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Mar 04, 20:00


GamersHeroes Wednesday, March 4, 2026 7:10 PM
    

Featuring an old-school aesthetic that refuses to hold your hand, the MetroBunker awaits with the Steam demo for Signal Decay Games and Konrad Honey's Fear of Sleep.

The post Old-School Sci-Fi Horror Title Fear of Sleep Steam Demo Live appeared first on GamersHeroes.


GamersHeroes Wednesday, March 4, 2026 6:11 PM
    

Known for their expertly-curated game collections, Digiphile is hosting a limited-time giveaway for Frontier Developments' popular theme park simulation Planet Coaster.

The post Planet Coaster Digiphile Limited-Time Giveaway Live appeared first on GamersHeroes.


GamersHeroes Wednesday, March 4, 2026 5:37 PM
    

Blending together physical comedy, creative puzzle design, and even stealth gameplay, Jackbox Games will be publishing Toot Games' delightfully weird My Arms Are Longer Now.

The post Jackbox Games Publishing My Arms Are Longer Now appeared first on GamersHeroes.


GamersHeroes Wednesday, March 4, 2026 5:07 PM
    

All those that dive into Sunblink and Sanrio's Hello Kitty Island Adventure through March 19 will be able to take on Pochacco's Colorblaze Challenge.

The post Colorblaze Carnival Live in Hello Kitty Island Adventure Through March 19 appeared first on GamersHeroes.


GamersHeroes Wednesday, March 4, 2026 4:30 PM
    

A collaborative, mystery-forward TTRPG from Meow Wolf and Exalted Funeral, the TAVERS Kickstarter is now live.

The post TAVERS: The Meow Wolf Roleplaying Game Kickstarter Live Through April 3 appeared first on GamersHeroes.


GamersHeroes Wednesday, March 4, 2026 4:01 PM
    

Featuring Patrick Gibson (Dexter: Original Sin) as James Bond, learn more about the cast and characters of IO Interactive and Amazon MGM Studios' 007 First Light with the latest deep dive segment.

The post 007 First Light Cast and Characters Deep Dive Released appeared first on GamersHeroes.


GamersHeroes Wednesday, March 4, 2026 3:10 PM
    

Raising the stakes, MY.GAMES' Tacticool is featuring a new PAYDAY collaboration event that brings a new Operator and new gameplay mechanics to the PvP action shooter.

The post Tacticool x PAYDAY Collaboration Event Live Through March 25 appeared first on GamersHeroes.


GamersHeroes Wednesday, March 4, 2026 1:33 PM
    

Looking back at his work on a number of the gaming industry's enduring classics, influential game designer Rob Pardo will deliver a keynote at the GDC Festival of Gaming March 12.

The post Influential Game Designer Rob Pardo Hosting GDC Festival of Gaming March 12 appeared first on GamersHeroes.


GamersHeroes Wednesday, March 4, 2026 1:01 PM
    

Featuring a new series direction complete with co-op and endlessly replayable runs, Foreign Gnomes has revealed their new musical combat roguelite Everhood Hunters.

The post Musical Combat Roguelite Everhood Hunters Revealed appeared first on GamersHeroes.


Kotaku Wednesday, March 4, 2026 6:22 PM
     Wardens stand on a ridge.

The major update adds an entire skill tree, XP progression, and hero

Kotaku Wednesday, March 4, 2026 5:58 PM
     A man shots a gun overtop a car.

Co-CEO Mark Gerhard asserts that Mindseye was the target of 'organised espionage and corporate sabotage'

Kotaku Wednesday, March 4, 2026 5:47 PM
    

It is the latest example of Donald Trump's White House using video games in their propaganda

Kotaku Wednesday, March 4, 2026 5:13 PM
    

Polymarket briefly let people put money down on the possibility of a nuclear weapon going off this year

Kotaku Wednesday, March 4, 2026 4:54 PM
     Pikachu Plushies sit on a shelf.

Scalpers ransacked Japanese Pokémon stores for the black-and-white plush

Kotaku Wednesday, March 4, 2026 4:09 PM
    

What started with a silly video from McDonald's CEO last week has turned into one of the weirdest pop culture moments of the last decade

Kotaku Wednesday, March 4, 2026 3:51 PM
     A hand holds up a MacBook Neo.

