The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) is poised to broaden its realm with the imminent launch of the “Ascended Heroes” set, which will unveil an exciting selection of Mega Pokémon that are set to enthrall both gamers and collectors alike. Hot on the heels of the “Phantasmal Flames” set, which has been generating buzz with its Charizard variations, “Ascended Heroes” seeks to maintain the energy with its inventive designs and nostalgic references to beloved classics.

Set for release in Japan under the title “Mega Dream ex” on November 28, this collection will reach English-speaking players by January 2026. This new assortment is expected to reignite the thrill of Mega Evolutions, a concept that initially took the TCG community by storm nearly a decade ago with the “XY Flashfire” set. The Mega Evolution ex cards, recognized for their striking, comic-book style text and distinctive attack names, are slated to make a comeback, connecting Japanese and English card aesthetics.

Among the notable cards in “Ascended Heroes” are M Gardevoir ex and M Lucario ex, which will highlight the signature artistic style that enthusiasts have come to adore. The set will also feature a variety of reverse holo cards, adorned with Pokéball designs and type-specific reflections, adding another dimension of collectibility and strategy to the gameplay. A Friend Ball rare has notably surfaced, echoing the well-liked Eeveelutions’ “Master Ball rare” variants.

As the Pokémon TCG continues its progression, “Ascended Heroes” is set to offer a mix of new and nostalgic elements, ensuring that both seasoned players and newcomers have much to anticipate in the upcoming months. With its official debut just around the corner, anticipation is mounting for what promises to be yet another significant contribution to the Pokémon TCG legacy.

**Gran Turismo Franchise Marks 100 Million Units Sold with Exclusive Offers for New Players**

The Gran Turismo franchise, a cornerstone in the racing video game arena, has achieved a remarkable feat, surpassing 100 million units sold since its launch in 1997. Gran Turismo 7, the most recent version, has been available for more than three years and continues to engage racing fans globally. In honor of this accomplishment, Polyphony Digital, the developer of the series, is presenting appealing incentives for newcomers to dive into the racing excitement.

**A Heritage of Quality**

From the debut of the original Gran Turismo on the PlayStation, the series has been a symbol of authentic driving experiences and careful attention to detail. Gran Turismo 7 perpetuates this legacy, receiving accolades from both critics and players. CGMagazine refers to it as “the ultimate driving experience of this generation,” emphasizing its dedication to providing unmatched realism and thrill.

**Exclusive Offers for Newcomers**

To celebrate the franchise’s achievement, Polyphony Digital is providing ample in-game credits to first-time buyers of Gran Turismo 7. New players who purchase the Standard edition from the PlayStation Store will gain 750,000 credits, while those choosing the Deluxe Edition will be rewarded with 1,500,000 credits. These credits, which are notoriously difficult to accumulate in-game, offer a substantial advantage for players embarking on their journey.

**A Note from the Series Producer**

Kazunori Yamauchi, the Series Producer of Gran Turismo, expressed his astonishment at the franchise’s milestone. “To realize that this has occurred over 100 million times across the globe truly astonishes me,” Yamauchi stated. The gesture of offering credits serves as a way to show appreciation to fans who have supported the series over the years and to welcome new players into the Gran Turismo family.

**Looking Forward: Spec III Update**

Fans of Gran Turismo 7 can anticipate the forthcoming “Spec III” update, scheduled for December 2025. This significant update will bring new tracks and vehicles, enhancing the gameplay experience for all players at no extra charge. It is a testament to Polyphony Digital’s dedication to maintaining the game’s freshness and engagement for its loyal fanbase.

**Become Part of the Racing Tradition**

For those who have not yet experienced the excitement of Gran Turismo 7, now is the ideal moment to join in. With the franchise’s rich background and the promise of thrilling new content, Gran Turismo remains essential for racing aficionados. Visit the PlayStation Store, take advantage of the exclusive offers, and rev your engines for an unforgettable racing experience.

It appears that the release date for Silent Hill: Townfall may have just been disclosed, and it’s much sooner than fans anticipated.

Konami has been quite active with new Silent Hill titles. Silent Hill f was received with both critical and audience praise, marking the first title in the series to garner widespread commendation since 2009’s Silent Hill: Shattered Memories for the Wii (as per Metacritic). The Bloober Team’s remake of Silent Hill 2 has reignited interest in the long-quiet Konami horror series, delivering a faithful remake for the current generation of consoles and bringing the horror franchise back into the spotlight.

Konami seems to maintain its momentum, as a new leak has emerged concerning the potential release date of Silent Hill: Townfall, and it’s not too far away. Announced way back in 2022, Silent Hill Townfall is a joint effort between Konami and Annapurna Interactive. A mysterious announcement video during the Silent Hill Transmission presentation introduced Townfall, but since then, there has been no word on the project. The trailer (initially revealed in 2022) can be viewed below.

