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Here's our second wave of Xbox Game Pass games for October 2026
Microsoft has announced the second wave of games coming to Xbox Game Pass in October 2026. The additions include the console debuts of The Séance of Blake Manor and Mouthwashing, alongside Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade. Several games are also departing the service.
GDC Festival of Gaming 2027 moves to four-day format to "create a higher quality, more focused and valuable experience"
The GDC Festival of Gaming will shift to a four-day format from Monday to Thursday for its 2027 edition, aiming to create a more focused and valuable experience for attendees. Organizers cited community feedback and data analysis for the change, which includes expanding the Business Hall and optimizing programming schedules. The Game Developers Choice Awards will also accept direct submissions for the first time.
Everything New In The Once Human Isles Of Abyss Scenario
The free-to-play shooter Once Human has received a significant update titled 'Isles of Abyss,' introducing a separate scenario with an oceanic archipelago. This update allows players to build and customize their own ships for exploration, engage in underwater activities with new gear, and discover new resources and mechanics across two distinct phases that culminate in a boss fight.
GDCA 2027 moves away from nominations-based system, publishers and devs can now submit games for consideration
The 2027 Game Developers Choice Awards will move away from its nomination-based system to allow publishers and developers to directly submit games for consideration. Games released on PC or console in 2026 are eligible, with no entry fees and a November 1, 2026 deadline. New award categories for Best Game Launch and Best Gaming Tech have also been introduced.
Det läckert pixliga actionrollspelet Drova ska få en uppföljare – Drova II
The action RPG Drova, known for its detailed pixel graphics and satisfying character development, is getting a sequel titled Drova II - Torn Lands. The sequel will feature two factions, Bear Mother and Great Ram, with unique combat styles and secrets. It will also expand the combat system to allow for more playstyles and include a story without quest markers, alongside side activities and a mini-game. Drova II is planned for PC and consoles.
Free-to-play playtime is broadly flat as gacha RPGs drive PC growth, says Newzoo
A Newzoo report indicates that free-to-play (F2P) playtime remains stable, despite a slight decrease in its market share, driven by growth in gacha RPGs on PC. While overall F2P playtime is flat, PC F2P playtime has grown, with gacha games showing significant increases in engagement. RPG remains the only F2P genre gaining share on both PC and console.
ArenaNet studio head says Guild Wars 3 will have 'significantly less' UI elements on the HUD for an MMO — 'We very intentionally designed this because it's also on console and it's a lean-back experience'
ArenaNet studio head Colin Johanson revealed that Guild Wars 3 will feature a significantly reduced user interface compared to other MMORPGs, aiming for a cleaner display that emphasizes combat and the open world. This design choice is partly influenced by the game's development for consoles, requiring a more streamlined, lean-back experience.
Multiplayer creature capturing RPG Aniimo officially goes live – here’s what its monetization looks like
The multiplayer creature-capturing RPG Aniimo has officially launched as a free-to-play title, detailing its monetization strategy which includes a monthly pass, a premium battle pass track, and a cash shop utilizing Lumin Crystals. The cash shop offers cosmetic outfits, in-game currency, leveling materials, and items for capturing Aniimo, with some earnable in-game. Pawprint Studios is also offering launch bonuses for PC and console players, with a mobile version planned for September 23rd.
1312 Interactive raises $1m in seed funding round
1312 Interactive, India's first dedicated PC and console game publishing house, has secured $1 million in seed funding led by T-Accelerate Capital and ChimeraVC. The investment will bolster its publishing infrastructure, expand into emerging markets, and support developers. The company also launched 1312 Playground for community feedback and has several games scheduled for release.
Coming to XBOX Game Pass: Gears of War: E-Day, Minecraft Dungeons II, Dune: Awakening, and More
Xbox Game Pass is adding a variety of new titles throughout September and October, including Gears of War: E-Day, Minecraft Dungeons II, Dune: Awakening, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. Several games are also leaving the service on September 30th.
