As any clued-in gamer can tell you, the prospect of actually owning the video games you’ve purchased has never been shakier. Sony recently tried to convince customers that they don’t own any games digitally purchased from the PlayStation Store, gaslighting us into thinking we’ve merely been buying a limited, revocable software license. There’s a simmering sense that greedy corporate suits are trying to strip us of our right to own things so they can siphon money from our wallets in perpetuity with subscription models.

Is game ownership on the verge of death? Maybe not, if a new bill proposed by Representative Ritchie Torres (D-NY) actually makes it through Congress, as reported by Kotaku.

Dubbed the “Power to Players Act” (a nod to the old GameStop slogan), the bill would direct the FTC to enforce real digital ownership. Under the proposal, buying a game would grant full rights to own, play, and transfer it, rather than paying $70 for a glorified Blockbuster rental that disappears when the publisher decides the game no longer needs to exist. And these suits wonder why the piracy scene is thriving.

The ‘Power to Players Act’ Could Give Gamers More Control Over the Games They Buy

Torres is even picked as the poster child for the debate: NBA 2K25. It came out in late 2024, raked in millions by selling 11.5 million units as of August 2025, making it the fifth best-selling game of 2024 in the US and the 18^th best-selling game of 2025, and already its publisher, 2K Games, is delisting it and killing its servers, rendering major modes unplayable. Torres’ bill would force publishers to build offline modes for online-dependent games so players can keep using what they bought for $60-$70.

What we’re seeing here is the US version of a legislative push gaining steam worldwide as part of the broader “Stop Killing Games” movement. The movement reached the European Citizens’ Initiative with over 1.29 million signatures, but the European Commission declined to propose new binding laws in June 2026. Torres’s version will no doubt face some heavy pushback from lobbyists who will claim that offline modes are too expensive to build.

 Another issue is that most bills die before they reach a vote. But considering that just in the past month or so, AI-driven decompilation tools have so rapidly altered the landscape of the gaming industry, threatening to make every game released instantly open source and available to anyone, maybe there’s a chance that it lights a fire under the butt of some publishers to put some effort into preserving their games lest gamers permanently turn to AI decompilation.

The post Everything We Know About the ‘Power to Players Act,’ a New Bill That Could Change Gaming Forever appeared first on VICE.

Granted, I'm not the world's biggest Resident Evil fan. The only one I've played in full was Resident Evil 7, a grimy Texas Chainsaw Massacre-inspired ordeal that's about as close to disconnected from the series' convoluted overarching plot as it gets. — Read the rest

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Magic Arena is bringing making some updates to the Arena Powered Cube Draft selection of cards, including the addition of one of the game’s most iconic combo opportunities.

The Splinter Twin Combo Comes to Magic Arena in October POwered Cube Update

The Splinter Twin combo first rose to popularity way back in 2011 when it emerged in the Standard format and the early days of Modern. Since then, it has been a popular combo option in various paper cube draft formats over the years.

After lots of requests from combo fans, the pieces are now being added to Magic Arena in the latest Arena Powered Cube update, which adds 22 new-to-MTG Arena cards and another 16 pieces of new-to-MTG Arena artwork.

Splinter Twin is now on MTG Arena. The combo notably has a replacement component in Kiki-Jiki, Mirror Breaker, which the team has added to MTG Arena to double your chances at building your combo.

With Divining Duelist, Glamermite, Pestermite, Restoration Angel, and Zealous Conscripts, there are enough creatures that combo with it while also having applications elsewhere. While the team has added Deceiver Exarch to MTG Arena, they’ve decided not to include it in the cube list as it only works as a combo piece (Pestermite is mostly a combo piece but can be used in a tempo and/or ninjutsu shell in a pinch) and requires two to three times as many loops as the other creatures do in order to create a lethal number of tokens.

The Arena Powered Cube Draft will be available to play from October 20 through November 10, so it should be very interesting to see how popular the Splinter Twin combo becomes and how different players react to seeing it at the digital table.

In addition to Splinter Twin, the update is also taking the opportunity to infuse some Reality Fracture flare into the Arena Powered Cube with cards like Stingcaster Mage, Seasoned Cryomancer, and Simulacrum Shaper.

Be sure to check back soon for lots more Magic: The Gathering and Magic Arena news and updates soon.

Magic: The Gathering is available now at local game shops and digitally through Magic Arena.

The post Magic: The Gathering – Arena Finally Adds Splinter Twin Combo appeared first on VICE.

More than four decades after its arcade debut, this retro shooter is now available on modern consoles.

Stinger Arrives on Modern Consoles and PC

Stinger originally hit arcades all the way back in 1983, but the retro shooter is returning now for a modern console release. The original Arcade Archives version of the game arrive for Nintendo Switch and PS4 in the summer of 2025, but now the Arcade Archives 2 version is available for PC, PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, and Xbox Series consoles.

“Take control of the “STINGER WOLF” and head to the center of an enemy base where evil life forms roam. In an emergency, you can call on the friendly robot “BONGO” to automatically destroy the enemy.”

The Arcade Archives 2 version of the game costs $9.99 on all platforms. Players who already own the Nintendo Switch or PS4 version will also be able to upgrade to Nintendo Switch 2 or PS5 for just $2.99.

As always, the Arcade Archives version of the retro title aims to recreate the original experience, but also adds a handful of modern conveniences and quality-of-life upgrades.

