Following the exciting recent Elder Scrolls VI teaser from Bethesda, which included the full title reveal, players received enticing glimpses of the upcoming game. The release window, though, is still under wraps. So while Elder Scrolls fans are waiting to learn more, here are three games that might take the edge off. 

1. Elder Scrolls Online

Shockingly, one of the best games to make the wait for more Elder Scrolls IV news easier is, in fact, Elder Scrolls Online. Like the mainline games, Elder Scrolls Online is set within the world of Tamriel, featuring the same religious pantheon – like the Aedra – and familiar locations such as Windhelm and the Imperial City. It also includes the same playable races, including Elves and Men, along with Khajiit and Argonians. 

One thing that sets ESO apart, and one that provides the greatest opportunity to pass the time, is the fact that – as its name suggests – the game is a vast MMORPG. Players can explore the world of Elder Scrolls by themselves or with a group of friends, delving into a different timeline than the one played out in the mainline games. ESO takes place nearly a thousand years before the events of Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Combat and character progression are also different. 

Anyone interested in experiencing Tamriel on a larger scale can experience Elder Scrolls Online via PC, Mac, Xbox, and PlayStation. 

2. Dragon’s Dogma

Dragon’s Dogma centers on a main character known in the game as the Arisen, a moniker earned after surviving an attack by the Dragon, a creature that signals the end of the world. From there, the Arisen goes on a quest to defeat the Dragon, thereby stopping the apocalypse. The Arisen must end the game by confronting an actual god and making a series of decisions that impact the fate of the entire world. 

Considering the director of Dragon’s Dogma cited the Elder Scrolls games as inspiration for Dragon’s Dogma, it makes sense that this game – and by extension, its sequel, Dragon’s Dogma 2 – could be a strong contender for helping the player get through an Elder Scrolls news drought. Both games offer open-world exploration, protagonists who serve as a “chosen one”, and narratives featuring NPCs with their own inner worlds and stories. Both Dragon’s Dogma and The Elder Scrolls games focus on the journey, not the destination. 

Both Dragon’s Dogma and its sequel are playable on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. 

3. The Witcher III: Wild Hunt 

While The Witcher franchise follows a more linear structure than The Elder Scrolls games, the two franchises overlap in their peak fantasy settings, which can draw players in. Wild Hunt also recently received a massive upgrade, which improved visuals and gameplay. The final game in the mainline trilogy, Wild Hunt reunites players with Geralt of Rivia, the titular Witcher, as he searches for Ciri, his adopted daughter. Ciri is being pursued by the subtitle of Witcher III, a terrifying group best avoided. 

Beyond their dedication to lore-rich, engaging fantasy, both Wild Hunt and The Elder Scrolls games feature deep combat mechanics and vast maps to explore, with environments that teem with life and detail. While both games offer dialogue options that affect the story, players who want conversations that create a butterfly effect throughout the rest of the game will find The Witcher III: Wild Hunt a great choice. 

The Witcher III: Wild Hunt is available to play on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. 

The post 3 Fantastic Games to Play While You Wait for ‘The Elder Scrolls VI’ appeared first on VICE.

💾

After its release earlier this year, Control Resonant received strong reviews, including an 8 out of 10 at IGN and a 5 out of 5 at Video Games Chronicle. Now Remedy, the studio behind the game, has shared its quarterly financial report, showing that Control Resonant is more than just a favorite with many reviewers – it also played a significant role in revenue. 

According to the financial report, featured on Eurogamer, the release of Control Resonant was followed by a 226% jump in revenue, which resulted in revenue of €39.6 million for Q3 – or around $44 million in USD. Jean-Charles Gaudechon, Remedy’s CEO, has called it “a defining milestone for the company.” 

Control Resonant is the direct sequel to Control, released in 2019, although the Control universe is more expansive than these two titles might suggest. The expansion to the original came, Control: The Foundation, released in 2020, and Control: AWE followed the same year. This game linked the Control franchise with Alan Wake, another Remedy series centered on the titular writer and his adventures with shadows and Scratch. Before Control Resonant released this year, there was a co-op spin-off game entitled FBC: Firebreak, released in 2025. 

Remedy also noted that many players diving into Control Resonant were entirely new players, with reaching this particular audience viewed as “a key goal for this game”. According to the studio, the results so far indicate that both the Control franchise and Remedy itself are seeing a growing audience. In fact, the original 2019 game has also seen a bump in interest, meaning Control Resonant might serve as an introduction to the series despite being a sequel game. 

Gaudechon says that the new goal is to get Resonant into the hands of more players. The studio intended for the game to also work as a standalone experience, with a “previously on”-style segment available on the main menu to get players caught up – or informed – with events of the previous game. Still, it might be worth starting with Control 2019 so as to experience the full emotional breadth of the story. 

Remedy’s Latest Financial Report Has Some Very Good News for ‘Control Resonant’ Fans

Control centers around Jesse Faden, recently chosen as Director of the Federal Bureau of Control, a government agency dedicated to investigating supernatural events, also known as Altered World Events. She takes on the role following the previous Director’s death. Jesse was involved in an AWE with her brother, Dylan. Control Resonant follows Dylan as he journeys to reconnect with Jesse while hunting supernaturally corrupted creatures known as Resonants. 

