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The excitement was palpable at Marvel’s eagerly awaited Hall H panel during San Diego Comic Con 2026. The studio unveiled not only additional footage of Avengers: Doomsday but also announced new films, release dates, and casting news. Here’s a recap of all the highlights from the July 25 media event.

The Deadpool and Wolverine filmmaker is behind a new Ghost Rider film

Shawn Levy is at the helm of the standalone movie set for 2028. His previous superhero endeavor earned $1.3 million at the box office. Can he transform a Marvel B-lister into yet another popular blockbuster? Possibly.

Starring Ryan Gosling as Ghost Rider

Ryan Gosling and Shawn Levy make a surprise appearance at Hall H. Ghost Rider is hitting theaters in 2028. 🔥 #SDCC pic.twitter.com/TXdshVAeCY

— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) July 26, 2026

Following his success in Project Hail Mary and leading into next year’s Star Wars: Starfighter (also directed by Levy), Gosling joins the MCU portraying the motorcycle daredevil who made a deal with the devil and now seeks out demons. We’ve officially entered a Gosling resurgence where fans are asking if there are any roles that he shouldn’t be considered for, even Indiana Jones.

Black Panther 3 is on the way in 2028

Ryan Coogler introduces the fresh #BlackPanther, David Jonsson.

Black Panther 3 will be released in theaters on December 15, 2028. #SDCC pic.twitter.com/npOXtW76UW

— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) July 26, 2026

Additionally, Marvel is not recasting T’Challa. Rather than replacing Chadwick Boseman, the upcoming Black Panther film will center around T’Challa’s son, portrayed by The Long Walk‘s David Jonsson. Previously, Denzel Washington had mentioned that Ryan Coogler was crafting a character for him in Black Panther 3, set to release on December 15, 2018, although this was not confirmed at the event.

A new Avengers: Doomsday trailer emphasizes his backstory

The complete ‘AVENGERS DOOMSDAY’ trailer from SDCC has just been leaked🚨#SDCC <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/avengersdoomsday?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc

### The Excitement and Debate Surrounding *Avengers: Doomsday*

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) continues to enthrall viewers with its expanding array of superheroes and engaging storylines. The eagerly awaited premiere of *Avengers: Doomsday* has sparked considerable enthusiasm among fans, particularly after the release of its initial trailer. Nonetheless, this excitement is accompanied by a wave of criticism, highlighting concerns regarding the pacing and the setup for the film’s main conflict.

One major criticism focuses on the trailer being viewed as an elaborate trip down memory lane, with numerous fans comparing it to a costly game of “let’s recall familiar faces.” Critics contend that the film seems poised for another grand battle reminiscent of *Infinity War*, yet lacking the careful groundwork established over many prior films. Unlike Thanos, who gained his reputation as an imposing villain through years of careful development, the shift to Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom appears rushed to some viewers.

Kevin Feige, the head of Marvel Studios, joined the conversation during his interview at San Diego Comic-Con 2026. He recognized the fans’ feelings but suggested a misunderstanding of Thanos’s early appearances in the MCU. “I’m never sure about anything, I just strive to deliver,” he shared. He highlighted that Thanos’s initial appearances were quite limited—just a fleeting moment sitting in a chair and a few vague allusions. Feige underscored that *Infinity War* marked Thanos’s real introduction, and he aims to take a similar narrative path with Doctor Doom in *Doomsday*, allowing audiences to gradually uncover his persona throughout the film.

Historically, Thanos was indeed orchestrated over several films before *Infinity War*. His debut took place in the mid-credits scene of *The Avengers* in 2012, hinting at the looming danger of the Infinity Stones. Fans were gradually brought to know his character through later films, from *Guardians of the Galaxy* in 2014 to *Age of Ultron* in 2015. This buildup created a context for his motives and deeds, culminating in a well-defined mythos by the time viewers reached *Infinity War* in 2018.

In contrast, Doctor Doom’s introduction has happened at a notably quicker pace. His first mention occurred at Comic-Con 2024, followed by a mid-credits scene in the 2025 film *Fantastic Four*. The timeline gap for Doom is sharp, especially considering that *Doomsday* would have ideally debuted in May 2026 were it not for delays. This contrast in pacing raises important questions about whether such a swift transition can genuinely resonate with audiences, particularly when compared to Thanos’s drawn-out and thoroughly documented storyline.

