Blizzard Entertainment unveiled the schedule for its 2026 showcase, a multi-part series of developer-led livestreams that will deliver major announcements and updates across the company’s flagship franchises, including “World of Warcraft,” “Overwatch,” “Hearthstone” and “Diablo.” Rolling out from late January through mid-February, the presentations double as a celebration of Blizzard’s 35th anniversary and will offer an early look ahead to the long-awaited return of BlizzCon, set for September.
The showcase will consist of four franchise-specific spotlights streamed on Blizzard’s YouTube and Twitch channels, beginning Jan. 29 with the “World of Warcraft: State of Azeroth” presentation, followed by dedicated events for “Overwatch,” “Hearthstone” and “Diablo.” Each livestream is expected to include new game announcements, future roadmap details and commentary from Blizzard’s development teams, underscoring what the company describes as a pivotal year for its portfolio.
“Our extraordinarily talented teams have assembled a stellar lineup for our players across our universes,” Blizzard Entertainment president Johanna Faries said in a statement. She described the showcase as arriving at a “significant moment in time” as Blizzard reflects on more than three decades of history while laying out its ambitions for the future, adding that the presentations represent “only the start” of what the company plans to share in the year ahead.
Blizzard also released a commemorative video, “Blizzard: The Next Chapter,” alongside the announcement. The piece looks back at the studio’s history through roughly 400 artifacts pulled from Blizzard’s physical archives, highlighting key releases and moments from the company’s 35-year legacy while positioning the showcase and BlizzCon’s return as part of its next era.
NEWLY ANNOUNCED GAMES
Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc. has announced a new “Dragon Ball” game project titled “Age 1000,” revealing an original setting and characters created by franchise creator Akira Toriyama. The project was unveiled during the “Dragon Ball Genkidamatsuri” event and is currently slated for release in 2027.
According to Bandai Namco, “Age 1000” will introduce a completely new “Dragon Ball” world populated by original characters designed by Toriyama, expanding the long-running franchise beyond its existing timelines. A reveal trailer debuted alongside the announcement, featuring the first look at a never-before-seen character created specifically for the project.
Additional details about “Age 1000” will be shared during Dragon Ball Games Battle Hour 2026, which will take place April 18–19 in Los Angeles. The annual fan event, now in its sixth year, is positioned as a major showcase for the franchise across games, cards and competitive play.
This year’s Dragon Ball Games Battle Hour will feature a special announcement stage, along with tournaments for titles including “Dragon Ball FighterZ,” “Dragon Ball Super Card Game Masters,” “Dragon Ball Super Card Game Fusion World” and its digital counterpart. The event will also include hands-on exhibits for multiple “Dragon Ball” games, including “Dragon Ball Gekishin Squadra” and “Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero,” as well as merchandise and fan experiences.
Bandai Namco has not yet disclosed platforms or gameplay details for “Age 1000,” with further information expected during the April showcase.
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AI and gaming company Studio Atelico has announced the creation of its debut game, “Bobium Brawlers,” a turn-based card and dice creature battler, which will launch this year. Fans can join the Studio Atelico Discord server to participate in upcoming beta tests.
Described as “a competitive arena where weird science meets tactical PvP combat” by the studio, “Bobium Brawlers” features a rookie scientist who discovers Beppe, a sarcastic robot with the power to transform the mysterious compound Bobium into living creatures.
Players can craft monsters and enter them into the Bobium Brawler League for various face-offs by typing in 140-character descriptions. The game then adapts the description into the Bobium Brawlers art style and creates a custom suite of abilities and attacks.
Studio Atelico’s art team trained a custom AI model to vividly bring each player’s creation to life, with artists being fairly compensated for training according to the studio.
Piero Molino, CEO and co-founder of Studio Atelico said, “This game started with a simple belief: player creativity should be at the center of gameplay. With Bobium Brawlers, we’re bringing players’ imaginations to life through on-device AI, used thoughtfully and intentionally. This is only the beginning of a new kind of experience that empowers self-expression and feels truly personal and original.”
