Vishal Kamal has been covering video games for 7 years, writing about everything from hardware deals and new releases to esports and the business
side of the industry. He runs TheBadGamer, focused on gaming news worth your time.
The iconic Wizardry RPG series, a cornerstone of the genre for over 40 years, has found itself in a unique ownership split. Atari has acquired the rights to the first five games, aiming to re-release them on modern platforms, while Drecom retains control over the remaining mainline titles and spinoffs acquired in 2020. This dual ownership raises questions about the franchise's future management and development.
Atari has secured the rights to the first five Wizardry games, planning to re-release these foundational CRPGs after over two decades of unavailability. This move comes amidst a blobber genre resurgence and promises remasters, collections, and more. The acquisition distinguishes between Atari's ownership of the original series' IP and Drecom's hold on the Wizardry trademark and later games.
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio (RGG Studio) has finally revealed that its anticipated action-RPG, Stranger Than Heaven, will launch this winter across Xbox Series X/S, Xbox on PC, Xbox Cloud, Xbox Game Pass, Steam, and PlayStation 5. This cinematic, action-focused game promises a unique experience with its core theme of friendship and a distinct combat system, differing from the Yakuza series. Players can expect an expansive setting spanning five different eras and cities in Japan.
99 Nights in the Forest, a survival-crafting game on Roblox, has achieved a staggering peak player count of 14.2 million, outperforming many mainstream titles. Developer Grandma's Favourite Games attributes this success to Roblox's vast, engaged audience. The game's enduring popularity, even after pausing updates, highlights Roblox's unique advantage in retaining players.
Magic: The Gathering announces new mono-color Commander precons for the Foundations set, debuting in October 2026 at $29.99 each, offering an accessible entry point for newcomers. A bundle of all five decks is available for $149.95. These decks promise strong tribal synergies, making them ideal for teaching new players or casual play.
A new Planet of the Apes film reboot is in the works, with The Fantastic Four: First Steps director Matt Shakman at the helm. Shakman is developing an original story separate from the previous installment, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. This move seemingly shelves the planned trilogy, with the release date and impact on Shakman's Fantastic Four commitments uncertain.
Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick has confirmed that 2K's NFL game project is dead due to creative issues, not business disagreements with the NFL. Zelnick also ruled out a return to baseball games, citing significant financial losses from their previous MLB 2K series. The door, however, might not be entirely closed for another NFL attempt if the right opportunity arises.
Nintendo's surprise announcement brings Star Fox (2026) to Nintendo Switch 2 on June 25, technically a remake of Star Fox 64, complete with a 4K upgrade, co-op, and 4v4 multiplayer. This marks the fifth iteration of Star Fox 64 in some form. Can it redeem the series after the maligned Star Fox Zero?
After 6 years in development and multiple delays, Mina the Hollower, a pixel art top-down adventure from Yacht Club Games, is set to release on PC (Steam) on May 29 for under $20. This orthodox take on the Zelda-esque genre promises a challenging yet nostalgic experience. The game's success is crucial for the studio, with sales targets set at 500,000 for a "golden" outcome.
Pokémon Go's latest event, "Choose Your Path," introduces a unique timed research quest with branching paths, offering exclusive rewards and bonuses. Players can influence the event's outcome through their choices, affecting the availability of certain Pokémon. This interactive approach promises a fresh experience for trainers worldwide.
