Greetings, Travelers! We’re excited to announce that Genshin Impact Version Luna I, Song of the Welkin Moon: Segue, will be released on September 10. This update, which marks the beginning of the year-long Song of the Welkin Moon version series, will also introduce a major new region, Nod-Krai. The new version series will tie together past story clues and characters, answer some long-standing questions, and reveal more about the secrets of the moon. The stage for these events is Nod-Krai, a new self-governing region at the edge of Teyvat. Blessed by pure moonlight, Nod-Krai is a land rich with a unique and powerful energy which has attracted various individuals and factions, all with their own goals and ambitions which often lead them to conflict. However, it is also this very same energy that will be crucial to your journey, guiding you as you explore the region and solve its mysteries. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image We invite all Travelers who have finished the Mondstadt Archon Quest “Prologue: Act III – Song of the Dragon and Freedom” to enter Nod-Krai. You can access the region via a Teleport Waypoint at its entrance. If you have also completed “Chapter I Act III – A New Star Approaches” in Liyue, you will be able to start the new Archon Quests in Nod-Krai immediately. Gather under the moonlight Moonlight pierces the haze, casting rippling shadows toward the unknown. To uncover a new Fatui scheme related to the “Ancient Moon’s Remnants,” Travelers must set sail from Natlan, heading north to the self-governing region of Nod-Krai located at the southernmost part of Snezhnaya. Nod-Krai is a land where an ancient elemental energy called Kuuvahki can be found. This unique power influences the lives of its people, but it also draws factions with competing goals, leading to constant conflict. Walk the paths of this land, Traveler, and see with your own eyes how these factions seek and harness this potent energy. In Version Luna I, Travelers can explore three distinct island areas within Nod-Krai. Your journey begins in Nasha Town, where the residents have woven the ancient energy of Kuuvahki into their everyday lives. Here, street signs hum with a gentle energy, and clever devices retain the traces of ancient power. Head west, and you will find the Clink-Clank Krumkake Craftshop, home to the whimsical inventors Aino and Ineffa. Continue westward and you will find yourself at Hiisi Island, where you will enter the lands of the Frostmoon Scions. The devotees here, who brook no blasphemy towards the moon, worship the moon goddess Kuutar while fiercely guarding the purity of their faith. Yet, in the shadows, unseen forces are stirring up a crisis. Further north along the coast, the Fatui’s Kuuvahki Experimental Design Bureau stands over ancient ruins. The Fatui have come here to build war engines fueled by Kuuvahki. You can choose to face them head-on or infiltrate quietly to uncover their secrets. As you explore Nod-Krai, you may also encounter the Wild Hunt, a dangerous force emerging from the Abyss that leaves a trail of destruction in its wake. Standing against this darkness are the Lightkeepers, an ancient order that defends the freedom and peace of the land. They carry special lanterns that change color to warn of the kind of danger that is coming. View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image View and download image Download the image close Close Download this image Meanwhile, Columbina, who once served as the Fatui’s Damselette, has left them and is now lingering in her homeland of Nod-Krai. Here, she is revered as the Moon Maiden. Interestingly, the statues of the Idol of the New Moon found throughout Nod-Krai bear a striking resemblance to Columbina’s appearance before she joined the Fatui, hinting at her past identity. Now, she has her very own haven, the Sanctuary of the Silver Moon Court, located near Hiisi Island. Walk there by the moonlight, fulfill her requests, and you may earn her assistance on your journey. In the new Archon Quest, the Traveler will assist Lauma, the Moonchanter of the Frostmoon Scions. Join her to confront the Fatui and uncover the secrets behind their faith in the moon goddess. You will also see for yourself the unwavering resolve of the Lightkeepers as you fight alongside Flins, a warrior of their order, to defend the land. This adventure will also introduce you to new allies, such as the merchants of Nasha Town, while also presenting a menacing debut of the Fatui Harbinger Sandrone, the Marionette. Fight alongside new allies and unleash the power of the Moon In Nod-Krai, certain characters blessed by the moon can channel the ancient energy of Kuuvahki in combat through their Moon Wheels. This unique ability triggers special Lunar reactions. Both Lauma and Flins are among the characters who have this ability. As a Moonchanter of the Frostmoon Scions, Lauma listens to her people, soothes their worries, and safeguards their covenant with the land. Gentle, wise, and deeply connected to nature, she has earned the trust of her companions. Even the small creatures influenced by Kuuvahki seem to share this trust, approaching and interacting with her whenever she is near. Lauma can even transform into a cervitaur, allowing her to dash swiftly across the land. In battle, this 5-star