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“Big Hops Together Introduces Eight-Player Co-Op Update Inspired by Mario Mods”

Big Hops is the cool 3D platform game with the frog who can use their tongue as a grappling hook. Despite much questing and fervent prayer, I have yet to encounter a frog that can do this in reality. Real-life frogs are a slothful, unimaginative bunch, content to use their tongues purely to catch food with. Some frogs, like the African dwarf frog, don’t even have tongues at all. What foul sorcery is here!

It’s just as well, then, that we have Big Hops, which is being updated with the ability to play through the whole campaign in eight player co-op. With eight frogs in the field, the tactical applications of tongues multiply exponentially. You can tongue items right out of your friend’s backpack! You can tether yourself to another frog like in Chained Together, but with the option of letting go before your mate walks you into a laser! The developers, Luckshot Games, are calling the update Big Hops Together. It’s available right now in beta, with the official release coming 9th August.

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Studio Behind Netflix’s Poorly Received World Cup Game Reportedly Shutting Down Merely Eight Weeks After Release

**FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition – A Brief Journey in Gaming on Netflix**

On June 11, 2026, Netflix made a notable entry into the gaming sector by launching *FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition*, available exclusively on its streaming games platform for subscribers. This release received a mix of feedback from reviewers who pointed out shortcomings in the game’s graphics and mechanics. Nonetheless, Netflix promoted the title as one of its most triumphant cloud gaming debuts to date.

Despite the company’s positive perspective, it was reported that the development team responsible for the game, Refractor Studios, encountered an unexpected and serious obstacle just two months later. Several employees shared on LinkedIn that they had been let go, signaling a concerning shift in circumstances following the game’s launch. It was rumored that the entire studio was shut down after Delphi Interactive, the studio’s co-owner, opted to withdraw its financial support.

The news was disclosed by *Game Developer*, which noted that the layoffs and potential closure took many workers by surprise. Although the specific number of employees affected is still unknown, the swift move to reduce staff came right after the studio had delivered the eagerly awaited game.

Statements from former staff underline the suddenness of the layoffs. Barclay Chantel, the art director at Refractor, voiced frustration on LinkedIn, saying, “Delphi just pulled the plug on Refractor Studios right after we shipped the FIFA World Cup game for Netflix.” Likewise, Nathan Potter, a full stack developer, echoed these feelings, revealing that everyone was laid off following their significant achievement.

Founded in 2020, Delphi Interactive aimed to transform the production of AAA games, yet their actions bring this vision into question. The decision to end funding for a studio soon after the successful launch of a game raises concerns about the commitments highlighted on their website.

While *FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition* succeeded in securing a top-tier status for Netflix—even amidst criticism—the affected developers faced the consequences of corporate decisions that reflect common patterns in the gaming sector. As time passes, many skilled individuals from Refractor are now on the lookout for new opportunities, eager to advance their careers in game development or related areas.

Delphi Interactive has not yet offered additional details regarding the closure. This situation serves as a reminder of the unpredictability within the gaming industry and the fragile dynamics of studio funding in the face of shifting fortunes, even for projects considered successful by publishers.

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Henry Cavill Creating Warhammer 40K Animated Series for Amazon

**Henry Cavill: Welcoming the Warhammer 40K Realm**

Henry Cavill, famous for portraying Geralt in Netflix’s *The Witcher*, has shifted from being a cherished superhero to a key player in the Warhammer 40K realm. A dedicated enthusiast of the franchise, Cavill’s enthusiasm for Warhammer has gained widespread acknowledgment, rendering him an ideal spokesperson for the vast narrative and lore of the Games Workshop IP.

In December 2022, speculation arose about Cavill’s participation in an Amazon-based project focused on Warhammer 40K. This news was met with excitement from fans, particularly given Cavill’s long-standing commitment to the franchise. His dedication has led to a live-action series where he is anticipated to take on a central role. Recently, a report from *Variety* validated that this live-action initiative will be complemented by an animated series, further broadening Cavill’s engagement with the Warhammer storyline.

The animated series, intended to be a direct continuation from the Warhammer episode of the forthcoming Amazon gaming anthology series *Secret Level*, is being developed by Tim Miller’s Blur Studios in collaboration with Amazon MGM and Games Workshop. Acclaimed director Dave Wilson, known for his projects with Blur, will co-create and direct the series alongside John Orloff, a writer recognized for his work on *Band of Brothers*. Cavill is credited as one of the executive producers, highlighting his significant involvement in shaping the show.

Dave Wilson remarked on the reaction to the *Warhammer* episode of *Secret Level* as “exceptional,” emphasizing the effort invested in accurately depicting the Warhammer universe. This new animated series provides a chance to build upon that groundwork and explore the narrative in more depth, particularly spotlighting the elite Space Marine faction, The Deathwatch, and their conflicts against various extraterrestrial threats.

In the meantime, the live-action series remains “in development,” a stage that has been ongoing for several years. Despite the initial excitement surrounding the project, updates have been limited. As of 2023, Amazon was reportedly keen to leverage the Warhammer license across both television and film, and by 2024, it was disclosed that discussions had been finalized, with scriptwriting expected to begin. However, after nearly two years without further announcements regarding casting or filming, the absence of news brings a degree of uncertainty to the live-action endeavor.