Here’s a look at some of the key features that players can expect:

• In ORIGINAL MODE, you’ll find a variety of convenient features that make revisiting these classic titles even more enjoyable.
  • difficulty and display settings
  • button remapping
  • rapid-fire options
  • the ability to create multiple save files at any time
  • a rewind function to undo your last move
  • Some titles also offer special settings that recreates the nostalgic atmosphere of CRT TVs
• In HI SCORE MODE and CARAVAN MODE, you can compete for the best scores with players around the world through Online Rankings.
• “Arcade Archives 2” series introduces a brand-new mode called TIME ATTACK MODE, in addition to the ORIGINAL MODE, HI SCORE MODE, and CARAVAN MODE from Arcade Archives.
  • TIME ATTACK MODE focuses on how quickly you can complete the game, regardless of the score you achieve.
• With VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) support, the gameplay can be reproduced even more accurately, closer to the original arcade experience.

The Arcade Archives has been consistently releasing new and updated titles each week throughout 2026. Retro gaming fans can expect more additions as the year continues.

Be sure to check back soon for lots more retro gaming news and updates each week.

The Arcade Archives 2 version of Stinger is available now Nintendo Switch 2, PC, PS5, and Xbox Series consoles.

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Pokemon GO players are in for a very exciting week as a new event brings the latest debut and new Pokedex entry to the mobile game.

Minior Debuts in Pokemon GO

Today kicks off the first of a handful of special events in Pokemon GO that will see Minior Showers hitting the game and offering players the chance to catch different color versions of the Gen 7 Rock-/Flying-type.

For those who aren’t familiar with Minior, the Meteor Pokemon comes in seven different colors:

• Minior (Red Core)
• Minior (Orange Core)
• Minior (Yellow Core)
• Minior (Green Core)
• Minior (Blue Core)
• Minior (Indigo Core)
• Minior (Violet Core)

Minior will battle in its Meteor Form until its health is reduced to below 50%, when it will change its form and expose its core. While in Meteor Form, Minior will have higher Defense and lower Attack. While its core is exposed, Minior has higher Attack and lower Defense.

Initially, Minior will only be able to change forms when battling Team GO Rocket, team leaders, or in the GO Battle League.

Pokemon GO trainers might find one in its Meteor Form in the wild during the following meteor showers each year, and they’ll receive increased Stardust for catching Minior. During each of the meteor showers below, one of Minior’s different core colors will make its Pokémon GO debut!

• Orionids
  • October 19 at 5:00 p.m. to October 24 11:59 p.m. local time
• Leonids
  • November 14 at 5:00 p.m. to November 19 11:59 p.m. local time
• Geminids
  • December 11 at 5:00 p.m. to December 16 11:59 p.m. local time
  • One of Minior’s core colors will make its Pokémon GO debut in the Northern Hemisphere, and another in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Eta Aquariids
  • May 3 at 5:00 p.m. to May 8 11:59 p.m. local time
• Southern Delta Aquariids
  • July 28 at 5:00 p.m. to August 2 11:59 p.m. local time
• Perseids
  • August 10 at 5:00 p.m. to August 15 11:59 p.m. local time

That should be everything trainers need to know to prepare for the first meteor showers to kick off today. Pokemon GO trainers should be sure to act quickly and take advantage of this opportunity before the meteor showers conclude and the event ends on October 24.

Be sure to check back soon for lots more Pokemon GO news and updates.

Pokemon GO is available now in most regions on mobile devices.

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Housemarque just dropped a huge free update for Saros that brings boss rush mode, New Game+, and a handful of additional game modifiers to all Saros owners.

Saros: Zenith Update Arrives October 19

Saros released earlier this year in April 2026 and delivered the highly-anticipated spiritual successor to Returnal. The game featured some similar mechanics, but a whole suite of new accessibility features and a unique system to make each run feel like it was worth the effort.

Saros players are pulled through the game by a unique mystery and narrative, but Housemarque is hoping to add some incentives to play through again even after the main story has been finished.

The Saros: Zenith update aims to add replayability for existing players who had already explored all of Carcosa, and make the game more accessible so even more people can discover the addictive, explosive, exhilarating bullet ballet gameplay that made Saros one of the highest rated action games of 2026.

One of the most unique additions is the Slow Game Speed mode. With this setting enabled, you can slow the game down to give yourself more time to react to hostile attack telegraphs, see the bullets as they fly towards you, and decide your response. The attacks remain the same, but you have a little more time to deal with them.

You have control over how much the game slows down, and can even choose if you want the setting to kick in automatically during combat, or if you want to manually toggle it on when things get hairy.

The new “Auto-fire” accessibility setting makes your weapon fire automatically when you are aiming at a hostile. We know that some players may find it difficult to hold a button down for extended periods of time, so we hope this will help. More broadly, it gives you one less button to worry about during combat, freeing up your brain cycles to hit that dash button at just the right time to avoid taking a hit. Importantly, however, this setting does not make reloading automatic. A perfect reload still requires a well-timed button press. Like our other features, this is designed to make the game more accessible, not remove opportunities for player skill expression.

Combined with the new Motion Sensor Aiming functionality and our existing button remapping settings, players now have many ways to customize how Saros controls.

Beyond these new accessibility features, the team has also greatly expanded the “Carcosan Modifier” system from Saros.

Using this system, players can apply various “Modifiers” to the world of Carcosa to tune the difficulty to their liking. Protection Modifiers alter the game in a way that makes it easier and more forgiving. Zenith brings 10 new Protection Modifiers, to give players having a difficult time even more ways of customizing their experience.

The New Game+ mode known as “Eclipse Layers” has also been introduced. After clearing Saros, mysterious new nodes will be added to the Armor Matrix back at Passage. These are the key to unlocking the gate to the next Eclipse Layer, a more intense version of the game with altered rules.

Be sure to check back soon for lots more Saros and Housemarque news and updates.

