Category: gaming news

Cryptic Studios Launches “Quick Start” Event Across 3 MMOs, Unveils New Roadmaps & Partnership

RYPTIC STUDIOS LAUNCHES “QUICK START” EVENT FOR ALL PLAYERS, UNVEILS CONTENT ROADMAPS & NEW PARTNERSHIP

“Quick Start” Event Accelerates Progress for New and Returning Players Across Cryptic Studios’ Long-Running MMOs

Roadmaps Released for Star Trek Online and Neverwinter, Revealing What’s Coming Up for These Epic MMOs

Cryptic Studios Partners with Beadle & Grimm’s on Star Trek Games Kickstarter Campaign

LOS GATOS, Calif. – April 21, 2026 – Following the return of Cryptic Studios veterans like CEO Jack Emmert, Arc Games and Cryptic Studios are excited to announce three major updates for the long-running MMO studio:

  • “Quick Start” Event: This limited-time event across the studio’s epic MMOs (Star Trek Online, Neverwinter and Champions Online) gives players permanent access to a high-level character for free, so they can experience the content in each MMO with ease.
  • Roadmap Releases: 2026 content roadmaps for two of its flagship games, Star Trek Online and Neverwinter, have been revealed.
  • Partnership with Beadle & Grimm’s: A champion of tabletop game experiences, Beadle & Grimm’s has recently launched a Kickstarter for two new Star Trek games and Star Trek Online is teaming up with them.

This limited-time event for each of Cryptic Studios’ games lets all players – from newcomers to returning players across PC, PlayStation and Xbox – jump straight into the heart of the action. Experience everything the games have to offer and go on epic adventures with a fully equipped, high-level character.

For the next 30 days, starting today until May 21, every player can log in and claim a high-level character designed to give players a streamlined tutorial and a refresher on the game. Experience each game’s content at ease; from content geared towards beginners all the way to the content aimed at high levels. This high-level character will be available to claim for a limited time during the Quick Start event, but once claimed, it’ll be a permanent character that a player can keep forever after the event ends.

Check out the Quick Start Sizzle Trailers for Star Trek Online, Neverwinter and Champions Online:

And check out the latest Star Trek Online, Neverwinter and Champions Online dev blogs for more details on the event per title.

With the Quick Start event starting today across Star Trek Online, Neverwinter and Champions Online, players have access to:

  • High‑level Character: Available to claim for all players who log in during the time of the Quick Start event! Once claimed, players can keep the character permanently, and players will find the character has the following:
    • Pre‑equipped endgame gear,allowing players to easily experience all the content in each game
    • Streamlined onboarding,including a focused tutorial tailored for advanced play
    • All content unlocked,meaning players can go on any adventures they’d like – including all content available in each game, even the most recent content
  • Notes for the character:
    • One‑time claim per account per game, with the character being kept permanently once claimed
    • Dedicated character slot included with the claim, additional character slot granted if the player is already at maximum capacity
    • Permanent retention of the bonus character slot, even if the Quick Start character is deleted
    • For Neverwinter, players must have an existing level 16 character to be able to have access to and claim the high-level character that’s part of the Quick Start event

“When I returned to Cryptic, the first initiative I wanted to kick off right away for our games was this Quick Start event,” said Jack Emmert, CEO of Cryptic Studios. “One of our key initiatives this year and beyond is to make our epic worlds even more accessible and welcoming to every type of player – whether you’re a new player who’s just starting your adventure or a long-time veteran player who’s played our games since launch. By offering a fully equipped, high‑level character that players can keep forever, we’re removing long‑standing barriers and giving returning veterans, curious newcomers, and time‑strapped fans a direct path to the heart of our games. At the end of the day, we want players to experience the pinnacle of what our MMOs offer — without feeling like they have to climb a mountain to get there.”

Future 2026 Roadmaps Revealed for Star Trek Online & Neverwinter

In addition to the exciting Quick Start event introduced across Cryptic Studios’ titles, the studio is thrilled to unveil content roadmaps for the next several months of this year for their Star Trek MMORPG, Star Trek Online, and Dungeons & Dragons MMORPG, Neverwinter.