Dendro Catalyst user can give her team a decisive edge with a new Elemental Reaction: Lunar-Bloom. Once the Bloom reaction is triggered with Lauma on the team, she can convert it into a Lunar-Bloom reaction. This creates a valuable combat resource called Verdant Dew, which Lauma can then use to deal significant Lunar-Bloom damage with the potential for CRIT Hits. In combat, Lauma can periodically deal AoE Dendro DMG and further support the team by lowering enemies’ Dendro and Hydro RES. Her combat style is focused on collecting Verdant Dew from Lunar-Bloom reactions and converting it into more Lunar-Bloom damage. Flins is a 5-star Electro Polearm user known for his noble and aristocratic bearing. This veteran Lightkeeper who has long dedicated himself to defending Nod-Krai’s freedom and peace can even hear the whispers of the Wild Hunt while on exploration. In battle, Flins deals powerful Lunar-Charged DMG and can adjust his strategy on the fly. For situations that require multiple instances of Lunar-Charged DMG in a short period, he can use his standard Elemental Burst. In fast-paced, high-tempo combat, Flins can enter another state with his Elemental Skill which allows him to unleash a special Elemental Burst that costs less energy on a more frequent basis. In addition, Aino, the Whiz-Kid Mechanic, is a 4-star Hydro Claymore user who can be invited to the Traveler’s party for free via the new Archon Quest. In combat, Aino can also attack enemies with Hydro DMG. Beyond their roles in battle, these three new friends have their own day-to-day lives to live, and small, everyday joys to savor. With a new feature called Meeting Points, you can chat with them, help build these points throughout Nod-Krai, and unlock more of their stories by progressing through certain events. Visit the Clink-Clank Krumkake Craftshop where Aino and Ineffa are always hard at work, or step into the Frostmoon Enclave to read the legends among the Frostmoon Scions together with Lauma. Or, stop by Flins’s home to listen to the long-guarded tales of the Lightkeepers. In the first half of Version Luna I, Lauma will make her debut alongside a rerun for Nahida. The Chronicled Wish will also feature the return of several Sumeru characters. In the second half of the update, Flins, Yelan, and Aino will join the Event Wishes. Wander through the Moon-blessed land As you gaze at the sky as blue turns to black and the pale moon rises, you may wonder why this ancient energy attracts so many to its power. Traveler, when you enter Nod-Krai, you will find traces of Kuuvahki everywhere throughout the land. As you walk through Nod-Krai, you will notice strange objects shimmering with the power of Kuuvahki, typically glowing with either a red or blue unipolar field. These fields behave in a very curious way: two of the same color will push each other away, while different colors are drawn together. Step close enough to one of these fields, and you may enter an empowered state. In this state, you can solve puzzles, collect items, and even gain an advantage in combat. Sometimes, standing near a special field will even allow you to perform a special jump, revealing paths that would otherwise be out of reach. Nod-Krai is home to a special elemental creature with various forms known as the Kuuhenki. When you are near certain plants, like the Moonshine Violet, you can gain Kuuvahki energy, which allows you to harness the power of the Kuuhenki and move freely. In this state, you can drift near the mist patches in the area. Patches of a different color will draw you in, while patches of the same color will push you away. As the Kuuhenki glides through the air, it leaves behind bright trails called Moonlanes. Hitch a ride on these lanes to move quickly, switch paths, and interact with nearby objects. Deal wisely with the enemy The dangers and challenges of Nod-Krai are a constant reminder to the Traveler to act with caution. However, one should also be brave enough to face danger head-on at the same time. In the region’s other areas, you will encounter enemies that demand careful handling, as many are influenced by the ancient energy of Kuuvahki. For example, when you face the cave-dwelling boss, the Radiant Moonfly, you can temporarily boost your abilities by healing your HP to its maximum. Not all challenges involve fighting belligerent foes. You can hone your battle skills using Knuckle Duckle, a duck-shaped combat machine built by Aino. Effects like Electro-Charged or Lunar-Charged attacks can provide you with a combat efficiency boost. Interestingly, when Aino or Ineffa interacts with the machine, it can trigger extra dialogue options. You might even obtain special items that change their appearance. What’s more, there will also be more seasonal events and optimizations which will bring you bountiful rewards and make your adventure an easier one. In celebration of the fifth anniversary of Genshin Impact, we have prepared various gifts to thank our Travelers, including 10 Intertwined Fates, 1,600 Primogems, two exclusive gadgets, and a free 5-star standard banner character of your choice. Know that when you see the signs of the new moon, the story of Version Luna I is about to be unveiled. Let us set out for the new region, Nod-Krai, as we turn a new page in the story, and bask in its cold moonlight.