Saros is available now exclusively on PS5.

The post Everything New in the Free Saros: Zenith Update appeared first on VICE.

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Who doesn’t love seeing a cute, furry little creature? That’s why games with animal protagonists are so common and popular across genres, from cozy to creepy. Here are five new and upcoming games where players can delve into wildlife-centered worlds. 

1. Animal Trainer Simulator 

If you want to work with digital animals without running an entire zoo, Animal Trainer Simulator is for you. Instead of a zoo or a wildlife preserve, players manage their own animal training center, where they can create a safe space for a host of furry creatures. You start by designing the building, then expand the premises with outdoor play areas and paddocks. 

And despite the name, it’s not just about training the animals. It’s also about taking care of them. The more a player pets, brushes, and feeds an animal, the happier it becomes, which means more love and loyalty for the trainer. Players can monitor stats to see how their animal is doing in terms of health and happiness. Some animals won’t be so easy to train, though, offering players a special challenge. As for the animals, players can train dogs and horses. 

Animal Trainer Simulator is available on Steam and PlayStation. 

2. Planet Zoo 2 

Planet Zoo 2, the sequel to zoo management simulator Planet Zoo, is out now. Zoo construction starts from the very beginning, including crafting habitats, managing daily tasks, and caring for the zoo animals. Players can build zoos around the world, with the goal of eventually releasing their animals into wildlife reserves so that they can thrive in expansive, natural environments. Wildlife reserves are a new element in the series, letting players manage realistic environments that change with the seasons and even the weather. 

New animals and habitats to explore, too. For the first time, players can add flying animals to their zoo, along with aquatic creatures and the homes they need to care for them properly. New animals include toucans, vultures, owls, sea turtles, manatees, and sharks. 

Planet Zoo 2 is available now on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. 

3. Gravhounds

With a demo currently available on Steam, Gravhounds is a co-op action builder for up to four players. Friends can choose from a cast of canine characters called the Gravhounds, like Doberman Zane and bulldog Dozer, bio-engineered specifically for the task at hand. And what exactly is that task? Just build a base on an alien planet, no big deal, except the planet is inhabited, and those inhabitants will put up a serious fight. The Gravhounds can combine their skills and strengths to beat back the swarm. 

For anyone wondering what the “Grav-” part of Gravhounds means, the crew can use a Gravity Beam to toss objects over long distances to help their teammates. Or they can use the beam against enemies, tossing them around like a chew toy. Players should be careful with this tool. Chucking around “volatile materials” can be dangerous for themselves and their teammates. 

The demo launched on Steam on October 12, and the full game is set to enter early access on November 2nd. Along with PC, players can grab Gravhounds as a day-one drop on Xbox Game Pass. 

4. Creepy Shift: Deer Farm 

Not all animal-themed games are cute. Another entry in the indie horror franchise Creepy Shift, the game follows the main character on a remote farm, where their job is to care for the deer that live there. The work seems simple at first: keep the deer safe and fed, and do some maintenance on the farm and its machinery. In return, the main character has a place to sleep, albeit a rustic one, and plenty of time to themselves. That might be a problem, considering bears and wolves roam the woods, and the only link to the outside world is a radio. 

This first-person horror game has players not only care for the animals, but also solve puzzles and ensure their own survival. Previous Creepy Shift entries include Roadside Diner, where the player takes the night shift at a remote diner, and House For Sale, where the task is to make sure the house is ready for an investor to inspect. Deer Farm seems to continue the theme of working alone in a remote location while blending horror with job sims. 

Creepy Shift: Deer Farm doesn’t have an official release date yet, but a demo is already available on Steam — just in time for spooky season.  

5. Haunted Paws 

Haunted Paws is another co-op game, this time for two players who can use split-screen as they work together to solve mysteries. The game focuses on two pups, though players can choose from a wide range of cute breeds. Players can even customize fur color and dress the dog up in fun costumes. And that’s not all, as of October 9, the developers announced a kitten option, too! Although the kitten might have to dress up as a puppy to blend in. 

Whatever adorable option the player chooses, the goal is to rescue the human best friend kidnapped by creepy monsters. Each one has a unique backstory to unravel before they can be defeated, and it’s up to the two furry friends to do it. Run and dig, explore, and connect clues to figure out just how to get that best friend back. 

The release date for Haunted Paws is still up in the air, but players can access a demo on Steam now.

The post 5 New and Upcoming Games for Animal Lovers appeared first on VICE.

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Every gamer, whether experienced or new to the joystick life, reaches a point in a game where they simply get stuck. While walkthroughs are helpful, a more engaging option is a Let’s Play channel, where YouTubers play through the game and provide visuals to help anyone struggling. These channels can also preview gameplay and story, helping potential players decide whether the game is right for them. 

1. CJUGames

CJUGames offers a relaxed atmosphere while playing these scary games, rarely getting too loud, although he does fall prey to a jump scare every now and then.  The channel focuses primarily on indie horror games often played in one video, though one recent playthrough includes Silent Hill Townfall. Because his content highlights indie games, it helps prospective players discover games they might otherwise miss. Similarly, because these games may not have gotten the attention they deserve, it means a full walkthrough might be missing from the Internet. That’s where Chris comes in. 

In addition to the complete Townfall tour, with the last part posted less than two weeks ago, recent playthroughs include Lost Hopes: Days of Betrayal, We Are Sisters, and Echoes In Darkness, all of which the channel classifies as indie horror games. 

