Embark Studios is very intentional about the cosmetics it adds to its multiplayer shooter Arc Raiders, with the developer's CEO saying that any skins introduced to the game have to fit within its highly curated universe.

In a February 6 IGN interview, Embark Studios CEO Patrick Söderlund explained that while games like Embark's previous game, The Finals, and Fortnite can add whatever character cosmetics they want, Arc Raiders is a bit different. The difference, for Söderlund, is the game’s lore and world, which he described as being "more curated." This curation is what prevents Arc Raiders from putting, say, The Grinch or Sonic the Hedgehog in the game.

"First and foremost, we want to make sure that everything fits the fiction of Arc Raiders, and that it's something that sits well within the Arc Raiders universe," Söderlund said. "I mean, there are other games, very successful games out there--The Finals being one of them--in which the IP is designed so it basically happens to be very elastic. You can do whatever the hell you want, and people are like, 'That makes sense. It's completely plausible.' I can be a pink banana, and you can be whatever, and everyone's like, 'That makes sense. It fits the universe. No problem.' Arc Raiders has a more curated lore, curated world, so we have to stick within boundaries slightly to a different extent than maybe The Finals or Fortnite or another game in which Batman can shoot Bart Simpson."

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Pirates of the Caribbean director Gore Verbinski has shared new insight into the BioShock movie he was planning to make before it all fell apart many years ago.

Writing on Reddit, Verbinski said he "loved" his vision for BioShock and said it was "getting close" to being made at Universal. Verbinski was planning to "dive deeply" into the "Oedipal aspect" and aim for a strong R rating, with the story set to embrace the kinds of choices players make in the game and also show them the consequences, Verbinski said. Intriguingly, Verbinski said he and writer John Logan (Skyfall, The Aviator) came up with an idea for the movie to have both of the game's endings.

"I was looking forward to bringing that to the big screen and really fucking with people's heads," he said, though the director did not elaborate as to how he would have gone about achieving this.

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Arc Raiders has been a smash hit for developer Embark and publisher Nexon, and now Embark's top boss, Patrick Soderlund, has commented on the game's success and revealed that the studio has multiple new games in the works.

Speaking to IGN, Soderlund said, "Well, you don't have to be a math professor to realize that the game has done well for us and that we're obviously incredibly happy with the performance from a financial perspective. So, of course, it's been very profitable for us."

Arc Raiders, which sells for $40, has sold more than 12 million copies, and this includes copies sold when the game was 20% off for the holidays. The game makes money beyond unit sales, as Embark also offers various microtransaction items for Arc Raiders. Embark was previously planning to launch Arc Raiders as a free game, but later pivoted to a $40 price.

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A newcomer to Overwatch's expanding roster is receiving scrutiny for her derivative character design, and the voice actor behind the hero took to the web to express their support for a redesign.

Anran is one of five new heroes joining the game for Season 1, hailing from China and sporting a moveset centered around fire attacks. She appeared in a cinematic last year that introduced her brother, fellow Overwatch hero Wuyang. But fans of the game pointed out that not only does her final in-game design differ from her previous look, but her face looks very similar to that of other characters like Juno and Kiriko.

Fareeha, Anran's English voice actor, spoke about the character's design in a social media video post. Addressing the "elephant in the room," Fareeha said they agree with criticisms while giving "grace" to the game's developers.

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Prime Video has confirmed that Callum Vinson (Chucky, The Night Agent) will play Atreus in the upcoming God of War TV show.

It's a key piece of casting news, as the TV series--like the recent games--will follow the father-son story of Kratos and Atreus. Sons of Anarchy's Ryan Hurst will play Kratos.

The cast also includes Ólafur Darri Ólafsson as Thor, Teresa Palmer as Sif, Max Paker as Heimdall, and Mandy Patinkin as Odin.

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Developer Sad Cat Studios has confirmed that players can get an early taste of the cyberpunk-thriller Replaced, as a demo for PC will go live starting February 11. Set in an alternate version of America in the '80s, the 2.5D platformer puts players inside the gumshoes of Reach--Research Engine for Altering and Composing Humans--an AI that finds itself trapped inside a human body and on the hunt for answers.

While the game focuses on exposing the sinister secrets of Phoenix Corporation, Replaced also features plenty of action with a free-flow beat-'em-up combat system inspired by Rocksteady's Batman: Arkham games.

Players can also explore the dystopian environments, and Reach will have to deal with unfamiliar human instincts, emotions, and themes of identity on their mission. Sad Cat Studios has also highlighted the game's hand-crafted design in previous previews, combining pixel-art with modern visual effects and a synth-driven soundtrack to set the mood.

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Microsoft will reportedly partner with other computer companies like Asus for a variety of next-gen Xbox systems. Obviously, this isn't new territory after launching the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds, but it would be groundbreaking on the home console front. The strategy also seemingly echoes Valve's original vision for Steam Machines from over a decade ago, in which they talked about teaming up with a dozen companies for different hardware options.

