A New Wave Rises: Atlantis Studio Unites Industry Veterans for Next-Gen Game Development

The tides of innovation are shifting once again, this time from the shores of the South of France. A brand-new game development studio—Atlantis Studio—has officially surfaced, and it’s already generating serious buzz. Comprised of veteran developers from Ubisoft, Ready At Dawn, and Midgar Studio, this new collective promises to bring fresh energy and bold ideas to the gaming world.

From Shutdowns to New Beginnings

Atlantis Studio may be new, but its leadership carries deep roots in the industry. Co-founded by Ru Weerasuriya, the former president of Ready At Dawn, and Nico Augusto, the team blends decades of experience from some of the most acclaimed studios in the business.

Weerasuriya’s past projects include titles like The Order: 1886 and Echo VR, the latter of which was shuttered by Meta in 2023. But rather than stepping away, he’s stepping up—with a vision to build something even stronger.

---

A Studio Born From Passion and Collaboration

In a statement announcing the studio, Weerasuriya emphasized the core values behind Atlantis:

“Our vision is to foster a creative and collaborative environment where experienced talent can come together to develop games driven by our common passions.”

Nico Augusto added that Atlantis’ core team is made up of “exceptional and talented individuals,” all ready to craft immersive, story-driven experiences.

---

Unreal Engine 5 and a Next-Gen Focus

Atlantis Studio plans to develop its future titles using Unreal Engine 5, suggesting a focus on visually stunning, technically ambitious projects. While no specific games have been announced yet, the emphasis on immersion hints at a blend of cinematic storytelling and modern gameplay design.

With roots in studios known for creative world-building and cutting-edge mechanics, Atlantis seems poised to carry that legacy forward—on their own terms.

---

What’s Next? All Eyes on Summer Game Fest

Though we don’t yet know what Atlantis Studio’s first title will be, the team is already hiring and building momentum. According to the official website, they plan to announce their debut project “soon.” That could mean anything—but all signs point toward a possible reveal during this year’s Summer Game Fest.

Whether it’s a new IP, a narrative-driven adventure, or something entirely unexpected, the anticipation is real.

---

Final Thoughts: A Studio to Watch

In an industry where closures and cutbacks have become routine, it’s refreshing to see a new studio emerge with a clear mission and a dream team at the helm. Atlantis Studio isn’t just a second chance for veteran developers—it’s a statement that creativity and collaboration still have a place in the heart of game development.

If their debut project lives up to the pedigree behind it, Atlantis may not just be a name to watch—it could become one of the next pillars of the modern gaming era.

How to Survive the Shadows: 7 Key Tips for Dominating Elden Ring: Nightreign

 

The Lands Between are back—but they’ve changed. Elden Ring: Nightreign is not just an expansion or a simple DLC. It’s a bold, multiplayer-focused spin-off that reinvents the core Elden Ring experience with a roguelike, extraction-style twist. While the familiar grit and grandeur remain, this new title demands a fresh strategy—and a whole lot of teamwork.

Whether you’re a seasoned Tarnished or stepping into this world for the first time, here are seven critical tips to help you survive and thrive in Nightreign’s brutal new world.

---

1. Choose a Character That Matches Your Strengths

Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all builds. In Nightreign, every character has a role, and your survival often hinges on how well you play to your strengths. Are you the fearless melee brawler? Or maybe the strategic support who thrives with buffs and ranged damage?

Figure out your comfort zone early and master it. This game rewards specialization, and your squad will thank you for holding your ground when the pressure mounts.

---

2. Master the Art of Splitting Up… or Sticking Together

Nightreign thrives on urgency. Some scenarios will demand that you and your teammates split to cover more ground—but reckless solo runs can end your journey fast. The key? Communication and intuition.

When in doubt, don’t stray too far. The world is harsh, and enemies don’t wait for backup. Knowing when to divide and when to band together is the difference between a successful run and a group wipe.

---

3. Use the Ping System Like a Pro

Not a fan of voice chat? No problem. Nightreign introduces a robust ping system to help you signal intentions without saying a word. You can drop pins to mark where you’re headed or tag a teammate’s location to agree on a path forward.

