The Alters: This War of Mine's Spiritual Successor Has a New Trailer
11 bit Studios has unveiled a new trailer for its forthcoming game, The Alters, which draws inspiration from the acclaimed title, This War of Mine. Players will assume the role of Jan, who must navigate survival on a doomed planet by forming a crew of alternative versions of himself, each with unique skills and emotional needs. While no release date has been announced, the game is set to launch on multiple platforms, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X, and PC.
The innovative gameplay mechanics of managing both the crew's skills and emotional well-being signal a deeper exploration of character dynamics that could redefine storytelling in survival games.
How might the decision-making aspects of The Alters influence players' emotional engagement with the characters and the overall narrative experience?
The newly released gameplay trailer for Prologue: Go Wayback! showcases stunning, terrain-generated environments and hints at the game's focus on survival and exploration. Players will need to navigate various weather conditions, including heavy rain and snow, in order to find a weather station and call for help. The game's development is part of an ambitious plan by PUBG creator Brendan Greene.
This early access release could serve as a proving ground for the studio's machine learning technology, potentially paving the way for more sophisticated and dynamic environments in future titles.
How will Prologue's focus on survival and exploration influence the overall design and scope of Project Artemis, the "ultimate project" reportedly being developed alongside Prologue?
Epic Games Store is currently offering a free action-adventure title, with plans to introduce the highly-rated 2D fighting game Them's Fightin' Herds next week. This game, set in the whimsical world of Fœnum, features a streamlined control scheme and an engaging online PvP mode, appealing to both casual and competitive players. With a "very positive" rating on Steam and a dynamic music system, Them's Fightin' Herds promises to deliver an exciting gaming experience when it becomes available for free from March 6 to March 13.
The decision to offer such a well-regarded title for free demonstrates Epic Games Store's strategy to attract and retain a diverse gaming audience while competing with other platforms.
What impact do free game giveaways have on the long-term engagement and loyalty of players within the digital gaming marketplace?
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach has released a new trailer that showcases its increasingly bleak post-apocalyptic world, where humanity's reliance on automation threatens to erode its very existence. The game's narrative is further fleshed out, introducing new characters while revisiting beloved ones from the original. As the release date draws near, anticipation for this highly anticipated sequel is building.
The trailer's nods to Metal Gear series icon Solid Snake raise intriguing questions about Hideo Kojima's intentions with these subtle references and how they might be woven into the narrative.
What role will the Chiralium-infused world play in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, and how will it shape the game's exploration of human connection in a desolate future?
The Epic Games Store has announced the next free game giveaway for March 2025, an action RPG worth $29.99, Mortal Shell, which will be paired with a time-limited exclusive DLC for World of Warships. This upcoming free title on the platform generally receives a "Mixed" rating on Steam due to its confusing level design and limited variety. Despite this, it features a Souls-like combat system that requires players to manage stamina.
The fact that Mortal Shell is receiving a free game giveaway alongside its DLC for World of Warships suggests a strategic move by Epic Games Store to attract players from both the gaming world and naval enthusiasts.
How will the inclusion of a unique in-game item, such as the Yūbari Japanese Tier IV cruiser, influence the overall gameplay experience and replay value of Mortal Shell?
Microsoft has announced the addition of three new games to Xbox Game Pass, catering to diverse gaming preferences, including a roguelike deck-builder and a sci-fi farming simulator. Players can look forward to "Monster Train," where they defend a hellish train, "Galacticare," a quirky hospital management game set in space, and "One Lonely Outpost," which focuses on building a thriving colony on a barren planet. These titles not only offer engaging gameplay but also enhance the Game Pass library's appeal to a broader audience.
The introduction of these varied genres reflects Microsoft's strategy to attract a wider range of gamers and keep subscribers engaged with fresh content.
What potential trends could emerge in gaming as platforms continue to diversify their offerings to appeal to various player demographics?
The upcoming open-world PvPvE extraction shooter SAND promises a gritty dieselpunk experience with barren deserts, towering machines, and plenty of loot. Players will embark on a vast, procedurally generated world filled with ruined cities and deadly threats, fighting to survive and gather resources to upgrade their massive mechanical walkers, known as Tramplers. The game's Early Access launch on April 3 is just around the corner.