The MacBook Neo looks cheap and fun

Kotaku Wednesday, March 4, 2026 3:27 PM
    

A meme image referencing one of the most iconic photographs in history is banned on the game's official Discord

Kotaku Wednesday, March 4, 2026 2:16 PM
    

Also: Resident Evil Requiem is selling well and Atomic Heart's last DLC gets a release date

Kotaku Wednesday, March 4, 2026 1:44 PM
     Hclaxagxuaymy5q

No story spoilers, but a Pokédex entry has some big ramifications

PCGamesN Wednesday, March 4, 2026 4:30 PM
    

Thanks to the destructive tendencies of its NPC allies, World of Warcraft players might prefer to play the long-running MMO like... an MMO.


PCGamesN Wednesday, March 4, 2026 3:01 PM
    

Jason Schreier's comments sparked conversation in the PC space, but a nod from Xbox's former vice president has added fuel to the fire.


PCGamesN Wednesday, March 4, 2026 2:31 PM
    

Turns out a marketing team genuinely believed that Super Meat Boy, an iconic platformer, would sell below the sequel to a pinball game.


PCGamesN Wednesday, March 4, 2026 1:06 PM
    

Just a week after we asked if it had been buried at the bottom of the sea, the Assassin's Creed Black Flag remake has been confirmed.


PCGamesN Wednesday, March 4, 2026 1:00 PM
    

Marathon and Arc Raiders are more similar than you think, so why am I a chilled robot scrapper in one and bloodthirsty in the other?


Siliconera Wednesday, March 4, 2026 5:00 PM
    

Pokemon Pokopia Twitch Ditto Chat Badges Debut

Nintendo and Twitch announced that, once Pokemon Pokopia debuts, people will be able to get a Ditto chat badge cosmetic. This will debut on March 5, 2026, the same day the game launches worldwide. There's also already a teaser image to show us what we can expect from the icon.

Unlike some cosmetics, this won't be a free item you can get. You can't just watch someone playing Pokemon Pokopia on Twitch for a certain amount of time in order to get the Ditto chat badge. Instead, you need to actually pay to either subscribe to a person who is streaming that Switch 2 game or gift a sub to them. (That should be about $5.99, though it varies based on where you live and local currencies.) After you do that, you will earn the badge. However, the promotion is also only in effect until March 19, 2026.

Here's the official image from social media showing how the chat badge will look.

Pokemon Pokopia Twitch Ditto Chat Badges Debut
Image via Twitch and Nintendo

This follows a similar sort of promotion tied to Resident Evil Requiem. That involved two cosmetics that looked like the Umbrella logo and Mr. Raccoon.

Pokemon Pokopia will come to the Switch 2 on March 5, 2026, and the Ditto chat badge will be available on Twitch between March 5-19, 2026. 

The post Pokemon Pokopia Twitch Ditto Chat Badges Debut This Week appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Wednesday, March 4, 2026 4:00 PM
    

Metaphor: ReFantazio Orchestra Concert US Ticket Sales Start Soon

Atlus announced the Metaphor: ReFantazio Orchestra Concert will appear worldwide, with performances of the soundtrack taking place in England, France, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and the US. The England, France, and US ticket pre-sales starts on March 5, 2026. However, to get early access to that, someone will need to follow the Atlus West social media accounts and watch for a code to gain access a day early via the online storefront. The shows will take place between October 2026 and January 2027. This will follow the Japanese return of the performance on June 6, 2026 in Tokyo, Japan.

We do know a bit about what to expect from these performances. That's because there was already a run of in Japan. It took place in July 2025, and two shows were held in Saitama, Japan. While there are no details about merchandise  for the worldwide performances, people could also get limited edition tickets that included a Dragon God's Lance or acrylic standee of the official concert art of Will (the protagonist) and Gallica.

The schedule for the worldwide dates is already live. Here's when each show will happen. Note that Atlus didn't say when ticket sales for the Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand showings will open. 

  • October 9, 2026: Texas Trust Credit Union Theatre in Dallas, Texas, US.
  • October 11, 2026: Auditorium Theatre in Chicago, Illinois, US.
  • October 13, 2026: Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, US.
  • October 31, 2026: Kaohsiung Cultural Center Jhihde Hall in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
  • November 21, 2026: Esplanade Theatre in Singapore.
  • November 28, 2026: Prince Mahidol Hall in Bangkok, Thailand.
  • January 22, 2027: Eventim Apollo in London, England.
  • January 24, 2027: Le Grand Rex in Paris, France.

