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New Voice Performance Emphasizes the Drama in Final Fantasy Tactics
New Voice Performance Emphasizes the Drama in Final Fantasy Tactics
3:43 am

Final Fantasy has established a legacy of exceptional performances throughout the years, from the dramatic Flair reminiscent of Game of Thrones in Final Fantasy XVI to the darkly humorous style of Stranger of Paradise. However, Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles offers a truly distinctive chance – an opportunity for Square Enix to further polish one of the most cherished RPGs ever. Undertaking such a monumental task alone is challenging, but for an actor stepping into the roles of 28-year-old characters, now fully voiced for the first time, it presents its own set of difficulties.

“I can’t say it’s difficult, but knowing that Delita was such a cherished character, and with the franchise’s vast popularity, I felt a real duty to honor him,” shares Gregg Lowe, the voice actor portraying Delita Heiral. “Another challenge lies in his moral ambiguity. He’s a very intricate character, unlike any I’ve portrayed before. I’ve played several villains, some quite straightforward – but Delita isn’t.”

Lowe is among a talented group of actors brought on to give new vitality to Final Fantasy Tactics, taking on what is arguably the most significant character in the game. The British-Canadian actor has lent his voice to various games previously, including Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate, Horizon: Zero Dawn, and Lies of P. However, he states that Tactics was a vastly “new” experience for him, mainly due to its intricate and ambitious narrative.

“I consider this Delita’s tale, in some ways. He’s a tragic protagonist but might also be perceived as a villain.”

Interestingly, Lowe wasn’t particularly well-versed in Final Fantasy prior to landing the role and had never even heard of Tactics specifically – yet he quickly mentions that after this role, he would eagerly welcome the chance to collaborate on Final Fantasy projects again, partly due to the enthusiasm of everyone involved in the game and the encouraging fan community.

Given the game’s rich history, Lowe chose not to delve deeply into researching the original game and instead approached it from a brand-new angle – fully adopting the revised script.

The PSP edition of Final Fantasy Tactics, The War of the Lions, was widely recognized for its Shakespearean old-English style. Although capturing that “essence” wasn’t the main objective for the actors, it did subtly influence portions of this new version in The Ivalice Chronicles.

“There wasn’t a directive to make it Shakespearean, but I think the writing already has a specific rhythm to it,” notes Lowe, “The language is quite unique, similar to Game of Thrones; it evokes that atmosphere. The writing in this game is phenomenal, and the localization and translation processes were excellent. We didn’t turn it into Shakespeare, but it certainly resonates in the text itself.”

This comparison is simple to draw, as Final Fantasy Tactics expertly blends grand fantasy with tragedy, offering a narrative rich with ethos and meaning. Delita is particularly compelling due to the varying aspects of his life and personality that are revealed; at times, he acts as a supportive figure to the main character Ramza, while at others, he represents an antagonistic force.

“We aimed to avoid going overboard in making him sound overly youthful or significantly older, but we sought to inject some youthful enthusiasm into his voice,” explains Lowe. “The most notable transformation with Delita is that as he matures, he grows considerably more cynical and detached. I focused on minimizing excessive expression, allowing the weight of his emotions to come through in a cold and calculated manner. We intended to portray that through his voice, steering clear of being too theatrical with his delivery.”

“Delita reaches a breaking point in that moment, setting him on a trajectory that will define his story, life, and ultimately his downfall.”

Delita’s moral complexity has sparked discussions among fans regarding his role in the narrative for decades. While Lowe consciously avoids categorizing the character as simply a hero or villain, he perceives Delita as a richly nuanced “gift” of a character.

“He has this Machiavellian ascent to power, but in doing so, he loses everything around him. His thirst for vengeance blinds him as he strives to right the world in his mind. And there’s this voracious appetite for power. It serves as quite a lesson, doesn’t it? That yearning for power can ruin everything and everyone in its path,” asserts Lowe, “I believe this narrative encapsulates Delita’s journey in some sense. He’s a tragic protagonist but could likewise be viewed as a villain. And, like any compelling antagonist, he truly believes he’s acting for the greater good. That’s something we wanted to compellingly convey.”

