other side of the Teleport Gate, Leo finds the mysterious Squid Paradise: an island utopia created by the limitless power of the fearsome Baron Squid, along with a bevy of Gal Monsters who had been transported there from across the globe as potential marriage candidates for the baron. The imprisoned Gal Monsters are subjected to all manner of humiliations at his hand, and are understandably pretty peeved about the whole situation, but so long as the baron retains command of the Lady Killer—a nigh invulnerable monster—they’re powerless to fight back.

Although soliciting help from humans goes against their instincts, the Gal Monsters decided go to the legendary Vestal Batch for assistance in taking down Baron Squid once and for all, but unfortunately for them, they wasted their once-a-week opportunity to use the Teleport Gate not on Vestal Batch, but on his greenhorn apprentice…

MangaGamer Store Page
Release Date: Fall 2026

The seductive, sly succubus from Funbag Fantasy, is now a fumo-styled plushie! This plush is a special limited item produced only for customers outside of Japan, releasing in the fall of 2026. Pre-orders are open now.

For more information on these and other titles from MangaGamer, be sure to join the discussion on Discord or follow MangaGamer on BlueskyTwitter and Facebook. You can also check out their blog for comments from the staff and other featured articles!

ABOUT MANGAGAMER.COM
MangaGamer.com is the world’s biggest publisher of English translated Visual Novels. Since its launch in July 2008, it has offered services where fans can download and enjoy popular Visual Novels such as 07th Expansion’s Higurashi When They Cry series,Alicesoft’s infamous Rance series, and Novectacle’s critically acclaimed The House in Fata Morgana right from their homes.

ARK: SURVIVAL ASCENDED EXPANDS TO THE SEA AND SKY WITH TIDES OF FORTUNE & SURPRISE DRAGONTOPIA DROP!

Free Genesis Ascended Part I Launches ARK’s First-Ever Physics-Based Water System Alongside Tides of Fortune’s Expanded Naval WarfareStudio Wildcard Shadowdrops ARK: Dragontopia, the First Chapter of the All-New Sky Based Adventure Arrives Today

SEATTLE, WA – July 3, 2026 – Studio Wildcard today launched one of the largest content updates in ARK: Survival Ascended‘s history, sending Survivors across the open seas and into the skies with three major additions. Available today are the free Genesis Ascended Part I remaster, the Tides of Fortune DLC introducing ARK’s biggest naval gameplay systems yet, and the surprise debut of ARK: Dragontopia, an all-new dragon-focused adventure that begins today and with new updates through December. All three are now available to download on PlayStation 5, Xbox X|S and Steam PC.

Included free with ARK: Survival Ascended, Genesis Ascended Part I completely reimagines the original story expansion with a massive ocean biome powered by ARK’s first-ever physics-driven water system. Featuring dynamic waves, realistic buoyancy, chaotic ocean warfare, and the colossal Palaeoctopus, Survivors will uncover the next chapter of ARK’s epic saga while completing missions, battling bosses, and exploring a fractured virtual simulation alongside their holographic companion, HLN-A. 

Arriving free with Genesis Ascended, the Palaeoctopus lurks beneath the waves, ready to turn calm seas into chaos. As captains set sail in search of fortune, they’ll soon discover that not every adventure at sea goes according to plan

Launching alongside Genesis is Tides of Fortune ($19.99), an all-new premium DLC that transforms the ARK universe into a naval battlefield. Players can construct and customize seaworthy ships, command fleets in large-scale ship combat, hunt buried treasure, experience new cinematic story moments starring Karl Urban as Bob and Auli’i Cravalho as Meeka, play as “Cinematic Bob” featuring the likeness and voice of Urban and then recruit new companions including the healing Tidepup and treasure-hunting Parrot

SURPRISE LAUNCH: ARK: DRAGONTOPIA! 

Studio Wildcard today unveiled ARK: Dragontopia, an all-new premium expansion pass that introduces Survivors to a vast aerial ecosystem where dragons rule the skies. To survive this new high-altitude frontier, you’ll need to grow through the Dragon Skill Trees, a new progression system built around strengthening your bond with these mythical beasts. Craft highly specialized gear and wield potent tools, and expand your base with a draconic tileset, incubator backpacks, and mysterious potion stations. Owners will receive included content updates in late July, October and December culminating when a boundless, skyworld map drops. 

