Latest Multi-platform Game News & Updates
☁ Multi-platform News
6766 articles
🎮 Multi-platformEngland Has A New King, And He’s Thirsty For Blood In Vampirium 1997
Thomas Was Alone and Amberspire developer Bithell Games has announced its next project, a non-linear horror game in which the vampire King of England tasks you with assassinating his enemies. Set in an alternate timeline during the late '90s--so you're probably safe from hearing Hanson's MMMBop on repeat--Vampirium 1997 is billed as an immersive sim boiled to its essence by game director Mike Bithell. "Dracula is King of England. At his command, master your dark gifts to assassinate his enemies and secure his vampiric empire. Infiltrate locked-down locations, adapt and survive in living environments, and uncover your own unique methods of executing missions," the synopsis for the game reads. Gameplay will see players carefully plan their way through each level, observing their surroundings, talking their way out of danger, and upgrading their vampiric powers along the way. Every action has a consequence, and with each environment designed to be a dynamic arena for you to consider which tactics you want to use--from covert bluffing to overt decapitations--you'll have to carefully consider each move you make. It's an area of expertise that Bithell Games excels in, as the studio has released several cerebral and challenging games over the years--including an official John Wick game that was sadly delisted in 2025(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/john-wick-hex-is-being-delisted-this-week/1100-6533161/). https://youtu.be/liNCnbNiAQ !(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Vampirium-1997-1.jpg?w=1024) !(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Vampirium-1997-2.jpg?w=1024) !(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Vampirium-1997-3.jpg?w=1024) !(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Vampirium-1997-4.jpg?w=1024) !(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Vampirium-1997-5.jpg?w=1024) !(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Vampirium-1997-6.jpg?w=1024) Vampirium 1997 will be launching in early access for PC, but there's no exact release date for it yet. To set the mood, players can explore the dark fantasy world of the game through a novella(https://www.bithellgames.com/thelastportrait) that was recently released and runs for eight chapters. Titled "The Last Portrait," the story follows the artist Hart after they're commissioned to create a portrait of England's monstrous monarch.
🎮 Multi-platformParalives Isn’t Interested In Taking Down The Sims
Fans of life-simulator games have been eating well lately, as the dominance of The Sims 4 has been challenged by new kids on the block like InZoi and Paralives. While both of these titles are considered to be serious challengers in a cozy genre of living your best life, the team behind Paralives doesn't see itself as a "Sims-killer," preferring instead to view the game as another option in the genre. After all, competition in this field will ultimately benefit players by offering them more choice. "I think having more than one life-sim game makes for such a better experience for players," Paralive's communication manager Gab Boyer-Antoni told GameSpot(https://www.gamespot.com/?posttype=articles&p=1813467). "It helps games get better and improve, and we want to offer a great experience for players. So that aspect of competition is great to have. There shouldn't be just one amazing life-sim. Also, I feel like a life-sim game is three games in one and caters to so many types of players. "Some people just want to build their cozy little bedroom, apartment, or house, and they don't care about the live mode. Some people are really into the stories, the challenges, and creating generations of Sims, Paras, or Zoi. There are so many types of players, and I think we need a lot of games to help cater to different needs. It's a lot to expect one game to do everything. In most other genres of video games, you have a lot of titles. If you think of shooters, there are so many huge games that have huge fan bases--it's really rare to have just one that somehow caters to everybody. I think it makes for a stronger ecosystem of games that they don't." It's still early days for Paralives, but the game appears to be hitting its stride mere months after launch. Its creators are already confident that it can deliver years of free content(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/a-free-paralives-content-update-is-here-with-an-adorable-theme/) to its players thanks to strong launch sales, and it's looking to carve out its own space in this genre as its early access journey continues. Meanwhile, The Sims 4 is looking to turn things around(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/ea-unveils-new-clothing-item-category-and-reworked-toddlers-in-huge-sims-4-base-game-update/1100-6539783/) after several turbulent months, starting with an overhaul of the Maker Marketplace(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-sims-4-mod-marketplace-everyones-mad-about-is-reportedly-exceeding-eas-expectations/1100-6539145/) that angered the game's community(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-sims-4s-maker-marketplace-is-an-insult-to-both-players-and-modders/1100-6538913/).