سواء كان لديك جهاز كمبيوتر آخر تريد التحكم به من خلال جهازك الحالي بدلًا من تكرار التنقل بين الجهازين، أو تحتاج إلى مساعدة الأصدقاء أو أفراد العائلة في إصلاح مشكلة على الكمبيوتر الخاص بهم، أو تقديم دعم فني للمستخدمين عن بعُد، ففي جميع هذه السيناريوهات قد تجد أن برامج مثل TeamViewer و AnyDesk حل مثالي للوصول من جهازك إلى كمبيوتر آخر والتحكم فيه بسرعة دون الحاجة إلى التواجد فعليًا أمام الجهاز الثاني. قد لا تعرف ذلك، ولكن ويندوز 11 يتضمن أصلاً برنامج يقوم بنفس هذا الدور! يُطلق عليه اسم Quick Assist وهو مفيد بشكل خاص لاستكشاف مشكلات الكمبيوتر وإصلاحها عن بُعد. دعونا نستعرض مميزاته ونوضح كيفية استخدامه إنطلاقًا من السطور الآتية. المزيد»

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI), the industry leader in AI-powered analytics and operational intelligence, announced today that it will extend its role as the Title Sponsor of three Raving Conferences fo

Ninja Gaiden 4 will see the return of the helpful Ultimate Guidance ability, according to a message to fans from co-director and producer Yuji Nakao. Ninja Gaiden 4 looks poised to provide players with the kind of fast-paced battles they've become accustomed to since the series' reboot in 2004, and Ultimate Guidance should help keep them moving forward quickly.

Season 18 of Overwatch 2 has arrived, bringing a new support hero named Wuyang, along with big updates to Stadium, and a new battle pass featuring streetwear skins. Season 18 will also see at least two new crossover events in Overwatch 2, the first of which is already live. Los Angeles Lakers' Luka Dončić is featured in the Play Like Luca event, which features tons of free loot boxes, special Stadium builds for Cassidy, and a special title you can earn, Sharpshooter 77. The next crossover has been announced, with Persona coming to Overwatch 2 later in Season 18.The new battle pass is primarily focused on Streetwear, with Lućio, Pharah, Tracer, and Kiriko all getting Streetwear skins. The battle pass also includes Watermelon Wrecking Ball and Gladiator: LXXVI Soldier 76. The base battle pass costs 1,000 Coins, $10, and includes 80 tiers of rewards, with skins, emotes, player icons, and more. You can also pick up the Ultimate Battle Pass bundle from the store for $40, which includes two exclusive skins--Lily Roadhog and Poolside Wuyang--the premium battle pass, 20 tier skips, and 2,000 Overwatch Coins ($20).Season 18 also marks a few major changes coming to Stadium, Overwatch's MOBA-like competitive mode. This season marks the addition of quick play for Stadium, offering shorter matches without competitive ranking, and three new characters being added to the limited pool, Winston, Brigitte, and Pharah, with Tracer coming later in the season. Below you can see every item in the Overwatch 2 Season 18 battle pass.

August 26, 2025 Get Ready to Explore San Vansterdam, an Ever-Evolving Skateboarding Sandbox, and Experience the Best Skateboarding Gameplay in the Franchise Watch the skate. Early Access Release Date Trailer HERE. REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today, Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) and Full Circle announced that skate., the next chapter of the award-winning skateboarding video game franchise, will launch into Early Access on September 16 for PlayStation® 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation® 4, Xbox One, and PC via Steam, Epic Games Store and EA app. skate. is free-to-download, cross-platform,* and cross-progression,* making it as accessible as possible for both longtime skate. franchise fans, and newcomers alike.Set in the vibrant city of San Vansterdam, skate. is a multiplayer skateboarding destination offering a massive open world where players discover unique skate spots, land insane tricks and connect - or compete - with friends online. With four unique neighborhoods - Hedgemont, Gullcrest, Market Mile and Brickswich - each offering its own distinct vibe and challenges, the city is a huge playground for skaters. From parks and plazas to rooftops and massive ramps, every corner is packed with skateable spots, including the House of Rolling Reverence, a former church transformed into a trick haven for skaters.At the core of skate. is the restored and improved Flick-It System, brought back to life through the Frostbite™ Engine to deliver the best skateboarding experience we have ever offered. With unparalleled precision and control, Flick-It brings the magic of the franchise back to life for a new generation of players. skate. also“skate. is not just a return, it’s a complete evolution of the franchise that’s built to last," said Mike McCartney, Executive Producer of skate. “Our goal with skate. is to capture the freedom, creative expression and community of skateboarding, and share it with as many people as possible. From day one, our priority has been to honor the legacy of the franchise while pushing it into a bold new future - one built in partnership with our players.”In skate., players can discover new ways to explore and get vertical with new off-board controls, giving them total freedom to roam, climb and find epic new spots. Additional features like Quick Drop allow players to place ramps, rails, benches and more anywhere in the world to fine-tune their perfect spot. skate. offers players the ability to find their own fun with endless activities, including rotating world map challenges - such as Line Challenges, Own The Spot and Sessions - as well as high-energy Throwdowns with friends. The new Spectate mode lets players instantly find the action and use Spectaport to jump straight into any live session.Collaborative development with skate. fans and the community have always been a priority throughout our development process. Player feedback has been welcome all throughout playtesting and something Full Circle will continue to look at during the game’s Early Access period. During Early Access, players can expect to see new content every season, offering fresh challenges, cosmetics, music, world updates, and new events each season.“Community is the heart of skateboarding, and it’s the heart of skate.,” said Jeff Seamster, Head of Creative on skate. “From day one, we’ve aimed to create an open, welcoming space shaped by players. We’ve built this game alongside our community - listening, learning and evolving together. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or just dropped in, skate. is a place to express yourself, connect and grow. No gatekeepers, no barriers - just a city built for skating and a community that keeps it alive. Early Access is a huge milestone in that journey, and we’re hyped to keep growing San Vansterdam with our crew around the world.”skate. launches into Early Access on September 16 on PlayStation® 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation® 4, Xbox One & PC via Steam, Epic Games Store and EA app. Stay tuned - there’s much more to come from skate.For more information on skate., visit: https://www.ea.com/games/skate/skate.*Conditions & restrictions apply. See https://go.ea.com/skate-cross-play for details.PRESS ASSETS ARE AVAILABLE AT EAPressPortal.comAbout Electronic ArtsElectronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA) is a global leader in digital interactive entertainment. The Company develops and delivers games, content and online services for Internet-connected consoles, mobile devices and personal computers.In fiscal year 2025, EA posted GAAP net revenue of approximately $7.5 billion. Headquartered in Redwood City, California, EA is recognized for a portfolio of critically acclaimed, high-quality brands such as EA SPORTS FC™, Battlefield™, Apex Legends™, The Sims™, EA SPORTS™ Madden NFL, EA SPORTS™ College Football, Need for Speed™, Dragon Age™, Titanfall™, Plants vs. Zombies™ and EA SPORTS F1®. More information about EA is available at www.ea.com/news.EA, EA SPORTS, EA SPORTS FC, Battlefield, Need for Speed, Apex Legends, The Sims, Dragon Age, Titanfall, and Plants vs. Zombies are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. John Madden, NFL, and F1 are the property of their respective owners and used with permission. Jino Talens Integrated Comms Director jtalens@ea.com Source: Electronic Arts Inc. Multimedia Files:

Since we first announced Lumines Arise during the State of Play in June, we’ve been inundated with the same question from fans: When will the demo be available?! And the answer is…right now! You can play the limited-time Lumines Arise Demo on PlayStation 5 now through September 3 and try out three single-player stages and help us network test the all-new multiplayer Burst Battle mode. We also have a release date for the full game—November 11, 2025. Pre-orders start today (and include a 10% discount for PS Plus subscribers!)—go to the PS Store page for that and to download the demo. Lumines for all Never played a Lumines game before? Or forgot how it works? Or never “got it” in the first place? Good news: Arise is incredibly easy for anyone to get into, thanks to an excellent interactive tutorial that walks you through everything, step-by-step. (And even old pros won’t wanna miss the intro to new mechanics like Burst!) The Demo only features one difficulty (Easy – the final game will have four different levels), but you’ll also find robust options to fit every play style under “Accessibility” in the Options menu. Want to just groove to the music and not worry about time pressure, or a “Game Over” when you top out? Try the “No Stress Lumines” options for that! Want to strip away the visual flourishes to focus more on the gameplay? There’s options for that! Or playing on your PlayStation Portal and want to zoom in to get the most out of your portable screen real estate? There’s options for that, too! Play Video An all-new multiplayer experience Burst Battle represents a complete reinvention of multiplayer Lumines, borrowing from the competitive-puzzle-game greats, but adding a twist all its own. Now, both players have an entire playfield to themselves and can send garbage blocks to attack their opponent. You generate these attacks by clearing 2×2 (or larger) Squares, or by triggering the all-new Burst mechanic (where you have a few Timeline passes to build a single color match as large as possible). The bigger the Burst, the larger the deluge your opponent will face! Meanwhile, garbage blocks can pile up on the sides, shrinking the available playfield—only matching blocks adjacent to garbage will clear it out. This ebb and flow can get super tense and really fun, I hope you try it out! The Demo features a taste of Burst Battle via matchmaking, but the full version of the game will offer friend / CPU matches, custom matches, and local play. And you’ll get to select your favorite stage music / block-visuals that you unlocked in the single-player Journey mode to use in multiplayer; it’s kind of like having your own theme song as you head into battle! Everyone’s here—including Astro Bot? Starting today, you can pre-order the Standard or Digital Deluxe Edition of Lumines Arise on PlayStation Store. And as mentioned above, PS Plus members get a 10% discount on the pre-order. The Digital Deluxe Edition (also available as an upgrade to the Standard Edition) includes the full game and four exclusive Loomii in-game avatars. You can customize your Loomii in-game to match your personality, and the set in the Digital Deluxe Edition includes skins based on Tetris Effect: Connected, Rez Infinite, Humanity, and, what’s this—Astro Bot is appearing as a guest as well! A big thank you to our friends at Team Asobi for making this crossover possible. The image above is just a preview—the final look of these avatars will be revealed soon. Also, because it wouldn’t be Lumines Arise news without some new music, a new single from the soundtrack has been released. Hydelic’s hypnotically thumping anthem “Dreamland” is the sonic backdrop of the Chameleon Groove stage from the Demo, and is available now on Bandcamp with a release soon on your favorite streaming services. We know that after you play the demo, you’ll want to add this to your favorite daily playlist. A quick note for PS VR2 owners: unfortunately VR mode couldn’t make it in time for this demo, but we can confirm it will be available at launch on November 11! Thank you for all your passion and excitement for VR, and in this case, for your patience. (And maybe you’ll get a glimpse of Arise in VR somewhere sometime before launch after all…?) We hope you’ll check out the Demo, tell us what you think, and get ready for the launch of the full game on November 11.