So exploring Control first does add emotional depth with a better understanding of Jesse and Dylan’s relationship, but Dylan’s story is unique enough that players can jump right into Control: Resonant if they wish. Given the impact this game has had on Remedy, it’s understandable if new players want to see what has earned the studio millions of dollars. 

The post Remedy Just Reported a 226% Revenue Jump Following the Release of ‘Control Resonant’ appeared first on VICE.

💾

The Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake is here! Fans have already taken to X to share their excitement, including amazement over graphics, how well the game is running, and their love for this long-running franchise.

Damn! Look at this movement of the fog!!!#OcarinaofTimeRemake pic.twitter.com/FS505QP7XS

— Jeff Chen (@jeffqchen) November 4, 2026

The remake was announced back in June at the Nintendo Direct showcase, along with a 2026 release window. The November launch date came later at the Legend of Zelda 40th anniversary celebration in September.

New look at the Water Temple in The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time remake!

Nintendo have made it easier to navigate and toggle items in the new version pic.twitter.com/5y8jmOA37c

— Genki (@Genki_JPN) November 3, 2026

Both the look and feel of the game are receiving praise so far, with X users posting clips to share how good the game looks and sneak peeks of the gameplay. One user simply shared, “It’s even better than I expected man.”

It's even better than I expected man #ZeldaOcarinaofTimeRemake #Zelda pic.twitter.com/fCsoWqNFHF

— j (@jozeph_bk) November 5, 2026

Another look at Ocarina of Time Remake Gameplay #OcarinaOfTimeRemake #Nintendo pic.twitter.com/qr8xzbrjEc

— 𝙋𝙚𝙖𝙠 ✟ (@sotergc) October 4, 2026

In addition to glimpses of gameplay and combat, one user shared a funny clip from the game, where Link was attacked by enough chickens to keep a farmer in eggs for a lifetime. He’ll be fine, though, right? Pesky poultry!

#ZeldaOcarinaofTimeRemake pic.twitter.com/dPHwdpIQn5

— j (@jozeph_bk) November 5, 2026

Fans were also excited for the midnight release of the physical edition, lining up outside stores around the world — X users in Toronto and London chimed in, sharing videos of the crowds gathered together, eagerly awaiting the chance to have the game in their hands.

Fila da galera agora aqui em Londres esperando pela versão de Zelda com a réplica da caixinha de N64! #ZeldaOcarinaofTimeRemake pic.twitter.com/SwZ7TVn6hu

— M4Ximizando (@M4Ximizando) November 4, 2026

All in all, the latest chapter in this beloved franchise seems to be well worth the wait, if the chatter on X is anything to go by!

The post The Legend of Zelda Fans Are Losing Their Minds Over the Ocarina of Time Remake appeared first on VICE.

“See you later, alligator” takes on a whole new meaning with this gator-themed console from Xbox. An homage to Florida, home to many of the behemoth creatures, the console is waiting for a lucky gamer to grab it – being mindful of the teeth, of course, which already have an Xbox controller balanced between them. 

Measuring five feet long from scaly snout to thrashing tail, the X-BITE looks so real that anyone unfamiliar with its origins could be forgiven for jumping on the phone to their local animal control. Gleaming green eyes, complete with X-shaped irises, peer out from the top of the shovel-shaped head, which is complete with two rows of bright white teeth. The Xbox controller perched between its jaws has tooth marks on it, perhaps evidence of an ill-advised fight on the part of the original owner attempting to keep it. 

In the video on the Xbox website, the X-BITE is perched on its own stand, lifting it up in the air so that its clawed feet are poised as if in mid-swim. Or mid-charge, depending on the point of view. The silhouette of an Xbox Series X is visible in its stomach, stretching the green scales into a rectangular shape, the amber glow of the power button visible even through the gator’s thick skin. 

Xbox Just Made a Giant Alligator-Shaped Series X Console, and You Can Win It for Free

Despite the fact that an alligator appeared to treat the console like an appetizer, the post on the Xbox news site makes it clear that the Xbox Series X within is entirely functional. All the player would need to do is press the button to turn it on. The alligator itself was crafted with care, designed by the same studio – John Nolan Studio – which is behind animatronics and other creatures for The Witcher. This unique console was built with a combination of 3D modeling and fabrication, along with sculpting. 

For anyone interested in combining their love for gaming with a perennial conversation starter, Xbox is offering the Xbox Series X-BITE for free, as part of an online contest. Here’s the catch (no pun intended) – there’s only one. Interested gamers have three options to enter, though, including X, Instagram, or TikTok. 

Whatever social media platform they choose, the directions are simple. After making sure to follow the @XBOX account, just share the sweepstakes post. Don’t forget to add the #XbiteSweepstakes hashtag to the post before it goes live. 

It’s also important to note that the winner has 48 hours to claim their prize. “Miss the window,” according to the Xbox post, “and this gator makes a clean getaway.” 

Built to play. Not to pet. Enter for a chance win!

Follow and repost with #XbiteSweepstakes for a chance to win the one-of-a-kind playable XBOX Series X-BITE.

No Purchase Necessary. US/DC/PR 18+. Ends on 11/10/26. Rules: https://t.co/tngcGpYvRR pic.twitter.com/rmumLc3rAH

— XBOX (@XBOX) November 3, 2026

The post Xbox Is Giving Away a Free Giant Alligator-Shaped Series X Console. Here’s How to Win It. appeared first on VICE.

💾

If you’re watching your PlayStation console gather dust, Sony may have a solution.

