Gamescom 2026 is less than a week away and the inevitable rush of leaks and rumors have started to arrive. Amongst the intel seems to be an indication that Xbox is going to show up at the event with a surprising game reveal.

Industry INsider Teases Major Xbox Reveal for Gamescom

Gamescom 2026 officially kicks off next Monday, on August 24, but lots of rumors have already been swirling around the events biggest announcements. Over the last few hours, a handful of industry insiders have teased some advanced knowledge about Xbox showing up at the event to make a surprise announcement.

The rumor began with some tweets from NateTheHate2, who has proven to be a fairly reliable source of Microsoft information over the years. In response to a question about what whether Nate was aware of any type of surprises in the Gamescom Opening Night Live lineup, the account replied with:

“I’ve heard of a neat Xbox announcement that should be at Gamescom.”

This obviously sent fans into a frenzy to try and uncover for information. Nate didn’t say too much more, but did reply to one question that asked what it will be:

“Something that has my interest and curiosity piqued.”

After Nate’s posts got the conversation started, more evidence later arrived from Windows Central editor Jez Corden. Although Corden said that his information was still in the rumor territory and not 100% confirmed, he added some new information by claiming that the announcement would be an unexpected sequel, not a new IP.

““there might be a pretty big surprise (probably very unexpected sequel) reveal (not Banjo lol).”

Obviously there’s not a lot of information to go on at this point, but it will be very interesting to tune in to Opening Night Live and see what sort of trailers or world premiers end up being a part of the show. Some fans have been making guesses, but there isn’t really enough information to confirm those theories at this time.

Xbox is still very much trying to redefine the narrative after a huge round of layoffs and the loss of some studios early this summer, so the company is likely hoping to get some positive press as soon as possible.

Be sure to check back for lots more news and updates in the days leading up to the Gamescom 2026 kick off.

Gamescom 2026 begins August 24 and runs through August 30.

The post Xbox May Be Planning A Big Sequel Announcement for Gamescom appeared first on VICE.

All 14 The Duskbloods character classes have reportedly leaked early online. The upcoming FromSoftware multiplayer game appears to feature a lineup of truly disturbing characters for players to choose from.

The Duskbloods Characters Reportedly Leaked by Dataminers

We are now only a few days away from The Duskbloods network test on August 21, and the game has reportedly just suffered a major leak. According to a post on FamiBoards, dataminers were able to uncover new information about the Switch 2 multiplayer game after files were pushed to its servers ahead of the beta.

According to the leak, The Duskbloods will have 14 playable characters and classes. If the information is accurate, we also have a description of each character. And, well, they are pretty interesting to say the least! For your convenience, here is the full list of leaked The Duskbloods character classes reportedly uncovered by dataminers:

