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.

The Game Awards, an internationally acclaimed occasion in the gaming sector, is poised to become even more reachable to viewers around the globe through a new collaboration with Prime Video. Announced through a press release, The Game Awards will, for the first time, be streamed live on Prime Video worldwide, wherever the service is available, at no extra cost to Prime members. This development complements the event’s regular broadcasts on Twitch and YouTube.

Scheduled to be broadcast live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 5–8 PM PT / 8–11 PM ET, The Game Awards 2025 promises an exhilarating lineup. The evening will showcase world premieres, significant new game revelations, and musical acts, alongside accolades honoring the year’s finest games and creators. Adding to the thrill, stars from the Amazon MGM Studios-produced show “Fallout” will make special guest appearances during the event.

Geoff Keighley, the creator and CEO of The Game Awards, shared his excitement about the partnership, declaring, “We’re delighted to extend our global celebration of video games to even more viewers with the inclusion of Prime Video.” He emphasized Prime Video as an ideal platform for the show, especially with the imminent release of “Fallout” Season 2 and a variety of game adaptations.

In another first for the event, The Game Awards 2025 will be available to stream on Twitch in full 2K (1440p) resolution. Viewers tuning in on Twitch will also gain advantages from Twitch Drops, receiving exclusive in-game items and a limited-edition TGA chat badge for watching for 30 minutes or longer. Moreover, Amazon will restart its dedicated shop, “amazon.com/thegameawards,” featuring exclusive, limited-time offers on nominated games, new releases, hardware, and more.

The Game Awards 2025 is set to be streamed live on December 11th, 2025, from 5–8 PM PT / 8–11 PM EST, promising an unforgettable experience for gaming fans around the globe.

Following months of anticipation, NetEase Games has at last revealed the newest information regarding Season 5 for *Marvel Rivals*, which is set to launch in just a few days. Season 5 of *Marvel Rivals* will prominently showcase the [X-Men](https://www.cgmagonline.com/review/movie/deadpool-and-wolverine-review/), commencing with the introduction of Gambit, the beloved Cajun-accented trickster.

This update will bring forth a fresh, non-combat map located in Times Square, New York City, along with new modes and features, including an exciting Conquest (Annihilation) mode. NetEase also assures smaller yet significant quality-of-life improvements and updates to enhance the overall experience, featuring cross-platform progression, which has been accessible in early access, allowing players to synchronize their accounts across both PC and console versions of *Marvel Rivals*.

The Season 5 update of *Marvel Rivals* will also commemorate the first anniversary of the well-loved Hero (and Villain) shooter, with the update’s theme revolving around Gambit and Rogue’s wedding, which, in true comic book style, goes awry, setting the stage for the new season that NetEase cleverly names *Love is a Battlefield*.

Moreover, *Marvel Rivals* Season 5 will introduce a new mode, the 18 vs 18 Conquest (Annihilation). In this mode, players “will engage in epic clashes on the brand-new Grand Garden map, ensuring unforgettable chaos and enjoyment.” The Conquest mode is scheduled to launch on November 27th, 2025. The team has also mentioned the ongoing development of the recently launched [*Marvel Zombies* PvE mode](https://www.cgmagonline.com/news/marvel-rivals-zombies-pve-trailer-mode/), stating, “In 2026, players can look forward to more PvE content, with further details to follow.”

Season 5 of *Marvel Rivals* is set to debut on November 14, 2025, but for those eager to learn more about the latest update, NetEase has released the newest [Dev Vision 11](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgH0wM59_Sk), which outlines the thrilling season ahead. The full one-year celebration for *Marvel Rivals* will commence later this month on November 27, 2025.

This Tuesday’s PlayStation State of Play will be a distinctive episode, emphasizing games developed in Japan and throughout Asia. With The Game Awards approaching and the year’s end drawing nearer, announcements regarding games continue to come in. This Tuesday’s PlayStation State of Play will be a distinctive episode, emphasizing games developed in Japan and throughout Asia. The presentation will be led by voice actor Yuki Kaji, who will be presenting games, conducting interviews, and providing fresh insights on eagerly awaited titles. This State of Play is set to commence at 7:00 AM JST (2:00 PM PT / 5:00 PM ET). The Japanese PlayStation YouTube channel will feature a complete Japanese-language version, while the PlayStation YouTube channel will showcase Japanese audio with English subtitles.

