The Xreal One Pro XR glasses feature a new optics stack that makes them slimmer and widens the field of view. They also include a dedicated X1 chip for spatial tracking, a first for XR glasses.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has sold over five million copies and received significant recognition at the Golden Joystick Awards. Creative director Guillaume Broche expressed surprise at the game's popularity, stating it was not expected to be a major success before its launch. Voice actor Ben Starr noted that the game was never intended to achieve such heights and attributed its success to its authenticity. The game has also received a record number of nominations for The Game Awards 2025, with results to be revealed on December 11.
Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow will be released on December 4. The game marks the return of the franchise after a decade, featuring the voice of Stephen Russell as Garrett, although players will not control Garrett but will navigate a virtual reality setting. Community reactions have been mixed, with some skepticism about the choice of voice actor for Magpie and concerns regarding the game's atmosphere compared to previous titles. Despite these reservations, there is optimism about the game's potential to attract both loyal fans and newcomers.
Embark Studios' game Arc Raiders is the third most-wishlisted game on Steam, just behind Subnautica 2 and Valve's Deadlock, with its launch imminent. The game has gained popularity due to its accessible extraction shooter mechanics, including optional account wipes and a pathway for players to recover after losing gear. Its visual aesthetic features vibrant raider gear and robot designs, complemented by a synth-driven soundtrack. Design director Virgil Watkins clarified that Arc Raiders does not use generative AI but employs machine learning for drone locomotion. The game utilizes a text-to-speech system for voice lines, similar to Embark's previous title, The Finals. CEO Patrick Soderlund noted that AI and procedural generation have accelerated the game's development, particularly in content creation pipelines, while emphasizing that generative AI did not influence the game's visual elements.
Mouse PI For Hire, a first-person shooter by Fumi Games, is set to be released in early 2026, delayed from its original 2025 date. Players will assume the role of Jack Pepper, a detective in the city of Mouseburg, combining action and detective work. The game features voice actor Troy Baker and emphasizes both combat and investigative mechanics.
Over 500 demos at the October 2025 Steam Next Fest disclosed the use of generative AI in their development processes, accounting for 17% of the offerings. Developers primarily used AI for marketing and Steam store page assets, but it also extended to art, audio, coding, writing, and in-game interactions. The demo Cloudheim was the most popular, indicating AI was used for "internal communication." Concerns have arisen regarding job security for professionals in the industry, as reliance on AI increases. Some games, like Arc Raiders, have vague disclosures about AI's role, leading to noticeable issues such as awkward dialogue. The lack of transparency about AI-generated assets is also troubling, with some games not disclosing AI usage until players notice discrepancies.
C4SH is the first downloadable content (DLC) Vault Hunter for Borderlands 4, announced during the Borderlands 4 panel at TGS. He is an ex-casino dealer-bot and will be part of the inaugural Story Pack DLC titled Mad Ellie and the Vault of the Damned, set to release in the first quarter of 2026. C4SH's gameplay will focus on chance and risk-reward mechanics, with skills that could buff allies and inflict damage on enemies. The Story Pack will include a new map area, main-story missions, side quests, legendary gear, and cosmetic items.
Nancy Drew debuted in 1930 during the Great Depression, providing an escape for families and inspiring readers with her ingenuity and bravery. She transitioned into video games in the late 1990s, with HeR Interactive launching over 30 titles starting in 1998, allowing players to embody her character without seeing her physical form. However, after 2015, the franchise faced challenges, including layoffs and a decline in game quality, as the company shifted focus to attract younger mobile audiences. Despite these changes, the games are now appealing to a broader audience, including adults. Nancy Drew symbolizes the potential for female protagonists to inspire through intelligence and determination rather than violence.
- Kaiju No. 8 The Game is based on the global hit anime adapted from Shonen Jump+
- The game features epic battles between the Japan Anti-Kaiju Defense Force and Kaiju
- Players can engage in turn-based combat with strategic depth
- The game showcases stunning graphics and details of the Defense Force and Kaiju
- Players can explore the expanding universe of Kaiju No. 8 with original narratives
- The game features an all-star voice actor cast
Akatsuki Games, TOHO, and Production I.G announced Kaiju No. 8 THE GAME, set to launch on August 31 (JST) for mobile and PC platforms, including the App Store, Google Play, and Steam. Pre-registration opened on April 25 and has surpassed 850,000 sign-ups. The game features 3D battles against kaiju, with players taking on the roles of Japan Defense Force units and new characters from the CLOZER squad, led by Sagan Shinomiya. A new trailer showcases combat sequences and visuals, with voice actor Masaya Fukunishi demonstrating game controls. New characters include strategist Chester Lochburn and weapons specialist Suited. Pre-registration rewards include two four-star characters, and players can select a five-star character if sign-ups reach one million. The game will support multiple languages: Japanese, English, Traditional and Simplified Chinese, Korean, and French.
