53 stories from 5 sources

Game Franchises Expand as Releases Slip and Leaks Spread

Day’s Recap

Supporting Articles

3:14 PMThe Verge

Paramount is making a Cyberpunk 2077 film

Summary

Cyberpunk 2077 is getting a live-action movie from Paramount Pictures and CD Projekt Red. There is no release date or major casting news yet, but Transformers producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura is attached.

The project is still at the very early stage, so there is more concept than

Why it matters

A major studio is betting that Cyberpunk 2077 can become a film franchise as well as a game.

Link to Story

3:11 PMIGN

Forza Horizon 6 Is Finally Coming to PS5 in January Alongside First Expansion

Summary

Forza Horizon 6 is coming to PS5 in January, and its launch will include the game's first major expansion. PlayStation players are getting the expanded package rather than the base game alone.

The release delay stings, but launching alongside a substantial expansion could make the wait feel

Why it matters

Forza Horizon 6's PS5 debut will arrive as a bigger, more complete package.

Link to Story

2:14 PMThe Verge

Forza Horizon 6 is being delayed on PS5 to January 2027

Summary

Forza Horizon 6 will arrive on PS5 on January 26, 2027, after originally being planned for 2026. The delay pushes the open-world racing game into next year for PlayStation players.

The wait is frustrating, but racing games benefit from a smooth launch, especially when they

Why it matters

PS5 players will have to wait longer to drive through Forza Horizon 6's latest take on open-world racing.

Link to Story

1:11 PMPolygon

'Forza Horizon 6' Officially Delayed to 2027 on PS5

Summary

Forza Horizon 6 will not arrive on PlayStation 5 until January 2027. Sony and Playground Games have now confirmed the delay.

The wait gets longer for PlayStation players, who will have to sit out the game's

Why it matters

PS5 owners now have a firm, much later release window for one of the biggest racing games on the horizon.

Link to Story

3 stories · 3 sources

3:19 PMIGN

Xbox XP's First Task Should Be the Halo Movie We Never Got

Summary

Microsoft's new Xbox XP division is being created to turn its game properties into movies, television shows, theme park attractions, and other experiences. One obvious first project would be a proper Halo movie, after years of false starts and a poorly remembered television adaptation.

Halo remains one of Xbox's biggest worlds, and it still has plenty of cinematic potential.

Why it matters

Xbox now has a fresh chance to turn its flagship franchise into the screen spectacle fans have been waiting for.

Link to Story

2:26 PMPolygon

Ubisoft's Shutting Down Rainbow Six Game It Officially Launched in 2026

Summary

Ubisoft is shutting down Rainbow Six Mobile in 2027, just months after the game officially launched on Android and iOS. The mobile spin-off will have a remarkably short run.

That is a rough turnaround for a major franchise release. Rainbow Six may be strong

Why it matters

The shutdown shows how difficult it is to sustain even a well-known game brand on mobile.

Link to Story

9:22 AMThe Verge

GTA VI leaks continue with a lengthy (and very nude) gameplay video

Summary

Another GTA VI leak has surfaced, showing an extended clip of Jason running through Vice City with little regard for clothing. The footage adds to the stream of unauthorized gameplay videos appearing ahead of Rockstar's official release.

This is less a meaningful preview than another reminder that unfinished game footage keeps escaping

Why it matters

The steady leaks continue to expose unfinished material and complicate Rockstar's carefully managed buildup to launch.

Link to Story

8:00 PMPolygon

After 4 Hours, Phantom Blade Zero Just Became My Most-Anticipated Action Game

Summary

Phantom Blade Zero is making a strong impression with fast, precise combat inspired by wuxia martial arts. Its strange, stylish kungfupunk setting adds another layer to an action game that is quickly becoming one of the most anticipated releases.

The appeal seems to come from how confidently the game combines elegant swordplay with grimy,

Why it matters

Phantom Blade Zero could bring a fresh visual identity and a highly polished combat system to the action genre.

Link to Story

8:00 PMIGN

Phantom Blade Zero Might Be This Year’s Most Stylish Action Game | IGN Preview

Summary

After spending several hours with Phantom Blade Zero, the game has gone from a distant curiosity to a top wishlist pick. Its slick combat, striking style, and strong early momentum suggest it could be one of the coolest action games arriving in 2026.

That is a serious turnaround for a game that was barely on the radar before

Why it matters

Phantom Blade Zero is shaping up to be a standout action-game contender rather than just another stylish showcase.

Link to Story

2 stories · 2 sources

4:59 PMIGN

Resident Evil Requiem Was Originally Planned as an Online Game, Producer Says

Summary

Resident Evil Requiem was originally designed as an online game before Capcom changed course. The team ultimately dropped that direction to focus more fully on the series' horror strengths.

That decision may have saved the project from becoming another multiplayer experiment that weakens the

Why it matters

The change highlights how important a clear horror focus is to keeping Resident Evil distinct.