Here is info on all three updates launching today. For additional gameplay details please visit their linked Steam/PlayStation/Xbox product pages:

Genesis Ascended Part I

  • Ocean Biome: As a new addition to the fully remastered Genesis expansion, dive into a massive, map-wide ocean biome built on a completely overhauled water physics system. Prepare for a true maritime experience with dynamic waves and realistic buoyancy as you command your own sailing ship. Discover islands and hidden fortresses that set the stage for chaotic, wide-scale ocean warfare. 
  • Palaeoctopus:  Master the ocean depths with this cliff-climbing cephalopod that uses its crushing tentacles to seize dual targets and supplies your tribe with limitless colored ink. 

Tides of Fortune

  • Naval Fleet: Construct customizable seaworthy vessels at the Shipyard, including the swift Sloop and the towering Brigantine. Transform your ship into a true floating fortress by building out the decks, painting the hull, flying your own Jolly Roger, and sailing into battle with sea shanties ringing over the roar of cannon fire!
  • Ship Combat: Take the helm to manually aim and fire your broadside cannons, either solo or as a cooperative multiplayer team! Utilize specialty ammo like Incendiary and Corrosive Cannonballs to give enemy armadas no quarter and send them to Davy Jones’ locker – all without micromanaging a crew. 
  • Ship Skill Tree: Customize your vessel’s seafaring capabilities by investing your plunder across three distinct skill trees: Piracy, Merchant, and Luxury. 
  • New Creatures:
    • Tidepup: As adorable as it is invaluable, this benevolent semi-aquatic salamander specializes in support, protection, and healing. Keep it as a Juvenile shoulder-pet to defend against incoming damage and dispel negative effects, or evolve it into a Mature rideable mount capable of creating a regenerative healing zone for your allies.
    • Parrot: This feathery friend tracks valuable treasure sources like Cave Crates, Alpha Creatures, and enemy Ship

ARK: Dragontopia

  • Eclipsar Umbra, the legendary obsidian terror born to claim the night sky. Bound to your will through the mythic Dragon Horn, this shadow-forged executioner strikes with terrifying, unpredictable speed. Rain precision plasma from the cover of darkness, or slip through the void itself to ambush unsuspecting prey. 
  • Dragon Skill Tree unlocks a brand-new progression path that lets you forge a deeper bond with your dragons. Push the limits of their gravity-defying acrobatics, amplify their shadow-forged plasma attacks, or tailor their defensive auras, as you shape the ultimate apex predator around your exact playstyle.
  • Drake Claw Grappler: Wield this essential new tool for high-altitude traversal and midair dragon mounting.
  • Draconic Armor: Equip this cosmetic set and look every inch the legendary dragonrider. 
  • Dragon Life: Many more dragons will be launching in the weeks and months ahead as part of this phased expansion, culminating in a massive world map in December.

Haven’t yet experienced ARK: Survival Ascended? The ARK franchise of games is currently on sale this week with the base game 75% off

ARK: Survival Ascended includes access to all of ARK’s worlds, including Scorched Earth, Aberration, Extinction, ARK Genesis Part 1 and Part 2. Available now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Epic Game Store and Steam, players will create a Survivor, form a tribe, and then tame, train, breed & ride dinosaurs all within a living ecosystem.

ABOUT STUDIO WILDCARD 
Since revealing its flagship game ARK: Survival Evolved in 2015, Studio Wildcard has tirelessly strived to bring its dinosaur-filled vision to the masses. With millions of players worldwide, the team has delivered an amazing amount of new content and leveraged cutting-edge technology to keep fans engaged. With a transmedia universe, the ARK story can be discovered on all gaming platforms, within spin-off titles, and now as an epic narrative featuring a star-studded cast in ARK: The Animated Series on Paramount+. www.studiowildcard.com

Vibe to the rhythm of the global phenomenon: Microids announces K-POP Rising – Dream to Shine for this coming November 5!

From the shadows of dance studios to the spotlights of international stadiums, become the new Korean pop sensation. A major musical adventure, playable solo or in a group of up to 3 players on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and PC.

Sydney, Australia July 3, 2026 – More than just a musical genre, K-Pop is now a cultural tidal wave that is shaking up the charts, filling the biggest stadiums on the planet, and uniting millions of passionate fans across the globe. Microids is particularly proud to announce today its collaboration with the studio Old Skull Games for the release of K-POP Rising – Dream to Shine. This simulation and rhythm game will be available starting November 5 on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and PC (Steam).