🎮 Multi-platformParalives’ Success Shows Being Generous To Players Isn’t Unreasonable
Earlier this year Paralives(https://www.gamespot.com/games/paralives/) released in early access, and so far, things are looking good for the life-sim. The game has proven to be popular since its May launch; the cozy vibes have been praised, and the promise of free post-launch DLC and updates for the lifespan of Paralives continues to be a big selling point. In an industry focused on extracting the maximum amount of cash possible out of every player, it has become the norm--just look at how GTA 6 is locking in-game shops(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/heres-how-much-youll-pay-for-gta-6-and-whats-included-in-the-ultimate-edition/) away from players who purchase the standard edition--Paralives' commitment to investing in its players feels refreshing. "That plan is something that we had announced before the game was released, and our sales in the first week--the first day--confirmed that that was going to be viable," Paralive's communication manager Gab Boyer-Antoni said to GameSpot(https://www.gamespot.com/?posttype=articles&p=1813467). "We're a very small team of 15. We don't plan on increasing that much, just a few senior positions, and we don't have any investors. We don't have to pay back anybody. The development so far has been fully paid for by our Patreons. And we're good. We can last years like this and make sure that we offer free updates and free DLCs to players and keep on working on the game." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdM39bSS-JY&pp=ygURcGFyYWxpdmVzIHRyYWlsZXI%3D Another game that has become notable for its free content drops is No Man's Sky(https://www.gamespot.com/games/no-mans-sky/), as it has upgraded its universe of explorable planets and systems with substantial expansions. These often come out of nowhere and with very little hype, and most importantly, they've all been free. Developer Hello Games has released over 30 of these expansions at no extra cost to their players since 2016, and they're largely credited with helping the game find its redemption arc and attract new players, 10 years after launch. Paralives has already seen several pieces of free DLC added to the Gilmore Girls-inspired life-sim(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/how-xcoms-designer-went-from-marvel-dating-sim-to-a-gilmore-girls-inspired-life-sim/1100-6523449/) since launch--including an adorable collaboration with Unpacking(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/a-free-paralives-content-update-is-here-with-an-adorable-theme/)--and its first major content update is expected to arrive this fall(https://www.ign.com/wikis/paralives/ParalivesRoadmap). Players have also been instrumental in creating new content for the game through mods, and if you're looking to grab a few, you can check out our guide on the best Paralives mods(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/best-paralives-mods-to-download-in-2026/) to download.
🎮 Multi-platformBithell Games Reveals Vampirium: 1997, An Immersive Sim Where You Work As An Assassin For Dracula
!Game Informer News(https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/bodydefault/public/2026/07/08/2281d888/vampirium-1997-screenshot-1.jpg.webp) Bithell Games, creators of games such as Volume(https://gameinformer.com/games/volume/b/pc/archive/2015/08/17/volume-review-game-informer.aspx), John Wick Hex(https://gameinformer.com/review/john-wick-hex/john-wick-hex-review-a-slow-motion-ballet-of-blood), and Tron: Catalyst, has announced a new immersive sim called Vampirium:1997. The game takes place in an England ruled by Dracula, with players controlling an assassin tasked with eliminating threats to his vampiric empire. The minimalist point-and-click gameplay challenges players to infiltrate living areas to kill targets by whatever means they see fit. Vampirium: 1997 offers multiple methods for completing objectives, whether you prefer a stealthier approach that limits the body count or using weapons like a silver katana to massacre everyone in sight. The living environments are designed to compel players to adapt to new conditions during missions. You can observe enemy patrol routes to effectively plan routes and access restricted areas, and manipulate environmental elements such as lights and other items to your advantage. Interacting with characters offers multiple responses to glean information or maintain your secrecy, including performing tasks for them. Or you can use the power of hypnotism to compel certain characters to do what you want. Missions are designed to be highly replayable since new tasks will unlock after you complete a level for the first time. Director Mike Bithell posted an 8-minute gameplay walkthrough that gives a better look at what Vampirium: 1997 has in store. It's nice to see Bithell Games bounce back with a new project after it was forced to lay off most of its staff(https://gameinformer.com/2025/08/08/volume-john-wick-hex-studio-bithell-games-loses-majority-of-staff-to-layoffs) last August due to funding issues. Vampirium: 1997 will launch into Steam Early Access at an unannounced date.
