HoYoVerse
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European age-ratings body PEGI begins raising age-limit of loot box games, like EA Sports FC, to 16
The European video game age rating agency PEGI has begun increasing the age ratings of digital games featuring loot boxes to 16. This stricter approach, which started in June for newly submitted games, is now being applied to existing digital-only titles rated PEGI 3, 7, or 12. Games like EA Sports FC and Zenless Zone Zero are among those affected, signaling a shift in how loot box mechanics are perceived and rated.
Genshin Impact Luna VIII Adds Sandrone and the Frost Moon
The Genshin Impact Luna VIII update, arriving July 1, 2026, will feature new character Sandrone and reruns of Columbina and Raiden Shogun. The update also introduces a new Frost Moon location and several in-game events, including the Sunny Summer Fontinalia event which may offer Charlotte and her new costume. The update is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, PC, and mobile devices.
Genshin Impact Luna VIII Update Special Program Airs This Week
HoYoVerse has announced that the special program stream for the Genshin Impact Luna VIII update will air on June 18, 2026. This update is expected to launch on July 1, 2026, and will feature the Fatui Harbinger Marionette as a new playable character. The stream will be available on Twitch and YouTube.
New Honkai: Star Rail Nendoroids Are Anaxa and Phainon
Good Smile Company has announced new Nendoroid figures for Honkai: Star Rail characters Anaxa and Phainon. Anaxa, a standard Nendoroid, will launch in late 2026/early 2027, while Phainon, a Nendoroid Doll variant, will be released in early 2027. Pre-orders for both figures close on July 29, 2026. Honkai: Star Rail is available on PlayStation 5, PC, and mobile devices.
Genshin Impact Anime Short Stars the Marionette Sandrone
HoYoVerse has released a new Genshin Impact anime short titled "The Final Gift," focusing on the Fatui Harbinger Sandrone and offering insights into her background and relationships. The short also features other characters like Columbina and Alain Guillotin, and hints at Sandrone's upcoming playable debut in Version Luna VIII.
Honkai: Star Rail Kura Sushi Event Announced
HoYoVerse and Kura Sushi have announced a crossover event for Honkai: Star Rail featuring characters Aventurine and Sparkle, which will be exclusive to US locations. While a start date is unconfirmed, it is speculated to begin after the current Tamagotchi event concludes on June 23, 2026. Teaser art depicts chibi versions of Aventurine and Sparkle, suggesting potential merchandise and special menu items.
New Honkai Impact 3rd Seele Battlesuit Arrives in 8.9
HoYoVerse has announced a new S-rank battlesuit for Seele Vollerei in Honkai Impact 3rd, named Wings of Panacea, arriving in update 8.9 around late June 2026. This new iteration, which deals Lightning damage with a scythe and supports the Astral Ring mechanic, is the fifth version of Seele in the game. Honkai Impact 3rd is available on PC and mobile devices.
Part 2 of Genshin Impact x Calbee Jagarico Crossover Starts
HoYoVerse and Calbee are launching the second part of their Genshin Impact x Jagarico snack collaboration in Japan from June to July 2026. The new Jagarico products will feature Knights of Favonius characters from Genshin Impact on their packaging. Genshin Impact is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, PC, and mobile devices.
3.0 Zenless Zone Zero Stream Set and PS5 and Xbox Collector’s Edition Pre-Orders Start
HoYoVerse has announced the 3.0 Zenless Zone Zero Special Program stream for Season 3 will air on June 6, 2026, and pre-orders for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X Collector's Editions are now open. The stream will reveal details about the upcoming season, including new locations, characters like Norma Hollowell and Velina Airgid, and the contents of the Collector's Edition, which features both digital and physical in-game rewards.
Petit Planet Area Load Limit, Blueprint Sharing, and Cooking Changes in the Works
HoYoVerse has announced plans to address player feedback for Petit Planet following its Stardrift Test beta. Key areas being looked into include the area load limit, blueprint sharing, and cooking mechanics. The MiniCorner leaderboard will be removed, and adjustments will be made to Starsea Voyage maps and Archiboo acquisition.
