Illuminating exceptional indie games, The Indie Game Awards is set to return in December 2025, introducing new categories, global viewpoints, and voting for fan-favourites.

This yearly event launches with renewed strength, continuing to honor the artistry of indie video games. This year’s exhibition will feature new categories curated by collaborators, supplementing the main awards, along with the opportunity for fans to cast their votes in genre-specific categories when voting commences in November.

Established in 2024 by Six One Indie, The Indie Game Awards recognizes remarkable indie titles for their creativity, storytelling, innovation, and more. The showcase also focuses on the developers behind these games, as creators join the event to award their peers, acknowledge their work, and share their perspectives.

Following the triumph of its first edition, which drew over 100,000 viewers across various platforms, this year’s ceremony seeks to underscore diversity and amplify gamer voices.

Beginning today and running until September 30, developers may submit their games for nomination if released between November 1, 2024, and October 31, 2025. However, titles utilizing generative AI are not eligible.

This year’s primary nomination categories include:

– Bite-Sized Game
– Community Management
– Debut Game
– Emotional Impact
– Gameplay Design
– Indie Trendsetters
– Industry Impact
– Innovation
– Music
– Narrative
– Notable Achievement in Accessibility
– Solo Development
– Visual Design
– The Mohammad Fahmi Storyteller Award
– Game of the Year

Enhancing this year’s main categories, The Indie Game Awards has introduced the Indie Trendsetter award. This recent addition showcases five independent developers who are starting their journeys with captivating debut projects, game jams, or demos.

In addition to the main categories, The Indie Game Awards announces several new categories to honor global stories and culture, curated by its partners. The new categories joining this year’s exhibition are:

– African Indie Game Award – Curated by the Playtopia Festival
– Anz Indie Game Award – Curated by the Frosty Games Fest
– Black Voice in Gaming Award – Curated by the Black Voices in Gaming
– Latin American Indie Game Award – Curated by the Latin American Games Showcase
– Southeast Asian Indie Game Award – Curated by the Southeast Asian Games Showcase
– Women-Led Indie Game Award – Curated by the Women-Led Games

Before concluding, indie gamers will get the opportunity to vote through the Community Picks categories in November 2025. Empowering gamers at this year’s showcase, they can choose their favorite games by genre and select the title that deserves to be named the Game of the Year in the community. The Community Picks categories for The Indie Game Awards 2025 are:

– Action
– Adventure
– Horror
– Interactive Fiction
– Multiplayer
– Puzzle
– RPG
– Simulation
– Strategy
– Survival
– Community Game of the Year

The Indie Game Awards 2025 will reveal the date of the award ceremony during the Six One Indie Showcase on September 18, 2025, with the list of nominees, presenters, and judges following in November 2025. In the meantime, check out The Indie Game Awards website for details on the categories or to submit your games for nomination until September 30, 2025.

Walt Disney World has rolled out a variety of fresh and revitalized experiences for guests, inviting CGM to witness them up close during its Play ’n Preview event for international press. We were granted an early glimpse at the sights, sounds, thrills, and tastes that visitors can now incorporate into their travel itineraries.

This year, entertainment at Walt Disney World has undergone a major update, featuring a new nighttime parade, two new shows, and a sneak peek at forthcoming holiday attractions. The first event we attended at Magic Kingdom was Starlight: Dream the Night Away. This parade builds upon the legacy of beloved events like SpectroMagic and the Main Street Electrical Parade, employing enhanced lighting technology and showcasing both new and iconic Disney characters.

From singing alongside Miguel and dancing with Mirabel to joining Mickey and the gang on Whimsy, “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away” brings cherished characters to life beneath the twinkling stars. The all-new nighttime parade has its premiere on July 20 at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World.

Starlight: Dream the Night Away captivates with exquisitely designed floats illuminated by bright, colorful lights that are synchronized into a stunning animated choreography. Backlit by the darkened Magic Kingdom, the parade expertly combines contemporary favorites with the enduring classics that have defined Walt Disney World. The visual and auditory experience makes it a perfect conclusion to an evening at the park.

