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Acclaimed PlayStation 5 Sci-Fi Game Gets Complete Edition With DLC on Disc
The acclaimed PlayStation 5 science fiction survival game, The Alters, is receiving a Complete Edition on November 20, 2026, which includes the Last Variable DLC. Developed by 11 Bit Studios, the game initially launched on June 13, 2025, and received positive reviews despite criticism regarding its use of AI in development.
Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault review – a pleasant bout of number go up that’s most remarkable for how much of an improvement it is
Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault is a significant improvement over its predecessor, offering a satisfying loop of dungeon delving and shop management. The game introduces complex multiplier mechanics for item values and combat, alongside quality-of-life improvements that make the experience more relaxed and enjoyable. The narrative is light but provides enough context for the core gameplay loop, which concludes neatly within approximately 30 hours.
Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault Is Now Open On Xbox, Game Pass And More!
Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault has officially launched on Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch, also joining Xbox and PC Game Pass. The sequel expands on the original's shop management and dungeon crawling gameplay with new combat options, an expanded shop, and a challenging post-game Endless Vault mode.
Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault Review – Money never sleeps
Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault successfully evolves its predecessor's dungeon-crawling and shop management loop with a jump to 3D graphics and new roguelike mechanics. While the core gameplay is engaging, the limited variety in its three regions and procedurally generated levels can lead to repetition over its extended length.
Moonlighter 2 review – the joy of shelf stacking and inventory arrangement
Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault refines the original's blend of dungeon crawling and shopkeeping with improved 3D graphics and more stock management. While the core gameplay loops remain engaging, some upgrades feel minor and the roguelite elements can rely heavily on random chance.
Next Week on XBOX: New Games for August 31 to September 4
This weekly feature highlights new games launching on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC between August 31 and September 4. The list includes titles like The Blood of Dawnwalker, Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game, NBA 2K27, and many more, with several also available on Game Pass.
The Alters: Last Variable Post Launch Interview – Jan Scientist, Critical Reception, Storytelling, And More
In an interview following the release of The Alters: Last Variable expansion, senior writer Katarzyna Tybinka and game design coordinator Marcin Łazowski discussed critical reception and narrative choices. They explained the decision to focus on variations of Jan Scientist for the DLC's story, aiming for increased humor and a focus on intellectual pursuits, while acknowledging divided critical opinions compared to the base game.
7 developers that will save the video games industry - Reader’s Feature
This reader's feature highlights seven smaller developers, including 11 bit studios, AdHoc Studios, Daniel Mullins Games, Hazelight Studios, Larian Studios, Sandfall Interactive, and Supergiant Games, who are seen as vital to the future of the video game industry. The article praises their innovative approaches to game design and storytelling, contrasting them with the perceived missteps of larger publishers.
Developers expect generative AI to impact roles and team sizes in the next three years
A survey of 100 Gamescom Dev speakers indicates that 83 percent expect generative AI to impact team sizes and productivity within the next three years. While 36 percent believe AI will change roles rather than reduce teams, 33 percent anticipate smaller team sizes. Companies like Capcom and Owlcat Games are exploring genAI for production speed, though backlash has occurred for studios like Pearl Abyss, Ubisoft, and 11 Bit Studios regarding disclosure.
How Planet of Lana became a hit through dogged determination after being rejected "hundreds" of times
Wishfully Studios' debut platformer, Planet of Lana, achieved success after hundreds of rejections by persevering through a naive development process. The team, with backgrounds in film, faced initial publisher skepticism due to an inadequate demo and unrealistic plans, but secured a deal with Xbox after a year of developing a vertical slice. This led to a partnership with Thunderful and a successful 2023 launch, with plans for a sequel and a Hollywood movie adaptation.
Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault gets a 1.0 date and demo as the original goes temporarily free
Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault will launch on September 2nd, exiting early access with a 1.0 release. The sequel introduces new weapons, shop upgrades, a hardcore difficulty mode, and the final Endless Vault. Additionally, the original Moonlighter is available for free on PC until August 9th.
Grab shopkeeper-dungeoncrawler Moonlighter free on Steam for a limited time
The shopkeeper dungeon crawler Moonlighter is available for free on Steam until August 9th to celebrate the upcoming release of its sequel, Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault. The sequel, which is currently in early access and set to launch on September 2nd, features new combat mechanics inspired by Hades and node-based exploration similar to FTL and Slay the Spire.
You have 4 days to get one of our favorite roguelikes for free on Steam thanks to its sequel leaving Early Access
The roguelike action RPG Moonlighter is available for free on Steam for a limited four-day period, starting August 5th. This promotion coincides with the upcoming full release of its sequel, Moonlighter 2, which is leaving Early Access on September 2nd. The offer allows players to claim the original game permanently before the sequel launches.
Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault 1.0 Release Date Set for September 2 — Too Much Gaming | Video Games Reviews, News, & Guides
Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault will launch its 1.0 version on September 2, completing the game's main story and adding a post-game challenge gauntlet and Hardcore mode. To celebrate, the original Moonlighter is free until August 9. Pre-orders for Moonlighter 2 are live on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X|S, and it will be available on Game Pass.
Moonlighter 2 gets Nintendo Switch 2 release date, demo out today, new trailer
Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault is set to release on September 2, 2026, for the Nintendo Switch 2, with a demo available today on the Nintendo eShop. The sequel introduces new weapons, armor, a new combat ability called the Bomb Path, and an expanded shop. Post-game content includes the Infinite Endless Vault challenge and a Hardcore mode.
New data suggests layoffs will affect 14,259 people by the end of 2026, up 78% from first forecast of the year
New data from the ASGC Games Industry Layoffs Tracker forecasts that job losses will reach 14,259 by the end of 2026, a significant increase from earlier projections. This trend indicates an acceleration in layoffs, with North America and Europe being the most affected regions. The projected numbers for 2026 are expected to surpass the total for 2024.
Comings and Goings
11 Bit Studios has laid off 20 employees as part of an adjustment to its new project teams. The company cited current needs as the reason for the workforce reduction.
11 Bit Studios lays off 20 workers as it "adjusts new project teams to current needs"
11 Bit Studios has laid off approximately 20 employees as it restructures project teams to align with current needs. The studio stated that its financial situation remains stable and that the majority of affected employees have been transferred internally to other ongoing projects. This follows a previous workforce reduction earlier in 2024 after the cancellation of a project codenamed Project 8.
The Alters: Last Variable Released
11 bit studios has released "Last Variable," a new DLC for their science fiction survival game "The Alters." The expansion is now available for Windows PC on GOG.com and Steam.
The Alters: Last Variable Review – The Science of Self-Discovery
The Alters: Last Variable is a standalone sci-fi survival experience that continues the story of Jan Scientist after a specific ending in the base game. Players must manage resources, build a base, and interact with various "Alters" of Jan, each with distinct personalities and scientific specializations, to research a mysterious Oasis while surviving planetary hazards. While it doesn't drastically change the core gameplay loop of resource gathering and survival, the sharp writing and character dynamics make it a recommended campaign for fans of the original game.