All 14 Leaked The Duskbloods Character Classes

1. Blood-Eater | Walter: The sole survivor of an extinct clan of rare-blood hunters. He uses his extraordinary sense of smell to track the blind spots in others’ pasts. He descended into madness after repeatedly licking the blood spatter from his sister—whom he himself had killed—and still walks the line between life and death in search of pure blood.
2. Guillotine | Gillian: An executioner of the Marisbel Inquisition. He carries a massive iron guillotine blade on his back. Having been exposed to too much blood over the years, he has begun to mutate and now wanders in search of the “Blood of the Beginning” before his own head is severed.
3. Foul-Rot | Veronica: A blind nun abandoned in the basement of a ruined cathedral. She inflicts self-harm to spread the grotesque blood blisters multiplying inside her body. The footprints she leaves behind instantly cause anything they touch to rot.
4. Nail-Pierced | Sebastian: A fanatic saint who drives silver nails into various parts of his body, using the flowing blood as a catalyst for miracles. By inflicting wounds on himself, he temporarily gains overwhelming ferocity, but his mind and body are already completely broken.
5. Coffin-Bearer | Maurice: A man who continued to collect corpses on the streets of Temurat at dusk. A mud-like monstrosity that was once his family writhes inside the iron coffin he carries on his back. By slamming the coffin against enemies, he sucks up their blood and feeds it to the creature inside.
6. Thread-Torn | Oscar: A deranged taxidermist who sews the flesh of beasts from all eras and regions directly onto his own body. During battle, he seizes enemy tissue and uses it to eerily patch and reinforce himself. Through the accumulation of tainted power, he transforms his own body into that of an ancient, rare beast.
7. Mud-Treader | Ulan: A female warrior who gained superhuman leg strength through human experimentation. Filthy blood constantly gushes from her ankles, and a red, poisonous swamp forms wherever she runs.
8. Candle-Snuffer | Isabel: A former waitress at the Siltera Noble Mansion. She possesses the ability to materialize shadows and trap her enemies’ blood within them to drain it. All light vanishes from the places she passes through.
9. Gut-Rinner | Randolph: An assault trooper of the Sampere Weapons Corps. Equipped with a back-mounted mechanism that allows him to fly freely and a massive piercing spear, he rips through his opponents’ flesh and blood along with their armor. His abdomen is heavily mechanized, enabling him to unleash devastating wide-area attacks using bloodlust as a catalyst.
10. Gazer-of-Flesh | Yuri: A heretical observer who cut off his own eyelids. He possesses the ability to intensify a target’s blood flow simply by fixing his gaze on them, causing their body to explode from within.
11. Ash-Crown | Camilla: A girl whose clan was burned to the ground. She wields “blood ash”—a mixture of the victims’ ashes and her own blood—to petrify and crystallize her enemies before shattering them.
12. Rust-Gospel | Baldur: A former priest of Kinmitsu who has stuffed his mouth with large amounts of scrap iron and needles. Every time he utters a prayer, his mouth is torn apart, and the mist of blood he spits out becomes a powerful attack.
13. Dusk-Silt | Elsa: A woman whose Dusk Disease has progressed to its final stage. When attacked, her body transforms into a blood-mud-like substance, allowing her to evade attacks and flow freely before injecting her own poisonous blood directly into her opponent’s body.
14. First-Shard | Nameless Shadow: An imperfect mass of flesh known as “First Blood,” incapable of understanding language and lacking any sense of its own origins. It is a cursed being that eerily mimics and unleashes the techniques of every bloodline.

When Is The Duskbloods Network Test?

While this leak appears to come from dataminers, we still caution everyone to take it with a major grain of salt. That said, we should learn whether the information is legitimate in just a few days, as The Duskbloods’ first playable beta goes live this week.

The first The Duskbloods network test session begins on Friday, August 21, 2026, and runs from 3:00 AM to 7:00 AM PDT. FromSoftware will hold multiple test sessions throughout the weekend, with the final one running on Sunday, August 23, from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM PDT. The network test should give players their first opportunity to see how many of these leaked characters actually appear in the game.

The post The Duskbloods Character Classes Leaked Before Network Test appeared first on VICE.

The Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 4 key art has reportedly been leaked online. Although many players initially believed the artwork was fake, prominent dataminer HYPEX now says it is likely legitimate. If accurate, the leak reveals every major Fortnite Override collab, including Kingdom Hearts, Crash Bandicoot, Spyro, Sonic, and more.

Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 4 Collabs Reportedly Leaked

A leaked image of the Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 4 key art recently surfaced on social media and reportedly reveals all upcoming Fortnite Override collabs. The artwork features numerous gaming legends, including Crash Bandicoot, Pac-Man, Spyro the Dragon and Megaman.

While the leaked key art initially had many players divided over whether it was real, prominent dataminer HYPEX says it is likely legitimate after an official Fortnite Sonic comic book also surfaced early online. The character’s design in the comics appears to match his appearance in the leaked Override image.