It’s more than just helpful—it’s essential. Use it wisely, and you’ll move like a coordinated strike team. Ignore it, and your silence might lead to chaos.

---

4. Level Up Early and Often

Don’t sleep on early-game progression. Low-level enemies may seem trivial, but they’re the quickest path to a stronger start. Focus on dispatching camps and weaker mobs early in each run, then beeline to a site of grace to level up fast.

Stats matter more than ever in Nightreign’s accelerated pacing. The sooner you boost your character, the longer you’ll last in the wilds.

---

5. Churches = Lifelines

Healing is a luxury in this unforgiving realm, so flask upgrades are gold. Churches serve as crucial upgrade stations—never pass one up. As the ring closes in (yes, there’s a timed pressure mechanic), you’ll want to route your run around these safe havens.

Planning ahead means surviving longer. Mark churches on your mental map and make them part of your looting strategy.

---

6. Never Say No to a Wending Grace

Wending Graces are literal lifesavers—one-use revival items that can bring you back from the brink. If you see one for sale and have the runes, don’t hesitate.

These rare items are your insurance policy in a game where failure can come fast and without warning. One revival can change the course of a doomed expedition.

---

7. Burn Through Those Items

Inventory hoarders, beware: consumables don’t carry over between runs. That means every flask, boost, or buff you save might be a missed opportunity.

Pop that Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot. Slather on the weapon buffs. Use your crab meat defense boosts. This isn’t the time to ration—this is the time to survive.

---

Final Thoughts: Adapt or Perish

Elden Ring: Nightreign isn’t just a spin-off. It’s a brutal reimagining of a beloved world, designed to test your instincts, teamwork, and adaptability. With its mix of roguelike mechanics and multiplayer chaos, it demands quick thinking, strategic decisions, and just the right amount of recklessness.

Stick with your team, use what you’ve got, and embrace the danger. Nightreign isn’t here to coddle you—it’s here to push you to the edge.

A Farewell to Wakanda: Devs Reflect on EA's Canceled Black Panther Game

 

A Game with Promise, Cut Short

In 2023, EA announced an ambitious single-player Black Panther title in development at Cliffhanger Games. The project was shaping up to be a major AAA release, promising a deep, cinematic experience centered around the legendary Marvel hero. But nearly two years later, the studio has been shut down—and the game, canceled.

The loss was more than just corporate restructuring. For the developers who worked on the project, it was the end of something special.

---

"Stunning and Amazing" – A Team’s Final Goodbye

Artist Karla Ortiz, one of the creatives on the team, expressed her grief on Bluesky. She described the project as “detailed, rich, beautiful,” and called the game “amazing and stunning.” For Ortiz, the cancellation wasn’t just about the game—it was about saying goodbye to the talented people behind it.

“It breaks my heart the world won't see it,” Ortiz wrote. “It also breaks my heart to say goodbye to the team.”

Freddie Lee, the game’s senior environment artist, shared a similar sentiment. Though he wasn’t with the team long, he called his time on Black Panther an inspiring experience—both professionally and personally.

“This team was, and is, GOAT,” Lee said.

---

A Pattern of Superhero Cancellations

The canceled Black Panther game was separate from Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra, a Skydance New Media title that features Captain America and T’Challa’s grandfather, Azzuri. That game’s release has been pushed to early 2026.

And EA isn't alone in cutting back on superhero titles. Warner Bros. Games recently canceled a Wonder Woman project from Monolith Productions that would have used their signature Nemesis system. The studio was shuttered, and the game went with it.

---

What Remains—and What This Means for the Industry

EA still has its Iron Man game in development under its Marvel partnership. But recent events have made one thing clear: not even the biggest heroes in pop culture are safe from the instability of the gaming industry.

Projects like Black Panther represent more than potential profits—they represent creative passion, representation, and new voices in gaming. The fact that something this meaningful could be cut mid-development is a sobering reminder of how fragile even the most promising titles can be.