Here's the official trailer for the Metaphor: ReFantazio Orchestra Concert world tour.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bo6ZV-Gqp_Y

And for a better example of what to expect, here's the concert digest Atlus released in January 2026.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26U0gd31_ms

The Metaphor: ReFantazio Orchestra Concert world tour will kick off with a show in the US on October 9, 2026, and ticket presale sales will open for England, France, and the US on March 5, 2026. The game is available on the PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC.

The post Metaphor: ReFantazio Orchestra Concert US Ticket Sales Start Soon appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Wednesday, March 4, 2026 3:00 PM
    

Watch Gaia from FFXIV in Dissidia Duellum Final Fantasy

Square Enix is sharing detailed character trailers for all of the launch units in Dissidia Duellum Final Fantasy, and the FFXIV representative Gaia is the next to appear. This is the first time she'll appear in any spin-off in the series. She's been a part of the MMORPG since the Shadowbringers expansion. 

Gaia is referred to as the Oracle of Darkness in Dissidia Duellum Final Fantasy, just as she is in FFXIV. (Though you might also remember her as the Voidwalker from there.) The trailer begins by showing a clips and art of her in this spin-off alongside footage taken from the MMORPG. This way, we can compare her character design and more modern "real world" outfit. These screens also confirm Yuna Kamakura will return as her voice actress. She played her in the MMORPG and is also known for her roles as Ema Bessho and Ranze Nanahoshi in Yu-Gi-Oh anime adaptations.

From there, we see Gaia take the field. While Prompto was a bit more casual and taking photos, she's drawing her weapon and stepping up. After some standard attacks, we see her use the abilities Spell-in-Waiting, Hopeful Dance, Diamond Destroyer, and Fated Moment. Her trailer then ends with an event scene and her saying, "I won't forgive you if you fall."

Here's the full Dissidia Duellum Final Fantasy trailer for FFXIV's Gaia.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRJj9G1x2xA

Dissidia Duellum Final Fantasy will come to Android and iOS mobile devices in March 2026, and pre-registration is open now. The App Store page says it will appear on March 31, 2026.

The post Watch Gaia from FFXIV in Dissidia Duellum Final Fantasy appeared first on Siliconera.


Siliconera Wednesday, March 4, 2026 2:00 PM
    

See All the Hello Kitty and Sanrio Converse Shoes 

Converse and Sanrio announced there will be a line of shoes and merchandise featuring Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, Pompompurin, My Melody, Kuromi, Tuxedosam, Badtz Maru, and other mascots from the company. These will officially appear on March 5, 2026, but the Converse official site already has product listings and prices online. In addition to pre-determined styles, there will also be Converse by You options that are customizable.

The prices on these items vary. Some cost as much as standard Converse shoes. However, there are more pricy options like the unisex high top Hello Kitty Chuck Taylor 70 Swarovski pair that is $355. The Hello Kitty and Friends Chuck 70 Stickers design, which is another unisex high top style, is $95. However, the Chuck Taylor All Star models for kids and toddlers range between $47 and $55 and the unisex adult ones range between $75 and $80. However, the Converse by You style are all either $105 or $120. 

Here's the full list of which Converse x Hello Kitty Sanrio character shoes and merchandise will be available to order on March 5, 2025. All of them are classified as "limited edition" products.

  • Hello Kitty Chuck Taylor 70 Swarovski (unisex adults) - $355.
  • Hello Kitty and Friends Baby Tee (women's, available in blue or pink) - $35.
  • Hello Kitty and Friends Bowler Bag - $50.
  • Hello Kitty and Friends Chuck 70 Stickers (unisex adults) - $95.
  • Hello Kitty and Friends Chuck Taylor All Star BFFS (unisex adults) - $75.
  • Hello Kitty and Friends Chuck Taylor All Star Easy-On BFFS (unisex kids) - $47.
  • Hello Kitty and Friends Chuck Taylor All Star Charmed (unisex adults) - $80.
  • Hello Kitty and Friends Chuck Taylor All Star Cinnamoroll (unisex adults) - $80.
  • Hello Kitty and Friends Chuck Taylor All Star Easy-On Cinnamoroll (unisex kids) - $55.
  • Hello Kitty and Friends Chuck Taylor All Star Easy-On Stickers (unisex kids) - $55.
  • Hello Kitty and Friends Chuck Taylor All Star One Strap (unisex kids) - $47.
  • Hello Kitty and Friends Chuck Taylor All Star Picnic (unisex adults) - $80.
  • Hello Kitty and Friends Full Zip Hoodie (unisex adults) - $75.
  • Hello Kitty and Friends Go 2 Backpack - $50.
  • Hello Kitty and Friends Stickers T-Shirt (unisex adults, available in black, pink, or white) - $40.
  • Hello Kitty and Friends Tote Bag - $55.