Moreover, the MCU’s shift from Jonathan Majors’ Kang, who many anticipated would be a central figure in the next chapter, to emphasizing Doctor Doom has ignited discussions about the cohesiveness of Marvel’s storytelling approach. This quick transition illustrates the complexities inherent in franchise filmmaking and the crucial need for carefully planned character introductions, especially for a villain of Doom’s stature.

While it is crucial for the upcoming film to work as an independent narrative, expectations are high for *Avengers: Doomsday*, particularly in relation to its predecessors. The film will have to juggle the pressures of its legacy while appealing to both long-time fans and newcomers to the Marvel universe without being overwhelmed by its own lore. As we anticipate its debut, interest is also rising for the forthcoming *Avengers: Secret Wars*, set to follow just a year later, bringing forth additional questions regarding the overall trajectory of the franchise.

Ultimately, only the passage of time will disclose how *Avengers: Doomsday* navigates these hurdles and whether it can effectively engage a diverse audience while establishing Doctor Doom as a significant villain in the MCU timeline.

Sundays are for sobbingly lifting exactly one boulder from the groaning dreampile that is my backlog. Good news, Vacuity, cpt_freakout and the rest – I’m trying out your precious, precious Troubleshooter game. I hear it’s a hundred hours long, so please do not take this as a promise that a write-up is forthcoming. So far my major takeaways are 1) I enjoy collecting masteries, aka packages of abilities and modifiers, and 2) this “Short Break” track is cooool. Please hum along while browsing our latest collection of Rollicking Reads.

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Silent Hill producer Motoi Okamoto shared the literary inspirations behind Silent Hill f during a recent presentation at the CEDEC2026 conference. He disclosed that the scriptwriters were urged to read extensively—between 100 to 200 books each year—to immerse themselves in the style of f’s author Ryukishi07. This rigorous reading schedule was integral to their effort to grasp the writer’s distinct style and strengths, and Okamoto stressed the necessity of profound knowledge of a writer’s oeuvre before engaging them.

This information was covered by GameWatch and echoed by Automaton, showcasing Okamoto’s dedication to excellence and admiration for the writer’s craft. He highlighted the importance of reading an author’s entire body of work to fully appreciate their strengths and subtleties.

The presentation, titled “Silent Hill’s production techniques: how to create a game that will be popular in the age of ‘favourite characters,” also explored the series’ reboot journey. Okamoto discussed the transformations within Konami’s team, noting that half of the development team was relatively young, in their 20s, and that the original “Team Silent” had been mostly replaced.

Okamoto communicated the goal behind the Silent Hill revival, intending to deliver a true resurgence of the franchise, rather than merely a remake to test popularity. The simultaneous announcement of a new game alongside the remake was a calculated decision to indicate this genuine revival effort.

Silent Hill f’s unique aspects, including its 1960s Japan backdrop and immersive storytelling, have struck a chord with both long-time fans and new players. The game’s significance was further solidified as actors Takeshi Masago and Tamami Hiraoka, who portrayed characters in the game, were designated tourism ambassadors for Gero City, the real-world inspiration for the game’s setting.

The franchise’s revival continues with additional projects, such as Bloober Team’s Silent Hill 2 remake, and fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming launch of Silent Hill Townfall on September 24th, paving the way for a renewed era of Silent Hill.

Video game cameras are often a point of contention primarily because a bad one can completely disorient you, or even outright make you feel sick. These are worthwhile things to consider, but I do wish there was more of a discussion around the specific choices that are made in particular camera angles and positions, and how it might actually be important that certain games should be played in the way they are designed. I’m going to throw all of that out of the window right now though and tell you about a Baldur’s Gate 3 true third-person camera mod.

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**Investigating the Mechanics of *Splatoon Raiders*: A Comprehensive Summary**

Nintendo’s newest offering, *Splatoon Raiders*, has quickly drawn the interest of gamers and reviewers alike. Expanding on the foundations of the *Splatoon* series, this latest addition presents players with a distinctive extraction shooter experience, diverging from the well-known urban settings of its predecessors. Instead, players traverse unexplored islands, setting the scene for an engaging encounter with the game’s iconic foes—the Salmonids.