NEW RELEASES
“Code Vein II” is now available in early access, Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. announced Tuesday. The game will be available to all players on Jan. 30 on consoles and PC.
“Code Vein’s” long-awaited follow-up, the Bandai Namco Studios sequel “sends players on an epic narrative-driven journey where they wield time as a weapon and join forces with companions,” reads the official logline. Set in a future where humanity and the world are both on the brink of collapse, players will travel through vast environments, assuming the role of the Revenant Hunter as they “take on challenging foes and massive, unforgettable bosses.”
The action-packed RPG will let players engage with distinctive gameplay, including using blood drained from enemies, new combat strategies and unique weapons. A new Partner System is also introduced in the game, which allows players to switch between combat forms, and customization settings returns for Revenant Hunter.
“Code Vein II” is available on early access for players who own the Deluxe or Ultimate Edition. “Code Vein II” is available now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam in Standard, Deluxe and Ultimate Editions.
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2K has set a March release date for “WWE 2K26,” the latest entry in its long-running wrestling franchise, with current World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk gracing the cover.
Developed by Visual Concepts, “WWE 2K26” launches March 6 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2 and PC via Steam. The Standard Edition will follow a week later, arriving March 13. Premium editions — King of Kings, Attitude Era and Monday Night War — will all be available globally on March 6.
Punk, who last appeared on a WWE game cover with 2013’s “WWE ’13,” headlines the Standard Edition and serves as the focus of this year’s 2K Showcase mode, “Punked,” which revisits key moments from his career through narrated matches and fantasy showdowns.
The King of Kings Edition centers on WWE Hall of Famer and Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque, while the Attitude Era Edition leans into late-’90s nostalgia with Superstars such as Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock, Shawn Michaels and Undertaker. A new super-premium Monday Night War Edition adds WCW legends including Hulk Hogan, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall and Goldberg.
2K said “WWE 2K26” will feature four new match types, a franchise-record roster of more than 400 playable characters, expanded customization tools and upgrades across core modes including MyGM, MyRISE, Universe and The Island.
The game will retail for $69.99 for the Standard Edition, with premium editions priced up to $149.99.
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“GeniGods: Nezha,” a brand new single-player action role-playing game from GeniGods Labs, has been announced. Built in Unreal Engine 5 and optimised for PlayStation 5 in collaboration with Sony, the game will be available to play on PC and PlayStation 5 platforms in 2028.
Set against the backdrop of ancient Chinese genesis mythology, gamers can play as Spirit pearl, the “very first spark of life forged by Nüwa, the Goddess of Life, from the essence of earth, water, and fire.” In the game, players will evolve into the first human, solving anxiety puzzles, conquering trials and learning the truth alongside legendary heroes Yi, the sun-feller, and Yu, the flood-tamer. Beside you also dwells the Heart of Sacred Water.
“Our mission is to ignite the epic celestial battles of Chinese mythology. In ‘GeniGods: Nezha,’ every skill you cast, every choice you make, writes a new line in an ancient epic—forged in your image,” said Erdi Yao, co-founder and Head of Creative & Design at GeniGods Labs, in a statement. “Players will wield the heart of creation, soar between realms, awaken the three-headed and eight-armed form, and step onto the primordial battlefield to mend the shattered heavens. This is not about hearing a story; it is about etching your name into its very fabric.”
GeniGods Lab’s previously created “My Hero Academia,” a critically and commercially acclimated mobile game published by Sony Crunchyroll.
PARTNERSHIPS
“Bluey” will soon be on Minecraft, thanks to BBC Studios and Ludo Studio. Beginning Feb. 5, fans of the Emmy Award-winning animated children’s series can meet Bluey, Bingo, Mum, and Dad, unlock rooms throughout the house, and enjoy familiar games from the show, all within a new, playful, interactive environment.