Online reports have highlighted an offer appearing in the PlayStation app that lets gamers trade in their PlayStation 5 for a payment sent directly to their bank account. So, how much could you get for trading in your console? Well, it depends.

Those no longer interested in their standard PS5 and two (or more) controllers could earn up to $400. According to the original post on ResetEra, where poster Jay_Horror added screenshots of the offer, PlayStation is utilizing the website Back Market. So it looks like Back Market, not PlayStation or Sony, determines the trade-in terms. 

Still, PlayStation says the trade-in process would be “simple and hassle-free” through Back Market, although the terms seen in the screenshot also stress that how much the user receives depends on a variety of factors. These include the console model, its condition, storage capacity, and any accessories included in the trade-in. 

Sony Wants Your Old PS5, and You Could Get Up to $400 in Cash

The offer also states that users would receive payment directly to their nominated bank account, which is the account they choose to provide. Rather than receiving credit in the PlayStation Store, they would receive funds they could use however they wish. 

In the ResetEra post, one commenter wondered why Sony was making this offer in the first place. Another explained that a lot of hardware may just be sitting unused, and it could serve a new purpose by being resold to someone more interested in using it. Other posters pointed out that this is similar to what Microsoft did with Xbox consoles, and many affirmed that the move makes sense (along with potentially making cents for gamers who choose to trade in their console). 

With prices for brand-new consoles on the rise, for both PlayStation and Xbox, it’s understandable that there should be an interest in refurbished consoles, especially those that are in good condition. And if they include at least two controllers, that’s not a bad bargain. With exciting new games like Phantom Control Zero, Control: Resonant, and The Blood of Dawnwalker now available, potential gamers might want an affordable option that gives them access to these titles. 

The time of year could also matter. With the holiday season just around the corner, it makes sense that Sony would want a supply of consoles in good condition to resell to interested customers. 

The post Sony Is Offering PlayStation Owners Up to $400 for Their Old PS5 Consoles. Here’s Everything We Know. appeared first on VICE.

💾

Who doesn’t want to save money? According to Mark Tilbury, a self-made millionaire whose social media posts center around frugality, there’s a surprising way to save money that involves having fun. Playing GTA VI, he says, might just end up saving gamers thousands of dollars. No, really – thousands. 

Let’s say, as Tilbury proposes, the player dedicates four hours every night to exploring Leonida, getting to know Lucia and Jason, and listening to the new soundtrack. If the game takes around 80 hours to complete, that works out to 50 nights of play time, which means that’s 50 nights the player is likely staying home. So, whatever money the player might spend on a night out – Tilbury offers an estimate of $100 a night – stays right in their bank account. 

According to Tilbury, in fact, that means the player will save a total of $5,000. With the standard edition of the game coming in at $80, it’s an overall sound financial investment. Especially considering how long GTA fans have been looking forward to this game, it’s like a cherry on top to consider delving into the world of Vice City has real-life financial benefits.

A Self-Made Millionaire Says Gamers Could Save a Fortune by Playing ‘GTA 6’. Is He Crazy?

Ironically, there was talk online last month that indicated there’s some concern about how the game is going to impact the economy. Experts indicated that 1.5 million people might call out of work on release day. So while players might be saving money, the economy could receive a little pinch.

Of course, Tilbury’s math is more playful than properly Pythagorean, but it’s definitely true that gamers will be dedicating plenty of time to GTA VI. Judging by how much space gamers will need to clear up on their console, it’s definitely possible that they will be able to enjoy hours and hours of play before they even come close to the end. 

And if they’re spending more time at home, maybe that does mean fewer nights out. At the same time, since there’s also merchandise available that not only offers hats and T-shirts, but items like stickers, money clips, and a lighter, excited GTA fans might not stop at just buying the game. 

But why should they?

With only days to go before GTA VI drops on November 19, maybe the most important factor here isn’t finances. It’s knowing that one of the most highly anticipated games of the year, if not longer, is finally almost here. Whether they chose to call off work, grab a t-shirt or two, or dedicate a few evenings to playing the game, gamers deserve to celebrate the arrival of GTA VI however they see fit. 

The post How Buying ‘GTA 6’ Could Actually Save You $5,000, According to a Self-Made Millionaire appeared first on VICE.

💾

Doom co-creator John Romero recently announced that an upcoming project previously shelved due to lack of funding has a new chance at life. Although the game’s scope will look different now, one key element remains from its earlier iteration. 

Initially, it seems that the unnamed game lost its publisher – which looks to have been Xbox via Microsoft – when the company experienced layoffs. The game was shaping up to be a shooter, which, despite all the changes, still seems true. 

After the publisher pulled back, Romero Games tried to fund the game on its own. According to Romero, though, that unfortunately just wasn’t possible. Although Romero Games kept everyone on “as long as they could”, eventually, the team dwindled, and it became clear the game they had in mind wasn’t going to happen. 

The team that began with 110 people ended up much smaller, and Romero says they then had to figure out what to do with a team that size. Romero Games still owned everything relating to the game, including the IP, the code, and all the graphics and art. He hoped to use as much of that content as possible to get a jumpstart on whatever project came next. 

He reached out to a contact, and they were able to reach a deal. Although he can’t yet share who it was, or who the new publisher will be, Romero says that they were able to use a lot of material they already had, including art, weapons, and certain characters. He also shared that the unnamed publisher has “zero creative goals for this game”, meaning that Romero and his team, which ended up being around 15-16 people, had total creative freedom. 