In K-POP Rising – Dream to Shine, players immerse themselves in the demanding and fascinating world of modern music. Accompanied by their best friend Nova, they will need to commit 100% to the race for stardom: from intensive training sessions in the studio to the ultimate recognition on the most prestigious stages, the title offers a complete experience combining a sense of rhythm, deep customisation, and community management in the era of social media.

Key features of the game:

  • The international phenomenon in your hands: Draw inspiration from your idols and experience the rise of today’s biggest K-Pop groups. Become the face of this culture that fascinates the entire world.
  • An adventure that reflects who you are (Full customisation): Express your uniqueness! Create and customize your character from head to toe to match your style and the vibe of your performances. Trendy outfits, iconic makeup… everything is possible to establish your style in the spotlight.
  • Your group, your rules: You call the shots. Create a group in your own image, recruit its members, and turn your very first fans into an international community of millions of followers.
  • Stay in the rhythm! Talent is nurtured. Perfect your singing, master highly precise choreographies, and sharpen your sense of timing through captivating rhythm gameplay phases to become an accomplished star.
  • From your bedroom to conquering stadiums: Start at the bottom of the ladder in the anonymity of your bedroom, climb the ranks through your passion and perseverance, and transform yourself into the international icon of your dreams.
  • Shine solo, triumph as a trio! Because music is all about sharing, experience this adventure alone or with two friends. Form the group of your dreams in co-op mode and unite your talents to lead your Bandstraight to the top of the global charts!

Music is your universe, passion is your fuel: the future of K-Pop is you!

K-POP Rising – Dream to Shine is getting ready to thrill players around the world starting November 5 on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and PC (Steam). The race to stardom begins soon!

About Microids

Microids, a French video game publisher founded in 1985, has established itself as a key international player in the industry.By collaborating with renowned studios and creators, Microids offers immersive experiences based on popular licenses, allowing players to experience unique adventures alongside iconic characters.

Funcom Releases Dune: Awakening Console Deep Dive, Announces Physical Edition

With console launch on September 22nd, Funcom teams up with Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe and Solutions 2 GO Inc. to put the PlayStation 5 release of Dune: Awakening on shelves – yes, with a disc inside

Developer and publisher Funcom® today released a new video that dives into the topic of just what players can expect when Dune: Awakening finally releases on PlayStation 5 and XBOX on September 22nd, including single-player, scalable difficulty and game customization, an epic story finale, and more. Already out on PC, Dune: Awakening is an Open World Survival game inspired by Frank Herbert’s Dune and Denis Villeneuve and Legendary Entertainment’s blockbuster franchise. The PlayStation 5 version will be available in Physical version in retail stores across Australia and New Zealand.

The new Dune: Awakening Developer Deep Dive video is available below.

Funcom is also excited to announce that the PlayStation 5 version of Dune: Awakening will be available as a physical edition from September 22nd. The studio is teaming up with Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe for a retail release across Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, and with Solutions 2 GO Inc. for North and South America. The game will also be released in retail in Japan, with a publisher to be announced later.

“September 22nd isn’t just putting the game on consoles. It’s a major milestone for us, the second launch of Dune: Awakening across PC, PlayStation 5, and XBOX,” said Funcom CEO Rui Casais. “For more than a year now we have expanded and enhanced Dune: Awakening on PC and all these additions, as well as several new ones, will be available on all platforms on day one. This is the best version of Dune: Awakening yet and we’re excited to open it up to a much larger audience across platforms. Teaming up with strong partners around the world to put it on shelves everywhere is another great way for us to bring more survivors to the dangerous sands of Arrakis.”

The digital PlayStation 5 and XBOX versions of Dune: Awakening have been available for pre-order on the PlayStation Store and XBOX Store since June 2nd. Starting today, you can also pre-order the physical PlayStation 5 version from select retailers including Amazon, GameStop, EB Games, and more. In Japan, the game is expected to release in October, with pre-orders commencing soon.

With the third installment in Denis Villeneuve’s epic Dune saga will hit theatres on December 18th, the physical PlayStation 5 edition is also the perfect holiday gift for Dune fans everywhere. 