“Starlight: Dream the Night Away captivates with exquisitely designed floats illuminated by bright, colorful lights that are synchronized into a stunning animated choreography.”

If I were to analyze Starlight: Dream the Night Away critically, I would mention that the filler entertainment between the floats fell short of the visual splendor of the floats themselves. This oversight made the parade feel somewhat emptier than it genuinely was, at least from our perspective at the Main Street Train Station. (Although it may seem like a humblebrag, this is important context.) Smaller floats or elements, such as the fish in SpectroMagic, would help sustain the brilliance throughout the parade.

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where long-lasting stage productions like Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular and Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage have been popular for years, two brand new shows have launched: The Little Mermaid: A Musical Adventure and Villains: Unfairly Ever After. Each one takes a unique approach to staging, merging live performances with animation.

Dive into the ocean with “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure,” a new live stage show scheduled to premiere on May 27, 2025, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World Resort. (Steven A. Diaz, photographer)

The stage for The Little Mermaid: A Musical Adventure is inspired by the multiplane camera, the layered animation technique that Walt Disney Animation Studios refined and popularized with classics like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The multiplane effect, similar to the show’s stage setup, produces depth by separating animation layers for photography.

Onstage, the multiplane aesthetic manifests as multiple levels of interaction: a rear screen for animated backdrops, two movable side screens featuring animated characters, a performance area for live actors and puppeteers with practical set pieces, and a front screen for additional animated aspects. It’s a brilliantly orchestrated stage, and for those acquainted with its origins, the experience reaches new heights.

The production itself is energetic and enjoyable, highlighting all the popular songs from The Little Mermaid, along with numbers not featured in previous stage versions. The excitement in the theater escalates as the show transitions from Under the Sea to Kiss the Girl, creating an electrifying ambiance. Effects that extend into the audience further heighten immersion in the show’s atmosphere.

Nestled in the shadows of Sunset Boulevard, within Sunset Showcase, the all-new stage show “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” is set to debut on May 27, 2025, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World Resort. (Steven A. Diaz, photographer)

One feature likely to ignite discussion is the redesign of certain characters to align their animated appearance with that of the puppets, with Ursula being the most prominent example. The goal is to maintain uniformity throughout the production, but this also creates a contrast with characters that appear solely in animated form. Those characters, while depicted in 3D rather than 2D, keep their recognizable look from the film. Motion-capture technology provides them with natural, expressive performances.

“Villains: Unfairly Ever After presents a stage design as unique as its premise, with villains stepping through frames in some of the smoothest, most vibrant animation you will find in a stage performance.”

Villains: Unfairly Ever After introduces a stage design as distinctive as its concept. Envision a world where the Magic Mirror from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is summoned by each Disney villain, each claiming to be the most misunderstood. Three in particular—Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and Maleficent—emerge from the mirror to plead their cases directly to the crowd.

There’s a subtle transformation occurring in our perceptions of money — and it isn’t taking place on Wall Street. It’s emerging in living rooms, cafes, co-working spaces, and food trucks. Side hustles have evolved from mere backup plans to primary income streams for countless individuals. Whether through freelancing, reselling, or sharing costs with roommates, contemporary life requires payment solutions that are as adaptable and fast-paced as their users.

This is why prepaid digital credit is experiencing a surge in popularity. For example, individuals looking to expedite peer-to-peer transactions or fund their Venmo accounts without linking a bank account can purchase Venmo gift card options online and maintain full control over their spending. It’s a contemporary solution designed for the interconnected, always-active lifestyles of today.

Why Conventional Banking Seems Outdated

The Issue with “One Size Fits All”

Traditional financial systems were created for a different era—one characterized by stable incomes, cash-split rents, and the absence of subscriptions. Fast forward to 2025, and the scenario has dramatically evolved:

– Creators manage earnings from various platforms
– Shared transport and communal living are commonplace
– Individuals budget weekly instead of monthly

In this context, adaptable tools like digital wallets and prepaid cards are addressing challenges that traditional accounts were not equipped to solve. They provide flexibility without compromising reliability—an essential equilibrium for those leading a hustle-oriented lifestyle.

