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Valkyrie Initiative Announces Fast-Paced 2D Platformer Kettlebell: Inferno Hotel

Valkyrie Initiative and solo developer 70`Strike today announced Kettlebell: Inferno Hotel, a fast-paced 2D platformer inspired by the 16-bit classics of the ’90s, coming to PC via Steam and GOG as well as PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch. Packed with humor, destruction, grotesque enemies, and pure hellish energy, the game sends players into a bizarre underworld where the circles of Hell have been reimagined as the floors of a chaotic infernal hotel

Watch the official announcement trailer here

In Kettlebell: Inferno Hotel, players take control of Mr. K, an ordinary office clerk and all-around decent guy whose fate takes a darkly comic turn after a ridiculous accident sends him straight to Hell instead of Heaven. There, he arrives at the gates of the Inferno Hotel, a surreal place where each floor has its own rules, atmosphere, and dangers. With the hotel in chaos and its floors sealed off, Mr. K must fight his way through every trial in search of an audience with the Boss to set this cosmic mistake right.

The game will take players through nine floors of the Inferno Hotel and more than forty handcrafted levels, blending fast and dynamic platforming with strange mechanics, grotesque enemies and bosses, and surreal locations ranging from fiery factories to a park of homeless souls. Built around the spirit of the Mega Drive and Super Nintendo era, the game combines familiar retro sensibilities with fresh ideas, satirical humor, and an offbeat personality of its own.

To celebrate the announcement, Valkyrie Initiative has also opened Steam Playtest sign-ups for the game. Players who take part in the Playtest and meet certain conditions will have the chance to earn a range of exclusive in-game rewards, which will be granted at the full launch of the game. These rewards include a golden kettlebell skin, a smelly kettlebell skin, and a stylish yellow shirt for Mr. K.

Some of these rewards will require genuine skill. Players who complete every level in the Playtest build with an S Rank will unlock the Steam achievement “Golden Run”, qualifying them for the top reward, provided they also wishlist the game and follow Valkyrie Initiative’s publisher page on Steam. Additional rewards can be unlocked through other Playtest achievements and participation requirements. The Playtest start date will be announced at a later time.

“After working on the dark and demanding world of Skelethrone, I wanted to create something lighter, stranger, and more playful without losing the sense of challenge and personality that makes action games memorable,” said Ksayfar (Dmitriy Bukhtatov), solo developer at 70`Strike. “Kettlebell: Inferno Hotel is my love letter to the weird energy of ’90s platformers — games like Earthworm Jim, Boogerman, Bubba ’n’ Stix, and Sonic — filtered through a bizarre vision of Hell inspired by The Divine Comedy. It’s fast, surreal, hand-crafted, and intentionally a little unhinged.”

Key features of Kettlebell: Inferno Hotel include:

  • Fast-paced, dynamic 2D platforming
  • Two gameplay modes: Classic with limited lives, and Arcade, where players cannot die but lose more points when hit
  • Over 40 levels spread across nine floors of the Inferno Hotel
  • Grotesque enemies and bosses
  • Surreal locations and bizarre underworld humor
  • Hand-drawn pixel art and frame-by-frame animation
  • A retro-inspired soundtrack composed by the developer, blending jazz, ’80s disco, blues, and more

Players can wishlist the game and request access to the Steam Playtest here

70`Strike is the solo development label of Ksayfar (Dmitriy Bukhtatov). Following work on Skelethrone: The Chronicles of Ericona, Bukhtatov began development on Kettlebell: Inferno Hotel as a more playful and eccentric project inspired by classic ’90s platformers, hand-drawn pixel animation, and a whimsical reinterpretation of Hell.About Valkyrie Initiative

Valkyrie Initiative is a publisher focused on bringing distinctive games to players across multiple platforms. The company works with development partners on publishing, platform releases, and community-facing initiatives for original indie and mid-core titles.