Console editions and pre-order incentives:

  • Physical: PlayStation 5 base game edition. For a limited time only, it includes the exclusive Terrarium of Muad’Dib that you can place in your base and a global color swatch.
  • Digital: Base game, Deluxe Edition, and Ultimate Edition available on PlayStation Store and XBOX Store. Pre-ordering any edition includes the Terrarium of Muad’Dib and the global color swatch, and pre-ordering Deluxe or Ultimate also provides a 5-day head start. The Deluxe and Ultimate Edition includes a slew of in-game content including DLCs, armor, and building pieces.

Highlights of what’s coming with the September release:

  • Console: Same experience as on PC, with controls and UI optimized for console. 60fps target for both PlayStation 5 and XBOX Series X (Performance Mode).
  • Single-player: The full game can now be played entirely in single-player, with scalable difficulty and a wide range of gameplay customization settings.
  • Story complete: The grand finale of Book One, offering a dramatic conclusion to Dune: Awakening’s cinematic storyline. Play it from start to finish.
  • Scalable difficulty: Tweak everything from harvesting rates to experience gain and combat difficulty. In single-player and private servers, you’re in control.

New players on PC and console will also get to enjoy all the additions and improvements that have been rolled out on PC since launch, including fully optional PvP, a bigger and better late game loop, new content including new locations and missions, and countless quality of life improvements.

For a full overview of everything coming in the September release, and what has been added and improved since PC launch, please check out DuneAwakening.com.

At its core, Dune: Awakening is an Open World Survival game, where you must rise from survival to greatness through exploration, combat, crafting, and building. But it’s also so much more, incorporating an epic, cinematic storyline, adventure and RPG mechanics, and several ways to play whether it’s in single-player, on a private or self-hosted server with friends, or in large-scale multiplayer on official servers. How you play is up to you.

ABOUT FUNCOM

Funcom is a developer and publisher of online games for PC and consoles. Funcom has provided outstanding entertainment since 1993 and continues to expand its track record of more than twenty released games. Titles include ‘Conan Exiles’, ‘Metal: Hellsinger’, ‘Aloft’, ‘Dune: Spice Wars’, ‘Secret World Legends’, ‘Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures’, ‘The Longest Journey’, ‘Anarchy Online’, and ‘Dreamfall: The Longest Journey’. For corporate information, please visit www.funcom.com.

ABOUT LEGENDARY ENTERTAINMENT

Legendary Entertainment is a leading independent media studio with film (Legendary Pictures), television and digital (Legendary Television and Digital Media) and comics (Legendary Comics) divisions dedicated to owning, producing and delivering content to worldwide audiences. Legendary has built a library of marquee media properties and has established itself as a trusted brand that consistently delivers high-quality, commercial entertainment and successfully translates the world’s most popular fan-driven IP. In aggregate, Legendary Pictures-associated productions have realized grosses of nearly $21 billion worldwide at the box office. To learn more, visit: www.legendary.com.

ABOUT BANDAI NAMCO ENTERTAINMENT EUROPE S.A.S

Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe is a leading global publisher, developer, and distributor of entertainment content for platforms including, but not limited to, all major video game consoles and PC. Producing intellectual property for a global audience, Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe is building its reputation with franchises such as LITTLE NIGHTMARES™, and production capabilities of Reflector 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.

ABOUT SOLUTIONS 2 GO INC.

Privately held Solutions 2 GO Inc. is a multinational distributor of video game, mobility and consumer electronic products that serves leading retail, publishing, and manufacturing partners across the globe. An industry pioneer, highly regarded Solutions 2 GO Inc. has earned a plethora of awards and distinctions collectively by its valued partners and industry experts.

Northgard Battlegrounds Sounds the Horns of War with First Open Beta, Arriving 9 July

BORDEAUX, France – 3 July 2026 – Northgard Battlegrounds, the city-building auto-battler set in the Viking world of Northgard, which sold more than 5 million units, will launch an Open Beta from Thursday, 9 July to Wednesday, 15 July as a part of Steam Tacticon. Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor developer Funday Games joins forces with publisher Shiro Unlimited — the creators of the original Northgard — to create a fresh twist on waging war.

Check out the never-before-seen gameplay presentation below

Rise from the ruins of Ragnarök in a unique blend of Northgard’s strategic settlement-building and tactical auto-battler combat. Choose from iconic Viking clans, each offering distinct traits, abilities, and playstyles, then establish a thriving settlement, gather vital resources, and assemble a powerful warband capable of crushing rival clans.