Nailing the appropriate tone for Delita was a significant challenge, primarily due to his crucial role in the intricate puzzle of Final Fantasy Tactics’ storyline. Beyond Ramza, Delita is arguably

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SCUF Launches Valor Pro Wireless Gamepad for Xbox & PC
SCUF Launches Valor Pro Wireless Gamepad for Xbox & PC
7:23 pm

Today, SCUF Gaming announced the SCUF Valor Pro Wireless Controller for Xbox and PC in a press release. Following the debut of the SCUF Valor Pro Wired Controller earlier this year, SCUF has now launched a wireless variant, designed with input from creators and global eSports athletes. This new controller is built for speed and optimal performance, compatible with Windows 10 and 11 PCs, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One. It will be available in steel gray, black, white, and smoke colors, with additional designs and complete customization available through SCUF’s partners.

**SCUF Valor Pro Wireless Controller Features:**

– **Endurance TMR Thumbsticks:** These thumbsticks look like standard ones but provide greater durability, resisting wear while ensuring accurate control.
– **Customizable Back Paddles:** Four paddles are strategically positioned to maintain thumbstick focus. They enable full hardware remapping across three profiles, featuring removable and blankable inner paddles.
– **Tri-Mode Connectivity:** Provides PC, Xbox, and Bluetooth modes. PC mode boasts a 1000 Hz polling rate when wired, Xbox mode accommodates both wired and wireless, and Bluetooth connects with compatible devices.
– **SCUF Ergonomic Legacy:** Utilizes over fourteen years of ergonomic knowledge, modifying the standard Xbox shape for natural paddle positioning and efficient bumper transitions.
– **Dedicated Audio Controls:** Equipped with separate audio scroll wheels for headset volume and Game vs. Chat mix, in addition to headset and mic mute functions.
– **Companion App:** An upcoming app for Xbox and PC will facilitate button/profile remapping, adjustments to thumbstick and trigger settings, vibration tuning, and complete recalibration.
– **Rechargeable Battery:** Comes with a fast-charging battery that lasts up to 17 hours.

The SCUF Valor Pro Wireless for Xbox and PC is priced at $189.99 and is available for purchase on the [SCUF official website](https://www.scufgaming.com/us/en/c/xbox/valor-pro/valor-pro-wireless).

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Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 to Include Fresh Game Modes and Improved Multiplayer
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 to Include Fresh Game Modes and Improved Multiplayer
11:03 am

The Call of Duty: NEXT Showcase unveiled fresh insights about Black Ops 7, highlighting a new multiplayer game mode and modifications to Zombies and PvP.

To prepare for the worldwide release of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 on November 14, Treyarch hosted the Call of Duty: NEXT event, which disclosed a flood of new information regarding the next installment in the Black Ops franchise. The NEXT event provided content creators and developers the opportunity to experience the new game and discuss key features being introduced to Black Ops 7 Multiplayer and Zombies. Notably, while outlining the enhancements, Treyarch touched on various changes it’s implementing in multiplayer, zombie modes, and the adjustments planned for the title’s launch.

Primarily, players received their initial glimpse at the new Overload game mode set to debut in the Beta and be available upon launch. Overload engages two teams in competition (similar to most game types), battling for control of the Overload Device. This device must be retrieved and transported into one of the enemy’s two control zones for a round victory. The device’s location is visible via HUD and Tac-Map, and any Operator carrying it gains additional intel. In many respects, the new mode resembles Gears of War’s Gridiron, sharing a similar vibe. The mode will be featured in the recently announced Beta and in Black Ops 7 at launch.