Here's how all of those items will look:

The Converse by You All Star Lift Platforms styles in this collection are $120, while the Chuck Taylor All Stars ones are $105. There are also Hello Kitty and Friends Chuck Taylor All Star keychains in nine varieties based on Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, Pompompurin, Kuromi, My Melody, Tuxedosam, Chococat, Pochacco, and Keroppi. Those are $15 each.

The Converse Sanrio merchandise that involves shoes, shirts, and bags with Hello Kitty and other mascot characters on them will be available on March 5, 2026.

The post See All the Hello Kitty and Sanrio Converse Shoes  appeared first on Siliconera.


Destructoid Wednesday, March 4, 2026 6:27 PM
    

Riding your horse in The Legend of Khiimori

Leading the life of a 13th-century rider isn't an easy task, and in The Legend of Khiimori, your success will often depend on your horses.

Your options will be limited when you start. However, successful jobs will result in wealth, and you can use your money to expand your stable. That said, things aren't as simple as just buying as many horses as you want.

First, let's begin by looking at how you can breed to get new horses.

How to breed horses in The Legend of Khiimori

Once you've settled into your save and have some money, you can consider breeding horses. To do so, you'll need to have at least three horses. Moreover, there should be at least one mare and one stallion for the breeding to take place. If you don't have them, you can buy them from the horse trader. Every horse costs 1000 coins, so they're not cheap.

You will also need to spend 20 coins per mating activity. You'll have to sleep for a short while for the breeding process to complete and for your foal to be born. To access the foal, go to the gate left of the breeding station and interact with it.

Wait for a few in-game days, and you'll be able to ride the foal on an adventure.

Horse stats in The Legend of Khiimori explained

Breeding Horses in The Legend of Khiimori
Image via Mindscape

Every horse in the game has five different skills. You can check it from the horse's profile, and there will be certain values assigned to each of the skills. Here's what the skills mean.

  • Strength: Determines how much weight your horse can carry and how well they can ride across rough terrain. A higher Strength stat also allows your horse to withstand negative buffs like poison or an injury.
  • Agility: Determines how well your horse can gallop and ride on surfaces like rock, ice, or a forest.
  • Endurance: Determines how much your hose can withstand low health and survive extremely hot/cold conditions.
  • Balance: Determines how well your horse can ride up cliffs or move when you're disbalanced.
  • Spirit: Determines how well your horse can jump over hurdles and bear scares from the wildlife.

Additionally, every horse has certain traits that are imparted on them randomly. If you breed your horses, the foal should also inherit some of those traits. Compared to skills, traits are behavioural patterns that determine how friendly and social your horses are.

The post The Legend of Khiimori Horse guide: How to breed, skills, and more appeared first on Destructoid.


Destructoid Wednesday, March 4, 2026 5:35 PM
    

Player fighting on top of a horse in Where Winds Meet

There's not long left for the 1.4 Hexi update to go live in Where Winds Meet, and this guide will help you to keep track of it.

All set to be the next major update, there will be plenty of new content for beginners and veterans alike. But first, you'll need to wait for the update to go live for you to get access to the new content. The countdown on this guide will ensure that you don't waste any time exploring all the fresh additions.

Where Winds Meet 1.4 Hexi update release countdown

The 1.4 Hexi update will be released worldwide on Friday, March 6 (March 5 in certain regions). It will be available at the same time on all platforms. The following countdown will expire once the update goes live.


[hurrytimer id="1188107"]

The countdown is based on the following timings.

  • 6pm PT (March 5)
  • 8pm CT (March 5)
  • 9pm ET (March 5)
  • 2am UTC
  • 3am CET
  • 10am PST
  • 11am JST
  • 1pm AEDT
  • 3pm NZDT

The timings are based on the official information from the developers, so there's no chance of a change. The schedule applies to all platforms.

What to expect from Where Winds Meet 1.4 Hexi update

The highlight of the new update is the Hexi region. The new region will feature its own unique enemies, farmable items, and more. NetEase and EverStone Studio have also shared details about what we can expect from the first half of the update.

https://twitter.com/WhereWindsMeet_/status/2028651573644259831

New Features

  • Jade Gate Pass area
  • Wandering Ark World Boss
  • Campaign: Whitecrown Fortress Guo Xin
  • Bamboo Cut Path

New Stories

  • Main Story 1 Burlap Sack
  • Jianghu Legacy: Desert Without Sails
  • Jianghu Legacy: A Wellspring of Hope
  • Jianghu Legacy: In the Quiet Night

New Events

  • Chorus of Life
  • Desert Clash
  • Heroic Gauntlet
  • Sand Race

There will be plenty of additions that will be made throughout the course of the update. You can read all about the Hexi update here.