‘Doom’ Creator John Romero Shares a Surprising Update on His Previously Canceled Game

With the game undergoing a metamorphosis to fit the new team, Romero says the game they at first had in mind simply isn’t getting made – but that’s okay. They are now working on a “complete redesign” that has “a lot of the work we used in previous games” as its building blocks. He adds that he and his team are very excited about the new direction they are heading in and how everything with this game is turning out.

Romero also shared that he prefers working on a smaller team like this, because it enables him to be more involved himself, rather than having to oversee other departments. Everyone on the team knows what they’re doing, and they can work closely together. 

Though further information isn’t available yet, from a title to a possible release window, it’s encouraging to see that Romero Games is still working on this project and embracing these new opportunities.

The post ‘Doom’ Creator John Romero’s Canceled Shooter Is Back, but It’s Going to Look Very Different appeared first on VICE.

With the Until Dawn sequel less than three months away, fans are learning more about the game, including game mechanics, plot, the new characters, and more. For anyone looking forward to returning to the world of quick time events, choices with surprising consequences, and a cast of recognizable actors, here are some Until Dawn 2 tidbits.

The Butterfly Effect mechanic, introduced in the first game, returns in Until Dawn 2. Essentially, this means players never really know how a seemingly small decision will affect things later on. In Until Dawn, for example, a decision pops up for Chris to either shoot a small squirrel or leave it alone, as Sam watches. Shooting the squirrel leads to Sam being attacked by a crow, which leaves her with a cut above her eye. Later on, as Sam is being chased, the cut starts bleeding again and leads directly to her being found by the masked killer. 

Like the first game, the story centers on a group of friends whose faces and voices are probably well known to audiences. Until Dawn 2 follows the crew of a YouTube channel, Dead True, a ghost-hunting show that – at least at first – is more staged than spooky. After landing a deal to move their show to network TV, the group heads to Akishima Island in the South Pacific to pursue a lead on a supernatural event provided by a survivor named Yoona.

They arrive expecting business as usual, only to discover Akishima Island is home to something far more sinister than they have ever encountered. 

‘Until Dawn 2’ Reveals New Gameplay Details, Familiar Faces, and a Terrifying New Setting

Among the Dead True crew are plenty of familiar faces. Fans of Baldur’s Gate and Resident Evil likely recognized Neil Newbon as Sebastian the first time he inhaled, and Stranger Things fans likely recognized Dacre Montgomery as Owen Baines just as fast. Other familiar faces include Gia Kim (Yuri Han in XO, Kitty on Netflix) as Yoona, The Chilling Adventure of Sabrina’s Gavin Leatherwood as Luke Kelly, and Peter Stormare, returning as Dr. Hill.

Playable characters include Owen, Luke, along with Mina Aurellio (Camila Senna), Nate Howard (Spencer Moore II), Josie Nash (Hannah Kepple), Cameron Darby (Tanner Buchannan), Izzy Jacobson (Sarah Catherine Hook), and Reagan Wallace (Anna Ju). 

Until Dawn 2 will be a PlayStation 5 exclusive, with two editions on offer: Standard and Digital Deluxe. The Digital Deluxe edition includes “Y2K Neon Vibes” cosmetics for all eight playable characters, along with a “Dioramas of Death” gallery that reveals detailed views of each gruesome death players may encounter in the game. For those who pre-order now, they’ll receive digital bobbleheads and cosmetics for Stormar’s Dr. Hill. 

The post ‘Until Dawn 2’: Everything We Know About the Release Date, Cast, and Story appeared first on VICE.

💾

Jerry Fort, a 25-year-old content creator who was a big fan of the Grand Theft Auto franchise, passed away following complications from a lung transplant. Fort had gone viral on TikTok after posting a video from his hospital room, sharing just how much he was looking forward to the upcoming sixth game. 

After Fort’s sister shared the sad news on his @VoidOnly TikTok account, many people shared their sympathy in the comment section. One commenter wrote that they would add “Void” to their gamer tag in Fort’s honor once the game comes out. Another said they would dedicate their playthrough to him. 

Gaming Community Mourns Jerry Fort, 25, Who Shared His Wish to Play ‘GTA 6’ Before His Passing

In the viral video, posted in August, Fort shared that he would be in the intensive care unit until he received a lung transplant. Fort had dealt with interstitial lung disease since he was 17 years old. He shared details of his illness, with the caption “I just want to play gta vi” on the video, along with a playful aside about the delays that have plagued the game for so long. 

Fort was only weeks away from GTA VI’s release, with the game slated to drop on November 19. When the news broke on Instagram, many fans shared that they would play in his honor, with one fan commenting, “We ride for Jerry and all those we lost along the way”, finished with a heart emoji. Commenters also suggested a tribute to Jerry should be added to the game in the first update. 

The post Jerry Fort, Who Went Viral for His Wish to Play ‘GTA 6,’ Dies at 25 appeared first on VICE.

In a recent blog post, Ubisoft revealed a roadmap of sorts for its upcoming content, from stressing the importance of continuing to communicate with its player base to announcing New Game+ content for one of its most popular games. The company also touched on the games it has in development, including Codename Hexe. 

