Video Games
Ongoing coverage on Video Games.
Latest coverage
The Lord Of The Rings Extended Trilogy Is Massively Discounted Just After Surprise Game Re-Release
Amazon is offering a significant discount on the digital extended edition trilogy of Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings films, reducing the price from $45 to $15. This sale follows a recent re-release of the game The Lord of the Rings: War in the North. The article also touches on upcoming Lord of the Rings movies and games, noting mixed reception for recent titles like The Lord of the Rings: Gollum.
Disney isn't stopping with Kingdom Hearts 4 and a new anime, as "there are so many things we want to do"…
Disney is planning significant expansion for the Kingdom Hearts franchise beyond the upcoming Kingdom Hearts 4 and a new animated series. Nana Gadd, Disney's director of games, stated that there are many more initiatives planned, with the animated series being just the first step. This suggests a broader strategy to leverage the franchise across various media platforms.
Weekend Discussion - August 22, 2026
This weekend discussion from Shacknews covers various topics including a mention of Anthony Bourdain, an interview with Gillian Anderson about The X-Files, and a segment with Elyse and Nikole from Won't You Be My Gamer? at the Aquarium of the Pacific. The article also includes a note about Shacknews's policy against using generative AI in its content and a personal anecdote from an employee about their gaming history.
Halloween And Aliens Aren’t The Only Horror Movies With New Games Debuting
The article discusses the recent release of the Creepshow video game, an adaptation of the classic horror anthology. It highlights how Creepshow, published by DreadXP, offers a single-player adventure with a comic-book aesthetic, contrasting with other licensed horror games like Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 and Halloween: The Game. The author praises the game's storytelling and its existence as an indie-spirited adaptation of a cult-classic series, positioning it as a unique counterpoint to larger titles like Dead By Daylight.
9 Xbox Games That Put Photography At The Heart Of The Experience
This article highlights nine Xbox and PC games where photography is a central gameplay mechanic, not just a photo mode. Titles like Pupperazzi, TOEM, and Viewfinder utilize photography for professions, exploration, puzzle-solving, conservation, and even combat, demonstrating its diverse roles in gaming.
Every Disney Game on the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 in 2026
This article lists all Disney and Pixar games currently available on the Nintendo Switch, with a look ahead to titles expected on the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026. It serves as a comprehensive guide for fans looking to play Disney-themed games on Nintendo's platforms.
The Pack Theater reveals schedule for The Packening 2026 — MP3s & NPCs
The Pack Theater has announced the schedule for its second annual event, The Packening, taking place over Labor Day weekend. The four-day event will feature 40 hours of improv, sketch, and stand-up comedy, celebrating the theater's 10-year anniversary. Passes go on sale August 17th with early bird pricing available until August 31st.
Kingdom Hearts and Until Dawn actress Hayden Panettiere has died at 36
Actress Hayden Panettiere, known for her roles in Kingdom Hearts and Until Dawn, has passed away at the age of 36. Her father confirmed her death, remembering her as a vibrant individual. Panettiere lent her voice and likeness to characters in popular video games, with her final credited role being in the 2024 remake of Until Dawn.
Disney says that Kingdom Hearts is now a 'billion dollar franchise'
The Walt Disney Company has announced that the Kingdom Hearts series is now a 'billion dollar franchise,' according to an investor-focused article. This achievement places it among Disney's top-grossing properties, alongside mobile game Marvel Strike Force. The article also touches on Disney's relationship with Epic Games and the success of Marvel Rivals.
Disney Has 9 Gaming Franchises That Have Generated $1 Billion+ At Retail, Including Kingdom Hearts
Disney has identified video games as a fundamental part of its future entertainment strategy, with nine gaming franchises having generated over $1 billion in retail sales. The company's gaming division, Disney Games, has achieved approximately $3.5 billion in annual consumer spending for the past four years, exceeding $4 billion in the last fiscal year. Disney is focusing on creating original game content rather than movie tie-ins and sees significant opportunity in its partnership with Epic Games for Fortnite.