Every decision shapes the outcome of battle. Carefully manage resources, strategically position buildings to unlock powerful synergies, then watch your warriors clash in dynamic automated battles. Earn Krowns after every victory to expand your settlement, recruit new villagers, and strengthen your economy. Spend Lore to earn the favor of the Norse Gods, unlocking game-changing blessings that can dramatically alter each run.

Test your strategies against battle-hardened opponents in competitive asynchronous PvP battles that combine accessibility with meaningful strategic depth. Experiment with new builds, adapt your tactics with every run, and lead your clan to victory in a highly replayable experience where no two runs unfold the same way.

“Exploring the auto-battler genre has allowed us and Funday Games to create an experience that both preserves and expands upon Northgard’s strategic depth and core gameplay,“ said Nicolas Cannasse, co-founder of Shiro Games. “Join the frey and claim the favor of the Gods next week during Tacticon.”

Northgard Battlegrounds launches an Open Beta on Steam from Thursday, 9 July to Wednesday, 15 July. The game will launch on PC in Early Access via Steam in 2026. For more information, wishlist the game on Steam, visit the official Subreddit, and follow on X, Bluesky, Facebook, and Discord.

About Shiro Unlimited

Shiro Unlimited is the publishing label of Shiro Games, built on over 12 years of experience developing and publishing successful indie titles. Shiro Unlimited curates and supports projects aligned with the studio’s creative vision, while empowering developers to focus on what matters most: making the best games possible.

For more information on Shiro Unlimited, please visit the official website.

About Funday Games

Funday Games was founded in 2011 in Aarhus, Denmark, and today employs more than 50 talents.

Best known for developing Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor, which has surpassed more than 3 million players since launching in 2024, the studio specializes in creating spin-off games based on evergreen indie IPs across all platforms.

Simultaneously, Funday Games also creates and publishes its own original IPs.

World Premiere: Cats in the Shell, a Mecha-Customizing Roguelike with Thrilling Battles

Strategically recruit cat pilots, build the ultimate war machine in Steam Early Access Q4 2026

SHENZHEN, China – 2 July 2026 – Industry veterans from Tencent and NetEase join forces to form Raven Studio and today reveal the studio’s debut project alongside publisher Infini Fun: Cats in the Shell, a mech-building roguelike auto battler. Take the helm of giant combat machines as feline fighters on PC via Steam Early Access in Q4 2026. 

Join the seven-day public playtest via Steam now.

Operate an intimidating metal beast to overtake a steel-clad battlefield! Choose from six distinct mech types, customizing each in a classic and satisfying roguelike progression system. However, a perfect machine shines brightest with a purrrfect pilot. Choose from whiskered helmsman, each with exclusive active abilities and strategic focuses.

Sharpen the mech’s proverbial claws by collecting more than 1,000 powerful equipment and component parts across random events. Arrange and combine parts in creative order to discover surprising combinations. Allocate each module into five slots, manage all components strategically by factoring in limited inventory space, then watch dynamic synergies play out in rewarding auto-battler sequences. Challenge formidable foes in four futuristic biomes and confront towering bosses in the story campaign. Adapt new strategies to stand a chance against unexpected battle frames assembled by pilots from around the world in asynchronous PvP battles. Refine loadouts after each fight, unleash devastating chain reactions, and conquer a gauntlet of 10 cumulative victories.

Cats in the Shell’s detail-oriented, satisfying mech building and roguelike randomness will keep you on your toes,” said Alex Dong, director of Raven Studio. “More than 1,000 modules provide near infinite choices in exhilarating combat instances. We have many more cutting-edge mechs and adorable cats to share later this year, so stay tuned!”

Cats in the Shell will launch on PC via Steam Early Access in Q4 2026, with English, German, French, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), Portuguese (Portugal), Simplified, and Traditional Chinese language support. 

To stay up to date, follow the developer on X, join the community on Discord, and search #Catsintheshell on social media.

About Raven Studio

Founded by a collective of industry veterans, Raven Studio aims to create games beyond formulaic production, with a heavy emphasis on a player and gameplay experience first mindset.

Transferring previous work experience from Tencent, NetEase, SNK and more, the team was founded on a firm foundation of technical skill, and is dedicated to bringing its wildest ideas to life through its debut roguelike auto-battler title, Cats in the Shell, currently in development.