The Emergence of Wallet-Ready Gift Cards

The appeal of a Venmo gift card lies in its straightforwardness. Load the funds, link it to your account, and spend at your leisure. There’s no hidden fine print or interest to be wary of, and no requirement to disclose personal banking information for minor, daily transactions.

This type of financial independence is particularly beneficial for young adults, students, and anyone managing multiple income sources. Whether it’s compensating your podcast editor or reimbursing your friend for lunch, digital top-ups allow you to handle money according to your preferences.

Technology That Empowers You

Increased Control, Reduced Complexity

When everything, from work to social engagements, resides on your smartphone, so should your payment methods. The greatest advantage? You don’t need a high-limit credit card or an intricate banking application to remain connected. Instead, prepaid cards maintain a refreshing simplicity.

They provide a fixed budget, no long-term commitment, and complete visibility. For many users, that distinguishes between anxiety and assurance in their spending habits. Rather than pursuing rewards or navigating fees, they prioritize clarity.

It’s evident that the shift towards agile, user-friendly payment options is not merely a technological trend—it’s an enhancement to one’s lifestyle. Individuals seek to transfer money, manage expenses, and make purchases seamlessly. And they are discovering innovative methods to achieve just that.

I just finished my appointment for *Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted* at PAX West 2025, and I must say, I’m impressed. Although I’ve witnessed many *Plants vs. Zombies* games being played by my children at home, I hadn’t fully immersed myself in the franchise until now, and I genuinely believe *Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted* is an excellent way for the series to reconnect with its origins while also paying tribute to its evolution since its initial launch in 2009.

But what does this mean for both new and veteran players? Well, *Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted* is a remastered version of the original 2009 game, upgrading all those pixel graphics to 4K. The game not only looks stunning, but it also introduces several additional updates. PopCap Games has taken the feedback from players across numerous iterations of the game on various platforms and is incorporating some of the community’s beloved features into *Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted.*

All the beloved game modes are included: Day, Night, Pool, Fog, and Roof. There’s also a feature labeled “Bonus Levels,” which I was briefed on only slightly as levels that players discovered but were never formally released. In *Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted,* two new modes are also featured, known as Cloudy Day and Rest in Peace mode.

Beginning with the new Cloudy Day mode, this introduces something you would anticipate in *Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted*…rain. Unfortunately for your cheerful sunflowers, with rain come clouds, and without sunlight, your sunflowers doze off—the team is rather proud of this charming little sleeping animation. Once they fall asleep, you cease generating the sun power necessary to plant, adding a fresh layer of challenge to the foundational *Plants vs. Zombies* experience.

Rest in Peace mode represents another layer of difficulty, particularly for players who have already completed the game. After finishing the entire adventure, you gain access to a handy switch that can increase the game’s difficulty. In this mode, Crazy Dave will randomly select three of the six plants available to you, and if you fail, your adventure resets to the very beginning. This could be quite punishing for some players, but fortunately, you can easily turn off that reliable switch and return to the standard game.

*Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted* will include several other fan-favorite modes from previous titles in the franchise, such as the co-op mode introduced in the 2010 Xbox 360 version. In this mode, you collaborate with your own set of four plants and shared sun stock. You and your partner strategize and defend against zombies, although planting in front of one another can lead to the need for synchronization in gameplay.

Versus mode, which appeared in earlier *Plants vs. Zombies* titles, is also available in *Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted.* In this mode, one player embodies the plants while the other takes on the role of the zombies in a competition to determine the victor. It’s important to note that both of these modes are restricted to couch co-op, and there has been no mention of online play.

*Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted* also comes with the original game’s 20 mini games. I had the chance to preview Walnut Bowling, and I believe these modes will deliver a lot of enjoyment for newcomers while evoking a delightful sense of nostalgia for returning players. There are currently no plans for DLC for *Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted,* as this is designed to be the foundation upon which the future of the franchise will be constructed.

No new plants will be introduced in *Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted,* but a retro zombie skin will be available, bringing that 8-bit pixel art style to this 4K remaster. Additionally, early purchasers will receive a pre-order bonus: an 8-bit pixelated Pea Shooter, who is incredibly cute.