As stated by Sony, the show is anticipated to exceed 40 minutes in duration, mainly “concentrating on games produced in Japan and across Asia, along with a few other thrilling updates.” While this might suggest that Western-developed PlayStation first-party titles such as Housemarque’s Saros, Marvel’s Wolverine, and Naughty Dog’s Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet may not take center stage in this State of Play, there are numerous exciting prospects to showcase. One of these titles is Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls, currently in development in Japan by Arc System Works alongside Sony and Marvel Games. This is the same studio responsible for the Guilty Gear and BlazBlue series.

Another potential highlight in this special State of Play could involve Where Winds Meet. It is an upcoming action game developed by Chinese studio Everstone Studio. The game was previously confirmed as a PlayStation exclusive upon release. Where Winds Meet is an epic Wuxia open-world action-adventure RPG set in ancient China during the tenth century. Players take on the role of a young sword master on a quest to unveil the secrets of their own identity. With a global launch anticipated this Friday, November 14th, it wouldn’t be unexpected to see a final promotional piece.

Additional noteworthy titles include the Elden Ring Nightreign DLC, Phantom Blade Zero, Tides of Annihilation, and Petit Planet (a new cozy life simulation game from the creators of Genshin Impact and Honkai Star Rail). And like many Souls enthusiasts out there, we can only keep hoping for a new teaser for Bloodborne.

State of Play Japan will be broadcast on YouTube on November 11 at 2pm PT / 5pm ET / 11pm CEST | November 12 at 7am JST.

From hardware to the newest games, Nintendo has an extensive lineup of deals you won’t want to overlook for Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2025. If you’re searching for the finest offers on acquiring a Nintendo Switch 2 this festive season, now might be the perfect opportunity to grab a delightful bundle. From hardware to the newest games, Nintendo has an extensive lineup of deals you won’t want to overlook for Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2025. The company has revealed a variety of exciting promotions, game discounts, and in-store events to assist in completing some significant holiday purchases on your list this year. All the deals outlined below encompass events and promotions across North America.

The first of many holiday promotions kicks off with the new Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle (priced at $699.99 CAD | $499.99 USD). In addition to the Switch 2, players can experience exclusive titles like Donkey Kong Bananza, buy upgrade packs for selected Switch games such as The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, and pre-order new titles like Kirby Air Riders and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond—Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. Furthermore, you can enjoy compatible physical and digital Switch games.

For Pokémon enthusiasts, the new Pokémon Legends: Z-A game has been creating a buzz worldwide. The game is available on Switch and Switch 2. Moreover, it is included in the Nintendo Switch 2 + Pokémon Legends: Z-A—Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Bundle (priced at $699.99 CAD | $499.99 USD). Below is a list of Switch games that will feature deals on physical copies, starting November 20th:

Titles at $59.99 CAD | $39.99 USD

Titles at $54.99 CAD | $29.99 USD

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, Super Mario Odyssey, and Splatoon 3 all come with free Switch 2 updates, ensuring smooth gameplay at enhanced resolutions when playing on Nintendo Switch 2. Most importantly, for amiibo collectors, select amiibo, including STREET FIGHTER 6 amiibo figures of Jamie, Kimberly, and Luke; as well as the STREET FIGHTER 6 – amiibo Card Starter Set will be $15 CAD less than MSRP at select retailers. In the United States, The Legend of Zelda Series Sages amiibo figures of Tulin, Yunobo, Tiju, and Sidon are also discounted, with the STREET FIGHTER 6 – amiibo Card Starter Set $10 less than MSRP at select retailers.