Developed by Jigarbov, creator and founder of Jigarbov Productions, “Bluey DLC: Bluey’s House” will provide players with an immersive experience that allows them to relive memorable moments from the hit series. Players will also be able to search for hidden keys throughout the home, guided by Bluey and her family, unlocking new rooms and areas as they progress, in addition to participating in familiar games from the show, such as I-Spy, Hide and Seek, and Ragdoll.
Marina Mello, Global Director of BBC Studios’ Gaming & Interactive department, said, “Bringing Bluey to Minecraft opens up a new way for fans to engage with the brand in a place where they already love to play. This partnership is a great example of how we’re evolving the way our brands live beyond the screen. By collaborating with Microsoft and Jigarbov, we’re able to explore new forms of interactive storytelling that feel native to platforms like Minecraft, while staying true to what makes Bluey so special.”
All Minecraft Bedrock players can stop by the Minecraft Marketplace to grab a free Chattermax Mask until Mar. 6, after which the item will be available to purchase.
EVENTS
The Black Voices in Gaming Showcase will return on Feb. 19, XPerience Studios announced Tuesday. Dedicated to spotlighting games created by Black developers around the world, the upcoming showcase will air at noon PST on BVIG Twitch channel and co-streamed on IGN and GameSpot.
“This marks our five year anniversary developing a nonprofit to elevate Black professional developers in multiple dimensions with a network of enthusiastic veterans in the video game industry,” said Justin Woodward, co-founder of XPerience Studios, in a statement. “We have had the honor of working with and partnering with larger publishers and developers such as Riot, Netflix, Microsoft, PlayStation, Humble Games,and more in order to work on making an impact in the industry, with the challenges in the world and in particular where we live. It is important that we keep the movement going in 2026 with more opportunities and set higher goals to help out the culture of gaming and game development.”
XPerience Studios also announced its two new XP Grants recipients. Jerron Jacques was awarded for the forthcoming “Erased,” a thriller where teens uncover truth after their memories were erased. Led by Shawn Alexander Allen, NuChallenger was awarded for its upcoming turtle “Beatdown City Survivors.” The grants provide financial support, mentorship and industry guidance.
The studio’s full 2025 freshman class list was also released, which represents a group of creative, innovative and emerging Black talent in games. Those who are a part of the class will receive visibility, mentorship opportunities and access to XPerience Studios’ support.
See the full freshman class here.
GAME UPDATES/DLC
Four days after the launch of Wildlight’s updated free-to-play hero shooter game, “Highguard,” the company has announced a 5v5 limited time game mode is now available. This limited-time mode will be available starting today and run through the weekend.
Soul Well has also been introduced as a brand new game in the base, which is able to be added to rotation in both 3v3 and 5v5.
The news come following the announcement that “Highguard” received a slew of updates, including a variety of bug fixes, new video settings, and highly-requested features. Players can now set Crouch to Hold or Toggle for all platforms and set Aim Down Sights to Hold or Toggle for PC only. The game’s new video settings will allow console users to adjust their FoV to 110 and enable a “View Distance Quality” setting that controls skeletal mesh LODs.
Players can also now toggle the Anisotropic Materials, Chromatic Aberration, and Bloom features on or off and switch off the Global Illumination setting entirely, while DLSS users can select DLSS presets.
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The “World of Warcraft” team pulled back the curtain on its plans for 2026 during a streamed event titled “State of Azeroth,” which aired earlier today on the franchise’s official YouTube and Twitch channels.
Executive producer Holly Longdale and senior game director Ion Hazzikostas led the broadcast, reflecting on recent feature launches across both modern and classic versions of the game while outlining what players can expect in the year ahead. The presentation included a look at WoW’s upcoming content cadence, a full 2026 roadmap and early previews of features planned for “Midnight,” Blizzard’s next expansion, which launches globally March 2.
The stream also debuted a new cinematic highlighting the sense of adventure and comfort of returning home after battle, now available to watch online.