As SAND enters Early Access, it raises questions about the importance of post-launch support and community engagement in addressing performance issues, which have already sparked concerns among demo players.
How will the dieselpunk setting and open-world design of SAND influence its appeal to fans of mech simulations and extraction shooters in the long term?
A recent leak indicates that Call of Duty 2026 is already under development for the next generation of Xbox, suggesting a potential earlier release for Microsoft’s new console. The game, which is reportedly not intended for current consoles, aims to address visual issues from previous titles and reintroduce a traditional user interface. This development aligns with Microsoft’s strategy to regain market share amidst stagnant Xbox sales, although skepticism remains within the gaming community regarding the feasibility of a 2026 launch.
The implications of this leak could reshape competitive dynamics in the gaming industry, particularly if Microsoft successfully capitalizes on an earlier release to challenge Sony's market position.
How might the timing of the new Xbox release influence consumer expectations and the overall trajectory of the gaming landscape?
Naked and Afraid season 18 promises to deliver thrilling survival challenges as a new crop of contestants face the wilderness – completely starkers. Mandy, the first double amputee to appear on the show, joins forces with Jonny to conquer hunger, torrential rains, and deadly fauna in the jungles of Belize. Later, Naked and Afraid mega-fan Ernie teams up with fitness fanatic Amanda for a real 14-day test. The new season will also see franchise veterans Steven Lee Hall Jr. and Laura Zerra navigate ancient Mayan sacrifice sites while facing off against King Cobras.
The show's ability to captivate audiences with its mix of human resilience, environmental challenges, and raw drama is likely to continue to set the standard for survival programming.
As Naked and Afraid season 18 continues to push the boundaries of what contestants can endure, it will be fascinating to see how the format adapts to incorporate new technologies and innovations in wilderness survival.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 blends Western gaming sensibilities with JRPG panache, injecting a refreshing twist into an often conservative genre. The game's unique visual style, inspired by French impressionist painters, draws players into its intriguing world of Lumiere, where age is a death sentence and time is the enemy. By combining elements of traditional fantasy with Western design philosophies, Sandfall Interactive creates a refreshingly grown-up experience that feels both familiar and innovative.
The game's use of real-time combat mechanics, combined with turn-based tactics, offers a welcome layer of reactivity and dynamism to the classic RPG formula.
How will Clair Obscur's unique blend of Eastern and Western influences shape the future of the JRPG genre, and what implications does this have for the broader gaming industry?
Dotemu has announced its next game, Absolum, a fantasy beat 'em up with roguelike elements, being developed alongside Guard Crush Games and Supamonk. The new game is expected to launch later this year on the Switch, PlayStation, and PC, featuring branching pathways, questing, and challenging bosses. Absolum retains the core beat 'em up action known for Dotemu's previous titles like Shredder's Revenge and Streets of Rage 4.
The emphasis on a "rogue 'em up" experience in Absolum suggests that Dotemu is pushing the boundaries of traditional beat 'em ups, incorporating elements from other genres to create something unique.
How will the fusion of fantasy and roguelike mechanics influence the gameplay and narrative of Absolum, potentially setting a new standard for the genre?
Detroit: Become Human, the well-received, narrative-focused sci-fi thriller is now 70% off on Steam for a limited time. Quantic Dream's adventure title was released in 2018 as a showcase for the PlayStation's interactive storytelling capabilities. If you enjoyed Beyond: Two Souls or Heavy Rain, this will be right up your alley.
As gamers, we've grown accustomed to being actively engaged participants in our favorite stories, but Detroit: Become Human predates the modern control scheme that allows us to make meaningful choices in a narrative-driven game.
Will the influence of games like Detroit: Become Human and Fahrenheit: Indigo Prophecy Remastered contribute to a shift in how developers approach player choice and agency in their narratives?
The new trailer for The Last of Us season 2 has ignited a firestorm of emotions among fans, showcasing the apocalyptic world and its dire consequences for Joel and Ellie Miller. The trailer's explosive visuals hint at an even more treacherous landscape than before, with zombies, human threats, and moral dilemmas waiting around every corner. As the show hurtles towards its April 13th debut on Max, one question remains: what will be the ultimate cost of survival in a world that seems determined to destroy itself?
