HoYoverse has announced the newest update for their popular game, Zenless Zone Zero, featuring Version 2.4 titled “On the Precipice of the Abyss.” This update brings new and returning characters, enhancing the game’s roster and providing fresh gameplay experiences for enthusiasts.

The reveal trailer for Version 2.4 was made available earlier today, highlighting the new content and setting the stage for the forthcoming changes. HoYoverse is recognized for its captivating update reveals across its titles, such as Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail, and Zenless Zone Zero is no different. The teaser for “On the Precipice of the Abyss” can be viewed online.

In this update, players will encounter new agents Dialyn and Banyue from the Krampus Compliance Authority. These characters introduce distinct abilities and playstyles to the battlefield, along with new judgment agendas. The narrative continues after a disaster beneath Timesworn Hill is averted, exposing deeper mysteries within Yidhari’s dreamscape.

Surprising alliances are formed as fleeting visions depict Sarah and Ye Shiyuan together, despite Shiyuan’s typical detachment from the Exaltists’ conspiracy. Ye Shunguang, Shiyuan’s sister and the new master of the Qingming Sword, joins the Proxies to unveil the truth behind these occurrences.

Dialyn, an S-Rank Physical Stun Agent, is renowned for her cheeky customer service skills and effectiveness on the battlefield. She utilizes resources like Customer Complaint and Positive Review, excelling in stunning opponents and coordinating team attacks with a Bayonetta-inspired fighting style.

Banyue, an S-Rank Fire Rupture agent and martial arts expert, merges various techniques into a formidable combat style. His gameplay revolves around alternating Adrenaline and Wrathful Fires, rewarding players who master his timing. Returning agents Hugo and Ellen also reappear, offering players another chance to recruit them.

Version 2.4 introduces two new Bangboo companions: Birkblick, equipped with a multifunctional sensor array that transforms into a floating cannon, and Bild N. Boolok, who wields a massive block hammer.

Zenless Zone Zero Version 2.4 “On the Precipice of the Abyss” is scheduled for release on November 26 for all platforms. For additional information, fans can visit the official HoYoverse website.

The Canadian Game Awards has recently premiered a new video titled “Eh! Game Pulse,” featuring the remarkable skills of Canadian game studios and developers. This nearly 15-minute video is split into two parts: the first showcases games launched this year, while the second offers a sneak peek at forthcoming titles slated for release in the next year or so. The video was presented during the Montreal International Game Summit (MIGS), Canada’s leading business-to-business video game conference, held on November 11-12.

The video displays a variety of games that have gained attention this year, including “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” by Ubisoft Quebec, “South of Midnight” from Compulsion Games, “Hell is Us” by Rogue Factor, “Gears of War Reloaded” from The Coalition, “Grounded 2” by Obsidian and Eidos Montreal, and popular EA sports titles like “NHL 26” and “Skate” from EA Vancouver and Full Circle. Furthermore, it provides a look at over a dozen upcoming titles, such as the highly anticipated “Mass Effect 5” by BioWare and the charming sci-fi puzzle game “First Moon of Mercury” by Games by Stitch.

The Canadian Game Awards ceremony is scheduled for February 21, 2026, at the TIFF Lightbox cultural centre in Toronto, Ontario. The awards aim to honor developers, content creators, and esports players and coaches, celebrating Canada’s substantial contributions to the international gaming industry. According to the official website, the CGA is “a celebration of Canada’s growing gaming industry, one of the largest in the world. This award show emphasizes Canada’s role on the global stage as a leader in interactive entertainment. Designed ‘by the industry, for the industry,’ the CGA also seeks to involve the public and fans in applauding this vibrant sector.”

Nominations for the awards are presently open, allowing individuals to put forward their game projects, esports players/events, content creators, and more. For nominations or additional information, visit the Canadian Game Awards website.

Since its debut in April, *Wildgate* has been consistently updated to improve its environment and balance its gameplay, but players can now anticipate a major content update.

As stated in a press release, Dreamhaven and Moonshot Games are set to unveil their “Emergence” update for *Wildgate* on November 19th, 2025. This update will feature two new game modes along with a new Prospector, various weapons and equipment, a ship, and several new gameplay features.

The “Treasure Hunt” game mode will enable players to navigate the Reach, recover valuable treasures, and escape without being destroyed, offering what’s described as a “somewhat more laid-back experience.” Players will encounter AI-controlled ships (the traditional videogame variety), complete quests, and have the option to extract at their convenience, while also converting their loot into rewards.