The post Where Winds Meet 1.4 Hexi update release countdown: Exact date and time appeared first on Destructoid.


Destructoid Wednesday, March 4, 2026 3:50 PM
    

A decision making situation in Esoteric Ebb

Esoteric Ebb turns you into a Cleric in a bizarre world, and at its core lies a set of ability stats that you have to master.

There are six ability stats that determine your Cleric's strength and weakness. When you start a save, you get 27 points to distribute across all the stats. Naturally, you can't invest the max amount in every department. How you balance things out will determine how effective (or ineffective) your Cleric is.

How do all ability stats work in Esoteric Ebb

While there's an official description for each stat, the table below will provide you with better explanations. If you don't understand how every ability works, you could end up wasting some or all of your points.

Ability Base Points Proficiency How it Works
Strength 6 -2 Strength determines how many items you can carry and how aggressive you can be in an encounter. You can also choose to be far more determined in your in-game decisions and crack puzzles with your stat value instead of trying to solve them with your skills.
Dexterity 6 -2 If you want to be a thief, having a good stat value on Dexterity is necessary. You can pick locks and dodge traps with ease. You can creep around and gain treasures without being upfront about it. You'll have support for the Revolutionary Freestriders and always have an eye out for anything that might appear valuable. In simple words, high Dexterity will allow you to answer your way out of tricky situations without any problems.
Constitution 7 -2 Constitution determines how much health your Cleric has. Having good stat value in this department will make you tough and even invincible in certain situations. Thanks to higher mental and physical stamina, you'll be able to withstand pressurizing situations better. You should always invest more points in Constitution if you wish to finish the game without any hassle.
Intelligence 8 -1 Being intelligent allows you to have more knowledge, and you can use more spells on your adventures. Having the power of knowledge will be supremely helpful later in the game when you'll come across some tricky encounters. However, the increased knowledge results in a higher ego, which can make you look at others in an inferior fashion.
Wisdom 6 -2 While Wisdom sounds similar to Intelligence, it's slightly different. It allows you to strengthen the spells that you've equipped. Unlike Intelligence, it will make you treat others with empathy and kindness. With Wisdom, you'll be able to feel and understand the world around you better.
Charisma 6 -2 Finally, we come down to Charisma. This stat allows you to get better shop discounts and more chances to manipulate your dialog choices. Your aim is to support whatever profits you the most in a specific situation.

Apart from ability stats, there are 18 Background Focuses available as well. Every Background Focus boosts certain sets of ability stats that are separate from the points that you choose to invest.

The post All stat abilities in Esoteric Ebb explained appeared first on Destructoid.


Destructoid Wednesday, March 4, 2026 3:49 PM
    

Pokemon Winds Waves starters official art

Browt, Pombon, and Gecqua are rapidly becoming one of Pokémon's most popular starter trios. Fans adore the Bean Chick, Puppy, and Water Gecko Pokémon's designs, and many can't help but wonder what their final evolutions might look like. If a fan theory is true, they might be some of the coolest in Pokémon history.

We've known for a while, thanks to leaks, that Pokémon's 10th generation takes place in a region inspired by Southeast Asia. Winds and Waves' official trailer has all but confirmed that. Drawing from this, fans looked to Southeast Asia's rich cultural history for inklings of what the region's starters' ultimate forms might look like, and a fan on X thinks they may have cracked the code.

Pokémon Winds and Waves starter Pokémon may not stay cute and cuddly for long

Pokemon Winds Waves starters
Screenshot by Destructoid

The theory, rapidly gaining traction among Pokémon fans, posits that each of Winds and Waves starters' final stages will resemble a legendary beast from Southeast Asian folklore. Each is a terrifying herald of calamity with deep roots in local legend, firmly connecting this set of starters to their native region.

https://twitter.com/NipahDUBS/status/2027477067806244890

Let's start with Browt, whose final evolution could be based on the Minokawa, a winged beast from Philippine mythology resembling a bird-like dragon or a dragon-like bird, depending on the story. According to legend, every feather on the Minokawa's wings is a steel sword, and its merciless eyes reflect light like stainless mirrors. Based on that charming description, Browt's final evolution could be a Grass/Steel-type.