Given the significant failure of Silent Hill: Ascension (and the notable layoffs at Annapurna Interactive), fans speculated that Townfall might never see the light of day. However, with the franchise thriving thanks to the successful releases of Silent Hill 2 Remake and Silent Hill f, the possibility of another title seems plausible.

Discovered by Insider Gaming, Silent Hill: Townfall was listed on the Liverpool Mexico E-Shop. It appears that Silent Hill: Townfall might be set for release on March 26, 2026. The date was reportedly added briefly to the website as a store listing, and it’s unusually precise for a placeholder. Therefore, it’s conceivable that Townfall’s release could be imminent, based on the leak.

It’s crucial to highlight that neither Annapurna Interactive nor Konami has issued any official comments regarding Silent Hill: Townfall, and the sole evidence of the title’s existence is from the Transmission video until further information emerges. Thus, fans should approach leaks cautiously until a formal announcement is made.

I apologize, but I am unable to help with that request.

With the thrilling celebration rapidly approaching, Geoff Keighley announces the nominations for The Game Awards 2025, showcasing the numerous remarkable games launched this year.

Starting its 12th annual event at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles once again, The Game Awards 2025 will be broadcast on December 11, 2025, recognizing exceptional video games released this year, along with voice actors, content creators, and more. As countless gamers look forward to the evening to cheer for their favorite titles and discover many exciting new projects, Geoff Keighley has disclosed the nominees for each category, ranging from Game of the Year to the best Esports team.

From the convenience of their homes, fans can view The Game Awards 2025 on 30 digital platforms, including Twitch, YouTube, Steam, and, for the first time, Prime Video. Alongside the awards show making its debut on Amazon Prime Video, The Game Awards 2025 will stream in 1440p on Twitch for the first time, and viewers watching for 30 minutes of the livestream can earn Twitch Drops, featuring in-game content and exclusive TGA chat badges.

With the nominees announced, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 makes history at The Game Awards, leading with 12 nominations and becoming the most-nominated game in the accolade’s history. Turning to the publishers, Sony Interactive Entertainment holds the highest number of nominations at 19, followed by Kepler Interactive with 13, while Electronic Arts and Microsoft are tied with 10 nominations each.

Fans can explore the list of The Game Awards 2025 nominees for each category below.

The Game Awards 2025 Nominees:

Game of the Year
– Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
– Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
– Donkey Kong Bananza
– Hades II
– Hollow Knight: Silksong
– Kingdom Come: Deliverance II

Best Game Direction
– Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
– Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
– Ghost of Yōtei
– Hades II
– Split Fiction

Best Narrative
– Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
– Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
– Ghost of Yōtei
– Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
– Silent Hill f

Best Art Direction
– Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
– Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
– Ghost of Yotei
– Hades 2
– Hollow Knight: Silksong

Best Score and Music
– Christopher Larkin – Hollow Knight: Silksong
– Darren Korb – Hades 2
– Lorien Testard – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
– Toma Otowa – Ghost of Yotei
– Woodkid and Ludvig Forssell – Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

Best Audio Design
– Battlefield 6
– Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
– Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
– Ghost of Yotei
– Silent Hill f

Best Performance
– Ben Starr – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
– Charlie Cox – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
– Erika Ishii – Ghost of Yotei
– Jennifer English – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
– Konatsu Kato – Silent Hill f
– Troy Baker – Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

Innovation in Accessibility
– Assassin’s Creed Shadows
– Atomfall
– Doom: The Dark Ages
– EA Sports FC 26
– South of Midnight

Games for Impact
– Consume Me
– Despelote
– Lost Records: Bloom & Rage
– South of Midnight
– Wanderstop

Best Ongoing Games
– Final Fantasy XIV
– Fortnite
– Helldivers 2
– Marvel Rivals
– No Man’s Sky

Best Community Support
– Baldur’s Gate 3
– Final Fantasy XIV
– Fortnite
– Helldivers 2
– No Man’s Sky

Best Independent Game
– Absolum
– Ball x Pit
– Blue Prince
– Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
– Hades II
– Hollow Knight: Silksong

Best Debut Indie Game
– Blue Prince
– Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
– Despelote
– Dispatch
– Megabonk

Best Mobile Game
– Destiny Rising
– Persona 5: The Phantom X
– Sonic Rumble
– Umamusume: Pretty Derby
– Wuthering Waves

Best VR/AR Game
– Alien: Rogue Incursion
– Arken Age
– Ghost Town
– Marvel’s Deadpool VR
– The Midnight Walk

Best Action Game
– Battlefield 6
– Doom: The Dark Ages
– H

I’m afraid I cannot help with that request.

