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.
Sony reveals its July 2026 PlayStation Plus Game Catalog lineup, with Team Ninja's Rise of the Ronin available now for Extra and Premium subscribers in the US. This Soulslike action RPG offers a unique setting during Japan's Edo period and Boshin War, complete with innovative traversal mechanics. Discover how Rise of the Ronin enhances the PS Plus catalog this month.
Mike Zaimont, formerly of Skullgirls developer Lab Zero Games, faces criticism for his involvement in Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game despite past sexual harassment allegations. Fans and former contributors, like comic artist Irene Koh, express disappointment. The game, a 1v1 fighting title set in the Avatar: The Last Airbender universe, is scheduled for a summer release.
IDW Publishing has revealed an exclusive first-look preview of Sonic the Hedgehog x Godzilla #2, showcasing the Blue Blur's battle against kaiju giants. Issue #2 promises more action as Team Sonic heads to Angel Island. Writer Nick Marino teases "weird" twists and kaiju schemes from Dr. Eggman.
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced has secured the best launch of any Assassin's Creed game on Steam, selling 701k copies and generating $35m in revenue as of July 13th, despite facing criticism for its cosmetic microtransactions. The game's success comes amidst controversy, including developer layoffs and review-bombing. Notably, it outperforms its predecessors, including Shadows, Valhalla, and Mirage, in Steam revenue.
Kaz, the new roguelike from Kalinarm, offers highly engaging gameplay with its fast-paced reflex challenges and deep perk system, all for $7 on Steam. However, its intense gameplay may come at the cost of wrist strain. With its simple yet addictive design, Kaz captures the spirit of classic Flash games.
Filming has begun on The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, with Andy Serkis reprising his iconic role as Gollum, as revealed in a behind-the-scenes video. The project, set for a December 17, 2027, release, will also feature returning cast members Ian McKellen and Elijah Wood. Serkis, who is also directing, showcases his immediate return to character in the video, alongside glimpses of New Zealand location shoots.
Staff at Ubisoft Barcelona, co-developers of Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, have gone on strike over the company's "below reasonable standard" severance pay offer, following the announcement of up to 51 job eliminations. The strike highlights the contrast between the game's commercial success—selling 2 million copies in 24 hours—and the treatment of its developers. Employees are fighting to secure fair severance pay and potentially save some roles.
The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu is a challenging co-op survival horror game that masterfully crafts a tense, atmospheric experience rooted in the Cthulhu mythos. With clever mechanics like madness effects and a contract system, it promises a thrilling co-op journey, albeit one marred by ruthless difficulty spikes and design flaws. Players must navigate the beautiful yet dangerous 17th-century Chilean wilderness, uncovering secrets across 18 detailed maps in a game that, despite its flaws, is hard to put down.
Microsoft has unexpectedly removed Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 from its July 2026 Xbox Game Pass lineup, despite owning the title through its $69 billion Activision Blizzard acquisition. The game was set to launch on Game Pass on July 21. The sudden removal, without explanation, sparks speculation about potential licensing issues, a common challenge for music-heavy games like THPS 1+2, which features a soundtrack with numerous licensed tracks.
Spirit Halloween's 2026 collection has unveiled a unique SpongeBob SquarePants item: Squidward's "Hopes and Dreams" Tombstone, inspired by a memorable Season 3 episode. This quirky decoration, retailing at $49.99, has quickly gained popularity for its subtle humor and nostalgic value. The officially licensed replica measures 21" H x 14" W x 3" D and includes ground stakes.