Cookidev’s Crime Simulator Heading to PS5 April 9th

Starting April 9, Crime Simulator, Cookiedev’s popular stealth-action game with single-player and up to 4-player online co-op, will be available on PlayStation 5 and is also enhanced for PlayStation 5 Pro. After a successful PC launch with over 600,000 copies sold and strong reviews, Crime Simulator is now expanding to more consoles. It is already available on Xbox Series X|S.

Crime Simulator was created by CookieDev, a solo developer from Poland known for Thief Simulator 2, and published by Ultimate Games S.A. Since its PC launch in June 2025, over 600,000 players have bought the game.

It currently has an 82% positive rating on Steam, based on more than 4,500 reviews.

The game is also very popular on YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok. Gameplay videos have reached tens of millions of views, and top gaming influencers like Markiplier have featured them.

Stealth Action Solo or in Co-Op
Crime Simulator is a first-person game that lets you experience the criminal underworld. You can play alone or team up online with up to four players. The main gameplay involves completing various theft and robbery missions, with roguelite features and character upgrades. Planning and stealth are key parts of the experience.

While your main goal is to collect cash and loot, you’ll also face other tasks like destroying targets or planting evidence. To finish these missions, you can use tools like crowbars, lockpicks, drones, and silenced pistols.
As you play, you unlock new skills, buy better gear, and grow your hideout.

Crime Simulator Now Also on PS5
When Crime Simulator launches on PlayStation 5, it will include update 1.21, adding a new Rural Arizona map and drivable vehicles you can steal. Ultimate Games S.A. says both the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions will get update 1.4 soon, which will introduce new jewel theft features.

On a standard PlayStation 5, the game runs at 1920×1080 resolution with about 60 frames per second. On PlayStation 5 Pro, it reaches 2560×1440 resolution at 120 FPS.

Crime Simulator – Key Features:

  • survive in the criminal underworld;
  • execute stealth and robbery contracts;
  • act solo or in co-op (up to 4 players);
  • acquire new skills;
  • utilize a wide arsenal of weapons and equipment.

Crime Simulator will launch on PlayStation 5 on April 9, 2026. The standard price is $19.99 or €19.99, depending on your region.
 
Crime Simulator – Official PlayStation 5 (PS5) Launch Trailer
Crime Simulator (PlayStation Store)
Crime Simulator (Microsoft Store)
Crime Simulator (Steam)

Co-Op Bullet Heaven The Spell Brigade Marches onto PS5 & Steam on April 29th!

Belgian indie studio Bolt Blaster Games has announced that the hit co-op bullet heaven roguelite The Spell Brigade will launch its full 1.0 release on Steam and will be spellblasting its way onto PlayStation 5 on April 29.

After selling over one million copies during Early Access and earning a “Very Positive” rating across 13,000+ Steam reviews, the 4-player co-op spellslinger roguelite is preparing its biggest update yet.

To celebrate this milestone achievement with their community, the team has cooked up an amazing animated trailer to announce the release date. Have a watch!

Watch the Release Date Trailer Here

What’s New in the Full Release?

The Spell Brigade already had a ton of content and continuous updates to keep you busy for hours on end, alone or with friends, and the upcoming 1.0 update will make it even more appealing to return for more!

💪 New Foes! – The update introduces new enemies and challenges including resource-stealing thieves, powerful elite variants that act as mini-bosses, and a brand-new boss encounter.

🎁 Improved Progression! – A new Ascension system lets players reset their wizard rank in exchange for upgraded badges, while optional difficulty modifiers add challenge for those seeking a tougher experience and faster rank gains. As their reward, players will unlock secret outfits that alter each wizard’s starting spell, opening up new playstyles and build possibilities.

🎶 New OST! – The update is further enhanced by an original soundtrack from Grammy-winning composer Austin Wintory, known for his amazing work on famous games like Journey, ABZÛ, Assassin’s Creed, Hades II and more. He composed an epic soundtrack for The Spell Brigade with tracks for every Realm and Boss Battle.

🔔 A New Wizard! – Perhaps the most welcome surprise, the update also rings in the 15th playable wizard to the roster!