The “Fleet Battle” game mode will challenge players against one another in 3v3 matchups, where players can earn points by blasting their respawning foes into space dust or by acquiring multiple Artifacts. Marketed as a “fast-paced, low-stakes 3v3 ship combat,” the Fleet Battle mode will present a more combat-focused experience—something the Moonshot team did not want *Wildgate* to emphasize from the beginning.

Next is the latest Prospector—the Psionic named Charline. Charlie has the ability to instantly revive teammates without the need for channeling, teleport to allies within 150 meters, and is healed by cosmic storms, radiation, fire, and shock fields. With a look reminiscent of *Mass Effect’s* Liara mixed with an Axolotl, they are bound to become a new favorite among fans.

In addition to these major updates, *Wildgate* will introduce a new two-person crew ship called the Outlaw. This ship is resistant to boarding and excels in speed but will not be accessible in Fleet Battle mode. Custom Lobbies are also being implemented, enabling players to host their own *Wildgate* matches. While in Artifact Brawl mode, they can set up a lobby, adjust some basic settings, and invite friends (or competitors)!

Finally, the Emergence update will bring forth the new Dead Worlds Reach Zone. In this hazardous new area of the Reach, ice is limited and danger lurks everywhere. Players will need to utilize vampiric devices to siphon energy from shipwrecks or mysterious crimson towers. A new Alien Point-of-Interest will also be introduced for Artifact Brawl. Additionally, the Emergence update will incorporate the new Resonator weapon, medic drone, and more.

*Wildgate* is accessible on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

I was always going to approach *Petit Planet* with a bit of skepticism. In my review of [*Animal Crossing: New Horizons*](https://www.cgmagonline.com/review/game/animal-crossing-new-horizons-review/), I highlighted how significant the series was to my childhood, which undoubtedly makes me somewhat protective of it, especially when [imitators attempt to exploit](https://www.cgmagonline.com/review/game/hokko-life-switch-review/) what they believe reactionary YouTubers desire from it.

Clearly, I’ve never been entirely against developers crafting their interpretation of *Animal Crossing*, but like all [forms of inspiration](https://www.cgmagonline.com/articles/editorals/game-design-inspiration/), there needs to be an elevation—*Petit Planet* took that notion perhaps too literally and ascended into space. I’m joking, of course, because aside from its distinctive setting, the game genuinely presents a quite substantial experience.

I’ve encountered many previews labeling *Petit Planet* as “HoYoverse’s *Animal Crossing*,” and I honestly tried to steer clear of such derivative analogies, but separating the two is nearly impossible given their shared core attributes. Nevertheless, *Petit Planet* does succeed in forging its identity in ways that are quite captivating.

### “Petit Planet does manage to find ways to create its own identity that make it pretty interesting.”

I couldn’t help but laugh a bit since *Petit Planet* starts almost identically to *Animal Crossing: New Horizons*. You create your character, select a residence, are treated to a brief cinematic about the wonders of ~~island~~…I mean, planetoid life, and then set out to dwell among the stars. It even has you collecting fruits and various items to prepare a modest celebratory meal for your inaugural night on the planet.

However, once you navigate through these resemblances, *Petit Planet* begins to tap into its HoYoverse strengths. While one of *Animal Crossing’s* most significant advantages is its largely hands-off gameplay approach, that same style can sometimes result in boredom due to a lack of direction. One aspect I truly valued about *Animal Crossing: New Horizons* was its gentle guidance towards objectives during the initial days, all while allowing freedom of choice.

*Petit Planet* functions on a comparable principle but enhances it with more RPG-inspired features. It starts with the game’s central mechanic: Luca and the Luca Tree. Luca represents the essence of a planet, its life energy. As players nurture both their planet and friendships, they will accumulate Jars of Luca to nourish the Luca Arbour situated in their planet’s main hub.

With each Jar of Luca poured into the Arbour, players’ planets will develop and transform in subtle ways—whether by uncovering new regions of a planet or introducing new flora/fauna. *Petit Planet* also incorporates *Animal Crossing’s* real-time clock mechanic—which is tied to the HoYoverse server clocks, apologies to time travelers—so while daily events unfold, filling the Luca Jar entails completing small assignments for your neighbors in a quasi-MMO quest manner.