🖥 Xbox, PC, Multi-platformPalworld Reaches A Huge Player Milestone Ahead Of 1.0 Launch
After two and a half years in early access, the Pokemon-like game Palworld has reached 40 million players before its 1.0 release. Developer Pocketpair announced this milestone just days before the game's massive 1.0 update, which brings several major changes to overhaul the game. "Palworld passes 40 million players," the developer said(https://x.com/PalworldEN/status/2074659735366684929) on social media. "Thank you all so much for your incredible support! Over the last two and a half years, Palworld has grown alongside our community." Of course, hitting the 40 million mark doesn't necessarily mean Palworld has sold 40 million copies. Palworld often ranks high on Steam's top seller list(https://store.steampowered.com/charts/topselling/GB), but the game is also included in Xbox's Game Pass subscription. Having 40 million is still a major accomplishment, and the player count is likely to surge even higher with the 1.0 launch on July 10. Palworld's big update was first revealed at Summer Game Fest with a cinematic trailer(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/palworld-1-0-is-launching-sooner-than-you-expect/), and the developer also announced several major changes. These updates include several new Pals to catch, an improved combat system, and overhauled raid mechanics. Players can also expect revamped quests and main storyline missions to learn more about the world. It seems the developer was initially considering a price hike for its creature-catching game, but it has now announced that Palworld's price will remain the same(https://x.com/PalworldEN/status/2074841089324745046) beyond early access. "After much thought, we have decided not to raise the price of Palworld following the 1.0 release and will keep it at $29.99," the developer said. "We are incredibly proud of how far Palworld has come. Thanks to the amazing support of our players, it has become a success beyond our wildest dreams." Palworld is currently available on PC, Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5. The game is not available on either Switch platform, as Nintendo sued Pocketpair in 2024(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-is-suing-palworld-devs/1100-6526569/) on patent-infringement accusations. Palworld was updated in 2025 with altered game mechanics(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/palworld-update-adds-big-change-to-avoid-disruptions-amid-nintendo-patent-lawsuit/1100-6531394/) due to the legal matter.
🖥 PC, Multi-platformGaming laptops are too expensive right now, but this one’s a good value
It’s not a great time to shop for a gaming laptop. The unprecedented rise in cost for RAM (and storage to a slightly lesser extent) has made laptops with low-to-midrange specs cost much more than they should. Recent deals on gaming laptops worth your attention have been uninspiring, but one recently caught my eye: MSI’s &8230;
🟩 Xbox, Multi-platformWorld Cup Star Erling Haaland Shows Off His Gaming Setup, Wants Xbox To Sponsor Him, And Is Excited For GTA 6
If you've been watching the World Cup or soccer in general, you're surely familiar with Norwegian striker Erling Haaland, and now he's provided a deeper window into his life and specifically his gaming habits. In a "day in the life" video on his YouTube channel (via PureXbox(https://www.purexbox.com/news/2026/07/i-want-them-to-sponsor-me-world-cup-star-erling-haaland-reveals-his-love-of-xbox)), Haaland began by saying he's a big fan of Xbox, so much so that he even owns the Xbox minifridge(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/psa-the-xbox-mini-fridge-is-loud-and-annoying/1100-6498294/) and it's not just for show. As you can see in the video, he has it stocked with MTN Dew and Coke. "One day, Xbox, I want them to sponsor me," he said. Now might not be the time, though, as Xbox is facing its own string of major issues(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-layoffs-studio-closures-and-spin-offs-everything-announced-today/). For what it's worth, there was also a DualSense controller sitting on his gaming table, so he seemingly plays games on PlayStation as well. Haaland also showed off his gaming space where he has LAN parties with friends. Additionally, he singled out 2009's Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 as one of the top three games ever. He said he's also a big fan of Minecraft and Grand Theft Auto, calling both of those his "desert island" games. Naturally, Haaland also talked about how excited he is for GTA 6. "I can't wait for the new one," he said. In a fun moment from the video, Haaland showed that one of the games in his Xbox library is FC 24, which features... himself on the cover. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtHoTKk9iM The next Norway World Cup game is a big one, as Haaland and his squad will face off with England on July 11 in a quarterfinal matchup that should be exciting.