For this year, the studio plans to continue to be committed to bringing popular properties to life with innovative content inspired by franchises that players love. Star Trek Online is celebrating Star Trek’s 60th Anniversary with a year-long, timeline-order set of releases themed around the history of the show, including starships, characters, locations and so much more – along with quality-of-life updates that will improve the overall experience for players. In Neverwinter, adventurers will encounter Dungeons & Dragons-inspired content, including adventure zones, dungeons, heroic encounters, and more – and also quality-of-life improvements to make adventuring even better. An exciting future awaits for both titles, and stay tuned for what’s to come for Cryptic Studios’ superhero MMO, Champions Online.

Partnership with Beadle & Grimm’s on Star Trek Games Kickstarter Campaign

Cryptic Studios is excited to partner with Beadle & Grimm’s on their Kickstarter campaign to help bring two new Star Trek murder mystery and escape room games to life: Deep Space Nine: Holosuite Homicide and Lower Decks: Chaos Protocol. As part of the Kickstarter campaign, Beadle & Grimm’s is collaborating with Star Trek Online to create exciting offers for fans of all types of Star Trek games. Kickstarter backers will gain access to a complimentary Hysperian Intel Battlecruiser Pack if they pledge at the Kickstarter’s higher tiers.

Check out the Kickstarter campaign here for more details: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/beadleandgrimms/star-trek-murder-mystery-escape-room-games-ds9-lower-decks

Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City

Resident Evil has never been bigger with the overwhelming success of Resident Evil Requiem as well as the remakes and the hype buzzing around Zach Cregger’s new film reboot. So what happens when you try to be faithful to the games that started it all on a shoestring budget and a even more half-ass understanding of the source material then the Paul W.S. Anderson movies that came before?

Claire Redfield has returned to Raccoon City in search for her estranged brother Chris. Raccoon City is a near dead town overseen by the Umbrella Corporation. Chris, a member of the police’s S.T.A.R.S team is sent to investigate trouble in the Spencer Mansion in the Arklay Mountains while trouble begins in town. A sickness is spreading and Claire’s only companion is bumbling rookie cop, Leon Kennedy. Zombies, monsters, secrets-what is really going on in Raccoon City?

This movie frustratingly tries biting off more than it can chew by combining the stories of the first two RE games into one and fails pretty miserably at it. There are names and easter eggs galore from the games but none of it is implemented well. Chris is a smarmy pro Umbrella crybaby, Leon is a dumbass who only was only a cop because his daddy pulled strings, Wesker is a chilled out bro, and Lisa Trevors is a friendly ghoul secretly living in the orphanage. The shoestring budget is pretty apparent. The zombies, what very little their are, don’t even look like zombies, the monsters except for the licker look like they were ripped off of the sci-fi channel, and the city itself looks like a small town instead of a bustling city. There are a few great sets like the mansion and the police station that made me happy but feel really out of place. What makes this movie entertaining unfortunately is how unintentionally hilarious the movie comes across. There’s one scene Savior and I watched on repeat for almost twenty minutes because we couldn’t stop laughing- just watch the flaming zombie scene and thank us later. In the end, if you’re a die hard RE fan avoid this movie like the plague. If you want something to rip on with your friends and few beers, this is for you. May the gaming gods bring you glory.

Street Fighter 2026 trailer

I admit I’m not a huge Street Fighter fan but I do enjoy playing here and there. I figured with the success of Mortal Kombat 2021 , this movie was certainly going to happen. Honestly, I liked what I saw more than I thought I would. The movie looks fun and the over the top. Even as a casual fan, I give the movie major props for trying to capture the look of the games. There’s a heavy 90’s vibe I honestly dig. In the end, I really like this first trailer and I hope it’ll be a rare good video game movie. May the gaming gods bring you glory.

Sente Demo and Announcement Trailer OUT NOW

Experience the strategic depth of Sente, a simultaneous turn-based board game where every decision unleashes a cascade of electrifying reactions. Built for 1-6 players, this is the final battleground of humanity against AI supremacy. Check it out on Sente Steam now.

Albion Online Coming To Xbox on 21 April

 Albion Online, the free-to-play fantasy sandbox MMORPG developed by Sandbox Interactive will launch for Xbox Series X|S on 21 April 2026. Albion Online is currently available for PC, iOS and Android, and the step into console spaces will open up the door to new players while giving long-time fans a new way to play on their existing account.

Albion Online is set in a fantasy medieval world where players can forge their own path by exploring the vast landscapes, crafting everything from basic tools and clothes to armor and powerful weapons, facing enemies or other adventurers, and carving out their own pieces of Albion by forming guilds, claiming land and making it their own. 