In addition to the new multiplayer mode, Treyarch has acknowledged feedback concerning multiplayer and has reinstated the classic prestige system. Players reaching military Level 55 can opt to enter “Prestige 1” to commence their prestige journey. There are a total of 10 prestige levels to ascend to before achieving Prestige Master. Players will earn Skins, Blueprints, and other rewards throughout the progression.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is set to launch with 16 maps and will feature 30 weapons from the start. Of these, 16 new weapons will be introduced to the franchise, each with unique gameplay dynamics. In a series first, players will have the ability to share customized weapon builds with others through a code. However, even when utilizing these codes, players must acquire the parts through their own progression before they can use a weapon code that incorporates specialized equipment.

Regarding weapons, Weapon Prestige is also making a return to Call of Duty for the first time since Black Ops 4. Each weapon will include two Prestige levels, culminating in the Weapon Prestige Master title. This encompasses a total of 250 levels to navigate towards complete Weapon mastery. For players who enjoy grinding, Black Ops 7 features the highest number of Mastery Camos ever in a Call of Duty game: 16 in total.

The Zombies mode is undergoing a significant revision, introducing a new map titled Ashes of the Damned. Ashes of the Damned is heralded as the largest round-based Zombies map in Black Ops history, with the Call of Duty: NEXT event highlighting four of the six principal locations. The event outlined a journey commencing at Janus Towers Plaza, then expanding to Blackwater Lake and Vandorn Farm, before converging once more in the remnants of the old Southern town known as Ashwood. A new mode, Cursed, was also presented. Players will “Start with a pistol and your wits in this new mode intended for those seeking a more perilous Zombies experience,” as stated by Treyarch.

Beyond the new multiplayer and Zombies modes, Treyarch expressed their vision for Multiplayer as aiming to promote rapid, energetic gameplay across lively maps designed in the classic Treyarch three-lane fashion, closely tied to the narrative. They added, “To enhance pacing, there are more standard-sized maps with chances for players to engage directly or pursue tactical flanks” in their efforts to steer the game back towards a more strategic style.

While the entire Call of Duty Blog is available here, fans will have just over a month to anticipate the launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 on November 14.

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"Rock Band 4 Will Be Taken Down from PlayStation and Xbox Stores This Weekend"
“Rock Band 4 Will Be Taken Down from PlayStation and Xbox Stores This Weekend”
2:33 am

**Rock Band 4’s Final Tour: A Decade of Musical History Concludes**

Following ten years of exhilarating performances and rhythm-driven entertainment, “Rock Band 4” is ready to take its last bow. Harmonix, the creator behind the cherished game, revealed that the title will be removed from digital shops this weekend as the licensing contracts for its primary soundtrack come to an end. This signifies the conclusion of an era for a game that has been a cornerstone in the rhythm video game category since its debut.

In an official announcement shared on Harmonix’s Discord server, community manager Kyle Wynn conveyed appreciation to the enthusiasts who have backed “Rock Band 4” throughout the years. He clarified that while the game will be taken down from the PlayStation and Xbox online stores, those who currently possess it will continue to have full access. Players will remain able to download the game and its tracks on any compatible devices. The same goes for the downloadable content (DLC), which will be gradually retired as individual song licenses approach their 10-year expiration.

For those who have not yet acquired “Rock Band 4,” the cutoff is October 5. After this date, the base game will no longer be up for purchase, though current owners will still enjoy their digital collections. Over the years, “Rock Band 4” has broadened its library with thousands of songs, keeping the experience vibrant and captivating for its loyal fanbase.

The rhythm game genre, once ruled by titles such as “Rock Band” and “Guitar Hero,” has experienced a drop in popularity since its high point in the 2010s. Harmonix’s choice to stop producing new DLC in January 2024 further highlights the genre’s diminishing presence in the gaming arena. Nevertheless, “Rock Band 4” has made a lasting impact, renowned for its capacity to turn players into virtual rock stars.