…And there’s even more to discover when 1.0 drops!

Press & Creators who want to dive in right away can request one or multiple Steam or PS5 keys here and check it out for themselves: Request review copies for The Spell Brigade

Steam Page
​PlayStation Store page
​Press Contact: Press@piratepr.com & ​ maria@boltblastergames.com (Interviews welcome!)

About the game

The Spell Brigade is a survivors-like with online co-op for 1-4 players. Team up with your wizard friends to slay hordes of dark creatures. Complete team-based objectives, unlock new upgrades, and create overpowered spell synergies. Friend nor foe is safe in this friendly fire-enabled bullet heaven!

Key features

  • 1-4 Player Co-op: The Spell Brigade combines the survivors-like gameplay you love with good old multiplayer madness. Fight thousands of weird monsters together. Complete random team-based objectives and upgrade spells together. Survive together!
  • Friendly Fire Bullet Heaven : Taking on entire armies is risky business, even with your friends at your side! Fighting as a team has many perks, but you will inevitably step on each other’s toes. But fear not! You can use your deaths to your advantage, and use Revive tokens to (literally) blast yourself and your teammates back into action!
  • Dynamic Spell System: Improve, augment and infuse your spells with different kinds of elements and upgrades. Combine this with your Enchantments, Quests, Scrolls, and the different wizards in your squad, and the potential for pure, unhinged chaos is endless!
  • A Soundtrack to Rock Out to: Austin Wintory, known for his amazing work on famous games like Journey, ABZÛ, Assassin’s Creed, Hades II and more, has composed an epic soundtrack for The Spell Brigade, with tracks for every Realm and Boss Battle.

For more updates, follow the studio on: Discord | Bluesky | Twitter/X | TikTok

About Bolt Blaster Games

Bolt Blaster Games is a Belgium-based indie studio on a mission to craft chaotic, fun co-op games with systemic depth and vibrant visuals. The studio is currently developing The Spell Brigade, a survivors-like with online co-op for 1-4 players. Their goal is to continue growing as a community-driven studio that delivers standout co-op games.

The Spell Brigade was made possible thanks to the support of the Flanders Audiovisual Fund (VAF)

Copyright © 2026 Bolt Blaster Games, All rights reserved.

NACON UNVEILS NEW ACTION RPG ‘HUNTER: THE RECKONING – DEATHWISH’ FROM TEYON

During the Xbox Partner Showcase, NACON and the studio Teyon were pleased to unveil their new project set in the World of Darkness™ universe: Hunter: The Reckoning – Deathwish. One of the most iconic licenses in the role-playing game world returns 20 years after the release of the last video game in this universe. In this first-person, single-player action RPG, players take on the role of a monster hunter in an expansive version of New York, tracking their prey among citizens unaware of the secret world surrounding them. Hunter: The Reckoning – Deathwish will be released on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam in summer 2027.

Watch the Announcement Trailer:
ESRB | PEGI


Hunter: The Reckoning – Deathwish immerses players in a dark New York where vampires, werewolves, and other supernatural horrors lurk and scheme in the shadows. Players assume the role of a Hunter, or humans who have discovered the horrifying truth that monsters secretly rule our world and decided to track them down. Players customize their Hunter just like the tabletop RPG and explore the city at their own pace, searching for clues and side quests that may give them an edge against enemies as powerful as they are dangerous.

To achieve their goal, Hunters must prepare and adapt their approach to each creature’s lair whether through brute force, stealth, or cunning. With a wide range of ranged and melee weapons at their disposal, players can engage monsters in intense combat. Throughout the adventure, they join a cell of hunters and team up with five companions, each with their own story and unique personality, providing valuable support during hunts. Players can also build relationships with them and even pursue romances.


Throughout the campaign, Hunters shape their own story by making important decisions both in dialogue as well as during missions. Each choice can lead to multiple outcomes and influence the story’s conclusion and may also damage their reputation with allies or put them under scrutiny from law enforcement, adding new obstacles to their already perilous journey.