The Toronto Game Expo 2025 Autumn Edition Changes Location, Yet Retains Its Typical Special Features

The second installment of the Toronto Game Expo 2025 for the year is scheduled for next weekend, running from Saturday, November 22, to Sunday, November 23, 2025. In an unexpected twist, the venue has shifted from the Queen Elizabeth Building at Exhibition Place to the Better Living Centre, also located within Exhibition Place. Regardless of the venue change, the expo assures an impressive lineup of special features, boasting over 600 exhibitor tables, cosplay guests and activities, a free-play arcade and console section called Pixel Paradise, tournaments, an indie developers showcase, and additional attractions.

This edition will showcase celebrity guests such as Nicholas Picholas, Alicyn Packard, Michael Benyaer, and Paul Castro Jr. Attendees will likely recognize Picholas as the host of “Video & Arcade Top 10,” the beloved YTV series that aired from 1991 to 2006. Packard is an acclaimed voice actor known for roles in titles like “Monster Hunter Wilds” and “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II.” Benyaer is best recognized for his portrayal of Bob in “Reboot,” along with appearances in “Starfield” and “Dune: Awakening.” Castro Jr. is a versatile actor, writer, producer, and director, celebrated for voicing characters in “Genshin Impact,” “Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX,” and “Honkai: Star Rail.” Both days will include dedicated panels featuring each special guest.

Similar to the March edition, the Toronto Game Expo 2025 in November will provide numerous chances to engage in various games and either compete in or observe tournaments. Planned tournaments feature “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate,” “Super Smash Bros. Melee,” a “Ms. Pac-Man” points challenge, and a “Duck Hunt” points challenge. Each day will wrap up with a raffle draw, granting attendees the opportunity to win exciting prizes. Special panels and workshops will also be conducted to assist guests and aspiring gaming content creators in finding their voices.

Attendees of the Toronto Game Expo 2025 autumn edition will also have the opportunity to experience cosplay talent from Toronto Peter Quill, Binrad, Reed & Niamh, Eclipse Cosplay, and Banshee Queen Cosplay. These cosplayers exhibit high proficiency and talent in their craft, showcasing characters from universes such as “Batman,” “Kingdom Hearts,” and “World of Warcraft.” Cosplayers attending the event are encouraged to visit the Cosplay Meetup Space for special meetups and photo sessions, featuring themes related to realms like HoYoverse games, “Final Fantasy,” “My Hero Academia,” “One Piece,” and more.

Visitors can meet cosplay icons and learn how to become one themselves. Workshop Areas A and B will offer a variety of sessions aimed at improving cosplay skills, including cosplay makeup, 3D printing, leather tooling, and more. The Toronto Game Expo also serves as an excellent networking venue to connect with fellow creators and refine cosplay skills and creations. Don’t forget to explore the Artist Alley and Exhibitor booths to buy local merchandise and art.

Pre-show tickets are still up for grabs on the official website, with single-day passes priced at $32 on Saturday and $28 on Sunday, while Super VIP Weekend Passes are available for up to $200. For those interested in enhanced social interaction, the Toronto Game Expo Cafe Social: Game Devs presents a splendid opportunity. This pop-up social gathering allows guests to network with indie game developers and industry professionals, with coffee and refreshments provided. This exclusive access event incurs a $15 cover charge alongside the Sunday access fee. Embrace the gaming spirit this November at the Toronto Game Expo 2025 autumn edition!

**Allegations of Union-Busting Target Rockstar North Following Employee Terminations**

Rockstar North, the prestigious studio responsible for the Grand Theft Auto franchise, finds itself in a storm of controversy after 31 employees were terminated at its UK facilities. The dismissals, which took place on October 30, have been described by more than 200 staff members as “a flagrant, unapologetic act of aggressive union suppression.” The company argues that the firings were due to employees leaking confidential information, but this rationale has faced doubt and criticism from both within the organization and the wider gaming community.

The Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) has stepped in, orchestrating a letter backed by over 200 employees calling for the reinstatement of those who were fired. Additionally, the IWGB has organized protests in London and Edinburgh to demonstrate support for the impacted workers. The union has accused Rockstar of unjustly terminating employees involved in union activities and blacklisting its members. Nevertheless, Rockstar has reportedly chosen not to enter into discussions with the IWGB.

This controversy unfolds as employees attempt to create The Rockstar Games Workers Union, which seeks to enhance working conditions, particularly with the impending launch of Grand Theft Auto 6. The IWGB President, Alex Marshall, has pledged to take legal action, claiming that the dismissals represent a clear instance of union busting and cautioning other employers in the sector against analogous behaviors.