Roblox games are escaping Roblox: Creators will soon be able to export standalone apps for PC, console, and mobile
Roblox Corporation is launching 'Roblox Everywhere,' allowing creators to export their games as standalone applications for PC, mobile, and consoles. This initiative aims to expand the reach of Roblox games beyond the platform itself, with plans to eventually support major storefronts like Steam. The company is also working on browser-based play and an offline mode for singleplayer games.
ArenaNet says Guild Wars 3 will make you "fall in love with MMOs." Here's why I think it could
ArenaNet aims to revitalize the MMO genre with Guild Wars 3, focusing on innovative 'Momentum' systems that allow for fluid movement and dynamic combat. Studio head Colin Johansen believes the game will attract both existing Guild Wars fans and new players seeking a fresh experience, potentially making them 'fall in love with MMOs.' The design prioritizes a cleaner UI and more action-oriented gameplay, a departure from traditional MMO mechanics.
Gamescom 2026: Terraria teams meet to plan the future as crossplay is ‘on deck’
The Terraria development teams met at Gamescom 2026 to discuss future updates and crossplay implementation. Patch 1.4.5.7 has been released for PC and is coming to consoles and mobile soon, with the first phase of crossplay planned for Patch 1.4.6.
European games industry revenue reached €30bn in 2025
The European games industry generated €30 billion in 2025, with digital purchases making up 91% of revenue. While the original five major markets saw a slight decline, the overall revenue figure is bolstered by the inclusion of 11 new countries in the report. Mobile and tablets were the leading platforms for both usage and revenue generation.
Newzoo: Global games market to generate $213.9bn in 2026, up 6.1% YoY
Newzoo projects the global games market will reach $213.9 billion in 2026, a 6.1% year-on-year increase, with China and the US contributing over half of consumer spending. The launch of Grand Theft Auto 6 is expected to significantly boost full-game spending, while mobile will remain the largest platform share. Future growth will increasingly rely on monetizing existing audiences rather than acquiring new players.
New Terraria "hotfix" feels a lot more like an update, bringing changes fans of the survival game have wanted…
Re-Logic has released a significant hotfix, version 1.4.5.7, for the survival game Terraria, which includes numerous changes and additions that fans have long desired. The update brings new items, secret seeds, adjustments to yoyo mechanics, class and weapon balancing, and boss fight modifications, with PC already updated and console and mobile versions pending approval.
Matchmaking platform Sail.game launches free tier for devs ahead of Gamescom
Matchmaking platform Sail.game has launched a free tier for PC and console game developers ahead of Gamescom, allowing them to access the Entry Cruise package using a promo code until August 31. Developers who claim this tier during Gamescom will receive lifetime access, enabling them to create game cards, connect with publishers, and receive notifications. CEO Vladimír Geršl stated the initiative aims to help developers find funding and publishing partners more efficiently.
Niko Partners: India games market exceeds $1bn, forecast to reach $1.2bn by end of 2026
India's video game market surpassed $1 billion in revenue in 2025 and is projected to reach $1.77 billion by 2030, according to Niko Partners. The number of players is expected to grow to over 700 million by 2030, with female gamers now comprising nearly half of the player base. Mobile gaming remains the primary revenue driver, though audiences are exploring a wider range of genres on PC and console.
Pearl Abyss Q2 earnings decline as impact of Crimson Desert's launch period subsides
Pearl Abyss reported a decline in its second-quarter earnings, with operating revenue down 41.4% to $135.9 million and operating profit down 68.1% to $47.7 million, following the initial launch impact of Crimson Desert. The company sold 2.11 million copies of Crimson Desert in the quarter, which represented about 70% of total console revenue. Pearl Abyss is developing DLC for Crimson Desert and plans to release it on Nintendo Switch 2 in the first half of 2027.
Terraria promises that it’s on its final push towards a balancing and update patch for 1.4.5
Studio Re-Logic has announced that the balancing and addition update for its survival sandbox game Terraria, version 1.4.5.7, is nearing release. The update is currently undergoing a localization pass and certification submissions for PC, console, and mobile platforms. New gear, including a giant grassy claymore and a homing arrow, will be included, and progress is being made on updating the TMod Loader for version 1.4.5.
