NetEase, Inc.
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Once Human kicks off its last console open beta, running from now until July 8
NetEase's Once Human has launched its final console open beta test for PlayStation 5 and Xbox, running until July 8th. The beta features PvE and PvP scenarios with full cross-platform play between consoles, though not with PC or mobile. Participants can earn in-game rewards and carry over certain items to the full release.
Yakuza Creator's Gang of Dragon PS5 Game Really Does Seem Dead
Evidence suggests that Gang of Dragon, the PlayStation 5 game from Yakuza creator Toshihiro Nagoshi's Nagoshi Studio, has been cancelled. Publisher NetEase reportedly ceased funding, leading to the disappearance of the developer's YouTube channel and key personnel, including Nagoshi and studio director Daisuke Sato, distancing themselves from the project on social media and in interviews.
It Certainly Looks Like Yakuza Successor Gang Of Dragon Is Dead
Nagoshi Studios' debut title, Gang of Dragon, appears to be dead following the withdrawal of funding from NetEase and the disappearance of the studio's online presence. Creator Toshihiro Nagoshi is now listed simply as 'game creator' in Famitsu, and co-founder Daisuke Sato lists his involvement with the studio as 'ex-'. This suggests Nagoshi Studios is defunct, making the release of Gang of Dragon unlikely.
Gang of Dragon appears to have been cancelled and the studio closed
The game Gang of Dragon, announced in 2025 by Toshihiro Nagoshi's Nagoshi Studios, appears to have been cancelled. Evidence includes the studio's YouTube channel and website being shut down, a co-head's updated bio, and the Google Business listing being marked as permanently closed. Bloomberg previously reported that funder NetEase refused a $44 million payout to complete the game.
Warlock ‘n’ load: First impressions of Diablo Immortal’s 5.0, Lut Gholein, and the new Warlock
This preview covers Diablo Immortal's 5.0 update, introducing the new Warlock class and the Lut Gholein combat zone. While the Warlock is considered the least favorite iteration compared to Diablo II and Diablo IV, the update offers a welcome addition of content for the mobile Action RPG. The Lut Gholein zone faithfully recreates the Diablo II location and provides good loot, making it a potential grind spot for players.
Blood Message’s Gameplay Reveal Pushes Cinematic Realism Over Complexity
The gameplay reveal for Blood Message, developed by 24 Entertainment Lin'an and published by NetEase, has generated positive reactions for its focus on cinematic realism and grounded action-adventure gameplay. Set in the late Tang Dynasty, the game emphasizes player immersion and emotional stakes over mechanical complexity, featuring visceral combat, reactive stealth, and dynamic set-pieces.
Identity V Neo Series Pop Up Store Heading to Book Off USA
NetEase's game Identity V is launching a pop-up store promotion across several Book Off USA locations in California and New York. The stores will sell merchandise from the 7th Anniversary, Kyoto Neo, Osaka Neo, and Tokyo Neo lines, with the event running until August 9, 2026.
Aphelion and Life is Strange developer Don't Nod in trouble as it struggles to secure funding for its next project
French studio Don't Nod, known for Life is Strange and Aphelion, is facing financial difficulties and may run out of cash by November as co-owner Tencent is unwilling to fund its next project or increase its stake. The company is seeking other publishers for funding, but discussions have not yet yielded commitments. This situation could lead to layoffs and a scaled-back development scope for its upcoming game, Project P14.
Take a look at some of the animation work done on Jack Emmerts’ cancelled Warhammer 40K MMO
Former animator for the cancelled Warhammer 40,000 MMO developed by Jackalyptic Games has shared animation work from the project. The game, which was set during the Horus Heresy and had writing contributions from Graham McNeill, had its funding pulled by NetEase. The shared animations include a Space Marine firing a heavy bolter and various character movement cycles.
Capcom Says Betting On Teams Instead Of Visionaries Changed The Company
Capcom attributes its recent success to a shift from individual-driven development to a team-first mentality. This change, implemented after examining responsibilities to shareholders, involved rebuilding titles from the ground up with a team-based approach, leading to significant transformation despite potential temporary sales dips. This strategy contrasts with creator-driven games, which can be tied to the ideas of a single person.