The Last of Us's exploration of trauma, grief, and sacrifice raises important questions about the human condition, particularly in the face of catastrophic loss.
Will the show's portrayal of violence, desperation, and moral ambiguity resonate with audiences, or will it spark controversy and debate?
Xbox Game Studios lead Craig Duncan has confirmed that there are more unannounced games in development, with the boss spending time playing and trying out these unrevealed titles. Duncan also commented on the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal, expressing his curiosity and excitement about what Nintendo does next. The Xbox lead has been providing updates on the lineup of Xbox games set to arrive in 2025 and beyond.
This insight into the inner workings of Xbox Game Studios could be a game-changer for fans of the platform, who have been eagerly awaiting new titles from the studio.
Will the upcoming Xbox showcase provide a clear direction for the future of Xbox Game Studios, or will it merely serve as a platform for more announcements?
The Last of Us franchise continues to grow with new announcements and updates. Neil Druckmann, creative director of The Last of Us series, doesn't seem confident the popular game turned HBO hit will get a third installment. Meanwhile, HBO has released images from season 2, giving fans a glimpse into what's to come. The upcoming season promises to be just as intense as its predecessor.
The franchise's narrative complexity and character development have set a high bar for future installments, making it challenging to live up to the standards established by The Last of Us Part II.
Will The Last of Us' television series find a way to balance faithfulness to the source material with the constraints of episodic storytelling, potentially affecting its overall narrative impact?
The bundle packages both open-world Middle-earth games with a flat 90% off on the total price. You get two critically acclaimed action-adventure titles based on The Lord of the Rings franchise with a unique story and the much loved Nemesis system. The game may seem like your average open-world title at first glance, but what sets it apart is the unique Nemesis system, a mechanic so good that Warner Bros. patented it. Both these games offer a unique storyline and a dynamic battle system that culminates in visually stunning large-scale assaults.
The sale of these critically acclaimed games at an unprecedented 90% discount could signal a new era for gamers looking to save big on their favorite titles, but will this lead to a flooded market with more games being discounted to unsustainable levels?
How will the future of gaming bundle sales be shaped by the success of Middle-earth: The Shadow bundle, and what implications will it have for game developers and publishers?
This event showcases the quirky culture of video game communities and highlights games that cater to marginalized gamers. The festival features an assortment of indie and AAA titles, many of which share similarities with sci-fi and fantasy works from literature and film. With over 20 demos available, players can explore a diverse range of gaming experiences.
The abundance of unique demos at Steam Next Fest serves as a platform for developers to experiment with innovative gameplay mechanics and storytelling techniques, potentially paving the way for future industry trends.
What role do events like Steam Next Fest play in fostering a sense of community among gamers, particularly those who may feel underrepresented or marginalized within the gaming world?
With the right folks involved, EA can capably preserve and update its classics. The release of the source code has provided a wealth of information for modders and developers, showcasing the ingenuity and quirks of Windows game development from 1995 to 2003. This move paves the way for open-source reimplementations and community-driven projects, ensuring the longevity of beloved classic games.
The revelation of developer commentary and "hack fixes" like the infamous "HACK ALERT!" text string adds a fascinating layer of nostalgia and insight into the game development process.
What implications will this newfound access to the original source code have on the future of indie game development, where modders and community-driven projects are often the driving force behind innovation?
The source code for Command & Conquer is being made public, along with Steam Workshop support and updated tools, allowing modders to create custom maps and content. This move marks a significant shift towards community-driven development and opens up new possibilities for fan-created content. The release of the source code is seen as a major step forward for the game's longevity.
The democratization of game development through open-source releases like this one could have far-reaching implications for the entire gaming industry, potentially empowering more creators and fostering greater collaboration between developers and fans.
How will the influx of new content created by modders impact the overall quality and consistency of official Command & Conquer titles in the future?
A Way Out is a cooperative game that immerses players in a complex narrative exploring the moral ambiguities of its two protagonists, Leo and Vincent, as they navigate their escape from a corrupt prison system. The game combines intense gameplay mechanics with emotional storytelling, creating a unique experience that challenges players to make pivotal decisions that shape their journey. With a balance of serious themes and lighthearted moments, A Way Out invites players to engage deeply with its characters and story while testing the strength of their collaboration.