The official start of the season may be two months away, but basketball is back with NBA 2K26 hitting PS5 and PS4 September 5. The latest entry brings a new gameplay system powered by machine learning, studying today’s superstars, and fun pick-up and play options. 2K invited me to go hands-on with the game  before it launches September 5 on PS5, and I’m here to share what I learned on the court. Also launching starting on September 12 (Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand) and on September 18 (Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam) is the PlayStation 5 Console – NBA 2K26 Bundle. Read on for full details Better ball 2K26 puts considerable effort into improving both sides of the floor, with notable offensive and defensive enhancements. New machine-learning technology helps capture the fundamentals of the game. While playing, I noticed players would run and get set by firmly planting their feet, instead of a gliding effect. While driving into the paint, they would also stop and accurately respond to a defender in their lane. These details add a realistic weight to the sport. Enhanced Rhythm Shooting You can still flick down-up on the right analog stick or simply press square to start your shooting motion, then release at the correct timing for the individual player’s shoot release. However, now the tempo of the play, like in real life, affects your shot. When a good defender bogged me down, I could quickly release my shot and intentionally release it early for a decisive bucket. With a high basketball IQ, any shot has the potential to be a good shot.  Defensive battles Players can swing a game in their favor if the shots aren’t falling, thanks to new improvements centered around real-world tactics. Around the player’s feet, you will see new Rebound Timing Feedback as a green meter that will flash to indicate a well-timed rebound. Learning Chet Holmgren’s rebound timing made me nearly unstoppable under the rim and made me focus on an aspect of the game I had neglected before.  Collisions and interior defense both benefit from a revamped system-driven tech that allows for more real-time interactions instead of scripted mocap animations. If you want to stop a fast break or crowd the lane, players will stop, adjust, and even collide realistically. The game rewards paying attention to the action when the ball isn’t in your hand. Arena atmosphere The devs also upgraded the game spectacle during downtime and timeouts with new crowd variety, interactions, and on-court performances. Cheerleader routines and mascot antics are fun, but my favorite by far was the dance cam. These moments captured the feel of attending a game live and the sense of community that attending a sporting event can create. MyTEAM updates  MyTEAM has received a significant remodel with Triple Threat Park turning Sunset Beach into a nighttime venue. Players are greeted with neon lights, fireworks, and other details that can only be appreciated after dark. Pulling cards and collecting players has also become an even bigger spectacle with dramatic reveals and added flair.   The biggest change to MyTEAM is that WNBA players join the action for the first time in series history. Newcomers like Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark take to the hardwood along with legends like Lisa Leslie. Attributes and Badges are identical for all players, no matter what league they hail from. Also, there is a WNBA Domination tier where your squad will be exclusively WNBA players as you challenge teams to earn Domination stars and crests.  Another first is 2v2 games in Triple Threat Park. Two half courts have been added in the middle of the street, where you can run your favorite two-person team-ups. The park also features four 3v3 courts, including a new option with a beach backdrop, and three 3v3 courts for 6-player co-op matches. These games capture the essence of streetball, featuring players calling their fouls, checking the ball at midcourt, and engaging in some lively trash talk—a great way to mix and match your favorite ball players and have some quick, high-energy games.  All-Star Team Up is now part of MyTEAM, where 10 players duke it out in 5v5 co-op matches. Take your favorite NBA or WNBA players for some very high-level play where being a good role player is the key to success. Earn individual rewards with the new Season Ladder and earn rewards as a team by winning matches. Find the right chemistry with your teammates, because for every five games you win with the same team lineup, everyone will receive rewards, even if the wins aren’t consecutive.  Discover all the new enhancements coming to the court when NBA 2K 26 launches September 5 on PS5. Vertical Stand sold separately PS5 Console – NBA 2K26 Bundle (Southeast Asia details) We’re pleased to announce the PlayStation 5 Console – NBA 2K26 Bundle is launching in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand starting September 12 and is launching in Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam starting September 18. Release dates and availability may vary by region, please check your local retailer for availability and release dates. Players can feel the on-the-court immersion made possible by the DualSense wireless controller’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. Experience NBA 2K26’s authenticity with lifelike animations, heightened player fidelity and authentic atmosphere with 4K resolution*, and enjoy shortened load times and return to the action faster with the PS5 console’s high-speed SSD. In Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, the bundle includes a PlayStation 5 console, DualSense wireless controller, and a digital voucher** for NBA 2K26 Standard Edition. In Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam, the bundle includes a PlayStation 5 console, DualSense wireless controller, and a disc version for NBA 2K26 Standard Edition With a robust focus on features and the game aspects that don’t rely on the players, it’s great to play and watch. No matter your height, you should hit the court when NBA 2K26 comes to PS5 and PS4 on September 5. *4K and HDR require a 4K and HDR compatible TV or display. **Account for PlayStation and internet connection required to redeem voucher