About Infini Fun

Infini Fun is a dynamic new publisher, established in 2024, with a global focus. It specializes in publishing multi-platform games for PC and consoles, and providing developers with essential funding and technical support. Its services extend to platform porting, localization QA, and design consulting, covering every aspect of game development.

With a team boasting over 15 years of publishing experience, they meticulously handle each project, embarking on every exciting journey with developers, and striving to become the bridge between developers and players.

River City Girls Double Dragon Youtooz Talking Plushies Available to Preorder

Iconic gaming heroes are 9 inches tall and say seven phrases

Valencia, Calif. – July 2, 2026 – From the mean streets to your collectibles shelf! Independent video game studio WayForward is excited to announce that the Double Dragons are now ready to rumble as 9-inch talking plushies from Youtooz! Inspired by their appearance in the River City Girls beat-’em-up video game series developed by WayForward in partnership with Arc System Works, the plush versions of legendary warriors Billy and Jimmy Lee contain voice boxes that allow them to each say seven phrases performed by their in-game voice actors, Dan Avidan and Arin Hanson of the Game Grumps. Priced at $29.99 each, these powerful plushes can be preordered at www.youtooz.com through July 30, 2026.

Originating in the 1987 smash hit Double Dragon arcade game prior to joining the cast of River City Girls, Billy and Jimmy Lee fight hard, but are now adorably soft thanks to the Youtooz team. Billy Lee sports a sly smirk and rueful eyes and is dressed in his trademark blue pants and vest, along with brown boots and a white undershirt, while Jimmy Lee features an angry scowl and stern eyes, wearing his recognizable red pants and vest, plus boots and an undershirt that match his brother’s. Inside each plush is a soundbox that says seven different phrases from the River City Girls games when the plush is squeezed.

Whether displayed solo, as a duo, or alongside the previously released River City Girls Misako and Kyoko plushes, the talking Billy and Jimmy Lee Youtooz plushes are essential collectibles for River City Girls fans, Double Dragon fans, Game Grumps fans, and fans of the adorably aggressive. The plushes will be produced on a limited-edition, made-to-order basis, so fans are encouraged to get their orders in before the closing date on July 30. For more information on River City Girls and other incredible WayForward titles, please visit www.wayforward.com, and follow @wayforward on Twitter and Facebook, @wayforwardtech on Instagram, and @wayforward.bsky.social on Bluesky.

About WayForward

Based in Valencia, California, WayForward was founded in 1990 and has remained an independent game developer for more than 35 years. We are home to many talented individuals including programmers, environment artists, animators, modelers, illustrators, audio wizards, designers, and team leaders. With the new avenues for distributing games directly to fans we are finally able to make the games we have always wanted to.

About Arc System Works

Arc System Works is a developer and fighting game specialist from Japan – best known for the Guilty Gear series of games and, more recently, the BlazBlue series – that has garnered international critical acclaim for its innovative fighting system and spectacular 2D artwork. For more information, please visit the official website at www.arcsystemworks.com.

About YouTooz

Youtooz creates high-quality collectibles for the heroes and role models of the internet – memes, content creators, music artists, licensed IPs, and more. Their mission is to bring to life the most memorable moments and personalities that bring you joy, to proudly display on your desk at work, your shelf in your bedroom, or even in your living room for everyone to see. Since their launch in 2019, they’ve released more than 400 unique figures, all limited edition drops, and have built an amazing community of creators, artists, and fans that continue to drive their mission forward. They believe that together, we can create the joy in anything.

© ARC SYSTEM WORKS / WayForward Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED PRISON-BREAK RPG BACK TO THE DAWN COMES TO PLAYSTATION 5 ON OCTOBER 22

TOKYO July 2, 2026 –Publishers Clouded Leopard Entertainment and Spiral Up, in association with developer Metal Head Games, are happy to announce that Back to the Dawn, the story-rich prison-break RPG, is coming to PlayStation 5 on October 22! Expose the truth as Thomas the Fox, an investigative journalist unjustly imprisoned, or complete a secret mission as Bob the Panther, an undercover detective sent to infiltrate the dangerous world of Boulderton Prison.

With the PlayStation 5 launch of Back to the Dawn, Latin American Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese subtitles will be added, inviting even more players to experience the adventure. These subtitles will also come to the Switch and Switch 2 version of the game on October 22.