“We knew NACON and Teyon had something special the moment we saw Deathwish” Jess Lanzillo, Creative Director at White Wolf for World of Darkness, said. “Teyon has a deep understanding of what makes Hunter: The Reckoning a compelling setting, and Deathwish embodies our vision of bringing it to life. NACON has helped bring several World of Darkness games to our fans, and the team at Teyon is in good hands.”

Hunters have one clear mission: stand between monsters and the innocent. Because if they don’t, who will?

Hunter: The Reckoning – Deathwish will be available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam in summer 2027.


About NACON
A company within the BIGBEN group, NACON was created in 2019 to optimize its expertise and leverage synergies in the video game market. Comprising 16 development studios, AA game publishing, and the design and distribution of premium gaming peripherals, NACON brings 40 years of experience to benefit the world’s gaming community. This unified center of excellence strengthens NACON’s position in the market and creates unique opportunities for innovation and competitive advantages. www.corporate.nacongaming.com 

About Teyon
Teyon is a video game development studio founded in Kraków, Poland in 2006. The company develops games for PC, PlayStation and Xbox platforms, with production teams based in Kraków and Łódź and a branch office in Tokyo. The studio is supported by a multidisciplinary team of over 150 developers. The studio focuses on action titles for the global market, including licensed projects such as Terminator: Resistance (2019), RoboCop: Rogue City (2023) and RoboCop: Rogue City – Unfinished Business (2025). Teyon develops narrative-driven single-player experiences built around established IP and original concepts, combining technical production capabilities with in-house creative direction across all stages of development. More information on www.teyon.com.

About White Wolf Publishing
White Wolf is the premier supernatural entertainment franchise, home to iconic properties including Vampire: The Masquerade, Werewolf: The Apocalypse, Hunter: The Reckoning, and more. Set in White Wolf’s World of Darkness universe, these properties tell mature stories of monster-perspective entertainment across gaming, streaming, literature, and digital media, exploring what it means to be human through supernatural eyes. Since 1991, White Wolf has defined creature-focused storytelling for sophisticated audiences worldwide. For more information visit www.white-wolf.com.

Indie racer Retro Drive: Revamped heading to Steam,PS4,PS5, & Xbox consoles March 17th

Steam, PlayStation, and Xbox players, fire up your engines for neon highway domination! Retro Drive: Revamped—the definitive synthwave arcade racer—launches March 27th across Steam, PS4/PS5, and Xbox, bringing laser-gate chaos, cop chases, and an authentic ’80s soundtrack that hits harder than a redline burnout.

Synthwave Soundtrack by Genre Legends

What truly sets Retro Drive: Revamped apart is its unforgettable synthwave soundtrack featuring legendary artists including Fantom ’87, Sunglasses Kid, New Arcades, Neon Nox, Michael Oakley, and many more synthwave pioneers. This is a soundtrack you’ll want to return to no matter the decade, perfectly complementing the high-octane racing action with authentic ’80s atmosphere.

Pure Retro Racing Action

Burn rubber through the neon-lit streets of Retropolis in this indie arcade racer steeped in ’80s nostalgia. Players will dodge deadly laser gates and outrun relentless police while chasing friends across vibrant, retro tracks. The game delivers precision racing mechanics wrapped in a stunning visual package that captures the essence of the Reagan era.

Key Features:

  • Heart-pounding gameplay with precise, challenging track mechanics
  • Customizable cars to rule the neon roads in style
  • VHS collectibles packed with authentic ’80s movie references
  • Retrofuturistic adventure with competitive high-score gameplay
  • Immersive storyline following a college student’s journey to catch up with friends

Critical Acclaim

“Retro Drive Revamped is a great-sounding blast from the past” – OpenCritic

“There was a precise retrofuturistic vision for the look and feel of this game, and I think the developers realised that vision stupidly well” – BestNerdLife

“There is something strangely addictive, or hypnotising, about Retro Drive Revamped” – TheSixAxis

About the Game: Retro Drive: Revamped is published by No Gravity Games & Development and developed by Retro Drive Studio Ltd. This game offers both single-player adventure and competitive high-score gameplay.