IntroductionHi! My name is Pavel Vorobyev, and I'm a 19-year-old 3D Artist specializing in texturing and weapon creation for video games. I've been working in the industry for about 3 years now. During this time, I've had the opportunity to contribute to several exciting projects, including Arma, DayZ, Ratten Reich, and a NEXT-GEN sci-fi shooter (currently under NDA). Here's my ArtStation portfolio.My journey into 3D art began in my early teens, around the age of 13 or 14. At some point, I got tired of just playing games and started wondering: "How are they actually made?" That question led me to explore game development. I tried everything – level design, programming, game design – but it was 3D art that truly captured me.I'm entirely self-taught. I learned everything from YouTube, tutorials, articles, and official documentation, gathering knowledge piece by piece. Breaking into the commercial side of the industry wasn't easy: there were a lot of failures, no opportunities, and no support. At one point, I even took a job at a metallurgical plant. But I kept pushing forward, kept learning and improving my skills in 3D. Eventually, I got my first industry offer – and that's when my real path began.Today, I continue to grow, constantly experimenting with new styles, tools, and techniques. For me, 3D isn't just a profession – it's a form of self-expression and a path toward my dream. My goal is to build a strong career in the game industry and eventually move into cinematic storytelling in the spirit of Love, Death & Robots.Astartes YouTube channelI also want to inspire younger artists and show how powerful texturing can be as a creative tool. To demonstrate that, I'd love to share my personal project PU – Part 1, which reflects my passion and approach to texture art.In this article, I'll be sharing my latest personal project – a semi-realistic sci-fi helmet that I created from scratch, experimenting with both form and style. It's a personal exploration where I aimed to step away from traditional hyperrealism and bring in a touch of artistic expression.Concept & Project IdeaThe idea behind this helmet project came from a very specific goal – to design a visually appealing asset with rich texture variation and achieve a balance between stylization and realism. I wanted to create something that looked believable, yet had an artistic flair. Since I couldn't find any fitting concepts online, I started building the design from scratch in my head. I eventually settled on creating a helmet as the main focus of the project. For visual direction, I drew inspiration from post-apocalyptic themes and the gritty aesthetics of Fallout and Warhammer 40,000.Software & Tools UsedFor this project, I used Blender, ZBrush, Substance 3D Painter, Marmoset Toolbag 5, Photoshop, and RizomUV. I created the low-poly mesh in Blender and developed the concept and high-poly sculpt in ZBrush. In Substance 3D Painter, I worked on the texture concept and final texturing. Baking and rendering were done in Marmoset Toolbag, and I used Photoshop for some adjustments to the bake. UV unwrapping was handled in RizomUV.Modeling & RetopologyI began the development process by designing the concept based on my earlier references – Fallout and Warhammer 40,000. The initial blockout was done in ZBrush, and from there, I started refining the shapes and details to create something visually engaging and stylistically bold.After completing the high-poly model, I moved on to the long and challenging process of retopology. Since I originally came from a weapons-focused background, I applied the knowledge I gained from modeling firearms. I slightly increased the polycount to achieve a cleaner and more appealing look in the final render – reducing visible faceting. My goal was to strike a balance between visual quality and a game-ready asset.UV Mapping & BakingNext, I moved on to UV mapping. There's nothing too complex about this stage, but since my goal was to create a game-ready asset, I made extensive use of overlaps. I did the UVs in Rizom UV. The most important part is to align the UV shells into clean strips and unwrap cylinders properly into straight lines.Once the UVs were done, I proceeded to bake the normal and ambient occlusion maps. At this stage, the key is having clean UVs and solid retopology – if those are in place, the bake goes smoothly. Texturing: Concept & WorkflowNow we move on to the most challenging stage – texturing. I aimed to present the project in a hyperrealistic style with a touch of stylization. This turned out to be quite difficult, and I went through many iterations. The most important part of this phase was developing a solid texture concept: rough decals, color combinations, and overall material direction. Without that foundation, it makes no sense to move forward with the texturing. After a long process of trial and error, I finally arrived at results I was satisfied with.Then I followed my pipeline:1. Working on the base materials2. Storytelling and damage3. Decals4. Spraying, dust, and dirtWorking on the Base MaterialsWhen working on the base materials, the main thing is to work with the physical properties and texture. You need to extract the maximum quality from the generators before manual processing. The idea was to create the feeling of an old, heavy helmet that had lived its life and had previously been painted a different color. To make it battered and, in a sense, rotten.It is important to pay attention to noise maps – Dirt 3, Dirt 6, White Noise, Flakes – and add the feel of old metal with custom Normal Maps. I also mixed in photo textures for a special charm. PhototextureCustom Normal Map TextureStorytelling & DamageGradients play an