The game has been fully optimised for Xbox Series S|X with a brand-new UI navigation flow, a dedicated controller scheme and specifically adapted key screens, like the Marketplace and player inventory. Combat has also been overhauled to work smoothly with controllers, and new accessibility features have been developed with console players in mind.

Players that have already spent time in Albion on PC or mobile, will be able to use the same account for Xbox Series S|X without losing any progress, allowing seamless cross-play no matter which platform they choose.

Albion Online will also receive a full visual upgrade when the Radiant Wilds update launches on 13 April, which will bring the graphics up-to-date for modern systems along with performance improvements, controller support, and a new PvP mode which will benefit Xbox players as well.

Albion Online Key Features:

  • Console Optimisation: When Albion Online launches for Xbox Series S|X it will include a brand-new UI navigation flow, overhauled combat and accessibility features all designed to work smoothly for console players.
  • Cross Platform Play: Albion Online is a true cross-platform MMO experience available on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iOS. One account lets you play on all platforms.
  • Player Driven Economy: Nearly every item in the game is crafted by players which can be sold, bought and traded at local marketplaces all across Albion.
  • Classless Combat System: In Albion, weapons and armour define a player’s skills meaning that switching playstyles is as easy as switching gear.
  • Face Deadly foes: From solo to small-group to large-scale battles there’s an array of enemies to take on, including small scouting bands to massive bosses, to dungeons and full-blown faction bases.
  • Put Down Roots: Players can claim land to make their own and use for growing crops to make into food and raising livestock and mounts. Houses can be kitted out with plenty of custom furniture.
  • Explore A Vast World: With five vivid biomes, each with its own challenges, there’s plenty to discover as players seek out resources, dungeons, or the mystical Roads of Avalon.

Albion Online is coming to Xbox Series X|S on 21 April 2026. Keep up to date with Albion Online on its website, X, YouTube, Discord, Facebook, and Twitch. Players can download the game for free on Steam, Epic Game Store, Apple App Store and Google Play.

The MIX Showcase | Persona and Shin Megami Tensei-inspired dungeon crawler ‘Descent of Lunaris’ launches playable demo

Indie studio Unison Games has released the public demo for upcoming Descent of Lunaris, giving players their first chance to step inside the moon and see what’s waiting below the surface. The demo is available now on Steam and offers an early slice of the game’s dungeon crawling, combat, and unsettling sci-fi mystery ahead of its launch on PC later this year.

Set in the year 2070, the demo kicks off after a lunar mining operation picks up a strange signal from deep within the moon. An experiment at a secret facility goes terribly wrong, with machines across the base turning violent and wiping out most of the crew. 

Players will take on command of a specialized security team sent in to investigate and protect researchers during the evacuation. However, tears in reality and warped grotesque scientists are the least of their worries when a cosmic entity appears.

The Descent of Lunaris demo includes the prologue and the entire first level of the game. Players can explore early dungeon areas, meet strange characters, and get hands-on with the game’s grid-based exploration, tactical, turn-based combat, and party customization systems.

Descent of Lunaris mixes old-school design with modern visuals built in Unreal Engine 5, plus an atmospheric soundtrack from underground musicians that gets stranger the further you go.

The Descent of Lunaris public demo is available now on PC via Steam, with the full game coming soon. 

For more, follow Unison Games on Bluesky or Instagram, subscribe on YouTube and join the official Discord community. 

Forge of the Fae shows off its enchanting, magical Celtic world in a new trailer! (all platforms ’27) (ENG/FR/DE)

Development on JRPG Forge of the Fae is steadily progressing, and the game looks better with each passing week! Today, Publisher Deck13 Spotlight and developer Datadyne want to give an update on the current state of the game and celebrate an important milestone – especially for those who backed the game during its time on Kickstarter.

While you are reading these words, the Alpha Build of the game has been sent out to a certain number of backers of the campaign, allowing them to dive into the world inspired by 1800s Ireland and experience the first third of the game for the very first time.

To celebrate this important milestone, we have prepared an all-new trailer, showcasing various enemies, boss fights, magical attacks, and a first listen of one of the fantastic combat music tracks. And there is even more, if you listen carefully.