In *Splatoon Raiders*, the focus shifts from community-based play to highlight individual gameplay, while team adventures remain an option. Gamers are immersed in rapid dungeon raids amid haunting, abandoned beaches and cluttered reefs. The Salmonids, deformed fish mutants, present a significant challenge, emerging from every direction and intensifying the chaos that characterizes the gameplay.

A common remark from players is the noticeable stagnation in weapon varieties compared to earlier versions of the franchise. Even with the modified gameplay dynamics, many traditional weapons seem underwhelming during solo endeavors. The real breakthrough is the introduction of the Tanks, specialized tools that alter gameplay with various “Gadgets.” There are three unique Tanks: the Speed Tank for quickness, the Power Tank for destructive force, and the Tactical Tank, which is especially valued for its strategic benefits.

The Tactical Tank, in particular, focuses on deploying an array of drones and devices meant for dealing chip damage. Initially, players have access to a basic sentry gun, but as they progress, they unlock more advanced gadgets, like the Tether Wail—an innovative tool that strikes at foes—and the Hi-Fiver, which fires bouncing laser beams. However, the standout feature is the Bombloons: helium-filled explosives that deal damage while adhering with toxic threads.

In contrast to earlier *Splatoon* titles, where players concentrate on identifying the ideal target according to their weapon, *Raiders* requires tactical thinking to maneuver through the swarming Salmonids and effectively dominate the environment. One of the most thrilling elements of the game is realizing the potential of creating complex balloon traps, leading to a feeling of fulfillment akin to accomplishing challenging goals in games like *Vampire Survivors*, where players design chaotic destruction patterns.

While *Splatoon Raiders* might not yet take the lead in the extraction shooter arena, it displays notable innovation through its unique weapon setups, which turn standard gameplay into a micro-genre of its own. The game promotes experimentation with its three Tanks, yet the Tactical Tank stands out as a favorite due to its engaging and useful equipment. Players develop a partnership with their gadgets, fostering a sense of interdependence that defines the exhilarating combat experience of the game.

In summary, *Splatoon Raiders* has revitalized the franchise, offering an intriguing mix of strategy and action. As players delve deeper into the game, they are sure to discover even more dimensions that establish this new chapter as a captivating addition to the *Splatoon* heritage.

If we ignore the many, many negatives that came with the late 90s/early 2000s era of video marketing, there was a certain charm to the edginess that I kind of wish was still around in some ways. I say that because of a recently revealed immersive action horror shooter named Ringwyrm, that, were it to have released in that era, so easily could have had a tagline like, “The only time you’ll be happy you’ve got Ringwyrm.” Alas!

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### The Ascent and Decline of *Thick As Thieves*: Warren Spector’s Newest Project

Warren Spector, the renowned mind behind the *Thief* series and a trailblazer in immersive sims, recently sought to reaffirm his presence in the gaming realm with the cooperative game *Thick As Thieves*. Released in late May, the game aimed to encapsulate both the essence of Spector’s earlier works and appeal to a fresh generational audience. Regrettably, despite its competitive pricing, the game struggled to achieve the momentum anticipated by Spector and OtherSide Entertainment, the studio responsible for its creation.

#### An Innovative Perspective

*Thick As Thieves* showcased numerous design features akin to Spector’s past titles, including sound meters and stealth gameplay. Nonetheless, it opted for a more streamlined structure to enhance accessibility for family-friendly play. With less demanding obstacles and more lenient settings, it sought to carve out a niche within the dynamic landscape of multiplayer games. This approach, influenced by Spector’s earlier project *Epic Mickey*, demonstrated a goal of engaging a wide-ranging audience.

The reception of the game’s design choices was varied. While it appeared ready to resonate with a demographic leaning toward cross-generational gaming experiences, its marketing strategy seemed to lack clear messaging about its strengths and intended audience.