important role in the storytelling stage. They make the object artistically dynamic and beautiful, adding individual shades that bring the helmet to life.Everything else is done manually. I found a bunch of old helmets from World War II and took alpha damage shots of them using Photoshop. I drew the damage with alphas, trying to clearly separate the material into old paint, new paint, rust, and bare metal.I did the rust using MatFX Rust from the standard Substance 3D Painter library. I drew beautiful patterns using paint in multiply mode – this quickly helped to recreate the rust effect. Metal damage and old paint were more difficult: due to the large number of overlaps in the helmet, I had to carefully draw patterns, minimizing the visibility of overlaps.DecalsI drew the decals carefully, sticking to the concept, which added richness to the texture.Spray Paint & DirtFor spray paint and dirt, I used a long-established weapon template consisting of dust particles, sand particles, and spray paint. I analyzed references and applied them to crevices and logical places where dirt could accumulate.Rendering & Post-ProcessingI rendered in Marmoset Toolbag 5 using a new rendering format that I developed together with the team. The essence of the method is to simulate "RAW frames." Since Marmoset does not have such functions, I worked with the EXR 32-BIT format, which significantly improves the quality of the render: the shadows are smooth, without artifacts and broken gradients. I assembled the scene using Quixel Megascans. After rendering, I did post-processing in Photoshop utilizing Filter Camera Raw. Conclusion & Advice for BeginnersThat's all. For beginners or those who have been unsuccessful in the industry for a long time, I advise you to follow your dream and not listen to anyone else. Success is a matter of time and skill! Talent is not something you are born with; it is something you develop. Work on yourself and your work, put your heart into it, and you will succeed!Pavel Vorobiev, Texture ArtistInterview conducted by Gloria Levine

Over the past year, we’ve had the privilege of connecting with talented game developers from across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) through the PlayStation MENA Hero Project. This initiative was launched with a simple goal: to identify and support original voices and empower creators from emerging regions to tell their stories through games. Today, we’re thrilled to announce the first cohort of titles supported under the MENA Hero Project, each one a unique reflection of the creativity, and spirit of developers in the region. The First Cohort of MENA Hero Project Games Red Bandits | Developer: Team Agenda | Country: Saudi Arabia Red Bandits is a fast-paced robbery action game set in a hyper-capitalist age where one company rules the world through complete monopoly. In this world, a newly formed thieves organization known as the Red Bandits, emerges to challenge the system and spark a rebellion. You play as Stutt, a seasoned old thief with a stuttering condition and a mysterious past he can’t fully remember. Break into the company’s fortified floors, take down the powerful board of directors, and bring back a de-monopolized world order. With a dynamic cover system, evolving heists, and a vibrant comrades’ hideout, Red Bandits blends fast, stylish action with a deeply personal story of rebellion. Robbing its way to PS5 and PC. Enci’s Solution | Developer: Dark Emerald | Country: United Arab Emirates Exiled by humans centuries ago, the Aeons are confined to the desolate underground. Their village is safe, but beyond the gates, danger lurks at every corner, and not everyone can be trusted. No one has left the village before, except for Ji’we. Inspired by techno-dystopian aesthetics, Enci’s Solution is a hand-painted, 2.5D narrative platformer following the story of Ji’we, a young Aeon venturing out into the unknown in an attempt to save his dearest friend. Stumbling upon Enci, a lost encyclopedic robot who finds himself far from home, the two form an unusual bond and set out together to the surface of planet Regalia.  Play through 40+ levels with increasing difficulty and explore uncharted territories. Find collectibles and uncover the secrets they carry about the world and its odd inhabitants. Keep an eye out for hidden levels and challenge yourself to think outside the box. Will you find your solution on PS5 and PC? Play Video The Perfect Run | Developer: Lanterns Studios | Country: Tunisia Save the world or blow it up yourself, one loop at a time! The Perfect Run is an action-adventure RPG game where the player controls Quicksave, a time-traveling hero caught in an epic struggle between supervillain gangs, marketed superheroes, and a powerful mega corporation for the control of the city of New Rome. With three days to decide the city’s fate, the player can go back in time to decide their perfect ending… if they have the skill to do so! Interact with NPCs and unlock new dialogue options thanks to information collected in earlier loops, join a faction in one route and fight them the next, bend time itself in epic battle against superpowered bosses, collect the best upgrades before the reset, and unlock the city’s secrets in this memorable superhero adventure. Find the perfect run on PS5 and PC. A Cat’s Manor | Developer: Happiest Dark Corner | Country: Bahrain You awaken trapped in a house infested with spiders and inhabited by an eccentric family. At the end of your tail, you discover a crudely stitched hand. With no memory of who you are or how you got here, you let curiosity guide you forward. A Cat’s Manor is an atmospheric adventure that blends puzzles, combat, crafting, and rhythm-based music challenges. Use your wits to escape the manor. Investigate your surroundings, solve puzzles, fight your way through deadly encounters, or outsmart your foes and avoid trouble. Inspect, observe, listen, and feel your surroundings for clues and cues, immersing yourself with 3D audio and PS5 DualSense controller features. Uncover the secrets of the manor and unravel what the family is hiding. Creeping its way to PS5 and PC near you.  