Back to the Dawn is a gritty, story-driven RPG where you must search for a way out of prison. Choose between two protagonists and sleuth around a corrupt maximum security facility, making friends (or enemies) with gangs and guards, completing quests, developing your character, and planning your ultimate escape along the way. Since its release on Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch, Back to the Dawn has received widespread praise from reviewers and players alike for its high degree of gameplay freedom and the variety of escape routes that encourage multiple playthroughs.

Key Features

  • Pick Your Path & Break Free: Navigate a prison ruled by three powerful gangs and uncover layers of intrigue interacting with dozens of uniquely memorable characters. With over 100 handcrafted quests, multiple escape routes – each with its own risks and rewards – several possible endings, and more than 500,000 words of gripping narrative, Back to the Dawn is a deeply replayable RPG unlike anything you’ve experienced.
  • Uncover The Truth: Discover a hardboiled tale of betrayal and vengeance! Play as Thomas the Fox, a journalist caught up in a dark conspiracy and thrown into prison for not playing ball, or Bob the Panther, an undercover agent who has never failed a mission, but wants out of this dangerous job!
  • What Kind Of Prisoner Will You Be? Boulderton Prison is enormous, filled with places to explore and challenges to overcome. Be sure to follow the rules, or at least don’t get caught! Will you be a model prisoner – or will you leave a trail of chaos and destruction in your wake? It’s all up to you.
  • A Colorful Cast: Meet a colorful cast of inmates, each with an interesting story to tell. Make them your friends or fight, bully and rob them into submission. Pick a side! Will you be part of a gang or a cunning lone wolf?
  • Open Character Growth System: Are you a tough guy who lets his fists do the talking, a thief who hides in the shadows, or a smooth talker who manipulates the scene? Develop your skills, craft tools to suit your style, and climb your way up from new fish to top dog.
  • Plan Your Prison Escape: In a place built to break you, your sharpest weapons are your creativity and cunning. Every inch of Boulderton Prison might hold the key to your escape, from your cell to the infirmary, to the sewers and rooftops. Can you make it out alive?

Back to the Dawn is launching on PS5 on October 22 and available to wishlist now. The game is also available on Steam, the Microsoft Store, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox Game Pass, Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.

About Clouded Leopard Entertainment

Clouded Leopard Entertainment Inc. is a Tokyo-based global video game publisher founded in August 2019 by industry veteran Yuen-Yuen Chen. The company serves as a strategic bridge, connecting premier Japanese developers with the international gaming community through high-quality localization and multi-platform distribution.

Specializing in marketing and publishing services for Asia and beyond, CLE maintains strong partnerships with renowned developers such as Nihon Falcom and D3 Publisher. The company is best known for bringing legendary franchises, including the acclaimed “Trails” (Kiseki) and “Ys” series, to global audiences across PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and PC (Steam).

Driven by its mission to be a “hub of entertainment,” Clouded Leopard Entertainment leverages its in-house technical expertise in porting and debugging to deliver heartfelt creative works worldwide. By preserving the original creative vision while adapting to diverse markets, the company continues to foster a borderless community for fans everywhere.

Official Website: https://www.cloudedleopardent.com

About Spiral Up

Spiral Up is an international game publisher based in Singapore that specializes in publishing high-quality indie games for PC. Our team comprises experienced game veterans with decades of combined experience in indie game development and marketing. We pride ourselves on offering a full suite of publishing services and our ability to market games to the world, including the huge but difficult-to-enter Chinese market.

Our mission is simple: to find the hidden gems of the indie market and help polish them into shining diamonds that can be enjoyed and celebrated by gamers worldwide. Official Website: https://www.spiralupgames.com

Relic Entertainment Announces a New Standalone Experience, Company of Heroes 3: Final Stand, Launching July 29

Vancouver, Canada – July 2 – Relic Entertainment is proud to announce Company of Heroes 3: Final Stand. Launching July 29 on PC via Steam, Final Stand captures the strategy and intensity of Company of Heroes’ cinematic battles in a fast-paced wave defense experience for solo and cooperative play.

Built on the beloved tactical foundation of Company of Heroes, Final Stand expands the series’ signature combat with roguelite progression that encourages experimentation, adaptation, and replayability. Players must dig in, build layered defenses, and survive against escalating waves of enemy forces across 12 increasingly challenging rounds, featuring intimidating bosses and dynamic battlefield events unique to Final Stand. Final Stand will launch at $29.99 USD/£23.99 GBP/€28.99 EUR on July 29. Players can take advantage of a 10% launch period discount, while Company of Heroes 3 owners will receive an additional 20% bundle discount.