Technically, yes, it’s possible, although Ubisoft still hasn’t given players an actual release window. But it did seem to lean into online speculation from earlier this year, which hinted at a possible launch sometime in the latter half of 2027. The post, featuring a video from Head of Content Jean Guesdon, also let the community know that the studio enjoys seeing fan theories and excitement surrounding the game – so more speculation is encouraged as Assassin’s Creed fans wait for more concrete information. 

While there may not be light at the end of the tunnel just yet, it seems like the electricity is at least hooked up and waiting for a switch to be flipped. According to the post, “steady progress” is being made on the game, although the studio acknowledged there is still plenty of work to do. The next major update is coming next year, but the post didn’t specify when. So audiences could hear more in January or February 2027, with the game coming at the end of the year. 

Everything We Know About ‘Assassin’s Creed Hexe,’ Including Its Potential 2027 Release

Codename Hexe was initially announced in 2022. Since then, few official details have been released, but there have been enough crumbs to make players eager for the full meal. Guesdon previously shared that the game will feature a darker narrative and take place at a crucial moment in history, without actually divulging any further details. It could center on the Wurzburg Witch Trials. The trials took place in the Holy Roman Empire between 1625 and 1631, and saw hundreds of people persecuted – and executed – as witches. So it would certainly fit the darker narrative Guesdon mentioned. 

In terms of characters, previous leaks have suggested that the main character will be named Anika, although – as with the setting and the release date – that has yet to be confirmed. It’s also been rumored that Ezio, a central character first introduced in Assassin’s Creed II, could return. Though Ezio’s story took place during the Italian Renaissance, which predates the potential witch trials storyline by over a century, the Animus machine and its ability to make memories feel real again could connect Ezio to any new game. 

Though the details surrounding the game may not be satisfyingly concrete, there’s definitely enough to indicate that Codename Hexe is something to anticipate. Hopefully, the next update will include a release window, or maybe even a definitive date. 

The post Will ‘Assassin’s Creed Hexe’ Release in 2027? Ubisoft Just Shared an Update. appeared first on VICE.

💾

Crimson Desert has received a new DLC, Charting the Unknown, which dropped on October 29 and opened the door to plenty of new environments and storylines. From exploring the ocean to battling bosses and building customizable houses, there’s plenty to do – including falling in love! With this new expansion, players can now romance their favorite NPC. 

Can players and their chosen NPC get married? The short answer is yes, though the long answer takes time and effort. Not every NPC is romanceable. When you interact with an NPC who isn’t a relationship option, a symbol of a crossed-out person with a heart next to it will appear. The three main characters can’t romance each other, and the Greymane mercenaries also can’t compete in the dating game. 

Fittingly enough, the new romance mechanic is an offshoot of the Trust mechanic that already exists in the game. But earning a lot of Trust with an NPC doesn’t mean the player will automatically be able to marry them. Instead, romancing a character starts the same way many romantic relationships start – with flirting. 

The New ‘Crimson Desert’ DLC Lets Players Fall in Love, Get Married, and Even Get Divorced

Alongside prompts to give gifts and chat with the character, players can choose the “Flirt” option. Flirting with the NPC of their choice will increase the romance level by a few points each time. Gifting and chatting with them also matter and will help the connection grow. To keep the fun from being spoiled by speedrunning, players can only flirt with their non-playable paramour once per day. 

Similarly, romancing some NPCs seems exclusive to certain characters. To romance one of the Witches of Pymel, you need to play as Kliff. This is because Kliff is the only character who can trigger the quest necessary to marry one of the Witches, although all four are available to him. 

After reaching the maximum level on the romance meter, which tops out at 100, players can put a ring on it. For players who might be nervous to propose, they don’t need to worry – as long as they have the right amount of romantic points, their favorite NPC will say yes! Once married, the NPC can travel alongside the player or wait for them at their home base, and even give them little gifts. 

Players can even give their new spouse a little makeover at a local barbershop. And finally, if regret starts to creep in for whatever reason, players can choose to get a divorce and start the process all over again if they want a new partner. You can find the option in the interaction menu. 

Although the DLC was initially slated to release on October 15, players are now able to dive into new content for Crimson Desert – literally, since underwater exploration is another new feature, where they can discover treasure and other secrets. 

The post ‘Crimson Desert’ Just Added a Full Romance System, Including Marriage and Divorce appeared first on VICE.

Final Fantasy XIV lets players explore one vast, mythical world after another, with expansions that let the story unfold again and again. Now Final Fantasy fans are looking forward to the upcoming Evercold expansion, set to drop in February 2027. A new trailer has just dropped, offering tantalizing glimpses into what awaits gamers next year. 

The trailer opens with a shot of a world painted entirely in cold shades – pale blue, white, and gray – with icy columns that twist up and around each other, framing what look to be platforms composed of large, frozen flowers. Other shots show the environments floating in dome-like vessels, with swaths of green grass, thatched villages, and a fierce wind whipping banners up into the air like grasping fingers. Beyond these, the trailer shows hints of a world made of fire and shadow, with dark buildings framed by ochre trees and a hulking sky, along with rivers of lava flowing over the rocks. 

Players also get a glimpse of what appears to be a beautiful, sprawling house, a foggy city lit with lamps, and what looks to be the interior of a ship covered with glowing mushrooms. But it’s more than just enticingly beautiful environments. The trailer teases creatures the player may face in the game, including what appears to be a massive serpent, leaning into the Norse mythology references that fans have glimpsed in previous teasers. 