In summary, *Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted* looks exceptionally sharp in this remaster, effectively blending some of the favorite elements from more recent games while drawing players back to the fundamentals. I think *Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted* will serve as an outstanding entry point for newcomers, and immediately after my playthrough, I began downloading other *Plants vs. Zombies* titles since it sparked my desire to start playing right away.

*Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted* launches on October 23, 2025, for $19.99 USD on Xbox Series X|S, Play

When the initial *Dying Light* debuted in 2015, I was captivated from the very first leap between rooftops. The combination of parkour and panic was unparalleled at that time. Movement had substance, combat felt intense, and the environment clamored to be discovered, even while it was actively attempting to eliminate you. Years later, I revisited it with a group of friends, traversing the campaign co-op from beginning to end, and once again found myself enamored with it. That game remains impactful. The way it melds tension and momentum, continually compelling you to think swiftly.

Thus, when I learned that *Dying Light: The Beast* was reverting to its horror origins, my curiosity was piqued. I was prepared. The entire setup feels like a significant change: a forest in place of a city, a calculated antagonist rather than a brute, and the long-anticipated comeback of a character I’d thought was forever lost. Kyle Crane is not just back; he’s damaged, furious, and perhaps more perilous than the creatures surrounding him.

To explore how Techland is advancing a franchise that helped reshape the zombie genre, CGM engaged Franchise Director Tymon Smektała in a discussion about Castor Woods, the evolving tone of the series, and the experience of constructing something new atop the foundation of something cherished.

**Let’s discuss Castor Woods. It represents a significant departure from the dense urban landscapes we’ve encountered previously. What inspired the choice of the tranquil, tourist-town-turned-nightmare concept?**

**Tymon Smektała:** After developing city-focused sandboxes in two consecutive games, we were eager to tackle something different. We made the decision to delve into an environment where nature, rather than concrete, dictates the rules, primarily to challenge ourselves a bit and expand the limits of what we believed worked in a *Dying Light* game.

Castor Woods initially existed as a picture-perfect resort—a destination for hikers, travelers, and… Instagram-worthy views. Following the outbreak, that picturesque setting became frozen in time, leaving chalets overtaken by ivy and hiking trail signs partially buried in dirt. Artistically, it allowed us to juxtapose beauty with decay, and from a gameplay perspective, it compelled us to reassess traversal and how our horrors and scares could operate when trees substituted for alleyways.

**Kyle Crane returns in *Dying Light: The Beast*, which is monumental for fans of the first game like myself. What made this the opportune moment to bring him back, and how does he differ from the character we knew previously?**

**Tymon Smektała:** Players have continuously wondered “what truly happened to Crane?” since *Dying Light: The Following*, and I grew weary of answering it for a decade, haha. In all seriousness, the franchise’s 10-year anniversary felt like the ideal occasion to resolve that once and for all. However, don’t anticipate Kyle to be the upbeat, wise-cracking badass mercenary he used to be. Years of captivity and experimentation have left him damaged—both physically and mentally. He’s tougher and more resentful, interacting with others with a significant level of skepticism.

Moreover—due to what Baron did to him—he’s susceptible to frightening outbursts of power that he doesn’t completely control, which present themselves not only in gameplay but also in the narrative. Nonetheless, beneath all that, he remains intact, flesh, bones, and spirit, and as the game progresses, he gradually reconnects with the “old Kyle.” I believe we’ve succeeded in making him a more intriguing, mature character without sacrificing what endeared him to millions of players initially.

**The Baron appears to be a truly villainous character. How did you go about crafting a villain in *Dying Light: The Beast* who could hold his own against the horror established by Rais and Waltz?**

**Tymon Smektała:** Rais exemplified pure brutality, while Waltz embodied blind obsession; the Baron represents intellectual coldness. We posed this question: What does a scientist become when ethics perish before humanity? The Baron is our answer. Even his appearance—expensive coat, golden brooch, impeccably clean surgical gloves—combines luxury, sophistication, and ruthlessness in a way no other adversary we’ve created before has.