FORTNITE 'C7S4: OVERRIDE' UNFINISHED KEY ART

The Sonic Comics from today have confirmed it pic.twitter.com/GMYisa0fLZ

— HYPEX (@HYPEX) August 15, 2026

Here is the full list of Fortnite Override collabs coming to Chapter 7 Season 4 according to the leaked key art:

All Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 4 Collabs

• Sonic, Shadow, Eggman, and Tails
• Kingdom Hearts (Sora and a Keyblade)
• Mega Man
• Pac-Man
• Persona 5 (Joker)
• Beyond Good & Evil (Jade)
• Spyro the Dragon
• Crash Bandicoot
• 99 Nights in the Forest (Roblox)
• Tetris
• Screamer (Hiroshi Jackson)
• Street Fighte
• The Witcher
• Tomb Raider
• Halo
• Honkai: Star Rail

Leaked Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 4 Key Art Is Reportedly Unfinished

One reason some players initially believed the leaked Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 4 key art was fake is that parts of the artwork appeared unfinished. For example, Pac-Man was missing his eyes. However, it now appears that the image is a WIP, or work-in-progress, version of the season’s key art. It is still unclear how an unfinished image like this could have leaked online in the first place.

Even so, the artwork being incomplete is a bit strange, given that Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 4 launches in just five days on August 20. Epic Games is also releasing the first official Fortnite Override trailer on August 16, which will likely feature the completed season key art and confirm the upcoming gaming legends crossovers.

Regardless, HYPEX believes the leaked Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 4 key art is likely real due to the newly discovered Sonic comicbook. Still, players should take the full collab lineup with a major grain of salt until Epic Games officially confirms which characters are coming to the new Fortnite Override season launching later this week.

The post All Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 4 Collabs Leaked – Kingdom Hearts, Crash Bandicoot, and More appeared first on VICE.

A prominent insider claims that a major Kingdom Hearts announcement will be revealed at D23 tonight, August 14. According to the leak, there is a possibility that it could be related to Kingdom Hearts 4. However, the rumored Square Enix reveal may instead be for a new movie or TV series.

Kingdom Hearts Announcement Reportedly Coming at D23 on August 14

A Kingdom Hearts announcement will reportedly be made tonight, August 14, during D23. This latest update comes from Daniel Richtman, also known as DanielRPK, in a post on X. This is pretty significant, as DanielRPK is a prominent film industry leaker with a long track record of accurate insider scoops.

According to DanielRPK, the Square Enix announcement could range from a Kingdom Hearts 4 reveal to a potential spinoff movie or TV series. “There will be a Kingdom Hearts announcement today at D23. It could just be that Coco will have a world in the fourth game, or it could be an announcement for a TV show or movie.”

However, before Kingdom Hearts 4 fans get too excited, there are reasons to believe that the reveal may not be related to the video game. For starters, DanielRPK usually leaks information from the film industry and not gaming. This has led many to believe that the announcement could be related to a potential Kingdom Hearts animated movie or TV show instead. Finally, DanielRPK himself has cast doubt on the announcement being related to Kingdom Hearts 4.

The D23 Announcement Probably Won’t Be Kingdom Hearts 4

In a second post on X, DanielRPK updated fans and explained why the D23 reveal is likely not related to Kingdom Hearts 4. According to the prominent film insider, Disney’s panel tonight is focusing on “entertainment” and not gaming. As a result, the leaker said it would be “unusual” to see a Kingdom Hearts 4 reveal during the presentation.

“If it’s related to Kingdom Hearts 4, it would be very unusual for a video game to be presented during the Entertainment Panel at D23. Everything else announced today will be a show or a film. Also, they have a whole panel just for KH tomorrow. So we’ll see.”

That said, DanielRPK also didn’t rule it out completely. Basically, we will just have to wait and see. However, I think Kingdom Hearts fans should keep their expectations in check. For one, Square Enix itself has not confirmed that an announcement will be made tonight. Secondly, while DanielRPK is a legitimate film industry insider with a great track record, he isn’t specifically known for gaming leaks.

Kingdom Hearts D23 Panel Takes Place on August 15

Disney is also hosting its official DEEP DIVE into KINGDOM HEARTS panel at D23 on August 15. The presentation will feature Kingdom Hearts 4 co-director Tai Yasue and several cast members from the series.

The panel will be streamed on Disney’s YouTube channel at 4:30 PM PT and 7:30 PM ET. Therefore, if anything gaming-related does get revealed at D23, it seems more likely to happen during the dedicated Kingdom Hearts presentation on August 15 rather than tonight.