2. ManlyBadassHero

Like CJUGames, ManlyBadassHero offers a relaxed commentary style while focusing on indie projects. He also leans toward more bizarre games, though his channel includes more one-shot video guides than expansive multi-video posts. These videos are great for audiences who are curious about indie games but don’t have the time or focus for lengthy playthroughs. Beyond indie games, Manly has also covered more popular titles like Poppy Playtime and Mouthwashing.

More recent posts on the channel include Sweet Instincts, a visual novel created for the Spooktober Game Jam, along with a Backrooms parody game called Failrooms, and Slaughterforest. 

3. ChristopherOdd

ChristopherOdd offers a more immersive experience, urging viewers to put on headphones and dim the lights to focus on the game’s narrative. His channel also offers multi-video playthroughs that really dive into the story. Alongside games from bigger studios, he also shines a light on indie titles. His content centers on a variety of games, from RPGs like The Witcher to sci-fi like Star Wars: Zero Company to survival horror like Dive or Die. 

Part eight of his Dive or Die playthrough recently went up. Other posts from this week a Volatiles playthrough, and a video praising puzzle game Order of the Sinking Star. 

The post 3 YouTube Channels That Can Help You Beat the Game You’re Stuck On appeared first on VICE.

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Magic: The Gathering is preparing to return to the world of Marvel Comics once again with the upcoming Marvel’s History of Heroes product and the full list of all 30 cards has just been revealed.

All 30 Cards in Secret Lair: Marvel’s History of Heroes

Magic: The Gathering has returned to the world of Marvel quite a few times lately and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down its pace. In addition to the upcoming Darkhold-themed set that arrives in April 2027, there is also a new Secret Lair Countdown Kit bringing more Marvel reprints and alternate art to the Secret Lair collection.

Each copy of Secret Lair Countdown Kit: Marvel’s History of Heroes contains 30 individually packaged Magic cards, each of which represents an era or moment from the history of the Marvel Universe. These cards randomly appear in non-foil, foil, or—when the stars and spells align—surge foil.

Marvel’s History of Heroes launches on November 2, 2026. The Secret Lair Countdown Kit: Marvel’s History of Heroes will cost collectors $199.99.

Here is the full list of all cards included in Secret Lair: Marvel’s History of Heroes:

• Fierce Guardianship
• Molten Duplication
• Unbreakable Formation
• Timber Protector
• Devastation
• Heroic Intervention
• Opposition Agent
• Fighter Class
• Vigor
• Biorhythm
• Tainted Pact
• With Great Power
• Mjolnir, Storm Hammer
• Champion’s Helm
• Force of Virtue
• Court of Bounty
• Unholy Heat
• Villainous Wrath
• Damning Verdict
• Primal Might
• Damn
• Genesis Wave
• Fiery Confluence
• Beta Ray Bill
• Doctor Strange, Master of Magic
• Rogue’s Gloves
• Snuff Out
• Titanic Ultimatum
• Collective Effort
• Lightning Bolt

A particularly interesting inclusion in the Countdown Kit is the appearance of two cards from a set that hasn’t been released yet. Doctor Strange, Master of Magic and Beta Ray Bill both appear in Secret Lair Countdown Kit: Marvel’s History of Heroes, representing the arcane and godlike corners of the Marvel Universe.

These are two uncommon cards from the main set of Magic: The Gathering | Marvel: Darkhold Destiny. Both cards will be legal in all formats starting with Magic: The Gathering | Marvel: Darkhold Destiny Prerelease events, which begin on April 2, 2027.

As always, shoppers should keep in mind that Secret Lair products are limited print runs and tend to sell out very quickly. That means that interested Marvel fans will want to act quickly and secure an order as soon as the Secret Lair drop goes on sale.

Be sure to check back soon for more Magic: The Gathering news and updates.

Magic: The Gathering is available now at local game shops and digitally through Magic Arena.

The post Magic: The Gathering Reveals Every Card in Marvel’s History of Heroes appeared first on VICE.

Druids are one of the most versatile classes in World of Warcraft and Dungeons and Dragons is attempting to recreate that flexibility with recommendations for how to play all four different Druid specializations at the tabletop.

D&D: World of Warcraft Character Creation Guide for All Druid Specs

Druids are a fan-favorite World of Warcraft class that allows players to tank, heal, or heal damage. They have a ton of utility and seem very likely to be equally popular for Dungeons and Dragons players as they form their parties for upcoming adventures in Azeroth.

Druids call upon the power of land, sea, and sky to tear their enemies apart and put their friends back together. Skilled shapeshifters, elementalists, guardians, and healers, Druids are versatile and adaptable spellcasters.

Every Druid in World of Warcraft learns new beast forms: Cat Form, Bear Form, and Travel Form (which includes an Aquatic Form and a Flight Form). These forms take on unique stat blocks for Druids with access to Circle Forms. For Druids without the Circle Forms feature, certain Beast stat blocks are made available.

Druids are already a Dungeons and Dragons class, so that gives players an easy place to start. Once their class is selected, players will want to take one of these branching paths, depending on their specialization preference:

• Balance – Leverage the sacred powers of the moons, the sun, and the stars to keep the elemental forces of the cosmos in equilibrium.
  • The Balance Druid selects the Circle of the Stars subclass and uses the versatility of its Starry Form to take on the appearance of moonkin and adapt their magical aptitude to their circumstances.
• Feral – Pursue a visceral connection to the wild—nature’s eternal dance between predator and prey.
  • The Feral Druid represents nature red in tooth and claw, using the Circle of the Moon subclass and a unique Cat Form to rip nearby foes apart.
• Guardian – Commune with the wild to better understand how life perseveres through adversity.
  • Guardian Druids also use the Circle of the Moon to take on a unique Bear Form that stands between their fellow adventurers and danger, converting magical energy into Temporary Hit Points and imposing Disadvantage on enemy attack rolls.
• Restoration – Where there is decay, bring rejuvenation. Where there is devastation, bring regrowth.
  • The Restoration Druid will pick the Circle of the Land subclass to reflect their relationship with nature’s cycle and use new spells to continuously heal allies.

