The latest news from games, film, technology and digital culture. The stories that matter, without the noise.
Warren Spector, a towering figure in interactive storytelling and the foundational architect of the immersive sim genre, has officially announced his retirement, bringing a storied 44-year career to a graceful conclusion. Renowned for championing emergent gameplay and player agency in masterpieces like Deus Ex, System Shock, and Thief, the veteran auteur is formally stepping away...
Publisher Strategy First is bringing back the classic shooter You Are Empty with an updated PC release titled You Are Empty: Absolute Edition. The updated release is adapted for modern systems and will be available on Steam and the ZOOM Platform. The game takes place in an alternate 1950s timeline: “Most of the city’s population...
Anticipation surrounding Grand Theft Auto VI has reached a fever pitch, with enthusiasts relentlessly analyzing every scrap of information to discern the true scale of Leonida. While dedicated community cartographers have spent months piecing together speculative layouts, a substantial new leak may have preemptively revealed the exact geographical boundaries of Rockstar Games’ reimagined Florida. The...
On Wednesday, August 12, the legendary Troubadour in West Hollywood became the stage for an electric, exclusive showcase as Billboard and HYBE hosted One Night Only with YEONJUN. Commemorating the global star’s bold solo trajectory following the release of his viral hit “Ice Cream,” the evening granted 500 lucky attendees an exceptionally intimate look at...
Solo developer Frosty Wren Studios is shutting down and pulling its fantasy tower defense roguelike Defense of Kyrath from Steam following low player engagement. The one-person studio launched Defense of Kyrath on PC via Steam this past summer. The game challenges players to position various guardians across enchanted forests, peaceful meadows, and volcanic wastelands. These...
Hayden Panettiere and Solange Knowles share the screen in Bring It On: All or Nothing (2006). Universal / Courtesy Everett Collection The entertainment community continues to grieve the sudden and untimely passing of Hayden Panettiere at age 36, an unexpected loss that has prompted an outpouring of heartfelt remembrances from across the industry. Among those...
miwa and hololive’s Koganei Niko share insights on their musical collaboration. (Photo: Ayaka Horiuchi) On July 26, Koganei Niko—a virtual talent affiliated with hololive production—unveiled her highly anticipated debut original single, “Seien.” Penned and composed by acclaimed singer-songwriter miwa, the track offers an unvarnished glimpse into Niko’s hidden vulnerabilities and steadfast resolve, propelled forward by...
An enthusiast has updated a classic gaming experience using modern technology. An early PC build of Gamma Emerald was recently released. The fan-made project serves as an unofficial remake of one of the Pokemon franchise’s classic entries. Built on a modern game engine, this new version of Pokemon Emerald retains the original plot, characters, and...
HBO offers a varied catalog ranging from grounded dramas like The White Lotus to comedies like The Chair Company. In 2026, science fiction and fantasy have led the network’s slate. Game of Thrones fans received two series during the year, starting with the January premiere of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms and continuing with...
NBCUniversal is raising prices across all three tiers of its streaming service, Peacock. The change marks the fourth price hike for the platform in four years. The new rates take effect on Aug. 18 for new and returning subscribers, while existing members will see the increase on or after Sept. 17, depending on their billing...