Turn the volume up, put the pedal to the metal, and get ready to race through the most authentic ’80s experience!

Watch the trailer here

About No Gravity Games & Development:
No Gravity Games & Development  is an indie boutique publisher specialized in console publishing and building up to games value. https://nogravitygames.com/

TomorrowHead Studio announces 28 April release date for WILL: Follow The Light on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S

 International independent game developer TomorrowHead Studio today announced on the Future Games Show that its highly anticipated Unreal Engine 5 narrative adventure, WILL: Follow The Light, will launch on 28 April for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.


See the Release Date Announcement trailer for WILL: Follow The Light here

About WILL: Follow the Light


WILL: Follow The Light is a story-driven first-person adventure puzzle game about a perilous personal journey through the harsh northern latitudes. Players assume the role of Will, a lighthouse keeper on a remote island in the northern seas whose routine is upended when an unexpected radio message reveals a sudden disaster has struck his hometown and his only son is missing. Determined to find him, Will sets out on a journey aboard his sailing yacht, “Molly.”


Key Features of WILL: Follow The Light:

 

  • A stunning northern wilderness – Breathtaking northern landscapes on land and sea, brought to life in Unreal Engine 5.
  • Deep exploration and traversal systems – Realistic sailing and dog sledding mechanics allow players to explore a vast world.
  • A story of fathers and sons – A compelling narrative adventure in a mysterious setting with puzzles, secrets, and revelations in every chapter.
  • Testing puzzles and challenges – Players will solve puzzles rooted in real life, chart their path using an authentic weather station, and traverse snowy trails by dog sled.
  • A cinematic adventure – Experience Will’s story through narration and environmental storytelling.
  • Original soundtrack – An atmospheric blend of experimental textures and unique instruments.

“We are excited to announce the imminent release of WILL: Follow the Light,” said Roman Novikov, Founder and Game Director at TomorrowHead Studio. “We hope our community and new players will be excited to see the game launch so soon, and we hope players will enjoy the game when it launches next month for PC, PS5, and Xbox.”


Players can wishlist WILL: Follow the Light on Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S now. Keep up to date with TomorrowHead Studio on the official website, Twitter/X, YouTube, Tiktok, Instagram and Reddit.


Media Contact
Honest Public Relations
tomorrowhead@honest-pr.com


About TomorrowHead Studio
Headquartered in Spokane, Washington, TomorrowHead Studio is an independent, self-funded, and self-publishing game developer. Driven by a passion for travel, the team aims to share that enthusiasm with players by sending them on journeys to explore new places and worlds. With a strong background in CGI, they are eager to deliver realistic visuals and unique adventures, fully immersing players in the narratives they create.

Medieval Survival RPG Bellwright Surpasses 1 Million Units Sold in Steam Early Access

 Donkey Crew, in partnership with Snail Games USA has revealed that their medieval open-world survival RPG Bellwright has surpassed 1 million units sold while still on Steam Early Access. It was recently announced that it will be coming to PS5 as well as Xbox Series consoles upon hitting its 1.0 launch.
 

Bellwright is a medieval open-world survival RPG where you can establish and expand your own settlements, liberate the land and assist its villagers, and recruit others to your cause while learning more about a life you had to leave behind. Command your forces, prove your valor through combat, and cement yourself as the hero of your people. Since its premiere in April 2024, Bellwright has seen numerous content updates with the biggest being its Maiden Voyage update which added the new Halmare Isles map, which is roughly 25% the size of the original game! At over 10 square kilometers this region includes all new story-based quests with multiple progression lines, expanded armor and equipment, new animals and buildings, and introduces a Loyalty & Faction system.

“Achieving this milestone is a clear indication for us that we are on the right track in our development. Seeing all the feedback and players enjoying the game is the best reward for our hard work and it fuels our motivation for improving the game and reaching new heights as we move through Early Access towards 1.0 release.” Florian “Chadz” Hofreither, Creative Director and Project Lead from Donkey Crew will be available for interviews at GDC 2026, March 9-13 at Booth #1238 for press interested in scheduling an interview, please reach out to press@snailgamesusa.com.