4.3 Honkai: Star Rail Update Adds Mortenax Blade Alt Next Month
HoYoVerse announced that the 4.3 update for Honkai: Star Rail, titled "The Lethe Below the Living," will launch on June 1, 2026. This update introduces the new five-star character Mortenax Blade and continues the Planarcadia storyline, focusing on Himeko's past. The update also includes a rerun of Yao Guang and a second part of the Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works crossover event.
Rin and Gilgamesh Join Honkai: Star Rail Fate/Stay Night Crossover
Honkai: Star Rail is expanding its Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works crossover event in 2026 with the addition of Rin Tohsaka and Gilgamesh. The update, arriving on July 24, 2026, will also allow players to obtain Archer or Gilgamesh for free. Rin will be an Erudition path Quantum damage dealer, while Gilgamesh will be a Destruction path Lightning damage dealer.
Petit Planet Stardrift Beta Test Ends Next Week
HoYoVerse has announced that the beta test for Petit Planet Stardrift will conclude on May 25, 2026, after running for approximately one month. Players will need to restart from scratch when the full version launches, but two in-game events are available to preserve memories of the beta experience. The game is currently in development for PC and mobile devices.
Round1 USA Honkai: Star Rail Crossover Promotion Detailed
HoYoVerse and Round1 USA have detailed their Honkai: Star Rail crossover promotion, focusing on the Stellaron Hunters group with characters Blade, Silver Wolf, Firefly, and Kafka. The event, starting May 22, 2026, features exclusive merchandise like towels, cups, keychains, and pillows available at Round1 USA arcades. The game is available on PlayStation 5, PC, and mobile devices.
Round1 USA Honkai: Star Rail Crossover Promotion Detailed
HoYoVerse and Round1 USA have detailed their Honkai: Star Rail crossover promotion, focusing on the Stellaron Hunters group with characters Blade, Silver Wolf, Firefly, and Kafka. The event, starting May 22, 2026, features exclusive merchandise like towels, cups, keychains, and pillows available at Round1 USA arcades. The game is available on PlayStation 5, PC, and mobile devices.
Honkai: Star Rail Boothill and Sparxie Plush Pre-Orders Open
Sega has opened pre-orders in Japan for new Mirucco Series plush toys featuring the characters Boothill and Sparxie from Honkai: Star Rail. These approximately 16-centimeter tall plushies are priced at 6,800 JPY each and are expected to ship in early 2027. The merchandise is available through retailers like Animate and Animon, with potential availability on Amazon.
Genshin Impact KFC Japan Event Will Star Alhaitham and Kaveh
KFC Japan has teased an upcoming collaboration event with Genshin Impact, featuring the characters Alhaitham and Kaveh. While details on the event's timing are scarce, past collaborations have included new artwork, merchandise, and in-game items. Genshin Impact is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, PC, and mobile devices.
Genshin Impact Luna VII Special Program Included Snezhnaya Preview
HoYoVerse revealed details for Genshin Impact's Luna VII update during a special program, including a preview of the Snezhnaya region and new characters Nicole and Lohen. The update, launching May 20, 2026, will also feature new weapons, artifact sets, and in-game events. The Snezhnaya region is slated for a later 2026 release.
Genshin Impact Luna VII Special Program Stream Dated
HoYoVerse will host the Genshin Impact Luna VII Special Program stream on May 8, 2026, detailing the upcoming update expected on May 20, 2026. The stream will cover new Archon Quests concluding the Nod-Krai storyline and introduce characters like Nicole Reeyn and Lohen. Genshin Impact is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, PC, and mobile devices.
Zenless Zone Zero Returning Player System Changes in 2.8
HoYoVerse is updating the returning player system, 'Back in Business,' for Zenless Zone Zero with the 2.8 update on May 6, 2026. The changes include new additions and potentially higher rewards for players who have been away for over 42 days. The game is also slated to release on Steam around version 3.0.