During this period, Cavill seems to be redirecting his attention to other projects, especially personal endeavors like his newly acquired backyard smoker, which he has shared online. His return to the Warhammer franchise through these new roles reflects his lasting enthusiasm for the series and is poised to capture the interest of both longstanding fans and newcomers through rich storytelling and immersive experiences within the expansive universe of Warhammer 40K.

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Capcom is Revamping Dragonsplague in Dragon’s Dogma 2 to Enhance Strategic Decision-Making Experience

I know full well that pally RPG Dragon’s Dogma 2 has its Dark Arisen expansion out this year. Still, two years and one megalo-DLC announcement after release, what I still find most fascinating about it is the Dragonsplague: an insidious affliction that quietly infects your mates (or Pawns, whatever) and heightens their fighting prowess, but if left untreated, can induce a bescaled hissy fit that will kill the entire population of your favourite NPC village. Overtuned, ill-communicated bullshit, or laudably bold application of arrogance-punishing friction? These days I lean the latter, but still, what an interesting mechanic that I can think about it on and off since 2024.

Capcom, meanwhile, always seemed to play the hedging game, patching in various tweaks and tunings to Dragonsplague in an attempt to placate both camps. The game’s Title Update 3.2, due in late August (ahead of Dark Arisen on October 9th), appears to come down further on the ‘Angry fire virus can be fun, actually’ side – though according to a Q&A with producer Naoto Oyama and expansion director Kento Kinoshita, these upcoming changes will bring Dragonsplague more in line with Capcom’s original vision for it.

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Announcement of Palworld Online MMO Launch Set for Within Four Months

**Garena Unveils Palworld Online: A Fresh MMO Adventure for Mobile**

Garena, the esteemed developer and publisher based in Singapore, renowned for its hit game *Free Fire*, has announced an exhilarating new venture: *Palworld Online*. This forthcoming game is a “reimagined” MMO adaptation of *Palworld*, developed in partnership with Pocketpair. Scheduled to launch on both Android and iOS within the year, *Palworld Online* aspires to capture the spirit of its PC predecessor while customizing the experience for mobile users.

A press release highlighted by [Gematsu](https://www.gematsu.com/2026/08/palworld-online-announced-for-ios-android) states that *Palworld Online* is expected to be released in the next four months. However, information regarding the game remains somewhat scarce. Currently, there are no promotional assets or trailers available, making it challenging to ascertain whether this title is a full reimagining or merely a mobile port of the existing *Palworld* game.

The press release indicates that *Palworld Online* aims to “reimagine the depth, freedom, and scale” that players enjoyed in the original PC version. Conversely, Terry Zhao, President at Garena, noted that the team is dedicated to preserving the depth, immersion, and freedom vital to *Palworld*, while also fine-tuning the game for mobile experiences. This dual focus raises questions about whether *Palworld Online* is fundamentally a new title or primarily an adaptation for mobile devices.

Along with reimagined gameplay, the press release details essential features that imply a deep, narrative-driven experience. *Palworld Online* will include an “original story” alongside “unique lore,” broadening the narrative with new side tales designed specifically for this mobile iteration. The repeated mention of it as a “version” suggests that *Palworld Online* may occupy a distinctive niche between a simple port and a brand-new game, although the specifics remain uncertain.

As the release date approaches and with only a few months remaining in the year, gamers can anticipate more information and updates to surface. The anticipation around *Palworld Online* continues to grow, leaving many excited to discover how Garena and Pocketpair will present an engaging MMO on mobile platforms.

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Nintendo will Unveil More Information Regarding Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave in Forthcoming Direct Presentation

**Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave – What to Anticipate from the Upcoming Direct**

As excitement rises for the next chapter of the cherished *Fire Emblem* franchise, *Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave*, Nintendo enthusiasts won’t have to wait much longer for additional details. In a thrilling update via their dedicated news application, Nintendo announced that a *Fire Emblem* Direct is set for August 4th at 7 a.m. PT. This presentation is expected to deliver around 20 minutes of in-depth information about the forthcoming title.

The official notice from Nintendo of America underscored the significance of the event, declaring, “The Heroic Games are nearing! Join us on Aug 4 at 7am PT for the Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave Direct.” Fans are urged to tune in on Nintendo’s YouTube channel to ensure they don’t miss any vital updates.

In the days leading up to the Direct, *Fire Emblem* social media accounts have been regularly revealing tidbits about characters, their various classes, and their motivations in the game. Players can look forward to this trend continuing during the Direct, with further revelations about the game’s universe.

*Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave* has already disclosed some story elements. The game showcases four primary characters engaging in the Dagosian Games, each representing unique factions, reminiscent of *Three Houses*. Importantly, the storyline features Sothis, the goddess whose consciousness merged with player character Byleth in *Three Houses*. This connection suggests potential intricate thematic links between the two titles.

Nonetheless, one of the most captivating aspects of *Fortune’s Weave* remains enveloped in secrecy: the player character. While they have appeared in promotional art, actual gameplay footage featuring this character has yet to emerge, leaving fans eager to learn about their background and role in the plot. This forthcoming Direct might very well shed light on these inquiries, offering a thorough understanding of the player character’s importance in this new narrative.

With only a few hours remaining until the Direct, anticipation is tangible as fans prepare to receive new insights into *Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave*, a title that aims to expand on the rich heritage of the series while introducing innovative elements to discover. The gaming community stands ready to engage with fresh content that will undeniably influence their expectations for the game’s official launch.