About the MENA Hero Project The MENA Hero Project is the newest chapter in SIE’s global Hero Project family, joining India and China in our mission to discover and nurture the next generation of original game creators. We believe that great games can come from anywhere. Through the MENA Hero Project, we’re committed to unlocking the region’s creative potential, supporting locally inspired experiences with the power to captivate players around the world.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, launching August 28 on PlayStation 5, is a remake of the 2004 PlayStation 2 classic, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. I had a conversation with the developers during a Tokyo press event to discuss the upcoming remake and its development process.  ​​ Faithfully replicating the thrill and impact of the original PlayStation Blog: How important was it to your team to create a game that stayed true to the original? Noriaki Okamura (Metal Gear Series Producer): We began this project with the intention of bringing a 20-year-old game to the present day. While we updated the graphics and certain game mechanics to ensure today’s players could fully enjoy the experience, we wanted to stay true to the original as much as possible. What challenges did your team face during development, and what specific adjustments were implemented? Okamura: I had no intention of altering the original story, so I insisted that we can just update the game graphics. Korekado disagreed and warned me that that approach will not work, but I initially had the team re-create the game just with new character models. Although the graphics improved, they appeared doll-like and unrealistic, so I finally realized that my plan was inadequate. Yuji Korekado (Creative Producer): We began by reworking the animation and game mechanics. We implemented animation programming that didn’t exist two decades ago to make the game more realistic, but that also meant we couldn’t reproduce the original game mechanics. Metal Gear is a stealth game, so it’s crucial for players to be able to make precise movements. We put in a lot of effort to replicate the same feel as the original, while maintaining realism. Are there any areas of the game that you wanted to recreate as faithfully as possible? Korekado: We made sure that the jungle looked as realistic as possible. We devoted a lot of time modeling every fine detail like leaves, grass, and moss covering the ground. Since the perspective shifts along with the character’s movements, players will get a closer look at the ground when they’re crouching or crawling. To make sure the environment was immersive from every angle, we carefully crafted every element with great precision. ​​ Have any enhancements been made compared to the original PS2 version? Korekado: We enhanced the visuals to be more intuitive. Thanks to increased memory and much faster speeds the user experience has improved significantly, including faster transitions to the Survival Viewer or having a quick menu to swap uniforms. On top of that, the audio improvements are remarkable. Sound absorption rates vary depending on the materials of the walls and floors, which allows players to detect enemies behind walls or nearby animals intuitively. In areas like caves and long corridors, unique echo parameters help distinguish different environments, which I think is a major advancement for stealth gameplay. Extra content for players to enjoy diverse gameplay The remake features Fox Hunt, a new online multiplayer mode. Why did you include this in the game instead of Metal Gear Online (MGO)? Yu Sahara (Fox Hunt Director): The remake features significantly enhanced graphics, so we explored various online modes that aligned with these improvements. We decided to focus on stealth, sneaking, and survival, since those are also the key pillars of the main game. We landed on a concept that is based on hide-and-seek, that is classic Metal Gear, while also being reminiscent of the stealth missions featured in the earlier MGO. Can players earn rewards by playing the Fox Hunt mode? Sahara: While there are no items that can be transferred to the main game, players can unlock rewards like new camouflage options by playing Fox Hunt multiple times. Were there any challenges or specific areas of focus while remaking Snake vs Monkey mode? Taiga Ishigami (Planner): Our main goal was to make Pipo Monkey even more charming, cute, and entertaining. We developed new character actions, including the “Gotcha!” motion, and each animation and sound effect were carefully reviewed to ensure it captured Pipo Monkey’s personality. If anything felt off, we made changes right away. I heard the new Snake vs Monkey mode features an Astro Bot collab. Ishigami: Yes, a couple of bots from the Astro Bot game will make an appearance, and you can capture them just like the Pipo Monkeys. Capturing these bots isn’t required to finish the levels, but you’ll receive unique rewards if you do. Depending on the level, either a standard bot or a Pipo Monkey bot will be hidden away, so be sure to keep an eye out for them. ​​ Do you have any final words for new players as well as longtime fans of the original game? Okamura: I rarely cry when playing games, but I remember bawling my eyes out while playing the original Metal Gear Solid 3. The development of Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater was driven by our goal to faithfully capture the impact and thrill that players felt two decades ago. Metal Gear Solid 3 is the ultimate example of storytelling in games, and having dreamed of making a game like this, I now feel a sense of fulfillment. I hope everyone enjoys the story as much as I do. Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater arrives on PS5 on August 28.  Read a new hands-on report with the game.