As the curtain closes on “Rock Band 4,” fans are left with a legacy of unforgettable performances and a community formed around a mutual passion for music. While the game may be exiting the spotlight, its influence on the realm of rhythm gaming will not be overlooked.

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"Let It Die: Inferno Delivers a Gloomy, Difficult, and Hilariously Distorted Adventure Comparable to the Original"
“Let It Die: Inferno Delivers a Gloomy, Difficult, and Hilariously Distorted Adventure Comparable to the Original”
6:13 pm

Let It Die: Inferno has returned once more, transforming with the times and merging ideas from the previous two editions into something fresh, exhilarating, and utterly chaotic. Named Let It Die: Inferno, this newest installment in the mercilessly challenging series, which began in 2016, had me captivated after just a brief 30 minutes of gameplay. Created by Supertrick Games and distributed by GungHo Online Entertainment, Inferno is a direct sequel to the initial Let It Die.

This time, players won’t be scaling a perilous tower. Instead, they will dive into the convoluted abyss of Hell Gate, a vast chasm forged from catastrophe. It promises more dangers and deeper enigmas than ever, and based on the early preview, it already looks absolutely wild.

Upon entering, there’s a significant amount of lore that establishes the groundwork for this latest release, providing players with an idea of what awaits them when they launch the game. Let It Die: Inferno is set in the aftermath of the Earth Rage, a disaster that reshaped the planet and birthed the Hell Gate, an enormous chasm extensive enough to engulf entire cities.

Nestled deep within the gate is the Eye of the Reaper, a formidable crystal said to harbor energy strong enough to confer dominion over the world—because, naturally, a random hell crystal would. Staying true to Let It Die tradition, players take on the role of a Raider, immortal adventurers each equipped with a signature weapon, who are charged with venturing into the depths of Hell to gather Splithium, the ultra-energy powering humanity’s latest fixation. And obviously, they will experience plenty of deaths along the journey. Sounds thrilling, doesn’t it?

It’s a lot to absorb, but the fundamental gameplay is clear: plunge into these hellish rifts, die along the journey, and push deeper while battling creatures and other players. The lore builds on familiar ground for returning players, but with new spins and a darker, yet oddly humorous, narrative thread that never treats the game’s essence too seriously.

Among these aspects, the legendary Uncle Death makes his return as a menacing, yet perpetually sardonic, guide throughout the player’s adventure. His irreverent remarks and in-game existence have been a consistent element in the series, remaining a hallmark that imparted the first game with its unique aesthetic and charm.

I have always appreciated the style and premise of the series, with the original title, developed by Grasshopper Manufacture, embracing the absurd and ultraviolent vibe seen in many of the studio’s creations. I did not engage much with Deathverse: Let It Die, the second installment in the series, but from what I gather, Let It Die: Inferno aligns much better with what fans anticipate from the franchise. Even during the brief time I’ve spent playing, the game is already resonating well.

In contrast to its predecessor, which focused on ascending the Tower of Barbs, Let It Die: Inferno is centered on enduring successive descents into Hell Gate’s ever-changing corridors. Each endeavor in Inferno features procedurally generated designs, random item placements, and a rotating array of grotesque monsters and hostile Raiders. No two journeys unfold identically.

“Let It Die: Inferno is centered on enduring successive descents into Hell Gate’s ever-changing corridors.”

Die, and you lose your gear, unless it is safely stored, though abilities persist into your next reincarnation. This facilitates significant progression even amidst repeated failures and revivals. It embodies the classic roguelike framework, seen through the perspective of a lunatic, and it proves highly engaging.

In the game, you embody Raiders, endowed with the capability to dual-wield from the start. This serves as the foundation of the title’s revamped melee combat mechanism. Each descent feels distinctive, as the combination of abilities and weapons alters the combat rhythm and overall experience with every new attempt.