The first trailer for the Evercold expansion premiered earlier this year at Final Fantasy XIV Fanfest. Players can explore the Fourth, as the world succumbs to the frozen grasp of ever-expanding ice. Since the main game and the expansions are connected, Evercold will pick up where the previous expansion – Dawntrail – left off, kicking off a new chapter called the Godless Saga. 

A New ‘Final Fantasy XIV: Evercold’ Trailer Teases a Frozen World Full of Surprises

Evercold will be the sixth expansion campaign following the main game, A Realm Reborn, released in 2013. In addition to new locations, each expansion adds new jobs, the various classes available for characters. Players can also customize character appearance, including tattoos and scars, and choose their character’s birthday. 

The first expansion, Heavensward, lets players explore the nation of Ishgard, which is plagued by dragons. Heavensward introduced three jobs, including the Dark Knight, where players could wield a mighty broadsword and the power of darkness. Next came Stormblood in the Garlean Empire. Players could choose between two new jobs, the Red Mage or the Samurai. 

Following Stormblood, the third expansion came in 2019 under the name Shadowbringers. As the title suggests, the world of this expansion is plunged into darkness, but players can combat the shadows with one of two jobs introduced in the chapter – the Dancer or the Gunbreaker, whose weapon is a gunblade charged by aether. The fourth expansion, Endwalker, featured the Sage and the Reaper jobs. Dawntrail followed in 2024. 

Although the expansion was initially planned for January, Evercold will officially release on February 23 of next year. 

The post ‘Final Fantasy XIV: Evercold’ Just Got a Stunning New Trailer Ahead of Its 2027 Release appeared first on VICE.

💾

Another Final Fantasy game is now available on Xbox Game Pass, expanding the franchise from the first game to Final Fantasy VI. Players can now also use the monthly subscription service to play Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, one of more than twenty games recently added to the platform. 

Xbox Game Pass updates twice monthly, and this Final Fantasy offering is part of the second round of updates in October. Other major titles included this month are Gears of War: E-Day and the day-one release of Valor Mortis, along with indie horror hit Mouthwashing and The Seance of Blake Manor. The new games arrived on October 29, just in time for players to choose a new game to play after trick-or-treating or watching a spooky movie this Halloween weekend. 

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is a visually enhanced update of the initial remake, which was released in 2020, following the original game from 1997. In Intergrade, players can also dive into a brand-new story with an original character called Yuffie. A young ninja determined to steal the ultimate materia – a highly advanced version of the distilled energy drawn from the planet – from the Shinra Electric Power Company, she is joined by a host of other new characters, including Sonon Kusakabe and Weiss the Immaculate. 

‘Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade’ Is Now Available on Xbox Game Pass

Her story serves as a different perspective on the events of the main game, running parallel to the adventures of Cloud Strife, the main character first introduced in the original Final Fantasy VII. Players see him working with Avalanche, the resistance cell set up to combat the Shinra Electric Power Company. The mission seems simple enough to start with – just blow up an industrial power plant, that’s all – but quickly becomes complicated when a figure from Cloud’s past returns, challenging everything he knows about himself. 

Intergrade offers updated visuals that enhance the player’s journey through the city of Midgar while staying true to the spirit of the original game. There’s also expanded content, including mini games and missions that introduce new characters to interact with, along with new armor, accessories, and the Cacstar weapon. As they play, the audience can also get swept away by the soundtrack, which has also been enhanced in this version. 

Since Intergrade just arrived in Game Pass, players have plenty of time to use their subscription to grab the game. It is included on the Ultimate and Premium tiers, along with Game Pass for PC. 

The post One of the Best Modern ‘Final Fantasy’ Games Just Arrived on Xbox Game Pass appeared first on VICE.

💾

Fans of the stellar survival horror game Alien: Isolation have been waiting to hear more information about its sequel, Alien: Isolation 2, since it was announced back in June of this year. A recent Q&A with the game developers revealed plenty of exciting new details, including gameplay, upcoming editions, and more. 

According to the 17-minute video featuring the Isolation 2 dev team, the upcoming sequel will use the player’s microphone, meaning the Xenomorph can hear any sounds they make. Stealth was an important feature of the first game, and now it seems that this mechanic will be turned up a notch. And this isn’t the only way the alien’s hunting style will be different this time around, with the Xenomorph promised to be even more reactive and intelligent than before. 

For one thing, the new setting will affect how the alien tracks the player. Isolation 2 will take place in an industrial mining town on the planet of Kurosaki. Unlike the first game, which took place predominantly on the space station Sevastopol, players will be able to explore both interior and outdoor environments. Developers hope that getting outside will bring the player some measure of relief, before they realize that the Xenomorph is just as dangerous in an open environment. 

In fact, the devs specifically mentioned that the alien will learn to adapt to these exterior locations, changing how it hunts to track the player down outdoors. It will also be able to use the weather to camouflage its sounds and movements, with devs promising terrible storms that will impact the player’s ability to hear and see. Developers also promised that interior spaces will feel “claustrophobic”, adding to the terrifying atmosphere. 

‘Alien: Isolation 2’ Just Revealed a Terrifying New Feature That Lets the Xenomorph Hear You

But players won’t be entirely defenseless. The trailer released earlier this year showed a brief clip of the flamethrower, but that’s not all. In keeping with the stealth mechanic, players can pick up various items and throw them. Hopefully, the noise will distract the alien long enough for the player to sneak away or complete an important task. 