That should be everything Dungeons and Dragons players need at this point to start formulating ideas for their Druids before the Dungeons and Dragons: World of Warcraft book officially arrives in November.

Be sure to check back soon for lots more Dungeons and Dragons news and updates as the World of Warcraft gameplay expansion release date approaches.

Dungeons and Dragons is available now at local game shops and digitally through D&D Beyond, Roll20, and similar online services. The Dungeons and Dragons: World of Warcraft gameplay expansion releases on November 17, 2026.

The post Dungeons and Dragons: World of Warcraft – How To Play a Balance, Feral, Guardian, or Restoration Druid appeared first on VICE.

Magic: The Gathering’s next big set officially launches in just about a little less than a month, but it sounds like some of the products may unfortunately be delayed due to production and shipping issues.

Magic: The Gathering: Star Trek Commander Decks Likely Delayed in North America

Reality Fracture just arrived a few weeks ago, but it’s already time to begin looking ahead to the next major Magic: The Gathering set. Spoiler season begins next week for the upcoming Star Trek-themed Universes Beyond set and the set is scheduled to arrive in stores on November 13.

That said, some unfortunately shipping and production issues may impact that release date for some of the products. Luckily, Play Boosters and Prerelease Packs are on track for availability during Prerelease and release events.

Other products may be delayed depending on your region. Some products may arrive after Prerelease events on November 6, while others may arrive after the set’s tabletop release on November 13.

“These delays are fluid, as our logistics teams are working to speed up timelines where possible, so always check with your local game store or retailer for availability information.”

As of today, here is the list of which products are impacted in each region:

• North America
  • Commander decks are delayed and may arrive after the tabletop release date.
• Europe, The Middle East, and Africa
  • Collector Boosters (English, French, and German languages) are delayed and may arrive after the tabletop release date.
  • Commander decks (French and German languages) are delayed and may arrive after Prerelease.
  • Collector’s Edition Commander decks are delayed and may arrive after Prerelease, with additional quantities arriving after the tabletop release date.
  • Commander decks (English language), Draft Night, Scene Boxes, and Beam Me Up Bundles are delayed and may arrive after the tabletop release date.
• Asia-Pacific
  • Collector Boosters, Omega Collector Boosters (single Collector Boosters available at larger retailers), Bundles, Beam Me Up Bundles, and Draft Night are delayed and may arrive after the tabletop release date.
  • For New Zealand, Scene Boxes are delayed and may arrive after the tabletop release date.

Commander is an incredibly popular format in North America, so there will definitely be plenty of players eagerly awaiting the arrival of those preconstructed decks. We’ll be sure to stay posted on the latest updates and share any new schedule details as they become official.

Be sure to check back soon for lots more Magic: The Gathering news and updates as the Star Trek set’s launch date approaches.

Magic: The Gathering is available now at local game shops and digitally through Magic Arena. The Magic: The Gathering: Star Trek products are aiming for a November 13 launch.

The post Magic: The Gathering | Star Trek Commander Decks Are Delayed appeared first on VICE.

Sker Island will soon rise out of the depths of the sea and fog once again in a new psychological horror game. Sker: the Bleeding Veil was recently announced at IGN Fall Fan Fest, along with a trailer offering a glimpse into a frightening new world and a place for interested gamers to wishlist the game. 

Dive back into the world of Sker Island 

The first game of the franchise, Maid of Sker, introduces players to Thomas Evans. In the tradition of James Sunderland, Thomas receives a mysterious letter from his fiancée, Elisabeth. She tells him that she is in danger and needs his help, begging him to come to the Sker Hotel, where she has locked herself in the attic. Upon arriving, Thomas discovers that the hotel is far from a five-star resort. This isn’t because of its remote location and rambling structure, but because its staff and inhabitants are sightless monsters who hunt by sound. 

Exploring the hotel reveals the story of the Quiet Ones, a cult devoted to the Siren, a creature discovered in a shipwreck off the island’s coast. To combat the Siren’s music, Elisabeth has been writing her own songs and has asked other composers to help, including Thomas himself. As he seeks the sheet music and the cylinders for the instrument it will be played on, Thomas must decide whether to trust Elisabeth by handing over the cylinders or play the song himself. 

The Next ‘Sker’ Horror Game Is Ditching Combat and Bringing Back Stealth

Trusting Elisabeth leads to the “Evil Ending”, which is the basis for the story in Sker: Ritual, the follow-up game. Ritual sees Elisabeth as the primary antagonist who has taken over Sker Island and broadcasts the Siren’s Song in an attempt to take over Great Britain itself. The game shifts narrative and genre, leaving Thomas behind and focusing instead on a young woman named Arianwen. And instead of relying on stealth and puzzles, Ritual shifts to a co-op first-person shooter for up to four players, with a solo story mode also available. 

The Bleeding Veil returns to the “silence is golden” maxim, shifting the gameplay back to stealth and stripping away combat. Once again, the game is set on Sker Island, with new protagonist Gareth searching for his sister, Elin, as he returns to the orphanage where they once lived as children. Under Sister Gwenllian’s leadership, others have returned to the orphanage, drawn in by the irrepressible Siren’s Song.

The orphanage has fared no better than the Sker Hotel, with creatures called Listeners haunting its halls. Their name shouldn’t fool anyone; far from lending Gareth a listening ear, these monsters are best avoided, whether by hiding or taking alternative routes. 