Marvel Rivals brings in Cyclops, an 18v18 mode, and player-hosted tournaments
Marvel Rivals has added Cyclops as a new playable hero, featuring his signature optic blasts. The game also introduced an 18v18 "Bounty Annihilation" mode set in the K’un-Lun: Shenloong Arena map. NetEase is enabling third-party tournament hosting and has released an updated roadmap extending to early July, including a Summer Festival starting June 19th.
Analyst: Q1 2026 revenue figures show there is still demand for compelling single-player video games
Global game content revenue saw a 3.6% year-over-year increase in Q1 2026, reaching $54.14 billion, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. Companies like Capcom and Pearl Abyss reported significant growth, driven by titles such as Resident Evil Requiem and Crimson Desert, indicating continued consumer demand for compelling single-player experiences alongside live-service games. PC emerged as the fastest-growing platform.
18 embargoes from Summer Game Fest just lifted, so let's rank everything I saw in LA
The author attended Summer Game Fest Play Days and provides a ranked list of 18 games they saw. The article details hands-on and hands-off impressions of various titles, offering brief critiques and release window estimates, with N+ Infinity Times Two topping the list.
Marvel Rivals Season 8.5: Everything Coming In New Update
Marvel Rivals is releasing its Season 8.5 update on June 12, 2026, introducing the mutant leader Cyclops as a new playable hero and a new 18v18 Bounty Annihilation mode set in K’un-Lun: Shenloong Arena. The update also includes a new social hub, Hellfire Bay-Beach, and a summer festival starting June 18 with rewards and limited-time skins. The Avengers-collaboration events, Path To Doomsday, have been rescheduled to late July and mid-October.
Sea of Remnants Preview – A Puppet’s Life for Me
Sea of Remnants is a visually distinctive pirate gacha game featuring puppet characters and a unique style. While the ship combat's aiming mechanics need refinement, the turn-based combat system with its slot machine-like mechanic is engaging. The game is set to launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC later this year.
Blood Message Preview – A Visceral Treat
Blood Message, an upcoming action-adventure game from 24 Entertainment Lin'an and NetEase, offers a visceral combat experience with graphic violence that complements its gritty world. The preview highlighted smooth stealth mechanics and intense action sequences, with impressive character models and facial animations.
Summer Game Fest 2026: World Premieres and Everything Announced!
Summer Game Fest 2026 showcased numerous world premieres and announcements, including a reimagining of Resident Evil – Code: Veronica, a sequel to Alien: Isolation, and new titles like gen Atlas and Blood Message. Several existing franchises also received updates or sequels, such as Mortal Shell II, Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag Resynced, and Lords of the Fallen 2. The event also featured announcements for new installments in the Gundam, Star Wars, and Attack on Titan series, alongside updates for games like Fortnite and Palworld.
Summer Game Fest 2026 Recap: Every Major Announcement, Reveal And Trailer
Summer Game Fest 2026 featured numerous game announcements, including Resident Evil Veronica, Alien: Isolation 2, and Final Fantasy VII Revelation. The event also revealed updates for existing titles and new projects from various developers and publishers. Many games are slated for release in 2026 and 2027 across multiple platforms like PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, PC, and Nintendo Switch.
Blood Message Is Poised to Deliver the Most Beautiful Single Player Story on PS5
NetEase is developing Blood Message, a visually impressive single-player story game set in the late Tang Dynasty. Players will assume the role of a messenger on a perilous journey across East and Central Asia. While no release date has been announced, the game is expected to be playable by press at SGF.
Blood Message gets an epic, bloody new trailer
NetEase has released a new trailer for their historical epic, Blood Message, showcasing gameplay and story elements set in the late Tang Dynasty. Players will embark on a perilous journey across China as a nameless messenger tasked with delivering a message that could alter the fate of the nation. The game will be playable at Summer Game Fest this week.