---

Remembering What Could Have Been

As developers and fans mourn the loss of Black Panther, what stands out most isn’t the hype—it’s the heart. From personal growth to artistic collaboration, this game meant something to the people building it.

And even if players never get to visit that version of Wakanda, the dedication behind it deserves to be remembered.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Adds Dead By Daylight Crossover, Fan-Favorite Dog Quest, and Parkour Overhaul in Major May Update

 

Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Shadows continues to evolve with update 1.0.5, bringing a blend of fan-requested features, new content, and a collaboration no one saw coming. Available now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, the patch is a substantial one—ranging in size from ~3.3 GB on PS5 to ~19 GB on Xbox Series consoles—and it packs more than just technical tweaks.

Dog Loyalty and Ghostly Threats: A Tale of Two Quests

One of the biggest surprises in this update is the decision to unlock the previously pre-order-exclusive mission, Thrown to the Dogs, for all players. The quest centers around a loyal pup named Tsuki-maru who seeks revenge for his fallen master. Players who complete the “From Spark to Flame” mission can now embark on this side story and earn the canine companion as a Hideout pet.

On the opposite end of the tone spectrum, Ubisoft has thrown a curveball with a Dead By Daylight crossover event. In it, players must investigate strange disappearances in Harima, triggering a stealth-horror-style questline that diverges from Assassin’s Creed’s usual formula. Featuring spooky new mechanics, a mysterious killer, and a special Hideout reward, this limited-time event adds a welcome dose of suspense.

Loot Meets Lore: Balatro and Beyond

Rounding out the update’s new items is the Balatro-inspired “Winning Hand” amulet, which introduces a unique perk system tied to combat finishers. Random affliction effects trigger on combo enders, giving seasoned players an added layer of unpredictability in battles.

Cosmetics also play a role here—Dead By Daylight-themed outfits, weapons, and trinkets are now available in the store, including a steed named Maurice that fans of the horror franchise might recognize.

Movement Reborn: Parkour and Precision Get a Major Boost

For longtime players, the most meaningful update might be the overhaul to Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ parkour mechanics. New features include:

• Vertical Jump Mechanics: Naoe and Yasuke can now grab ledges and awnings without relying on wall runs.

• Sprint Toggle Lock: Sprint remains engaged as long as directional inputs are held during parkour sequences.

• Enhanced Ejects: Side and back ejects now cover more distance and include new animations for Naoe, improving the flow of traversal and combat positioning.

These changes make movement more intuitive and fluid, directly addressing feedback from the community since launch.

Capture the Moment: Photo Mode Gets a Massive Upgrade

Ubisoft also delivered the most expansive photo mode yet seen in the Assassin’s Creed franchise. Players can now:

• Change the time of day

• Toggle facial expressions and poses

• Turn headgear on/off

• Add music while composing shots

• Use stickers, filters, and new frame options

This expanded toolkit ensures players can fully capture the vibrant (and deadly) beauty of feudal Japan in style.

---

Final Thoughts

The May update for Assassin’s Creed Shadows isn’t just about patching bugs or tweaking balance—it’s a full-scale content drop that caters to explorers, combat lovers, horror fans, and creators alike. Whether you’re petting Tsuki-maru, running from unseen killers, or scaling temples with reworked parkour mechanics, this update proves Ubisoft still has plenty of tricks up its sleeve.

With content this varied and polish this refined, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is shaping up to be one of the most dynamic and supported entries in the franchise yet.

WRC Racing Games Shift Gears With New Publisher After EA Split

 

In a surprising turn of events that shook the racing sim community, the officially licensed WRC (World Rally Championship) game series has found a new home—just weeks after being dropped by Electronic Arts. The rights to develop and publish the WRC games have been secured by French publisher Nacon, who now promises to bring the franchise into a bold new era through a complete reboot beginning in 2027.

From the Pit Lane to a Fresh Starting Line

For years, the WRC video game license has bounced between publishers and studios. EA’s decision to abandon the rally series left fans and industry watchers wondering what would become of the franchise. Fortunately, WRC isn’t stuck in neutral. Nacon, no stranger to the WRC brand, has stepped up with a multi-year publishing agreement extending through 2032, aiming to reimagine the series from the ground up.