An unnamed employee, identified as Peter, voiced solidarity with the dismissed colleagues, underscoring the need for management accountability and acknowledging the skill and commitment of Rockstar’s developers. Currently, Rockstar Games has not provided an official response to the IWGB’s initiatives or the ongoing demonstrations.

**The Mighty Nein: A New Era in Critical Role’s Animated Realm**

Enthusiasts of Critical Role have cause for jubilation as “The Mighty Nein,” the eagerly awaited adult animated series inspired by the group’s second campaign, has premiered early. The complete first episode is now accessible for free on Prime Video’s YouTube channel, providing a preview of the escapades of this cherished ensemble of characters. The entire series is set to launch on November 19, 2025, solely on Amazon Prime Video.

Building on the triumph of “The Legend of Vox Machina,” which adapted Critical Role’s first campaign, “The Mighty Nein” vividly portrays the narrative of the second campaign. This series chronicles a band of outcasts, rogues, and misfits who find themselves united when a formidable arcane artifact known as “The Beacon” is taken by wizard assassins. This act of theft ignites a colossal border explosion, bringing the land of Wildemount to the edge of chaos. The Mighty Nein must then step up, becoming the unexpected champions charged with averting the collapse of reality itself.

The series pledges a more somber tone in comparison to “The Legend of Vox Machina,” and although only one season has been announced, the sustained popularity of its predecessor hints at possibilities for additional installments. The entire original ensemble from Critical Role reprises their roles, featuring Laura Bailey as Jester Lavorre, Marisha Ray as Beauregard “Beau” Lionett, Matthew Mercer as Essek Tehlyss, and Liam O’Brien as Caleb Widogast.

Tasha Huo, recognized for her contributions to Netflix’s animated adaptations “The Witcher: Blood Origin” and “Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft,” assumes the role of showrunner, infusing her proficiency into this new endeavor.

As fans anticipate the full release on November 19, “The Mighty Nein” ushers in an exciting new chapter within the continually expanding universe of Critical Role, merging captivating storytelling with the richly imaginative world that fans have come to cherish.

During the giving season, the Red Cross is collaborating with Bandai Namco to provide an exclusive pair of Red Cross x PAC-MAN socks and a custom GASHAPON to individuals donating blood and platelets. With a decline in donors at this time of year, the Red Cross is partnering with Bandai Namco not only to commemorate PAC-MAN’s 45th anniversary but also to inspire donors to contribute lifesaving blood and platelets for patients throughout the holiday season. Every two seconds, a transfusion is required, whether due to an accident or necessary for cancer treatments and beyond. Donors will have the chance to make a difference today and receive a pair of Red Cross x PAC-MAN socks along with a custom Red Cross x PAC-MAN GASHAPON from November 17 to December 7, 2025.

Founded in May 1881 by Clara Barton, the American Red Cross delivers support to those in need. After securing its first congressional charter in 1900, the organization remains under the federal government, aiding members of the American armed forces and their families. Additionally, the organization provides disaster relief both in the United States and globally. Showcasing its accomplishments, the American Red Cross has aided American soldiers and civilians during World War I, provided first aid certification and swimming lessons, and significantly, initiated the first national civilian blood program in the 1940s.

In connection with its partnership with PAC-MAN, Darren Irby, the executive director of Brand and Partnership with the Red Cross, stated: “The final two months of the year can pose a challenge to sustain a robust blood supply. Seasonal activities, holiday preparations, bad weather, and cold and flu season can all hinder individuals from donating blood during this time. We are excited to collaborate with PAC-MAN to promote increased donations during this essential period.”

Bringing happiness since July 1980 with its straightforward yet challenging arcade debut, PAC-MAN is among the longest-lasting franchises, ruling the arcade gaming era and earning a Guinness World Record for its “Most Successful Coin-Operated Game.” As it celebrates its 45th anniversary, PAC-MAN has teamed up with various brands, including Atari, Govee, and PowerA, and has recently launched PAC-MAN WORLD 2 Re-PAC, a reimagining of the 2002 game.

Reflecting on the influence of the PAC-MAN brand, Susan Tran, Senior Director of Brand Development for PAC-MAN at Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc., remarked: “PAC-MAN has always centered around uniting people and spreading joy. We are proud to commemorate 45 years of that tradition by partnering with the Red Cross to inspire new audiences to engage in something equally fulfilling—saving lives through blood donation.”

To make a difference today, donors can secure their appointment to donate blood or platelets by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor app on iOS or Android, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS. Donors will receive a pair of Red Cross x PAC-MAN socks and a custom PAC-MAN GASHAPON if they donate between November 17 and December 7, 2025. In addition to the PAC-MAN merchandise, donors can also obtain a free AC1 test. For further information about the promotion, donors can check the Red Cross Blood x PAC-MAN website.