For creators interested in collaborating please reach out to creatordirect@noiz.gg

Bellwright: Website | Steam
Donkey Crew: X | YouTube | Discord
Snail Social Media: X | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook
 

About Donkey Crew Donkey Crew is an independent studio made up of talented, experienced developers from every corner of the world. Starting as a small team of passionate gamers working together within a large Mount & Blade modding community, the group grew into a professional company developing indie titles. Based in Wroclaw, Poland, Donkey Crew continues their journey as an indie developer while growing and expanding. www.donkey.team/

About Snail Games USA Snail Games is a leading global developer and publisher, known for delivering innovative, immersive gaming experiences across a range of genres and platforms. With a legacy of technological innovation and a focus on community engagement, Snail Games is shaping the future of interactive entertainment. snail.com

NO STRAIGHT ROADS 2 developer releases preview of new Dance track ‘vs. Rama Irama’

Metronomik and Shueisha Games today released an exclusive preview of a brand-new original track set to be featured in the upcoming musical action-adventure NO STRAIGHT ROADS 2.

Available to stream now on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, ‘vs. Rama Irama’ is an epic new dance track composed by James Landino and performed by singer-songwriter Sara Ryan, that will feature in-game during a mega musical showdown against rival Rama Irama. 

See a preview of the new track here

Jump into the action as returning rock stars Mayday and Zuke alongside new band members Casey and a yet-to-be-revealed star in an action-packed adventure that combines rhythm-based combat with an electrifying soundtrack. Hit the road and fight to the beat on an epic world tour, featuring all-new music from James Landino, Falk Au Yeong, Garrett Williamson, Midas Klare (Inverted Silence), and additional guest stars. 

Travel to vibrant new locations to discover rival musicians and communities full of unique musical cultures, including folk music, experimental jazz, rebellious rock, and digital pop stardom. For the bandmates of Bunkbed Junction, this isn’t just a tour: it’s a transformation.

NO STRAIGHT ROADS 2 is currently in development for PC and consoles and can be added to your Steam Wishlist now. For more information, follow No Straight Roads on Instagram, Facebook, and X, or visit shueisha-games.com.

About Metronomik
Out of their love for music and visual storytelling, Wan Hazmer, Lead Game Designer of Final Fantasy XV, and Daim Dziauddin, Concept Artist of Street Fighter V, formed Metronomik in 2017, with an aim to bring the harmony of music and video games to the masses.

About Shueisha Games
Shueisha Games, founded in February 2022 and headquartered in Tokyo, is an enthusiastic and experienced team responsible for the planning, development, and sales of many titles for consoles, PCs, and smartphones

Arknights: Endfield Announces First Major Content Update Releasing on March 12, 2026

GRYPHLINE announced today that the first major content expansion for its popular 3D Industrial RPG, Arknights: Endfield, will be available as a free download for all players starting March 12, 2026. Version 1.1, titled ‘Old Deep Water Dies, by Rising Tide It is Denied,’ features a wave of substantial additions and updates to the base experience, signifying GRYPHLINE’s commitment to listening to community feedback and delivering consistent, high-quality content iterations.
 

The first major update follows a launch window that has surpassed internal projections. As Producer Light Zhong noted:
 

“Arknights: Endfield’s global player count, playtime, and in-game activity levels have all greatly exceeded our expectations,’ and Version 1.1 serves as a direct response to the community’s rapid engagement.”

Watch the Old Deep Water Dies, by Rising Tide It is Denied Announcement Trailer
 

Version 1.1 introduces new content, player rewards, and community-driven optimizations. Notable features and changes include: 
 

New Content:

Several additional operators will be added alongside an expansion of the evolving AIC system via the new hydro-industrialization system. 