He’s the closest to a Bond villain we’ve ever approached. Interestingly, for most of the game, he maintains a hands-off approach—making your life more difficult through his private army and monstrous Chimeras, while keeping a distance, observing your reactions. This intensifies players’ motivation to “finally confront him,” and when that confrontation occurs… well, I’m afraid I can’t provide spoilers.

Fast-moving FPS titles such as Call of Duty or Overwatch typically reward quick reflexes and aggressive play—but Rainbow Six Siege? It’s an entirely different animal. In this game, speed is secondary. Patience, map awareness, and strategic decision-making dominate the gameplay dynamic. Siege not only gauges your mechanical ability—it tests your mental endurance.

In a time when many online shooters have become sprint-and-shoot arenas, Siege has established a unique space by penalizing impatience and valuing thoughtful, strategic planning. It’s among the rare games where waiting can be a legitimate tactic, and indecision can lead to total loss.

## Concentration Is Your Strongest Asset

Each round in Rainbow Six Siege presents a multi-faceted puzzle. You’re not merely pursuing objectives—you’re predicting enemy movements, collaborating with your team, and using your equipment with accuracy. Players who approach it as just another shooter frequently find themselves surprised. That’s where the digital advantage enters. Utilizing a Rainbow Six Siege gift card grants players access to operator bundles, cosmetic enhancements, and essential R6 Credits, facilitating the customization of strategies without an endless grind for new content.

However, there’s no substitute for concentration. Siege compels players to engage profoundly: footsteps are not mere background sounds—they’re critical indicators. Each breach, camera stream, and gadget signal counts. In this regard, it instills a kind of gaming mindfulness that few other titles demand.

## Less Reflex, More Thought

Contrary to high-speed shooters where victory can hinge on who clicks first, Siege rewards those who contemplate better questions. What lurks behind that door? Is someone baiting in the corridor? Are we going too far? It’s akin to chess, with drones and flashbangs involved.

Experienced players often report a transformation in their approach after spending time in Siege. They tend to move more deliberately, communicate with greater clarity, and analyze scenarios more thoroughly—even when playing different games. It’s not surprising that many Siege players excel in strategy-driven genres; they’ve conditioned their minds to think several steps ahead.

## From Virtual Discipline to Real-World Insights

Interestingly, the focus and discipline nurtured in Siege can translate into real-life applications. Whether it’s maintaining composure under stress, coordinating teamwork, or learning to evaluate risks beforeacting—these soft skills extend well beyond gaming.

Siege trains you to pause before jumping in. In a chaotic world filled with distractions, such intentional focus is becoming increasingly scarce, both in gaming and everyday life. In this sense, Siege represents more than just a game—it embodies a mindset.

## Where Accuracy Meets Adaptability

If you’re exploring the Siege environment, a Rainbow Six Siege gift card can enhance your in-game choices at your own speed. It won’t alter your ability to think quickly—but it can assist you in crafting a loadout that aligns with your playstyle and bolsters your tactical objectives.

## Final Thoughts: It’s a Cognitive Challenge

Not every gamer desires the stress of being the last player standing while their teammates listen in. But for those who do, Rainbow Six Siege presents something exceptional: a genuine examination of digital discipline. It compels you to slow down, pay attention, and think intentionally—abilities that extend beyond gaming.

As more players seek adaptable methods to unlock content and engage on their own terms, digital marketplaces are increasingly integral to that transition—providing diversity without confining users to a single platform or pace.

On the weekend of PAX West 2025, Wizards of the Coast and Magic: The Gathering joined forces to present a dark panel brimming with fresh insights—and adversaries—regarding the eagerly awaited Spider-Man Universes Beyond set. The prior official unveiling, during a panel at San Diego Comic-Con 2025, provided fans with a glimpse behind the scenes at some of the card illustrations, featuring works from renowned Marvel comic book artists such as John Romita Sr., Steve Ditko, and Todd McFarlane.

The announcement highlighted a dominant group of villains: a coalition of six intent on eliminating Spider-Man for good. While there have been numerous versions of the Sinister Six throughout Marvel’s legacy, the version showcased in Magic: The Gathering emphasizes the original ensemble led by Dr. Octopus, first unveiled in The Amazing Spider-Man Annual No. 1 in 1964. Although Octavius was previously revealed at San Diego Comic-Con 2025, PAX West revealed the remainder of the team.