🎮 Multi-platformGhost in the Shell directors explain why the new anime is the most faithful adaptation yet
Polygon caught up with series director and character designer Mokochan and Shuhei Handa at Anime Expo to talk Ghost in the Shell.
🎮 Multi-platformMinecraft Is Adding A Highly Requested Feature It’s Been Missing For 17 Years
A new update coming to Minecraft(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/next-minecraft-update-release-date/1100-6530316/) is adding something the game has never had in its 17-year history and it's something everyone loves to do: sit down. In a new video, producer Gustav Höglund confirmed that there will finally be a "straightforward" way to take a load off, and that's with a new craftable cushion that players can sit on. As Höglund noted, people have found creative ways to sit down already by way of plopping down in a boat, a mine cart, or by riding an animal. But that's not true sitting. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Agmsdgyj8M "Now there is finally this straightforward way of just putting down a cushion and sitting down. I think the cushion opens up so many new possibilities for building. I won't even try to get guess what the players are going to end up doing with them," he said. There are 16 different cushion colors to choose from, as you can see below. The cushions can be crafted using wool slabs, which are also new to the game. !(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-08-at-9.04.07-AM.png?w=1024) Sitting is nice, and soon you can do it in Minecraft. The announcement of the new update for Minecraft comes at a tumultuous time at Xbox, which owns the franchise and developer Mojang. The Swedish studio was among the teams impacted by layoffs(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-layoffs-studio-closures-and-spin-offs-everything-announced-today/). Additionally, it was confirmed that Mojang--along with Candy Crush studio King--will now report directly to Xbox CEO Asha Shamra. She said Mojang and King are Xbox's "largest" units ranked by monthly active players. Another Minecraft-related change as a result of the Xbox "reset" is that Minecraft studio head Helen Chiang has been promoted to become the chief operating officer at Xbox. "She will bring our businesses together under one operating model, making sure we make clear investment decisions, learn from our successes and failures, and hold ourselves accountable for results," Sharma said. Minecraft has sold hundreds of millions of copies, and that doesn't count spinoff games like Minecraft Dungeons. The sequel, Minecraft Dungeons 2, launches in September. Outside of games, A Minecraft Movie was a huge hit in 2025(https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/highest-grossing-video-game-movies-of-all-time/2900-3968/) and a sequel is set for release in 2027.
🍄 Nintendo Switch, Multi-platformPokemon Winds And Waves Could Have 300 New Pokemon, But Don’t Get Too Excited
Pokemon Winds and Waves(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/pokemon-winds-and-waves-release-date-gameplay-and-everything-we-know-so-far/1100-6538522/) won't be out until 2027(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-wait-for-pokemon-winds-and-waves-will-be-the-franchises-longest-yet/1100-6538473/), but it looks like a few Poke-leaks are already surfacing. The Switch 2 exclusive is the next mainline entry in the series, and like previous games before it, it'll introduce a whole new region populated with unique Pokemon. Just how many new Pokemon will there be? According to one report, we could be looking at hundreds of new critters to collect. Traditionally, each new mainline Pokemon game introduces around 100 new Pokemon--Generations 6-9 were the exception here--and we've already seen the starter Pokemon for Generation 10--Browt, Pombon, and Gecqua. According to the usually reliable Centro Leaks, Pokemon Winds and Waves will have around 300 new Pokemon and forms in the game, and that's an important distinction. If the trio of starter Pokemon follows the usual pattern of having two evolutionary forms, then that's nine Pokemon right off the Zubat. Throw in brand-new pocket monsters--including challenging Legendary Pokemon--and the number climbs even further. https://twitter.com/CentroLeaks/status/2074524693269266509 But as mentioned above, this number also includes Pokemon forms. That's a broad term, but usually, it includes regional variants of existing Pokemon, transformed versions based on a game-exclusive gimmick like the Gigantimax gameplay mechanic, and new evolutions for older Pokemon. Combine all that, and it's not unfeasible for Pokemon Wind and Waves to reach that reported number of 300 new Pokemon. "An important note is that the only aspect we've been able to verify that multiple sources have heard independently is about the number of 300 new Pokemon placeholders," Centro Leaks