#### Post-Launch Hurdles

Soon after its launch, *Thick As Thieves* encountered significant challenges. OtherSide Entertainment underwent drastic layoffs, shrinking their team to under ten members, as reported by *PC Gamer*. This reduction had a profound effect on the game’s development trajectory, leading to no further content updates. In a message from director Jeff Hickman, the harsh realities of the gaming industry’s instability were disclosed, highlighting the sorrow of losing cherished team members and the inability to continue active development.

The remaining team, in partnership with publisher Megabit, plans to maintain server operations. They are contemplating a shift to peer-to-peer servers if official support is discontinued. Hickman reassured players that solo mode would remain unaffected, though the game wasn’t primarily designed for single-player gameplay.

#### A Sector in Turmoil

*Thick As Thieves* is not the only title facing difficulties; online and live-service games have recently battled widespread issues. The demands placed on multiplayer titles have soared, as immediate player engagement is essential for longevity. High-profile failures, like Sony’s *Concord*, have underscored the dangers associated with this genre.

Even with its more limited scope, the circumstances around *Thick As Thieves* illustrate the fragile nature of today’s gaming industry, where even projects from esteemed creators can falter. The game serves as a poignant reminder that innovative concepts must now navigate a landscape filled with competition and significant stakes.

As Warren Spector retreats from the forefront following this venture, the destiny of *Thick As Thieves* mirrors broader trends affecting the gaming community, indicating an ongoing necessity for strategic planning and execution in the creation of multiplayer experiences.

### Meccha Chameleon: Triumph Complicated by Malware and Hacking Concerns

Meccha Chameleon, an indie game that captured the attention of the Steam community in 2026, has allegedly sold more than 15 million copies, positioning itself as the top hit of the year. However, this achievement has been overshadowed by serious security issues, including the spread of malware via the game’s Steam Workshop maps.

#### Malware Spread via Steam Workshop

On July 24, independent investigator Feint published a report outlining a significant security vulnerability linked to a community map named “Laser Tag Neon.” Even though it passed the Steam Workshop review, players encountered a troubling problem when attempting to load the map. The report indicated that the map would discreetly activate a command prompt, causing users’ systems to download a script capable of installing malware on their computers. This shocking revelation was later substantiated by the International Cyber Digest, which detailed the malware’s functionality.

The community responded promptly, resulting in the rapid removal of the harmful map. Unfortunately, this was only the start, as Feint confirmed the emergence of new malicious maps shortly afterward. The game’s creator, known as lemorion_1224, reassured players that they had resolved the vulnerability in version 3.1.0 of the game, but the risk of additional attacks remained.

#### Security Violation of Official Discord Server

In an alarming turn of events, on the same day as the malware report was made public, it was revealed that the Meccha Chameleon Discord server had been compromised. The development team informed players that they could not access the server and had contacted Discord Support for help. They also mentioned that if recovery attempts were unsuccessful, a new server would be created.

The situation deteriorated when the developers revealed that while dealing with the malware situation, a system engineer’s PC had been infected, allowing a hacker to bypass the engineer’s two-factor authentication. This breach resulted in altered server permissions and the banning of all team members, complicating the recovery of the original Discord server significantly.

#### Community Reaction and Response

This combination of malware distribution and a breached Discord server has raised considerable alarm within the Meccha Chameleon community. With an expanding player base, many are advised to perform virus scans on their computers after interacting with the game’s Workshop maps. Players have voiced their frustration and apprehension regarding their security while attempting to enjoy the game’s features.

The developers are diligently working on addressing these concerns and have maintained communication with the community to keep them updated. Players are urged to take precautions, especially when downloading content from the Steam Workshop, until these security issues are thoroughly resolved.

In conclusion, while Meccha Chameleon continues to thrive as a prominent indie title, the security incidents have underscored the necessity of vigilance in online gaming communities. The developers face the challenging task of rebuilding player trust while ensuring the integrity of the game is maintained.

I don’t see Sony going back on their plans to embrace a discless PlayStation future, but I do wonder if they realised just how many of us would continue to talk about it for as long as we have. Even RPS got involved, and us PC lot had to abandon discs a millenia ago! And now Sega, former physical media producers themselves, have wandered into the conversation, even throwing a bone to the computer preferring collective that we all are.

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