Before the Magic: The Gathering Spider-Man cards, art, and mechanics were disclosed, the lead design panel took the stage to introduce themselves. The four-member team behind the set expressed their passion for both comics and Magic: The Gathering, evident in card designs that bring New York’s iconic hero to the forefront of MTG.

The group includes Corey Bowen, senior game designer; Jadine Klomparens, principal game designer; and Sarah Wassell, senior art director. Leading the team is Mark Rosewater, Magic: The Gathering’s head designer for over three decades. Together, this blend of creative expertise crafted a set that not only respects Spider-Man’s legacy but also incorporates mechanics that seamlessly integrate into the game.

Magic: The Gathering Spider-Man Universes Beyond Mechanics

A key focus for the design team is that they stressed the card designs and functionalities are directly inspired by how these elements would manifest in Spider-Man comic panels, and that transition has been effortlessly adapted to the MTG tabletop. Both novel and returning features will be prominent throughout the set, with the newly revealed mechanics detailed below.

– Mayhem – This new keyword grants players the ability to cast a card from their graveyard (usually at a cost lower than the original mana value) if the card was discarded during the turn. While the newly introduced Green Goblin provides Mayhem to everything in the graveyard, it notably does not reduce the initial cost.

– Web-slinging – Another new keyword that operates similarly to Ninjutsu but with fewer requirements. Like Mayhem, the Web-slinging cost will almost invariably be less than the initial casting cost due to an added condition for casting. Players can cast a spell for its web-slinging cost by returning a tapped creature they control to their hand.

– Villain archetype – Although this category was previously present on cards like the Sonic the Hedgehog Secret Lair’s Dr. Eggman, it receives considerable expansion with bonuses in MTG Spider-Man Universes Beyond.

– Enchantment Saga – Enchantment Sagas make a comeback in Spider-Man, but this time the design team focused on making them resemble authentic comic panels, and as lore counters accumulate, the comic storyline progresses.

MTG Spider-Man Introduces A New Way To Play, The Pick-Two Draft

In addition to the Spider-Man card mechanics, Wizards of the Coast is unveiling a new gameplay format for Magic: The Gathering: the Pick Two Draft format. Similar to a conventional booster draft, each player commences with three booster packs. The twist is that in Pick Two, players always choose two cards from each booster pack instead of one before passing the pack to the next player.

In the first round, players open their initial booster and, after selecting two cards, pass the pack to their left. Once all cards from the first pack are drafted, players open the second booster, again choosing two at a time, but this time passing to the right. For the third and final pack, cards are passed once more to the left. At the conclusion of the draft, each player will possess the cards required to construct a 40-card deck, supplemented with basic lands.

Magic: The Gathering Spider-Man Bonus Sheet Unveiled!

Specialized treatments have dominated each MTG release, and the “Bonus Sheet” (featuring a selection of reprints from MTG, presented with new artwork) from MTG Final Fantasy showcased artwork drawn from years of illustrations, sketches, and concept art from the franchise’s history. The bonus sheet is marked by an expansion symbol distinct from the main set (the main set has SPM, while the bonus sheet has MAR), and it digs into Spider-Man’s history. Some of the most legendary moments in Spider-Man have been immortalized in Magic: The Gathering reprints, and all disclosed cards at PAX West 2025 can be viewed below.

I just finished my preview of CINDER CITY at Gamescom 2025, thanks to NVIDIA. Let me tell you, this girl hasn’t faced so many deaths in public, not to mention in front of an audience, but CINDER CITY definitely set me straight.

NCSOFT presented CINDER CITY, previously known as Project LLL, on the Gamescom showroom floor, but not before NVIDIA highlighted it at a private event showcasing DLSS 4 and the RTX 5090 GPUs. It was here that I managed to squeeze in around 20 minutes of hands-on gameplay, which included combat, looting, and a lot of dying. The experience began with a cutscene, and the game was rich in detail. The facial features and hair in the scene were astonishingly lifelike, displaying elements like wrinkles, blemishes, and under-eye bags with remarkable accuracy. The character faces were exceptionally realistic.