Still, if you are a fan of the series in general, tonight’s Disney Entertainment Showcase is worth keeping an eye on. Even if the announcement isn’t related to Kingdom Hearts 4, a movie or TV adaptation would still be a pretty massive reveal for the franchise.

The post Major Kingdom Hearts Announcement Reportedly Coming at D23 Tonight appeared first on VICE.

A new leak claims that Pokémon Winds and Waves has changed directors for the Gen 10 games. If accurate, this will be the first new generation of Pokémon titles in a decade not to be directed by Shigeru Ohmori.

Pokémon Gen 10 Reportedly Ends Shigeru Ohmori’s Decade-Long Run

Pokémon Winds and Waves will no longer be directed by Shigeru Ohmori, according to a new leak. If true, this would be a massive shift for the franchise, as Ohmori has directed every new generation of Pokémon games going back to 2016’s Pokémon Sun and Moon.

Ohmori also directed Pokémon Sword and Shield and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. This means Winds and Waves will reportedly be the first new-generation games in a decade to have different leadership.

According to the leak, Pokémon Winds and Waves will instead be directed by Hiroyuki Tani and Katsuhiko Ichiraku. As far as their experience goes, Tani previously directed the Pokémon Sword and Shield Expansion Pass. Ichiraku was also one of the directors of the recent Pokémon Scarlet and Violet DLC, The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero.

Here is a full list of games the new Pokémon Winds and Waves directors have worked on:

Hiroyuki Tani – Reported Pokémon Winds and Waves Director

• Pokémon Sun and Moon (2016) — Event Planning, Video Direction, and Field System Design
• Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon (2017) — Field System Design Lead and Field Data Design
• Pokémon Sword and Shield (2019) — Field Planning Lead
• Pokémon Sword and Shield Expansion Pass (2020) — Director
• Pokémon Scarlet and Violet (2022) — Planning Section Director and Pokémon AI Planning Lead

Katsuhiko Ichiraku – Reported Pokémon Winds and Waves Co-Director

• Pokémon Black and White (2010) — Special Thanks
• Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 (2012) — Programming
• Pokémon X and Y (2013) — Network Programming
• Pokémon Sun and Moon (2016) — Network Programming
• Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon (2017) — Communication Features UI Programming Lead
• Pokémon Sword and Shield (2019) — Network Programming Lead and Pokémon Camp Programming Lead
• Pokémon Scarlet and Violet (2022) — Game Programming and UI Section Director
• Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero (2023) — Director and Game Programming Team Lead
• Pokémon Legends: Z-A (2025) — Producer and Pokémon Series QA Group Manager

Pokémon Gen 11 Is Reportedly Already in Development

According to the same insider who leaked the Pokémon Winds and Waves directors, Shigeru Ohmori is now directing the Pokémon Gen 11 games. Yeah, Winds and Waves isn’t even out yet, and we are already getting leaks about the eleventh-generation titles.

While Ohmori has allegedly stepped away from the Gen 10 games, he is reportedly already hard at work developing the next titles after them. This could explain why Game Freak has handed Pokémon Winds and Waves over to two new directors.

Interestingly, when Pokémon Winds and Waves originally leaked more than a year before its announcement, Ohmori was listed as the games’ director. It’s currently unclear whether he originally directed Winds and Waves before moving onto Gen 11 or whether that part of the initial leak was simply incorrect.

Given that many of the original Pokémon Winds and Waves leaks were later proven legitimate, the discrepancy is definitely curious. However, Game Freak and The Pokémon Company have not officially confirmed the new directors or Ohmori’s reported involvement with Gen 11 at the time of writing.

Regardless, it appears that Pokémon Winds and Waves could mark a major leadership change for the franchise. Not only will Gen 10 reportedly have new directors for the first time in a decade, but Ohmori may already be preparing the next generation that will follow it.

The post Pokémon Winds and Waves Changes Directors for the First Time in a Decade appeared first on VICE.

A new Zelda-themed Switch 2 console leak might have also revealed the Zelda Ocarina of Time Remake release date. If accurate, the much-anticipated Zelda remake could launch on November 12.