This means weapon synergy becomes crucial alongside player reflexes, especially in critical moments when loot collection or quick improvisation is essential for survival. It’s a fascinating concept that compels players to modify their loadouts with each endeavor at the Hell Gate. One trial might have you wielding a sword and a ranged weapon, while the next could see you outfitting a rollerblade (yes, this is indeed a real weapon in the game) and an axe, each providing unique abilities and fresh combat strategies.

By incorporating elements from Deathverse: Let It Die and adding layers of complexity, the game presents an innovative PvEvP (player versus environment versus player) framework. Within the hellish abyss, players must combat not only a multitude of monsters and bizarre entities originating from the depths of Hell but also contend with rival human Raiders in real-time confrontations.

For those seeking a competitive advantage, the resurgence of a standalone multiplayer mode allows opportunities to refine skills and earn bragging rights in direct showdowns.

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Lucca Comics & Games 2025 Reveals a Comprehensive Agenda Including Comics, Games, and Other Highlights
Lucca Comics & Games 2025 Reveals a Comprehensive Agenda Including Comics, Games, and Other Highlights
9:53 am

Lucca Comics & Games 2025 has revealed the program for this year, showcasing an array of comics, games, music, a tribute to France, and much more.

Unveiled earlier today, the upcoming iteration of the cultural festival highlights Lucca’s artistic legacy and its continued impact on worldwide creativity. The theme for 2025 takes cues from the Institut Français and its three core tenets—freedom, creativity, and diversity—which resonate with the philosophies of the French Revolution. These principles closely mirror Lucca Comics & Games’ own pillars of community, inclusion, exploration, respect, and appreciation.

Announced back in July, this year’s festival theme is “French Kiss,” with an initial poster by French artist Rébecca Dautremer showcasing this concept, interpreting a kiss as “a narrative starter.” The “French Kiss” is a personal, consensual act shared among individuals that transcends generations, using this intimate interaction as a foundational element for artistic expression and storytelling.

This collective experience has become a crucial aspect of every pop culture narrative—from film to fantasy writings and graphic novels—prompting Lucca Comics & Games to embrace that intimacy to underline the festival’s deep-seated connection to culture itself. Below are all the details of the program and everything set to be featured at this year’s grand celebration of pop culture.

### Lucca Comics & Games 2025 — Comics & Games

– COAMIX Inc., the first Japanese publisher officially involved in Lucca, arrives with two significant projects: a solo exhibition focused on Tetsuo Hara (the iconic creator of *Fist of the North Star*) and a designated pavilion in Japan Town.

– Akemi Takada (the renowned designer behind *Orange Road* and *Patlabor*) will take on the role of the “Godmother of Japan Town,” featuring exhibitions, signings, and unique artwork created for Lucca Comics & Games 2025.

– The Artist in Residence for 2025 is Rébecca Dautremer (the same artist who designed the key poster for French Kiss), and she will create and work live in her studio at Palazzo Guinigi, providing fans a closer look at her creative journey at Lucca Comics & Games 2025.

– Kevin Eastman: A Twisted Ronin Ninja features a retrospective on the co-creator of the *Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles*.

– Lucca Comics & Games 2025 will commemorate several anniversaries in gaming this year, including the 40th Anniversary of *Dungeons & Dragons* “Red Box,” celebrating with a unique *Lucca Bacia il Cielo* campaign, featuring characters inspired by Rébecca Dautremer.

– Renowned figures in fantasy art will be present, including Seb McKinnon, Jesper Eising, Tyler Jacobson, Karl Kopinski, Ciruelo, and Alberto Dal Lago. Attendees will have opportunities to meet these artists at the festival as well.

– Matthew Mercer and Marisha Ray, the faces of *Critical Role*, will make their debut at Lucca Comics & Games, presenting *Daggerheart*, their new RPG.

– An extensive LEGO brick diorama of Lucca’s historical center by Riccardo Zangelmi will be showcased, alongside interactive zones dedicated to *Star Wars*, *One Piece*, and *Minecraft*.