### “And *Petit Planet* does have some interesting ideas that serve to separate it from its inspiration.”

It operates in a somewhat focused live-service format, which felt to me like HoYoverse leaning into its strengths. Moreover, every new character that relocates to the player’s planet comes with an extensive variety of unlockables—very similar to Talent Trees in an RPG—based on how frequently players engage with them to strengthen their bonds. As players enhance these bonds, they can unlock various items for crafting or online socializing.

Comparable to titles like *Genshin Impact* or *Honkai: Star Rail*, a great deal of emphasis is placed on the characters themselves, with each possessing a unique personality and backstory. Unlike *Animal Crossing’s* Villager types (i.e., Jock, Lazy, Big Sister, etc.), characters in *Petit Planet* feel significantly more authentic, and discovering who they are becomes part of the motivation to befriend them.

Additionally, *Petit Planet* presents some intriguing concepts that help distinguish it from its inspiration. I appreciate how tool usage requires energy that can be restored by cooking and consuming food—offering a differentiated incentive for farming and crafting elements compared to *Animal Crossing’s* breakable tools. I enjoy the game’s Starsea Voyages, which function similarly to visiting Nook Miles islands, but with a much more immersive experience of exploring a cosmic ocean in your Space Car.

And since it is an always-online game, *Petit Planet* enhances interaction with other players significantly.

At Korea’s leading gaming event, G-Star 2025, NCSOFT introduced its latest global MMORPG, *Horizon Steel Frontiers*, designed as a mobile multiplayer experience within the *Horizon* universe.

This new MMORPG is crafted in partnership with Guerrilla, known for their work on the core *Horizon* series and *Killzone*. *Horizon Steel Frontiers* is an MMORPG situated in the *Horizon* realm, created solely for mobile devices. This announcement puts to rest earlier speculations that the project had been abandoned.

The game is somewhat separate from the main series, taking place in the Deadlands, the territory of the machine hunters. *Horizon Steel Frontiers* expands upon *Horizon*’s hunting-action gameplay, integrating MMORPG elements that offer highly customizable combat and expansive player agency. The game aspires to provide a unique *Horizon* experience for players worldwide, and NCSOFT has released a new trailer accompanying the announcement that can be viewed below.

The *Horizon* franchise has been a fundamental part of the PlayStation lineup since the launch of *Horizon Zero Dawn* for the PlayStation 4 in 2017. Following its debut, the series has sold millions of copies worldwide, with both *Horizon Zero Dawn* and its sequel ported to Steam, plus a brick version introduced with *LEGO Horizon Adventures*. The main character of *Horizon*, Aloy, has also appeared in the popular HoYoverse game, *Genshin Impact*, as a fully playable character. It’s clear that *Horizon* is a significant franchise.

NCSOFT Chief Corporate Officer, Taekjim Kim, stated, “When I first encountered *Horizon Zero Dawn* in 2017, I was immediately captivated by its vivid and enchanting world. The battles against enormous machine lifeforms were thrilling, and the enigmatic story piqued my interest, making me eager to discover every part of that universe. However, I couldn’t shake the feeling of longing that such an amazing world had to be navigated alone,” adding, “I envisioned how exciting it would be to connect with others, to unite and confront these gigantic machines together.” *Horizon Steel Frontiers* embodies a dream fulfilled for the NCSOFT team.

Further details about *Horizon Steel Frontiers* will be disclosed in due course through the [NCSOFT website](https://www.nc.com/).

During the PlayStation State of Play in November, FromSoftware announced that the forthcoming DLC for *Elden Ring Nightreign* is imminent, featuring the comeback of a beloved *Dark Souls* boss battle from 2012.

Numerous updates were shared at the [PlayStation State of Play November showcase](https://www.cgmagonline.com/news/playstation-state-of-play-november/), including fresh insights on *[Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls](https://www.cgmagonline.com/news/marvel-tokon-fighting-souls-playable-evo/)* and spin-off titles like *BlazBlue Entropy Effect X*. FromSoftware also appeared to provide a glimpse of the initial expansion for *[Elden Ring Nightreign](https://www.cgmagonline.com/review/game/elden-ring-nightreign-ps5/)*, which is sure to excite veteran fans of *Dark Souls*. During the new trailer, FromSoftware [unveiled several new features](https://blog.playstation.com/2025/11/11/elden-ring-nightreign-the-forsaken-hollows-dlc-launches-dec-4-on-ps5-ps4/) added to *Nightreign*, including two new playable Nightfarers and two new bosses to face off against, one of which is a teaser for the return of the cherished boss encounter, Artorias from *Dark Souls: Artorias of the Abyss DLC*. The trailer is available below.