Regarding hardware, starting November 30th, selected retailers are providing $25 CAD | $20 USD off MSRP on Samsung MicroSD Express Cards. Throughout November and December, Nintendo will be hosting a series of events in Canada and the U.S.:

Canada

– On Nov 22, participating Costco locations will host demonstrations of Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, and more.

– On Dec. 6 and 7, local EB Games locations will offer demos of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.

– Additionally, from November 26 to December 6, families are invited to experience the Mario & Friends: Holiday Experience at select locations in Mississauga, Edmonton, and Montreal. A variety of playable game demos will be available on both the Switch and Switch 2 systems to enjoy at each event, including Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, Super Mario Galaxy 1 + Super Mario Galaxy 2, and Nintendo Switch Sports. For a list of participating locations and event dates, check the official Nintendo holiday page.

U.S.

– On Nov. 15 and Dec. 13, participating Best Buy stores will feature demos of Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, and more.

– On Dec. 6, local GameStop locations will showcase demos of Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, Kirby Air Riders, Metroid Prime 4 Beyond, and more.

– Additionally, join the GameTruck + Walmart Holiday Tour to play Mario Kart World with GameTruck at select Walmart locations on weekends starting Nov. 15 – Dec. 13 from 10 am – 5 pm local time. For a list of participating stores and event dates, refer to the official Walmart site.

Regardless of the type of games your family enjoys, you can help spread the joy this festive season with Nintendo! Don’t forget to check out CGMagazine’s reviews on many of these titles across the Switch and Switch 2.

Capcom’s Renowned Franchise, Resident Evil, Expands Globally Once More with New Mobile Release

Capcom, in partnership with Aniplex and JOYCITY, is poised to broaden the horizons of its iconic Resident Evil franchise with the soon-to-be-released mobile game, Resident Evil Survival Unit. Slated for a worldwide debut on November 18th, this free-to-play horror strategy game will be accessible in 151 countries and regions, marking a pivotal moment in the franchise’s timeline. With more than 2 million pre-registrations already tallied, excitement for this latest addition is tangible among fans across the globe.

Resident Evil Survival Unit provides a new perspective on the cherished series, blending the ease of mobile gaming with the strategic intricacies of real-time strategy. This fresh installment encourages players to dive into a survival-themed quest within the Resident Evil realm. Those who pre-order or pre-register will receive an exclusive bonus pack, offering valuable items to support early gameplay and character progression.

Set against a city devastated by an unexplained infection, players must maneuver through the turmoil and carve out a route to survival. The game focuses on strategic resource allocation, base construction, and extending influence, all while confronting the hurdles of a disintegrating world. Players will meet a variety of survivors, each possessing distinctive abilities, and must make crucial choices regarding collaboration or conflict resolution.

The cinematic trailer, presented at the Tokyo Game Show 2025, showcased iconic locales such as Raccoon City and featured beloved figures like Leon S. Kennedy, Jill Valentine, and Claire Redfield. The trailer, energized by the song Mountain Hunt by QUEEN BEE, enthralled viewers with its engaging presentation.

Drawing parallels to other survival strategy titles, Resident Evil Survival Unit pledges familiar mechanics with refined execution. The game distinguishes itself with its cinematic flair and nostalgic charm, utilizing well-known franchise characters to enhance player engagement.

Pre-orders are currently available on the App Store, while pre-registration can be accomplished through Google Play and the official site. As the release date nears, enthusiasm continues to escalate for this groundbreaking addition to the Resident Evil saga.

I wasn’t prepared to become as engrossed in *Phasmophobia* as I have been in the last few years. When the game initially debuted, it came across as a light-hearted multiplayer experience ideally suited for streamers or those who didn’t approach horror with much seriousness. However, the more I engaged with the game, the more I found I was mistaken. The Kinetic team has consistently focused on creating a true horror experience—whether playing solo or with companions.

Following the recent addition of the Point Hope Lighthouse map and the significantly reimagined Bleasdale and Grafton Farmhouses, we now have the thrilling new Nell’s Diner—a straightforward yet profoundly atmospheric map that injects a lot of energy without overwhelming gamers.