Although an official release date beyond Q2 2027 isn’t public information yet, players do know where Maid of Sker: the Bleeding Veil will be available. Players can wishlist the game on Steam, and it will also be playable on the Epic Store, Xbox, and PlayStation. 

The post Everything We Know About ‘Maid of Sker’s Terrifying New Sequel appeared first on VICE.

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Halloween is just around the corner, and while trick-or-treating, scary movies, and parties are on the agenda, you can also enjoy the spookiest holiday by joining a few friends in a co-op game. Here are a few macabre, if not downright scary, games to play with special events centered on All Hallow’s Eve. 

1. ‘Dead by Daylight’ (October 13 – November 3)

The annual Halloween event is back in Dead by Daylight, running through the rest of the month. Survivors can collect Void Energy by repairing generators, stunning the Killer with a successful pallet drop or skills like Blastmine, and smashing the Void Pumpkins scattered around the map. Killers can also accrue Void Energy by smashing the pumpkins, but they can also do so by downing and hooking Survivors or attacking Void Haunts. These ghostly creatures roam the map, rush Survivors, and reduce their movement speed on a successful hit. 

Both Survivors and Killers can spend Void Energy. Either side can open Void Rifts, letting players teleport anywhere on the map. Survivors can use the energy to create a column of smoke, making it difficult for the Killer to see. Or they can use energy to remotely repair a generator using a crystal they receive at the start of the match.

Killers can use a Captured Haunt to attack Survivors at a distance and increase damage speed to generators, pallets, and breakable walls. The event also offers unlockable offerings, add-ons, and items, including limited items like the Crystal.

2. ‘Outlast Trials’ (October 2o – November 17)

Known as Project Geister, the Halloween event in Outlast Trials runs for nearly a full month, giving players plenty of time to earn enough Geister Tokens for cosmetics from the event catalog. Each year, the cosmetics center around a different theme, with the inaugural 2023 event offering costumes like a skeleton-themed shirt or a giant black cat decoration for the character’s room. Within the game, the Project is billed as an experimental therapy that prompts the beleaguered patients to undergo hallucinations designed to “amplify” the effects of the therapy. 

Each event also introduces new trials and challenges, so the fears feel fresh every year. The 2025 project introduced Invasion game mode, which split players into two groups: Imposters and Reagents. Last year also saw two new challenges, Beguile the Children and Investigate the Minotaur. The events tie in with the appearance of the Skinner Man, who is about as pleasant as he sounds, and appears more often during Project Geister missions because the event increases hallucinogenic gas throughout. 

3. ‘Don’t Starve Together’ (TBD October)

Although the official start date is still under wraps, Don’t Starve Together also runs an annual spooky-season event, so players know it’s on the horizon. In previous years, the event started as late as October 24, and last year it launched just a few days before Halloween on October 27. Like The Outlast Trials, the event typically runs for weeks; in 2023, it ran from October 26 to December 18. 

Known as the Hallowed Nights event, each year features different character skins, craftable items, decorations, and more for players to enjoy. In 2025, players could craft the Faceless Pumpkin, carve it into a Pumpkin Head, and wear it as a cosmetic. Players interested in the 2026 event should keep an eye on upcoming game patches. During the event, the main menu will change, so as soon as the game updates and launches, it will be clear if Hallowed Nights 2026 has begun. 

The post 3 Scary Multiplayer Games Hosting Special Halloween Events This October appeared first on VICE.

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Video game characters often get put through the wringer. Sometimes it’s a first-person shooter whose protagonists have to fight countless enemies, a survival horror game where players are pitted against puzzles and phantoms, or a cozy farming sim where they have to wait six in-game days for a strawberry. Either way, tragic characters are far from rare in video games. Here are three characters from 2026 releases whose stories might inspire a few tears.

1. Zoe Ellis (Silent Hill Townfall)

Like many a Silent Hill game that came before it, very few, if any, characters in the fog-shrouded world of Silent Hill Townfall are having a good time. Townfall is the franchise’s most recent addition, and while it differs from its predecessors with its Scottish island setting and shift to first-person perspective, it follows the established pattern of keeping its characters absolutely miserable. One character who suffers particular torment is Zoe Ellis.

Zoe works as a nurse in the town of St. Amelia, whose inhabitants are reeling from a terrible accident, the details of which the player learns slowly as they progress. Fellow protagonist Simon doesn’t remember his role in the tragedy until the end of the game, and Richard Shaw, the game’s third playable character, has an entirely different emotional landscape. Zoe, however, is plagued by guilt and grief from the start. Not only do her former friends and neighbors blame her, but she also blames herself, feeling as though she was not good enough to save everyone. 

The depth of Zoe’s tragedy isn’t revealed until players delve deep into the story, but her sadness and memories weigh heavily on both Simon and Richard. In fact, one could say it’s the beating heart of the game. 

2. Alfred (Forever Ago)

Forever Ago is a narrative adventure whose story begins with grief. The game follows widower Alfred, a lonely older man dealing with the loss of his wife, Audrey, with whom he shared a relationship spanning more than fifty years. Using a scrapbook Audrey left him, Alfred embarks on a road trip, following the route she laid out and adding his own pictures to the book. 

At first, Alfred takes the trip only because he feels it’s what his wife would have wanted. His grief also engenders feelings of anger and bitterness, common companions of grief. But he finds new companions along the way: characters he meets on his cross-country journey. There’s mechanic Sam, who Alfred meets early on and helps him repair his van, and a stray dog named Luke, who wanders onto the van one night and allows Alfred to open his heart again. 