Audiences tuning into the Q&A also heard about Isolation 2’s new protagonist, Charlotte Blake. She was described in the video as a “strong female character”, fittingly enough for Amanda Ripley’s successor, and will also be a Weyland-Yutani employee. Devs also noted they chose a new protagonist to fit the new environment, wanting to tell an original story through a fresh pair of eyes. 

Unfortunately, this Q&A didn’t reveal the release date beyond the 2027 window. But Alien Isolation fans can expect the game to be available on multiple platforms, including PC, PS5, Xbox, and the Nintendo Switch 2. 

The post ‘Alien: Isolation 2’ Just Revealed a Terrifying New Feature. Here’s Everything We Know appeared first on VICE.

💾

Hideo Kojima has crafted unforgettable gaming experiences, from the Metal Gear and Death Stranding franchises to the infamous P.T., which was intended as a playable teaser for a new Silent Hill game with Kojima at the helm. His upcoming horror project, OD, just received an intriguing new visual, offering a tiny peek into a project audiences still know very little about. 

According to the Kojima Productions account on X, the poster will be part of the Beyond the Strand Exhibition, a showcase celebrating the studio’s tenth anniversary. It features actress Sophia Lillis, who audiences will recognize from her turn as young Beverly Marsh in the It films, gazing up at a mysterious red object. It might be a broom, judging by the cluster of what appears to be crimson straw at bottom – but knowing the minds behind this project, it could be anything. 

The rest of the poster is very simple. Apart from Sophia and the potential broom, the background is white, matching the shirt Sophia is wearing. Above her head, nearly invisible against the background, reads the tagline: “For all players and screamers.” 

◤ #BeyondTheStrand ◢

A new visual for OD – KNOCK has been revealed at the exhibition!

The iconic red door from the teaser trailer has also been physically recreated in the event space!
Come experience the world of OD – KNOCK up close with this special display!… pic.twitter.com/p6JGmrJ2b6

— KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS (Eng) (@KojiPro2015_EN) October 30, 2026

Hideo Kojima’s New Horror Game ‘OD’ Gets a Creepy New Teaser, and Fans Have Questions

OD was first announced in 2023, and since then, Kojima hasn’t given audiences much to go on, though it seems more in the interest of mystery than a lack of news. Back in September of this year, while appearing at the Tokyo Game Showcase, he revealed that production had resumed following the SAG strike, including performance capture and ADR recording. He also praised Sophia’s performance, along with her costar, Hunter Schafer, who will also appear in the game. 

It seems that OD will follow an anthology format, with each playable segment being crafted by a different director, a group that Kojima has referred to as his “horror Avengers”. Filmmaker Jordan Peele is involved with the project, and considering Jordan is behind such horror hits as Us, Get Out, and NOPE, it’s incredibly exciting to hear that he is involved with OD. 

Along with Sophia and Hunter, the cast includes the late actor Udo Kier. Apart from starring as Jules in Euphoria and Tigris Snow in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Hunter has explored the horror genre before, including a leading role as Gretchen in Cuckoo. Fans of the horror game genre may recognize Udo from his voice acting as Erich in Martha Is Dead, in addition to his film and television roles. 

An official release window hasn’t been announced yet, but players can expect to dive into the terrifying world of OD on Xbox and PC when the game does come out. 

The post Hideo Kojima Just Revealed a Mysterious New Poster for His Upcoming Horror Game ‘OD’ appeared first on VICE.

Cozy cleaning games are a great alternative to more action-packed fare, letting players unwind with soothing music and simple tasks. Offering a place for everything and the chance to neatly nestle it all in place, here are three cozy cleaning games to turn to when relaxation is the order of the day. 

1. Bao Bao’s Cozy Cleaning Service 

Released on October 29, Bao Bao’s Cleaning Service is a sequel to a previous cozy game featuring the industrious panda, Bao Bao’s Cozy Laundromat. In Cleaning Service, players, solo or in a co-op group of up to three friends, help Bao Bao with his mission to make everything nice and clean. Using a power washer, Bao Bao cleans inside and out, letting the water spray wash away dirt from stone pathways, faded wallpaper, and more. 

Bao Bao’s Cozy Cleaning Service offers adorable 2D pixel art in soft pastel shades, along with a selection of lo-fi songs to listen to while Bao Bao, or Bao Baos if playing with friends, cleans one tile after another. According to the Steam page, players are also encouraged to listen to audiobooks or their own favorite music while playing. There are no timers to worry about when completing a level, so players can relax and take their time. 

The game is available on Steam, Switch, and Xbox. 

2. Fresh Start Cleaning Simulator 

For gamers looking for a bit more to sink their teeth into, there’s Fresh Start Cleaning Simulator. While it’s also designed to be relaxing, the game expands the mission to include cleaning up the environment. Players use a special machine that combines a vacuum with a watering hose to rescue various ecosystems, including beaches, mountain ranges, and rivers, as they explore a colorful 3D world. 

Beyond cleaning up, players can solve puzzles and unearth hidden elements to upgrade travel vehicles, while discovering man-made environments like campsites and shrines. And that’s not all. Players are able to nurture plant life and make friends with the animals they meet while cleaning up their habitats, from pandas and penguins to sea turtles. 

Fresh Start Cleaning Simulator is available on Steam, Switch, Xbox, and PS5.