  • New Operators:
    • Tangtang (6-star Caster): Described as a “one-girl team,” Tangtang is specialized in AOE Cryo damage and support. Her Ultimate, DA CHIEF SEES YOU! introduces a powerful new tactical layer by immobilizing all enemies within its range – including bosses – allowing her squads to create decisive damage windows.
    • Rossi (6-star Guard): The only operator currently capable of converting Arts Infliction on enemies into Vulnerability (defense break). This specialized mechanic positions her as a vital force multiplier for Physical-focused squads, as she shreds enemy defenses to facilitate massive damage output from the team’s primary carries.
  • Hydro-industrialization:
    • New tech: The Hydro Mining Rig allows players to mine Cuprium, a new industrial resource that uses water flow instead of electricity. Unlike existing facilities, Hydro Mining Rigs harness water flow to automate mineral collection, requiring no connection to the power grid.
    • New logistics: New Conduits for long-distance liquid transport and Water Treatment Units for processing sewage.
    • Forges of the Sky Expansion: Placement limit for Forges of the Sky increased to four units, significantly raising the production ceiling for endgame resources.
  • World & Story Expansions:
    • New Wuling area: Qingbo Stockade
    • Story: The Endministrator can investigate the Qingbo Stockade, where tensions with Wuling City are boiling over due to the arrival of Nefarith and Ardashir. 

Player Rewards & Progression:  

In addition to the launch window offering of 135 free pulls, player rewards will now be supplemented by:

  • New Beginner Support: After reaching specific milestones in Chapter 1, players will receive a new beginner mission reward totalling 10 Chartered Headhunting Permits. Endministrators who have already completed these requirements can claim their rewards directly from the event page upon the update.
  • Sign-in Events: “Gently Flows Qingbo” and “Pearl of the Pack” (7-day logins) for limited-time permits.
  • Battle Pass Update: The Protocol Pass now allows for periodic acquisition of Basic Headhunting Permits.
  • Limited-time Activities: 
    • Exploration Day: Farming at Originium Science Park.
    • Survival Training: Try a different take on combat using only Industrial Explosives!
  • Systemic Rewards: AIC Quota acquisition has been expanded, with players now receiving Quotas for obtaining 4, 5, and 6-star operators for the first time. For operators acquired prior to the update, the corresponding Quotas will be distributed via in-game mail.
  • Advanced Gear Optimization: The introduction of the Valley Multi-Line Engraving Kit – available through the Stock Redistribution system – allows players to create Essences with three customized stats. This provides a high-level path for Endministrators to optimize endgame weapon builds and reduce RNG friction.

Community-driven Optimizations: 

Following launch feedback, Version 1.1 introduces sweeping improvements to the user experience, particularly for controller players.

  • Construction Precision: The buffer range for power lines has been extended to 20m (100m total), and connection will no longer snap during dialogue or combat triggers. Controller users can also now move facilities by long-pressing a dedicated button.
  • Exploration HUD: A new feature allows the minimap and game map to be accessed while using ziplines, improving navigation across the vertical terrain of Qingbo Stockade.
  • Combat Ready: Operators now enter Protocol Spaces with maximum HP and Ultimate Energy. Additionally, the Red Flash enemy attack telegraphs have been re-tuned for better visibility during chaotic encounters. 

The expansion of Talos-II will continue at an even larger scale in Version 1.2. The upcoming narrative arc will see the Endministrator join forces with Tianshi Zhuang to defend the Xiranite Dam against a sudden siege by Ardashir. This future update will introduce two new maps, an outpost, and a new fluid-based production system for the AIC Factory.
 

Arknights: Endfield is a free-to-play title with cross-platform progression and serves as the latest entry in the popular Arknights universe, a franchise that has exceeded 100 million downloads to date. This launch marks the first time the IP has expanded beyond mobile, bringing its signature strategic depth to console and PC. Arknights: Endfield introduces a new frontier storyline and a world built around exploration, real-time combat, and base-building. Players command squads of up to four Operators, combining skills, elemental synergies, and coordinated tactics across fast-paced encounters. 
 

