Nintendo has released a brand new game exclusively on mobile called Pictonico, which uses the contents of the player's phone's photo album as the basis for its microgames.
Josh Wolens has transitioned to a new life as a car mechanic near Białystok, where he enjoys vodka. He found inspiration in a game called Cheap Car Repair, which simulates car repair in a Polish village during the '90s. The game involves cutting corners in repairs, pocketing air filters, listening to Slavic pop music, and consuming vodka. It offers a comedic yet meditative experience, similar to Powerwash Simulator, focusing on the process of car restoration. A demo of Cheap Car Repair is available on Steam.
Brendan Greene has announced that the development of the early-access survival game, Prologue: Go Wayback, is on hold as PlayerUnknown Productions undergoes restructuring. The game, launched in early access last November, is described as a "realistic Minecraft" where players face challenges in procedurally generated landscapes. Greene plans to make the game free for future players and is exploring refund options for those who purchased it. A statement on the game's Steam page indicates hope for a future return, although Early Access plans cannot be fulfilled at this time. The development team is working on an update to enhance exploration with new items and pathways. Prologue: Go Wayback has received a Mostly Positive rating on Steam, with 70% of players giving favorable reviews.
Meta is enhancing protections for younger users by expanding its Teen Accounts framework across Facebook, Messenger, and Instagram. This includes implementing stricter content settings that limit exposure to inappropriate material, such as violence and self-harm. A new "Limited Content" setting will be introduced for Facebook and Messenger to provide additional content restrictions. Additionally, Instagram is testing a feature to diversify content recommendations for teens, reducing repetitive exposure to similar topics. These initiatives come amid increased regulatory scrutiny regarding youth safety on social media platforms.
Kemuri is a co-op action game focused on hunting mythical demons in urban environments, developed by Ikumi Nakamura's studio. The first gameplay trailer was revealed during Sony's State of Play event, showcasing vibrant animation and dynamic action. The game aims to provide a multiplayer experience similar to the Dark Souls series, featuring unique hunters and yokai. Questions remain about its structural design, including whether it will be open-world or mission-based and if it will prioritize campaign or loot systems. Kemuri's launch is timed with a cultural interest in demon hunting, and it is scheduled for release on PlayStation 5 in 2027, with hopes for a PC version.
Publisher Deck13 Spotlight, in collaboration with 2nd Player Games, has announced a new pixel art RPG titled Full Circle, which is inspired by classic PlayStation games. The game will be available on PC via Steam, with more details to be revealed at Gamescom 2026 in August. Full Circle is set in a post-apocalyptic universe where humanity lives in the skies, and players will navigate a world filled with mutated beasts and rival cities. The game features strategic turn-based combat, a diverse cast of characters, and a narrative that explores themes of hope and melancholy. Players can customize their party, engage in various activities, and explore distinct landscapes.
Bungie has announced the final update for Destiny 2, which will coincide with the end of its live service development. The June update will feature a revival of beloved weapons and the return of the Sparrow Racing League, alongside a renewed focus on Destiny 2's patrol zones. This update aims to encourage players to gather in public spaces that were significant during the game's early years. The Monument of Triumph update is set to release on June 9, inviting players to engage with the game’s history and environments as they prepare for an indefinite hiatus.
Activision has confirmed that the latest installment in the Call of Duty franchise will be Modern Warfare 4, developed by Infinity Ward after a four-year hiatus. The game will feature settings in North and South Korea, following a squad of South Korean marines and an American embedded soldier during a North Korean invasion of Seoul. The narrative style aims to reflect current events, described as "ripped from the headlines." Captain Price will return, and the game will include a traditional, linear story mode with over a dozen campaign missions. Multiplayer will focus on classic gameplay without features like Ominimovement and wall-jumps, and will introduce a sequel to the DMZ extraction mode. Modern Warfare 4 is set to be released on October 23.
In World of Warcraft, player housing has led to creative designs, including a decorative version of the Dark Portal gifted to players after the Burning Crusade Classic Anniversary. A notable creation by Reddit user 'Idibegajranolegaj' features a miniature recreation of the Burning Crusade loading screen on a tiny PC, complete with a monitor, neon purple tower, desk lamp, hand-crafted keyboard, and a cozy gaming chair. The interactive setup allows players to engage with UI buttons on the monitor. The original concept was intended as a Windows XP wallpaper, but the arrival of the portal inspired this transformation.
Jerimiah Worley, a fourth-grader at Bridges Learning Center, performed "Subwoofer Lullaby" at the school's third annual talent show, Bridges Got Talent, accompanied by music therapist Edie Steiner. Bridges Learning Center serves approximately 120 students with emotional or behavioral needs and provides tailored social-emotional and mental health support. Established in 2006, it has expanded to include a program for students up to 21 years old with significant cognitive disabilities. Principal Michele Angelo noted that some students spend their entire K-12 journey at Bridges, while others transition back to home schools after mentorship from the nearly 70-person staff. Last year, about 10 percent of students graduated, gaining skills from music and art therapy. Steiner, the district's sole music therapist, teaches students to explore lyrics and melodies that resonate with their experiences. The talent show allowed students to choose their audience, with guest judges providing encouragement. Jerimiah's aunt, Stasha Heller, expressed pride in his musical journey. Student artwork displayed in the cafeteria reflected emotional landscapes nurtured through art therapy sessions. Art therapist Shenan May provides students with tools for social-emotional wellbeing, including sensory items. Principal Angelo highlighted the significant progress made by students and staff, describing their improvements as life-changing. Steiner hopes the music created will foster meaningful conversations and be shared across generations.