A video-on-demand of the full “State of Azeroth” broadcast is available on the “World of Warcraft” YouTube channel.
ESPORTS
The Esports World Cup Foundation has announced a $45 million commitment to players, clubs and national teams for the inaugural Esports Nations Cup, the new global esports competition that will debut on Nov. 2 through 29 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The $45 million is allotted for prize money, club incentives and the ENC development fund. $20 million in prize money will be paid directly to players and coaches across 16 titles, with a first-place finish winning $50,000 per players, second-place winning $30,000 and third place winning $15,000. $5 million will go to club incentives for esports clubs that enable their players to participate. The remaining $20 million is allocated to the ENC Development Fund, which supports partners with logistics, travel, program operations and national team marketing.
“National teams bring a powerful new layer to esports, one that is accessible, intuitive and rooted in identity and pride,” said Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, in a statement. “Clubs are the cultural backbone of esports. Nation-based competition expands the stage, creates new rivalries and gives more fans a reason to care from day one. Our prize model is designed to keep competition fair and sustainable, rewarding performance while supporting the long-term development of players, Clubs and national programs.”
Following the inaugural 2026 event, the cup will operate on a rotating host-city model. Additional information about the Esports Nations Cup will be released in the coming weeks.
EXEC SHUFFLES
Julien Merceron will lead Delphi Interactive as the company’s chief technology officer. The industry veteran will oversee the company’s technical and development strategy, including the reimagined FIFA football simulation game, set to launch on Netflix this year.
With more than 30 years of experience, Merceron has worked across companies including Konami, Bandai Namco, Square Enix Group, Ubisoft and IO Interactive. Merceron served as worldwide technology director at Konami, where he oversaw the Fox Engine and played a key role in shaping “Metal Gear Solid V” and “Pro Evolution Soccer.”
“Julien is known for football games people loved because they were built with fun and feel at the center,” said Theodor Tang-Peronard, Partner at Delphi Interactive and Executive Producer of the FIFA game, in a statement. “That way of thinking is core to how we’re reimagining FIFA in simulation for a much broader audience. Julien’s experience brings a level of clarity that sharpens our decisions and helps ensure the game is easy to pick up, yet still has depth.”
Delphi has also partnered with Refactor Games, a world-class studio. “Delphi and Refactor share a very specific approach as we reimagine FIFA Games for the future,” said Merceron in a statement. “With small, elite teams of top-tier designer and developer talent, we can stay true to the core creative vision and serve the great fandom of football. In a way, we are returning to the principles that made the great football games of the past.”
TRAILERS
“The Sims 4” is adding courtly intrigue and multigenerational drama with its upcoming “Royalty & Legacy” Expansion Pack, set to launch Feb. 12.
The expansion takes players to Ondarion, a coastal kingdom divided into three regions—Dambele, Verdemar and Bellacorde—each offering unique culture, storylines and opportunities for legacy-building. “Royalty & Legacy” introduces the “Nobility” and “Dynasty” systems, which allow Sims to rise through noble ranks, forge alliances and craft multigenerational family lore. Players can also navigate scandals, secret passageways, enchanted Powershifts and a new Swordsmanship skill, adding strategy and narrative depth.
The “Noble Career” lets Sims engage in courtly politics, host grand balls and earn Favor, a resource that shapes relationships with nobles and commoners. Meanwhile, the “Dynasty” system enables players to set family values, designate heirs or outcasts and see consequences play out across generations.
Community collaboration played a key role in development. The team worked with the Pan African Gaming Group (PAGG) and leading Simmers to ensure authentic cultural inspiration, neighborhood design and playable lots.
All preorders of “Royalty & Legacy” include the “Grand Bundle,” featuring the expansion, two kits—”Tea Time Solarium” and “Silver Screen Style”—and the “Regal Treasures Digital Content.”
Watch the trailer below.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source variety.com ’