A New Way to Experience Company of Heroes

Final Stand is a fully standalone release, meaning no prior ownership of Company of Heroes titles is required. Players can jump right in and experience the thrill of holding the line against overwhelming odds, whether they’re longtime fans or new to the franchise.

Command one of four iconic factions – US Forces, Wehrmacht, British Forces, or Deutsches Afrikakorps – each offering unique strategies, abilities, and progression paths tailored to different playstyles.

Final Stand captures the classic Company of Heroes feeling of those pivotal moments where when faced with overwhelming odds, preparation, adaptability, and decisive command determine survival.

Key Features:

  • All-new standalone Company of Heroes wave defense experience
  • Single-player and cooperative gameplay
  • Command four iconic factions: US Forces, Wehrmacht, British Forces, or Deutsches Afrikakorps
  • Roguelite progression and persistent upgrades present new strategic possibilities in every run
  • 36 boss units with special abilities and rewards
  • 18 dynamic in-game events
  • 8 difficulty levels from newcomer to veteran
  • 5 battlegrounds designed for wave defense gameplay
  • Survive 12 escalating waves, or take on Endless Mode for the ultimate challenge
  • Faction-specific progression trees with impactful upgrades
  • Unlock 4 premium cosmetic skin packs (1 per faction)
  • Brand-new Announcer VO performances bring your Final Stand to life

Celebrating 20 Years of Company of Heroes

Final Stand arrives during the 20th anniversary of Company of Heroes, as Relic celebrates two decades of genre-defining real-time strategy games. Alongside upcoming initiatives, including the recently announced Company of Heroes – Definitive Edition, players can expect continued support, updates, and new content across the franchise.

SOLO LEVELING: ARISE WELCOMES AGNES RIVERA AS ITS NEW DARK-TYPE BUSTER

LOS ANGELES JULY 2, 2026 – Netmarble, a leading developer and publisher of high-quality games, has rolled out the latest update for its action game Solo Leveling: ARISE. This update welcomes a new SSR hunter and adds new story chapters, gameplay enhancements, and in-game events. 

Agnes Rivera joins the roster as a Dark-type Elemental Buster. She uses skills such as Furia, which unleashes a concentrated barrage of bullets in front of herself, and Commissione, which leaves a mark signaling gang members to unleash a volley of gunfire on the designated area. When using her ultimate skill Vendetta, she teams up with her crew to “take care of” the enemy. Her exclusive weapon, La Famiglia, has also been added with this update. 

The latest update also broadens the game’s story, adding Hidden Chapters 5 and 6, as well as Main Story Chapters 24 and 25 on Expert difficulty. Players seeking a great challenge can take on the newly added Hard difficulty for the First Land dungeon. Additional gameplay updates include the new Shadow Greed and four new Skill Runes: Darkness Obliteration Kick, Frozen Flow, Torrent Cleave, and Void Punch. The Army of Shadows level cap has also been expanded to 195.

A variety of events are now available to celebrate the update. Through events such as the Sun-Kissed Summer Kicks Off! Check-In and the Monarch of the Beginning Suppression Event, players can earn useful rewards by participating in special missions and in-game activities. 

Solo Leveling: ARISE is an action game adaptation of the hit webtoon, Solo Leveling. Taking on the role of Jinwoo, players can experience his journey through the beloved webtoon tale firsthand, leveling up, taking on dynamic battles, and creating their own combat styles by selecting various combinations of skills and weapons. Not only can players team up with hunters from the webtoon, they can summon their own “Army of Shadows” with the iconic phrase: “Arise.”

Please visit the official website, X, Facebook, Instagram, Discord, and official YouTube channel to stay up-to-date with the latest information about Solo Leveling: ARISE.

About Netmarble Corporation

Founded in Korea in 2000, Netmarble Corporation is a leading global game developer and publisher. Through acclaimed franchises and strategic partnerships with top-tier IP holders, the company delivers innovative and engaging gaming experiences to audiences worldwide. As a parent company of Kabam, SpinX Games, Jam City, and a major shareholder of HYBE and NCSOFT, Netmarble’s diverse portfolio includes Solo Leveling:ARISE, Seven Knights Re:BIRTH, RAVEN2, MARVEL Future Fight, and The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross. More information can be found at http://company.netmarble.com.