### Lucca Comics & Games 2025 — Video Games and Film

– Lucca Comics & Games is fully committing to video games in 2025, with the *Death Stranding 2: On The Beach* World Tour making Lucca its concluding stop. Hideo Kojima will be attending this year’s event. John Romero (the creator of *DOOM* and *Quake*) will also be in attendance, joining Keiichiro Toyama (*Silent Hill*, *Siren*) for discussions on innovation and horror in video games.

– Poncle and Luca Galante will present an immersive *Vampire Survivors* experience at Casa Del Poia.

– Samsung will host the world premiere of Riot Games’ fighter *2XKO*, along with exclusive *Valorant* content.

– Netflix will present the fifth and final season of *Stranger Things* (prior to its release), featuring stars from the acclaimed series: Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Noah Schnapp, along with showrunners, the Duffer Brothers.

– Prime Video will showcase *The Traitors Italia* and the cult phenomenon *Hazbin Hotel*, featuring the Italian dubbing cast at Lucca Comics & Games.

– Crunchyroll will provide exclusive anime screenings and panels with Kei Urana, Hideyoshi Andou, and voice actress Rie Takahashi.

Beyond the highlights noted above, Lucca Comics & Games 2025 celebrates creativity—an event where generations unite to

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Wacom's MovinkPad Pro Blends Exceptional Power and Performance
Wacom’s MovinkPad Pro Blends Exceptional Power and Performance
1:23 am

Digital illustrators will have something exciting to anticipate as Wacom’s latest tablet pairs performance with unmatched freedom.

CGM attended a digital showcase of Wacom’s new MovinkPad Pro 14, the second model in the company’s new portable pad lineup. Senior Manager of Brand Marketing at Wacom, Megan Davis, provided an extensive overview of the device, stating, “The MovinkPad Pro was really crafted with the intent to empower digital artists with a smooth mobile solution that combines professional strength with genuine creative liberty.”

She further mentioned that the MovinkPad Pro 14 serves as a multi-functional creative instrument that feels as intuitive and dependable as pen and paper—whether utilized in outdoor settings or within a professional home studio, guaranteeing that creativity is never restricted by location or situation. This will be enhanced by a collection of integrated apps like Wacom Canvas—which is an improved version from what’s available in the MovinkPad 11—and Clip Studio Paint.

“MovinkPad Pro 14 delivers that authentic pen-on-paper sensation within a high-end digital art platform that can go wherever you do. You can maintain your creative flow, seizing every spark of inspiration,” remarked Davis, adding, “This incredible device fosters creativity that truly extends beyond mere illustration, accommodating advanced workflows and professional-grade projects all on a fully portable device.”

The MovinkPad Pro 14 is also powered by some quite impressive hardware. Operating on an Android 15 OS, equipped with a Qualcomm SM8635p – Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 Chipset, and featuring 12GB RAM + 256GB Flash Memory capacity. Moreover, it supports MicroSD for additional storage, WiFi 6e, and Bluetooth 5.3—alongside dual microphones and stereo speakers.

Additionally, there’s the MovinkPad Pro’s new display which showcases a 14-inch OLED screen with a 16:10 aspect ratio. It delivers output at 3K resolution (2880 x 1800px) with HDR support featuring 10-bit color depth and a peak brightness of up to 900 nits. Furthermore, the display boasts a 1ms response time, enabling smooth pen strokes—and depending on the application, can support a 60Hz or 120Hz refresh rate.

Supporting this is the new Wacom Pro Pen 3 which is equally exceptional. The Pro Pen 3 allows for up to 60 degrees of tilt for natural, angled strokes similar to traditional brush or pencil strokes; 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, and 300RPS High-tracking for precise following of intricate movements. Additionally, the MovinkPad Pro is compatible with a broad range of third-party styluses utilizing Wacom’s EMR technology.

The MovinkPad Pro 14 will be available on Oct 1st, 2025, with a starting price of $899.95.