Following that, the player’s character is introduced as Seven. He seems to be a highly advanced soldier, equipped with multiple weapons and gear. Your commanding officer sends you off from an airship as a final effort. Seven appears to be the go-to choice when you need the task accomplished. In a comprehensive Iron Man-like suit, you’re launched from the ship into a realm populated by Knights, who are the foes you encounter.

“Let me tell you, this girl hasn’t faced so many deaths in public, not to mention in front of an audience, but CINDER CITY definitely set me straight.”

All the adversaries I faced were human, each with distinct abilities. However, the trailer hints at a lot more. During my brief play, I was targeted by several firearms, but I also noticed large shields I had to navigate around, smoke grenades, and seemingly frantic enemies waving their guns above their heads. In many shooters, I can rush in guns blazing, but CINDER CITY appears to necessitate a certain level of strategy, unless you enjoy frequently replaying from your last checkpoint…a lot.

Switching between your weapons is straightforward, just a roll of the scroll wheel, which allows for dynamic adjustments to your gameplay. Full disclosure, I’m more of a controller player, and the keyboard and mouse setup was a bit disorienting. With the capacity to throw grenades, utilize your knife, deploy special abilities, or switch weapons, there’s a lot to manage while dodging bullets from all sides. The keyboard controls mean many of these actions are assigned in ways that might not be comfortable for someone like me with smaller hands. Of course, this could be alleviated with a Naga or similar gaming mouse, but it’s worth considering.

“I’m concerned that CINDER CITY might be attempting to shove too much into one game.”

My primary issue involves the player’s posture while crouching. The visuals during this action seem quite unnatural and odd. While crouching should lower you closer to the ground, in CINDER CITY, it resembles more of a position between standing and squatting, and the movement in this stance feels minimal, almost like a shuffle. Combined, these aspects appear rather silly, to be honest, and detracted from an otherwise visually appealing experience.

Once more, judging by the trailer, I feel like I didn’t get a genuine glimpse of what CINDER CITY will ultimately be. Although I experienced a single mission and learned a bit about my capabilities and navigation, I’m eager to see more of the in-game experience further along in the narrative. With vehicular combat, adversaries ranging from mechs to zombie-like creatures in addition to the humans I fought, acid-spewing creatures, mechs—and…was that a face-hugger—I’m worried that CINDER CITY may be trying to fit too much into one title. The trailer doesn’t seem to align with the narrative I played, aside from a short clip from a cutscene, so I genuinely want to explore deeper and see how everything coalesces.

My encounter with CINDER CITY was brief but enjoyable, and I believe once I have some time to adjust, it could turn into an exhilarating shooter experience. After the demo, I found myself wanting to learn more about Seven and his significance, as well as how everything interconnects. A game that makes you eager to return is the ultimate achievement.

**Digital Content Production: A Pathway to Fame and Impact**

The realm of digital content production has transformed from a simple pastime into a legitimate career choice, launching creators into the limelight and considerably affecting consumer habits. With traditional advertising waning, content producers have risen as influential sales conduits, revolutionizing marketing tactics and consumer interactions.

**Understanding the Creator Economy**

The creator economy encompasses platforms like YouTube and DeviantArt, where individuals distribute and monetize their creations. Content producers build robust connections with their audiences, gaining trust and authority. This connection enables creators to capitalize on their influence, altering product views and driving sales through reviews and endorsements.

**Evolution of Marketing**

Brands tap into influencer fame, with creators frequently endorsing products organically or through paid partnerships. Authenticity is paramount, as consumers favor real voices over rehearsed advertisements. Creators within specialized niches can effortlessly blend promotions, focusing on targeted audiences. The supremacy of social media over conventional media further enhances the influence of creators on consumer choices.

**Creators’ Transparency and Disclosure**

Unrevealed influencer marketing has led to a wary consumer base. Openness is essential, as misleading tactics can tarnish credibility. Aspiring creators must reveal sponsorships to uphold trust and comply with regulations such as those from the FTC.