According to Windows Central, Microsoft is looking at making a premium system that could retail for as much $1,000. However, Windows partners could then offer more price-friendly models of the next-gen Xbox, giving people various options to jump in. Speaking of Windows, the report adds that Windows will be powering the device, as the "Xbox Ally platform from Asus is a hint at a very early version of the next-gen Xbox console formula."

Last year, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella noted that the next-gen Xbox could be like a PC. Windows Central reaffirms that direction, with Microsoft possibly marketing the system as one that can play games and serve as a "coding station" or a "music production studio."

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Nintendo fans are witnessing something unusual with the Switch 2: Quality ports of big blockbuster games are actually releasing for the platform, and quite frequently. Switch 2 versions of Cyberpunk 2077, Star Wars Outlaws, and Final Fantasy VII Remake have impressed players, and 2026 presents Nintendo with an opportunity to solidify a streak of third-party support.

This year's release calendar has Resident Evil Requiem, Pragmata, 007 First Light, Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, and a couple of Xbox darlings (Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and South of Midnight) all landing on the Switch 2. Though more game announcements for the platform are assuredly coming, it's already a strong line-up of non-Nintendo games.

For the longest time, many have begrudgingly bought Nintendo machines because they were the only ways to play franchises like Mario, Zelda, and Pokemon. But because of the relative lack of power of Nintendo's consoles as compared to those of Sony and Microsoft, players who also wanted to play major releases like Call of Duty or Assassin's Creed games needed other machines. But if Switch 2 continues receiving excellent third-party ports and equal treatment with other platforms, it could be more than a "Nintendo-exclusive machine" and become the top console for a lot of players this generation.

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French president Emmanuel Macron has clarified his statements on banning video games in his country, explaining that although no ban has been put in place yet, he's not opposed to it or other restrictions should there be enough scientific research to warrant them.

Macron took to LinkedIn on February 7 to defend himself against potential critics who, as he said, "misunderstood" the intentions of his recent statements. According to French newspaper Le Monde, Macron supports the games industry--he congratulated French studio Sandfall Interactive for the massive achievement that is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33--but still wants to have a "serious debate" about the health impacts that excessive gaming can have on young people.

"Parents observe that some young people spend their days and sometimes their nights playing video games. It has also often been reported that games rated PEGI 18 are being played by children," Macron wrote. "This is a major public health, education, and responsibility issue. For physical health, eyes in particular, and mental health, when a young person no longer goes outside at all because they are playing excessively, of course this is worrying, and we must address it."

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One of the first scenes of Yakuza Kiwami 3 sees protagonist Kazuma Kiryu paying respects at a cemetery. Interact with any of the tombstones lined up in a row, and you'll witness a moment of remembrance. Kiryu, in his thoughts, recalls the deceased's deeds, their shared bond, and how much they meant to him. In turn, you're given the option to watch a story recap of the Yakuza entry in which the character was featured. While the original Yakuza 3 also had this option, the scene as a whole takes on a different meaning in Kiwami 3, showing footage of the previous Kiwami games. In a way, this retelling makes it clear that these remake treatments are now the intended story. The problem is that the array of narrative, mechanical, and stylistic changes that came with these iterations, which are handled more bluntly in the latest entry, are altering what made the originals stand out in the first place.

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties gives yet another main entry in the action-adventure series the remake treatment, while also including a new, separate experience featuring a different protagonist, similarly to the Majima Saga portion in Kiwami 2. It is perhaps the most important remake of the first five games. Technically speaking, Yakuza 3 saw developer Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio experimenting with a new engine after its two predecessors, which, despite an effort to iron it out with a remaster in 2019, hasn't aged gracefully. In addition, it is a key entry in the series, marking a crucial moment in Kiryu's characterization as he tries, and ultimately fails, to escape the trappings of the underworld to run an orphanage on the picturesque beaches of Okinawa. His past ultimately comes back to haunt him once more, reminding him that there's no reprieve from his phantoms.

For the most part, the broader strokes of Kiryu's story remain untouched. Yet, the considerable technology jump does affect the overall ambiance. This is due to Ryu Ga Gotoku recreating environments and characters with modern renditions rooted in the engine used for recent entries in the Yakuza and the larger Like a Dragon ecosystem. The result is a bit too cleaned and polished, dimming the grit of the main locations--Kamurocho and Okinawa--as well as the contrast between them. The stylistic choices, especially around lightning, make them feel like an extension of each other rather than separate areas with distinct thematic purposes. This extension also applies to the Kiwami games as a whole. Considering this is the third remake of its type, the art style is beginning to feel homogenized, losing the charm of each original entry having a specific mood reflecting the story.