added(https://x.com/CentroLeaks/status/2074692805666947266). Currently, the record for new additions to a Pokemon game belongs to Pokemon Black and White, which saw 156 new Pokemon added to the franchise. Other rumors circulating around Pokemon Winds and Waves claim that MMOs will inspire the game and will have a deep focus on communication. Post-launch DLC for the game is also said to be in development already, and one of the new battle gimmicks is reportedly based around the concept of weather, with Pokemon like Arcanine, Pikachu, and Kecleon getting special forms based on the conditions around them. In case you missed the initial reveal for it, you can check out an orchestral behind-the-scenes video(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/pokemon-winds-and-waves-new-video-is-packed-with-adventure-vibes/1100-6539915/) for Pokemon Winds and Waves' first reveal trailer. Pokemon’s Most Disturbing Pokedex Entries !3968710-pokedex-run.jpg(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/original/1601/16018044/3968710-pokedex-run.jpg?w=1024) !4583937-unnamed(3).jpg(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/original/1595/15957481/4583937-unnamed(3).jpg?w=1024) !4583933-unnamed(2).jpg(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/original/1595/15957481/4583933-unnamed(2).jpg?w=512) !4583935-unnamed(4).jpg(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/original/1595/15957481/4583935-unnamed(4).jpg?w=1024) !4583931-unnamed.jpg(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/original/1595/15957481/4583931-unnamed.jpg?w=1024) !4583939-unnamed(5).jpg(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/original/1595/15957481/4583939-unnamed(5).jpg?w=1024) !3967904-araquanid-1.jpg(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/original/1601/16018044/3967904-araquanid-1.jpg?w=1024) View Images(https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/pokemons-most-disturbing-pokedex-entries/2900-4034/)
🎮 PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, Multi-platformBrigandine Abyss preview: A cult-classic series returns with Fire Emblem flavor
Brigandine Abyss is a new strategy RPG developed by Happinet and published by NIS America that mixes complex battles with Fire Emblem-style narrative.
🎮 Multi-platformWas This Duck Trying To Get Secrets About The Witcher 4?
It's nesting season for ducks in Poland, and one mallard mom chose CD Projekt Red's office in Warsaw to lay its eggs, the studio recently shared. For anyone scared that this story does not have a happy ending, fear not. It's safe to read on. The Polish developer said the duck laid eight eggs at an open-air part of the impressive-looking modern office(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/witcher-devs-latest-nomination-is-for-its-hq-in-warsaw/1100-6539770/). The momma duck "cared for them attentively throughout the nesting period," and CD Projekt Red staff gave her plenty of room to sit on the eggs in peace as she waited for them to hatch. https://twitter.com/CDPROJEKTRED/status/2074811707763880017 They hatched in June, as you can see in the adorable photos shared by CD Projekt Red. The entire family was relocated to one of Warsaw's parks in cooperation with Warsaw's Municipal Guard Eco Patrol. In their new home outside the CD Projekt campus, they can "continue their journey in a more natural setting," the developer said. But why did the mother duck choose to lay her eggs there in the first place? Only she knows, but the office has a nice rooftop space with plenty of greenery; in fact, the office has the "largest green wall in Poland," featuring 40,000 plants. CD Projekt Red's new office space in Warsaw was nominated for an architecture award this year(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/witcher-devs-latest-nomination-is-for-its-hq-in-warsaw/1100-6539770/), and while it did not win the top prize, it did win the "residents' award."(https://www.whitemad.pl/en/12th-warsaw-mayors-architecture-award-list-of-winners/) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEEdC9j9TEA CD Projekt also has offices in the Polish cities Krakow and Wroclaw, along with international outfits in Vancouver and Boston. The Witcher 4 is one of multiple upcoming projects at CD Projekt. The studio is also making Cyberpunk 2(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/cyberpunk-2077-sequel-release-date-trailer-story/1100-6526333/), a game made in partnership with Saudi Arabia(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/witcher-dev-partners-with-pokemon-go-owner-for-a-new-game-based-on-its-ip/1100-6530370/), a Witcher 1 remake(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-witcher-remake-everything-we-know-about-the-open-world-remake-of-the-classic-rpg/1100-6528839/), and a multiplayer Witcher game(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/cd-projekt-red-fully-absorbed-the-studio-making-a-multiplayer-the-witcher-game/1100-6530719/).