11 bit studios dropped a major free content update for The Alters on December 7, 2025, adding a Gamer’s Den module with fully playable card game, photo mode, relax difficulty setting, new save system, base and suit customization, and a noir-styled mystery storyline for the survival adventure.

Awaken Realms announced Sanctuary of Sarras, the first full expansion for dark fantasy RPG Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon, launching December 15, 2025. The underwater realm DLC features four epic bosses, over 20 dungeons, 100+ equipment pieces, and an alternate progression system for around $15.

Straight4 Studios confirmed workforce reductions on December 8, 2025, less than two weeks after Project Motor Racing’s troubled November 25 launch. The racing sim from former Project CARS creator Ian Bell received overwhelmingly negative reviews citing bugs, broken features, and feeling unfinished.

Award-winning first-person soccer adventure despelote arrives on Nintendo Switch December 11 in the Americas, the same day as The Game Awards where it’s nominated for Best Debut Indie and Games for Impact. The slice-of-life game set in Quito, Ecuador launches worldwide January 13, 2026.

Sam Eng’s solo-developed skateboarding game Skate Story launched December 8, 2025, earning an 86 on Metacritic. Reviews praise the psychedelic visuals, tight skating mechanics, and unique underworld setting where players skate to the moon as a glass demon.

Turn-based tactical RPG Blightstone from indie developer Unfinished Pixel launches in Steam Early Access on January 20, 2026. The dark medieval fantasy game features environmental tactics, dynamic weather, and hardcore resource management as players battle to destroy the demonic Blightstone.

Head of Microsoft Flight Simulator Jorg Neumann reveals Xbox initially said no when he pitched a PS5 version during development. But when Sony approached Microsoft directly, Xbox relented, starting what Neumann calls the avalanche of Xbox games coming to PlayStation.

Director Naoki Hamaguchi revealed in a new interview that Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3’s core gameplay experience is almost complete and has entered the refining phase. The title has been narrowed to two candidates with a decision expected by year end.

Bureau 81 founder shared a progress update on The Operator 2, revealing the sequel won’t release in 2026 despite being their full focus. The project’s larger scale requires rebuilding many elements from scratch, with a demo of the opening currently in development.

Ys Net has confirmed that a viral Shenmue 4 trailer circulating on social media is completely fake and unauthorized. The studio, founded by Yu Suzuki, is preparing potential legal action against the creator who used their logo without permission to mislead fans.