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Between the construction of a Not-A-Death-Star and the subsequent theft of plans for this symbol of planetary destruction/peace, things have been busy in Helldivers 2 as players prepare for the invasion of Cyberstan starting February 10. The homeworld of the Automatons has also been preparing for the arrival of Super Earth's finest, and when the Helldivers touch down, they can expect to be met with an old foe: Cyborgs fueled by "rage and socialism" as they march on troops.

Arrowhead Games revealed that players will have three new classes of enemies to take on when they land on Cyberstan: The Agitator, the Radicals, and the Vox Engine. The Agitator is equipped with heavy armor and will take control of Automaton units, effectively coordinating their movements. The Radical is an engine of destruction, hellbent on closing the gap and delivering a roundhouse kick to your Helldiver. Meanwhile, the Vox Engine is a weaponized mobile propaganda platform armed with lasers, rockets, and programmed to spread undemocratic lies on the battlefield.

Cyborgs were introduced in the first Helldivers game--portrayed as anti-democratic dissidents who illegally left Super Earth--and Helldivers 2's Automatons are seen as their successors. Naturally, Super Earth's current war on every non-human intelligent species has left the Cyborgs feeling a bit miffed. The return of the Cyborg legions was first teased on Arrowhead's social media, after the studio was "hacked" to broadcast a message by the Automatons. Uploaded in binary, the video message reads:

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Starting in March, all Discord users will be switched to a "teen-appropriate experience" unless they can verify that they're an adult. The social platform is implementing age verification protocols that may ask users for facial scans or identification documents, a policy tested in the United Kingdom and Australia beginning last year.

A press release from Discord explains that the age verification process may be required to "change certain settings or access sensitive content," including "age-restricted channels, servers, or commands and select message requests." The global rollout of this protocol will arrive months after a hack affected millions of Discord users and exposed age verification-related data. Discord said that it partnered with a different third-party vendor for age verification after the data breach.

Discord will soon be expanding teen safety protections worldwide including teen-by-default settings and age assurance designed to create safer experiences for teens.
We’re also launching recruitment for Discord's first Teen Council, creating a space for teen voices to help shape… pic.twitter.com/CW7G4sO38R

— Discord Support (@discord_support) February 9, 2026copy

On Discord's end, the company promises that its "age assurance" approaches will protect user privacy, saying that video selfies, which AI will use to estimate a user's age, will never leave their device, and that any identity documents users submit will be deleted immediately after their age is confirmed.

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The Walt Disney Company recently named a new CEO, Josh D'Amaro, and now it's been reported that the months-long search to find a new top executive disrupted plans for gaming.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the plans for leadership change at Disney "made it difficult to make consequential decisions about Disney's future." This apparently impacted Disney's gaming plans specifically.

"In recent months, executives have discussed potential partnerships with game companies, but shelved the topic until a new CEO started," the WSJ reported, citing a source with knowledge of the situation.

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After some rumors in the past couple of weeks that it was in the works, the first PlayStation State of Play of 2026 has been confirmed for February 12 at 2 PM PT / 5 PM ET.

Official PlayStation social media accounts have confirmed not only the date and timing of the event, but also that it will include "60+ minutes of news, gameplay updates, and announcements from game studios across the globe." No word on what that 60+ minutes will include has been confirmed by Sony nor by any third-party developers.

A new State of Play airs February 12.
Tune in for 60+ minutes of news, gameplay updates, and announcements from game studios across the globe: https://t.co/wz6dklBvoa pic.twitter.com/VRStSNZ6RM

— PlayStation (@PlayStation) February 9, 2026

PlayStation's first-party portfolio for 2026 already includes MLB The Show 26, Saros from Housemarque, and two Marvel projects in Insomniac's Wolverine and Arc System Works's Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls. Last week, Guerrilla Games also announced Horizon Hunters Gathering, a co-op multiplayer project set in the Horizon universe.

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Overwatch is dropping the "2" from its name and rebooting for a new era of story-driven gameplay, and already the refresh seems to be drawing players back. Overwatch hit a peak of almost 70,000 concurrent players on Steam over the weekend, the highest the sequel has seen since its all-time peak on its Steam launch day.

According to Steam charts, Overwatch (which still retains the 2 on Steam for the time being) hit a peak of 69,881 concurrent players over the weekend--shockingly close to its launch day high of 75,608, and higher than it has been in the two and a half years since. The peak in players even saw Overwatch creep past Call of Duty and Battlefield 6--though neither of them are particularly dominant on Steam.

Overwatch has not had a great history with Steam, where its lifetime reviews are only around 27% positive, and concurrent players quickly dropped off after peaking on release day. It's a surprise to many to see player numbers picking up on the platform, when the game's first rebooted season hasn't even launched yet--though a limited-time trial for new hero Anran is currently active.

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Monday Syndrome is a singleplayer action roguelike where you play as an intern that's trapped in a hellish office. Descend into a satirical corporate hell, battling demonic coworkers with absurd office supply weapons in an endless, procedurally generated tower. Can you survive the eternal 9-to-5?