Steam achieved a record-breaking $11.1 billion in revenue for the first half of 2026, reflecting a 14.5% increase from the same period last year. This growth is largely fueled by back catalogue sales, which now dominate Steam's revenue streams, accounting for 79% of the total.

Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 debuts innovative mechanics like Soul Assist and Soul Switch, enabling players to summon or transform into iconic characters. Set for a 2027 release, it promises deeper customization and enhanced gameplay dynamics, while integrating community feedback to refine features before launch.

IllFonic and Gun Interactive unveil "Orange Grove Estates," a 1970s suburban map for "Halloween: The Game," adding new hunting opportunities and expanding beyond Haddonfield Heights. Scheduled for release on September 8, the game will feature a 1v4 multiplayer mode and a solo mode, with characters including Michael Myers and Laurie Strode.

Frontier's Planet Zoo 2 introduces Aquariums and Aviaries, enhancing zoo management with expanded habitats and conservation efforts. The game maintains core elements while adding depth, with upcoming trailers promised to showcase these features.

TaDa Gaming has unveiled a new slot game, Lucky Cerol 500, capturing the essence of Brazilian creator Cerol with high multipliers and cash prizes. Available in 15 languages, the game integrates Cerol's brand elements and offers engaging features like Lock & Respin Bonus and Extra Bet options.

The gaming industry continues to see remakes as a strategic blend of fan service and modernization, with mixed results. While successes like Resident Evil 2 remake boost confidence, newer titles like Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced face varied reception, highlighting a debate on innovation versus safe bets.

A significant event in New York is spotlighting Korean gaming culture to boost domestic game companies' entry into the North American market, with support from Korean cultural and tourism organizations. The initiative, running until August 22, also features interactive gaming experiences and cultural showcases, aiming to foster business connections and cultural exchange.

GGL launches the "Ready, Seth, Go!" series on July 9, 2026, furthering its mission to merge gaming with entertainment and culture through celebrity-led events and interactive experiences. The month-long tournament spans franchises like Mass Effect and Tekken 8, offering fans a chance to engage in creative competitions and win prizes, emphasizing inclusivity and community engagement.

Star Trek Online expands with the Undiscovered season, reigniting Federation-Klingon tensions and featuring a visit from the Gorn. The update introduces new missions, rewards, and actors, celebrating Star Trek's 60th anniversary with a console release on July 29, 2026.

The week of July 13–16, 2026, marks a busy period for video game releases, featuring a plethora of indie titles such as Ascend to Zero and Denshattack! capturing early attention. Industry experts suggest diving into these smaller games now, ahead of major upcoming releases like GTA 6 in September.

AI is revolutionizing game porting by speeding up the decompilation and recompilation process but faces criticism for potential technical debt and bugs. The trend is evident in projects like GoldenEye and Harvest Moon 64, sparking debate over AI's role in game preservation and development.

Nex Playground launches in Ireland for €319, offering a family-friendly, movement-based gaming device with AI tracking and a robust library. The value hinges on a Play Pass subscription to unlock full features, ensuring a mix of free and paid games, while emphasizing safety and privacy.

Nintendo is set to close its mobile game Mario Kart Tour on September 29, ending its nearly seven-year run. The decision affects in-game purchases, with efforts to support existing players until the shutdown.

Subnautica 2's Adaptive Measures update (1.1) enhances gameplay with new combat reactions, AI improvements, and a revamped PDA interface for clearer audio logs. Future updates promise multiplayer features and expansive content additions.

Marvel Rivals Season 9 introduces a major overhaul to Team-Ups, with each duelist now having two abilities that can be used regardless of partner presence. The update includes 54 new abilities across 27 duelists, emphasizing strategic learning and adaptation.

Nintendo enhances its Switch Online service with five classic titles from Game Boy and Game Boy Advance, available starting July 8, 2026. Membership tiers dictate access, aligning with Nintendo's Classics initiative.

The director of a new game, launched in spring 2026, highlights the challenge of managing a massive 700,000-word script focused on player-driven narratives and dynamic storytelling. Featuring Estonian talent, the project plans a free update with expanded side stories, while the director also pursues two feature films, including a Cold War spy thriller.

Undead Labs will release State of Decay 3 after transitioning to new ownership, maintaining independence from Xbox. While Xbox confirms 1,600 layoffs, Undead Labs promises continued commitment to its community.

Deion Sanders has opted out of EA Sports' College Football 27 due to disagreements over licensing compensation, leading to his depiction as a generic coach. This reflects a broader issue with EA’s flat-rate NIL model, causing other top coaches like Bill Belichick to also decline participation.