Pombon clearly draws inspiration from a Pomeranian, one of the most popular dog breeds in Indonesia, but Nipha's theory posits that its last form may resemble the Arimaonga, a creature from Maranao legend. The Maranao people model the Arimaonga after lions, tigers, and dragons, fearing and revering it equally. Fairy-type Pokémon love to draw influence from sugary sweets, so if Pombon's clear connection to bonbons is anything to go by, its third stage might be a Fire/Fairy type.

Gecqua, the Water Gecko Pokémon might become a sea serpent based on the Bakunawa. Another beast from Philippine myth, the Bakunawa heralds storms, tidal waves, and earthquakes. The Water/Dragon-type would suit this Pokémon perfectly, but since the Minokawa and Arimaonga are also dragon-like, all three starters could end up getting the Dragon-type by the end, which will make it even harder for most of us to choose which one we want.

Pokémon Wind and Waves' starters' final forms might foreshadow a cosmic-scale story

Pokemon Waves Winds
Screenshot by Destructoid

If the theory holds true, Browt, Pombon, and Gecqua's ultimate evolutions could be some of the most ferocious we've seen from the franchise in years. The Minokawa, Arimaonga, and Bakunawa are all man-eating harbingers of calamity, but they also share one other terrifying trait that might hint at things to come in Winds and Waves' story.

A common theme throughout Southeast Asian myth is the celestial predator: a beast that hunts the Sun and Moon across the sky. The Minokawa, Arimaonga, and Bakunawa all fall under this category. When eclipses blocked out either celestial body, people assumed their local Sun/Moon eater had finally caught its prey.

If Game Freak is modeling Winds and Waves' starters after celestial predators, it's possible that an eclipse will play a huge role in the game's plot. An impending celestial event is an epic story catalyst and a fantastic backdrop for any climax. It would also be pretty impactful to see our starter defy the legends that inspired their final evolution, fighting to save the region from a threat blotting out the sky.

As a fan who prefers my starters on the "beasts of raw elemental fury" side, I really hope Nipah's theory about Winds and Waves' starters holds true. More information will surely come out before the game launches in 2027, so only time will tell if Game Freak's really putting the animal back into their Starter trios.

The post Pokémon fans think Winds and Waves' adorable widdle starters might evolve into mythological calamities appeared first on Destructoid.


Destructoid Wednesday, March 4, 2026 2:45 PM
    

Ultron holding out his hand with an army behind him in marvel rivals

Marvel Rivals' second year is turning into one massive advertisement for some big movies coming out this year, but I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing.

Last night at a special event in Los Angeles, NetEase Games revealed Marvel Rivals: Path to Doomsday, a series of in-game events to tie in to the Marvel Cinematic Universe and eventually culminate in the massiveAvengers: Doomsday film on Dec. 18.

Marvel Rivals Path to Doomsday
Image via NetEase Games

A series of movie tie-in events playable in Marvel Rivals kicks off next month with an homage to the original Avengers movie from 2012. As part of it, a new Loki costume inspired by the character's design in that movie will come to the game, alongside a special new game mode.

"In this asymmetrical PVP mode, one player plays as Loki, facing off against six other players who play as different heroes," NetEase said. "Loki is equipped with an all-new skill set, combining deception, illusions, and powerful Infinity Stone abilities to turn enemies against each other! To claim victory, the other heroes can also summon Hulk under certain conditions, recreating iconic scene [sic!] from the film."

And you know what? This sounds great to me. As a lifelong Marvel fan, and early MCU adopter (I saw Iron Man in 2008 at midnight release), I think the company using Rivals to promote and celebrate big movie releases is kind of awesome. The events will continue with Avengers: Age of Ultron in June,Avengers: Infinity War in August, Avengers: Endgame in October, and of course, Avengers: Doomsday in December, with all of them having similar promotions within.

It's no secret that the general public's interest in the MCU has waned over the past few years, and Avengers: Doomsday is looking to bring everyone back in with a star-studded cast that includes Fox's X-Men characters and Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom himself. As a comic book nerd, I've always enjoyed the best and worst of what Marvel Studios has done. I never could've imagined seeing the heroes of my childhood come to life on the big screen, so I find a way to glean joy from just about anything. This collaboration with NetEase feels like an extension of that.

Utilizing Rivals to celebrate previous Avengers movies is really smart. Age of Ultron could have a PvE event starring Ultron, while Infinity War and Endgame could include Thanos and other villains, leading into December's Doomsday release, where we could see new heroes inspired by that movie show up. If I were a betting man, I'd say we might see Cyclops and even Doctor Doom or Doom 2099 join the roster to coincide with it.