Mattel launches new global studios business to develop games based on its IP
Mattel has launched Mattel Game Studios, a new global development organization focused on creating games based on its intellectual property. This initiative builds upon the company's acquisition of Mattel163 and aims to develop original gaming experiences for various platforms, including mobile, PC, Roblox, and Fortnite. The studio's existing portfolio includes popular mobile titles like UNO!, and upcoming releases such as Skeletor: Until Next Time! and an unnamed Hot Wheels title.
Why Modern Casino Games Feel More Like Video Games | Invision Game Community
Modern casino games are increasingly adopting design principles from video games, particularly mobile and live-service titles. Features like progress bars, missions, unlockable content, and animated rewards are becoming common, aiming to enhance player engagement beyond traditional gameplay loops. This evolution is driven by a desire to create more intuitive and compelling experiences that align with contemporary gaming expectations, making casino platforms feel more like familiar gaming dashboards.
The US government is hiring gamers as air traffic controllers, with "historic" results
The US government's campaign to recruit gamers as air traffic controllers has been highly successful, meeting 94% of its hiring goal and achieving the fastest recruitment target completion ever. US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy highlighted that gamers possess valuable skills like problem-solving and spatial awareness, leading to historic hiring numbers and strong performance from new recruits.
Weekend Discussion - August 8, 2026
This weekend discussion covers various topics including the release of Super Troopers 3, Marvel's explanation of Charles Xavier and Magneto's dynamic, and an examination of the phenomenon Freakazoid. It also features a look at Subnautica 2 with an astrobiologist and a musical send-off from Reel Big Fish. The article emphasizes Shacknews's policy against using generative AI in its content.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day review and Primetime trailer reaction - Shack Central Ep. 15
This episode of Shack Central reviews Spider-Man: Brand New Day, discusses new film announcements from Warner Bros. including a Matrix and Jetsons movie, and reacts to the Primetime trailer. The hosts also touch on the return of NFL football.
MLB The Show 26 Celebrates The Trade Deadline’s Biggest Villain
MLB The Show 26 is celebrating the MLB trade deadline with a special "New Threads Trade Deadline" program featuring a 99-rated Tarik Skubal card. Skubal, who was traded from the Detroit Tigers to the Los Angeles Dodgers, is highlighted as a top player in the game. The article also briefly touches on the upcoming CBA negotiations and potential salary cap issues in baseball.
The Avalanches announce new album 'No Bad Memories’ — MP3s & NPCs
The Avalanches have announced their fourth studio album, 'No Bad Memories,' set for release on October 16 via Modular. The announcement was accompanied by the release of their new single 'Can’t Get Over Losing You,' featuring singer Portraits of Tracy. Keyboardist Robbie Chater expressed his admiration for Tracy's talent, while Tracy shared her positive experience collaborating with the band.
Thanks to Pokemon, X-Files, and Donkey Kong, this month's new Lego sets might be the best we've had all year
Lego is releasing over 100 new sets in August 2026, featuring popular franchises like Donkey Kong, The X-Files, and Pokemon. Highlights include an interactive Donkey Kong Arcade cabinet, a detailed X-Files display piece, and various Pokemon-themed kits. The article also details new sets for Star Wars, Super Mario, Sonic the Hedgehog, and more.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day Wins Over Hideo Kojima, Then Conquers The Box Office
The new Spider-Man: Brand New Day movie achieved a massive global box office opening of $927 million, with $355 million domestically, making it the biggest opening of the year. Legendary game director Hideo Kojima praised the film's themes of loneliness and isolation, noting its fresh approach. The movie also drew inspiration from Insomniac's Spider-Man games, incorporating elements like the "Fresh Start" suit and combat finishers.
Two years later and Wizards of the Coast loses another president
John Hight, President of Wizards of the Coast, is stepping down after two years in the role. This follows a period of significant financial performance for brands like Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons, but also challenges in video game development and labor disputes within Magic: The Gathering Arena. Hight will transition to an advisor role with Hasbro, the parent company.