According to Nacon, this six-season deal includes full rights to the FIA World Rally Championship license for both PC and consoles. More importantly, it marks an ambitious shift in direction—what the company describes as a “complete reboot” of the series.

Kylotonn in the Driver’s Seat Again?

Although Nacon hasn’t confirmed which studio will handle development, all signs point back to Kylotonn—the team behind WRC 10 and WRC Generations. As Nacon owns Kylotonn, this would be a logical reunion and perhaps a chance at redemption. While WRC Generations garnered a mixed reception, Kylotonn has shown capability with the series in the past.

That said, their recent track record raises fair concerns. Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown, another Kylotonn project, has struggled to gain traction. Its “mostly negative” reception on Steam has been attributed to server instability, lack of offline play, and uninspired grind mechanics. It remains to be seen whether lessons have been learned—or if this reboot will repeat the past.

The FIA’s Seal of Approval

The FIA, the governing body of the World Rally Championship, seems content with the move. In a joint statement, officials highlighted Nacon’s “vision for the franchise” and their proven experience with rally games. Clearly, the decision to partner with Nacon wasn’t just a business transaction—it was a strategic pivot designed to preserve the brand’s integrity while exploring a refreshed creative direction.

What to Expect from the New WRC Games

The next chapter for WRC games is still being written, but early details suggest a feature-rich experience. Players can expect official teams, rallies, vehicles, sponsors, and eSports integration. With a focus on innovation and long-term planning, this reboot isn’t just a replacement—it’s an overhaul.

The exclusivity window gives Nacon plenty of time to experiment and evolve the franchise beyond its current limits. And with sim racing continuing to thrive on platforms like Steam and console marketplaces, the demand for a polished, competitive WRC title has never been higher.

Final Thoughts

While there’s reason for cautious optimism, the pressure is undeniably on. Rally fans are notoriously passionate—and skeptical. With a clean slate and a six-year runway, Nacon now holds the keys to what could either be the rebirth of rally gaming… or another missed opportunity.

Let’s hope they keep it between the ditches.

Mortal Kombat 1 Bids Farewell to DLC: What This Means for Fans and the Future of NetherRealm

 

The battle may not be over, but the chapter certainly is.

After a flurry of speculation and community requests, NetherRealm Studios has officially confirmed that Mortal Kombat 1 will no longer receive additional DLC content. Despite a recent digital release of the Definitive Edition—which includes the full base game, the Khaos Reigns expansion, and multiple fighter packs—this marks the final form of the game’s evolution. While ongoing support through patches and balancing updates will continue, the door has now closed on new characters and story content.

A Fanbase That Refused to Tap Out

The Mortal Kombat community isn’t shy when it comes to voicing their desires. The release of the Definitive Edition earlier this month reignited hope for further expansions, but also prompted a tidal wave of questions: Was this the last hurrah for MK1? Could there be more hidden characters or storyline surprises? Social platforms lit up, and fans made it clear—they weren’t ready to stop fighting.

NetherRealm responded directly via the game’s official account on X (formerly Twitter), clarifying their position: While they remain committed to supporting the game through maintenance and balance fixes, no new DLC characters or chapters will be produced going forward.

The Curtain Call: Floyd and Final Flourishes

If you were hoping for one last surprise, you might find some solace in the earlier addition of Floyd, a pink ninja tucked away in MK1 as a hidden battle. While unorthodox and humorous, this secret fighter may very well be the studio’s final wink to players before turning the page.

The choice to end content updates now isn’t entirely surprising. Studios often must weigh fan expectations against development resources, and NetherRealm appears to be redirecting those resources to its next major title.

What's Next for NetherRealm?

The official announcement was careful to avoid confirming what comes next, but speculation has taken a predictable turn. Many expect Mortal Kombat 2 to be the logical next entry, while a vocal segment of the community continues to campaign for Injustice 3, which has been absent from the spotlight since Injustice 2 released in 2017.