Zelda Ocarina of Time Remake November Release Date Leak Gets New Evidence

In July, a rumor claimed that the Zelda Ocarina of Time Remake would be released on November 12. That said, the “leak” was related to amiibo products and wasn’t backed by a reliable source. However, may now have more concrete evidence pointing toward the Zelda remake launching this fall.

Recently, images of a Zelda-themed Switch 2 console and 40th Anniversary Pro Controller surfaced online. More importantly, the leaked images also claimed that the Zelda Switch 2 console has a November 12 release date. Sound familiar? Yep, the new 40th Anniversary hardware has the exact same launch date as the previous Ocarina of Time Remake release rumors.

This has led many to speculate that November 12 could also be the Zelda Ocarina of Time Remake release date. Although the matching dates are certainly interesting, it should be pointed out it’s still not officially confirmed. While it would make sense for Nintendo to launch its Zelda-themed Switch 2 hardware alongside the Ocarina of Time Remake, it’s also entirely possible that the game and console could have separate release dates.

Zelda Switch 2 Console Could Launch Alongside Ocarina of Time Remake

Nintendo has not officially announced the Zelda-themed Switch 2 console or confirmed a release date for the Ocarina of Time Remake. Still, the matching November 12 dates give the previous rumor more credibility than it had before.

If the leaked hardware is legitimate, Nintendo could be planning a larger 40th Anniversary celebration that includes the limited-edition console, Pro Controller, and Ocarina of Time Remake. For now, though, fans should treat the November release date as speculation until Nintendo makes an official announcement.

When Could the Zelda Ocarina of Time Remake release Date Be Announced?

If the November 12 release date is accurate, then Nintendo would likely need to reveal the Ocarina of Time Remake soon. With only a few months left in 2026, we could be getting a dedicated Zelda Nintendo Direct in the coming weeks.

Nintendo recently reaffirmed that the Ocarina of Time Remake is still being released in 2026. However, the company has yet to show off gameplay or announce an official launch date. A dedicated showcase would be the perfect opportunity to reveal the remake alongside the rumored Zelda-themed Switch 2 console and 40th Anniversary Pro Controller.

The original Legend of Zelda also celebrated its 40th anniversary on February 21, 2026. So, it would make sense for Nintendo to release all three products together as part of a larger anniversary celebration.

The post Zelda Ocarina of Time Remake Release Date Might Have Just Leaked appeared first on VICE.

A Pokémon Emerald Switch 2 port will reportedly be released as early as September 2026. According to a new leak, Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald are planned for the Nintendo eShop and may launch before the end of October.

Pokémon Emerald Switch 2 Release Date Reportedly Leaked

A new leak claims that the rumored Pokémon Emerald Switch 2 port will be released in either September or October 2026. Insider Shpeshal Nick made the claim in a recent post on X. “Currently, the ports of Pokémon Ruby/Emerald/Sapphire are planned for late September/October.”

However, what makes Shpeshal Nick’s claims interesting is that they came from the same source that accurately leaked the Zelda-themed Nintendo Switch 2 console and 40th Anniversary Pro Controller. According to Nick, this source told him about the Zelda Switch 2 console a long time ago in messages on the platform.

“So I went back through my DMs relating to the Zelda console and Pro controller and bro, there’s so…much…stuff I completely forgot about that I was told I could mention.” With the Zelda Switch 2 console leak being proven true, there is now more reason to believe that the Pokémon Emerald Switch 2 port leak could also be accurate. If legitimate, it appears we could be getting Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald ports this fall.

Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald Switch 2 Ports Backed by Datamine

When Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen were released on Switch 2 on February 27, dataminers uncovered compatibility files for Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald as well. At the time, it wasn’t confirmed that we would be getting the ports, but the code at least showed that the Gen 3 ports were being planned.

“According to a dataminer, the Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen releases from today internally also have compatibility for Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald. Meaning, those could be coming in the future,” CentroLeaks reported at the time. So, while the latest Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire Switch 2 leak isn’t 100% verified, it at least appears to be backed up by the previous datamine.

