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.

**DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO Debuts on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2**

Today is a momentous occasion for Dragon Ball enthusiasts as *DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO* officially launches on the Nintendo Switch and the newly released Nintendo Switch 2. To commemorate this event, Bandai Namco has released an exhilarating trailer that highlights the game’s fast-paced action and extensive character lineup.

Initially launched in October 2024, *DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO* revitalizes the cherished Budokai Tenkaichi series, reintroducing the thrilling high-speed arena combat that fans cherish. This game combines action and fighting mechanics, enabling players to partake in monumental battles in destructible settings, brimming with the explosive energy and signature beam attacks that characterize the Dragon Ball universe.

The game features the largest character roster in the history of the franchise, showcasing over 180 fighters from *Dragon Ball Z*, *Super*, *GT*, and assorted movies. Players can notably select from more than 20 distinct variations of Goku, providing a wide array of playstyles and skills.

Since its original launch, *DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO* has broadened its character roster with three DLC expansions. These expansions welcome new combatants such as Gamma 1 and Gamma 2, Super Saiyan 4 Goku (Daima), Majin Duu, and Third Eye Gomah. Players have the option to buy these DLC packs individually or as part of the game’s special editions.

For the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, the game comes in three versions:

– **Standard Edition ($59.99):** Contains the base game.
– **Deluxe Edition ($89.99):** Includes the base game, Season Pass (DLC 1-3), and a Season Pass Bonus to summon Shenron.
– **Ultimate Edition ($99.99):** Offers the Ultimate Upgrade Pack, which features a Goku (Super) costume with power pole, emote voice set, two player card backgrounds, one customization item, and all content from the Deluxe Edition.

In our review, we commended *Sparking Zero* as “an almost flawless representation of the iconic Shounen series,” noting its draw for fans despite some minor issues. The game is now accessible on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and both Nintendo Switch consoles, providing an essential experience for Dragon Ball fans.

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.