This marks not the first instance of FromSoftware exploring their back catalog to reintroduce a *[Dark Souls](https://www.cgmagonline.com/review/game/dark-souls/)* boss into the tri-day cycle of *Nightreign*. *Elden Ring Nightreign* has previously incorporated figures such as the Gaping Dragon and Centipede Demon boss encounters from *Dark Souls*, and players can also engage The Nameless King from *[Dark Souls 3](https://www.cgmagonline.com/review/game/from-software-dark-souls-3-ps4-playstation-pc-xbox-one-review/)* in the fields of Limveld. Reviving another fan-favourite feels like a natural move, leading fans to hold out hope for additional appearances by their desired bosses from FromSoftware’s creations in *Nightreign*.

In addition to the return of Artorias (who can seemingly impale Nightfarers with his sword), FromSoftware unveiled two new classes: the Undertaker and the Scholar, which will provide varied approaches to Limveld. The Undertaker possesses high strength and faith stats, contributing both powerful spells and heavy attacks. The Scholar brings a considerable arcane stat to the battle, although the details on Nightfarer abilities are still under wraps. Alongside Artorias, [another new boss is arriving](https://www.cgmagonline.com/news/elden-ring-nightreign-2-player-delayed/) in the fields of Limveld, seemingly featuring a seven-pointed spear-wielding adversary that balances the challenge against a trio of Nightfarers.

*Elden Ring Nightreign The Forsaken Hollows* DLC is set to launch on December 4.

Valve is making a notable stride into the gaming hardware sector with the unveiling of three new devices intended to broaden the Steam ecosystem beyond the Steam Deck. Following the triumph of the Steam Deck, Valve plans to launch the Steam Machine, Steam Controller, and Steam Frame, all of which are crafted to elevate the gaming experience for PC gamers by providing additional avenues to access their game libraries.

Gabe Newell, the president of Valve, conveyed the company’s pleasure with the Steam Deck’s achievements and emphasized the interest from PC gamers for more adaptable gaming alternatives. The new devices will utilize Valve’s hardware expertise and SteamOS to deliver a unified gaming experience.

The Valve Steam Machine is tailored for living room gaming, showcasing a sleek design with a robust AMD Zen 4 processor and RDNA3 GPU, capable of supporting 4K gaming at 60 fps. It delivers notable performance upgrades over the Steam Deck and is prepared to rival modern consoles such as the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5.

The upcoming Steam Controller blends design features from both the Steam Deck and the original Steam Controller, ensuring compatibility across different platforms. It boasts advanced thumbsticks, trackpads featuring haptic feedback, and programmable buttons, along with a battery life lasting up to 35 hours.

The Steam Frame is an independent VR headset aimed at rivaling Meta’s Quest series. It boasts a lightweight design, high-resolution displays, and eye-tracking technology for improved performance. The headset accommodates both standalone VR experiences and streaming from a PC via Wi-Fi 6E.

These devices will become available in multiple regions, including North America, Europe, and Asia, with specific launch details and pricing expected to be revealed in early 2026. Gamers can add these devices to their Steam wishlists and stay updated through Valve’s Steam Hardware blog.

Last week, Epic Games and Google ended their lengthy legal dispute by arriving at a settlement. This legal contention, which initiated in August 2024, focused on allegations that Google breached antitrust regulations under the Sherman Act. Judge Amit Mehta had earlier decided that Google behaved like a monopolist to sustain its supremacy. The settlement agreement, which Google had contested, includes Google lowering its standard purchase fee to either 9 or 20 percent, depending on the type of transaction.

Alongside the fee reduction, Judge Donato issued a permanent injunction favoring Epic Games. This injunction requires Google to permit access to competing app stores within the Google Play Store and allow these platforms to offer the full array of Google Play apps. Additionally, Google must stop mandating developers to utilize Google Play Billing, after a court ruling determined that the company had illegally connected its app store to its payment system. Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney praised Google for its proposal, emphasizing its conformity with Android’s vision as an open platform.