Arknights: Endfield leverages the latest graphical technologies, including native 120 FPS support, realistic snow-stepping, environmental puddle reflections, and more. Players can also toggle NVIDIA DLSS Super Resolution and Frame Generation independently. The title includes plug-and-play support on PC and mobile for both PlayStation (DualSense & DualShock) and Xbox controllers with haptic feedback for a premium, tactile experience. 
 

Arknights: Endfield launched globally on PS5, PC (via the official launcher and Epic Games Store), and mobile devices (via Apple App Store and Google Play Store) on Jan. 22, 2026. It has been rated “T” for Teen by the ESRB. To learn more about the game visit the official website and X. For more information about GRYPHLINE, please visit the official company site.
 

About GRYPHLINE

GRYPHLINE is the global publishing brand of HYPERGRYPH, headquartered in Singapore, with branches across multiple countries and regions. Our mission is to bring unique and high-quality gaming experiences to players across the world. As the trusted global publishing partner of HYPERGRYPH, we are responsible for releasing titles including Arknights: Endfield, Ex Astris, and POPUCOM. We are also expanding into more areas of global publishing, launching the official player community SKPORT, and actively engaging in investments and IP licensing to grow our global business. More information can be found here on the official company site www.gryphline.com.

Lil Gator Game: Gator of the Year Physical Edition Now Available

Silver Lining Interactive, Playtonic Friends & MegaWobble are thrilled to announce that Lil Gator Game: Gator of the Year Physical Edition is OUT NOW, bringing Lil Gator’s full heartfelt adventure together in one adorable package.

Published physically by Silver Lining Interactive, the Gator of the Year Edition is available Today through Silver Lining Direct or local retailers and includes both the original Lil Gator Game and its major expansion, In the Dark, all on the cartridge or disc. For new or longtime players ready to own the complete journey, this physical edition is the perfect way to experience Lil Gator’s story from start to finish!

Buy Lil Gator: Gator Of The Year Physicals here!
 

A World Beneath the Playground

In the Dark expands Lil Gator’s island with a sprawling underground playground that rivals the surface world in size and imagination. From bioluminescent caves to secret hideaways and winding passageways, exploration is filled with discovery, side quests, and new friends waiting just around the corner.

New Friends… and New Frenemies

Not everyone underground is ready to play nice. A group of moody troublemakers has taken root below the surface and it’s up to Lil Gator’s boundless empathy, charm, and positivity to turn conflict into connection. Expect heartfelt moments, playful mischief, and stories packed with big feelings.

New Tools for Bigger Adventures

Lil Gator’s imagination gets an upgrade with new movement abilities and playful gadgets, including gymnastic ribbons for stylish double jumps and powerful ground-slamming moves. These new tools make exploration faster, freer, and more expressive than ever before.

In the Dark serves as a warm and joyful finale to Lil Gator’s journey, a celebration of creativity, friendship, and the simple magic of playing pretend.

Play Today
Lil Gator Game: In the Dark expansion is available for all platforms now via digital stores along with the digital release of the Gator of the Year Edition for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S|X and Nintendo Switch.

The physical Gator of the Year Edition for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch can be purchased from Silver Lining Direct or local retailers!

About Playtonic Friends

The studio that brought you Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair, Playtonic launched their publishing arm, Playtonic Friends to be a helping hand to indie developers around the world. Established in February 2021 Playtonic Friends has helped bring incredible titles such as B.P.M, Demon Turf, Blossom Tales 2 and Lil Gator Game to wider audiences.

About MegaWobble

MegaWobble is the collaborative talents of Scott Slucher, Robin Burgess, and Connor Quinn who are bringing to life a passion project about a silly little gator on a wholesome journey of self-discovery!

About Silver Lining Interactive 

Silver Lining Interactive is an independent game publisher based in the North of England. Founded by a team of seasoned professionals for two decades, this studio has been a cornerstone of the indie game scene. With a passion for fostering creative talent and great games, Silver Lining Interactive is committed to bringing innovative, high-quality games to players worldwide, physically and digitally.

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