Fortunately for Alfred, his journey is more about healing than Zoe’s story. Forever Ago focuses on learning to live again after loss, but it takes a while for Alfred to get there; he starts as a deeply unhappy character before finding catharsis. 

3. Marie (Resident Evil: Requiem)

Players might struggle to sympathize with Marie immediately in the latest Resident Evil vehicle. She is introduced as a stalker enemy, plaguing Grace Ashcroft from one location to another, and she’s as relentless as Mr. X and Nemesis before her. She does have a weakness to light, which can send her screaming back into the dark. But when players learn about her backstory, her shrieks of pain take on a different tune.

Initially just referred to as “the Girl”, players learn more about her as the game goes on. Marie was born simply to be experimented upon, one of many clones who underwent terrible treatment in the ARK labs. She once looked just like Emily, the little girl who Grace protects after freeing her from the basement of the Rhodes Hill Care Center. But unlike Emily, Marie mutated because of the procedures she underwent. 

Thinking of Emily and Marie growing up in the facility is bad enough, knowing they exist only to be used as guinea pigs. But Emily has a different story than Marie’s, one that eventually ends with Grace adopting her. Marie becomes a monster, long-limbed and lethal, with any vestige of her former personality swallowed by the feral mind of the creature she becomes. Unlike her predecessors on this list, Marie has no hope of catharsis.

She is destroyed in the denouement of her story, and all that can be said is that she is now free of torment and experimentation. 

The post 3 Video Game Characters From 2026 With Absolutely Heartbreaking Stories appeared first on VICE.

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Hey, remember Pokémon Platinum Version? You know, the best game of Pokémon's best era? Giant fictionalized Hokkaido to explore, evil team that wanted to make the world a nightmare dimension? If you've been hankering to revisit the best of the DS (which I kind of have lately, as it and its rival the PSP re-enter the zeitgeist thanks to hipsters), you no longer have to do it alone. — Read the rest

The post Now play Pokémon with your friends appeared first on Boing Boing.

After thirteen years of waiting, it feels nothing short of surreal to even think the words 'final GTA 6 trailer'. We've suffered through paywalled advertising, shockingly expensive collectors' editions, and the preceding decade of complete radio silence, but we're finally here. — Read the rest

The post After 13 years: the Final Grand Theft Auto 6 trailer appeared first on Boing Boing.

Gamers who are curious about World of Warcraft: Forever will soon have a chance to test the MMO experience out for free without any subscription or beta invite.

How TO Participate in the Wow: Forever Stress Test

Tons of players have already flocked to World of Warcraft: Forever during the games bet and spent hours leveling up characters and exploring Blizzard’s official take on the Classic+ experience.

Now that the upcoming pillar of WoW is approaching its early November launch date, Blizzard is preparing for a major stress test that will allow any interested gamers to dive into the experience and give it a try before launch.

 For a limited time on October 19, all interested players can sign into World of Warcraft: Forever and help us put the servers through their paces. Anyone can take part and no subscription, Game Time, invitation, or beta access is required.

he Stress Test runs on October 19 at the following times locally:

• North America: 2:00 p.m. PDT
• Europe: 19:00 CEST
• Korea: 06:00 KST (October 20)
• Taiwan: 05:00 CST (October 20)

The beta will be taken offline shortly before the Stress Test begins and is expected to return shortly after it ends. The test window may end earlier or run later as needed.

To join the upcoming WoW: Forever stress test, interested gamers need to take the following steps:

• Make sure your graphics drivers are up to date.
• Open the Battle.net desktop app and allow it to update if needed.
• Select World of Warcraft from the list of games.
• In the Game Version menu above the Play button, select World of Warcraft: Forever Stress Test under In Development, then select Install.
• Once installation is complete and the Stress Test begins, select Play and choose an available test realm.
• Create a new test character when available, enter the game, and join the test.

That should be everything players need to know to prepare their PCs and Battle.net apps for the upcoming stress test on October 19.

Players should definitely keep in mind that at the end of the Stress Test, all created characters, names, and guilds will be wiped from the Stress Test servers in preparation for the beginning of Name Reservations opening on October 27.

Be sure to check back soon for lots more World of Warcraft news and updates as the WoW: Forever release date approaches.

World of Warcraft is available now on PC. World of Warcraft: Forever releases on November 4, 2026 for PC.

The post How To Try World of Warcraft: Forever With No Subscription, Beta Invite, or Game Time appeared first on VICE.

Reality Fracture adds a lot of new cards to the arsenal for Magic: The Gathering players, but one deck continues to dominate the field in the Modern format metagame.

All The Most Popular Decks in the Modern Metagame

Magic: The Gathering’s Modern format doesn’t have as many major shakeups as a rotating format like Standard, but a new set launch tends to bring a few new staples into the card pool that can have an impact.

At this point in the season, enough tournaments have taken place after the Reality Fracture launch for the number crunchers to begin studying what sort of impact the new set has had. Frank Karsten’s latest Metagame Mentor report reveals that Broodscale Combo is dominating the format by taking up 17.3% of the field and boasting an impressive 54.8% match win rate.

“Decks with poor matchups against Broodscale Combo, such as Esper Goryo’s, Esper Blink, Eldrazi Tron, Boros Land Destruction, and Dimir Midrange, are gradually declining in popularity… At the same time, decks with favorable matchups against Broodscale Combo, including properly tuned Boros Energy, Jeskai Blink, Jeskai Chant, and Azorius Chant, have been climbing in popularity. Azorius Chant in particular went 149-76 against Broodscale Combo across the last five Regional Championships, good for a 66% matchup. As a result, Azorius Chant has emerged as one of the best ways to defeat Broodscale Combo.”