Link to Story

10:52 AMThe Verge

GTA VI will have in-game podcasts and at least six radio stations

Summary

Rockstar is loading GTA VI with its biggest in-game radio lineup yet. Players will be able to tune in from cars or while walking around Vice City, with stations spanning talk radio, classic rock, and more. Podcasts will also join the soundtrack mix.

GTA radio has always been part of the series' personality, not just background noise. Rockstar

Why it matters

The radio lineup could make GTA VI feel as lively and distinctive as its massive open world.

Link to Story

Other Developments

A curated list of other prominent stories from this day.

8:01 PMNew York Times Arts

The Blood of the Dawnwalker Is a Gripping Vampire R.P.G.

Summary

The Blood of the Dawnwalker is a vampire role-playing game centered on power, violence, and the choices that come with both. It looks like a dark, ambitious take on the genre.

The game seems less interested in simple monster-slaying than in the messy consequences of having

Why it matters

It could offer a more thoughtful and atmospheric alternative to standard vampire action games.

Link to Story

7:37 PMIGN

Daredevil Star Charlie Cox Confirms He's in an Unannounced Sega Game | NYCC 2026

Summary

Charlie Cox has confirmed that he is starring in an upcoming Sega game that has not been announced yet. The project remains under wraps, so his involvement is currently the biggest clue about what Sega is preparing.

Cox already has plenty of game and superhero credibility, which makes this a fun mystery

Why it matters

A major actor quietly attached to a secret Sega project suggests the company may have a substantial reveal waiting.

Link to Story

7:05 PMIGN

Jay and Silent Bob’s Joint Venture Trailer and Game Details Revealed for Weed Farming Sim | NYCC 2026

Summary

Jay and Silent Bob are getting a foul-mouthed farming game set in Kevin Smith's View Askewniverse. Joint Venture mixes cozy crop growing with weed cultivation, comedy, and the duo's trademark brand of chaos, and its first trailer has now been revealed.

It is a surprisingly natural fit for a low-stakes farming sim, just with more profanity

Why it matters

The project turns a cult comedy universe into a distinctive game concept with a built-in audience.

Link to Story

7:00 PMPolygon

9 Legend of Zelda Side Quests Scarier than Any Horror Game

Summary

Several Zelda side quests wander into genuinely unsettling territory, from cursed spider families to a ship that sails only at night. Other creepy encounters include a mummified father hidden in a closet, proving the series has plenty of horror tucked beneath its colorful surface.

Zelda rarely presents these moments as straight horror, which is exactly why they can land

Why it matters

The series' side stories show how much atmosphere and darkness Zelda can create without becoming a horror game.

Link to Story

6:11 PMIGN

Street Fighter 6 Producer Reveals How He Helped Save Capcom’s Iconic Fighting Game Franchise From ‘Dying’

Summary

Street Fighter 6 producer Shuhei Matsumoto described how badly the franchise was struggling during the Street Fighter V era. He and director Takayuki Nakayama worked to rebuild the series and restore confidence in Capcom's flagship fighter.

Street Fighter 6's success looks even more impressive against that backdrop. The comeback was not

Why it matters

The story shows how a major gaming franchise can recover when its developers address both player trust and the game itself.

Link to Story

6:00 PMIGN

Ben Affleck Says He Gets Into Arguments With Kids in Fortnite, His New Movie Took Inspiration from Game's Skins

Summary

Ben Affleck says he plays shooters including Fortnite and sometimes gets into arguments with younger players over voice chat. He also drew on Fortnite's flashy character skins while shaping the look of his new movie.

Affleck has apparently discovered the timeless online gaming experience of arguing with strangers who may

Why it matters

Fortnite's reach continues to stretch from games into movies, fashion, and everyday pop culture.

Link to Story

5:01 PMThe Verge

AMD will bring FSR 4 to handhelds by the end of 2026

Summary

AMD plans to bring its FSR 4 upscaling technology to at least some gaming handhelds by the end of 2026. That is a shift from earlier uncertainty over whether older devices, including the Steam Deck, would get official support.

The promise is good news for handheld performance, though AMD is still leaving the exact

Why it matters

FSR 4 could help handhelds deliver sharper graphics and smoother frame rates without demanding much more hardware.

Link to Story

2:20 PMPolygon

13 Years Later, One of Telltale’s Greatest Games Is Officially Making a Comeback

Summary

The Big Bad Wolf is returning in a comeback for one of Telltale's most beloved games. The long-awaited revival arrives 13 years after the original made its mark.

Fans have had plenty of time to wonder whether this world would ever return, so

Why it matters

Telltale is bringing back a fan favorite that many players had assumed was gone for good.

Link to Story

2:19 PMIGN

Final Fantasy VII Revelation Announces an NPC-ified Version of Shiva Voiced by Marisha Ray | NYCC 2026

Summary

Final Fantasy VII Revelation has announced a new version of Shiva presented as an NPC and voiced by Marisha Ray. The Critical Role performer also has a personal connection to the game's cast, as the wife of Vincent Valentine's voice actor.