What Could the Pokémon Emerald Switch 2 Port Include?

As far as what the Pokémon Emerald port would include, it would likely just be a faithful port with some light modern features. Similar to FireRed and LeafGreen, for example, the digital Gene 3 port could feature online trading and eventual Pokémon Home compatibility.

However, considering there is currently no official way to play Ruby, Sapphire, or Emerald on modern Nintendo hardware, any form of release would be appreciated. For now, the rumored September or October launch window should still be taken with a grain of salt until Nintendo officially announces the ports.

The post Pokémon Emerald Switch 2 Port Leaks With September Release Date appeared first on VICE.

New GTA 6 gameplay details have reportedly leaked ahead of the upcoming Netflix stream. According to a new report, Grand Theft Auto 6 will feature advanced AI, deeper vehicle interactions, and gameplay that feels completely different from GTA V.

GTA 6 Leak Claims Gameplay Will Feel Completely Different From GTA V

This latest rumor comes from popular YouTuber HipHopGamer, who claims to have revealed new GTA 6 gameplay details ahead of the Extended Look Netflix stream on August 27. During a recent interview, the gaming industry veteran reported that Grand Theft Auto 6 would feel dramatically different from GTA V and previous games in the series due to several new features.

HipHopGamer specifically claims that GTA 6 has groundbreaking AI, immersion, and interaction system features that make the game feel next-gen. The YouTuber also highlights a new mechanic that reportedly allows Jason and Lucia to actively work together during missions in unique ways. Here is a list of all the leaked GTA 6 gameplay features, according to the YouTuber:

• Gameplay supposedly feels “completely different” from previous GTA games due to its AI, immersion, and new interaction systems
• Stealing, entering and exiting cars, and gameplay inside vehicles are significantly more intricate
• Jason and Lucia can work together during gameplay—not just switch between characters
• The world is extremely reactive, with events happening around the player reportedly creating new gameplay possibilities
• Controls and responsiveness are supposedly good enough to appeal to competitive and esports players
• GTA 6 “wasn’t just made for games,” with its technology reportedly intended for film and TV applications as well
• Future UGC could allow entire branded storylines and movie campaigns to change the GTA 6 world, going beyond what we’ve seen in Fortnite
• The game reportedly has major PS5, DualSense, and PS5 Pro features, with some aspects compared to Astro Bot’s controller integration

Before you write this off as just a rumor, recent Take-Two patents might actually support some of what HipHopGamer is reporting. However, we should still take these claims with a grain of salt, as the YouTuber doesn’t provide any additional sources.

Take-Two Patents May Support Some of the GTA 6 Leaks

Back in June, players discovered that several Take-Two patents had been filed describing immersive gameplay systems. While the filings didn’t state that they were for GTA 6 specifically, many believed at the time that they could be connected to the much-anticipated title.

Interestingly, the patents may correspond with some of HipHopGamer’s leaked Grand Theft Auto 6 gameplay details. Here are some of the new animation features listed in the Take-Two patents:

• Smashing car windows
• Reaching for door handles
• Interacting with the gear shift
• Using handbrakes
• Operating pedals
• Looking into mirrors
• Using radios
• Interacting with switches
• Riding motorcycles
• Adjusting to different seat heights
• Continuing an animation if another vehicle crashes into the car while the player is entering it

If these systems are being used for GTA 6, the game could feature an incredible level of animation and environmental interaction. Jason and Lucia may respond to even the smallest details around them, particularly when entering, driving, or interacting with vehicles.

That said, HipHopGamer isn’t a known leaker. While he has been around the gaming industry for years, he isn’t specifically known for accurately leaking unannounced details. His claims should therefore still be taken with a major grain of salt.

However, considering how revolutionary Red Dead Redemption 2 was when it launched, many of these rumored features don’t sound entirely unbelievable. We may not have to wait long to find out, as Rockstar could reveal more gameplay during the GTA 6 Extended Look Netflix stream on August 27.

The post New GTA 6 Gameplay Features Leak Ahead of Netflix Stream appeared first on VICE.