Whether it's another bloody brawler or a return to DC’s superpowered arena, NetherRealm has clearly set its sights on something big. As one update put it, the team is shifting focus to "make [the next project] as great as we possibly can."

Beyond the Game: Mortal Kombat’s Media Expansion

While the game enters its final support phase, the franchise is far from dormant. Warner Bros. recently dropped new images for the Mortal Kombat 2 movie, which is set to hit theaters on October 24. With a stacked cast and high expectations following the 2021 film, the cinematic universe is gearing up for a brutal comeback of its own.

Final Thoughts

For players, the end of DLC for Mortal Kombat 1 may feel abrupt, but it’s part of a larger strategy—one that could usher in a new era of innovation from one of the most storied fighting game studios in the industry. Whether the next title features fireballs, frost daggers, or Kryptonian smackdowns, one thing is certain: NetherRealm is far from finished.

So, sharpen your blades, crack your knuckles, and keep an eye on the shadows—because something new is coming, and it’s bound to hit hard.

Deliver At All Costs: Chaotic Courier Carnage with an Identity Crisis

 

When Deliver At All Costs first wowed players during Steam Next Fest, it seemed poised to be an explosive hit. A madcap mix of GTA, Crazy Taxi, and The Simpsons: Hit & Run, the game plunges players into outrageous courier missions across a destructible 1950s small-town America. But while its wild premise, nostalgic aesthetic, and slapstick delivery chaos set the stage for something special, the final product is an overstuffed sandbox brimming with clashing ideas.

At first glance, Deliver At All Costs is a blast. You play as Winston Green, a former science prodigy turned delivery driver, cruising around in a bright yellow stepside truck. Early quests have you transporting a flailing marlin, drifting through farmland with helium-filled statues, and dodging birds mid-shipment. The humor lands more often than not, and the sheer absurdity of the missions makes for a great two-hour demo experience. But unfortunately, that’s where the consistency ends.

What unfolds next is a confusing collision of gameplay styles and tone. The game clearly wants to be two things at once: a chaotic open-world arcade driving game and a heartfelt narrative journey. The problem is, it doesn’t fully commit to either. The result is a title that, while filled with personality, feels like it's constantly at odds with itself.

Voice acting and dialogue add another layer of dissonance. While the main cast fares reasonably well, side characters often fall flat, with wooden deliveries and occasionally baffling subtitle errors—such as “pouch” being mistaken for “poach.” The writing, meant to lean quirky, often comes off as filler or even AI-generated.

The sandbox mechanics themselves are simple and shallow. NPCs repeat the same lines like a broken record, and while secret vehicles like ice cream trucks are fun to discover, they often lead nowhere. Hitting NPCs causes chase mechanics to kick in—until they simply give up or fall off your car. Police presence is similarly toothless: cause too much mayhem, and you can hop in a dumpster to reset the chaos without consequence.

Despite this, the game’s world is visually enchanting. The 1950s Americana aesthetic is lovingly crafted with a pastel palette, vintage storefronts, and a soundtrack of original swing and jazz that nails the vibe. It feels like a place you want to be—even if you’re not quite sure what you’re supposed to do once you’re there.

The story, meanwhile, drifts in and out of focus. Most of the first two acts avoid real narrative, only starting to come together in act three—by which time many players may have already checked out. Emotional moments and journal entries hint at deeper themes, but the game struggles to land them effectively. A sudden sci-fi twist toward the end, including a mysterious sweet fox from Winston’s past, feels unearned and poorly integrated.

Ultimately, Deliver At All Costs is a game brimming with potential that loses itself in trying to do too much. It delivers some laugh-out-loud moments, a beautiful setting, and chaotic driving thrills. But it also underdelivers on story, systems, and coherence. In trying to merge two wildly different ideas—an arcade driving game and an emotional story-driven experience—it ends up diluting both.

Verdict: 5/10

With refinement, each half of Deliver At All Costs could have made a great standalone game. But mashed together, it’s an uneven and confusing ride through a town that deserved better directions.