This Week in Gaming: New Game Announcements, and Industry Shifts
Amidst the gloom and doom of recent layoffs at Bungie and the closure of Game Informer, there have been several new game announcements that might have flown under your radar. While these aren’t AAA blockbusters, they’re certainly intriguing and could offer some fresh experiences. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Darksiders: A new entry in the beloved action-adventure series has been teased. While details are scant, the confirmation alone is enough to get fans excited.
- Five Nights at Freddy’s: Secret of the Mimic: Set for a 2025 release, this game promises to delve deeper into the eerie lore of Freddy’s, potentially offering a nostalgic throwback for longtime fans.
- Alabaster Dawn: From the creators of CrossCode, this title is shaping up to be another engaging adventure, likely blending intricate gameplay mechanics with a compelling narrative.
- Wreckfest 2: Currently available for wishlisting on Steam, this sequel aims to bring back the chaotic car-crashing fun that made the original a hit. No release date yet, but the trailer has us eager to get behind the wheel.
- The Eternal Life of Goldman: A Metroidvania-style game with a unique twist—playing as an old man with seemingly mystical powers in a fantastical world. It’s certainly one to watch for fans of the genre.
- Tarsier Studio’s New Game: The developers of Little Nightmares are back with a teaser for a new project. The teaser is hauntingly grotesque, featuring a pig with its guts spilling out—setting the stage for what could be another dark, atmospheric experience.
- Fellowship: This dungeon-crawling multiplayer game might look generic at first glance, but its deep loot system and cooperative gameplay could set it apart. An alpha is available to try from August 15th through 20th.
- The Occultist: With a beautifully rendered in-game trailer, this title from Daedalic Entertainment seems to be a dark, occult-themed adventure. The studio has had a mixed track record, so it’ll be interesting to see how this one turns out.
- Hunger: Described as a PvPvE extraction shooter with RPG elements, this game stands out for its Gothic, horror-inspired aesthetic. Though there’s no gameplay footage yet, the concept has certainly caught our attention.
Warner Brothers Games: Opening the Door for Licensing
Warner Brothers made headlines this week with their announcement that they’re open to licensing out their gaming IPs. CEO David Zaslav confirmed the news during an earnings call, noting that while Warner Brothers wants to leverage their studios, they’re also exploring opportunities with external developers.
This move makes sense given the company’s extensive catalog, including properties like Batman, Harry Potter, and DC Comics. With Warner Brothers’ internal studios often bogged down by long development cycles—case in point, the years it took to release Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League—outsourcing could breathe new life into these franchises. We could finally see the Wonder Woman game we’ve all been waiting for or even new entries in the Batman Arkham series.
Doom 1 & 2 Enhanced: A Blast from the Past
In a surprise announcement, Bethesda has rolled out enhanced versions of Doom 1 and 2. These classic games have been updated with 1080p (and up to 4K) resolution, as well as a host of new features. The enhancements include new content from the original development team and even some work from indie developers. Whether you’re a longtime Doom fan or new to the series, this is a great way to experience these iconic shooters in a fresh light.
Dead by Daylight x Castlevania: A Match Made in Horror Heaven
Dead by Daylight continues to surprise with its crossovers, and the latest collaboration with Castlevania is no exception. While the details are still under wraps, the combination of these two horror franchises is a match made in heaven—or hell, depending on your perspective. Fans of both series have a lot to look forward to as this collaboration unfolds.
Split gate 2: Portal Combat Returns
A couple of weeks ago, we mentioned the announcement of Splitgate 2, and now we’ve got our first look at gameplay. The sequel to the popular portal-based shooter is shaping up nicely, with a new art style and refined mechanics that build on the original’s promise. If you’re into fast-paced, innovative shooters, this one should be on your radar.
High on Life TV Show: Expanding the Universe
In unexpected news, the hit game High on Life is getting its own TV show. Comedian JB Smoove, known for his work on Curb Your Enthusiasm and as the voice of Gus in the game, is leading the project. While details are still scarce, it’ll be interesting to see how the humor and style of the game translate to television. Given the game’s unique voice cast, including Susan Sarandon and Andy Daly, the show has a lot of potential—assuming it can navigate the fallout from the Justin Roiland controversy.
The End of Ready at Dawn: A Sad Farewell
In a piece of unfortunate news, Ready at Dawn, the studio behind The Order: 1886 and the God of War PSP games, has been shut down by its parent company, Meta. The studio had pivoted to VR games under Meta’s ownership, producing titles like Lone Echo and Lone Echo II. Despite the success of those games, the studio has now been closed, marking the end of an era. As a fan of The Order: 1886, I can’t help but mourn the loss of a studio with such potential.
Wrapping Up: What Caught Your Eye?
It’s been a whirlwind week of announcements, rumors, and industry shifts. With a slew of intriguing new game announcements, there’s plenty to talk about. I’d love to hear what caught your eye—whether it’s the new games, the Warner Brothers licensing news, or the tantalizing possibility of Half-Life 3. Let’s get the conversation going in the comments.
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