Nonetheless, the settlement has met a new hurdle. Judge James Donato has put the agreement on hold to guarantee public transparency, noting that the proposal might not meet the criteria needed to alter an existing court ruling. According to US law, substantial changes in circumstances, such as shifts in market conditions or alterations in company policy, are required for a modification. Judge Donato commented on the unexpected collaboration between Epic and Google, who were formerly rivals, and expressed worries about Google’s previous appeals hindering the ruling, enabling the company to persist in its “anti-competitive” behaviors.

Epic Games and Google aimed to keep the settlement specifics private, but Judge Donato dismissed this request, emphasizing the importance of transparency. Although the settlement is currently suspended, both parties seem eager to finalize their protracted legal battle.

The Game Awards, an internationally acclaimed occasion in the gaming sector, is poised to become even more reachable to viewers around the globe through a new collaboration with Prime Video. Announced through a press release, The Game Awards will, for the first time, be streamed live on Prime Video worldwide, wherever the service is available, at no extra cost to Prime members. This development complements the event’s regular broadcasts on Twitch and YouTube.

Scheduled to be broadcast live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 5–8 PM PT / 8–11 PM ET, The Game Awards 2025 promises an exhilarating lineup. The evening will showcase world premieres, significant new game revelations, and musical acts, alongside accolades honoring the year’s finest games and creators. Adding to the thrill, stars from the Amazon MGM Studios-produced show “Fallout” will make special guest appearances during the event.

Geoff Keighley, the creator and CEO of The Game Awards, shared his excitement about the partnership, declaring, “We’re delighted to extend our global celebration of video games to even more viewers with the inclusion of Prime Video.” He emphasized Prime Video as an ideal platform for the show, especially with the imminent release of “Fallout” Season 2 and a variety of game adaptations.

In another first for the event, The Game Awards 2025 will be available to stream on Twitch in full 2K (1440p) resolution. Viewers tuning in on Twitch will also gain advantages from Twitch Drops, receiving exclusive in-game items and a limited-edition TGA chat badge for watching for 30 minutes or longer. Moreover, Amazon will restart its dedicated shop, “amazon.com/thegameawards,” featuring exclusive, limited-time offers on nominated games, new releases, hardware, and more.

The Game Awards 2025 is set to be streamed live on December 11th, 2025, from 5–8 PM PT / 8–11 PM EST, promising an unforgettable experience for gaming fans around the globe.

Following months of anticipation, NetEase Games has at last revealed the newest information regarding Season 5 for *Marvel Rivals*, which is set to launch in just a few days. Season 5 of *Marvel Rivals* will prominently showcase the [X-Men](https://www.cgmagonline.com/review/movie/deadpool-and-wolverine-review/), commencing with the introduction of Gambit, the beloved Cajun-accented trickster.

This update will bring forth a fresh, non-combat map located in Times Square, New York City, along with new modes and features, including an exciting Conquest (Annihilation) mode. NetEase also assures smaller yet significant quality-of-life improvements and updates to enhance the overall experience, featuring cross-platform progression, which has been accessible in early access, allowing players to synchronize their accounts across both PC and console versions of *Marvel Rivals*.

The Season 5 update of *Marvel Rivals* will also commemorate the first anniversary of the well-loved Hero (and Villain) shooter, with the update’s theme revolving around Gambit and Rogue’s wedding, which, in true comic book style, goes awry, setting the stage for the new season that NetEase cleverly names *Love is a Battlefield*.

Moreover, *Marvel Rivals* Season 5 will introduce a new mode, the 18 vs 18 Conquest (Annihilation). In this mode, players “will engage in epic clashes on the brand-new Grand Garden map, ensuring unforgettable chaos and enjoyment.” The Conquest mode is scheduled to launch on November 27th, 2025. The team has also mentioned the ongoing development of the recently launched [*Marvel Zombies* PvE mode](https://www.cgmagonline.com/news/marvel-rivals-zombies-pve-trailer-mode/), stating, “In 2026, players can look forward to more PvE content, with further details to follow.”

Season 5 of *Marvel Rivals* is set to debut on November 14, 2025, but for those eager to learn more about the latest update, NetEase has released the newest [Dev Vision 11](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgH0wM59_Sk), which outlines the thrilling season ahead. The full one-year celebration for *Marvel Rivals* will commence later this month on November 27, 2025.