Marvel Rivals Avengers Loki
Image via NetEase Games

NetEase's cadence of updates since launching has been impressive, and although the game's player count has dipped in recent months, Marvel fans and hardcore gamers alike seem to always come back for big updates such as these.

With a new playable hero scheduled each month (season 7, beginning soon, should add Black Cat and White Fox), along with other additions like maps, skins, modes, and game systems, it sure feels like Marvel Rivals is in it for the long haul. And with a near-endless backlog of material to pull from, let alone just the MCU, it's easy to see how.

The post Marvel Rivals content in 2026 is looking like one big MCU commercial, but I'm not mad about it appeared first on Destructoid.


Destructoid Wednesday, March 4, 2026 1:40 PM
    

Marathon promotional image

Less than 24 hours are left for Marathon to go live across PC and consoles, and this guide will help you keep track.

The release comes right after the end of the recent Server Slam that served as an open beta for all. While you can pre-download the files in advance, the servers go live at the same time. Let's find out when you can jump into Tau Ceti IV upon launch.

What's the release date for Marathon?

Marathon will officially launch on Thursday, March 5, across all platforms. The following countdown will expire once the game goes live.


[hurrytimer id="1188071"]

The countdown is based on the following timings.

  • 10am PT
  • 12pm CT
  • 1pm ET
  • 6pm UTC
  • 7pm CET

The timings are based on the official information from Bungie. While Marathon will be released on consoles, there are no regional timings. The servers open up at the same time, and hence, there's no way to use the New Zealand method to start playing early.

What to expect from Marathon

Thanks to the Server Slam, we have a fair idea of what to expect from Marathon when it goes live on March 5. The release also marks the start of Season 1, which will see the arrival of three different zones, weapons, mods, and more.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckI_m8bbXfw

At launch, we will have six Runner shells to enjoy, which include the previously-locked Thief. There will be six factions offering unique upgrades, sponsored kits, armors, and more. March 5 also marks the launch of the Ranked season, which will feature its own unique set of contracts, challenges, and more.

With plenty on offer, you can currently pre-order Marathon on your preferred platform. Doing so will allow you to pre-download all the required files.

The post Marathon release countdown: Exact start time and date appeared first on Destructoid.


Destructoid Wednesday, March 4, 2026 1:14 PM
    

Sailing the seas in Black Flag

The Assassin's Creed franchise isn't going anywhere anytime soon, according to Ubisoft, which revealed and reconfirmed a slew of titles on the way.

Up first, Ubisoft confirmed its long-rumored plans of an Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag remake: it's real, and it's called Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Resynced. The company even debuted a first look, which can be seen below:

AC 4 Black Flag Resynced
Image via Ubisoft

No further details about the remake were revealed, but there were several other announcements on the franchise, including Codename HEXE, which is the next big main entry in the series. Ubisoft describes it as "a unique, darker, narrative-driven Assassin's Creed experience, set during a pivotal moment in history."

"We are taking the time to deliver on its ambitious vision, which means we'll be quiet for a little longer, but we love seeing all the enthusiasm happening on our channels and can't wait to unveil more when the time is right," said Jean Guesdon, Head of Content for Assassin's Creed.

But that's not all. On top of Assassin's Creed Jade (still in development after being announced years ago), Ubisoft also confirmed it's still at work on Codename INVICTUS, "a PvP multiplayer Assassin's Creed experience led by a dedicated team of For Honor veterans at Ubisoft Montreal."

"We understand there's a lot of curiosity around this project: yes, it's a new approach to multiplayer in the franchise, but it isn't quite what the rumors have suggested," Guesdon said. "With player feedback at the heart of our approach, we're exploring ways to bring the community in earlier so we can shape the experience together. The team is incredibly passionate about what they're building, and their work reflects our broader goal of offering a wider variety of experiences within the Assassin's Creed universe."

Assassin's Creed multiple logos
Image via Ubisoft

I personally fell off the Assassin's Creed train a while ago. I think the last game I fully played was Black Flag, so that remake is cool to see. But it sounds like a lot of stuff is still ongoing with lots of work, including the Netflix live-action series.

Are you excited for any of the Assassin's Creed plans Ubisoft revealed? Let us know in the comments.

The post Assassin's Creed announces everything, everywhere, all at once: new sequel, Black Flag remake, and new 'PvP multiplayer' experience appeared first on Destructoid.