The intertwining of dramatic storytelling and cooperative gameplay in A Way Out highlights the potential for video games to convey complex narratives and emotional depth, setting a new standard for the genre.
In what ways could the mechanics of A Way Out influence the future design of cooperative games aiming to explore serious themes?
Microsoft is exploring the potential of AI in its gaming efforts, as revealed by the Muse project, which can generate gameplay and understand 3D worlds and physics. The company's use of AI has sparked debate among developers, who are concerned that it may replace human creators or alter the game development process. Microsoft's approach to AI in gaming is seen as a significant step forward for the industry.
The integration of AI tools like Muse into the game development process could fundamentally change how games are created and played, raising important questions about the role of humans versus machines in this creative field.
As the use of AI becomes more widespread in the gaming industry, what safeguards will be put in place to prevent potential abuses or unforeseen consequences of relying on these technologies?
Absolum, a new dark fantasy roguelike beat-em-up co-developed by Guard Crush, Dotemu, and French animation studio Supamonks, is announced. The game's previews showcase its stunning 2D animation and art, meshing with frantic action, allowing players to experiment with multiple paths and new random encounters each time they start over. Absolum's combat system demands skill and timing, pushing players to strategize with each run.
The fusion of roguelite elements with the beat-em-up genre in Absolum has the potential to attract a new audience to the Streets of Rage 4 fanbase.
Will Dotemu's experience in releasing successful retro-style games translate to a successful launch for Absolum, or will the game face increased competition from other developers making similar games?
RoboCop: Rogue City will introduce a standalone expansion titled Unfinished Business, set to launch this summer for multiple platforms including PS5 and Xbox Series. This expansion promises to enhance the gameplay experience with new weapons, special missions, and the opportunity to play as Alex Murphy, diving deeper into the game's narrative. The announcement comes off the back of the original game's mixed but ambitious reception, hinting at improvements and expanded content for fans of the franchise.
The addition of new missions and the chance to play as the iconic character Alex Murphy could reinvigorate interest in the game, potentially attracting both fans of the franchise and new players looking for immersive first-person shooter experiences.
Will the expansion be enough to address the criticisms of the original game and elevate the overall perception of the RoboCop gaming franchise?
The New York Times's latest word game, Strands, has been gaining traction among word game enthusiasts, but its underlying mechanics and themes remain shrouded in mystery. As players progress through the game, they uncover clues that hint at a larger narrative, much like the edible toadstools hidden beneath the surface of the game. By examining the words and their connections, players can unravel the threads of the Strands universe. However, the true extent of this universe remains unclear, leaving room for speculation and interpretation.
The hidden truths uncovered by Strands may hold a mirror to our understanding of language and meaning, challenging conventional notions of how we perceive and interact with words.
Can the game's creators unlock the full potential of Strands by delving deeper into its underlying mechanics, or are there inherent limitations that will forever shroud the truth?
Xbox fans expecting an innovative concept for a new console might feel disappointed. Jez Corden thinks that the creation will take the form of a gaming PC. That has sparked both positive and negative reactions from gamers, with some arguing that this approach would provide compatibility with thousands of PC titles, while others worry about the complexity and maintenance required to navigate such a system.
The potential for Microsoft's Windows-powered Xbox console to disrupt traditional console gaming dynamics could be an opportunity for innovation in user experience and accessibility.
How will the decision to pursue a PC-like design impact the company's ability to maintain a cohesive ecosystem and offer seamless backward compatibility with its existing Xbox exclusives?
Lazarus is coming to turn the world on its head April 5th. Shinichirō Watanabe's upcoming anime about a world plunged into chaos by a mysterious miracle drug, finally has a premiere date. Charles Pulliam-Moore is a reporter focusing on film, TV, and pop culture. Before The Verge, he wrote about comic books, labor, race, and more at io9 and Gizmodo for almost five years.
As the boundaries between fantasy and reality continue to blur in anime, Lazarus's exploration of a world grappling with addiction and mortality raises important questions about our collective responsibility to confront these issues head-on.
What role will music play in shaping the narrative and atmosphere of the series, and how will it serve as a catalyst for social commentary?