Set in a world inspired by 1800s Ireland, Forge of the Fae plunges players into a beautifully crafted narrative where humans and fae are in conflict. As an ancient power awakens and tensions rise, players will follow the journey of Fiora, a young inventor, as she uncovers the secrets of her world, whilst navigating a complex mystery and discovering who she can become. Decisions made will influence the outcome, giving players control over the story’s direction and creating a more personal experience.

War on Wheels Brings Physics-Driven Car Combat to a Post-Apocalyptic Wasteland

War on Wheels is a modern, tactical turn-based car combat game developed by Psychic Software, an award-winning indie studio based in Galway, Ireland. Featuring a unique application of simultaneous turn-based, physics-controlled vehicular combat, War on Wheels delivers a deeply tactical experience where terrain, momentum, speed, and vehicle handling matter as much as weapons and armor.

Set around the year 2100, seventy-five years after a solar catastrophe devastated Earth, players command a privateer company navigating the chaotic politics of the Badlands warzone. 

In combat, players control multiple vehicles and issue simultaneous orders while accounting for wheeled-vehicle momentum and terrain. Victory depends on understanding tyres, acceleration, surface types, cover, weapon recoil, and the armor layout of each vehicle.

War on Wheels is built on the foundation of Darkwind, Psychic Software’s vehicular combat MMO that has been live since 2006. Nearly two decades of live community feedback and millions of play sessions have shaped the mature, battle-tested tactical systems now powering this rebooted experience.

War on Wheels features five original soundtracks produced by DIEM, including a headline theme featuring rapper Jeorge II, inspired by the game’s post-apocalyptic world of solar flares, gangs, and deathracing.

“Darkwind has been evolving with real players for almost twenty years,” said Sam Redfern (Game Director) and Kirsty Halloran (Marketing Director). “War on Wheels takes everything we’ve learned about tactical vehicular combat and rebuilds it for a modern audience.’’

KEY FEATURES

Simultaneous Physics-Controlled Turn-Based Combat

Plan precise manoeuvres where momentum, terrain, acceleration, and recoil determine victory or destruction.

Vehicle Construction & Customisation

Build and upgrade battle cars using dozens of chassis types, weapon systems, and armor configurations.

A Deep Single-Player Campaign

Lead your company across a ruined continent, take contracts, loot enemy hardware, and navigate the politics of the wasteland.

Online Deathracing Leagues

Compete in multiplayer combat and organise clan-run leagues for long-term challenges.

AVAILABILITY

War on Wheels is currently in development for PC via Steam, with other platforms planned to follow.

A Demo will be available later this year.

Players can wishlist the game now to follow future updates.

Atomic Heart Reveals DLC 4, “Blood on Crystal,” Coming April 16 (PC, PS, Xbox)

“Blood on Crystal” is an all-out, bloody showdown!

Experience the thrilling, high-stakes conclusion of Atomic Heart with “Blood on Crystal!” P-3, the Twin and their comrades must venture deeper into Facility 3826 than ever before to battle CHAR-les and make a last desperate bid to save humanity from total annihilation. Visit the new Wave Platform and the classified Crystal Complex as you unearth the unspeakable truth behind CHAR-les’ nefarious plans.

Face a new breed of enemies with the full might of your arsenal

Take on the ultimate challenge as you face off against the Polymorphs, a new cast of mysterious beings spawned from the horrific experiments of CHAR-les himself. Harnessing the properties of polymer to assume elemental forms, the Polymorphs will force you to adapt your fighting style on the fly and make the most of your arsenal. You’ll encounter the wildest bosses still lurking in Facility 3826, but thankfully you’ll have access to the mightiest glove abilities and weapons yet to deal with them.

Atomic Heart’s Ultimate Edition unveiled!

In addition to “Blood on Crystal,” this spring will also markthe release of Atomic Heart’s new Ultimate Edition in both retail and digital stores. Pre-orders for the limited physical edition, including a new, exclusive SteelBook, are already available at participating retailers with a release set to March 24. Digital versions will become available on April 16 with the release of “Blood on Crystal.”

Parasite Mutant trailer

On and off, I’ve heard of a spiritual successor to Parasite Eve in development. This looks like to be it, and I’m all here for it. I love the anime, noir vibe. The monsters look cool. The combat looks retro but seems smooth. It’s definitely a game I’d check out, especially since I never got to play the iconic Parasite Eve. May the gaming gods bring you glory.