Casting Ray adds a familiar name for fans of both Final Fantasy and Critical Role.

Why it matters

A recognizable voice performer is joining the Final Fantasy VII universe in a new take on one of its iconic summons.

Link to Story

2:00 PMPolygon

'Exploring Pendola Pass' quest walkthrough in Arc Raiders

Summary

The Exploring Pendola Pass quest sends Arc Raiders players across the map to track down key locations and complete its objectives. The tricky part is finding the control room inside the Cielo Sereno Observatory.

This is the kind of quest that can turn into a long detour if you

Why it matters

The walkthrough cuts through the map's most confusing objective and gets players to the finish faster.

Link to Story

1:30 PMPolygon

Magic’s Most Versatile Mechanic Comes to Disney Lorcana With a Clever Twist

Summary

Disney Lorcana is adding Ink Drops, tokens that initially look a lot like Magic's Treasure tokens. Cards from the Hyperia City set reveal that Ink Drops work differently, opening up some clever new combinations.

Lorcana is borrowing a familiar idea without simply copying it. The twist gives deck builders

Why it matters

Ink Drops could add a flexible new layer to Lorcana's deck-building and resource systems.

Link to Story

1:17 PMPolygon

All treasure car locations in Forza Horizon 6

Summary

Forza Horizon 6 hides special treasure cars around its map. A location guide points players to every vehicle and includes each car's performance stats.

These collectibles reward drivers who are willing to leave the main roads and poke around.

Why it matters

The guide makes it easier to collect the game's hidden cars and see what each one brings to the garage.

Link to Story

1:00 PMPolygon

Best direction to go first in Order of the Sinking Star

Summary

Your first direction in Order of the Sinking Star affects how difficult the puzzles will be. A recommended route offers the gentler starting point for players deciding where to head.

The choice adds some welcome structure to the opening, but it can also punish players

Why it matters

Choosing the right path early can make the opening hours much less frustrating.

Link to Story

1:00 PMPolygon

Every Big Official Announcement at the Triple-i Gaming Showcase

Summary

The latest Triple-i Initiative showcase packed in new game announcements and updates. Highlights included fresh Dave the Diver DLC and a crossover involving Clair Obscur.

The showcase continues to give indie and smaller studios a big stage without the usual

Why it matters

The event offered a quick look at several upcoming releases and expansions that might otherwise get lost in the news cycle.

Link to Story

12:59 PMPolygon

'Sizing Things Up' quest walkthrough in Arc Raiders

Summary

The "Sizing Things Up" quest asks you to photograph the Emperor's leg in Arc Raiders. This walkthrough explains where to stand and how to get the shot without wasting time searching the map.

It is a small objective, but quests like this can be surprisingly vague when the

Why it matters

Knowing the exact photo spot makes this otherwise fiddly quest much easier to finish.

Link to Story

12:57 PMIGN

35% of Marvel's Wolverine Sales Were on Disc, According to Analyst Data

Summary

Physical copies made up 35% of Marvel's Wolverine sales, according to retail data. That leaves nearly two-thirds of sales happening digitally.

The split shows discs are still holding on, even as digital purchases dominate major game

Why it matters

The data offers a useful snapshot of how quickly players are moving from boxed games to downloads.

Link to Story

11:18 AMIGN

Tekken 8’s Reina Teased as the Next Guest Character for Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves

Summary

Reina from Tekken 8 appears to be joining Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves. SNK teased her arrival in a short trailer, though the preview keeps some details under wraps.

Reina is a fitting pick for Fatal Fury's crossover-heavy roster, especially with her aggressive fighting

Why it matters

Another major fighting-game character is crossing universes, giving Fatal Fury a little more spotlight.

Link to Story

10:52 AMThe Verge

The Retro Song Bird plays just the music from your favorite Game Boy cartridges

Summary

The Retro Song Bird is a small device that reads Game Boy cartridges and plays their music and sound effects. Unlike similar hardware, it does not run the games themselves, turning old cartridges into tiny chiptune libraries instead.

It is a wonderfully specific gadget for people who love the sound of 8-bit games

Why it matters

The device offers a fresh way to preserve and enjoy Game Boy audio without needing to play the games.

Link to Story

5:03 AMNYT New York

A Forgotten and Found Piece of Video Game History

Summary

An early Mario painting is getting a public showcase at New York Comic Con after a former Nintendo advertising manager found it in her garage. The artwork offers a rare glimpse at the character's early history before Mario became a global icon.

It is the kind of discovery that makes a cluttered garage look a lot more

Why it matters

A forgotten piece of Mario history is resurfacing just as gaming's most famous character remains bigger than ever.

Link to Story

Make it yours

Build Your First Pass.

Pick your topics, set your cadence, and receive your personalized First Pass in your inbox. It’s that simple!