**Income Opportunities for New Content Creators**

Creators can generate revenue through various avenues, including selling digital items, providing exclusive content via subscriptions, and utilizing platforms like Patreon. Built-in monetization features and strategic alliances can unlock earning potential. Investing in high-quality equipment and content strategies is crucial for attracting sponsorships and cultivating a dedicated audience.

Content producers have become crucial in influencing consumer choices, with the creator economy presenting profitable prospects. Nevertheless, preserving integrity and partnering with reputable brands is essential for enduring success.

In a realm brimming with countless games at our disposal, the beloved genre can easily become tiresome. Despite an urgent desire for something novel, if the newest offering isn’t a sequel, prequel, remaster, or remake, the excitement rarely reaches its full potential due to apprehension about the unfamiliar. Personally, I favor RPGs and action-RPGs, yet recent entries have failed to captivate me…until this moment.

I had the opportunity to experience a one-hour preview of *The Blood of Dawnwalker* from the new studio, [Rebel Wolves](https://rebel-wolves.com/en) and [Bandai Namco](https://www.cgmagonline.com/articles/previews/towa-and-the-guardians-of-the-sacred-tree/). I can assert with confidence that they are offering a vibrant approach to the action-RPG genre, and I am both thrilled and anxious to dive in.

During our demonstration, we witnessed what I believe to be the game’s introductory cutscene, followed by a quest line set later in the game when you would have become acquainted with the distinctive gameplay loop and your skills. That opening cutscene had me enthralled. I wish to maintain the element of surprise for other players, but in just those initial moments, I felt fear, sorrow, terror, and fury establishing the ambiance for your journey in *The Blood of Dawnwalker*.

### “Detective skills will play a crucial role in The Blood of Dawnwalker, as investigations will grant you access to new insights, dialogue choices, or the subsequent portion of a quest.”

The game is constructed using Unreal Engine 5, and the cutscene was stunningly crafted. Sweat shimmered on the character’s skin, and you could see their breath in the frosty air. The audio and voice performances were equally impressive. If this level of quality persists, there’s something genuinely extraordinary unfolding here.

What I can reveal about the narrative is that you take on the role of Coen, a man in 14th-century Europe, amidst the creeping Black Plague. The Vrakhiri—essentially their interpretation of a vampire (bringing to mind the Volturi, *[Twilight](https://www.cgmagonline.com/articles/features/five-blood-sucking-vampire-classics-to-watch-instead-of-twilight/),* perhaps?)—sought to transform you into one of their own. However, you evolved into something different. You are a Dawnwalker—though this revelation occurs later in the story. Fortunately, some narrative elements were left out for me, and I am genuinely curious to piece things together when I get to play the game myself. As a Dawnwalker, you possess the ability to…well, walk at dawn. You can exist in both sunlight and darkness.

This introduces one of several distinctive mechanics in *The Blood of Dawnwalker*. While you can live during both day and night, your array of skills differs for each time period. To demonstrate this, Rebel Wolves guided us through the same quest on two occasions, once by day and once by night, highlighting the pros and cons of each scenario. At night, you gain access to a teleportation ability that facilitates movement more easily than during daylight. The lighter crowds also contribute to this advantage. You battle using sharp claws and powers, although I don’t believe we encountered any combat capabilities in the demo.

By day, you’ll find more people to interact with and investigate, to start with. You wield magic and a sword regarding combat. One unique ability you have as a human is communicating with the deceased to uncover details about past events and advance your investigations. From what I gathered, detective skills will be essential in *The Blood of Dawnwalker*, as delving into mysteries will open pathways to new information, potentially providing fresh dialogue options or guiding you to the next quest segment.

Questing presents another intricate mechanic in *The Blood of Dawnwalker*. Certain quests will necessitate your Vrakhiri form, while others require your human form, particularly based on the time of day. You can undertake quests at any point, with a non-linear structure, allowing for flexibility in your gameplay experience across different playthroughs. This leads to another mechanic: not every quest will be available to you.

As part of a storyline element that I’m not privy to yet, you have a limited timeframe to rescue your family. This is not an RPG that goes on indefinitely. You must decide who to assist and which quests to pursue. Some will push time forward, in days or units, and you have only 30 days. A segment of the story appears to navigate the moral complexities between good and