One aspect I appreciated about the *Phasmophobia* Point Hope map was its exploration of verticality, and I found maps that utilized somewhat traditional designs to be more intriguing than simply crafting haunted houses. Nell’s Diner embodies this design ethos. From the instant you exit your mobile ghost-hunting unit, an unsettling ambiance pervades the air.

The sound of flickering fluorescent lights disrupts the hush as a gigantic neon sign hovers above. An abandoned police car stands outside the diner, casting the front of the establishment in a swirl of red and blue hues. Once you step inside, players are taken back to a previous era. Between two dining spaces adorned with crimson leather booths lies a front counter marked by signboards displaying daily specials and long-neglected coffee pots.

Players can gain access to the rear of Nell’s via the kitchen, which has an ominous atmosphere. A central island grill is encircled by prep counters, giving the space a claustrophobic feel and offering few hiding spots during a hunt. Beyond the kitchen are the staff area, manager’s office, and maintenance rooms.

From the dining space, a brief hallway links to the customer restrooms and staff area. Though the layout is modest, it crafts a maze-like impression of distinct rooms and interconnecting corridors. Since Nell’s closely resembles an authentic diner—speaking from my experience working in one—it also restricts the number of hiding spots players have come to anticipate in the *Phasmophobia* experience.

### “…little signs and newspapers scattered throughout the building reference other locations and occurrences within the *Phasmophobia* lore.”

That’s what makes Nell’s Diner remarkable. At first glance, it’s a fairly uncomplicated map—size-wise, it’s just slightly larger than *Phasmophobia’s* inaugural map, 10 Tanglewood Drive. Yet, its design emulating a real restaurant renders navigation somewhat disorienting—especially in the darkness. It fosters a feeling of continual dread and anxiety where, despite its small size, there’s hardly anywhere to flee and even fewer places to conceal oneself.

Similar to Point Hope and the renovated Farmhouses, the environmental detail and the array of interactable objects in Nell’s are exceptional. A solitary jukebox plays a single rock ‘n roll tune, arcade machines illuminate the title screen, accompanied by thematic music, and small signs and newspapers dispersed throughout the building allude to other locales and events within the *Phasmophobia* lore.

I’ve mentioned previously that an [effective horror game](https://store.steampowered.com/app/739630/Phasmophobia/) doesn’t necessitate grand spectacles—just captivating gameplay and a strong atmosphere—and with each update, Kinetic reinforces its understanding of this. Nell’s Diner is a compact yet incredibly engaging new map that showcases the team’s dedication not only to crafting a robust horror game, but also to developing an experience that is intriguing, visually unique, and continually evolving.

Additionally, there’s a particularly eerie sign for something called “Cyric’s Carnival,” and I am DEEPLY thrilled about the prospect that it could be an upcoming map.

Bandai Namco has released a new trailer for the eagerly awaited sequel, *Code Vein 2*, highlighting the game’s principal companion, Lou MagMell. This enigmatic girl is pivotal to the storyline as she gives the protagonist half of her heart, forging an unbreakable connection that enables her to join the hero on a journey into the past. The trailer offers a peek into Lou’s backstory and presents brief glimpses into the gameplay.

*Code Vein 2* upholds the legacy of its predecessor by incorporating a companion system, where an NPC ally battles alongside the player. While the first game featured several companions, Lou is the sole one disclosed thus far for the sequel. Nonetheless, the game’s site affirms the existence of multiple partners.

While the gameplay mechanics remain consistent with the original *Code Vein*, the sequel unveils a new narrative set in a distinct world, unlinked to the initial game’s connections with the God Eater series. The story progresses in a future where humans and Revenants exist together. The sudden rise of Luna Rapacis has turned Revenants into mindless Horrors. Players step into the shoes of a Revenant hunter, responsible for thwarting the world’s downfall by journeying to the past with Lou, who possesses the ability to wield time manipulation.

*Code Vein 2* guarantees an extraordinary adventure filled with exploration, intense combat, and an enthralling tale that transcends time. The game is scheduled for release on January 30, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.