Here is the full breakdown of the most popular decks in the Modern format as of mid-October 2026 (in order of popularity and performance):

• Broodscale Combo
• Izzet Prowess
• Boros Energy
• Esper Blink
• Izzet Affinity
• Azorius Chant
• Domain Zoo
• Esper Goryo’s
• Eldrazi Tron
• Devoted Druid Combo
• Amulet Titan
• Ruby Storm
• Dimir Midrange
• Jeskai Blink
• Boros Land Destruction
• Living End
• Rakdos Delirium
• Simic Neoform
• Jeskai Chant
• Tameshi Belcher
• Eldrazi Trudge
• Other

For those who are less familiar with this format, Modern is a nonrotating 60-card format based on expansion sets, core sets, and straight-to-Modern sets from Eighth Edition forward, save for cards on the banned list.

Although Broodscale Combo is likely to be a top performer at upcoming tournaments, it sounds like there are plenty of decks that specialize in countering that strategy that players can bring to the table if they want to try and play the underdog and fight back against the top deck.

Be sure to check back soon for lots more Magic: The Gathering news and updates.

Magic: The Gathering is available now at local game shops and digitally through Magic Arena.

The post Magic: The Gathering’s Top Modern Deck (And How To Counter It) appeared first on VICE.

Magic: The Gathering players looking for an inexpensive and aggressive Standard deck may find a perfect match with the Eerie Aggro preconstructed product.

Every Card in the Mono-White Eerie Aggro Deck

Magic: The Gathering players have a ton of options when it comes to building a Standard deck and Magic Arena is attempting to simplify that decision-making process for players who are feeling a little overwhelmed or like their library is missing some key staples.

The Champion Deck: Standard series offers five different competitive Standard decks that players can purchase on Magic Arena and use in upcoming Standard quick play or tournament events.

Magic: The Gathering players who like to stay on the offensive may find a good match in the affordable Eerie Aggro deck. This deck is available now for 2,570 Gems. All of the Champion Decks: Standard lineup will leave the Magic Arena shop on November 9.

Here is the full list of every card included in the preconstructed deck:

Creature

• 3 Spellbook Vendor
• 4 Optimistic Scavenger
• 4 Veteran Survivor
• 4 Skyward Spider

Enchantment

• 4 Ethereal Armor
• 4 Feather of Flight
• 4 Shardmage’s Rescue
• 4 Sheltered by Ghosts
• 3 Seam Rip
• 3 Origin of Spider-Man

Artifact

• 1 Lavaspur Boots

Instant

• 1 Divine Resilience

Land

• 9 Plains
• 1 Dalkovan Encampment
• 1 Cavern of Souls
• 10 Plains

The budget deck has a pretty straightforward strategy that is a good fit for players looking to jump into the format quickly or just find a speedy way to compete with some of the slower decks that may be dominating the format in the late game.

If Eerie Aggro doesn’t seem like a good fit, there other build are also available as part of the Champion Deck: Standard series:

• Planeswalker Control
• Cleric Life Gain
• Lizard Aggro
• Kona Combo

Be sure to check back soon for lots more Magic: The Gathering news and updates.

Magic: The Gathering is available now at local game shops and digitally through Magic Arena.

The post Magic: The Gathering – Full Eerie Aggro Decklist Revealed appeared first on VICE.

Dungeons and Dragons players will have every World of Warcraft class and specialization to pick from when they begin their tabletop adventures in Azeroth, including all three Warrior specializations.

Selecting A D&D Fighter Subclass To Bring WoW Warrior Specs To The Table

Dungeons and Dragons players have an overwhelming number of class/specialization combos to select from as they begin their World of Warcraft campaigns, but players who have narrowed things down to a Warrior have made a good start.

The World of Warcraft Warrior class doesn’t have a 1:1 match in Dungeons and Dragons, but the Fighter class is well-suited bring this WoW class to life at the tabletop.

“Warriors: for when you need a really big axe—which is oftentimes the case in a world of monsters, magic, egos, and armor. A skilled Warrior knocks monsters to the floor, slays enemy tanks, and terrorizes opposing magic users.”

When playing a Warrior, you’ll choose the Fighter class. Warriors specialize in Arms, Fury, or Protection.

Arms Warrior – Deliver devastating blows with two-handed weapons.

The Arms Warrior selects the Battle Master subclass and uses two-handed weapons such as the Greataxe, Greatsword, or Maul to control the battlefield.

Fury Warrior – Become a master of carnage, wielding a weapon in each hand to maximize destruction.

The Fury Warrior selects the Champion subclass and dual-wields weapons (often Scimitars) to push a relentless offense. (Note: Fury Warriors may want to consider instead choosing the Barbarian class and Berserker subclass.)

Protection Warrior – Counter incoming attacks, using your shield to protect your allies as well as yourself.

The Protection Warrior uses the Battle Master subclass to consistently step between their comrades and danger.

Additionally, Warriors who use the Battle Master subclass will gain access to five brand-new maneuver options in the WoW gameplay expansion rules.

That should be just about everything players need to know to start planning out their Warrior builds before the new book arrives in November.

Be sure to check back soon for lots more Dungeons and Dragons news and updates as the World of Warcraft gameplay expansion release date approaches.

Dungeons and Dragons is available now at local game shops and digitally through D&D Beyond, Roll20, and similar online services. The Dungeons and Dragons: World of Warcraft gameplay expansion releases November 17, 2026.

The post Dungeons and Dragons: World of Warcraft – How To Play an Arms, Fury, or Protection Warrior appeared first on VICE.