Destructoid Wednesday, March 4, 2026 1:01 PM
    

BO7 season 2 reloaded multiplayer

Call of Duty is reloading again with Season 2 Reloaded, bringing new content to Black Ops 7's multiplayer and Endgame modes, along with Warzone's big Black Ops Royale addition.

Five new maps, two new guns, and limited time events highlight what's coming to BO7 before season two comes to an end. Here's what we know so far about what's arriving in BO7's Season Two Reloaded when it drops on March 12.

BO7 Season 2 Reloaded patch notes

Image via Activision

5 new maps

Several maps will join the MP rotation, including new ones and reimagined classics:

  • Torque (new map)
  • Cliff Town (Black Ops 2 Yemen remake)
  • Mission: Peak (new 20 vs. 20 map)
  • Grind (Black Ops 2)
  • Firing Range (Black Ops 1)

New game modes

Gauntlet is a mode that's comprised of several others and will test your mettle in back-to-back battles. In six-vs-six, players will battle in Domination, Kill Confirmed, Hardpoint, Team Deathmatch, and Roulette, "a high risk vs. reward mode where players fight over control of an Akimbo Hand Cannon."

The fan-favorite Infected mode also returns with the new update.

2 new guns

Image via Activision

The Voyak KT-3 assault rifle andSwordfish A1 marksman rifle are both joining as free additions to players' arsenals, and both will be unlockable for free as event rewards. Additional loadout content includes new attachments through weekly challenges and other rewards for LTMs.

New Endgame content

BO7 Endgame season 2 reloaded boss
Image via Activision

New PvE Endgame content includes Glitch Fractures, which are "gh-intensity hotspots created in the aftermath of each Strike challenge even the most hardened Operators with areas that are more difficult than current Tier IV zones."

A new Skill Track, called Nightmare Skills, will be unlockable and upgradeable by completing these Glitches, and several new Skills are available this way.

  • Nova Strike: Melee Strikes have a chance to generate an electrical field that
    damages enemies.

    • First Upgrade: When the electrical area is created, the struck enemy is also
      Shocked.
    • Final Upgrade: The electrical area persists briefly and Shocks enemies who
      pass through it (with a cooldown).

  • Phoenix Burst: When at low health, trigger an explosion that damages enemies
    and fully restores health (with a cooldown).

    • First Upgrade: After the explosion, gain full ammo and temporarily infinite
      ammo from the magazine.
    • Final Upgrade: After the explosion, gain temporary immunity.

  • Hellwing: Wingsuiting over enemies drops an incendiary trail on them.

    • First Upgrade: Increases how long the incendiary trail remains on the
      ground.
    • Final Upgrade: Flashbangs normal and Special enemies within the
      incendiary area.

  • Chaos Rounds: Weapon attacks have a chance to trigger Photon, Incendiary,
    Frost, or Shock effects.

    • First Upgrade: Can also trigger Graviton, Mortar, Shrapnel, and Neuro-
      Disruption effects.
    • Final Upgrade: Enemies hit by Chaos Rounds have a chance to trigger a
      random Chaos Round on nearby enemies.

  • Frost Vortex: Bullets have a chance to create a Snowstorm that pulls in enemies.

    • First Upgrade: Applies Frost to normal enemies in the Snowstorm.
    • Final Upgrade: Also applies Frost to Special and Elite enemies in the
      Snowstorm.


For the full info about Season 2 Reloaded in BO7, visit theCoD blog.

The post BO7 Season 2 Reloaded early patch notes – 5 maps, new game modes, new weapons, more Endgame, and more appeared first on Destructoid.


WGB Wednesday, March 4, 2026 4:56 PM
     Styx is back after nearly a decade away, armed with new powers, bigger maps, and the same fondness for stabbing people in dark corners. Blades of Greed delivers solid stealth and welcome verticality, but leans heavily on repetitive structure and undercooked storytelling. A fun return — just not the bold one it could have been.

WGB Wednesday, March 4, 2026 1:42 PM
     Ubisoft is updating Assassin's Creed: Unity to 60fps, launching on March 5 for Xbox and PlayStation. Despite past issues, the game has gained a cult following for its unique features.

WGB Wednesday, March 4, 2026 1:25 PM
     Ubisoft subtly confirmed the remaster of Assassin's Creed: Black Flag, now titled "Resynced," through teasing artwork and comments from Jean Guesdon. A release is anticipated soon, possibly in 2027, amidst discussions of RPG elements.