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Highlights from SCAD AnimationFest 2025: Phineas & Ferb and Kpop Demon Slayers
Highlights from SCAD AnimationFest 2025: Phineas & Ferb and Kpop Demon Slayers
5:03 pm

SCAD AnimationFest 2025 is the most exceptional edition to date, providing remarkable discussions, stories, and breathtaking animation behind-the-scenes illustrations and insights.

With 104 days of summer vacation, the perennial dilemma is figuring out how to enjoy them in Atlanta, Georgia, this September. [SCAD AnimationFest 2025 made its much-anticipated return in stellar fashion](https://www.cgmagonline.com/news/scad-animationfest-2025-demon-hunters/), offering remarkable discussions, stories, and breathtaking behind-the-scenes artwork and insights into animation. This year’s festival featured a host of prominent figures from the animation industry, honoring the creators of Phineas and Ferb, Dan Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh, along with [co-director of Netflix and Sony Pictures Animation’s *Kpop Demon Hunters,* Chris Appelhans](https://www.cgmagonline.com/news/kpop-demon-hunters-teases-fortnite-collab/). SCAD also presented an unforgettable educational and immersive experience crafted by the students. Most notably, the student film showcase and spotlights were among the finest we’ve seen to date.

Although the celebrations may have concluded, the education and enjoyment at SCAD persist. This year’s SCAD AnimationFest featured a wealth of incredible discussions and guests, including the co-creator and director of photography for *The Tiny Chef Show*, Ozlem Akturk, Webtoon comic creator of *Let’s Play,* Leeanne M. Krecic, visual novel author of *The Beginning After the End,* Brandon Lee, and [Crunchyroll](https://www.cgmagonline.com/news/anime-expo-2025-crunchyroll-premieres/) producer, Heather Horn. The animation sector is continuously thriving, innovating in ways that are astonishing. Let’s explore five exciting highlights from SCAD AnimationFest 2025.

### 1. Witnessing the Exclusive First Episode Preview of Prime Video’s *The Mighty Nein*

![ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 25: (L-R) Jess Lackey, Joseph Martinez and Tasha Huo engage in discussion on-stage at The Mighty Nein Screening panel during SCAD AnimationFest 2025 at SCAD Show on September 25, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Derek White/Getty Images for SCAD)](https://www.cgmagonline.com/review/tv-series/the-legend-of-vox-machina-series-review/)

Building on the success of Prime Video’s [*The Legend of Vox Machina*](https://www.cgmagonline.com/review/tv-series/the-legend-of-vox-machina-series-review/), *The Mighty Nein* brings Critical Role’s second campaign to life in animated form. However, its tone and animation style will differ. We had the special privilege of viewing the series’ first episode, which will premiere on the streaming platform in just under two months, on November 19th. The show’s executive producer and showrunner, Tasha Huo; art director, Joseph Martinez; and character and layout supervisor, Jess Lackey, came to SCAD AnimationFest to provide insights into the new series—set two decades after the conclusion of the first campaign.

One key point Huo shared during the panel following the screening was that viewers would notice a more “grittier,” “grounded” approach to storytelling, as the characters in this campaign are more layered. Huo mentioned that each episode would exceed the lengths of *The Legend of Vox Machina,* which were around 22 minutes. On the artistic front, Martinez and Lackey echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that this animated series possesses a more cinematic vibe. Based on the beloved second campaign of *Critical Role*, [*The Mighty Nein*](https://www.cgmagonline.com/news/critical-roles-characters-reunite-in-the-mighty-nein-reunion-echoes-of-the-solstice/) follows a group of chaotic adventurers as they come to terms with their pasts and shape their destinies in a realm filled with magic, enigma, and unforeseen heroism.