3. Unpacking

Maybe one of the most popular cozy cleaning games out there, Unpacking’s premise is right in the title. Players unpack their belongings in eight different homes, each marking a new chapter in the character’s life. The game starts in a childhood bedroom, then moves to the first apartment the character shares with a roommate. It culminates in the character’s own family home, where a new chapter is about to begin. 

Like Bao Bao’s Cleaning Service, this is a relaxing 2D pixel-art experience with no need to rush. As they unpack in each home, players learn more about the character whose belongings they put away. Another game with a relaxing soundtrack, Unpacking focuses on organizing and decorating, leaving players with a strong sense of satisfaction when the last box is empty. 

The post 3 Cozy Cleaning Games That Are Perfect for Relaxing After a Long Day appeared first on VICE.

💾

Nintendo fans looking to snag original artwork for their collection: one unique piece is off the market. A poster for the original Donkey Kong game recently sold at auction for more than $300,000, making it the reigning champ of expensive video game art ever sold at auction. 

The poster features Donkey Kong himself atop a series of steel girders, the exact place one would expect to find a large gorilla. Angrily wielding a barrel over his head, Donkey Kong appears to threaten the overalls-wearing man standing on the girders below him. Behind Donkey Kong, blocked from escape, a blonde woman named Pauline swoons in a tattered pink dress, understandably upset by the whole situation. 

The man in overalls is Mario of “It’s-a me!” fame, and this poster actually features his first-ever public appearance. Known at the time merely as “Jumpman”, Mario has gone on to become one of the most iconic video game characters of all time and certainly one of the most famous plumbers. He has starred in or appeared in over 300 games, including Super Mario Galaxy and its 2010 sequel, Super Mario Galaxy 2. 

Donkey Kong went on to have a big career of his own, featuring in solo titles like Donkey Kong Country Returns and starring alongside Mario in the Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros., and Mario Party games. The poster at auction was for the first Donkey Kong game, which was released in 1981. Drawn by artist Leslie Cabarga, it was intended as a promotional flyer for arcades. 

Rare ‘Donkey Kong’ Poster Sells for $329,400, Setting a Video Game Art Record

According to a press release from Landry Pop Auctions, an auction brand centered on comics and pop culture, the Donkey Kong poster sold for $329,400, making it the most expensive video game art ever sold. The title was previously held by original artwork for the Prince of Persia game, which sold for $63,000. So the gap between the two sales is roughly the cost of a starter Lamborghini. 

Incredibly, for original artwork of such a famous franchise, especially for a piece that would end up selling for over $300,000, it seems like the poster was almost thrown away. Landry Pop Auctions said a former Nintendo employee named Donna Darbous rescued the poster from the would-be disposal pile.

For anyone itching for a bit of nostalgia, thanks to this astronomical sale, Donkey Kong and Mario games are available on Nintendo consoles, including both the Switch and the Switch 2, including Donkey Kong Bonanza and Super Mario Odyssey. 

A 1981 Donkey Kong promotional poster is now the most expensive piece of original video game art ever sold at auction

Featuring Mario's first appearance, it sold for $329,400 pic.twitter.com/emW4D8p4Kb

— ScreenTime (@screentime) October 29, 2026

The post Nintendo’s Original ‘Donkey Kong’ Artwork Just Sold for an Absolutely Insane Amount appeared first on VICE.

💾

Scammers online have found a new target within the gaming community, according to a report featured on IGN. Those who use emulators to run PS5-exclusive games on their PC are at risk, as this can leave them open to sneaky malware. 

For those unfamiliar, emulators let a system copy another system’s behavior, such as a gaming PC acting like a PlayStation console. This allows users to play games on their PC which might only be available on a PS5, like Marvel’s Wolverine or Ghosts of Yotei. Games can be “sideloaded”, meaning the official PlayStation Store is bypassed when downloading a game. 

Think of it as Splenda versus sugar in a cup of coffee. Splenda is the emulator, copying the behaviors of sugar, and tricking the coffee drinker into thinking they’re enjoying a boost of sugary sweetness in their coffee. 

PC Gamers Are Being Warned About a Sneaky New Scam Involving PS5 Emulators

According to IGN, scammers are hiding behind two popular emulation projects and then apparently launch an infostealer. As the name suggests, infostealers act like art thieves breaking into a museum, stealing personal information like credit card data and important passwords instead of fine art. Even worse, the malware used here is so sophisticated that it not only evades detection but also cleans up after itself. It even weaves into Windows Defender protections, meaning it sneaks into the files Windows Defender is built to ignore, like system restore points. 

If scammers steal this data, it could have serious, long-term consequences. Beyond stolen passwords used to access private accounts like Amazon, there are also financial risks. Scammers could use this data to open fraudulent credit cards or drain funds from an existing bank account. 

Emulation users are prime targets because they are accustomed to downloading outside software from sites like GitHub, an online platform that hosts a wide array of code files. Because they likely trust a familiar source, they don’t think twice about running the software they download on their own computers. 

Emulators seem to have spiked recently, in part because the tricky software now works better than before. Gamers without a PlayStation console can run previously incompatible software on their PC, letting them play games that might otherwise be unavailable. PlayStation consoles are also at risk of jailbreaks, meaning emulators can run Nintendo or older PSP games that are no longer compatible with current hardware. 

The post Hackers Are Using Fake PS5 Emulators to Steal Gamers’ Personal Information appeared first on VICE.