### 2. Immersing in Atlanta’s SCADstory 4D Experience

This was a 4D journey I didn’t realize I needed until I stumbled into a room featuring a secret door with a luminous acorn, which led into another room filled with immersive scents and structures that materialized in sync with the narrative. If you think I’m imagining things, believe me, I wouldn’t either! If you’ve experienced numerous interactive walkthroughs at Disney Land/World or Universal Studios, this surpassed that. The highlight is that the animations, storyline design, and artwork are all crafted by the students.

Discover how the SCAD vision came to

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GDC 2026 Reveals Fresh Path in Newest Teaser
GDC 2026 Reveals Fresh Path in Newest Teaser
8:33 am

The Game Developers Conference (GDC) has been hinting at significant changes, and now they are finally set to announce a complete overhaul of its format.

The trailer is [one of several](https://x.com/Official_GDC/status/1970156465399771163) that have suggested the total [reconstruction of GCD](https://www.cgmagonline.com/news/gdc-2024-epic-games-storefront-mobile/). The most recent trailer (viewed below) depicts a massive robot crushing a GDC sign—symbolically something fresh and original, dismantling the past and moving toward the future. This concept was initially suggested back in July when Mark DeLoura, a former Executive at Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft, as well as a Senior Advisor for Digital Media at the Obama White House, was appointed as GDC’s Executive Director of Innovation & Growth.

At that moment, in celebration of its 40th edition, GDC announced it would evolve into a “Festival of Gaming,” broadening its focus to encompass the entire game development ecosystem. The new GDC will be a reimagined venue that mirrors the comprehensive game-producing ecosystem, and Mark’s vision, rooted in extensive industry experience, will guide this expanded strategy and ensure it provides valuable benefits to every sector of the community.

“Mark has been a dedicated member of the GDC team for many years,” stated Nina Brown, Vice President of Gaming at Informa Festivals. “We could not ask for a better leader to help reshape the landscape as GDC transforms into an inclusive Festival of Gaming to better support the industry that we all cherish. He is among the select few who possess a holistic view of the fast-changing industry from the inside.”

The [Game Developers Conference](https://gdconf.com/) stands as the world’s largest professional event for the game industry, delivering market-defining content for programmers, artists, producers, game designers, audio experts, business leaders, and others engaged in the creation of interactive games and immersive experiences.

GDC 2026 will be held at the Moscone Center in San Francisco next year, from Monday, March 9 to Friday, March 13, 2026.

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KPop Demon Hunters vocalist reveals significant partnership with Fortnite
KPop Demon Hunters vocalist reveals significant partnership with Fortnite
12:13 am

Epic Games is poised to create a stir with an exciting new partnership, as KPop Demon Hunters vocalist Rei Ami alludes to a Fortnite collaboration on her TikTok. This hint emerges following Epic Games’ choice to take down the contentious Peacemaker emote from Fortnite. Rei Ami posted a TikTok clip featuring a Zoey design in Fortnite’s artistic style, igniting enthusiasm among fans. This partnership corresponds with the remarkable success of Sony and Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters, which shattered records as the most-viewed original film and achieved historic Billboard chart rankings for its soundtrack.

The Fortnite collaboration appears to be one of the swiftest in the game’s timeline, with fans eagerly looking forward to the official reveal of new skins. Although Zoey’s design has been unveiled, confirmation regarding skins for other characters such as Rumi, Mira, or the Saja Boys is still pending.

In the meantime, Epic Games has encountered backlash with the removal of the Peaceful Hips emote, associated with John Cena’s Peacemaker character. The emote’s deletion is attributed to its unintentional resemblance to Nazi imagery, a delicate matter considering the plot developments in Peacemaker’s most recent episode. Epic Games is examining the artistic motivations behind the emote and has committed to offering refunds to players should the emote be taken away permanently.

This scenario emphasizes the intricacies of collaborations and the necessity of cultural awareness in gaming. As fans await additional news regarding both the KPop Demon Hunters partnership and the Peacemaker emote, Epic Games continues to tackle the hurdles of sustaining a globally celebrated platform like Fortnite.

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